Could This Simple Restriction Be An Ancient Secret To Longevity? 

"Humans live on one-quarter of what they eat; on the other three-quarters lives their doctor."

Egyptian pyramid inscription, 3,800 B.C.

         Here is the secret to longevity and health backed up by research that the pharmaceutical companies and food industries don't want you to know; the secret is out: it is fasting. Through different methods of fasting we can delay the onset of aging and disease. Studies on mammals have shown an increase life span up to 30-40%. Fasting has effects similar to calorie restriction, which its self has been shown to increase longevity in humans, though it can in the opinion of some be harder to implement due to the psychological constraints of constant restriction. Fasting does improves cholesterol levels and also has been shown to delay the onset of heart disease. Fasting in a sense takes the body and puts it into a repair-like state and raises the level of human growth hormone, thus keeping the body in a youthful state.

          

          People also have been shown to eat less food after a fast due to the shrinking of the stomach; for example, on the alternate day fast, the feast day of the fast, we no longer have the space to make up for lost calories; so while it's expected that someone would eat up to 175% of their normal intake, they actually only end up eating 110%, which at the end of the week really doesn't add up to much. This life style of alternating one day of eating and one day of fasting finds its validity amongst scientists because it seems to make some evolutionary sense. The idea is that nature built the human body in such a way that it could survive and thrive  through periods of drought and famine. Consider this: during the great depression life expectancy rose by seven years in the United State; it seems kind of counter intuitive, but its true.

          Fasting is a great way to keep the body lean and strong, especially for anybody struggling with their weight that has not been able to find an answer, though has tried many things. It could be that their body is very efficient at surviving a famine, and with the stress of our daily lives, believe it or not, that can also put the body into a state of feeling like it is in a famine. A lot of people find it easier to lose weight this way because they know the next day they can eat what they want, that is, within reason of course. With any diet it is very important to get all your fruits and vegetables and to stay hydrated on days when fasting. This diet also shows that everything is okay in moderation. On fasting days some people eat a small meal under 500 calories while others go with out; the only other thing to have on fasting days is zero-calorie beverages, like tea and black coffee. Starting out you may be hungry; that's perfectly normal; over time your body with adapt. If you look around the internet you can find people that have lived this life style for over 5 years that are very happy, healthy, and rarely get sick. The reason they are healthy is because their body does not have to fight of the same amount of free radicals taken in with their food. Another thing you will find is that the days you are fasting you are super productive.

          Fasting is great for reducing inflammation and oxidative stress throughout the body. When the body is in a fast another interesting thing that happens is that the body stops burning sugar and starts burn fat for fuel, which is what causes the weight-loss; after about 8 hours of fasting your glycogen stores are depleted and it starts to burn the fat you have stored up for this occasion; an effect similar to high intensity exercise, this is called a shift in energy metabolism. Worth stating is that because fasting has its own psychological challenge it has been shown to activate something called an adaptive stress response pathways to over come famine. In doing this you end up with better cognitive performance as well as more activity in the nerve circuits; probably due to the idea that the body knows it needs to find food and has to be creative. Fasting has also shown to promote the growth of new neurons and strengthen the synapses. These effects have been compared to exercising because the mitochondria in the muscles are increased; in fasting the the mitochondria are also increased but not in the muscles, in the brain. Fasting also creates an atmosphere in the body where nerve cells are better able to repair DNA.

          While fasting it is very important to stay hydrated and drink anywhere from one half a gallon of water to a gallon. When feasting it is important to eat nutrient dense foods; there are tons of tools out their on the internet to assist you and educate you in that matter. If you've ever tried fasting, I'd love to hear your story comment below, or if you have any questions about fasting I'd love to hear from you.

Organic Foods

Organic - To Be or Not To Be

That is indeed the question.

   I've decided to write an article on organic foods.  Should we buy into the organic food hype, or is it just that, a hype?  Is there any evidence whether or not organic foods have a beneficial impact on your health?

