Welcome to my first.... and who knows.... possibly only blog. I feel it's important to share this journey I'm on right now.... having been recently diagnosed with Lyme Disease, and seeking true healing. It is appalling how many people take years to get a diagnosis, and spend their life savings in the process of reclaiming their health, once they finally figure out how to do it. This information shouldn't be a secret, and doctors should be trained. Thank God for my naturopath! She gets it..... and my own research..... now I get it, too....

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Friday, April 30, 2010

Off to play...

Greetings ~

Just want to let you know that Erick and I will be off shortly to Bainbridge Island for the weekend to celebrate our anniversary. I won't be back on the blog until Monday, so see you then and hope you have a great weekend! My last couple of days have been fairly uneventful, although a pretty serious herx last night. But I'm feeling pretty darn good today. Next week I'll share more in more depth about some of the supplements I've been using along with the salt and vitamin C.

Enjoy life!

Sue

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Drifty sleepy....

Hi there....

Just a short post today as I'm in a drifty-sleepy-dreamy sort of place right now. I realized that this is the fourth week of my Salt/C protocol, and every four weeks is generally when a major herx period will set in, which explains some of the stuff going on this past few days. I feel pretty "herxy" a lot of the time, but I also realize I'm learning ways to help clear it more quickly from my system. The biggest thing is drinking a ton of water, and then taking things that help detox like lemon, Chitosan, chlorella, and hot baths & saunas. I also re-read one of my books on lyme and was reminded that the special enzymes I take each day on an empty stomach are really helpful in helping to work through a herx more quickly. The brand most referred to in the literature is Wobenzym, although my naturopath, Dr. Rabinovich, has her own formulary for them.

Anyhoo, I sailed through a couple of meetings today, plus some time on the deck enjoying the sun, and now I'm getting this very clear message: NAP! So that is what I'm about to go and do now, until Erick comes home and then on to a healthy dinner.

I wish you an enjoyable evening!

Sukie

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The "C" Word

Hellooooo...........

Just thought I'd take a few moments to check in and say hi. It's a very lazy day of rest that I am really seriously needing! Erick has been in a play the past three weeks, and in two months of intensive rehearsals before that, which has kept me up really late many nights, as we love to de-brief and share the events of the day with each other, no matter how late it is. I think my body is very ready to get back to bedtime by 11 pm. I read something recently that said that when one is working to strengthen one's immune system, the body is in need of 9 1/2 hours of sleep, in total darkness, per night. Well I've been falling WAY short of that lately, and I can really feel it. Slept for several hours last night, though, following the close of the AWESOME play, and have had a couple of lovely naps today, including one out on the deck.

So this is the deal.... as I enter week four, I can literally "feel" that the Salt/C protocol is starting to have some effects. It's hard to describe what that feels like exactly, except to say I can feel it in my bones and my bloodstream, amongst other places. In addition to the type of herx reactions that I'm used to, I have also been having chills for a couple of days, which is another sign of herxing. My vision has been blurrier than usual, which means that the bacteria in my eye area is gettings its feathers ruffled. That's ultimately a very good thing.

For me, then, the "C" word is "Vitamin C." I love and appreciate what it's doing for me, together with the sea salt. I can feel that we are making some progress here, even though sometimes the progress feels like one or two steps back. If I didn't have the stories of other folks who've been through this to reference, I would probably have stopped the protocol by now, but I know that I must hang tough with it, as eventually it will rev up the immune and also make it impossible for undesirable bacteria to thrive in my body any longer. And of course I have to do my part, which is not only the Salt/C, but the healthy eating, the sauna, the resting, the sleeping (the latter two I have slacked off on a bit the past couple of weeks, but I am re-grouping...).

The other "C" word I want to mention is cancer, simply because in all the research I have done on how to heal the immune system, there are many articles and protocols that speak to healing from cancer. I don't know about you, but I've had several people in my life who have had it who did not survive (some have been friends and family, some have been colleagues and clients), and as I write this, a dear friend in California, and a powerful healer in her own right, is working hard to clear cancer from her system. I am also working weekly with a very dear gentleman who is undergoing chemo for the second time. It totally depletes his energy. He comes in for Reiki, and afterwards he is feeling revived and re-vitalized, ready to move forward again for a few days until he has to back in for his next chemo treatment. I have found that Reiki has eased the pain of many with cancer, some of whom have lived to thrive, and some who have passed over into the next world. Even for those who don't make it, the energy work not only eases the pain, but also promotes their ability to accept what is happening and make peace with it.

In case you may not have noticed, I have a bit of a bias about working with more natural and eastern healing modalities (and healers), as opposed to western medicine. So that is the type of information I share most here in the blog.

I do believe western medicine has a definite place and that there are times when surgeries are needed, and possibly even interventions like chemo and radiation. When I was younger and had a couple of ectopic pregnancies, I probably wouldn't have survived without surgery. And when my daughter was breech, the C-section seemed like the way to go at the time (although if I'd had a midwife I might have tried other options first). And yet, when doctors were adamant about wanting to remove my gallbladder, I chose to make a lifestyle change... and my gallbladder has never bothered me again. Surgery was definately not necessary that time.

Whatever works best for a person in any given situation and helps them to feel like they are receiving the support they need is, I feel, for the best. I respect those brave souls who choose to sometimes go against conventional "wisdom" and follow a course that they feel will best support them holistically.

At any rate, I want to share a link here that has a really interesting (and rather lengthy) article about alternative ways to heal from cancer. I found it fascinating, and most of what they recommend makes good sense to me. So I share it here in case any of you may be interested, or may perhaps have loved ones who may benefit from the information. Obviously, I'm not in a position to give medical advice - I'm just sharing info that will possibly be of use to those who are walking such a difficult journey as cancer. The website is: www.cancerfightingstrategies.com.

It is interesting the journeys we choose for ourselves, on some level. While I would never have consciously chosen lyme disease, I also am able to see how I am learning and growing from this experience, and how it mirrors what is happening in the world today as she re-births herself, creating lots of energetic shifts that some may perceive as negative but, as I choose to look at it, need to happen for the planet to be purified and able to evolve. Whenever I do healing work with someone, I always ask that the outcome be for that person's highest good, regardless of what that may look like. It may not always be what I would personally want to choose for that person, but it may ultimately be for their soul's growth, and I have learned to accept that. I believe we are so much more than our egos and our earthly forms. And I believe that there is a higher purpose for everything. I love the words from The Desiderata: "Whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should." That doesn't mean I always like the way it unfolds, but I do have a sense in my heart of hearts that there is a reason behind it all.

What matters to me is this very moment, right now. I don't dwell on the past, and I try not to over-plan the future (although it's always good to have some things to look forward to - like our Sedona trip in June! :-). I think if we can strive to live a balanced, respectful, and centered life - as well as a grateful life - with intentions driven by integrity, that is the very best thing we can do for ourselves, our communities, and our planet. That's how we heal the world and evolve ourselves and life. Of course that includes reaching out with a helping hand where needed. We all need each other, and what a beautiful blessing to have loved ones to help us when we need it, and vice versa. The bottom line is: life will always go on, regardless of the forms it takes, and that is quite the magical mystery tour!

In peace,

Sukie

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Just "normal" aging??

