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Colon Cleansing – No Crap, Grandma was Right Again!

Kathleen — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 15:53:21 +0000

Did you know the idea of natural colon cleansing dates back to ancient Greece? Cleansing the colon, which is the large intestine, became popular in the 1920s and 1930s in the United States. At some point, the theories behind it lost support and it fell out of favor. As you may have noticed recently, colon cleansing has experienced rebirth by the use of teas, enzymes, and/or colon irrigation. Because researchers have devoted little study to colon cleansing plenty of questions remain such as, is colon-cleansing good for you? In addition, does anyone really need it? To a certain extent, medical judgment has yet to be finalized on the subject.

What is natural colon cleansing anyway? WebMD states two main colon-cleansing methods. One involves buying products like enemas, laxatives, strong herbal teas,
powders, and antiparasite capsules such as colonetix. The other involves seeing a practitioner to have colon irrigation.

Natural Colon Cleansing
One of the core theories behind colon cleansing stems from an ancient belief, the theory of autointoxication. It was believed that undigested meat and other foods cause mucus buildup in the colon thus producing toxins. These then enter the blood’s circulation, poisoning the body and some claim will result in fatigue, headache, weight gain, and low energy, as the theory asserts.

An example that comes to my mind, which may support the theory, is infant constipation. Constipated babies experience all sorts of side effects from this condition. My oldest would at times have a low-grade fever when constipation occurred. A simple enema provides instant relief. Yet no definite medical proof exists.

Colon Irrigation
The first modern colonic machine was invented about 100 years ago. Today, colonic hygienists or colon therapists perform colon irrigations.

My Aunt had several professional colon cleansings over the years believing it would reduce her risk of colon cancer and help shed a few pounds as well. Some time later, she developed a persistent low-grade fever. Finally, after extensive testing and visiting numerous doctors, an infection in the blood stream was discovered due to a perforated bowel. A simple surgery would supposedly correct the problem. Make a long story short, two surgeries occurred and the removal of a large amount of the colon. She knows the problem began with the colon cleansing but with the surgery complete, had no way of proving it.

Colon Health
The health claims made by both colon cleansing product manufacturers and colon irrigation practitioners are open and largely reaching. Clearing the colon of large quantities of stagnant, supposedly toxic waste encrusted on colon walls is the priority. In doing so they believe, the vitality of the body will be enhanced. My thought is if problems occur, such as constipation or irregular bowel movements, a colon cleansing solution does restore the body’s vitality as with my infant example.

More importantly, I believe what you eat and drink has the greatest impact on colon health, lowering the risk of colon and other cancers as well as enhancing overall health.

Fiber helps with a huge range of gastrointestinal problems, including constipation, diverticular diseases, and colorectal cancer. Adding sources of both soluble fiber and insoluble fibers will definitely be healthier. Cereals and whole grains are insoluble fibers and bran, fruit, vegetables, and oatmeal are soluble.

My mother prepared home made fresh meals, lean meats, and pushed lots of fruit and veggies. In fact, as kids she would tell us to eat a salad or some fruit and even leftover dinner for a snack. Are you hungry, eat real food Mom would say. Rarely did she buy junk food except the occasional bag of chips or pretzels. As for ready made meals, I don’t think I ever witnessed one in her kitchen. Ever. Never did I see a jar of sauce or a frozen dinner in my grandmas kitchen, that is for sure! I continued eating as I was taught as a child and did the same as a mother. Of course I did throw in a prepared meal or two but for the most part followed my mothers example. Neither my mother, grandma, or myself had weight or colon problems.

Drink plenty of water. A senior Christian woman once told me water is the gift of life and I believe that to be true. My Grandma always served water and red wine with dinner. She believed “the pipes” as she called them, needed frequent cleansing. How many times has the medical community dispelled grandma only to later reverse their decisions? Does chicken soup ring a bell?

The medical professionals recommend being screened for colon cancer beginning at age 50, or earlier if a doctor advises. What can possibly be better for us than healthy food and documented medical advice?

Kathleen

Hey, there I'm Kathleen. My friends call me Kathy; to my kids I'm Momia. Life has afforded me many hats: Mom, wife, sister, friend, business owner... and most recently a midlife blogger. From college to marriage and babies, in the midst of business and wealthy boomers, midlife retrospection validates this extraordinary journey called life.

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Weight Loss Super Foods

Kathleen — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:58:41 +0000

Eat more of these foods and weigh less, sounds somewhat crazy. According to Self magazine, the right foods aid in dropping pounds by accelerating calorie burning and curbing cravings.

The top twenty weight loss super foods listed include steak, eggs, kale, oats, lentils, Goji berries, wild salmon, apples, buckwheat pasta, blueberries, almond butter, pomegranates, chilies, yogurt, quinoa, sardines, tarragon, Parmesan, avocado, and olive oil. Plenty of high fiber and high protein foods included however, the list is rather surprising to me. A first glance the list appeared to be foods that supported weight gain not loss.

