Celiac Disease

 

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an inflammatory disease of the upper small intestine caused by intolerance to the gluten affecting many genetically susceptible individual. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, and other similar proteins found in rye, barley and oats. These proteins damage the small finger-like projections (villi) that line the small intestine.When damaged and inflamed, the villi are unable to absorb water and nutrients such as vitamins, folic acid, iron and calcium. This causes the celiac to be susceptible to a variety of other conditions related to malabsorption, including lactose intolerance. Clinical and mucosal recovery after incorporating a gluten free diet is objective evidence that the problem is gluten induced.

Causes and Symptoms

The causes are presently presumed to be:

- Genetic susceptibility to the illness. 

- A trigger, which could be one of:

- An environmental agent, probably a virus or other infection 

- Stress 

- Pregnancy

Possible exposure to gluten as a young baby before the gut barrier has developed fully. This association is currently under investigation.

The timing of the first exposure to gluten is also thought to be important. Babies who were introduced to wheat, barley, or rye at any time in the first three months had five times the risk of developing celiac over those exposed at 4 to 6 months. Those exposed later had a slightly increased risk relative to those exposed at 4-6 months. Celiac disease has many and varied symptoms, and adult symptoms are different from those of children. A range of symptoms and signs may be associated with untreated celiac disease. Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms to affect people of all ages with celiac disease. Children may not gain weight or grow properly, while adults may find they lose weight. Malabsorption may also leave people tired and weak, because of anaemia caused by iron or folate deficiency.

Babies:

chronic diarrhea 

abdominal distension 

poor feeding 

poor weight gain 

muscle wasting.

Children:

chronic diarrhea or constipation vomiting 

poor weight gain or growth 

poor feeding 

irritability 

muscle wasting.

Adults:

chronic diarrhea 

weight loss 

anemia 

weakness 

fatigue 

Additionally, complications, including poor absorption, may occur if the patient continues to eat gluten-containing foods. When the intestinal lining is damaged, patients have difficulty absorbing nutrients.

It has not been determined what triggers this reaction in celiac patients. However, celiac disease is associated with autoimmune disorders, such as lupus. Autoimmune disorders occur when the patient's immune system mistakenly identifies body cells as harmful invaders, such as bacteria. As a result, the immune cells in celiac patients attack the patient's intestinal cells.

Researchers estimate that one out of 133 people in the United States have the disease. Prevalence is even higher, one out of 22 people, among patients who have immediate family members (parent or sibling) who have the disease. This suggests that the disease may be inherited (passed down through families) in some cases.

Individuals can develop the disease at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in patients who are eight to 12 months old or in patients ages 30-40.

Celiac disease can be managed with a gluten-free diet. In general, patients who strictly follow a gluten-free diet can expect to live normal, healthy lives. Symptoms will subside in several weeks and patients will be able to absorb food normally once they avoid eating gluten. A dietician or certified nutritionist may help a patient with celiac disease develop a healthy diet. Patients with celiac disease may also find gluten-free cookbooks to be a helpful resource. Many products, including rice flour and potato flour, can be used as substitutes for gluten.

Gluten-free diet: Patients should avoid all foods that contain gluten. This includes any type of wheat (including farina, graham flour, semolina, and durum), barley, rye, bulgur, Kamut, kasha, matzo meal, spelt, and triticale. Therefore, foods such as bread, cereal, crackers, pasta, cookies, cake, pie, gravy, and sauce should be avoided unless they are labeled as gluten-free.

Many less obvious foods contain gluten. For instance, grains that contain gluten are often used in food additives, such as modified food starch and malt flavoring. Also, some medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins may contain gluten as a binding agent. Lipstick and postage stamps may contain gluten.

Studies have shown that a gluten-free diet may improve iron deficiency (anemia), malnutrition, anxiety, and depression. Some reports exist of mood swings or depression after adopting a gluten free diet, purportedly due to issues relating to dietary adherence. However, the overwhelming body of scientific evidence concludes that a gluten-free diet will reduce these symptoms.

How to avoid gluten: Patients should carefully read the labels of their foods. To help patients identify foods like gluten, the U.S. Congress passed the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA). The law, which went into effect January 1, 2006, requires food manufacturers to clearly state on their packages whether the food is made with any ingredients that contain products derived from milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soybeans. This act also requires the FDA to develop and finalize rules for the use of the term "gluten-free" on product labels by August 2008.

