A Re-Mick's in the Fog

(First posted October 11, 2011)


Have you felt like you’re not as sharp as you used to be? Do you feel fatigued? Are you wondering why you’re in slow-motion, while the world is moving faster than ever?

You might be dealing with Brain Fog.

Some of the symptoms of Brain Fog are (Brain Fog is Real and is a Common Symptom - by Lisa Cruz):

• Lack of focus
• Forgetfulness
• Loss of mental acuity
• Decreased mental stamina
• Decrease in creativity
• Confusion
• Lack of spatial awareness
• Absentmindedness or spaciness
• Decreased attention span
• Decreased short term memory
• Difficulty finding words

What can cause it?

Dr. Lawrence Wilson defines Brain Fog as “feelings of mental confusion or lack of mental clarity.” (BRAIN FOG by Lawrence Wilson, MD) He goes on to say nutrition and lifestyle are the beginning of the solution to the problem of Brain Fog, which has many causes.

Toxicity is one of the main causes. We are bombarded by toxins every day, everywhere we turn. Heavy metal toxicity not only causes Brain Fog, but it can also produce other chronic conditions such as Autism, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Depression, Multiple Sclerosis, and a host of other serious disorders.

What can you do about it?

Getting regular chiropractic care to keep the signal passages clear from the brain to the rest of the body… getting exercise to increase oxygen… getting the right nutrients in your body… and getting away from toxins as much as possible… if all working together, will help to clear up brain fog. (Again, it’s the simple lifestyle of incorporating the idea of 5 Essentials for healthy living.)

The way my family has decided to deal with toxins in the body is with a product called Daily Detox. I am not advertising. I don’t get any kick-backs by telling you about it. There are other products out there, and maybe there are even some very similar to it, but I’m just letting you know what I found out about this one. It’s not a periodic cleanse. It’s not a fad. It’s not a fast. The product has recently changed a little bit, with the inclusion of a new manufacturer, however the idea of it is that it includes a vitamin B complex and a glutathione enhancer (the most powerful antioxidant naturally produced in the body) to give your body’s natural detoxing system a boost (using such ingredients as milk thistle). With this detox system, the toxins are drawn from the cells… and as a side note, proper nutrition allows for healthy cell walls to have a more efficient process of getting bad things out and good things in. So it’s a cleanse at the cellular level. It also has activated carbon, which acts as a magnet, drawing toxins to it. Then, since the body cannot process it, the carbon and the toxins are totally eliminated from the body.
When toxins are eliminated, your body can start to heal, and your thinking can become clearer.

Depending on the toxicity and acidity levels of the body, the healing process will happen at different rates for different people. It’s a process, so be patient. If you’re really serious about healing, be sure to improve everything together: attitude, nutrition, exercise, spine/nerve system care, while working on decreasing toxicity.

I’ve seen it happen! I’ve witnessed Brain Fog clear up! It is possible! My husband can testify to it!

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. The fog can lift!

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober,
set your hope on the grace to be brought to you
when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”
1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)

~

The Toxicity in a Mick’s up of Deficiency

“When you're feeling down, help someone else, volunteer, and give (time, talents, energy).

It's harder to be sad when you are serving!”

Kimberly Roberto

The holidays are supposed to be a happy time.  However, some of our friends and neighbors are dealing with more than we realize.  There are sicknesses, hurts, sadness, and depression.  A sermon I heard this week mentions the pain some feel during this time.  That reminds me to pray for the hurting people in the world, especially to remember to stop my celebrating long enough to look beyond myself to others around me.