Avocado is one that stood out the most. I always thought they were high in calories and fat. Turns out the fat in an avocado is mono saturated or a “heart healthy” fat and the filling factor from an avocado creates a productive weight loss aide.

As for the chilies, oh boy I so adore chilies. In fact, spicy foods in general are my favorite. The article claims that chilies boost the metabolism and burn extra calories for twenty minutes after being eaten.

Eating lentils helps to stop insulin spikes. When insulin spikes the body creates excess fat cells whose target area is the abdomen. Additionally, lentils are a superb source of fiber and extremely satisfying.

Dieting is a very tough venture to partake. My hubby lost over fifty pounds in the last ten months. This article is a rather impressive list of weight loss super foods with significant supporting facts in my opinion. Go to self.com in the food and diet section, keyword super food to read this and numerous other super food articles.

I am a firm believer that healthy foods and exercise are the way to loose weight. Many others believe supplements like Lipofuze work. What do you believe is the proper weight loss plan?

Kathleen

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Kids and Rice Krispies – No Bake recipes

Kathleen — Tue, 25 May 2010 02:56:58 +0000

Summer and kids in the kitchen is the perfect combination. What a fun learning experience it is to make snacks and desserts the kids enjoy. Making easy, no-bake goodies like Rice Krispies Treats(r) can show kids just how fun cooking can be.
Kids have fun washing or scrubbing fruits and vegetables, shaping foods, measuring and mixing dry ingredients, or even pouring pre-measured liquids into the mix. Measurements, team work, and following instructions become a fun educational part of the kitchen experience.
Make some summer magic with these tasty no-bake recipes for Choco P’Nutty Bars, Itsy Bitsy Fruit Pies, and Ice Cream Sandwich Treats from Ricekrispies.com.

Itsy Bitsy Fruit Pies
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup milk chocolate morsels
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
4 cups Kellogg’s(r) Rice Krispies(r) cereal
2 cups assorted fresh chopped fruits
Frozen non-dairy whipped topping, thawed
Assorted sprinkles
In medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in chocolate morsels until melted. Remove from heat. Stir in cinnamon.
Place cereal in large bowl. Carefully pour melted chocolate mixture over cereal. Gently stir until cereal is completely coated with chocolate.
Spoon cereal mixture into twenty-four 1 1/2-inch muffin-pan cups coated with cooking spray. Using your finger or thumb, press cereal mixture onto bottoms and up the sides of each cup, forming crusts.
Place crusts in freezer for 30 minutes. Remove from freezer. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.
Before serving, fill each crust with fresh fruit. Dollop with whipped topping. Decorate with sprinkles. Serve immediately.

Note: Extra unfilled crusts may be frozen in air-tight container for up to a month. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Kid-friendly Kitchen Tips:
-Children of all ages should have an adult assistant with them at all times when cooking.
-Chefs 7 and older can measure the ingredients and help stir the melted chocolate into the cereal.
-Little ones, ages 3 to 6, will enjoy pressing the mixture into the muffin cups and decorating with the fruits and whipped cream.
-Make sure to have plenty of extra fruits for snacking while making these little pies.

Ice Cream Sandwich Treats
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Servings: 10 to 12
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 10 ounce-package (about 40) marshmallows, or 4 cups miniature marshmallows
2 teaspoons vanilla
6 cups Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal
1/2 cup assorted sprinkles
2 pints desired flavor ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet or gelato

In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Add cereal. Stir until well coated.

Using buttered spatula or wax paper, evenly press mixture to 1/4-inch thickness on baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Decorate with sprinkles. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Remove from refrigerator. Using 2-inch cookie cutters coated with cooking spray, cut into desired shapes. Place small scoop of ice cream on undecorated side of one cut-out. Top with another cut-out, decorated side up. Gently press together. Return to baking sheet. Repeat with remaining cut-outs and remaining ice cream.
Freeze for 30 minutes. Transfer to airtight container. Freeze for 2 hours to 1 week. Let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

Choco P’Nutty Bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 18
1 12-ounce package (2 cups)
semi-sweet chocolate
morsels
2/3 cup peanut butter
6 cups Kellogg’s Rice
Krispies cereal
3 cups miniature
marshmallows
18 wooden or plastic sticks

In large saucepan, melt chocolate morsels and peanut butter over low heat; stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in cereal and marshmallows.
Using buttered spatula or waxed paper, press mixture evenly into 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Chill in refrigerator about 45 minutes.
Cut into 18 bars. Serve by inserting plastic or wooden stick into each bar.

Microwave Directions:
In large microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate morsels and peanut butter at medium power for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Add remaining ingredients, stirring until well coated. Continue with recipe directions.

Source: Rice Krispies ; courtesy Family Features

With this many yummy summer treats, mom may just need a few appetite suppressants!!

Kathleen

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The Midlife Woman » fruit

Colon Cleansing – No Crap, Grandma was Right Again!

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Weight Loss Super Foods

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Kids and Rice Krispies – No Bake recipes

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