Food products can become cross-contaminated with gluten if they come into contact with gluten. For instance, a knife that was used to cut bread should be washed thoroughly with soap and water before it is used to cut food for a patient with celiac disease. Cross contamination may also occur if bread and vegetables were cut on the same cutting board.

Hidden gluten can be found in some unlikely foods, such as cold cuts, soups, hard candies, soy sauce, and many low or non-fat products (such as licorice and jelly beans). Gluten may also come in forms such as vegetable proteins and starch, modified food starch (when derived from wheat instead of corn), maltodextrin, malt flavoring, and glucose syrup. Many common ingredients contain wheat or barley derivatives.

Patients with celiac disease should always ask about the ingredients in food when dining at a restaurant or someone else's home.

Patients should consult their healthcare providers and pharmacists before taking any drugs, herbs, or supplements because they may contain gluten. Read the labels of cosmetics because some beauty products, such as lipstick, may contain gluten. Use self-adhesive postage stamps because stamps that require moistening may be contaminated with gluten.

Foods that are safe to eat: Today, patients can choose from a wide variety of gluten-free products at grocery stores. There are gluten-free substitutes for many foods and beverages, including cookies and beer. If gluten-free foods are not readily available at the local supermarket, they can be purchased online.

Patients can eat fresh meats, fish, and poultry that are not breaded or marinated. Most dairy products are safe to eat, as well as fruits, vegetables, rice, potatoes, and gluten-free flours that are made from rice, soy, potato, or corn.

Although amaranth, buckwheat, and quinoa are gluten-free when they are grown, they may become contaminated with other grains during harvesting and/or processing. Even though oats may not be harmful for most patients with celiac disease, they are often contaminated with wheat. Therefore, oats should be avoided as a precautionary measure.

Cooking: Patients with celiac disease do not necessarily have to give up their favorite foods because they cannot eat gluten. Substitutes for wheat flour can be used for many recipes. For instance, if a recipe calls for one teaspoon of wheat flour, patients can use 1.5 teaspoon of potato starch, cornstarch, rice flour, or arrowroot starch instead. One cup of wheat flour may be substituted with one cup of fine cornmeal, 3/4 cup of coarse cornmeal, 3/4 cup of rice flour, or 5/8 cup of potato flour. Gluten-free cookbooks are widely available to help patients maintain their quality of life with respect to food.

Gluten-free grains and grain products

Breads: 1 slice or piece Breads, English muffins and bagels ready-made from rice, potato, bean, soy, corn, sorghum, teff or other flours Frozen, gluten-free waffles

Gluten-free pizza crust made from a mix or frozen ready-made H

omemade breads, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, muffins or quick breads made from gluten-free flours

Corn tortillas

Cereals: 1/2 to 1 cup

Cooked cereal made from corn (hominy, grits), rice, pure buckwheat or quinoa

Gluten-free puffed rice

Gluten-free cornflakes, rice flakes, amaranth flakes or other dry cereals.

Snacks: 1 ounce (check label) Crackers or crispbreads made from rice or corn Popcorn, Rice cakes, Pretzels made from gluten-free flours Other: 1/2 to 1 cup

Brown, wild or white rice

Pasta made from rice, corn, amaranth, quinoa or pure buckwheat, Kasha made with pure buckwheat Corn, Quinoa, Flax, Millet

What You Should Avoid:

NO foods that have little or no fiber such as ice cream, cheese, meat, snacks like chips and pizza, and processed foods such as instant mashed potatoes or already-prepared frozen dinners. Too much white flour and refined sugar.

Avoid alcohol and sugar, because they tend to worsen the situation. Too much sugar can rob our body of essential nutrients. Simple carbohydrates from baked goods, pastries, most crackers and cookies must be limited to a very small portion that are gluten free only or completely removed from the diet.

Curb your caffeine. One or two cups of coffee can work to kick you into gear in the morning, but its benefits usually end there. Too much caffeine is just as bad as too much of anything. Drinking it throughout the day for an energy boost can actually backfire.

