Thursday, March 24, 2016

Black Sheep Free Spirited People

I sit with people daily and many say they are the black sheep and that is their problem. I say really and tell them that I am the black sheep of the family and that it just means I am the free spirited one of the family and that I did not follow the pack. Being the black sheep in my family means I get to help others come to terms that most black sheep’s of the family are true free spirited creative people.

I realize that the role we played as children and young adults in our families can contribute to our present feelings of self of self-worth, feelings of social approval, as well as our psychological and emotional well-being. I also realize throughout my studies of people and families that in most families, there is at least one creative, sensitive, spiritual person who does not share the same values and life style as well as decisions and beliefs of the other family members.

Do not get discouraged, have anxiety or become depressed if you are that person. Take pride in it.  Most times, the family black sheep tends to be the most honest about who they are and what they stand for. We are people who are not afraid to stand up and speak out how we feel even at the risk of the judgment of others from the family. We black sheep’s should proudly stand and cope with the family ridicule before we compromise our beliefs or how we feel. We are living our personal truth openly and willfully.

Though sometimes, it can be difficult to be the black sheep and the family outcast, it is important to not change who you are to please the family. Speak your truth. They may try to shut you down, however, never let that stop you. You see, you need to come to terms that the things you were taught to say and do to create your life canvas was colored by your families feelings and beliefs and the black sheep is creative enough to add more variety of shades and colors. So speak out and speak up and walk the path of being who you are!


Do not allow being the black sheep of your family rob you of your self-esteem and the ability to believe in who you really are. Take pride in being noticeably different. Know you have the courage to speak your own truth even when family feels they can shut you off. Remember, your voice, your heart and your spirit belong to you. The black sheep creates their own sense of freedom and are true free spirited people.

Monday, February 29, 2016

Foods With L Tyrosine

L-tyrosine is known as a non-essential amino acid which means that the body can produce it naturally. According to author of the Healing Nutrients Within book Eric R. Braverman. This amino acid can be helpful for improving conditions such as addictions and act like an antidepressant. It can also aid in the fight against pain as well as help tone muscles and skin. L-tyrosine is essential to the structure of proteins within the body. In addition its components are precursor to certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This important amino acid can be found in a variety of foods.

Meats
There are a variety of meat sources that have L- Tyrosine in them. Foods that are rich in proteins can include lean beef as well as lean cuts of pork which could include a pork roast, or pork loin.  Poultry can include chicken and turkey although sources of wild game such as quail, duck and ostrich have high levels of Tyrosine as well.  Most fish have high levels including orange roughy, tuna, shrimp, and cod. Other meats can include lean cuts of lamb and veal.

Dairy
Dairy products can contain good levels of L- tyrosine. These foods can include egg whites, cottage cheese, white cheeses such as provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Milk is also a source of L- tyrosine. Because soy products contain a high source of this amino acid, soy milk can be beneficial as well.

Fruits and Vegetables
Seaweed has one of the highest levels of L-tyrosine. Green foods such as spinach, mustard greens, pumpkin leafs all have health amounts of tyrosine. Avocado and banana are a tasty way to get in a boost of tyrosine.

Nuts, Seeds, Beans and Grains

Whole grains such as wheat and oats are a good source of tyrosine. Kidney and lima beans are a nice source as is the soy bean and tofu. Nuts such as almonds and seeds such as sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds are another good source of this non-essential amino acid. 

Monday, February 8, 2016

Food Containing Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects the central nervous system. It is responsible for well being and calmness. Low levels of serotonin can have an impact on sleep, appetite, and mood. A deficiency of serotonin can be associated to mental-health issues such as depression, anxiety, anger, and bipolar disorder. Many people can take medications to increase their serotonin; however, there are certain foods that can boost your serotonin levels.

Tryptophan and Tyrosine Foods
Tryptophan is an amino acid that converts to serotonin, and the body cannot produce it; therefore, we need to obtain it through from the foods we eat. Foods high in proteins such as poultry and lean meats, milk, eggs, cheese, flaxseed, and nuts have generous amounts of tryptophan and several servings should be eaten daily. Tyrosine is an amino acid that supports neurotransmitters in the brain. It is a precursor of dopamine, adrenaline, and epinephrine. Foods rich in tyrosine include egg whites, seaweed, soy products, poultry, peanuts, almonds, avocados, bananas, and cheese.