Greetings~

I always find it interesting when folks between the ages of 35 and 65 make comments like, "Yeah, my joints hurt", or "My bones hurt", or "I guess I'm getting arthritis", or "I'm getting rheumatism", etc. While that may be true, I believe that much of the time what people - people who are too young to feel this way - are suffering from are the effects of the western diet, combined with the toxins we have been ever-increasingly exposed to over our lifetimes. I'm talking mainly about baby boomers and younger, here. While the industrial and agricultural ages have brought about many wonders for society, many of the practices that have become standard are quite frankly toxic and unhealthy for the human body (not to mention the mind and the spirit!).

Honestly, I do believe that we create our own reality, on many levels, from the unconscious to the conscious. I believe we do so individually and collectively. Which means that ultimately we as individuals and as humans must take responsibility for what we create, and also healing that which needs to be healed and transformed. While it's true that so much, if not all, is about what we truly believe in our heart of hearts, there are certain practices and concepts we have bought into (as a species)to the extent that we have made them extremely real for everyone. And let's face it, our over-arching western culture is driven by money (and power), plain and simple. Profits. Often at the expense of our health and well-being. That isn't to say that there aren't many awesome people out there creating healthy, life-affirming programs that support vitality. There are (thank goodness), and hopefully one day the organizations that control through power for profits (think: FDA)will be replaced by programs that are truly for-the-people.

I'm not going to jump into a huge political discussion about this here, but I just want to say that I do not for one minute believe that it's just "normal" that young and middle-aged people are hurting so badly they can hardly move. That is not normal. All of my grandparents eventually got to the point where they had some arthritis - in their 70's and 80's. My parents started to get a few aches and pains in their 70's. So why is it that so many of my friends,(I'm 53), clients and colleagues (some as young as 35) have such serious pain that sometimes they can hardly move? Why are they getting labels like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia? Why is Lyme Disease on the verge of becoming an epidemic? Why are cancers on the rise? Does anyone really believe this is normal? And what if we can "blame it all on DNA"? How did that DNA get damaged in the first place? How far away have we gotten from eating and living in ways that support our vitality, while always seeking to make things quicker, easier, etc. And how much "stuff" have we been sold, not because it's really good for us, but because somebody can make a tidy profit from it?

There are many theories out there on specifically why certain diseases are becoming a problem, and you can always find research and articles to support any position you want to take. Unfortunately, many of those research projects are funded by organizations that have a lot to lose if the results don't come out in their favor.

At any rate, I don't believe in being a victim of anything. I believe in taking charge of my own health, while at the same time allowing help from other people and therapies, as needed. Today I may need reiki; tomorrow it may be a massage; the next day it could be acupuncture; the day after that, I may need to sleep. Or all of the above in one day..... It's all therapeutic and contributes toward my well-being. And of course, having a system full of the bacteria that create lyme disease means I also have to be engaged in some type of strong healing protocol such as the one I have been describing here for a few weeks now. (I'm not routinely taking 10-12 servings of salt and vitamin C each day).

One facet of the healing approach that I embrace is to strive to keep a healthy pH in my body. It is common knowledge these days that the body needs to stay in an alkaline state to thrive; yet our western diet steers us toward an acidic body-state with all of the processed foods we eat. I am pasting-in some info below that gives more details about the alkaline/acid eating plan, along with charts that explain which foods contribute to both conditions, in order to help with healthier choices.

Since our body’s pH level is slightly alkaline (with a normal range of 7.36 to 7.44) the body should also be slightly alkaline. Therefore, when the body absorbs or takes in many acidic foods like fish, meat, distilled water, coffee, and grains, the balance of alkaline is disrupted. This imbalance could lead to a depletion of bodily minerals like magnesium and calcium, and can eventually lead to degenerative or chronic diseases.

There are symptoms of excess acidity that one should be wary of: low energy and chronic fatigue, formation of cysts, headaches, neuritis, hives, leg cramps, spasms, and gastritis. When one experiences some or all of these symptoms, an alkaline diet is sure to be recommended.

Alkaline forming foods that restore health include coconuts, raisins, lemons, maple syrups, dates, most vegetables, herbs, and some fruits (except bananas which are acidic).

In general, alkaline foods are mostly those that are produced naturally, while most acidic foods are either machine-produced or those that imitate naturally-produced foods. Using an alkaline-acid chart will greatly help you identify what to eat and at what proportions.

Most experts will suggest that to stay in an alkaline state, one's diet should be approximately 70% alkaline.

By using an alkaline-acid chart and by eating a predominantly alkaline diet, you lower the risks of many life-debilitating illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, immune-related deficiencies, brittle bones, chronic fatigue, and effects of premature aging.

Thanks for taking the time to read all this. I hope it is helpful in some way. The food charts I mentioned are listed below. I'll be back in touch soon!

Sukie

The following alkaline/acid food charts are from www.essence-of-life.com.

ALKALINE

ALKALIZING VEGETABLES
Alfalfa
Barley Grass
Beets
Beet Greens
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrot
Cauliflower
Celery
Chard Greens
Chlorella
Collard Greens
Cucumber
Dandelions
Dulce
Edible Flowers
Eggplant
Fermented Veggies
Garlic
Green Beans
Green Peas
Kale
Kohlrabi
Lettuce
Mushrooms
Mustard Greens
Nightshade Veggies
Onions
Parsnips
Peas
Peppers
Pumpkin
Radishes
Rutabaga
Sea Veggies
Spinach, green
Spirulina
Sprouts
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Watercress
Wheat Grass
Wild Greens

ALKALIZING ORIENTAL VEGETABLES
Maitake
Daikon
Dandelion Root
Shitake
Kombu
Reishi
Nori
Umeboshi
Wakame

ALKALIZING FRUITS
Apple
Apricot
Avocado
Banana (high glycemic)
Berries
Blackberries
Cantaloupe
Cherries, sour
Coconut, fresh
Currants
Dates, dried
Figs, dried
Grapes
Grapefruit*
Honeydew Melon
Lemon*
Lime*
Muskmelons
Nectarine*
Orange*
Peach
Pear
Pineapple
Raisins
Raspberries
Rhubarb
Strawberries
Tangerine*
Tomato
Tropical Fruits
Umeboshi Plums
Watermelon

ALKALIZING PROTEIN
Almonds
Chestnuts
Millet
Tempeh (fermented)
Tofu (fermented)
Whey Protein Powder

ALKALIZING SWEETENERS
Stevia

ALKALIZING SPICES & SEASONINGS
Cinnamon
Curry
Ginger
Mustard
Chili Pepper
Sea Salt
Miso
Tamari
All Herbs

ALKALIZING OTHER
Apple Cider Vinegar
Bee Pollen
Lecithin Granules
Molasses, blackstrap
Probiotic Cultures
Soured Dairy Products
Green Juices
Veggie Juices
Fresh Fruit Juice
Mineral Water
Alkaline Antioxidant Water

ALKALIZING MINERALS
Cesium: pH 14
Potassium: pH 14
Sodium: pH 14
Calcium: pH 12
Magnesium: pH 9

ACIDIC

ACIDIFYING VEGETABLES
Corn
Lentils
Olives
Winter Squash

ACIDIFYING FRUITS
Blueberries
Canned or Glazed Fruits
Cranberries
Currants
Plums
Prunes