Reduce Processed and Refined Foods: Avoid fried foods, white pasta, white rice, full fat dairy, white potatoes, white bread (baguettes, bagels, pita).

Processed food can rob your food of nutrients and vitamins that your body needs to fight off stress and promote good health. Try to buy whole foods, unprocessed foods and try and stay away from "instant" foods, preservatives, artificial flavors, saturated fats, refined foods, hydrogenated food and MSG. 

Supplements

Acidophilus: The normal, healthy colon contains "friendly" bacteria (85% lactobacillus and 15% coliform bacteria). It is the friendly bacterial flora found in yogurt and is essential to the digestive system. When these bacteria are not in balance, then the person may experience bloating, flatulence, constipation, and malabsorption of nutrients. Acidophilus taken as a dietary supplement may help to detoxify and to rebuild a balanced intestinal flora. It is used for the prevention of Candida as well as for treatment. Acidophilus aids the digestion and helps to replace the "friendly" intestinal flora.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a unique antioxidant that is both water and fat soluble, which allows it to enter all parts of the cell to neutralize free radicals. Alpha Lipoic Acid contributes to and is important for the production of energy inside the cell by utilizing sugar to produce energy contributing to mental and physical stamina, reducing muscle fatigue and neutralizes free radicals. Alpha Lipoic Acid recycles and enhances the effects of both Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

Calcium and Magnesium can be effective for pain associated with muscle spasms. Take 500 mgs of each, two-three times per day.

A diet that includes Flaxseed, flaxseed oil and fish oils contain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and decrease pain. Omega-3 fatty acids help lower cholesterol, may help reduce the risk of irregular heart rhythms and may also improve certain factors, like high blood pressure. 1000 mg, divided doses 2x/day.

Nutritional supplements such as the combination of Potassium Aspartate and Magnesium Aspartate has shown benefits for those people with poor assimilation in several studies. Usually 1 gram is taken twice per day. Results have been reported within one to two weeks.

A probiotic will fortify your intestinal flora, which are essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. This is key to good health and a strong immune system. Studies have shown that patients who begin a course of probiotics with fiber a few days prior to surgery are less likely to pick up a post-operative infection during their hospital stays. This demonstrates a strong connection between intestinal flora and immune function. The fiber, which provides the friendly bacteria both food and sanctuary, can be as simple as an apple or banana.

Vitamin B deficiency can cause a host of problems. Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is essential to all life and is a component of coenzyme A (CoA), a molecule that is necessary for numerous vital chemical reactions to occur in cells. Traditionally, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) has been used to treat celiac disease, but scientific studies have not been conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this treatment. Human scientific studies are needed before a firm conclusion can be made. Take a liquid blend of B's.

Vitamin K: Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, asparagus, watercress, cabbage, cauliflower, green peas, beans, olives, canola, soybeans, meat, cereals, and dairy products. Although vitamin K deficiency is rare, patients who have celiac disease have an increased risk of developing this condition. Therefore, vitamin K has been suggested as possible treatment for patients with celiac disease. However, there are currently no human studies available on the safety and efficacy of this treatment. 

References

1. Wellness.com/Celiac 

2. Mayo Clinic 

3. Alternative Answers Health Community 

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Posted by: yogiguruji@aol.com

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Empowering Resolutions: Weight Loss Nutrition

 

Good Morning!

This month we will be keeping tabs on your New Years Resolutions, in
order to empower you, help you to stay on track and give you some
great tips for keeping your promise to yourself.

Empowering Resolutions: Weight Loss Nutrition

1. Grapefruit: In a 2004 study at the Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California,
researchers investigated the effect of grapefruit on weight loss and found that
eating half a grapefruit before a meal can help us lose weight. The researchers
studied the effect of grapefruit capsules, grapefruit juice and real grapefruit.
All three seemed to help, but eating the real grapefruit got the best results.
Grapefruits also contains cancer-fighting compounds like liminoids and lycopene,
and red grapefruit has been shown to help lower triglycerides. Half a grapefruit
has only 39 calories. This makes it a great breakfast food, a super snack
between meals or make it a dessert!

