This common vegetable can lower sugar and cholesterol and cleanses your system too!

I had been hearing about the benefits of okra specially for diabetics like me.  I then googled about it because I was not sure how to take this.  There are many references which discussed using two pcs of okra, cut in the middle and placed in a glass of water overnight.  I want to quote this piece from Diabetic Life which explains some of the benefits clearly as well as the 'recipe".

I had been drinking this for two days now and will try to check on my sugar again after two weeks if it really works.


Half of okra's nutrients are soluble fiber which reduce serum cholesterol and reduce risk of heart diseases. To retain the nutrients you should cook it as little as possible. The best thing is to eat it raw, 2 in the morning, 2 in the afternoon and 2 at night. If you can't eat it raw, follow this regimen every day.



Procedure

Take 2 pieces of medium sized okra, wash them and cut away both ends of each. Slit them from the middle, keeping only the top end attached. Place them in a glass of water and let them soak overnight.

First thing in the morning, remove the two pieces and drink the water. Don't eat or drink anything for half an hour after that. You can even mesh the two okra pieces with your fingers if you want. In this case just strain out the liquid before drinking.

You should see your sugar levels decrease after 2 weeks of daily use. Continue doing this and then see if you can decrease dosage of your regular treatment by consulting your doctor.


 Although the efficacy of okra on diabetes has not yet been corroborated by medicine experts, it is certainly worth consuming as it is a great weight loss food and has been used for ages in easing constipation. The mucilage and superior fiber found in okra is believed to stabilize blood sugar as it curbs the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract.

Besides being low in calories it is a rich source of vitamins of the category A, Thiamin, B6, C, folic acid, riboflavin, calcium, zinc and dietary fiber. Okra's mucilage not only binds cholesterol but bile acid carrying toxins dumped into it by the filtering liver. Okra is a widely used diuretic and has been used for urinary tract infections since years.

Cholesterol Buster and Cleanser

Let me share another piece which has been quoted all around the internet, from news to blog sites. It just shows that it is not only serve to normalize sugar levels but has many other health benefits:


A guy, suffering from constipation for the past 20 years and recently from acid reflux, didn't realise that the treatment could be so simple --- Okra! Some 2 months ago, he started eating 6 pieces of Okra and, since then, has not taken any other medication. Now, his blood sugar has dropped from 135 to 98 and his cholesterol and acid reflux are also under control.

From the research of Ms. Sylvia Zook, PH.D (nutrition), University of Illinois. "Okra is a powerhouse of valuable nutrients, nearly half of which is soluble fiber in the form of gums and pectins. Soluble fiber helps to lower serum cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease. The other half is insoluble fiber which helps to keep the intestinal tract healthy, decreasing the risk of some forms of cancer, especially colo-rectal cancer.

Nearly 10% of the recommended levels of vitamin B6 and folic acid is also present in a half cup of cooked okra.Okra is a rich source of many nutrients, including fiber, vitamin B6 and folic acid. The guy got the following numbers from the University of IllinoisExtension Okra Page: Okra Nutrition (half-cup cooked okra)* Calories = 25* Dietary Fiber = 2 grams* Protein = 1.5 grams* Carbohydrates = 5.8 grams* Vita! min A = 460 IU* Vitamin C = 13 mg* Folic acid = 36.5 micrograms* Calcium = 50 mg* Iron = 0.4 mg* Potassium = 256 mg* Magnesium = 46 mgThese numbers should be used as a guideline only. If you are on a medically-restricted diet, you should consult your physician and/or dietician. Ms Sylvia W. Zook, Ph.D. (nutritionist) has very kindlyprovided the following thought-provoking comments on the many benefits of this versatile vegetable.

1. The superior fiber found in okra helps to stabilize blood sugar as it curbs the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract.

2 Okra's mucilage not only binds cholesterol but bile acid carrying toxins dumped into it by the filtering liver. But it doesn't stop there...

3. Many alternative health practitioners believe all disease begins in the colon. The okra fiber, absorbing water and ensuring bulk in stools, helps prevent constipation. Fiber in general is helpful for this but okra is one of the best, along with ground flax seed and psyllium. Unlike harsh wheat bran, which can irritate or injure the intestinal tract, okra's mucilage soothes, and okra facilitates elimination more comfortably by its slippery characteristic many people abhor. In other words, this incredibly valuable vegetable not only binds excess cholesterol and toxins (in bile acids) which cause numerous health problems, if not evacuated, but also assures their easy passage from the the body. The veggie is completely non-toxic, non-habit forming (except for the many who greatly enjoy eating it), has no adverse side effects, is full of nutrients, and is economically within reach of most.

