Lemon Juice - Health & Beauty Benefits

"Around the world lemon juice is one of the most popular drinks because it is healthy, tasty, and low in cost."

This bright yellow fruit is one of the most popular citrus fruits in the world because of it's numerous health benefits. It is known as a liver tonic and natural antiseptic; the juice of a lemon will destroy harmful bacteria found in cuts and areas of infection. Today many studies claim lemon juice helps to prevent osteoarthritis, diabetes and the development or progression of atherosclerosis.

The fresh scent of *lemon oil is so calming that health practitioners encourage it to help remove mental fatigue, exhaustion, and anxiety. The oil creates a positive mind-frame that removes negative emotions. It's believed that inhaling lemon oil helps increase ones concentration and alertness.

Healthy benefits include:

Immune System: *Lemon oil has high vitamin content and therefore helps increase the immunity of the body and your ability to fight diseases. Lemon oil also improves the circulation in the body.

Skin Care: Lemon juice is a natural skin brightener because it is rich in fruit acids which exfoliate gently to remove dead skin cells for younger looking skin. Lemon juice use over time will bleach darkened or discolored areas. The juice should be applied directly to the skin and allowed to dry. Remove with water and olive oil. As a facial treatment for blackheads, clogged pores and blemishes, apply *lemon juice to areas at night. You will experience a tingle but it will subside. Do not wash your face until the morning. Lemon oil add luster to dull skin and can be recommended for oily skin.

Hair Care: Lemon oil/juice is an effective hair tonic. Use lemon oil to get strong, healthy and shinning hair. Lemon oil can be used for removing dandruff. As a "hair treatment" it adds bounce and shine. After shampooing mix the juice of one lemon with one cup warm water and apply to hair. Allow to remain in hair for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Stomach Disorders: Since lemon oil/juice is carminative, it is used in treating various stomach problems. If you suffer symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, or bloating these can be things of the past. Drinking lemon juice regularly has another added bonus; the bowels are aided to eliminate waste more efficiently so you won't be troubled with constipation or diarrhea.

Everyday I drink the juice of one lemon for every 8-12 oz of water. If you desire sweetness I suggest organic honey.
"Good Health to You"

*Always use organic lemons when possible.

Links to further your personal research:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon
http://www.energiseforlife.com/wordpress/2006/02/10/lemon-water-alkalising-superstar/

Do What You Love & Joy Will Follow

Has your happiness level gone to ground zero, and has your self esteem gone "out the window?"
You are not alone and unfortunately these problems are common even among people who do not suffer a chronic illness. There are many things that can diminish the joy of living. The question is, "What can we do to help ourselves or our loved ones combat this despairing situation?"

One thing we can do is find something we love doing; this brings back joy and give us a measure of happiness. Circumstances may limit or prevent us from taking part in activities we once enjoyed so maybe it’s time to search out a new hobby. Have you tried reading, painting, playing cards or volunteering? The most important thing is that we engage in something that keeps joy alive.

Another thing we can do is share our joy with other people. This increases our happiness level because selfless giving is said to be the greatest enrichment in life. Remember the scripture, “there’s more joy in giving than receiving”…

A smile is a simple way of giving but the influence is powerful. Learn to be wasteful with your smiles, your compliments and practice sharing them with people daily.
If we contribute to the joy of others we reap the happiness benefits.

Twelve years ago chronic illness forced me to leave a wonderful *career that I loved. In time I learned to embrace my new life and focus on interests I'd never had time for before.
Today I enjoy *freelancing in my previous career, writing and research support to help others with chronic disease.

Do what you love and joy will follow.

“Good Health to You”

Makeup Artist http://www.artistrybysandy.com
Sandy Guerriere
*recent client/bride

Wedding Photographer Stephanie Moore Photography
http://www.smoorephoto.com/
*client

The Autoimmune Epidemic: Bodies Gone Haywire In a World Out of Balance" - by Donna Jackson Nakazawa.

@SandyGuerriere - Twitter
artistrybysandy - StumbleUpon
Sandy's page - Wilmington's 3rd Street Plaza

Dealing With Isolation Due To Chronic Illness

How can we deal successfully with the isolation that unpredictable flares associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis or chronic disease bring about? This is a serious question many subscribers ask, and it's a problem we all experience at one time or another.

Those of us who deal with chronic illness greet each day knowing it will have challenges, but truly the most destructive challenge is that of isolation.
Chatting with fellow sufferers I've learned this is an issue we all face.
Sadly, our circumstances distance us from those we need most, our family and closest friends. The longer we deal with chronic illness the worse things can get; most people tire of inviting us places because we end up being a no show.