It’s no fair feeling down during a season of joy, but it’s a reality for some of us.  If you find yourself getting this way, try some of the precautions mentioned in “Is Your Food Stressing You Out?”  Dr. Eric Slead and Dr. Justin Moseley point out some deficiencies that are most likely part of the cause:

• Increase your protein intake.  “Protein-rich foods contain… alertness chemicals… like beans, chicken, and lean grass-fed beef.”
• Increase your Vitamin D3 intake, because “Vitamin D levels are very low in those who suffer from depression and heart disease.”  The reason for a Vitamin D3 supplement is “Vitamin D levels are linked to melatonin levels.  Melatonin is secreted as we sleep normally and increases during seasonal changes in daylight.  Melatonin increases appetite, decreases alertness, and affects mood.”
• Increase your Essential Fatty Acids, such as your omegas.  “Proper balance of these fatty acids matters for both physical and mental health.  The deficit of omega-3 fatty acids is linked to depression.”  Kimberly Roberto adds, “Perfect Ratio Omega improves brain function, helps fight depression, stabilizes blood sugar, and lowers blood pressure.”
• Increase your number of chiropractic adjustments.  “The physiological impact, the relief of nerve stress, and the subsequent relaxation of muscles and associated organs makes a Chiropractic adjustment not only a great way to reduce stress short term, but long term allows your body to live in a state of health.”

Granted, this looks like I’m belittling the severity of these feelings.  Please understand I am not. 

The truth is…
For some of us, it’s more than just a mood.  There are people dealing with a more serious issue, namely depression.  Mark Hyman, MD states in his article Why Antidepressants Don't Work for Treating Depression, “Depression is among the most common problems seen in primary-care medicine and soon will be the second leading cause of disability in this country. ”  He adds some items to the above deficiencies list to treat depression without drugs: 

• Decrease inflammatories in your diet.
• Be aware of thyroid issues (Ask your chiropractor how hypothyroidism can be handled through a change in lifestyle.)
• Increase the right B vitamins!
• Watch for toxicity, specifically mercury.
• Exercise!!!

Want more information to fight depression?  Watch the archived "Depression Revealed" Webinar with Gwen Olsen.  She is a former drug rep, who speaks out with shocking statistics about depression.

I hope this is helpful for you and your loved ones, who might be fighting emotional darkness this Christmas. I’ll be praying for you and for all those who feel there is no way out.  Look to the Lord.  Talk to Him.  He’ll listen and love you at all times.

Praise the LORD,…

who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion

Psalm 103:1,4 (NIV)

~

Mick's up on Toxicity

Why in the world should anyone consider detox? 

My husband and I used to think all the talk about toxins was a new fad.  It wasn't until we did some research, and were seriously looking for some answers and a solution for his chronic pain, that our eyes were opened, and we began to understand.

All I can say is, if you are in that same spot, wondering why you have to deal with what you're dealing with, and wishing for a way out, this might be the time for you to do some research.

If you have any of the following problems, you might have an issue with toxicity.

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Eyelid, face, or muscle twitching
• Digestive issues
• Dizziness
• Irritability
• Muscle and joint pain
• Sensitivity to sound
• Inability to concentrate (“brain fog”)
• Hormone deregulation
• Cold hands and feet
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Sleep problems
• Overweight and weight-loss resistant

If you're thinking, "Yes, I need to find out more," then read the post on Mick's Sum up for Week and read more at Maximized Living.

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

1 Chronicles 4:10 (NIV)

~

What a Mick’s up on Coffee

Here’s a formula for you:
1 c coffee = 17 glasses of water to bring down acidity


Our bodies need to be neutral or alkaline to keep healthy, but a lot of what we like to eat and drink makes us more acidic.
 
“It now turns out that we have a better shot at long-term health if our body's pH is neutral or slightly alkaline.  When we tilt toward greater acidity, which can be measured easily, we have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis, weak muscles, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and a host of other health problems.  Long term, excess acidity leads to thinner bones and lower muscle mass, points out Anthony Sebastian, M.D., of the University of California, San Francisco.  These problems are compounded by normal aging, which increases acidosis, bone loss, and muscle wasting…. Low magnesium levels can cause muscle cramps, arrhythmias, and anxiety.” (The pH Nutrition Guide to Acid / Alkaline Balance)

“If you drank one cup of regular coffee it would take 17 glasses of water taken immediately after, to bring your ph level back to alkaline. Disease cannot start in an alkaline environment.” (Java Joan)

Java Joan also says “drinking healthy coffee keeps your PH in alkaline.”  She goes on to talk about healthy coffee having “over 150 antioxidants and 200 nutrients” in one cup, which would be like eating 8 large oranges… and it “neutralizes the effects of caffeine in your system.” 