ACIDIFYING GRAINS, GRAIN PRODUCTS
Amaranth
Barley
Bran, wheat
Bran, oat
Corn
Cornstarch
Hemp Seed Flour
Kamut
Oats (rolled)
Oatmeal
Quinoa
Rice
Rice Cakes
Rye
Spelt
Wheat
Wheat Germ
Noodles
Macaroni
Spaghetti
Bread
Crackers, soda
Flour

ACIDIFYING BEANS & LEGUMES
Black Beans
Chick Peas
Green Peas
Kidney Beans
Lentils
Pinto Beans
Red Beans
Soy Beans
Soy Milk
White Beans
Rice Milk
Almond Milk

ACIDIFYING DAIRY
Butter
Cheese
Cheese, Processed
Ice Cream
Ice Milk

ACIDIFYING NUTS & BUTTERS
Cashews
Legumes
Peanuts
Peanut Butter
Pecans
Tahini
Walnuts

ACIDIFYING ANIMAL PROTEIN
Bacon
Beef
Carp
Clams
Cod
Corned Beef
Fish
Haddock
Lamb
Lobster
Mussels
Organ Meats
Oyster
Pike
Pork
Rabbit
Salmon
Sardines
Sausage
Scallops
Shrimp
Scallops
Shellfish
Tuna
Turkey
Veal
Venison

ACIDIFYING FATS & OILS
Avacado Oil
Butter
Canola Oil
Corn Oil
Hemp Seed Oil
Flax Oil
Lard
Olive Oil
Safflower Oil
Sesame Oil
Sunflower Oil

ACIDIFYING SWEETENERS
Carob
Sugar
Corn Syrup

ACIDIFYING ALCOHOL
Beer
Spirits
Hard Liquor
Wine

ACIDIFYING OTHER FOODS
Catsup
Cocoa
Coffee
Vinegar
Mustard
Pepper
Soft Drinks

ACIDIFYING DRUGS & CHEMICALS
Aspirin
Chemicals
Drugs, Medicinal
Drugs, Psychedelic
Pesticides
Herbicides
Tobacco

ACIDIFYING
JUNK FOOD
Coca-Cola: pH 2
Beer: pH 2.5
Coffee: pH 4

There are several versions of Acid/ Alkaline food charts to be found, both online and in nutrition books. The following foods are sometimes attributed to the Acidic side of the chart and sometimes to the Alkaline side. Remember, you don't need to adhere strictly to the Alkaline side of the chart, just make sure a good percentage of the foods you eat come from that side.

Asparagus
Brazil Nuts
Brussel Sprouts
Buckwheat
Chicken
Corn
Cottage Cheese
Eggs
Flax Seeds
Green Tea
Herbal Tea
Honey
Kombucha
Lima Beans
Maple Syrup
Milk
Nuts
Organic Milk (unpasturized)
Potatoes, white
Pumpkin Seeds
Sauerkraut
Soy Products
Sprouted Seeds
Squashes
Sunflower Seeds
Yogurt

RANKED FOOD CHART : ALKALINE TO ACIDIC
EXTREMELY ALKALINE
________________________________________
Lemons, Watermelon
ALKALINE FORMING
________________________________________
Cantaloupe, Cayenne Celery, Dates, Figs, Kelp, Limes, Mango, Melons, Papaya, Parsley, Seaweeds, Seedless Grapes, Watercress
________________________________________
Asparagus, Fruit Juices, Grapes, Kiwifruit, Passionfruit, Pears, Pineapple, Raisins, Umeboshi Plums, Vegetable Juices

MODERATELY ALKALINE
________________________________________
Apples, Alfalfa Sprouts, Apricots, Avocados, Bananas, Currants, Dates, Figs, Garlic, Grapefruit, Grapes (less sweet), Guavas, Herbs, Lettuce, Nectarine, Peaches, Pears (less sweet), Peas, Pumpkin , Sea Salt
________________________________________
Apples (sour), Green Beans, Beets, Bell Peppers, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carob, Cauliflower, Ginger, Grapes (sour), Lettuce (pale green), Oranges, Peaches (less sweet), Peas (less sweet), Potatoes (with skin), Pumpkin (less sweet), Raspberries, Strawberries, Squash, Sweet Corn, Turnip, Apple Cider Vinegar

SLIGHLTY ALKALINE
________________________________________
Almonds, Jerusalem Artichokes, Brussel Sprouts, Cherries, Coconut (fresh), Cucumbers, Eggplant, Honey (raw), Leeks, Mushrooms, Okra, Olives (ripe), Onions, Pickles (homemade), Radishes, Sea Salt, Spices, Tomatoes, Brown Rice Vinegar
________________________________________
Chestnuts (dry, roasted), Egg Yolks, Essene Bread, Goat's Milk and Whey (raw), Mayonnaise (homemade), Olive Oil, Sesame Seeds (whole), Soy Beans (dry), Soy Cheese, Soy Milk, Sprouted Grains, Tofu, Tomatoes (less sweet), Nutritional Yeast
NEUTRAL
________________________________________
Butter (fresh, unsalted), Cream (fresh, raw), Cow's Milk and Whey (raw), Margine, Oils (except olive), Yogurt (plain)
MODERATELY ACIDIC
________________________________________
Bananas (green), Barley (rye), Blueberries, Bran, Butter, Cereals (unrefined), Cheeses, Crackers (unrefined rye, rice and wheat), Cranberries, Dried Beans (mung, adzuki, pinto, kidney, garbanzo), Dry Coconut, Egg Whites, Eggs Whole (cooked hard), Fructose, Goat's Milk (homogenized), Honey (pasteurized), Ketchup, Maple Syrup (unprocessed), Milk (homogenized), Molasses (unsulferd and organic), Most Nuts, Mustard, Oats (rye, organic), Olives (pickled), Pasta (whole grain), Pastry (whole grain and honey), Plums, Popcorn (with salt and/or butter), Potatoes, Prunes, Rice (basmati and brown), Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower), Soy Sauce, Wheat Bread (sprouted organic)

EXTREMELY ACIDIC
________________________________________
Artificial Sweeteners, Beef, Beer, Breads, Brown Sugar, Carbonated Soft Drinks, Cereals (refined), Chocolate, Cigarettes and Tobacco, Coffee, Cream of Wheat (unrefined), Custard (with white sugar), Deer, Drugs, Fish, Flour (white wheat), Fruit Juices with Sugar, Jams, Jellies, Lamb, Liquor, Maple Syrup (processed), Molasses (sulphured), Pasta (white), Pastries and Cakes from White Flour, Pickles (commercial), Pork, Poultry, Seafood, Sugar (white), Table Salt (refined and iodized), Tea (black), White Bread, White Vinegar (processed), Whole Wheat Foods, Wine, Yogurt (sweetened)

Thursday, April 22, 2010

That's better.....

Good morning ~

Thought I'd hop on the computer first thing this morning to say that after a miserable night of body aches and pains, I awoke feeling SO much better. Last night, on a pain scale of 1 - 10, I was at about an 8.5. Today I'm at about a 3.0. What a relief. Drinking a lot of water helped, along with the hot bath and taking the Chitosan.

