Women & Service: How to Have a Mind for the Good of Others

 “A joy shared is doubled and a sorrow shared is halved.” ~ Author Unknown

Most of us know that (now) old saying WWJD? "What Would Jesus Do?" It is a good question to ask yourself when you are in a place of should I or shouldn't I? Or, how should I proceed?

There are other lessons to learn from Jesus' words and actions: love, kindness, obedience, and service to name some. Service is our topic today.

Last fall I did a couple presentations/talks on Women & Service. Humans & Service is really the crux of it. But, I was speaking to women, and sometimes women need to be reminded how much we can do, and should do for our fellow humans--we are more than wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, and the fairer sex.

Many times, I meet people who find it easier to do for animals than for humans. I understand their reasoning; animals are helpless and voiceless. Animals can't file a police report after being abused and if they could, often times, their torment is not considered a crime. An awful and pitiful situation. 

I do not suggest anyone abandon their zeal for the betterment of animal lives, treatment, and justice. I am asking those who would choose one over the other to see compassion and service as universal to human- and animal-kind.  That goes the other way, too. If you care for God's human creation...can His animal creation be forgotten?

Service, compassion, love, obedience, and kindness are all qualities of God--Jesus showed us this by example and asked we follow Him. Remember this when you look upon another--human or animal. 

My talk dealt with how to serve others in the human world, I felt impressed to add our animal friends here. Many think God gave us animals to use for our purposes, only, but if you read Genesis, Adam's first job was to name all the animals. Says a lot. (Gen. 2:19)

Jesus asked we help one another...not just family members.

Galatians 6:2 “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Modern English Version--MEV)

1 Thessalonians 5:14 “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.”   (English Standard Version--ESV)

The next passage is too long for me to post, I leave it to you to read it. It may just move you. 

Imitating Christ’s Humility  Philippians 2:1-18 

Though not an exhaustive list of Christ's words on the subject by any stretch...a starting point, however. A tickle to start an idea that may find motion and bloom. What happens when a flower blooms? People take notice--they gaze upon its loveliness. 

We all know how to help someone. It isn't hard to find someone in need. But, if you're looking for some ways to help...I've created a list to get you thinking. Maybe you could inspire others to do the same and even create their own lists--after all, no one knows everything! 

Well, someone does, but he's not due back for a little while.

A Few Ways to Serve

• Financially where able (pay a bill, buy groceries, fill a gas tank, buy underwear for someone who needs it!)
• Spiritually where able (have enlightened discussions, pray together, have Bible Studies, buy a subscription to Vibrant Life or Signs for another.)
• Listening when able (bring food, water, and a white flag.)
• Offer NO advice when it is the correct action & when you can hold it together despite your desire to explode like Mt.Vesuvius.
• Offer the right advice at the right time.
• Give someone a ride—even when you have something else to do.
  
• Invite someone along on a day out, even if they make your ears bleed normally.
• Pay for a meal for someone who is normally a skinflint and tell them you enjoyed treating them.
• Help someone clean their house, just because you can, and then share a hot beverage together.
• When someone starts a sentence with “I have or I need to…” You ask, “Can I help you with that?”
• When someone is a total freak show and you believe demons live in their lower regions, smile, after you thank God you are not this person suffering, say a prayer for them, and tell them you hope their day improves (as you’re leaving—drop it like a bomb & run like it’s one, too!)
• When you see a homeless person on a hot day, give him a bottle of water and an  apple.
• When you see a homeless person on a cold day, buy him a coffee or hot cocoa and a sandwich. 
• Donate your time at food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters—No time? Bring them clothes and home goods you no longer need, instead
• Animal shelters need volunteers for a list of reasons. Did you know you could volunteer to socialize dogs or cats in many shelters? What a fun way to help out--they need interaction and love just as much as food and shelter. Also, money helps!
• Don’t miss the opportunity to donate to organizations that directly help people in the community and in many ways…The Salvation Army helps people with heating oil, clothing, spiritual guidance, addiction programs, housing, work programs, and thrift shops that sell affordable clothes and household goods; Goodwill Industries has the same thrift-shop benefits, but also has programs to train people to work and seek employment; local RI places like Crossroads and The Providence Rescue Mission give people food and shelter one night at  a time, clothes and personal care items, and many times,  hope.
• Give a caregiver a break: make a meal and deliver it, offer them respite, or visit with the attitude to uplift and wash dishes.
  