My husband insists the coffee we sold at our coffee shop years ago (and actually still purchase) is low in acidity compared to most coffees.  Interested?  Buy from Kaldi!

What’s one reason we consume coffee?  Caffeine! 

We tend to work so hard that we don’t get enough sleep, like the Psalmist says, “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling….”  Then we think we need caffeine to keep us awake.  So out come the acidic beverages and sugars. 

Hmmmm…  What do you think?  Continue the toxic intake of acid… or limit the intake, change your sleep/work patterns, and increase the alkaline food intake?  It’s your choice.

In vain you rise early and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—

for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Psalm 127:2 (NIV)

~

It's a Mick's up

I like patterns and consistency.  So, Mick’s up Life is designed to follow a pattern.  You’ve probably already noticed it, but in case you haven’t, I’ll list it out.  This might make it easier for you to follow where I’m going with each week’s posts.

---

 

Monday – Inspirational, Encouragement, Limiting Beliefs, Goal Setting, Maximized Mind
Tuesday – Chiropractic Care, Spine Health, Maximized Nerve Supply
Wednesday – Food, Grocery Shopping, Meals, Maximized Nutrition
Thursday – Exercise, Workouts, Maximized Oxygen & Lean Muscle
Friday – Toxicity, Environment, Minimize Toxins

---

 

So, in honor of the Friday topic, I want to point out the fact that we need to be aware of toxins beyond chemical and environmental. We must also beware of toxins of the mind.  Yes, this touches on the Monday topic of building up the mind.  However, in light of events happening in recent days, we must realize that taking in too much news from the radio and TV can be hazardous to our health.

That is not to say all journalists and people in the news business are doing bad things.  I have some close family and friends in those careers.  There are others, however, who glamorize negativity, and sometimes the media gets carried away. If we allow ourselves to get caught up in it, then we risk adding unnecessary stress to our lives.

Granted, my husband and I tend the other extreme, and don’t watch any news or TV, and we rarely listen to live radio.  I’m not saying this extreme is totally healthy, either, but at least that’s one less stress in our lives.

On that note, find some peaceful time to spend with your family this weekend. Turn off the TV.  Play DJ, and spin your own hits, instead of getting live feed on the radio.  Read a good book… maybe even as a family.  Better yet, read the Bible.  You can’t find any better peace than that found when cradled in the arms of God’s love.  Enjoy!

How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”

Isaiah 52:7 (NIV)

~

Mick’s in Pain

What do you do for pain?

All this mountain climbing and vacuuming is making me a bit sore.  How about you?

What do you do for minor aches and pains?  Do you take ibuprofen or aspirin, etc., or do you prefer the more natural way with blueberries, bromelain, etc.?

Even though there is research trying to link ibuprofen and Alzheimer’s in a good way, there is still danger.  “Ibuprofen may cause life-threatening heart or circulation problems such as heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term.” (Drugs.com) … Plus…  “Long-term use of NSAIDs carries a risk of gastrointestinal problems.” (US News Health Buzz)

What are some of those GI problems?

“Internal bleeding may be caused as a side effect of medications (most often from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin) and alcohol.  These substances can cause inflammation and bleeding of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, the first part of the small intestine as it leaves the stomach.” (MedicineNet.com)

“According to a new study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the use of low-dose aspirin increases the risk for GI bleeding, with the risk being increased further with accompanying use of cardiovascular disease-preventing therapies, such as clopidogrel and anticoagulants.  In patients who took proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), bleeding risk decreased.” (Science Daily via EurekAlert!)