Thought I'd just paste in a couple of blurbs today from some leading lyme disease researchers that help to put the whole thing into perspective....

This is from Bryan Rosner, who has written a couple of the most informative books on the market. One of the most important aspects of developing a Lyme Disease treatment protocol is to strengthen and restore the immune system. This may seem obvious -- Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection, so it naturally follows that the immune system must kick into gear to uproot and defeat the infection.

What is less obvious is the fact that Lyme Disease causes even more immune system dysfunction than other types of infections. Lyme Disease bacteria can literally evade and "shut down" the immune system. The bacteria can convince the body to live in harmony with the infection. Once this occurs, chronic Lyme Disease is the result, and the bacterial infection can persist for weeks, months, or years.

Unfortunately, boosting the immune system is not enough to eradicate Lyme Disease. Instead, a Lyme sufferer must employ a carefully planned and comprehensive treatment plan that covers all of the different aspects of the Lyme Disease complex. Establishing such a treatment plan is the focus of the two books I have written (Lyme Disease and Rife Machines and The Top 10 Lyme Disease Treatments).


Here is a little something on herx reactions by Melissa Kaplan:
Formally known as the Jarisch-Herxheimber Reaction, or the Herxheimer reaction, it is named after the doctors who first described the reactions to treatment for syphilis, Adolph Jarisch and Karl Herxheimer.

The term "Herxheimer reaction" has expanded to include reactions to treatment for Lyme disease, which is also caused by a spirochete, and generally, by those who are familiar with the term, to the wide array of symptoms resulting from the die-off of the organisms and resulting increased neurotoxin that may take many months to abate.

Affectionately called "herx" (as in, "I'm herxing bad today"), the term is sometimes used to described the worsening of some or all symptoms that were present before treatment with the use of any antibiotic, antiparasitic, antifungal or antiviral prescribed for other parasitic (regardless of organism type) infections. Herxing can also result in new symptoms arising, very common in the treatment of Babesia, Bartonalla, Borrelia, and Ehrlichia infections.

Herx symptoms are generally different from those that are side-effects to active and inactive/inert ingredients, making it difficult for the patient and treating physician to determine if it is a drug reaction or herx. Along the lines of the joke, "The surgery was a success but the patient died," the severity of an individual symptom or total complex of herx symptoms in a patient can be so extreme, especially when herx symptoms include extreme pain, cognitive dysfunction, and depression, that patients frequently would prefer death over continuing with the treatment.


More on herx reactions from Francis Key:
The Herxheimer Reaction - Feeling worse before feeling better
The Herxheimer Reaction is a short-term (from days to a few weeks) detoxification reaction in the body. As the body detoxifies, it is not uncommon to experience flu-like symptoms including headache, joint and muscle pain, body aches, sore throat, general malaise, sweating, chills, nausea or other symptoms.

This is a normal — and even healthy — reaction that indicates that parasites, fungus, viruses, bacteria or other pathogens are being effectively killed off. The biggest problem with the Herxheimer reaction is that people stop taking the supplement or medication that is causing the reaction, and thus discontinue the very treatment that is helping to make them better. Although the experience may not make you feel particularly good, the Herxheimer Reaction is actually a sign that healing is taking place.

What Is The Herxheimer Reaction?

The Herxheimer Reaction is an immune system reaction to the toxins (endotoxins) that are released when large amounts of pathogens are being killed off, and the body does not eliminate the toxins quickly enough. Simply stated, it is a reaction that occurs when the body is detoxifying and the released toxins either exacerbate the symptoms being treated or create their own symptoms. The important thing to note is that worsening symptoms do not indicate failure of the treatment in question; in fact, usually just the opposite.

A Rose By Any Other Name

Technically known as the Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction, this syndrome goes by many names, including JHR, the Herxheimer Effect, the Herxheimer Response, a Herx Reaction, Herx or Herks. The most common terminology used is the Herxheimer Reaction. It is also often referred to as a healing crisis, a detox reaction, or die-off syndrome.

What To Do In The Event of a Herxheimer Reaction

If the reaction is mild enough that it can be borne without grave discomfort, the best approach is to continue treatment and assist the body in eliminating the toxins as quickly and as thoroughly as possible by the methods below.

If the reaction is too severe, cutting back on the dosage or frequency of use can be very helpful in lessening symptoms but allowing the healing process to continue. Sometimes stopping for a day or so and then beginning again at a lesser dosage can allow for quick relief.

The best assistance for the body is drinking plenty of distilled water (a half gallon a day is recommended).

Other helpful suggestions include:

•Getting plenty of sunshine
•Minimizing exercise for the detox period
•Keeping the organs of elimination (the bowels, lungs, skin, kidneys, lymph) functioning properly
•Keeping the diet relatively pure during the detox period so that the body is not loaded with additional chemicals and toxins to eliminate while it is already working hard.
Adding lemon to the water, taking cold press olive oil first thing in the morning, taking sea salt baths and/ or steam baths and saunas, plus liver and elimination system supports can also be helpful, though any herbal supplements should be kept to a minimum and should be very mild and gentle in nature.


I will add that I don't know what I'd do without my far-infrared sauna. It is truly helpful throughout the lyme treatment process, for assisting with detoxification. And as you can see from reading the above info, that's what it's all about.

Soooo, time to pop some salt and vitamin C, lyme homeopathic, immune tonic, and other supps, then off to a healthy breakfast followed by a sauna, then some meditation. Actually, I often meditate and/or pray in the sauna. It gives new meaning to the term "sweating your prayers." From there, visits with friends and generally taking it easy today.

I wish you an amazing day filled with joy, abundance, vitality, and gratitude.

Sukie

Yikes...

Yikes....!!! I've been feeling a herx coming on since last night and, WOW, here it is. I'm in severe pain in all my joints - shoulders, hips, knees, inner elbows, neck, and even my lower back is involved. It's hard to explain the feeling, but I can honestly say my very bones hurt. However ... NOTE TO SELF: The herx is what ultimately makes us better! Stay focused, relax, breathe... And go take a hot bath and some aspirin... followed by sleep.........

Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between a herx reaction and a bacterial flare, and even a food allergy reaction. But sometimes the herx is so huge that there is no doubt, and that's where it's at for me at the moment. It hurts to lift my arms, and climbing stairs is an exercise in sadomasochism (did I spell that right?).

Anyhoo, let's talk about something more fun. I did make nettle soup yesterday... an experience, for sure. Began by watching a 5 minute video online about harvesting nettles and making soup. It said exactly the same things Karen had told me, but it was fun to watch anyway. Interestingly, the guy making the nettle soup poured cream into it at the end, then said, "Enjoy - this would cost you $15 a bowl in a fine restaurant." I have personally never seen nettle soup on a restaurant menu, but hey, one of our local bistros makes a side dish of sauteed fiddlehead ferns, so there are probably eateries out there that serve up nettles, too.

So I donned a pair of gloves and went out and trimmed the tops off about a dozen nettle plants (we have hundreds of them). They are actually quite lovely, I think. Rather delicate looking with pretty leaves; about 2' tall right now. Karen once pointed out to me the importance of knowing what nettles look like, since we also have foxglove growing in our yard, from which digitalis is made. The plants look somewhat similar, so we wouldn't want to pick the wrong one!