• Don’t believe someone’s being mean to you or judging, give them the benefit of a crap day or that their face hasn’t been told all is well yet.
• Walk someone else's dog; exercise for you both and free time for the grateful guardian.
• Make that call to Animal Welfare when you see an animal left outside for days in cold or hot weather, left in a car, or if you witness sores or beatings.
• Many shut-ins enjoy animal companionship but cannot care for their own pets; where able, try pet sharing or consider pet visits.
• Laugh more than you do complain (this is a gift to all who have to hear you)—keep track. Have an arsenal of funny stories in your head to reflect on--as the day may sour unexpectedly or satan’s sister shows up to throw a wrench in your plans of bliss building
• Smile at horrible (acting) people, it really gets them heated…do it anyway, call it your Christian ability to tick someone off with innocence—It’s God approved! Seriously though, sometimes that small, insignificant act can help turn someone around.
• Don’t isolate yourself—for you or anyone else. It leads to depression and rips you from God and His blessings. Everyone has gifts to offer. Do something for someone that is easy for you but difficult for them—you both feel that joy. 

Jesus was so profound in His teachings that many non-Christians follow His words. The Bible is so wise and wide spread that many everyday sayings are from the ancient tome. 

Look up some for yourself--it's educational and fun :)

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/bible-phrases-sayings.html 

http://www.unlockingthebible.org/common-english-sayings-bible/ 

Dealing with Depression

Hello All,
A talk I did in January of this year "Dealing with Depression" hit home with many; whether you suffer its affects, or a family member or a friend does, everyone feels the pain of depression.

Notes from the Dealing with Depression Talk/Presentation

Symptoms of Depression

Fatigue, insomnia, change in appetite, lack of desire to do what was once enjoyable, sad mood, anxiety, lack of concentration, feelings of guilt and/or hopelessness, frequent crying spells, difficulty in keeping up with peers (socially or otherwise).

Some Causes of Depression

Situational depression (loss of job, death, relationship ends, etc.), meds, drug use, PMS, cancer, MS, Parkinson’s Disease, RA, any limiting or degenerative disease, vitamin B-12 or B-6 deficiency, and heredity.

The longer a person stuffs his emotions and doesn’t deal with the root cause of the depression, the harder and longer the later recovery will be, and at a very high cost—lost years. Every decision you make is based on your current way of thinking and mindset. Your life will take shape and direction from this starting point. You may not like where you are in two, five, or even ten years if you make decisions built on your current emotional state. These are all things to consider.

Depression is caused by many known factors, many at the same time. A counselor will help you to determine whether negative incidents led to the present situation, or a chemical imbalance is the culprit. Many times both are to blame. Allergies to chemicals, medications (some medications create nutrient deficiencies), or even foods can cause a depressed state. A safe area to start change is your diet. Eating a healthy, well-balanced, and well-varied diet is never a waste of time or effort. You may even feel improvement immediately.

Food affects mood. You’ve heard that you are what you eat; hence, junk food equals junk body. The temptation of sugary treats, sodas, and juices (with more forms of sugar than fruits) is a nationwide epidemic. Who could blame children and teens (not to mention many adults) for desiring such sweetness?

The problem isn’t only tooth decay and empty calories; sugar is like a drug in the bloodstream. The sugar high is all too short and followed by a crash that leaves you lower than when you started. It’s a false energy boost. Sugars can be addictive, making depression worse because of the struggle to overcome the need to have more of it, and the inevitable increased intake of sugars and starches.

