October 2015     Issue #54                   

Rhonda@RadiantLifeAyurveda.com    

 

http://RadiantLifeAyurveda.com 

269-345-2991

 

Radiant Life Ayurveda
We Need a Super Hero 

 
Our beautiful, intelligent immune system is one of our most important indicators of vitality.  It is designed to deal with physical, emotional, and environmental threats to our system and then rest to get ready for the next threat.  That's the ideal. 

We need a cold or some other challenge to our immune system every once in awhile.  These challenges by pathogens and infections continue to educate the immune system.  But, for most of us, our immune system operates in overdrive every day because of an overloading of multiple toxins in our food and environment. 

As a child, I remember a frequent commercial by DuPont -- the catch phrase was "Better Living Through Chemistry."  That has not entirely gone well.  Today just about every disease can be attributed, at least in part, to toxins. 

An immune system always on alert results in chronic and systemic inflammation (leading to tissue deterioration) as well as overly sensitive allergic responses to threats that could have been handled easily by a properly toned immune system. Sometimes the hypersensitivity leads to false allergic responses to non-threats.  We need to get a grip on this. 
We have to take exceptional steps to keep the immune system strong in our current environment.   Here's the key. We need to strengthen our internal probiotic environment.  Ayurveda offers natural approaches that will restore resiliency to our immune system. 
 
Live with radiant intention and be well.  Rhonda   

tiger black

In this Issue
Caring for Our Immune System
How Does the Immune System Work?
What is a Probiotic?
Classes
Immunity Boosters
Super Immune Boosting Food
Cat and Owl
Ayurveda Remedies for Immune Strength
Probiotics Book
6 Year Old Gives an Amazing Life Lesson.  

Adorable and as wise as a sage...only 6.  Watch it here.
Ayurvedic Wisdom 

"Yatha pinde, tatha bramhande"  which means what is true in the body is true in the universe.  
How Does the Immune System Work?

The immune system is located throughout the body in our organs, in the blood, and in probiotic bacteria scattered  around the body.  There are about one trillion cells and more than ten trillion probiotic bacteria in the body....ten trillion!!! 


The intelligent immune system:
  1. Recognizes molecules that endanger our welfare and distinguishes what is "not us" or "not natural for us".
  2. Uses its tools to identity and launch an attack on a toxin or pathogen
  3. Remembers the antibody response with readiness for future intrusions [the principle of the debated vaccination process]
We are ingesting and breathing in more "not us" or "not natural for us" substances than ever, so our immune system is almost always engaged with intruders.   Practically any synthetic food, chemical, or pharmaceutical adds to our body's toxic burden.  The body must eventually break down any synthetic chemical to purge it from the body.  Check out an ingredient list on packaged food.  "Not us!" 
What the Heck Is a Probiotic????
 
Probiotics exist in all of nature--in our foods and in our bodies.  The warriors of the immune system are probiotics. Probiotics are microorganisms such as bacteria and yeasts that thrive in the body and particularly in the intestinal tract and drive many of our immune processes.   Probiotic literally means "pro" or "for" - "life vs antibiotic which means "against life".  Our body is filled with bacteria both good and bad.  Probiotics are considered the "good" bacteria.

What Do Probiotics Do?

Probiotic colonies
  1. Organize strategies to prevent toxins and pathogens from harming the body.
  2. Quickly identify harmful bacteria or fungal overgrowths and work directly to eradicate them.
  3. Produce chemical substances that destroy invading microorganisms.
  4. Learn how to adapt to fight newer bacteria species.
Simply stated, probiotics stimulate the body's immune system to attack pathogens.

Modern life trappings with processed foods, antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals, synthetic hormones, pesticides, GMO food and many other toxic and artificial substances deplete our good microbes and diminish our probiotic colonies.
 
How Can I increase My Probiotic Population?
  1. Supplement the body with probiotic foods --  yogurt particularly from raw milk, kefir, miso, and kombucha tea. In general, eat a variety of whole foods.
  2. Take high quality probiotic supplements to increase probiotic colonies--with live organism.
  3. Eat fermented foods that provide an environment for probiotic growth - kimchi, sauerkraut, more.
  4. Eat anti-oxidant green foods - wheat grass, sprouts, algaes, and sea vegetables.
  5. Avoid toxins when possible--alcohol is very damaging to probiotics and avoid toxic cleaning products. Eat organic.
Note:  For greatest effect, foods mentioned above should be made the traditional way, i.e. homemade yogurt, not processed packaged yogurt which destroys many of the probiotics. 
Classes
 
Rhonda Egidio, Ph.D., R.A.P., Registered Ayurveda Practitioner, feels great passion for sharing the wisdom of Ayurveda and the simple yet effective practices that can make important upgrades to our digestion and overall radiant health.