Once I had a large bowl full of leaves, I brought them inside to wash them. By this time Erick was home and joined me in rinsing the leaves (there were a few little tiny black beetles hanging around; they clung to the bowl and I was able to set it outside so most of them survived to tell the tale). We then tossed the nettles into boiling water, and let them bubble away for about 40 minutes before doing anything more with them. In the meantime, I sliced up my last monster leek and sauteed it with crimini mushrooms, garlic, and some spinach. When the nettles were done I combined it all together, and then put in a few tablespoons of white miso right before I took it off the heat. This was something I felt compelled to do, and was surprised later to see a recipe on the internet for nettle soup with miso.

Earlier in the day I had told a few people that I was going home to make soup from stinging nettles. Amusingly, I was met with a variety of reactions - and they were not necessarily enthusiastic. My mother said, "You're crazy." (and no, she doesn't want to try it)... Llynya said she'd had nettle soup before and it left a funny buzzing feeling in her mouth; she said she would pass on sampling it. Neighbor Rikki stated emphatically, "I detest nettle plants!" but then said, "I want to try some, okay?" Lauryn was the most positive of the group, expressing great interest in the soup-making process and stating of course she would try it. So I set a bowl aside for her and her family, which I will deliver to them tomorrow. Hopefully, I will soon be able to report what both Lauryn and Rikki thought of the soup.

Erick was the first to bravely sample some. I had thought he'd be a little hesitant, but he dug right in there and ate a big bowl in just a couple of minutes, proclaiming it "tasty" and "yummy." I must admit I was happy he tried it first, and when he didn't bat an eye, I proceeded to have a bowl of my own. I, too, found it rather delicious. After quite lengthy boiling I thought the leaves would boil down like spinach and become a lot smaller, but they actually didn't shrink very much. The water turned a beautiful green color - I wonder if weavers use nettles for dying yarn....?

So that was the big adventure. I will probably make the soup from time to time. It's fairly time-consuming, but worth it, especially as it is so nutritionally charged. It's actually supposed to be good for one's joints. Obviously, I didn't eat enough!!

That's about all I can muster for tonight. It's been a busy week of teaching workshops, reiki sessions in both my office locations, and meetings at the Whidbey Children's Theater, as well as a variety of projects that are in various stages of completion. I think I'm about to officially call it a week a bit earlier than usual, and just chill for a couple of days, hang out with friends (Lauryn & Rikki, we're still on for tomorrow, which is now technically "today", since I see it's 1:00 am!!), take naps, and watch the last two nights of Erick's play (it's fun having an actor in the family). But first, off to a deep, steaming bath in the soaking tub, and then it's lights out. I'd like to think I'll sleep in a bit, but my inner alarm clock always seems to go off around 6:30 am....

Thanks for taking the time to read and contemplate all this. Sweet dreams, one and all,

Sukie

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Life is Good/Incredible Edibles

I've been lagging a bit on the ol' blog, so be prepared for a lot more info today....

Spring is an amazing time here on Whidbey Island.... suddenly the yard is full of bunnies, the eagles are back on their nests and soaring in circles over our house, the rhododendrens are blooming in a massive riot of glorious color, the ornamental cherries, apples and plums are bursting with huge gobs of white and pink blossoms, and the tulips are simply stunning and vibrant, inviting closer examination of their mandala interiors. The red alder trees, which look like a bunch of dead sticks all winter, suddenly leaf out with bright, spring-green foliage, and the gray whales are cruising all around the island looking for their favorite appetizers just offshore.

The local orca pods are out and about in the Puget Sound and pass by this way from time to time, but this year the transient orcas (non-locals) are hanging around. Orcas are my favorite animals (I've had several "close encounters" with them and vivid dreams, and consider them my totem animals), and last week I got to watch a pod of them splashing around in Penn Cove. Native American author Ed McGaa Rainbow Tribe(who contributed a chapter a few years ago to my book, The Ways of Spirit: 30 Visionaries Share Philosophies, Paths and Practices), honored me by naming me "orca spirit woman" (hogan wakan winagi win). I just LOVE that feeling of kinship!

So spring has sprung and life is good. Economics are still challenging for most everyone, of course, and the earthquakes and volcanoes are doing their part to shake humanity awake. A good friend of mine back in California (whose house sits right on top of the San Andreas Fault) advised me not to move to the Puget Sound.... "You'll be right in the 'ring of fire'", she advised. "There are volcanoes all around you!" I had a good laugh at that, especially given the longitude and latitude of her own particular piece of property. It's true, we could be engulfed by something any minute. Whidbey is also covered with tsunami-warning signs. I haven't seen a place yet that wasn't ripe for a natural disaster. I choose not to "go there", and strive to stay in that place of balance and harmony within. More than ever, it seems these times on planet earth are about living in, and appreciating, the moment. Re-assessing our priorities and living with hearts and minds open, fearlessly. As Ram Dass said, "Be here now." I am so blessed to have a life filled with beautiful, giving, loving people, and a sweet place to live that supports the lifestyle of my choosing. We don't make anywhere NEAR the money here that we made in Cali, but you know what....? We have also found we can live on a lot less and be perfectly happy - delighted, actually - with our lives. We love being a part of a thriving community that looks out for one another and practices gratitude. Erick and I consciously give thanks every day for all of the abundance and joy that blesses our everyday existence. I repeat: Life is good.

That being said, let's check in on the basics, here..... Living with lyme disease and heavy metal toxicity isn't the biggest picnic in the world, but I accept it and do my best to go with the flow, becoming healthier and more educated in the process. I'm at an intake of 10-12 each salt capsules and C tablets a day. I definately have my ups and downs in terms of joint pain, and my vision goes from blurry to blurrier some days. Not just my near vision for which I need reading glasses, but my distance vision, which was perfect until a couple of years ago. My energy levels have definately gone UP since beginning this protocol. In addition to the salt/C, I am on homeopathics for lyme, and an immune system revitalizer, along with enzymes, probiotics, magnesium, B's, D, and a few other things thrown in for good measure. But I really feel the salt/C has a lot to do with my improved energy, for reasons I cannot really articulate, except that I feel like my immune system must be feeling like it's getting much more support all the way around.

So with the energy up, it's easier to handle those moments when the joints are SO sore that I have a hard time walking properly, as well as climbing stairs. Usually aspirin will take the edge off enough that I can work with this, but occasionally I'll have a day, or part of a day, where my hip joints are so sore I just can't walk well (and I sure as heck can't bend my knees to get down on the floor, or into the bathtub). A structural therapist pointed out to me one day that I was not walking with the correct gait - I was walking a bit side-to-side. I had been unaware of how much I was favoring my sore hip joints until she told me that. She also added that people in pain do tend to walk that way, and then next thing they know, they are having hip replacement surgery. Her words got my attention, and now I work hard to walk correctly, even when it hurts.

Sometimes I have a few days in a row where pain is almost non-existent, and my energy is super high. Those are the days I feel like I'm getting back to myself. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, even though it will be quite awhile yet before I am there. Sometimes I wonder why I am not herxing more than I seem to be, and then the next day BOOM, and I am reminded that herxes can come and go rather mysteriously, sometimes lasting a couple of hours and sometimes a couple of days. Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between a herx and a "lyme flare", when the bacteria find something that nourishes them (like when too many carbs or sugars are consumed), which causes them to have a growth spurt. Those can be extremely painful, too. But the herxes seem a little more heavy-duty, as a rule.