Simple carbohydrates (such as pasta, snack chips, cakes, candy, and even breads) break down quickly in the digestive system and rush into the bloodstream, where the brain is affected first. Remember that false energy boost? After your energy and emotions have been on a roller coaster ride, the offending “sugar” now imbalances mineral levels (especially calcium-which also could contribute to insomnia), dissolves B vitamins (which are especially necessary for nerve health), depresses the immune system, exhausts the pancreas, and contributes to weight gain. It also plays a negative role in diabetes, hypoglycemia, heart disease, cholesterol levels, nearsightedness, and indigestion.

Nutrient deficiencies throw the body out of balance. The body’s chief role is to survive and seek balance. Each day humans are met with an onslaught of toxins, radiation, processed and refined foods (virtually devoid of nutrition), chemicals, hormones, antibiotics, viruses, bacteria, and so on. Some are greeted in the air we breathe, water we drink, and from out-gases in our buildings (homes included), but many are eaten by way of the standard American diet (S.A.D.); such disruptions to health imbalance us. Simple changes (over time) in our way of eating can relieve, and even reverse many health concerns. 

A short list of foods high in fiber, EFAs (essential fatty acids), vitamins & minerals, and enzymes (notably for brain health):

Brown rice, wheat germ, tofu, tempeh, beans, almonds, sunflower & pumpkin seeds, walnuts (particularly for prevention of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease), sea vegetables (nori, kelp, etc.), oranges (and other citrus), apples, and sprouts.

A fresh salad of raw veggies (baby spinach, red peppers, onions, carrots, cucumbers, seeds, sprouts, fresh herbs) and an outrageous dressing added daily is a great start to any healthy beginning. Soy yogurt with

wheat germ and fresh fruit makes a satisfying breakfast. Snacks of seeds and nuts (not salted & roasted— raw only), or fresh fruit are a better alternative than dangerous packaged snacks.

Half the brain’s weight is essential fatty acid. A low-fat diet, or an over-processed one, is lacking EFAs.

Enzymes are necessary for every function of the body. They are replenished by eating fresh foods. Cooked (and heated foods) are dead. The enzymes are lost, the first to die when cooking food. The secret is to eat fresh, raw fruits and vegetables whenever possible.

NOTE: Food coloring and preservatives are known carcinogens (cancer-causing). They also may contribute to frequent headaches and mood swings (as well as other maladies).

• Water is an important nutrient to the body. Six to eight glasses of pure water daily are necessary for proper hydration, waste removal, and organ function.
• Sunlight contributes to a healthy mind and body. At least fifteen minutes a day is necessary for the body to synthesize vitamin D (used with vitamin A to utilize calcium).
• Exercise promotes fluid movement and drainage in the lymphatic and elimination system, oxygenates the blood, sparks the digestive system, curbs the appetite, and releases endorphins (happy hormones)—among other things.
• Yoga, T’ai Chi, Karate, and Pilates are forms of exercise that truly serve the participant. They offer more than simple exercise. They have time-tested benefits of relaxation, discipline, peace, and calmness.
• Hypnotherapy, biofeedback, and acupuncture offer additional methods of relaxation. Learning deep relaxation has helped some people to overcome chronic depression, in conjunction with lifestyle changes.
• Adequate sleep is crucial to overall good health. Eight hours a night allows your body to not only rest, but to heal. Your body heals when you sleep! Depression can make sleeping a challenge and lack of sleep can worsen depression.

A list of foods to avoid (negative effects on mood and overall health): 

Cheese, yeast extract, alcohol, soda, coffee, caffeine, junk food (refined & processed—basically anything in a box with a long ingredients list), artificial sweeteners, sugar, food dyes, all preservatives, aluminum-based baking powders, (and aluminum cookware).

A list of supplements that are rich in enzymes, EFAs, amino acids (protein), vitamins, and minerals:   

• Blue-green algae

• Chlorella and spirulina

• Barley, wheat, and alfalfa (grasses)

• Royal Jelly— (from bees-not vegan) a powerhouse of B vitamins, the eight essential amino acids, and more.
• Probiotics— beneficial microorganisms –necessary to intestinal health for proper nutrient assimilation and elimination of wastes. Also, needed for manufacturing a few B vitamins.
• Fish oil—Omega-3 fatty acid is an important nutrient to the body but especially the brain (helpful in depression and assisting anti-depressants to do their jobs better). Fish oil is the better form of Omega-3 (compared to flax seed oil) for depression. 