   A popular and romantic notion is that your body will eventually renew its self through the dying and regeneration of cells every seven to ten years.  There is no hard, scientific evidence that backs the claim of seven to ten years; however, our cells do have lifespans.  Our red blood cells are replaced on average every two to three weeks, white blood cells have a little over a years time, the skin cells last two to three weeks, our colon's cells only have four days, and our brain cells last a life-time.  With this concept in mind we can remember the old saying, "You are what you eat."  Think about it:  Your body must rebuild all the cells that are constantly being turned over.  What does the body have to accomplish this task?  There is no magical store-house that your body pulls from.  You ARE what you eat.

   On that note lets move to organic foods.  A study conducted by a British team of researchers concluded that organic produce contains 18-69% more antioxidants than conventional produce.  On top of that, they are 48% less likely to have pesticide and herbicide residues.  Organic produce was also shown to have lower levels of heavy metals.

   Organic foods are however not risk free.  There are no regulations in the National Organic Standards (NOS) concerning fluoride.  Many organic crops are irrigated with water that is laced with fluoride.  Teas and grapes are considered to be among the worst that is affected.  With around 75% of the American population being medicated with fluoride through the drinking water, it is definitely a topic to be reviewed.  I shall go into a discussion concerning fluoride in a future post.  A couple side comments pertaining to it is necessary, however.  Non-organic grapes are known to be sprayed with a substance called cryolite.  This substance facilitates the passing of fluoride across the blood-brain barrier; this makes it even more toxic to us.  Also, fluoride has been shown to facilitate aluminum compounds across the blood-brain barrier as well.  Aluminum has been linked to Alzheimers.

   With these considerations, I for one opt to go organic whenever I can.  Aside from all the research data and whatnot, organic foods just taste better and make me feel like I'm doing myself a favor.  In parting, I shall leave you a list of foods commonly considered safe or at risk regarding pesticide and herbicide residue/exposure.

Considered safe: onions, avocados, sween corn (frozen), pineapples, mangos, asparagus, sweet peas (frozen), kiwi, bananas, cabbage, broccoli, papaya.

Considered at risk: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, grapes, spinach, lettuce, potatoes.

http://www.organicconsumers.org/Toxic/flouride.cfm
http://www.naturalnews.com/037138_food_crops_irrigation_fluoride.html
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279564.php

Basics of Meditation

The Elusive Practice of Meditation

There is Peace in The Stillness

             The practice of meditation is a practice that is now a modern trend thought to bring about mental hygiene; its roots are drawn from a practiced used by yogis thousands of years ago to attain a mind of enlightenment and to understand the truest nature of the self. The word meditation is derived from both the Latin and Sanskrit languages; the word "Meditari" is a Latin word meaning "to dwell upon or strengthen the mind" and the Latin word "Mederi" meaning "to heal", which has even older roots in Sanskrit with the word, "Medha" meaning "Wisdom". So as you can see the practice of meditation travels very far back in the human past; perhaps humans have always mediated in some form or another even before they had yet to name it.

             I personally see the practice of meditation to be an elusive topic because so many people have many different things to say about it that sometimes opinions conflict and it can be hard to get to the heart of the matter. In today's world of new age meditation there are different schools of thought: some that focus on concentration, some on relaxation, and some that are free form contemplation; though some ideas over lap they are still drawing their ideas from old yogi traditions, adding and subtracting here or there. 

            In the old yogic traditions there are different social and personal preparations to begin yogic meditation and these stages are taken seriously. There are various positions of the body and hands that signify different ideas that a person must learn and master. Then there is breath control, a very important matter, due to the breaths effect on our life force. This process is said to bring about advanced and profound levels of concentration and inner peace, as well as control over the mind and ego.