4. Further contributing to the health of the intestinal tract, okra fiber (as well as flax and psyllium) has no equal among fibers for feeding the good bacteria (probiotics).

5. To retain most of okra's nutrients and self-digesting enzymes, it should be cooked as little as possible, e.g. with low heat or lightly steamed. Some eat it raw too.

GALLSTONE FLUSH (or Liver Flush)

So many friends of mine have been asking me for this famous recipe which can aid in getting rid of stones in your gall bladder.  I will post this here for easy reference as sometimes it takes time for me to search through my hard drive.

I paid a fortune some years back just to have this exact cleansing program.




INGREDIENTS:
4       TABLESPOON – EPSOM SALT
½     CUP LIGHT OLIVE OIL
1       LARGE OR 2 SMALL PINK GRAPEFRUIT, ENOUGH TO SQUEEZE 2/3 CUP JUICE.  WASH TWICE WITH HOT WATER.
 
CHOOSE A DAY LIKE SATURDAY FOR THE CLEANSE SO THAT YOU CAN REST THE NEXT DAY.

Take no medicines, vitamins or pills that you can do without; they could prevent success.  Stop the parasite program and kidney herbs, too, the day before.

Eat a no-fat breakfast and lunch such as cooked cereal, fruit, fruit juice, bread and preserves or honey (no butter or milk).  This allows the bile to build up and develop pressure in the liver.  Higher pressure pushes out more stones.

2:00 P.M.  Do not eat or drink after 2 o’clock.  If you break this rule you could feel quite ill later.

Get the Epsom salts ready.   Mix 4 tbsp in 3 cups water and pour this into a jar. This makes four servings, ¾ cup each.  Set the jar in the refrigerator to get ice cold (this is for convenience and taste only).
6:00 P.M.   Drink one serving (3/4 cup) of the ice cold Epsom Salts.  If you do not prepare this ahead of time, mix 1 tbsp in ¾ cup water now.  You may add 1/8 tsp vitamin C powder to improve the taste.  You may also drink a few mouthfuls of water afterwards or rinse your mouth.  Get the olive oil (ozonated, if possible) and grapefruit out to warm up.

8:00 P.M.  Repeat by drinking another ¾ cup of ?Epsom salts.  You haven’t eaten since two o’clock but you won’t feel hungry.  Get your bedtime chores done.  The timing is critical for success.

9:45 P.M.  Pour ½ cup (measured) olive oil into the pint jar.  Wash grapefruit twice in hot water and dry; squeeze by hand into the measuring cup.  Remove pulp with fork.  You should have at least ½ cup, more (up to ¾ cup) is best.  You may use part lemonade.  Add this to the olive oil.  Close the jar tightly with the lid and shake hard until watery (only fresh grapefruit juice does this).  Now visit the bathroom one or more times, even if it makes you late for your ten o’clock drink.  Don’t be more than 15 minutes late.  You will get fewer stones.

10:00 P.M.  Drink the potion you have mixed.  Drinking through a large plastic straw helps it go down easier.  You may use oil and vinegar salad dressing, or straight honey to chase it down between sips.  Have these ready in a tablespoon on the kitchen counter.  Take it all to your bedside if you want, but drink it standing up. Get it down within 5 minutes (fifteen minutes for very elderly or weak persons).

Lie down immediately.  You might fail to get stones out if you don’t, the sooner you lie down the more stones you will get out.  Be ready for bed ahead of time.  Don’t clean up the kitchen.  As soon as the drink is down walk to your bed and lie down flat on your back with your head up high on the pillow.  Try to think about what is happening in the liver.  Try to keep perfectly still for at least 20 minutes.  You may feel a train of stones traveling along the bile ducts like marbles.  There is no pain because the bile duct valves are open (thank you Epsom salts!)    Go to sleep, you may fail to get stones out if you don’t.

Next morning.  Upon awakening take your third dose of Epsom salts.  If you have indigestion or nausea wait until it is gone before drinking the Epsom salts.  You may go back to bed.  Don’t take this potion before 6:00 am.

2 hours later.  Take your fourth (the last) dose of Epsom salts.  You may go back to bed again.

After 2 more hours you may eat.  Start with fruit juice.  Half an hour later eat fruit.  One hour later you may eat regular food but keep it light.  By supper you should feel recovered.