One of the unforeseen consequences of chronic illness is "social isolation" which refers to a negative state of aloneness or diminished participation in social relationships.
This happens to us in two ways; the symptoms and difficult regimens along with loss of energy force us to withdraw from most social contact or we are abandoned by friends and relatives because we don't 'show up' when invited to functions. In either case social relationships are disrupted, falter and break down.
Anyone suffering a chronic condition will tell you that they have lessened or impaired social contact and a sense of increased social isolation. It's been proven that social isolation has a detrimental consequence on us as humans with or without having chronic illness.

Those of us who have RA and deal with flares need lots of rest and can't push ourselves or it makes our illness worse. The longer we're chronically ill the more isolated we become. This can and does defeat all the good effort on our part to stay healthy physically, emotionally and spiritually.

What can we do to help ourselves? Personally I've found it helpful to reach out to others who share a chronic illness. It can be in the form of an email or visiting with new friends on a Social Media site like Twitter, StumbleUpon or Facebook.
I enjoy meeting people from around the world and sharing. Recently I joined a new local Social Media site, Wilmington's 3rd Street Plaza.

Maybe a pet will help? I will expand on this subject in a later post. (Recently I rescued a cat and she is helping me feel less alone.)

I've found that getting involved in anything you enjoy doing alone can help; then practice expanding that interest.
At times we may need support professionally, especially if loneliness becomes as chronic as our disease. Chronic isolation can and does cause depression.

Whatever you do, don't blame yourself. Remember despite various treatments for RA it remains unpredictable.
How often you have an acute flare-up depends on each individual and we respond differently to stressors as we do to therapies.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is not a 'Cookie-Cutter' disease; we are all unique. There is no cure or control over this disease. We must continuously adapt to our disease state.

Please, whatever you do, stay "positive" and do whatever helps you cope within your means and limitations.

Never give in to self pity. Keep hope alive and know that tomorrow is another day.
If possible get outside and enjoy the sunshine, that will always brighten your spirits.


"Good Health to You"

"The Autoimmune Epidemic: Bodies Gone Haywire In a World Out of Balance" - by Donna Jackson Nakazawa.
This book is a timely read to inform and better understand the empidemic in autoimmune diseases.

SandyGuerriere - Twitter
artistrybysandy - StumbleUpon
Sandy's page - Wilmington's 3rd Street Plaza

Photography: Stephanie Moore Photography

Mediterranean Diet Helps Control Inflammation

The Mediterranean diet is known specifically for its use of olive oil, red wine, vegetables and fish. Keeping this in mind I share this quote:
"Thousands upon thousands of persons have studied disease. Almost no one has studied health."

Olive oil, or 'Liquid Gold' contains natural anti-inflammatory agents which scientific evidence suggests reduce inflammation in autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis, aid in heart health and wards off many chronic diseases.
Olive oil is also well known for it's 'Beauty' secrets. Visit: www.artistrybysandy.com -'Anti Aging' Tricks Of The Trade - Olive Oil Secrets for details.
Jeanne Calment, who holds the record for the longest confirmed lifespan, reportedly attributed her longevity and relatively youthful appearance to olive oil, which she said she poured on all her food and rubbed into her skin.
So, enjoy this healthy oil on everything from salads to cooking meats, fish and vegetables.

Red Wine, a daily glass or two with meals has benefits for inflammation, digestion and your heart.
Regarding red wines, chemical and food experts have known for years that wine contains rich deposits of vitamins, minerals, and natural sugars that are often beneficial to good health. Wine is rich in potassium and low in sodium. Red wines have more of these elements due to the juices longer contact with the grape skins and is rich in Vitamin B which comes from the grape skins as well.
Red wine aids digestion in the production and flow of gastric juices. This facilitates digestion by breaking down the food in the stomach quickly and effectively.
For many persons after the age of 50 the body does not produce enough hydrochloric acid essential for proper digestion. In line with that fact, many health care providers suggest a glass or two of wine with a meal. Wine also may help lower the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer´s disease.

Protein sources for this diet are primarily fish, which is specifically helpful for RA patients. Fish, in particular oily fish like Salmon have anti-inflammatory effects. Protein is lost during the inflammatory process, and high amounts of protein may be protective.
Fish should be the primary sources of protein and some evidence suggests fish oil supplements may be helpful.

Carbohydrate choices should put a high emphasize on fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, beans, and whole grains.
Foods seasoned with fresh garlic and onions are highly recommended.

Of special interest to sufferers of RA is the latest health news. A naturally occurring chemical found in extra-virgin olive oil is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent.