2 Sardines: Sardines are high in protein, which helps stabilize blood sugar,
making you feel full and helps stimulate metabolism. They're a great source of
omega-3s, which not only strengthen the cardiovascular system but also are
helpful in boosting mood. Sardines are also free of contaminants, such as
mercury and heavy metals.

3. Pumpkin: is considered one of the greatest weight-loss foods ever. Canned
pumpkin is absolutely loaded with fiber and has only 40 calories. Dozens of
studies show that high fiber intake is associated with a many health benefits,
including weight management. Pumpkin is also among the easiest food in the world
to prepare. You can sweeten it with your favorite low or 0-calorie sweetener,
sprinkle it with blood-sugar-lowering cinnamon and nutmeg for good measure,
throw in some healthy almonds and make it one of the best tasting weight-loss
treats around. It's filling and delicious. Makes a great dessert, snack or side
dish.

4. High-protein diets are associated with weight loss for a variety of reasons:
Protein stimulates metabolism, helps you feel full longer and helps decrease the
desire to overeat. Protein is important because it allows the brain to synthesis
the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which help keep your mind
attentive and alert. Excessive protein levels make the organs of digestion work
much harder to process this food and robs your energy stores. Find the balance
for YOU. Listen to your body! It will tell you what makes you feel good and what
does not. Especially in the long term. Consider these great protein foods such
as lean beef, lean pork, chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, and sardines.

5. Carbohydrates provide glucose for energy. Excessive carbohydrates can
increase blood sugar levels to dangerous levels, which then makes your body shut
down to protect itself. Again, find the balance that is right for YOU. Listen to
your body! It will tell you what makes you feel good and what does not.

6. If you have issues with excess heat, (sweating, red face, red skin,
inflammation) look at eating foods that have a cooling nature. If you have
excess cold (cold fingers, toes, hands, feet, cold abdomen, especially below the
navel), look at eating foods that have a warming nature. Neutral foods help to
regulate our system.

7. Green Tea is a natural weight-loss stimulant and is a great slimming solution
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, promotes heart health, assists digestion and
regulates blood sugar and body temperature. It raises the metabolic rate and
speeds up fat oxidation, and therefore helps people lose weight. Drink it daily
to boost your metabolism. Some research has shown that five cups a day is the
magic number for fat loss. As an added benefit, the theanine in green tea is
also a great natural de-stressor.

8. Apples and Pears are both great foods for boosting metabolism and weight
loss. Apples contain naturally-occurring chemical compounds known as
phytochemicals, polyphenols, or flavonoids, some of which have been proven to
have antioxidant activity that inhibits, or scavenges, the activity of free
radicals in the body. Cell damage from free radicals can be a factor in certain
cancers, heart disease, strokes, and other conditions. The major antioxidant
components in apples are polyphenols contained mainly in the skin known as
quercetin glycoside, phloretin glycoside, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechin.
Water rich fresh fruits such as pears, will dilute the calories in your foods,
so you can eat more and not overdue the calories. This high fiber fruits is
nutritious and keeps the digestive system on track as well as helps to steady
the insulin levels, which is going to prevent fat storage. Overweight women who
ate the equivalent of three small apples or pears a day lost more weight on a
low-calorie diet than women who didn't add fruit to their diet, according to
researchers from the State University of Rio de Janeiro. Fruit eaters also ate
fewer calories overall.

9. Soups are super! According to a Penn State University study, soup is a super
appetite suppressant because it's made up of a hunger-satisfying combination of
liquids and solids. In the study, women chose one of three 270-calorie snacks
before lunch. Women who had chicken and rice soup as a snack consumed an average
of 100 fewer calories than those in the study who opted for a chicken and rice
casserole or the casserole and a glass of water.

10. Low-Fat Yogurt has shown to boost weight loss efforts, according to a study
in the April 2006 issue of Obesity Research. People on a reduced-calorie diet
who included three to four servings of dairy foods lost significantly more
weight than those who ate a low-dairy diet containing the same number of
calories. Low-fat yogurt is a rich source of weight-loss-friendly calcium,
providing about 450 mg (about half the recommended daily allowance for women
ages 19-50) per 8-ounce serving, as well as 12 grams of protein. It includes
calcium, protein and a ton of other nutrients as well as good bacteria for you
digestive tract.