            Yogic meditation can be described as a state of only consciousness or a state of singular consciousness. Some people feel that it is a way to become one with God or the universe. Science is now showing us that it does transform the mind and can bring about brain waves that are associated with deep relaxation or sleep. For some it is a way to deal with personal problems, like fears, anxieties and hatred, and gaining emotional clarity which is not the natural state of the human condition in modern society.  It also gives us some perspective to see the true nature of things; sometimes in meditation new perspectives arise that the hurried mind would not have come to on its own. If we can observe that our thoughts are on a continuum and one thought is leading to the next then we can also see meditation as a calming disruption in the continuum that can change and transform the way we interpret the world around us.

         It is important to observe the patterns and habits that make us who we are, otherwise it is harder to understand where the improvement is needed. In this way we can cultivate the person we truly want to be and live in accordance with our highest desires, not being a slave to our animal instincts and desires, but rising above like a phoenix above the flames. In this vain we are able to reach new levels of understanding, deepening the experience of our own life.

        Freeing the mind from all distraction can be difficult at first but the benefits can be far reaching and profound. Imagine a mind full of scattered thoughts replaced with the ebb and flow of clarity.

Martian Energy

Mars

The fiery energy

Mars and Venus

Physical and sexual prowess, raw energy, actions and initiative, courage, strength, aggression, and masculine life energy; all these aspects of human nature are governed by the celestial body known as mars.  However, Mars, the fourth planet from our divine star the Sun, is more than just the red sibling of planet Earth.  Mars is the Roman god of war, and is also known as Ares when in association with the Greek pantheon.  Early on, Mars was also the god of farming; this was before the goddess Ceres came along and took over the agriculture department.

   Astrologically speaking, Mars is associated with the aforementioned qualities:  physical and sexual prowess, raw energy, action and initiative, courage, strength, aggression, and the masculine side of energy.  Mars also rules over the zodiacal sign of the ram, Aries.  Scorpio was also under Mars' rule before Pluto was discovered by the scientific community.  It was agreed upon that Pluto was a more favorable suit to Scorpio's secretive ways.

Statue of Mars

   The house which is lead by Mars, by proxy of being the ruler of Aries, is the first house of the self, or the ego.  This is considered by some to be the most important house in a natal chart.  All the mannerisms of a individual are expressed in this house.  Now, it is true that there are factors upon factors when interpreting a natal chart, but the first house cannot be overlooked.  Also called the Ascendant, this house is said to be the face we let everyone see.  It is what people think we are instead of our Sun-sign.  Whichever planets are placed in the first house, are in aspect to the house, and the zodiacal sign which rules this house, all play important parts.  More on the first house with later entries, however.

   If Mars is favorably placed and aspected in a natal chart the individual can enjoy many benefits.  Bravery throughout life and the strength to match it, desire and ambition to accomplish great feats, a fiery sex drive and passion to stoke it, and athleticism and physical stamina.  However, if mars is ill-dignified in the chart one can expect some sharp accents to these qualities, such as:  a quick, hot temper; quarrelsomeness; being accident-prone (especially to the head, as Aries govern the head, and Mars rules Aries.), sudden illnesses or injuries, or even problems with the sexual organs, as mars governs them as well.  Mars is considered exalted if placed in Capricorn, falling if in Cancer, and at a detriment if in Gemini.

   As Mars is considered a very vibrant, strong force, it can and will override the influence of other personal planets such as the Sun, Mercury, or Venus, if sharing a sign or house with them.  If Mars is in the first house, it will rule the chart and place it's influence upon the entire system.  This will give a Martian flavor to all aspects of the individual and their personality.

Ancient urn depicting Ares

   As with all celestial entities, Mars' influence is much deeper and profound than one can possibly write in a short essay.  In future postings I will expound upon Mars' influence throughout the signs and houses, aspects to Mars, and other general information as it reveals itself.  Being one of the planets visible with the naked human eye, try to catch this "fiery", red god in the sky and contemplate upon its affect on you.

Mars