Toxic Colon = Toxic Brain

Highly refined and processed foods (white flour, pastas, etc.) form a type of sludge in the colon. When fiber (whole foods, vegetables, grains, beans) is absent from the diet, or insufficient, the wastes are not moved through the colon, and the elimination passage narrows. Animal products also “gunk” up the colon. Foods that are left behind putrefy (causing a noxious odor when passed as gas), and then petrify (forming desiccated pebbles). Nutrients are unable to be assimilated because of these obstructions. Increased nutrients will not help, as they will not be properly absorbed. 

                                           

Lifestyle choices that benefit mental health:

Exercise, sunlight, fresh air, proper diet, adequate hydration, laughter, love, interdependent relationships, spiritual peace and practice, friendships that encourage and support, enjoyable work and interests, doing for others (service), smiling, joint projects or tasks with others, uplifting music, involvement in movements or ministries that matter to you or to someone you care about,  playing/petting animals, visiting nursing homes, singing, writing/journaling, art (painting, drawing,carving), playing/learning an instrument, crossword puzzles, game night with people who are a hoot, and anything else that makes you  awesome!

Herbals to get you through it all:

• Bach’s Rescue Remedy-especially good to calm high anxiety, sullen mood, and aid in depression
• B-Complex Vitamins-nourish the nervous system and calm the body and mind; they also improve the efficacy of prescription anti-depressants.

Supplementation Dosages from Andrew Weil, MD ~~~~

St. John's wort: St. John's wort is an herbal remedy that has long been used in Europe as a treatment for mood disorders. Standardized extracts have shown an effectiveness equaling Prozac in the treatment of mild to moderate forms of the disease. It should not be taken with anti-retroviral medications, birth control pills, or antidepressant medications, especially SSRIs like Prozac or Celexa. Try 300mg of an extract standardized to 0.3 percent hypericin, three times a day. It's full effect will be felt in about eight weeks.

SAMe (S-adenosy-L-methionine): Has the advantage of working more

quickly than St John's wort. Use only the butanedisulfonate form in enteric-coated tablets, or in capsules. Try 400-1,600 mg a day on an empty stomach.
Fish oil: Recent preliminary studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may be helpful in maintaining a healthy mind. I think that reasonable doses of fish-oil supplements (1,000 - 2,000 mg per day) might be useful in addressing mild depression. Fish oil is an excellent source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an essential fatty acid found in nerve and brain tissue.
____________________________________________________
I cannot stress the need for lifestyle change and the addition of counseling or group therapy enough! Keeping silent and being isolated will not improve your condition. Depression doesn’t just disappear, or go away. You may find as you work through your depression that you discover many wonderful things about yourself.

The world is waiting…

Q & A (Parenting)

This week's question is from P. M. in Massachusetts...

Hi Sunday,

Should I let my daughter stay overnight at her friend's house? I'm not asking for permission, but I am not sure I should say no. She is new to the school and just made friends, a sleepover is planned and I don't know the family or any of the other kids. I am afraid my daughter will be left out of other things if I say no. She has had sleepovers with friends at our old house, but I knew all the moms.
P.M.
Mass.


Hi P.,
Tricky indeed. You give no indication of her age, but most girls start sleepovers around age 10 and by age 15 are less likely to have issues in getting permission; I'll assume she is within those ages. Also, you stated she's had sleepovers at your home, but was it reciprocal with the known parents? 

If your caution has served you well, perhaps it isn't that you are as concerned with knowing who the parents are, but rather, knowing them well enough to allow your child to be in their care. Allowing sleepovers in your own home has given your daughter the feeling of being part of the group without your fears for her safety becoming an issue. 