Scientists from the Monell Chemical Senses Center and collaborators state that the named oleocanthal by the researchers is the compound that inhibits activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, a pharmacological action shared by ibuprofen.

This is "significant" because inflammation increasingly is believed to play a key role in a variety of chronic diseases.

Some of the health-related effects of the Mediterranean diet may be due to the natural anti-COX activity of oleocanthal from premium olive oils," observes Monell biologist Gary Beauchamp, PhD.
These findings are described in depth in the September 1st
issue of the journal 'Nature.'

Suggestions: Organic Unfiltered Olive Oil First Cold
Press and Organic Red wine.
Sold in most grocery stores in the Organic section.

"Good Health to You"

A Life Interrupted - Count Your Blessings

'To dream of the person you wish to be is to waste the person you are.'

Certainly everyone dealing with a chronic illness knows the discouragement of an interrupted life. Everyday is a fight; everyday a new challenge.
Not being able to do the things we use to do causes a great deal of frustration and can foster negative feelings as well as isolation.

"The only thing worse than having an incomprehensible, incurable illness is having an incomprehensible, incurable illness in isolation."

To counteract the negative I've found friendships with those who share and understand my illness to be the most supportive.
You may find such friends at a local support group or an online communities like Twitter, Stumbleupon or Facebook. (@SandyGuerriere)

Suffering from RA or chronic disease may cause anxiety about the future, a fear of becoming immobile or dependant on others. Most of us have thoughts like this especially on the BAD days.
Example: Recently I had to use a hammer to unbolt my front door. My hands were too painful to unlock it.
The hammer worked and I got out! I laugh about it today, because it's a GOOD day! (We share that special language don't we?)


Truly, "A Life Interruped" gives us a unique vision. We learn to appreciate what we have, and not worry about what we don't.
Life is a precious gift that holds meaning for us everyday when we count our blessings.

Daily inspiration: My father said, "Live Life on Life's Terms" and work with what you have!


Drug tip: Prednisone has a 'Boomarang' effect when stopped.

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2000/04/01/prednisone/

"Good Health to You"

Red Wine Fights Inflammation

*Red Wine fights inflammation, the diet-inflammation connection has been well established. This is good news for those of us who suffer from autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Studies show drinking a glass of *Red Wine daily along with changes in our diet and lifestyle slow down aging, support a healthy immune system, and decrease chronic inflammation significantly.

Chronic inflammation is caused by many factors including genetics, environment and lifestyle but recent studies prove a connection with diet.
The Western diet promotes inflammation, obesity and has largely contributed to the health crisis we face today.
Red wine and a host of other antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dark chocolate, green tea, and turmeric are a *'line of defense' against inflammation.
In a recent study published in May 2008 (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition) it states, "by selecting foods based on total antioxidant capacity it has a 'marked effect' on decreasing inflammatory markers."

Choose Organic *Red Wine to limit pesticide residue.
Green living trends give us great wines from Organic farms and introduce a variety of wines at affordable prices. You can find many at your local supermarket. One of my favorites is a Pinot Noir from California for $13.00. But, I also enjoy many Italian and French wines. We are individuals so our tastes will vary.
'Line of Defense' - Decrease inflammation when cooking by using a variety of spices and herbs like fresh ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, red pepper, raw onions and garlic.
Add raw garlic last to retain nutritional value.

"Good Health To You"

*If you're taking medications or drug therapies they may conflict with a natural approach so please consult your healthcare professional before the use of alcohol including red wine.


www.jimdowningphotography.com - photo by Jim Downing

Need Support? Time to Reach Out!

Scientists have found that people who have a strong support network can improve their overall health. People who suffer from a chronic illness like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can build their own support networks to include family members, *close friends, coworkers, and health care providers.

Having a wide support group will help ensure you get the emotional, social, spiritual, and physical support you need to better manage your condition.

Unless we let others know what we're dealing with on a daily or weekly basis they won't understand our limitations. We can't sit back and suffer in silence. Speak up and ask for the help you need.
Here are a few examples of how to do this.
Involve your family members in decisions about chores around the house. If you have older children at home teach them how to do simple tasks, such as doing laundry or vacuuming. As an added bonus, children will benefit from knowing they are helping and become self-confident and learn compassion.

Educate friends and coworkers about your chronic illness. If they understand how the condition affects your life they are more likely to be supportive when you need to postpone plans or need help.

The people in our lives who care about us want to know how they can help, but we must learn to reach out to them.

"Good Health To You"

*Photographer - Harley Winborn
Harley is a friend who suffers a chronic illness yet he reaches out to others with cheer and support in spite of his personal battle.
He brightens my day often with email or gifts like the Photo used for this post. Thank you Harley...