Water should be a very important part of any nutritional program. 6-
8 8 ounces per day. Water allows for the cleansing and hydrating of
the system. It is also filling and a good substitute for soda or
sugar-laden drinks. Although it may seem counterintuitive, drinking
water helps you burn fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water
intake, will cause fat deposits to increase. Without water, the
kidneys cannot effectively filter out the waste products and other
chemicals which build up in the bloodstream and interfere with the
liver's ability to metabolize fat. As a result, you become more
likely to store fat and less likely to burn it.
Ironically, drinking more water is the BEST remedy for water
retention. When your body is low in water, you retain pockets of salt
and water under the skin, as a defense mechanism. For your body does
not know when it will get its next drink. This stored water and salt
under the skin will create a puffiness and looks like fat. Drink
plenty of distilled water or low sodium water and avoid high- sodium
foods.

The FDA recommends limiting your intake of fat to 65 grams per day.
By safely and carefully selecting your foods so that your fat
consumption is about 30 grams per day, you can see a significant
amount of weight loss, depending on your body mass index.

Your body expends a certain amount of calories upon digestion.
Proteins are burned at the highest rate-20-25%, Carbohydrates 8-10%,
and Fats only about 2%. This is known as the Thermic Effect of Food.

This fact cannot be stressed enough: EAT five or six small meals a
day will prevent hunger pangs, provide constant energy, increase your
metabolic efficiency, improving your fat losing abilities and
decrease your risk of heart attack.

Consume lean sources of protein such as skinless white meat poultry
or fish, with fibrous water rich vegetables such as string beans,
tomatoes, cucumbers. Protein shakes or meal replacement bars work
well as one of your small meals. Be aware of the carbohydrates in
most bars and shakes for they can be extremely high. Medium to low
amounts of carbs 2-14 grams a bar is sufficient.

Reducing fat in the diet is an important component of weight loss.
Foods with a high proportion of calories from fat should be
eliminated or limited in the diet; these include red meat, poultry
skins, dark poultry meat, fried foods, butter, margarine, cheese,
milk (except skim milk), junk foods, and most processed foods.
Vegetable oils should also be restricted, as should nuts, seeds, and
avocados (although these foods are healthful for people who have no
weight problem). Instead, the diet should be based on fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, and non-fat dairy products (and low-fat
fish for non-vegetarians).

Hydrogenated oils are very bad, for two reasons. First reason is that
hydrogenated fats are saturated fats, and saturated fats raise total
cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Second reason is that hydrogenation
also produces what are called "trans" fatty acids. Although these are
unsaturated, with one double bond, they act the same as saturated
fats. Some margarines are now available without trans fatty acids,
these are better. a lot of convenience foods are made with
hydrogenated fat, like cookies, crackers, etc. This increases the
shelf life of the product but is bad for human life. Good question.
We need labels that show amounts of trans fat as well as amount of
hydrogenated fat.

A reduction of 25% of total calories will usually promote slow,
steady weight loss. For some, weight loss is easier by changing the
dietary content. By this, I mean reducing carbohydrates by 25%-30%.
In my opinion, for the long-term, it is important not to increase fat
when decreasing carbs. Most people who restrict carbohydrates tend to
maintain the same total daily calories by increasing dietary fat.
Avoid all breads and pastas (flour-containing carbs) and unprocessed
sugars.

Avoid artificial sweeteners and synthetic fat substitutes and the
foods made with them. They are unhealthy and not conducive to the
kind of good eating habits you need to form in order to slim down and
stay that way. Stevia is a natural sweetener that is 300 times
sweeter than sugar but contain NO calories. It is also safe for
people with diabetes and hypoglycemics.

Eating adequate amounts of fiber is believed to be important for
individuals wishing to lose weight. Fiber contains bulk and tends to
produce a sense of fullness, which allows people to consume fewer
calories. However, research on the effect of fiber intake on weight
loss is conflicting. Some studies have shown that supplementation
with a source of fiber accelerated weight loss in individuals who
were following a low-calorie diet. In another study, supplementation
with a bulking agent called glucomannan (1.5 grams before breakfast
and dinner) promoted weight loss in overweight individuals who were
not following a special diet. However, other researchers found that
increasing fiber intake had no effect on body weight, even though it
resulted in a reduction in food intake. Different types of dietary
fiber are available from a variety of sources, and the amount
recommended depends on the kind being used. Individuals wishing to
use a fiber supplement should consult with a nutritionist.