I suggest getting to know the parents much better and finding out how they plan to entertain the girls for the evening. Ask the important questions: Will a parent be awake most of the night? The girls will be awake until the sun is up...or is that only in my experiences...  
Are there brothers in the home? If so, where will they be (sleeping)? Will they be allowed to go outside at all during the sleepover? Will anyone else be allowed into the home besides the invited girls? Who are the other girls (and their parents)? Will the parents have any visitors that night? Who else lives in the home (an aunt, uncle, grandparent, exchange student)? Is it a smoking house? Do the parents drink alcohol (will they drink while the girls are there)? What is the condition of the home (safe, clean)?

The key phrase here is "Get to know the parents much better!" before agreeing to any sleepovers. It doesn't matter if it is going on next door and you can see into their living room and if every girl in your daughter's class will be there. That doesn't matter. 

What matters is that her life and well being are paramount to you. You have to feel certain about the situation you put her in...millions of mothers have been in your place of question; most had nothing to worry about, what of the ones that did? This is the stuff that keeps you up at night. 

My mum always told me, "When in doubt say NO!" I sometimes round the bend in my thinking process tormenting myself with endless possibilities, outcomes that sound like the Forensic Files, and panic attacks. Then that wee voice in my head (no, not a crazy one) reminds me to mind my mother's wisdom. 

This made for unhappy moments in the Kazas home; my daughter could be angry with me, that didn't matter. What mattered was that she was with me, whilst being angry. 

In another post I'll explain ways I was able to keep sane during my daughter's teen years while still able to provide the freedom she so desired.

P.M. don't worry about hurting anyone's feelings over your parenting decisions; another caring parent understands such things and children get over disappointments when spoken to with care and respect. I also found it helpful to use diversion tactics--make a fun evening that competes with or overshadows what she'll be missing. It is more "work" for you this way, but you will forge a trusting and loving relationship greater than you can imagine from where you now stand.

Q & A (Health--Cholesterol and Statins)

This week's question is from J. D. in W. Warwick, RI.

How can I lower my cholesterol naturally so I can stop taking statins?

Cholesterol. How can something we need in our bodies be so bad for us, too? Well, simply stated, more is not better..., and high cholesterol levels proves this maxim.

Cholesterol is a fat (lipid) and a sterol (hormones known as steroids are made from this). Its essential functions in our bodies are to make hormones and vitamin D, forming outer cell walls, and bile acids (for digestion).
We manufacture cholesterol even without eating it in our diets; the body can over-manufacture cholesterol when certain factors are present--heredity, over-consumption of high cholesterol or high-fat foods, or the inadequate use of cholesterol when producing bile.

I won't get into what your numbers should be and all the available medications, you've either heard it before, or you should be asking your doctor to explain the cholesterol fun facts. What I will share with you today are some things you might not hear in your doctor's office, but I add, always speak with your physician before embarking on dietary changes that are significant (especially when adding supplements). "Natural" does not automatically mean safe. Herbs can interact with other herbs and medications. Herbs are the natural or original forms of most medications, usually safer but not always safer. You can also ask your pharmacist about mixing your medications with herbs and supplements.

Each of us is a bio-individual--what works for one is not certain for another; add to that our dietary and medical differences and you have a biological lottery of possible horrific outcomes--the least of which is death...considering life from a vegetative state being the worst possible scenario. I cannot stress enough the importance of taking seriously the use of supplements. Anything in too large amounts is not healthy especially if contraindicated with another medication or herb or vitamin. Substances interact with each other--to help or to harm; by nature they are to do something...

Now that I have terrified you into submission, you are ready for the useful lists of foods to eat, foods to minimize or avoid, supplements to aid digestion and reduce cholesterol, and lifestyle support (note I did not say changes).

I have just started growing a group of glossary/fact pages for all the bits of knowledge necessary to further explain subjects posted in this blog. See the tabs at the top of the page.