B Vitamin Foods
The B vitamins are important for brain development and the manufacturing of neurotransmitters including serotonin. Foods that contain vitamin B1 (thiamine) include whole-grain cereals and breads, lean red meat, egg yolks, and green leafy vegetables. B2 (riboflavin) can be found in meats and dairy as well as peas. B6 (pyridoxine) foods include buckwheat, spinach, bell peppers, bananas, poultry and fish. Folic acid is a B vitamin used by the body to make serotonin. Some foods that have folic acid include broccoli, spinach, strawberries, lentils, chickpeas, melons, and asparagus. By incorporating these foods into your diet, you can increase your serotonin production.
Carbohydrate Foods
Carbohydrates can stimulate serotonin; therefore, eating low-glycemic carbohydrates can increase serotonin. These foods can include brown rice, buckwheat, whole-grains, sweet potato, wheat pastas, and whole-grain cereals.
Essential Fatty Acids Foods
Essential fatty acids are needed for serotonin production. Foods high in omega fatty acids include fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and herring, walnuts and almonds, dark green leafy vegetables, soybean, olive and flaxseed oil, lean meats.


There are many foods that contain serotonin. Be sure to use the food pyramid to determine the correct amount of proteins and grains you should eat in your daily diet. Some nutritionists suggest that people eat a lunch that is rich in tryptophan, and then eat a carb/grain meal in the evening. By following this model people will be less likely to overeat and serotonin levels will more than likely rise.  

Monday, January 25, 2016

Alternative Medicines for Type-2 Diabetes Treatment


In the United States there are currently over 23 million people with diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association. Type-2 diabetes is the most common form of this disease. Type-2 diabetes means your body doesn’t seem to make enough insulin. There are medications people can take to manage this disease, and lifestyle changes can be beneficial as well. There are a variety of well-studied alternative medicines that people are now starting to integrate into their lives to help them manage type-2 diabetes.

Chromium
The American College of Nutrition asserts that chromium plays a key role in how the body uses insulin to burn such things like carbohydrates, sugar, proteins, and fats. Because chromium is an insulin-enhancing mineral, it can be very helpful in controlling some of the symptoms of type-2 diabetes. Some foods with chromium are raw onions, romaine lettuce, and ripe tomatoes. Chromium can also be purchased as a supplement.

Cinnamon
In his study at the University in Peshawar, researcher Alam Khan, PhD states that cinnamon can help glucose metabolism and the overall condition of diabetes. The reason is that one of the compounds in cinnamon, hydroxychalcone, can lower blood glucose levels, along with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Cinnamon can be purchased in supplemental form at any health food store.

Berberine
In a clinical trial published in Metabolism, with people diagnosed type 2 diabetes and were randomly divided into groups and assigned to take metformin (Glucophage) or berberine. Improvements were noted the very first week, and at the study’s conclusion, the average blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C levels significantly decreased in both groups. Remarkably, berberine helped fight diabetes every bit as effectively as metformin. The researchers concluded that the two had “identical effect in the regulation of glucose metabolism.” A personal note, I have been using Bererine for about four months and my morning sugars have dropped 15- 20 number and A1C dropped a few.

Glucomannan
Glucomannan (amorphophallus konjac) is a natural dietary fiber that comes from the konjac root. It slows the stomach from emptying, which, in turn, can cause a more gradual absorption of sugar. Because it slows down the absorption of sugar and cholesterol in the stomach, it can help control sugar levels in diabetes. The additional bonus to this is it can reduce cholesterol levels which, according to American Diabetes Association, is an aid in treating type-2 diabetes.

Ginseng
A study at the University of Toronto has discovered that American as well as Korean ginseng can reduce blood glucose levels in people who have type-2 diabetes. Researchers believe that ginseng lowers the glycemic response after carbohydrate consumption if taken 40 minutes before eating carbohydrates.

Bitter Melon

A study that appeared in this year in the Journal of Chemistry and Biology, shows a great deal of promise for bitter melon, a fruit found in Asian stores. The research showed that bitter melon can activate a certain enzyme that helps regulate metabolism by transporting glucose into the cells.