Juice Therapy is an excellent way to get your fruits and vegetable
fresh and in their natural form. Blending fruits and/or vegetables
into a great juice creation or smoothie can be an excellent snack or
meal replacement.

Healing Remedies with Sea Salt

 

Good Morning!

Healing Remedies with Sea Salt

Salt is one of the easiest most affective remedies on the planet! Sea salt, a salt obtained by evaporating seawater, is used in cooking and cosmetics. Its mineral content gives it a different taste from table salt, which is usually sodium chloride refined from mined rock salt (halite), or refined from sea salt. Table salt may contain anti- caking agents and additives such as the dietary supplement iodides. Areas that produce specialized sea salt include the Cayman Islands, France, Ireland, Sicily and Apulia in Italy, and Maine and Cape Cod in the United States.

Salt is essential for life and you cannot live without it. There are enormous differences between the standard, refined table and cooking salt and healthy natural salt. The differences can have a major impact on your health.

Halite crystal (sodium chloride) occurs in seawater, along with other salts of sodium, calcium, magnesium, and other light metals. When seawater evaporates in a closed lagoon, halite and other minerals precipitate out and sink to the bottom as crystals. In this way, great beds of rock salt have been formed. Pure halite is colorless, though it is often colored by impurities. It is soft and breaks (cleaves) into cubes. Halite crystallizes in the isometric (also called cubic) crystal system and when it forms crystals, it generally forms cubes. Its most noticeable and important physical feature is that halite is readily soluble in water. This allows halite to be useful in such varied applications as cooking, food preservation, and chemical production.

Salt can be mined from rock salt either by traditional mining practices using heavy equipment underground, or by pumping hot water in pipes into the salt deposit, where the hot water dissolves the halite. The resulting salt water is then pumped to surface and evaporated to yield salt. This is called "solution mining". In some modern dry salt lakes, a crust of halite can be recovered by simply scraping the salt crust off the lake bottom with bulldozers or scrapers. Ancient rock salt is mined in Michigan, New York, Kansas, and other states. Solution mining is used to recover salt from underground "salt domes" in Louisiana and Texas. Recovery of salt from dry lakes takes place in the deserts of California, Nevada, and Utah.

Table Salt

Table salt is actually 97.5% sodium chloride and 2.5% chemicals such as moisture absorbents, and iodine. Dried at over 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, the excessive heat alters the natural chemical structure of the salt causing the potential for many health problems in your body. Table salt is not recommended in your healing arsenal.

Dead Sea Salt

The mineral content of the Dead Sea is significantly different from that of ocean water, consisting of approximately 53% magnesium chloride, 37% potassium chloride and 8% sodium chloride (common salt) with the remainder comprised of various trace elements. The concentration of sulfate, SO42-, ions is very low, and the bromide ion concentration is the highest of all waters on Earth. Chlorides neutralize most of the calcium ions in the Dead Sea and its surroundings. While in other seas sodium chloride is 97% of the salts, in the Dead Sea the quantity of NaCl is only 12-18%. Comparison between the chemical composition of the Dead Sea to other lakes and oceans show that the salt concentration in the Dead Sea is 31.5% (the salinity fluctuates somewhat). Because of its unusually high concentration of salt, anyone can easily float in the Dead Sea because of natural buoyancy as a result of the higher density of the water.

Celtic Sea Salt

This salt is unparalleled in the world. Less than 1% of the world's salt harvest has the quality of Celtic Sea Salt. Pure, moist, biologically active, and free from any chemicals or additives, this is considered "living sea salt". Celts discovered a way to harvest salt from the ocean using the sun, the wind, and shallow clay ponds. Pristine ocean channels spiral water into the concentrating ponds. The live flowing mixture is carefully stirred by the salt farmer, and dazzling crystals form and are gathered by hand. The ionizing action of the clay, combined with the artisan's skillful method, passed down through generations, enlivens the unique, bioavailable array of trace elements that exist in a perfectly balanced matrix.