Do not expect your cholesterol to plummet and your statin days to be a memory cast aside like a treacherous ex-spouse because you ate some beans and drank green tea. This lifestyle may take getting accustomed to, and you may be able to reduce (or remove) your dependency on pharmaceuticals, but there are no absolutes. Remember, bio-individuality and all the factors of your life. Pay close attention to how you feel and report changes to your doctor immediately.

I don't want to sound like a downer, I want you to be successful in gaining control of your body and its systems. I also don't want to sound cavalier about natural medicine or its affects to your health.

Foods to Eat to Help Lower Cholesterol

Whole grains (oats, barley, oat bran), fresh fruits (high fiber types: pears, apples, raspberries), vegetables (artichokes, broccoli, peas), beans, lentils, split peas, garlic, onions, mushrooms, yogurt, nuts and seeds (about a handful--raw not roasted: walnuts, pistachios, almonds), green tea, avocados, and extra-virgin olive oil (unheated). 

Meat eaters should avoid visible fat and skin. Chicken and fish are the best choices. In fact, fish oil from mackerel, salmon, herring, halibut, and sardines are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids--good for lowering blood pressure and keeping your heart healthy when eaten in moderation.

Flax seeds also contain omega-3 fatty acids in lesser amounts. Flax seeds should not be heated or toasted. Their vital fatty acids are rendered not only useless, but rancid once cooked due to their delicate balance.

Foods to Minimize/Avoid

Refined foods (white sugar and flour), processed foods (boxed breakfast cereals, white pasta), fat-laden dairy (milk, cheese, ice cream), animal fats, fried foods, red meats, salty foods (chips, salted nuts, snack foods, canned soup), sodas and soft drinks, and bottled juices (better to eat the fruit rather than to drink a pasteurized, processed juice).

Animal products contain cholesterol, plant products do not.

Supplements

Brewer's yeast*
Red yeast rice*
Nutritional yeast*
Niacin*
Green tea or green tea supplement
Milk thistle tea or milk thistle seed extract
Dandelion root tea
Cinnamon caps or cinnamon added to oatmeal or tea--1 tsp. per day (also helps manage blood glucose levels)
Maitake mushroom extract
Essential fatty acid complex (EFA oil caps--especially omega-3 rich)
Panax ginseng (protects the liver), taken in extract or capsule or tea
Digestive enzymes (capsules before or during a meal--chewables are also available, but may contain sugars)
Probiotic capsules
Cholesterol blended product, specific to lowering or improving cholesterol and used in conjunction with the above intermittently. Read dosage on labels. Example: Cholesta-Lo

Herbs to stimulate the body to heal itself, not to do the work for the body!

Lifestyle Support

Reduce body weight--it's always in the answer if you are overweight at all. Every 10 lbs. overweight produces extra cholesterol every day.

Regular exercise--daily exercise (even 10 minutes) will lower LDLs and raise HDLs (as well as boost circulation).

Each day pray, meditate, sing, or whatever you do to calm down and relax to a peaceful state or to routinely reduce stress. Stress does more harm in the body than you can imagine. As an example, when you are stressed or experience fear...even for a moment, the body excretes B-vitamins in the urine. B-vitamins are necessary for nerve health (and keeping cholesterol in check). Do you see the cycle? All systems of the body affect each other.

Eliminate all forms of tobacco--nicotine raises cholesterol.

Eat smaller meals towards the end of the day for best metabolism; snacks should be no larger than your fist.

Increase fiber in your diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, oats and oat bran, cooked beans and peas, and nuts and seeds.

Drink 8 to 9 8-oz. glasses of water per day; more if you exercise or sweat from hot weather. Water is necessary to all organs and systems to do their jobs, to maintain body temperature, and to hydrate skin and lubricate joints.

*Please, see the Supplement page (tabbed at top of page) for usage/dosage and warnings.

Q & A (Health--Meat Protein vs. Vegetable Protein)

Hello!
I have been finishing up educational certifications and took a few weeks away from the blog, but I am back with a bunch of topics in queue.
There are always more natural health questions than others...this may narrow the focus of the blog over time. I'll keep you posted (seriously, that was an unintended pun).
Thanks for reading; it's exciting to see the increasing page views!
~~*Sunday


This week's question is from Paul M. in Riverside, RI.

