HEALTH - DEPRESSION

Antidepressants are typically considered the “solution” for depression. Unfortunately, these prescriptions are often repeatedly written without addressing the underlying problem. Unless people are willing to discover and contend with the source and make the necessary adjustments in their diet and lifestyle, another prescription should not be written!

Those suffering with depression frequently have
low levels of key neurotransmitters in the brain
which are vital for maintaining proper memory and mental condition.
Yes, antidepressants can alter these levels;
however, due to the many adverse affects, the physical cost is very high! Instead, proper nutrition, rest and relaxation
can restore normal brain chemistry thus diminishing depression
with favorable physical affects as an added bonus.

Since physicians and counselors rarely address drug alternatives, let’s talk about some of these:

1. PROPER NUTRITION: The brain is made up of and requires fat to properly function. The problem is that we feed it the wrong fats.
A) Trans-fatty acids – Unless the label reads “no trans-fatty acids”, margarine and polyunsaturates contain synthetic fat which makes cell membranes rigid causing interference with the brain’s performance.
B) Saturated Fats - A diet high in animal fats can raise the amino acid, homocysteine, to toxic levels which often leads to depression.
C) Monosaturated Fats – Nut and olive oils are brain-friendly.
D) Omega 3 fatty acids – Low levels have been linked to learning disabilities, depression, irritability, visual problems and Alzheimer’s. The best fat for our brain, DHA levels can be increased by:
• consuming salmon, tuna and sardines
• 300 mg of DHA supplement twice daily.

2. SUPPLEMENTATION:
A) B Vitamins – Homosysteine levels elevated by diet or common prescription and over-the-counter drugs can be controlled by daily B-complex supplements:
 B1 (thiamine) - 50mg
 B3 (niacin) - 50 mg
 B6 (pyridoxine) - 50 mg
 Folic acid - 800 mcg
 B12 (cobalamin) - 1000 mcg
B) DHEA – a natural occurring hormone necessary to form testosterone and estrogen which declines with age, often leading to depression and sexual dysfunction.
For those desiring to not alter hormone levels, Keto-7 may have an equal or stronger memory enhancing and stress reducing action.
• With either, begin with 5-25 mg per day and increase slowly according to residual depression. Up to 450 mg per day has been used with no significant side-affects.
C) Relora – a combination of plant extracts has the ability to reduce depression with similar effects on sleep and anxiety as tranquilizers such as Valium & Xanax.
• 600 mg per day in divided doses is recommended.
D) Geranium Essential Oil – relieves anxiety and depression.
• Uses: diffusion, inhalation, topical, baths and cosmetics

3. HYDRATION - Many common ailments, including depression, can be related to dehydration.
• 6-8 eight-ounce glasses of water daily is essential.

4. EXERCISE - 30 minutes - five days weekly can be as effective as prescription antidepressants.

5. SLEEP – sleeplessness is linked to depression, irritability, and anxiety.
• Seven-eight hours of sleep is necessary for healthy mental performance, concentration and memory.

6. RELAXATION – If we choose not to remove ourselves from our stress-filled environment for physical and mental recovery, depression serves to accomplish that for us.
• Regular involvement in uplifting activities is essential to normal mental health.

Because unforgiveness is a leading cause of the estimated 30 millions Americans suffering from depression, we’ll come back to that. Until then, look for some of the best and most reasonably priced products I have found, NOW FOODS supplements at LuckyVitamins.com.

Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie

HEALTH - PROBIOTICS

The world, including our bodies is full of live microorganisms. An estimated 100 trillion microorganisms inhabit every normal bowel and imbalances lead to many health problems. This balancing act is often thrown “off kilter” by:

1. antibiotics which kill “friendly” bacteria along with “unfriendly” bacteria.
2. the presence of "unfriendly" bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and parasites.
3. using spermicides and birth control pills which alter vaginal microflora.

“Probiotics” are live bacteria similar to those naturally found in our bodies. It has been discovered that regular consumption of “probiotics” is helpful in maintaining the natural ecosystem within our bodies. Consequently, ‘Americans' spending on probiotic supplements has nearly tripled from 1994 to 2003.’
There are “probiotics” which date back to ancient times, such as fermented food - beans and vegetables, cultured dairy products - cheese, yogurt and kefir, and formented tea – Kombucha.