“It is estimated that approximately 120,000 people are hospitalized each year with gastrointestinal bleeding due to NSAID use.  Conservative estimates are that 16,500 die as a result.” (Jeff Sargent on Natural Health Informer)

I used to take ibuprofen on a regular basis, but I am surprised and very glad to be able to say I haven’t taken any ibuprofen (nor cold meds) for a year!  It’s an amazing process:  change what you put into your body (such as sugar, grains/flour, bad oils, etc., which cause inflammation and toxicity), and eventually you can cut out some of the other things you used to feel like you had to put into your body (toxins, like pain relievers, allergy medicines, etc.).  Some people refer to the bad stuff as man-made foods and the good stuff as God foods.  I like that.  It’s a good reminder.

Which would you rather do… be uncomfortable for a little while, as you change your intake… or… risk your health for some temporary relief?  I think I know which one your family would choose for you.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do,

do it all for the glory of God. “

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

~

Mick’s Sum-up for the Week

Toxins come from everywhere, basically.  When we’re not careful about what we’re choosing, then it seems almost hopeless.  We get bombarded from all directions.

I want you to understand, for your sake and the sake of your family, that you do have a choice!  You can strive to do all you can to keep the common cold, chronic illnesses, heart disease, and cancer out of your family… with success.

If it’s difficult to imagine how these actions now can affect future health as seriously as that, then maybe this will speak to you a bit more loudly.  Getting toxins out of your body can help you get rid of pounds and body fat that is holding on so tightly!

Your body knows toxins are bad for your organs, and so it tries to protect your organs with body fat.  Weird, huh?  So, in a sense, body fat is a good thing.  Well... sort of.  It’s a good thing, because it’s acting as protection for survival.  It’s a bad thing, because it means you have toxins in your body.  Hmmmm…  yuck!

One thing I can say about it, though, is that my husband and I found out it’s true… and the right detox works!  It’s an amazing transformation!  Once your body can get rid of toxins, it feels free to let go of the body fat, and you feel healthier, because you are healthier… and as a bonus, you trim down!  Wow!

If you don’t believe me, you might believe the article Detox to Loose Weight by Walter Crinnion in The Vitamin Shoppe’s magazine “Amazing Wellness.”  The detox I mentioned as a recommended choice is Daily Detox.  However, this article lays out a detox system for you to put together yourself at home, too.

So, what’s the summary of the week?

Remember to read the ingredients list on everything!  Watch out for those toxins!  Don’t be fooled!

Warning: 
It seems ironic that the ingredients in some products of companies supporting cancer awareness are actually toxic ingredients, as is addressed in the articles Susan G. Komen for the Cure Isn’t Curing Anything by Amy of the blog “Just West of Crunchy” and Pinkwashing: What’s Wrong with “Think Pink” and Breast Cancer Awareness Month by Susan Melgren in “Natural Home & Garden.”

Some more articles to help you watch for toxins:
Oral Report by Lisa Turner
Save Your Skin by Sherrie Strausfogel
Better With Age – A Tip for Every Day of the Month by Lisa Turner
Toxicity Data by Maximized Living
'Natural' breakfast cereals loaded with pesticides and GMOs by Mike Adams, Health Ranger
 
 

“Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed,
and the ears of those who hear will listen.
The fearful heart will know and understand,
and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear.
No longer will the fool be called noble
nor the scoundrel be highly respected.”

Isaiah 32:3-5 (NIV)

 

~

It’s a Mick's of Toxins

With all this talk of toxins, you may be wondering, “Where do we find toxins and why are they everywhere?”

It’s crazy.  I never used to worry about this stuff.  I thought only "extremists" got hung up on avoiding everything “normal.”  I had no desire to be part of that life.

Then I started thinking beyond myself.

It finally hit me.  Why do I want to be selfish and not change my lifestyle to make a healthier family?  Why do I want to curse my children and my husband with unhealthy living, just so I don’t have to go out of my comfort zone?

I love my family more than that!

