A Dream In The Making

Hey Everyone!
It is with great excitement that I come to you today; as with much thought and sleepiness nights I have finally decided the path I wish to take as a career.  As a naturopathic physician; I want to help others achieve the same healing that I received through this lifestyle.  I wish to educate myself as much as I can; In order to better provide and care for my future patients.  With this said; I have a goal to take a course this spring in Florida and receive certification as a detoxification specialist to begin my career.  Along with hard work; I am reaching out to my friends on my channel and blog for help.  Please don't feel as though money must be given; I welcome all forms of encouragement from advice to helpful suggestions.  I greatly appreciate any contribution; and I look forward to helping others in the future! :) -Bri

http://www.youcaring.com/tuition-fundraiser/help-me-pursue-a-career-helping-others-/297987

Staying Healthy In Times Of Trial

Tears. Heartache. Food.

         

 For anyone that Is human, a quick fix that we often turn to in times of distress is food: Typically comfort food.  

What is comfort food?  Besides the typical mac n' cheese, lasagna, and greasy goodies, It is usually the food we grew up with, it has ties with us emotionally that remind us of mama, summer cookouts, and cold winter nights by the fire.  We often turn to these foods because of how it makes us feel emotionally.  When were sad, we want something that will make us happy, and this often comes at the expense of our health. 

As a fruitarian, I eat as clean as I believe possible through a diet of fresh raw organic fruits.  However as a human, I also experience the obstacles and hardships we all as people face in life. 

Recently, if I'm honest, life has been more harsh then could be wished.  Because of painful circumstances, I've lost contact with a family member that should have been a part of my life.  Two close family friends were killed in an tragic accident that could have been avoided.  Money problems.  Stress about ones future.  We all face these things, but it's how we deal with it that will make the difference towards a successful outcome. 

So what are some ways that we can release the stress caused by the hurdles we face in life?  Most importantly, how can we come to terms and discharge these feelings in peace without compromising our precious health? 

Here are a few ways that have helped me during times of great trial and sadness:

TALK TO SOMEONE!  Be it a family member or friend that you trust, a counselor, or even a pet (They make great listeners), talk to someone about your circumstances and how they are making you feel.  It may sound cliche, but I've found that talking to someone not only relieves much of the stress your carrying, but it also opens you up to receiving some very good advice from others who have gone through the same thing.  When you hold your emotions inside, not only will you continue to be unhappy, others will see and experience the effects of your unhappiness as well.  Take it from me!  So grab your nearest furry or human pal, and take comfort in knowing that you are on your way to peace again.

Use Your Spirituality!  No I'm not only talking about a specific religion. Whether through prayer, meditation, or something that opens your heart, take time to do something that connects you with your inner being.  Pierre Teilhard de Chardin stated that "We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience."  With this in mind, sometimes taking time to reconnect with our spiritual selves by spending time in peaceful practice is exactly what we need to stay grounded through stressful experiences.  So take time each day, however small, to take care and reconnect with you.  You'll be glad you did!

Exercise!  Be it running, yoga, swimming, biking or even lifting weights, exercise is proven to not only reduce stress, but increase self esteem as well.  I can attest to this because as an avid runner, I notice not only improved fitness levels but reduced stress from school and the daily trials of life.  So the Next Time Your Feeling Blue, throw on those running shoes and pull out the yoga mat, and you'll be on your way to the healthier happier you! :)

Find a hobby!  I personally love photography, so whenever I'm feeling down and in need of inspiration, I take a visit to the great outdoors with my camera, and this brings me happiness.  Gardening is another activity shown to reduce stress.  If your looking for something to do to relax that also brings beauty to your lawn, then this hobby may be for you.  Whatever you enjoy doing, try to make time each day or several days a week to do so.  Taking time for yourself is important, especially when its doing something you love! :)

Visit the Spa or create your own!  The spa is a great way to relax away the stress in your life.  Getting a facial, massage, and treating yourself to a makeover is a great way for us ladies to take a break from the stress in our lives.  If you can't afford the spa, as many of us can not, try filling a bath with warm water, and add in 1/2 cup of bentonite clay, 1/2 dichotomous earth, 1 cup of Himalayan pink salt, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil.  This is not only great for your skin, but very relaxing as well.  You can also mix your leftover bentonite clay with water to form a paste, use this on your face as a detoxifying facial to pull toxins and clear the skin.

So the next time your feeling down, and the donuts are calling your name, try a few of these helpful knickknacks first.  They will not only reduce the stress you have, but they will benefit your health as well! :)

Take Care! -Bri

How One Woman Changed My Whole Mind Set

Hey Everyone!  