How well did you do?  Expect diarrhea in the morning.  Use a flashlight to look for gallstone in the toilet with the bowel movement.  Look for the green kind since this is proof that they are genuine gallstones, not food residue.  Only bile from the liver is pea green.  The bowel movements sinks but the gallstones float because of the cholesterol inside.  Count them thoroughly, whether tan or green.  You will need to total 2000 stones before the liver is clean enough to rid you of allergies  or bursitis or upper back pains permanently. The first cleanse may rid you of them for a few days, but as the stones from the rear travel forward, they give you the same symptoms again.  You may repeat cleanses at two week intervals.  Never cleanse when you are ill.

Sometimes the bile ducts are full of cholesterol crystals that did not form into round stones.  They appear as a “chaff” floating on top of the toilet bowl after.  It may be tan colored, harboring millions of tiny white crystals.  Cleansing this chaff is just as important as purging stones.

How safe is this program?   It is very safe.  My opinion (Dr H. Clark) is based on over 500 cases, including many persons in their seventies and eighties.  None went to the hospital; none ever reported pain.  However it can make you feel quite ill for one or two days afterwards, although in every one of these cases the maintenance parasite program had been neglected.

Originally written August 10, 2009

A Power food, detoxifier and it builds better blood!

I used to take some pure capsules of Wheatgrass and alfalfa in the past and I have experienced some thorough detox because of taking this. However, I stopped since the bottle was too pricey.

Recently however, I stumbled upon fresh wheatgrass being sold at Bizu (all branches). Actually it was not prominently for sale but I had to ask since I was interested in juicing this myself.


I got their brochure and learned that the owner of the resto is also the distributor of this Wheatgrass delivered fresh daily. You can buy the trays at the Salcedo Market from Arthur Tanco or any Bizu branch price range from 100-120 pesos., a more affordable alternative to the thousand plus price of the capsules and more importantly its fresh!




His contact info are:

T: (063) 440-3973
M: +63917-8168794
E: chlorophyllmanila@yahoo.com
Let me quote from Chlorophyll Manila’s website on the importance of Juicing Wheatgrass:

Why juice?

You might think that it’s easier to just take wheatgrass pills or use its powdered form as opposed to taking time and juicing your fresh wheatgrass. We believe in juicing because of one thing: enzymes.

Enzymes are like little assembly workers in your body. Each has its own specific function: digestion, excretion, breathing, thought, growth, metabolism, circulatory, etc. Enzymes act as catalysts and regulators and are essential to life. The great thing about enzymes is that they can be used by the body over and over again! The great work these enzymes do for you is only stopped when they are harmed, denatured or destroyed by toxins or other factors.

The enzymes contained in wheatgrass could be denatured or rendered inactive when the product undergoes pasteurization, which is essential to turn wheatgrass into its pill or powdered form. You might have an easier time popping a wheatgrass pill or mixing powdered wheatgrass into your favorite smoothie, but you’re missing out on the enzymes that were destroyed in the heating and packaging processes.

Juicing raw wheatgrass not only ensures freshness, but makes sure all the enzymes are there when you drink it. Juicing also makes it easily digestible since it’s in a liquid medium. This is why wheatgrass juice is best taken on an empty stomach. Within 20-30 minutes, the juice would’ve been absorbed by your body so you can go on to eat your breakfast knowing that you didn’t skip out on all those beneficial enzymes.

Living-foods.com, a Web site that has information on all-natural and organic food products, mentions that wheatgrass acts as an antibiotic, appetite suppressant and energizer. It also states that the chlorophyll reacts with toxins in the body’s cells and tissues and brings them into the bloodstream to be excreted at a later time. They also claim that wheatgrass acts as a deodorizer with the ability to subdue the stench that comes with consumption of certain food and beverages or use of tobacco.

Points about Wheatgrass and its Nutritional Values (as gathered from the web)

1 Wheatgrass Juice is one of the best sources of living chlorophyll available.

2 Chlorophyll is the first product of light and, therefore, contains more light energy than any other element.

3 Wheatgrass juice is a crude chlorophyll and can be taken orally and as a colon implant without toxic side effects.

4 Chlorophyll is the basis of all plant life.

5 Wheatgrass is high in oxygen like all green plants that contain chlorophyll. The brain and all body tissues function at an optimal level in a highly-oxygenated environment.

6 Chlorophyll is anti-bacterial and can be used inside and outside the body as a healer.

7 Dr. Bernard Jensen says that it only takes minutes to digest wheatgrass juice and uses up very little body energy.

8 Science has proven that chlorophyll arrests growth and development of unfriendly bacteria.

9 Chlorophyll (wheatgrass) rebuilds the bloodstream. Studies of various animals have shown chlorophyll to be free of any toxic reaction. The red cell count was returned to normal within 4 to 5 days of the administration of chlorophyll, even in those animals which were known to be extremely anemic or low in red cell count.