So, I took a deep breath, and dove in.

I really dove in!  I chose to stop buying anything now considered “junk food” by the new definition.  All recipes were altered to follow guidelines I was given, and really yummy new recipes jumped to the top of the list of favorites.  The kitchen got emptied of its toxic items:  food and hardware.  Ingredient lists were read on EVERYTHING, and the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room were filled with new healthy choices.

Shopping and cooking took a bit longer in those first days (and months).  OK, more than a bit… but it had become a decision as serious as life or death.  Do I want to make things easier on me, at the risk of filling my  husband with toxins, killing him slowly, and possibly leading him into a life of torture with such illnesses as Alzheimer’s Disease?  Do I want to teach my children to live in such a way that would increase their risks of suffering from heart disease or cancer?

Simply, the answer to all of that is, “NO!”

I still don’t consider us extremists or nutcases.  We simply look at ingredients of all things we purchase, and do our best to minimize the toxins we allow into our home and our bodies.
What kinds of things do we look for, and what can we normal, ordinary, every-day families do about it? 

The Toxic Top 10 is a great reference, for example:

• Cleaning/Personal Care Products:  When considering ingredients, if you can’t eat it, don’t use it.
  
• Pesticides and Herbicides:  Follow the list of Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen
  
• Meats/Protein:  There are so many hormones and antibiotics injected into our food sources these days, and there are many harmful effects.  We look for grass-fed beef, raw-milk products, free-range poultry and eggs, and we avoid pork.  A great source is:  Beyond Organic
  
• Preservatives/Additives/Rancid Fats/etc.
  • Neurotoxins/Excitotoxins: We do not consume any product with any artificial/chemical sweetener, such as sucralose/splenda, aspartame, saccharin, ace-k, neotame, nor with MSG (see next bullet).
    
  • MSG: There are many products with this in it. Many of you already know the effects MSG can have on a body, because you’re already suffering from such things as headaches. Other MSG-containing ingredients to look out for are yeast extract, torula yeast, autolyzed or hydrolyzed vegetable proteins.  Mike Adams has a book to help you look for the things to avoid in the grocery store. Pick up a copy of Grocery Warning System to fill your grocery cart with healing foods, and stop being one of the 95% of Americans who fill their carts with ingredients known to cause cancer!
    
  • Sugar:  We stay away from buying foods with sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and we go so far as to stay away from even natural ones (to keep inflammation down as much as possible), such as evaporated cane juice, rice syrup, barley malt, honey, and agave nectar (although we sometimes splurge with allowing agave-sweetened foods or honey).  We can choose alternatives for our Sweeteners.
    
  • Rancid Fats/Oils:  Mark’s Daily Apple touches on what to avoid.
  
  
• Pots and Pans:  We threw out our Teflon and other unsafe non-stick kitchen items.
  
• Environment/Biotoxins/Molds:  Check around your house, and keep it as safe as possible.  Fight off toxins with a detox for your body, like the one my family uses:  Daily Detox
  
• Medicines:  Stay away!  Find alternatives, when possible!  Incorporate 5 simple steps to healthy living, to reduce inflammation and toxicity, and to get your brain’s messages throughout your entire body, and to have healthy cells that can function properly.  Then your body can begin to heal, and  you can eventually get off your meds.  (My husband and I did!  Yay!)

Some extra links for more research:
The Stinky Facts About Smelling Good
Propylene Glycol
Fluoride Alert
Natural News:  Chemicals
Natural News:  Organic Foods
Natural News:  Ingredients
Natural News:  Products to Watch
Grocery Warning System
Dr. Russell Blaylock:  Excitotoxins
SLS
Journal of the American College of Toxicology:  SLS
Other Chemicals to Avoid

“Give the people these instructions,

so that no one may be open to blame.

Anyone who does not provide for their relatives,

and especially for their own household,

has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

1 Timothy 5:7-9 (NIV)

~

FMS in the Mick’s?