Epsom Salts

This salt is a rich source of magnesium. Magnesium helps to regulate the activity of more than 325 enzymes and performs a vital role in orchestrating many bodily functions, from muscle control and electrical impulses to energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins. Epsom Salt also delivers sulfates, which are extremely difficult to get through food but which readily absorb through the skin. Sulfates serve a wide variety of functions in the body, playing a vital role in the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the mucin proteins that line the walls of the digestive tract. Sulfates also stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and are believed to help detoxify the body's residue of medicines and environmental contaminants. Soak in a tub full of hot water with a few cups of Epsom Salts. This is good for relaxing muscles and drawing toxins from the body. When magnesium sulfate is absorbed through the skin, such as in a bath, it draws toxins from the body, sedates the nervous system, reduces swelling, relaxes muscles, is a natural emollient, exfoliator, and much more. Soak for 15-20 minutes.

Himalayan Crystal Salt

Himalayan Crystal Salt is salt in its native form, with all its vibrational energy intact and it helps your body return to a state of balance. Not having balanced electrolytes shifts your body out of homeostasis - the balance of chemicals that is conducive to the body's function. The renowned Frezenius Institute in Europe analyzed the Himalayan Crystal Salt and proved that it has an amazing array of important trace minerals and elements including potassium, calcium and magnesium that help your body achieve balance by restoring fluids and replenishing your supply of electrolytes whenever you sweat heavily.

Salt Water

The healing abilities of salt water are profound and well documented. Salt water is an astringent and speeds wound healing. Floating in sea water is an extreme release of tension and stress of the day. Allow yourself to float weightlessly in the water. You deserve it.

Sea Air

Deep breathing of ocean air helps us to relax and let go. The faint smell of salt in the air can take us to a place of pure joy. Sea air has a certain aliveness found no where else. This deep breathing can help release tension and the problems associated with it.

Thalassotherapy (from the Greek word thalassos, meaning "sea") is the medical use of seawater. The properties of seawater are believed to have beneficial effects upon the pores of the skin. Thalassotherapy was developed in seaside towns in France during the 19th century. Trace elements of magnesium, potassium, calcium sulphates and sodium, found in seawater, are believed to be absorbed through the skin. The therapy is applied in various forms, as either showers of warmed seawater, application of marine mud or of algae paste, or the inhalation of sea fog. Spas make hot seawater and provide mud- and seaweed wrapping services available.

Healing Salt Remedies

Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses that continues for weeks, months, or even years. Allergies are the most common cause of chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis can persist even after antibiotics are given. It's the most frequently reported chronic disease.

Acute sinusitis occurs when bacteria invade the sinus cavities and impair proper drainage of mucus from the sinuses to the nose. Chronic inflammation of the nasal passages or rhinitis also can lead to sinusitis. Allergic rhinitis or hay fever is the most common cause of chronic sinusitis and is a frequent cause of acute sinusitis.

The common cold is the most prevalent predisposing factor to sinusitis. Acute sinusitis typically causes symptoms of nasal congestion and a thick yellow or green discharge. Other symptoms include tenderness and pain over the sinuses, frontal headaches, and sometimes chills, fever, and pressure in the area of the sinuses.

Entering bacteria gets trapped and filtered out by mucus and minute nasal hairs called cilia. This air-flow system can sometimes slow down when something impedes the cilia, if a cold clogs the sinus openings, or if an allergen swells the sinus linings. Then air gets trapped, pressure builds, the mucus stagnates, and bacteria breed. Infection sets in and you have sinusitis. When you get clogged up, you may end up with a permanent thickening of the sinus membranes and chronic congestion.

Sinus Wash

Flush out nasal secretions. Mix 1 teaspoon of non-iodized salt or sea salt with 2 cups of warm water and a pinch of baking soda. Pour it into a shot glass, tilt your head back, close one nostril with your thumb, and sniff the solution with the open nostril. Then blow your nose gently. Repeat on the other side.

An Ayurvedic solution, similar to this is done in the same manner with a Neti Pot. It looks similar to a tea pot, but with a longer, narrower spout for the nostrils. These can be found in most health food stores.