Is meat protein a better (or necessary) choice over vegetable protein especially in regards to IP (intractable pain) patients?

From,
Paul M., Riverside, RI

This question comes up often for vegetarians and vegans. I’ll answer it the same way, as it really is a matter of packaging…read on to learn what I mean.

Naysayers argue that vegetables (exclusively) do not provide adequate protein for maintaining health and vitality. No matter the proof, no matter the forum, there will continue to be debate because many people like the taste of animal protein, and still more just don’t want to be told “No!” Ultimately, we all decide whether to eat meat based on lifestyle and concerns (be they health, illness, compassion, or environment).
Know why you make the choice…it is a choice.

The perspective of science tells us that animal protein is loaded with the amino acids we need to form proteins in our bodies, which are necessary for all body processes to keep us alive, nourished, healing, and vital. All true. Animal protein is also rife with saturated fats and zero fiber. It contains a small amount of other nutrients such as iron, but no useable enzymes, unless you eat it raw. Basically, a delivery of high amounts of amino acids and saturated fats with no enzymes to break it down or fiber to carry it away.

Science also tells us that vegetables (some more than others—beans, lentils, etc.) have protein, but without the saturated fat. All veggies have vitamins and minerals (some more plentiful and varied than others—kale, broccoli, etc.), are loaded with enzymes, and have enough fiber to carry away its waste and some hitchhikers, too! Vegetables (and fruits) also have something animal protein does not, water. Water eaten from the plant kingdom not only hydrates, it carries with it absorbable nutrients which enter the bloodstream quickly, it cleanses and detoxifies the tissues and organs, and it is bursting with enzymes.

IP (intractable pain)* patients, like anyone else, need maximum nutrition for their caloric buck. IP patients (as other types of patients) must take medications, specifically pain medications (analgesics), to control their severe discomfort (enough) to function each day.

Cases where opioids are being used for IP the protein question is germane. If protein is necessary for the effective use of the drug in pain management, should animal protein be considered superior to vegetable protein? This is what some believe.

Animal protein has a greater amount of amino acids per bite, but the quality of the packaging should matter. Animal protein promotes inflammation in the body—especially in large amounts or as the largest protein source. Inflammatory response to foods leads to degenerative diseases. Opioids can cause inflammation, as well. Inflammation is the body’s natural, protective response to injury; it protects the affected site. In fact, the inflammation is what causes the pain, which alerts you to the problem.

Vegetables will provide the amino acids needed, but a greater amount of vegetation, as well as a varied amount, will need to be consumed to provide the same amino acids necessary (or equal to, in grams) as animal sources. Be not discouraged…those not wishing to eat flesh! Supplements are available to support the non-meat eater with his/her amino acid needs. An amino acid complex should do the deed in conjunction with a balanced diet.

Armed with the information, the choice is yours to decide. It is also important to note that the amount of protein needed in the diet is not as much as one would think. High animal-protein diets are hard on the organs and can be harmful to your health. The average** adult needs about (women—46 grams) and (men—56 grams) per day. Your doctor may tell you an increase of protein is needed in the diet (for IP); amino acids are necessary for every function in the body and pain control is not least among them. Speak with your doctor about healthy ways to increase protein and reduce your pain, too.

*IP (intractable pain) is defined as pain that after medical intervention cannot be abated, cannot be cured; no treatment exists or can be found. IP is not pain from a terminal disease or the progression of a disease; though, IP may result in death. IP is not defined as chronic pain; it is disabling, constant, severe, and causes other havoc on other body systems (heart rate, blood pressure, hormones, and neurologic pain). Uncontrolled, it can cause dementia, muscle wasting, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis, as examples.
  Chronic Pain is defined as intermittent or persistent but does not disable a person for more than a few days at a time.

**Pregnant and nursing mothers require increased protein (as well as other nutrients), as do athletes. 

    
    Always consult your physician when increasing or restricting dietary intake.