I need to be totally honest with you.  I do not truly know what it is like to have brain fog.  I cannot say I fully understand.  However, I have had to deal with it second-hand.  It is difficult enough to watch someone trying to function in life while in a fog.  I can’t imagine the stress of being in that fog.  I am sorry that those of you with brain fog have to deal with it.  Please realize, though, that I am writing this blog to try to help you know you don’t have to live with it.  There is a way out of the fog!

Today’s topic is related to brain fog.  One of the symptoms of FMS is brain fog.
I’ve seen hope glimmering in my husband’s eyes, as he sees the fog lifting… and as he feels his quality of life improving dramatically, after dealing with FMS for years.  Yes, he’s a guy and he was diagnosed with FMS, even though the statistics say it’s a 7:1 ratio of women to men with FMS. (CDC)

What is FMS?
FMS = Fibromyalgia Syndrome = difficult to diagnose = frustrating for those with it, because of comments like, “It’s all in your head.”

How is FMS diagnosed?
“To receive a diagnosis of FM, the patient must meet the following diagnostic criteria:

• Widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for a minimum duration of three months
• Tenderness or pain in at least 11 of the 18 specified tender points when pressure is applied”

Progress has been made by Dr. Bruce Gillis to give hope to FMS sufferers that doctors can determine that their symptoms are not just in their heads.  He has developed a blood test that is 95% accurate in detecting fibromyalgia.  It looks at cytokines in the blood.  What do cytokines do?  “The simple answer is that cytokines are small protein molecules released by nerve and immune cells that send signals to other cells in the body to do things like alter cell functions and increase/decrease the regulate of genes.  In the case of fibromyalgia, these messengers cause the central nervous system to create the widespread body pain characteristic of fibromyalgia as well as other physiological, hormonal and behavioral changes.”  These cytokines are related to inflammation in the body.

Toxicity and inflammation are two major factors involved in the pain of FMS.  Once they are decreased, there is a definite decrease in symptoms.  My husband is living proof.

Not only is decreasing toxins and inflammation a great start to combating FMS, but so are improving nutrition and focusing on spinal care.  After all, didn’t God give you a system in the body that will heal itself, if the stuff that isn’t supposed to be there will just get out of the way and let it do its job?!

The Fibromyalgia Fact Sheet even lists chiropractic as one of the alternatives to help improve an FMS victim’s quality of life, since “increasing attention is being devoted to the central nervous system as the underlying mechanism of FMS.”  Take note: ”Increasing rest, pacing activities, reducing stress, practicing relaxation and improving nutrition can help minimize symptoms and improve quality of life.” (National Fibromyalgia Association)

Again, we’re back to focusing on 5 simple items to change your quality of life:  attitude, spine/nerve system health, nutrition, exercise, and toxins.

Maybe this week, as we're spotlighting toxicity, we need to look at what we’re putting in our bodies, and make sure it’s not toxic.  If we’ve had a history of taking medications, having vaccinations, living with mercury fillings in our teeth, cleaning with chemicals, eating unhealthy fats and sugars, and living in toxic environments, then we should figure out a way to rid our bodies of the toxins we’re continually taking in and the toxins already stored there.  Find a detox something like Daily Detox and allow your body to function like it’s supposed to!

FMS is serious business, and it needs to be addressed.  I’ve witnessed the depression that accompanies FMS, and I can believe the suicide rates are higher among FMS sufferers. (CDC)  Please, please, please do not give up hope!

Yes, granted, there are medications out there.  Doctors don’t know what else to do, so they help to mask some of the symptoms with pain medications and others.  However, after a while, the body can adapt and then the symptoms will increase again, even with the medications.  Plus, the medications are increasing the toxicity of the body.

So, why not try something else?  What can it hurt?  If you need more information, go back through this Mick’s up Life, and read up on the 5 things I’ve emphasized for living as a healthy family.  Think about it:  You’ve tried everything else.  Why not this?  Then you can give all the glory to the God who made you in such a way that your body can heal itself!  Just think of it!  Amazing!