Anyhow, back to the food aspect of the blog... Spring has brought some awesome edibles to our three acres. We have an abundance of wild nettles that are ready for harvesting now, and horsetail, which is just starting to shoot up. Many people will tell you that nettles and horsetail are "pests" and "noxious weeds", etc. But once you understand the medicinal values of these plants, they take on a new light. My amazing neighbor, Karen, is a master herbalist. She owns a business, Sweet Sisters, that features bodycare products all made in her kitchen from herbs, essential oils, and other healthy ingredients (her website is almost done; I'll include it here when it's "up"). Karen has instructed me in how to prepare nettles for soups and teas, and horsetail for infusions/teas.

Nettles are also known as "stinging" nettles, and there is a good reason for this: they are covered with little "hairs" that if rubbed against, will cause that area of one's skin to sting and burn for several hours afterward. I've encountered nettles twice in that way, and now have a healthy respect for them. However, when the top third of the plant is harvested in the spring (while wearing gloves!), it can be rolled between the palms to loosen the "stingers" and put into soups, or dried and used for infusions and teas. Once cooked, the stingers won't hurt. The horsetail is simply dried and then crushed for infusions and teas. This is covered well on several websites: just search on "harvesting horsetail" or something similar.

Here is a blurb on nettles by Denise Reynolds, RD:
Nettle (Urtica dioica) has recently become a popular treatment for allergies based on a small study found in the July issue of the Phytotherapy Research journal. Nettle is an herb commonly found in the damp areas of Europe and North America. The roots, leaves, and seeds are all said to have health benefits. When infused in boiling water, the roots and leaves make tea.

The recent study shows that the nettle extract inhibits several key inflammatory events that cause the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Histamines in the herb can reduce the body’s response to pollen and other allergens.

The study appears to confirm results found in an older study which used a freeze-dried preparation of the nettle herb in individuals with allergic rhinitis. After one week of therapy, the herbal treatment was found to reduce symptoms.

Stinging Nettles is a common plant that has been used medicinally throughout history. Caesar’s Roman troops are thought to have brought nettle from England and used the spines for warmth. Touching the stingers on the nettle plant causes an allergic reaction, probably due to the formic acid found in the stingers which initiates a localized histamine release, thus producing a burning sensation.

In Europe, it was used as a spring tonic, a treatment for scurvy, as a diuretic, and a treatment for joint pain. Nettle is rich in Vitamin C and the antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin E. It is also high in chlorophyll, iron, potassium, magnesium, chromium, and zinc.

Other possible health benefits for nettle include anti-inflammatory effects, relief of benign prostatic hyperplasia and urinary tract infections, and the lowering of blood pressure and blood sugar. Nettle tea also has a mild laxative effect, which could be useful for the treatment of constipation.

Stinging nettle is available as a dried leaf, extract, capsules and as a root tincture. Typical dosage is 600 mg dried herb or 2-4 ml per day of fluid extract in divided doses. To make a tea, prepare 2/3 cup of boiling water over 3 to 4 teaspoons of dried leaves or root and steep for 3-5 minutes.

As a side effect, it may occasionally cause mild gastrointestinal irritation when taken internally. It may also cause a rash with topical use. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy, as studies have indicated that it may alter the menstrual cycle and contribute to miscarriage. It has also not been established as safe for children to use.

Because stinging nettle can affect the blood’s ability to clot, it could interfere with blood-thinners such as Coumadin, Plavix and aspirin. It should also not be used with prescription medications for high blood pressure or diabetes. Always discuss all non-prescription treatments with your primary care physician.


And on Horsetail, from www.liveandfeel.com (visit this website for much more on how to prepare and use horsetail):
Horsetail contains 5-7% silicic acid, nicotine, palustrine, palustridine, phytosterol, beta-sitosterol, malic acid, vitamin C, volatile oil, potassium salts etc. The active components from horsetail have antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory effects; they preserve eyesight and stimulate blood flow.

So today I am going to go out and harvest some nettles. Tonight I will try making a nettle soup and will let you know how that turns out. I'll probably throw in a few mushrooms, some garlic, and maybe that last leek in the fridge. I will wait until Erick has happily consumed an entire bowl before I tell him there are nettles in it, and he will say "That was amazing!" (or something like that...) ;-)

When you're a vegan, like I am, you have to be really creative in your eating, especially when your food sensitivities blood test comes up high for soy, eggs, dairy, wheat, gluten, and of course, sugar. You start to see the handwriting on the wall: LIFESTYLE CHANGE! I was already a vegetarian contemplating veganism when I had the test done, so it became easy to take that final step. But honestly, to make a lifestyle change you have to WANT to do it - really want to do it! And once you really want to, then it becomes about discovery, adventure and magic, rather than something you "have" to do. It's fun to look forward to each and every day. I am truly thankful to have a wonderful partner who sees the world through the same eyes that I do: life's an adventure!

In case anyone's wondering..... I am a vegan for two reasons: One is for health. I personally feel physically better when I don't consume animal products. I had a gall bladder attack about 12 years ago, and my naturopath at that time said, "if you stop eating meat and cheese, you'll be fine." I took that seriously, and have never had any further problems with my gall bladder (and never had the surgery to remove it, either). The other reason is that I have a really HUGE problem with factory farming. I cannot stand the way animals have become simply another "product" to be exploited for profit - just "things", with no feelings, that people can justify treating in any way they like.

Now honestly, I look at nature and I see that animals rip each other to shreds every day, so I can't honestly say that animals are not meant to be eaten. Nature seems to think otherwise. But I cannot abide it when humans choose to consciously torture calves by stuffing them into tiny cages to be fattened up, or shave off the beaks of chickens so they won't kill each other and pull out all their feathers when crammed into cages with dozens of other chickens and forced to mass produce eggs, and pigs and cows that are packed together standing in pools of their own antibiotic-and-hormone-laden excrement, which is then fed into the local rivers and streams. Sorry, I know this is graphic, but come on, let's face it.... this is the reality of millions of animals every day. Small family farms are now a rarity - while factory farms are THE reality. I recently had someone tell me "I can't afford to buy "clean" meat humanely raised on a family farm, or organic veggies - too expensive." I'm thinking, how can we afford NOT to? We can spend the money up front and need less medical attention down the road because we are so darn healthy, or we can buy cheap, horrible, adulterated food that will ensure that our medical bills will pile up in the future.....

Many years ago I read Mad Cowboy by Howard Lyman and that really put me over the edge. This man was raised in a family that had huge factory farms, and he is now a vegan. He described the horrors that happen in those kinds of places. I know most of us don't want to think about things like that. But it's happening right under our noses. Even though I think factory farming is here to stay for awhile yet, I am heartened by some of the recent legislation that is meant to ensure that farm animals receive better treatment. That is a first baby step in the right direction.