I thought I would share something with you that really inspired me and opened my heart and eyes today.  Driving through Erie, I saw a homeless woman holding a sign saying she had lost everything.  It was  bitter cold and she looked freezing.  Initially I was skeptical, "she must be a drug addict" is the first thing that came to my mind.  With that in mind I drove right past her without blinking an eye.  Then a thought hit me.  Just because of a stereotypical belief towards the homeless was I going to pass this woman by?  Did I even have to give her money, or would a simple act of kindness inspire her to get back on her feet, knowing that there were still people who care?  With this in mind I turned around and sped toward the nearest walmart and wegmans.  I grabbed everything I thought I would want if i were in need: fruit; sandwiches, rinks, hygienic products, warm clothes, whatever.  I packed this all into a carry on bag I had in my trunk, and drove towards where she was huddling on the sidewalk.  As i got out of the car with the bag and walked towards her, I can not even express the look on this woman's face.  She was in tears and as I gave her a hug she asked me why I was doing this.  I told her that I have been through difficult situations in my life and wouldn't have made it through ha it not been for those who were willing to help me.  I was just passing on the kindness I know I woul want to receive.  As I rove away, the immense feeling of happiness I received from this experience seemed to overtake me.  I'm not sharing this to pat myself on the back or to portray myself as some sort of saint, because I have passed these people by countless times before.  I wanted to share this because I feel if we all took the time to do something small for those in need; even something as small as a hug and encouragement that everything will be alright, It will not only make a difference for those we help, but it will change an open our hearts as well.  I asked God to allow another opportunity such as this to happen again, because it was truly one of the best experiences he has ever blessed me with. This truly inspired me, and I hope it inspires you as well.  Hugs! -Bri :)

You Are What You Eat

Hey guys!
With summer on the way, fresh organic fruits are too! Delicious fruit gives the body the proper balance of nutrients it needs to allow it to detoxify all the toxins and garbage built up over years of poor diet, polluted environment, Big Pharma drugs and needles, genetically modified what?!, and gracious knows what else. Your body uses what you give it to build new cells, literally becoming what you eat!  Are you feeding it alive raw foods or dead animal products?  Next time you visit the grocery store, pick up a few of Nature's beauties listed below :)

Apples!  Delicious and crunchy apples are one of the popular fruits that contain an impressive list of essential nutrients, which are required for normal growth and development and overall nutritional well-being.  Apples are low in calories; 100 g of fresh fruit slices provide only 50 calories (not that i'm counting!).  The fruits contain no saturated fats or cholesterol, and are rich in dietary fiber, which helps prevent dietary LDL cholesterol in the gut.  The dietary fibers also help protect the mucous membrane of the colon from exposure to toxic substances by binding to cancer causing chemicals in the colon.  Apples contain ample quantities of vitamin C and beta carotene.  Apple fruit is also rich in antioxidant phyto-nutrients flavonoids and polyphenols.  In fact, the total measured anti-oxidant strength (ORAC) of 100 g of apples is 5900 TE.  Some of the major flavonoids in apples are quercetin, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2.  Apples are also good in tartaric acid that gives tart flavor to them. These compounds aid the body in the the removal of free radicals.  In addition to all these benefits, apples are a good source of B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, thiamin, and pyridoxine.  Together, these vitamins help as co-factors for enzymes in metabolism as well as in various synthetic functions inside the body.  Apple fruit also contains small amounts of minerals like potassium, phosphorus, and calcium.  Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure; thus counters the bad influences of sodium.  Grab some apples today!

Berries!  Fresh berries are packed with numerous plant nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fibers that are essential for optimum health.  Berries have significantly high amounts of phenolic flavonoid phytochemicals such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid, quercetin, gallic acid, cyanidins, pelargonidins, catechins, kaempferol and salicylic acid.  Scientific studies show that these antioidant compounds may have potential health benefits against cancer, aging, inflammation, and neurological diseases.  Fresh berries are an excellent source of vitamin c, which is a powerful natural antioxidant.  Consumption of fruits rich in vitamin c helps rid the body of inflammation and scavenge harmful free radicals from the body.  Delicious Berries contain adequate levels of vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K.  In addition, they are rich in many other health promoting flavonoid poly-phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin and B-carotene.  Altogether, these compounds act as a protective and cleansing source of nutrition.

Grapefruit!  Delicious grapefruit is rich in dietary insoluble fiber pectin, which by acting as bulk laxative helps to protect and detoxify the colon mucous membrane by removing toxic substances and cancer causing chemicals in the colon.  Pectin has been shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels by decreasing re-absorption of cholesterol binding bile acids in the colon.  The fruit contains high amounts of vitamins A, and flavonoid antioxidants such as naringenin, beta-carotene, xanthin and lutein.  Studies suggest that these compounds have antioxidant properties and are essential for vision.Consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamin  and flavonoids helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.  It is also a great source of antioxidant vitamin C, which helps maintain normal connective tissue as well as wound healing.  It also facilitates dietary iron absorption from the intestine.  Fresh fruit is very rich in potassium.  Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure through countering sodium effects.  Red varieties of grapefruits are especially rich in the most powerful flavonoid antioxidant, lycopene.  Studies have shown that lycopene protects skin damage from UV rays, and offers protection against prostate cancer. Grapefruit also contains B complex vitamins such as folates, riboflavin, pyridoxine, and thiamin in addition to some resourceful minerals such as iron, calium, copper, and phosphorus.  


So the next time you visit your local supermarket, farmers market, or produce hot-spot, don't forget to pick up a few of these delicious (and nutritious) fruits.  Your body will thank you!

Hugs,
-Bri

Total corruption: Drug companies bought their way onto FDA advisory panels

Total corruption: Drug companies bought their way onto FDA advisory panels