“But as for me, afflicted and in pain—
may your salvation, God, protect me.

I will praise God’s name in song
and glorify him with thanksgiving. “

Psalm 69:29-30 (NIV)

 

~

Mick’s in a Fog

Have you felt like you’re not as sharp as you used to be?  Do you feel fatigued?  Are you wondering why you’re in slow-motion, while the world is moving faster than ever?

You might be dealing with Brain Fog. 

Some of the symptoms of Brain Fog are (Brain Fog is Real and is a Common Symptom - by Lisa Cruz): 

• Lack of focus
  
• Forgetfulness
  
• Loss of mental acuity
  
• Decreased mental stamina
  
• Decrease in creativity
  
• Confusion
  
• Lack of spatial awareness
  
• Absentmindedness or spaciness
  
• Decreased attention span
  
• Decreased short term memory
  
• Difficulty finding words

What can cause it?

Dr. Lawrence Wilson defines Brain Fog as “feelings of mental confusion or lack of mental clarity.” (BRAIN FOG by Lawrence Wilson, MD)  He goes on to say nutrition and lifestyle are the beginning of the solution to the problem of Brain Fog, which has many causes.

Toxicity is one of the main causes.  We are bombarded by toxins every day, everywhere we turn.  Heavy metal toxicity not only causes Brain Fog, but it can also produce other chronic conditions such as Autism, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Depression, Multiple Sclerosis, and a host of other serious disorders.

What can you do about it?

Getting regular chiropractic care to keep the signal passages clear from the brain to the rest of the body… getting exercise to increase oxygen… getting the right nutrients in your body… and getting away from toxins as much as possible… if all working together, will help to clear up brain fog.  (Again, it’s the simple lifestyle of incorporating the idea of 5 Essentials for healthy living.)

The way my family has decided to deal with toxins in the body is with a product called Daily Detox.  I am not advertising.  I don’t get any kick-backs by telling you about it.  There are other products out there, and maybe there are even some very similar to it, but I’m just letting you know what I found out about this one.  It’s not a periodic cleanse.  It’s not a fad.  It’s not a fast.  The product has recently changed a little bit, with the inclusion of a new manufacturer, however the idea of it is that it includes a vitamin B complex and a glutathione enhancer (the most powerful antioxidant naturally produced in the body) to give your body’s natural detoxing system a boost (using such ingredients as milk thistle).   With this detox system, the toxins are drawn from the cells… and as a side note, proper nutrition allows for healthy cell walls to have a more efficient process of getting bad things out and good things in.  So it’s a cleanse at the cellular level.  It also has activated carbon, which acts as a magnet, drawing toxins to it.  Then, since the body cannot process it, the carbon and the toxins are totally eliminated from the body.
When toxins are eliminated, your body can start to heal, and your thinking can become clearer.

Depending on the toxicity and acidity levels of the body, the healing process will happen at different rates for different people.  It’s a process, so be patient.  If you’re really serious about healing, be sure to improve everything together:  attitude, nutrition, exercise, spine/nerve system care, while working on decreasing toxicity.

I’ve seen it happen!  I’ve witnessed Brain Fog clear up!  It is possible!  My husband can testify to it!

There is a light at the end of the tunnel.  The fog can lift!

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober,
set your hope on the grace to be brought to you
when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”
1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)

~

It’s a Mick’s up with Cancer Information

It seems everywhere we turn we are reminded it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I think it’s a great tribute to all those who have suffered because of this and other cancers.  It is my guess that those people do not wish the same suffering on anyone else, and so we, as their loved ones, should take it seriously enough to be taking all possible precautions to be cancer-free. 