Strengthen Your Immune System: Ayurveda Kitchen Cupboard Wisdom for a Healthy Fall Season

Prevent cold and flu viruses from catching you by using natural, Ayurvedic remedies from your kitchen cupboard and self-care practices to feel your best as the seasons change.  You will learn how your immune system works and how to strengthen it with probiotics and herbal/spice combinations.

 

 
November 4 and 11, 2015
$45 by October 31, 2015;  $55 thereafter.  Register 
 Flier 
 
Rhonda Egidio Ph.D., R.A.P, [Registered Ayurveda Professional] provides Ayurvedic assessments of primary health  concerns, diet, sleep and lifestyle and offers Ayurvedic recommendations. It's a good idea to get a baseline assessment to help you to apply Ayurveda knowledge in a customized way to your particular needs.  

Check out assessment and session options. 

Rhonda Egidio,  269-345-2991
Add Immunity Boosting Power: This Is Simple

Immunity Spice Mix
6 parts turmeric
3 parts ground cumin
3 parts ground coriander
6 parts ground fennel 
1 part powdered, dry ginger
1 part ground black pepper
1/4 part ground cinnamon
Directions:
Mix the organic spices together well. Heat one teaspoon of the spice mixture in one tablespoon of ghee, using medium-high heat, until the mixture releases an aroma. Remove from the heat immediately so it won't burn. Add this spiced ghee to cooked rice, vegetables, or other foods. (from Answer to Cancer-Sharma and Meade) 

Immunity Boosting Cinnamon Ginger Tea
1 Stick cinnamon 
1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and cut into 1/16 inch slices
2 Cups water
Combine cinnamon, ginger and  water in a pot; cover pot and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. Strain and serve.  When it cools, can add honey or garnish with pine nuts. Can also add a few peppercorns or powdered trikatu.

Super Immune Building Foods

 fresh pineapple
beets
cucumbers
apples
almonds
greens
berries
watercress
dandelion greens
mushrooms
mangoes
broccoli
raisins
tomatoes
walnuts
whole grains



Cat and Owl are Best Friends 


I love inter-species playmates.  Such a life lesson.  video
 
 
Natural Ayurveda Remedies to Optimize Immune Activity:

Amalaki-
anti-oxidant and liver support.

Ashwaganda- adrenal support, tonifies whole hormone system, stimulates thyroid, reverses immune-suppression from steroid use

Turmeric - miraculous anti-inflammatory agent, reduces plague, cleanses blood

Guduchi- useful for allergy reactions and asthma

Neem - lowers blood sugar --sugar feeds bacteria and fungus

Holy Basil/Tulsi- considered the incarnation of the divine feminine, promotes mental and emotional clarity, anti-stress

I highly recommend "Probiotics: Protection Against Infection" by Case Adams for a thorough understanding of the immune system and the role of probiotics.

For More  

RadiantLifeAyurveda.com for resources and information on classes and consultations.  
Ayurveda information shared here is for general educational purposes and is not intended to substitute for medical or psychological advice. Please consult with a qualified medical professional in these matters.

The Doshas

You may go to the article  "Ayurveda: Wisdom of Life for Vibrant Health and Divine Longevity" by Rhonda Egidio for an overview of Ayurveda and the 3 doshas--Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.  Visit RadiantLifeAyurveda.com for a free Dosha Assessment  and other resources. 
Full Disclosure

In the spirit of full disclosure, I would like you to know that I do receive some financial compensation when you click through a newsletter link to Banyan Botanicals and order a product

Cheers,  Rhonda
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Make an appointment for your Ayurveda Assessment (90 minute) and 1 follow up session (60 minute) for $160 for both sessions and receive a Radiant Life thermosAyurveda thermos for your daily spice water. (regular price $200) 

The custom knowledge for your health plan will well serve you as you continue to make informed decisions to favor good personal health.

Includes a detailed report of assessment and custom recommendations. Now taking appointments for Kalamazoo, MI and Oak Park, IL locations.

Offer Expires: November 30, 2015