10 Farmers in the Midwest who have sterile cows and bulls put them on wheatgrass to restore fertility. (The high magnesium content in chlorophyll builds enzymes that restore the sex hormones.)


11 Chlorophyll can be extracted from many plants, but wheatgrass is superior because it has been found to have over 100 elements needed by man. If grown in organic soil, it absorbs 92 of the known 102 minerals from the soil.

12 Wheatgrass has what is called the grass-juice factor, which has been shown to keep herbivorous animals alive indefinitely.

13 Dr. Ann Wigmore has been helping people get well from chronic disorders for 30 years using wheatgrass.

14 Liquid chlorophyll gets into the tissues, refines them and makes them over.

15 Wheatgrass Juice is a superior detoxification agent compared to carrot juice and other fruits and vegetables. Dr Earp-Thomas, associate of Ann Wigmore, says that 15 pounds of Wheatgrass is the equivalent of 350 pounds of carrot, lettuce, celery, and so forth.

16 Liquid chlorophyll washes drug deposits from the body.

17 Chlorophyll neutralizes toxins in the body.

18 Chlorophyll helps purify the liver.

19 Chlorophyll improves blood sugar problems.

20 In the American Journal of Surgery (1940), Benjamin Gruskin, M.D. recommends chlorophyll for its antiseptic benefits. The article suggests the following clinical uses for chlorophyll: to clear up foul smelling odors, neutralize strep infections, heal wounds, hasten skin grafting, cure chronic sinusitis, overcome chronic inner-ear inflammation and infection, reduce varicose veins and heal leg ulcers, eliminate impetigo and other scabby eruptions, heal rectal sores, successfully treat inflammation of the uterine cervix, get rid of parasitic vaginal infections, reduce typhoid fever, and cure advanced pyorrhea in many cases.

21 Wheatgrass Juice cures acne and even removes scars after it has been ingested for seven to eight months. The diet must be improved at the same time.

22 Wheatgrass juice acts as a detergent in the body and is used as a body deodorant.

23 A small amount of wheatgrass juice in the human diet prevents tooth decay.

24 Wheatgrass juice held in the mouth for 5 minutes will eliminate toothaches. It pulls poisons from the gums.

25 Gargle Wheatgrass Juice for a sore throat.

26 Drink Wheatgrass Juice for skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis.
27 Wheatgrass Juice keeps the hair from graying.

28 Pyorrhea of the mouth: lay pulp of wheatgrass soaked in juice on diseased area in mouth or chew wheatgrass, spitting out the pulp.

29 By taking Wheatgrass Juice, one may feel a difference in strength, endurance, health, and spirituality, and experience a sense of well-being.

30 Wheatgrass juice improves the digestion.

31 Wheatgrass juice is high in enzymes.

32 Wheatgrass juice is an excellent skin cleanser and can be absorbed through the skin for nutrition. Pour green juice over your body in a tub of warm water and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.

33 Wheatgrass implants (enemas) are great for healing and detoxifying the colon walls. The implants also heal and cleanse the internal organs. After an enema, wait 20 minutes, then implant 4 ounces of wheatgrass juice. Retain for 20 minutes.

34 Wheatgrass juice is great for constipation and keeping the bowels open. It is high in magnesium.

35 Dr. Birscher, a research scientist, called chlorophyll “concentrated sun power.” He said, “chlorophyll increases the function of the heart, affects the vascular system, the intestines, the uterus, and the lungs.”

36 According to Dr. Birscher, nature uses chlorophyll (wheatgrass) as a body cleanser, rebuilder, and neutralizer of toxins.

37 Wheatgrass juice can dissolve the scars that are formed in the lungs from breathing acid gasses. The effect of carbon monoxide is minimized since chlorophyll increases hemoglobin production.

38 Wheatgrass Juice reduces high blood pressure and enhances the capillaries.

39 Wheatgrass Juice can remove heavy metals from the body.

40 Wheatgrass juice is great for blood disorders of all kinds

Originally written Jan 9, 2009

The Pen spa by ESPA (Hongkong)

The best spa treatment and facility I have experienced so far is at the Peninsula Hongkong.  The package I availed was a full day detox treatment.  I have this penchant for detox packages since obviously I know I have much toxins in my system.