Rather than causing disease, if properly prepared, the “friendly bacteria” in these supplements and foods are vital to helping the following health problems:
o Circulatory
o Cholesterol
o Blood Pressure
o Dermal
o Skin infections
o Gastrointestinal
o Diarrhea and Constipation
o Colon Cancer
o Lactose intolerance
o Imbalance of organisms after antibiotic therapy.
o Digestion & nutrient absorption
o Harmful bacterial growth
o Irritable bowel syndrome (Colitis and Chron’s Diease)
o Tooth decay and periodontal disease
o Respiratory
o Infections
o Allergies
o Urogenital
o Bacterial Vaginosis
o Yeast Infection

While I’d enjoy visiting about the other options sometime, since we’ve been duped by many commercial producers, we must know what to look for when purchasing yogurt. Referring to the living organisms which convert milk to yogurt during fermentation, if the label doesn’t read, “Live and Active Cultures” return it to the shelf! BEWARE! Although many containers read, “Cultured Yogurt”, the organisms are killed during post-fermentation heating and have little to no health benefits. Not only can home-making yogurt be an effective alternative; it is simple, fun and much less expensive!

• Heat milk to 100 degrees – (Because there are concerns about the affects of processed milk on live and active cultures, I always use raw milk)
• Add 1/3 cup dry organic powdered milk
• Add 2 Tbsp. plain yogurt with active cultures (If organic yogurt is unavailable, use ACTIVA by Dannon.)
• Stir until well mixed.
• Pour into a wide-mouthed thermos (making it easier to remove yogurt after it forms)
• Wrap sealed thermos in a heavy towel and place it in a warm, draft-free spot overnight.

*Note – Flavored yogurt will not produce active yogurt!
** “Warm place” options:
1. Fire-place hearth
2. Hot air register
3. Sunshine
4. Heating pad
5. Oven pilot light (using covered dish instead of thermos)
6. Uncovered Crock-pot filled with 100 degree water set on low will usually maintain 100 degrees (use pint jars instead of thermos).
Temperatures too low or high will kill the bacteria!
*** Starter:
• Freeze store-bought yogurt in an ice cube tray. A standard ice cube is 2 Tbsp.
• When the store-bought cubes are gone, start freezing your home-made yogurt.
• While freezing yogurt kills a certain percentage of bacteria, enough survive to get a culture if used within one month.
• Over time, saved yogurt will lose its bacterial potency. Occasionally purchase new yogurt for a fresh starter.

Enjoying your fresh yogurt by:
• Adding Fruit
• Covering cereal
• Replacing Mayonnaise, Whipped Topping and Sour Cream
• Making Smoothies


Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie

DISCLAIMER:

All content of this article is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. The author sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. The information herein is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. This is best left to the Creator of the universe. In all health-related situations, “qualified healthcare professionals” should always be consulted. The author deems THE GREAT PHYSICIAN to be most qualified. The author assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material.

SPIRITUALITY - LIFESTYLE- CONTRACEPTION

While Christians are frequently involved in “pro-life” organizations, perhaps we should appraise all forms of contraception.

While many of us point our fingers
at those who choose abortion,
have we considered
God’s view regarding other
“acceptable” forms of contraception?

These choices are frequently justified by concluding that “at least they don’t destroy life”. However, if we did our homework, we might discover otherwise.

Every chemical contraceptive preparation, as well as intrauterine device, has a “backup” mechanism should breakthrough pregnancy occur. This “Plan B” prevents the precious living embryo from attaching to the uterine wall, leading to death. Supposedly one of the most “fool-proof” contraceptives, it is estimated that the frequency of chemical abortions for a woman reliably using the pill is one in 88 menstrual cycles! Based on the millions of women using various drugs and devices to prevent pregnancy, how can we justify judgment of others, when we ourselves may be actively involved in a “Pharmaceutical Holocaust”?