A cup or handful of water in your hand or neti pot is a wonderful cleansing therapy. Slowly inhale the salt water into your nose to cleanse your sinus and open up the air passages. Over the counter nasal washes (not nasal sprays) are available. The simplest form is a non iodized salt water spray.

Mouth Care

The tissues in the mouth can benefit greatly from sea salt.

For bleeding gums - make a paste of 1 tsp. baking soda to 1/2 tsp. sea salt...brush with this mixture 3 times per day instead of the toothpaste. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil.

Gargle with warm salt water a few times a day to relieve a sore throat, mouth sores or canker sores.

Sea Salt Baths and Scrubs

Sea Salt Scrubs

1. Take a handful of Sea Salt 

2. Moisten it into the bath water.. and 

3. Gently scrub whole body in circular motion until all the body is scrubbed.

4. Pay extra attention to your feet 

5. Rinse with cool clear water

Sea Salt Bath

Dead Sea Salt - 1 cups 

Sea Salt - 2 1/2 cups 

2 TBSP of Ground Sea Weed

1 TBSP cup of Oatmeal

1 TBSP of Kelp

2 TBSP cup of Baking Soda

1 TBSP - Vegetable Glycerin

1-2 tsp of EO Blend of Choice 

Thoroughly Mix all dry ingredients, then drizzle Glycerin and EO's over them. Mix them well and store in an air tight container for several days prior to use. Mix well.

Add 1/4 cup or more under running water. Light a candle or incense and Enjoy.

Detox Bath

Fill the tub with water 

1/2 cup sea salt 

1/2 cup of baking soda 

1/2 cup of Epsom salt 

1/2 cup of peroxide 

1 cup of apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon of oregano oil 

Add to bath water, stir until dissolved. Bath in water for at least 20 minutes

Feng Shui Detoxification Bath

2 Cups Sea Salt 

2 Cups Baking Soda 

4 Tbsp. Ginger Powder 

Place all ingredients in a hot bath and bathe for 20 Minutes Drink plenty of water. This bath withdraws impurities from your body and helps you to feel better. This bath can be done 2 to 3 times in a week or as needed.

Sea Salt Foot Scrub

1/2 Cup Sea Salt 

1/2 Cup Epsom Salt 

1/2 Cup baking soda 

1 Cup Oil of grape seed oil 

15 drops Peppermint Oil 

Homemade Exfoliator

Mix 1/8 cup of olive oil 

1 heaping tablespoon of sea salt 

Use on knees and elbows in the shower and rinse off. Pat dry with a soft towel.

Negative Energy and Sea Salt

Cleansing with sea salt is a safe and effective way to clear any space of negative energy. Sea salt is obtained by evaporating seawater. Salt occurs naturally in many parts of the world as the mineral halite and as mixed evaporates in salt lakes. Underground salt deposits are found in both bedded sedimentary layers and domal deposits.

Energy in itself, is the vital source, which radiates from everything and everyone around us. When we are ill, emotionally upset, angered or imbalanced, our moods and of course, our energy is altered. Coming in contact with energy that is negative can often be sensed, even felt. The result is often a feeling of uneasiness, confusion or an opposed feeling to our current state of mind.

Cleansing with sea salt or rock salt is preferred over iodized, processed table salt.

Cleansing a room with salt can be done by placing salt in small bowls and placing them in the 4 corners for 24 hours. Take two teaspoons of sea salt and dissolve it into some warm water. Pour it into a mister or spray bottle and spray it where ever you need cleansing.

Cleansing yourself of negative vibs can be done by misting yourself for an overall clearing. Draw a bath. As the hot water is filling the tube, add two or more tablespoons of sea salt to the running water and stir it so it dissolves in the tube. Relax in your bath for 15-20 minutes.

Cleansing your crystals can be done by placing a teaspoon of sea salt into a bowl of luke warm water. Make sure the salt is dissolved, then place your crystals in the water for twenty four hours.

Adding herbs or essential oils to sea salt can give an added bonus to cleansing. Herbs such as lavender, sandalwood, tea tree, thyme, rosemary are all good compliments. When using herbs, place them in the salt and shake the salt in a closed container. This bruises the herbs and allows its essential oils to incorporate into the salt matrix. When using essential oils, add a few drops to salt and then stir or shake the salt in order to mix them well.