Anyway, yes... there are those who raise animals humanely for meat, and if I were going to eat meat, that is the meat I would eat. I would make sure it was completely free of hormones and antibiotics, and that the animals were respected and treated kindly. We all can choose to look into our own hearts and ask what feels like the right thing to do. For myself, I choose to love animals for who and what they are.... After having a small herd of goats for pets and completely falling in love with each one, it breaks my heart to think they are routinely eaten all around the world. And yet I also understand. I pray that each animal has a humane and respected life, for however long they have here, before making that supreme sacrifice for the humans who control whether they live comfortably or suffer.

I think once animals feel the love of a human, though, it opens up something in them and they become true and loving soul companions. I prefer to have that kind of relationships with my animal companions. I won't try to talk someone out of eating meat, though. It's a personal choice, and I can only practice what works for me.

I will occasionally eat eggs if they are from local farms who raise chickens with love, like our organic farm The Raven and Spade does. Those are some happy chickens and, as I learned a few years ago when we had chickens for pets, chickens lay eggs every day, whether they are fertilized or not. So I'm okay with eating those (although egg yolks came up high on my food sensitivities test). I probably have one or two a week, mixed into something, like my friend Lauryn's "one minute muffin"... These require 2 Tablespoons of flax meal, 1 egg or 2 egg whites, 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and for fun you can throw in some fresh berries or nuts. She whips all this together and puts it in the microwave in a cup for about a minute and voila! We stopped using our microwave, though, so I put mine in a little muffin pan and pop it in the oven (350 degrees) for about 10 minutes, and it is a sweet little gluten-free, sugar-free snack (you can add a little honey if you like).

On the topic of food, lastly I will add that while I eat very few refined food products any more, there are a few that I'd have a hard time living without. These include Fresh Shores extra virgin Coconut Oil (organic) and Himalayan Original Crystal Salt (both available from www.mercola.com), Glutino gluten-free Flax Seed bread (one of the few gluten-free breads that actually tastes good and makes awesome toast!), Mary's Gone Crackers organic crackers, Sabra classic hummus, Mrs. Leeper's corn pastas and rice spaghetti, corn tortillas, Veganaise brand mayo (organic), and all the various, wonderful gluten-free stuff available from Bob's Red Mill. We also eat a fair amount of organic quinoa, and some brown rice, wild rice, gluten-free oatmeal and gluten-free oat bran (throw in a little honey, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardomom.... YESS! Sometimes I swirl in some all-fruit spread or unsweetened fruit butter).

It's such a challenge finding gluten-free stuff that is also either sugar-free, or sweetened with healthier sweeteners such as honey, agave, cassava, dates, or stevia. Speaking of dates, our grocery store sells organic medjool dates rolled in coconut that are just delicious! When I get a sugar craving, one of those puppies will take care of it quick. And speaking of Cassava, Dr. Mercola (website above) offers an incredible snack bar made from chocolate and coconut, and sweetened with cassava, that is yummy, and about the healthiest sweet snack I've ever found.

So all of this being said, the staples of a truly healthy eating plan are the fresh veggies (not canned... frozen are okay as needed), fruits, whole grains, and healthy water. Do you know that avocados are practically perfect in every way, just like Mary Poppins? ;-) I literally worship them! They are full of vitamins and healthy fats, and even have a significant protein content. Erick can't stand them - he thinks they are gross (translation: green and slimy). He once swallowed one practically whole just to "try" one (long story that has a lot to do with the movie Ground Hog Day...), but he missed the experience completely. They need to be savored with a little sea salt and maybe some cumin, in a gorgeous salad, or a veggie soft taco. HEAVEN!

I just got a water alkalinizer, which I will share more about in a future post, as this has gotten quite long enough for today. A friend who has had severe fibromyalgia for years says her pain has almost completely healed up with the water alkalinizer. Which makes so much sense, since the body needs to be in an alkaline state to thrive (the typical American diet is WAY-acidic). A new experiment awaits...

Thanks for wading through this lengthy epistle.... I made myself hungry and am off to make breakfast!

Sukie

Saturday, April 17, 2010

So what's cookin'?

Good morning....

The last couple of days have been spent in a variety of activities in some really gorgeous weather, and during that time I have been increasing my Salt/C intake. I am now up to taking 10 grams of each, per day. I start when I get up in the morning (generally around 8 am) and take two grams of each every 3 hours (8 am, 11 am, 2 pm, 5 pm, 8 pm.). The recommended dosage is 8 - 12 grams of each per day. I've been wondering when some monster-herx will ambush me, but so far so good. Some soreness, for sure, but nothing of gigantic proportions, at least not in the past week. I have learned with lyme bacteria(s) that these things ebb and flow, and I just have to roll with it. Right now my pain levels are really manageable, and I am very grateful for that. I have a full day planned today with my "little sister", and will be able to enjoy hanging out with her.

I had a lymphatic massage session with Cindy yesterday, also, as it's critical to de-toxing that the lymph fluids keep moving.

I realized last night, as I was busy chopping vegetables in the kitchen, that my refined eating habits are turning me into a cook! This is a major revelation, being that I really have never enjoyed cooking, nor have I been particularly good at it. (I can hear my daughter laughing as she reads this....). When I do cook it's pretty basic stuff; nothing too fancy. I'm really big on potlucks where everyone brings something. Definately not the Martha Stewart 8-course meal that takes 3 days to prepare kind of person.

But what I'm realizing is that as I feel better and have more energy, and as I have refined my food choices down to clean, organic foods only (except for the rare restaurant splurge where I do the best I can with what I can find), that I am actually learning to LOVE a much bigger variety of fresh veggies, and more simple flavors. This has been helped by the beautiful bags of food I get weekly from our local organic farm. They're so gorgeous you can't help but admire each leek, each potato, each mushroom, each cluster of broccoli rabe..... and that inspires me to not want to waste any of it, and to do something really special with it.

My favorite is soup. Soups are the one thing I've always kind of liked to make. Lately I just can't get enough of potato leek soup with some type of mushrooms in it (generally portabella), greens (collard, kale, spinach), a few spices (ginger, cumin, garlic), a little coconut milk, and sometimes spiked a little with some of Imagine brand's organic soup puree, such as acorn squash/mango. First I saute the leeks, mushrooms and spices in coconut oil, then gradually add everything else in (with water, too) and cook for 30 - 45 minutes, depending upon what's in it. And of course, season with sea salt (un-iodized). I never make soup the same way twice.... it's more about what's on hand and/or what I'm in the mood for. (Don't tell Erick I slipped some mango into last night's soup - he'd rather not know about that!!).

Coconut oil is a wondrous thing. It can safely be used at higher heats than most other oils, which makes it good for saute-ing onions and things. It also gives a little boost to the thyroid. It's important to buy a good brand. Most of the coconuts imported to the US are soaked in formaldehyde (as a preservative I guess). You want to purchase coconut products that are processed where they were harvested, by companies using healthy practices. I shop for stuff like that at www.mercola.com, as Dr. Mercola is pretty picky about what he supports and sells....he is all about optimal health. It's a very informative website and one of the few e-newsletters I actually like to get. You can also get Himalayan salt from them.

It's too soon to say whether or not I will ever end up with a true passion for cooking, but I find it hopeful that I no longer dread going into the kitchen.... that's a miraculous step in the right direction!

I'm off to experience the day....