Maybe some biblical responses will help reconcile the many questions I’m likely stirring-up:

Q: “Isn’t contraception acceptable when the mother’s life is endangered by pregnancy?”
A: Our decisions will not change the number of days already appointed to us. [Job 14:5, Ps. 139:16]
Q: “Isn’t abortion acceptable when the fetus faces ‘abnormalities’?”
A: Are we to conclude that any child is not worthy to be used for God’s glorious purposes? [John 9]
Q: “Does God want more children brought into this messed-up world?”
A: God’s people would have vanished from earth long ago if this were justifiable! We are commanded to multiply [Genesis 1:28]. God preserves those whom He chooses regardless of the condition of this world. [Mark 13:20]
Q: “What about those who can not financially afford or find time for more children?
A: We are not to worry about what we will eat, drink or wear. If we seek first His kingdom and righteousness, all of our needs will be met. Eliminating everything from our schedule which has no eternal significance leaves plenty of time and energy for that which God desires. [Matthew 6:31-34, Psalm 34:8-10]
Q: “Doesn’t God realize that we are too old to have more children?”
A: If God considered you too old, He would have made it impossible for you to get pregnant. [Genesis 17-18]
Q: “Our daughter has a full scholarship to Harvard. Does God want her to sacrifice that?”
A: “Lean not on your own understanding.” “Your ways are not His ways.” [Proverbs 3:5, Isaiah 55:9] He is most concerned about her spiritual life.
Q: “Where do I get this kind of faith?”
A: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen...But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.” [Hebrews 11:1, 6]

We have a choice. Will we diligently seek God for His wisdom or will we continue to allow our actions to tell Him, “You are not trustworthy to be Lord over conception! I will use contraception to control this area of my life”?

Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie

SPIRITUALITY - ORGANIC CHURCH

I find it interesting that the word “church” is never used in the Bible as a place to go or something to do? Yet, folks frequently refer to the building that they walk into on Sunday Mornings, as well as the meeting that is held there, as “church”.

I’m often asked, “What church do you go to?” I realize this is a reasonably acceptable question for most of us. Yet, it troubles me. The question, in and of itself, develops an environment of division. I “go” here, but you “go” there. Just in the knowing of where we go, assumptions are made and separation is established. In fact, most of us condemn the person whose response is, “I don’t go to church,” for “sinfully” forsaking the assembly of God [Hebrews 10:24]

Paul wasn’t talking to a building when he said to the Church in Corinth, “You are the body of Christ.” Nor was he referring to something that they were to do at a certain time or place. Instead, he was talking to a group of people about what they are.

The Church is not only a living organism;
it is the eyes, mouth, arms and legs
of Jesus’ Body!
[1 Cor. 12:12-31].

What does this organism look like? How does it function?

Frank Viola, the author of Pagan Christianityand Reimagining Church says,

“By ‘organic church,’ I mean a non-traditional church that is born out of spiritual life instead of constructed by human institutions and held together by religious programs. Organic church life is a grass roots experience that is marked by face-to-face community, every-member functioning, open-participatory meetings (opposed to pastor-to-pew services), non-hierarchical leadership, and the centrality and supremacy of Jesus Christ as the functional Leader and Head of the gathering.”

“Whenever we sin-scarred mortals try to create a church the same way we would start a business corporation, we are defying the organic principle of church life. An organic church is one that is naturally produced when a group of people have encountered Jesus Christ in reality (external ecclesiastical props being unnecessary) and the DNA of the church is free to work without hindrance. In short,

‘organic church’
describes a kind of church life
that embodies the biblical teaching
that the church is a spiritual organism
and not an institutional organization.”

Yes, the exhortation made in Hebrews 10:25 still stands today. However, its intention is to remind us, especially when under persecution, that we must continue to gather in fellowship for the purpose of encouraging and edifying one another and to not revert back to or continue in the institutional system as the Jewish Christians were tempted to do.

Unless, of course, we desire to conceal our Christian faith through institutionalism like the fearful Jews, I doubt that membership of an institutionalized organization is of much concern to those who recognize and function as members of the Body of Christ through persecution.


Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie


DISCLAIMER:
The author of this article does not endorse everything represented on/in suggested links, books, etc. Each of us is accountable to God weigh everything according to His Word.