Here are some stats: "Breast cancer death rates have declined steadily since 1990.  The drop has been larger among women under 50 (3.2% per year) than among women over 50 (2.0% per year).
 An estimated 230,480 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2011.  Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, after skin cancer. Breast cancer accounts for nearly 1 in 3 cancers diagnosed in women." (Learn About Cancer)

As you find out, when you take the quiz on Breast Cancer Myths Debunked: you are not doomed to cancer from genetics; you should keep a healthy weight; signs of cancer are not always obvious; alcohol intake increases your risks; sweating helps your body detox; breastfeeding decreases your risks.  I highlighted these particular statements, because they emphasize where I’m headed with this week’s toxicity topic. We determined in Mick's Max Workout that you are not doomed to being out of shape.  Well, take heart: you are not doomed to cancer, either.  Don’t give up, even if you have a family history of cancer.  There is hope!  Do what you can to take precautions.  Since we’re addressing minimizing toxins this week , the last of the 5 Essentials my family follows, it’s a great time to tie it all in with awareness. 

Thankfully, I have not had to deal with anything so serious in my life at this point.  The closest I got personally was when a lump was detected a few years ago.  I wasn’t yet 40 years old, but I was sent for a mammogram and the results caused enough concern to send me for an ultrasound.  I’m thankful it didn’t get further than that.  The test determined it is a cyst.  Even though my husband and I had prepared ourselves for the worst, we were ever-so-thankful for that good news.  Now, he and I are doing what we can to avoid another scare, as well as pass the lifestyle on to our kidderz.

I think it’s important to take precautions, but I have my reasons for not liking the idea of regular mammograms.  There are some debates about the safety and the necessity of mammograms, which gives more attention to alternative techniques, such as Digital Tomosynthesis.  Most of us will be relieved to hear the recommended age to begin regular mammograms is now 50 years old, and then only every-other year.  You can read more at:  Science Daily, Can Tomosynthesis Find Breast Cancer Better Than Mammography, Healthy Body Daily

“Perhaps most troublesome is that mammograms aren't lifesaving for all women, though many people assume they are.  Statistics vary, but at best, they only reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by up to 20%.  ‘We've made it sound like every cancer can be found early and cured, and that's not true,’ says Susan Love, MD.  Mammograms miss many cancers, particularly the fast-growing, aggressive ones that are most likely to strike women under age 50.  ‘Mammograms are best at finding the slow-growing, low-grade cancers, not the worst ones,’ she says.” (Lauren Gelman of Prevention)

Early detection is a wonderful thing. Don’t get me wrong.  This Spring, early detection allowed my mother-in-law to begin addressing decisions to change her lifestyle (improving her exercise and already-healthy diet) to combat the cancer cells in her body before it was too late, and now she is on the road to healing.  We plan on having her around for a very long time!
 
"’The most important thing young women can do right now to reduce their risk of breast cancer down the road is to develop healthy lifestyle habits, such as limiting their alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and adding exercise to their routine,’ says Susan Brown, RN, director of health education at the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.” (Beth Howard of Prevention)

A Maximized Living Webinar coming up this month of October will cover the following topics:

• Breast Cancer Statistics Today
  
• What the Government is doing to address the epidemic
  
• Where is all the research money going?
  
• The difference between early detection/treatment and prevention. What does cure mean?
  
• The facts about breast cancer causes
  
• What you can do to prevent breast cancer and raise awareness!

Also, hear how companies offering bad nutrition choices, which can lead to cancer, are jumping on the bandwagon of breast cancer awareness:  Susan G Komen for the Cure Isn't Curing Anything

Mick’s sum up:
We should all be responsible enough to take precautions, when it comes to taking care of our body.  Some ways to try to avoid cancer are exercising, healthy eating, and keeping toxins low.  Mick's in the Oxygen last week explained Exercise = oxygen = healthy cells!  Later posts will discuss the nutrition and toxins.  What better reason to be on the road to a healthier lifestyle than for your family!?!  What’s stopping you?!

Take care of the body God gave you…

and then you can take care of the family God gave you!

“Well done, good and faithful servant!

You have been faithful with a few things;

I will put you in charge of many things.

Come and share your master’s happiness!’”

Matthew 25:23 (NIV)