Q & A (Health -- Reducing Eggs in the Diet)

This week's question is from B. in RI...

BDunhamJ   July 20, 2012
How do I remove eggs from a diet so that I am eating as few of them as possible? Also, can you recommend a good tasting gluten free bread?

Hi B.,

Reducing and/or replacing eggs in the diet is fairly easy. Unless you can’t imagine life without an omelette or sunny-side eggs, you can substitute them in just about everything…with great success.

How you change your diet depends on how you buy and cook your food. Do you eat out a lot, does someone else do your cooking, or do you like to cook? Those answers will provide the correct path.

If you are not the one shopping and cooking you will need that person to understand what you want to achieve, and help he/she to provide the appropriate foods (teaching what to buy and how to prepare it). If you are responsible solely for your food preparation you will be astounded how easy the change can be. Either way, you need to start with what to buy and how to use it. Only you know what you enjoy eating, but when you change your diet a little, you’ll find you are more open to new types of foods and seasonings and flavors.

The primary uses for eggs in the diet are as breakfast staples (fried, poached, scrambled, French toast, etc.), and for egg salad, hard boiled eggs in salads, quiches, custards, casseroles, baked goods, mayonnaise, and even pickled eggs. Let’s see how to substitute these standards…Recipes in tab above: Egg-Free Recipes  

As for your question about good-tasting, gluten-free bread, I suggest trying the different brands in the freezer section at Whole Foods or Stop & Shop (natural foods area). Keep the loaves frozen and remove the slices as you use them. Gluten-free bread tends to dry out quickly and become more crumbly. Thawing as needed gives you the best chance of tasty bread. I do not suggest raw, sprouted breads for sandwiches—too dense.

Another way to have a great-tasting sandwich is to use lettuce leaves as a wrap for your fillings. You can have just about any kind of sandwich in a lettuce wrap…trying different types of wide-leaf lettuces will give you more options. 

Why not try to replace eggs with…

Breakfast Staples:
Scrambled tofu with onions and peppers
Pan-fried baked tofu with soy sausage
French toast stuffed with fresh fruit (or preserves) and soy cream cheese

Salads:
Faux egg salad
Tips on how to add eggyness to green salads & potato/pasta salads

Quiches, Custards, Casseroles:
Spinach, Onion, Tomato Quiche
Coconut Custard or buy prepared custard and pudding mixes which can made with soy or nut milks
Broccoli & Rice Casserole

Baked Goods:
The function of the egg in the recipe dictates the substitute.
Eggs are used as binders in brownies and cookies; muffins and cakes get their leavening (partially) from eggs.

A recipe calling for one egg will usually work fine without the egg or a substitute (3 tablespoons of water or other fluid will compensate for the lost liquid).

Binding Agent:

• ·         Grind 1 tablespoon flax seeds into a powder; blend with ¼ cup water (allow to gel 5 mins.) = Replaces 1 egg
• ·         One small, sweet or white potato, mashed = Replaces 1 egg (also adds moisture)
• ·         ½ cup mashed banana or applesauce= Replaces 1 egg (also adds moisture)
• ·         ¼ cup silken tofu (processed in a blender)= Replaces 1 egg (also adds moisture)
• ·         1 cup yogurt (dairy or soy)=Replaces 1-2 eggs (also adds moisture)

Leavening and Binding Agent:

• ·         Ener-G Egg Replacer— use as directed (available in most health food stores and Whole Foods markets)
• ·         One teaspoon baking powder (additionally to recipe)
• ·         1 tsp. baking powder, 1 T. water, 1 T. white vinegar (whisk together)= 1 egg

Mayonnaise:
Mayonnaise is pretty easy to make at home, but it’s easily available in health food stores and in many markets besides Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. Nayonaise and Veganaise are both good choices—it’s a matter of taste.

Pickled Eggs:
I can’t help you on this one! Pickled tofu would be the closest, but wow! Yuck! It would be so soggy. I say go for pickled veggies and call it a day.