December 22, 2008

Advice for Healthy Living


Load Up on Enzymes

Enzymes play a key role in maintaining a healthy gut and all-around health. Our ancestors enjoyed exceptional health partly because they regularly consumed food rich in enzymes and probiotics, vital nutrients that today are a mystery to most Americans.
The human body produces most of the enzymes it needs, but certain key enzymes, such as cellulase (an enzyme that breaks down the fiber contained in plant foods), must be obtained from raw vegetables and fruits that enter the digestive system.
These enzymes and the complex processes of the digestive tract are vitally related to your health. If you fail to eat the proper foods or if you abuse your body with dangerous dietary choices, man-made chemicals, or a "burnout" lifestyle, you could lose more than a youthful appearance. Enzyme deficiency may also impair your immune function, resulting in illness or disease

Jordan's Tip of the Day
From the author of The Maker's Diet

Get Your Enzymes Raw
Prolonged heat kills all enzymes, as does cooking, processing, and pasteurization. That is why we should eat raw foods along with our cooked foods. Lacto-fermented foods are especially rich in beneficial digestive enzymes of all types

Healing Food of the Week: Honey

Honey is not only a sweet and delicious addition to any diet, it has a powerhouse of healing qualities. Generations of grandmothers have prepared hot honey drinks for a proven reason. The food soothes sore throats, calms frayed nerves, and ensures a good night's sleep. Honey has the ability to wipe out the bacteria that causes diarrhea. And the wonder food may have the ability to eliminate such disease-causing bacteria as salmonella, Shigella, E. coli, and cholera. No wonder the Creator chose honey to describe the abundance of the Promised Land — "the land of milk and honey" (Exod. 13:5).


Jordan's Tip of the Day
From the author of The Maker's Diet

Sweeten Up Your Yogurt
For a one-two punch of probiotics and naturally occurring enzymes, mix up a yogurt/honey blend. Just take a teaspoon of raw, unheated honey and mix it into a cup of Probiogurt for a quick and healthy snack.

Healing Herbs and Oils


Healing Oil of the Week: Myrrh

In days of old, pregnant mothers anointed themselves with myrrh for protection against infectious diseases and to elevate feelings of well-being. Of course, the most famous reference to myrrh is the biblical tale of the three wise men. Myrrh was one of the gifts of the Magi to the baby Jesus as told in the Gospel of Matthew. It was used in ancient times for skin conditions, oral hygiene, insect repellent, and for embalming. In modern times, myrrh is used to balance the thyroid and endocrine system, support the immune system, heal fungal and viral infections, and to enhance emotional well-being.


Jordan's Tip of the Day
From the author of The Maker's Diet

Awaken Your Spirit with Aromatherapy
There are several easy ways to incorporate essential oils into your everyday routine. You can harness the healing powers of these biblical oils by adding a few drops to your daily bath, burning the oil in a diffuser, or by simply smelling the bottle!

The Healing Power of Laughter

The Bible tells us, "A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones" (Proverbs 17:22). In his book What You Don't Know May Be Killing You, Dr. Don Colbert noted that research conducted by the Department of Behavioral Medicine at the UCLA Medical School into the physical benefits of happiness proved conclusively that "laughter, happiness, and joy are perfect antidotes for stress." Colbert added, "A noted doctor once said that the diaphragm, thorax, abdomen, heart, lungs — and even the liver — are given a massage during a hearty laugh."
Look for ways to laugh more! It could be just what the doctor ordered.…


Jordan's Tip of the Day
From the author of The Maker's Diet

He Who Laughs Last…
On second thought, reverse that! Always be the person who laughs first. Laughter is the social glue that holds our society together. Laughter creates a ripple effect of good vibrations and positive feelings. People who are able to laugh at themselves or the world around them often put others at ease. Whether at work or in a social situation, be the person who laughs first. It's good for your (and everyone else's) health!

The Maker's Music

Two biblical examples that illustrate the virtually untapped power of music stand out to me: When King Saul fell victim to an evil spirit, all it took was David playing his harp to bring deliverance and sweet relief (1 Samuel 16:23). When the Israelites encircled impregnable Jericho and blew their trumpets and shouted as commanded by God, the walls came tumbling down "without a shot" (Joshua 6). Music therapy as a healing art is beginning to make great inroads in the treatment and rehabilitation of those battling with autism, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease. It seems to exhibit a unique property of reorganizing cerebral function that has been damaged. Music is a gift from God that possesses healing and delivering powers, so we should use this gift wisely. You've felt the power of music in your own heart: How many times have you been emotionally and spiritually moved by music?


Jordan's Tip of the Day
From the author of The Maker's Diet

Fill Your Life With Music
Music can relax, spiritually move, and energize you, so fill your life with it every day. Prepare lists of your favorite music, and play it often. See if it doesn't lift your spirits. A good time to listen to music is during exercise, which can be very inspiring. If you feel overwhelmed by the stresses of the day, put on your favorite worship music, and join in