I actually won this treat during the 2nd Spa Crystal awards held at Hua Hin but when I was trying to book last Oct 2006 the place was full. Fortunately I had another chance to visit Honkong early this year.

Since I got delayed going to the hotel and I was really groggy from the trip (I hardly slept having to wake up at 5am), I was not able to use the gym but was accompanied straight to the Spa area to fill up some diagnostic form and change to my robe for a foot bath after which I was led to the pool dining area for my late lunch which came with the package. The pool area and surrounding looks just like the one in Hotel Nassauer Hof in Wiesbaden, Germany last October but this seem to be better.

The great thing about the place is the breathtaking view of the harbor while swimming and dining.

It was like a deja vu as the color and design of furniture was the same as that in Hotel Nassauer hof. The only difference is that the one in germany didnt have the view of the harbor.

The first part of the gourmet lunch was tomato soup followed by the main meal, sea bass with  lentils and finally a sugar free, fruity  chocolate cake to cap this.  I was made to choose the type of tea to help melt down the food and I chose the relaxing chamomile blend.

After my therapist took discussed my treatment, and the facilities I can use inside this Private Suite, I had my photo taken against the jacuzzi and harbor scene.

Showered, took a steam bath for a few minutes before I plunged to the jacuzzi.

The cabinet was filled with various creams and scents I had to choose from before I was told what it really was. The therapist said it was what my body was partial too. Most of those I chose was on the rose scent side.

Ended very late at past 9pm. It was full detox so tiring too from a basic massage, to a seeweed wrap then hot lava stones and a final detox massage. Got so hungry after that I had to order some dinner when I got back to the room.

Originally written April 7, 2007

Chlorophyll for detox?

I had been hearing about the benefits of chlorophyll from some people. When I went to Healthy Options in makati earlier to buy Tea Tree Oil, I noticed three types of Cholorophyll being sold – one was in liquid form and two capsulized. I decided to buy the small bottle of capsule and the liquid one since I presumed the latter could be easily absorbed in the body.  I had to buy the capsule type since upon computation, one tbsp daily, the bottle will last me only for 15 days!

I asked the sales person what it is for and she mentioned colon cleanse and odor remover among some of them. Since I finished my two containers of Fiber source, I decided to get this cholorophyll to try.

Upon checking the internet, the most common benefits dervied from liquid cholorophyll are:

1. natural healer and cleanser for chronic conditions internally and externally
2. stops growth and development of toxic bacteria
3. counteracts toxins
4. accelerates tissue cell activity and normal regrowth of cells which helps the body heal faster
5. inhibits the metabolic action of carcinogens
6. helps purify the liver and eliminate drug deposits, old toxic material, chemical spray on food, artificial flavoring, colors and other coal tar products that may become stored in it
7. deodorizes the bowel and entire body; is a natural antiseptic to the intestinal tract
8. helps to keep colon healthy

Now we will see its effect on me after a month. I tried one tbsp a while ago.  I still feel fine. Am just wary of some allergies so I don’t like to buy in large quantities till I have tried it.

Originally written April 3, 2007

Terra Wellness Spa

Since  I signed up to attend a detox weekend at the Discovery Suites (organized by the Wellness Institute)  in Ortigas I decided to book a day ahead of the schedule  since the hotel  was far from my home and I wanted to try out their spa.

I went to the hotel website to check out any spa service, unfortunately there was no mention of such facility so I had to call and ask.  They connected me to the office of Terra Wellness in the hotel and I requested them to email me their treatment packages. Lo and behold the one who replied said they don’t have any email and if they could just send it via fax.



In this day and age, no website and no email! A spa supposedly in the heart of the business district located in a suite hotel? I sounded upset so they called the manager who was supposedly in a better way to decide and she said they will email it asap so I can make my reservation.

I took hours and a few more phone follow ups before I got it.  Apparently they had to call their “IT” person who was supposed to type the packages but what I got was a jpeg file of a scanned document which had a huge resolution so took some time to download. By the way, it was just a one page thing and all text.

Now let me get back to my spa experience.  Despite the fact that I experienced the worst service in a supposedly luxury hotel, the treatment compensated my frustation.

Before I was led to the treatment room, I was made to sit at the waiting area  so they can remove my shoes, provide slippers and do a foot bath.

I chose a detox wrap and massage.  The aroma oils used were certified organic from Australia. The therapist assigned to me was really good and as I ended late at night, I felt very much relaxed after the whole week’s stressful activities including the one caused by the hotels poor service.

originally written March 31, 2007