Sukie

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Upsurge in energy...

Hello out there....

While I was in tremendous pain on Sunday and Monday, weirdly enough I am feeling better today than I have in a long time. Much better! The reason that's weird is because I have gone, over the past three days, up to doubling my salt/C intake (from 4 grams per day to 8). You would think that might make me hurt a whole lot, but something told me to go for it. In addition, today I took a new product, Nanotek Chitosan, for the first time. It's supposed to help with herx reactions and detox. I don't know if this product had something to do with my upsurge in energy and general well-being, but I feel really good, and accomplished a whole lot of stuff today. I'd be tempted to say that it's a placebo effect, because I've heard it takes the Chitosan a week or so to kick in. All I can say is,it feels awesome to feel awesome!

So I whipped through a bunch of projects today, paid bills, and went to two meetings at the Whidbey Children's Theater (where I'm a board member), and I'm still going strong at 10:45 pm. YESSSSS! I love it! I am by nature a very high energy person, and days like this remind me that I will eventually get back to being that way again on a regular basis.

I'm also so happy for my cousins today, Dave and Heidi, who are proud new "grandparents" of a beautiful newborn colt, by the name of Ace. We've all been waiting a long time to welcome this baby into the world. And congrats to Jessie, Ace's mom, for hanging in there! It's good to have a new addition to the family! :-)

Catch you again soon,

Sukie

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Oh, I "C"....

It's been a few days of just salting along, here.... not a lot to report. My pain levels come and go. I am gradually adjusting to a higher salt/C intake. I have times that I feel great and am out and about, and other times when it hurts just to move. I think it's going to be this way for awhile, so I will only be blogging on the days that it seems there is something meaningful to share.

I've been wanting to go into more detail about how the Vitamin C helps with this protocol. Info in the next two paragraphs is from www.lymephotos.com.

Vitamin C assists the immune system in two of its primary functions - to rid the body of foreign invaders, and to monitor the system for things like tumor cells. It does this by stimulating the productin of white blood cells (which attack foreign antigens such as bacteria and viruses), and it boosts the body's production of both antibodies and interferon (a protein that helps protect us from viral invaders and cancers).

It also contributes to our immune defenses, as Vitamin C helps boost collagen production in the skin, which is our first line of defense. This vitamin also acts against toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects of environmental pollutants by stimulating liver detoxifying enzymes. And, it also incrases NK "killer" cells, as well as the activity of immune T-cells.

There are many other benefits of Vitamin C, but for purposes of this protocol, we will focus more upon how it works with salt to create an inhospitable environment for the bacteria related to lyme disease. Large doses of salt and vitamin C together (8 - 12 grams each, per day) increases the ability of elastase (an enzyme which contributes to white blood cell function and immunity) to kill harmful bacteria in the human body. Also, Vitamin C, when used with salt, greatly accelerates the healing process by stimulating and restoring the immune system, as well as detoxifying the body. (from The Top 10 Lyme Disease Treatments, Bryan Rosner).

I want to emphasize again why it's so important, while using this protocol or any healing/detoxifying protocol for any type of disease or immune-related dysfunction, to eat clean, healthy and well:

"The body simply cannot battle a persistent and pernicious infection while also battling toxic food byproducts, a lack of healthy raw materials, acidic PH, and so on."www.lymephotos.com

We want to create an "inner terrain" that is essentially very unfriendly and inhospitable to "bad" bacteria (which will eventually kill them), while at the same time supporting and strengthening the body's own various responses - immune, blood, digestive, cardio, respiratory, nerve, brain, eliminative, and so forth.

This goes beyond lyme disease to include many, if not nearly all, of the diseases and conditions known to humanity today. To change our "inner terrain" so that it is inhospitable to disease and supportive to the body's own immune response, many doctors and healthcare practitioners recommend that we:

1) Do NOT follow a typical American diet; if anything, follow a Mediterranean diet, and/or a diet rich in organic produce and whole grains.

2) Avoid ALL sugar products and artificial sweeteners, as well as "white" breads and pastries, candy, anything deep-fried, soda, coffee, fast foods, and keep dairy products to a minimum. Dairy products create mucous in the intestines where parasites breed, as well as impedes our ability to absorb nutrients.

3) If you eat meat, choose the best quality grain-fed meat containing no hormones or antibiotics. It costs more, but is vital to your health and vitality.

4) Drink lots of pure water (if you use a reverse osmosis purifier, be sure to add minerals back with uniodized sea salt or kelp). Spring water is more "alive" with needed minerals than "purified" or "drinking" (bottled) water. Distilled water has its uses, but is not good for drinking water, as it is stripped of all nutrients.

And it goes on from there.... also critical are exercise and movement (including stimulating the lymphatic system which can be done with a mini-trampoline or bouncing on an exercise ball)... breathing deeply of clean air... getting enough rest and sleep so that the cells can rebuild themselves and the bodily systems can refresh themselves.

One thing I learned from eating in a truly healthful way, is that weight ceases to be an issue. Without trying I have lost 32 pounds over the past year. My bodily systems all function well and I don't get bloated any more. It can be hard to switch to healthier eating habits, but honestly, it's SO worth it! And for those of us with lyme or some other critical health condition, it is the only way we will ever be able to truly heal and achieve lasting, vibrant health.

On that note, I'm off to enjoy the gorgeous sunshine. Wishing you the best of health, as well as happiness and peace.

Sukie

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Hey there y'all....

Haven't had much time to write these past couple of days; been very busy. I will say this: I pushed the envelope a bit much yesterday by taking salt 4 times, and I had a monumental herx reaction last night. Shoulders felt shredded, could barely walk. Pulled out all the stops on de-toxing and feeling better this morning. About to go hop in the sauna, and that will help, too.

I'll back off the salt a little today... got to be more patient and work up more slowly. But again, it "herx so good", as I know that kind of pain means the Salt/C is making serious progress against the bacteria. YESSSSSSS!!!!

Back soon to share more about the role that Vitamin C plays in this,

Sukie

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Catching up with the Zzzzzzzs....

Wow, I just awoke from a four-hour nap.... that felt GOOOOOOOOD!

My doctor always asks me how I sleep at night, and I generally say "great", which is amazing because many lyme sufferers don't sleep well at all. I am often sore and toss and turn a bit, and usually have to get up to use the bathroom at least once (Water in, water out.... now repeat....!). But surprisingly I generally go right back to sleep. Body-clock-wise, it's so important to get to sleep by 11pm, to get one's optimal, most productive sleep, and I have good intentions about that. Usually it's closer to 11:30 (and I am known for falling asleep in the midst of a good movie and having to hear the ending from Erick).

Lately Erick has been having late rehearsals for the play he's going to be in starting April 9th (The Kentucky Cycle), and he's been getting home very late, which means I either stay awake til he comes in, or wake up when he comes home and hang out with him awhile until he's ready to zonk (he is a night creature). So recently I've put in longer hours than I prefer to keep, and today my body just said "Enough!" and out I went...... They used to say you can't really "catch up" on sleep, but now, it seems "they" have reversed their opinion about that. All I know is, I feel caught up, and that's wonderful....

There isn't much else to report on today. Have been taking the Salt and C every few hours. Feeling sore but not as much as the last couple of days, so I must be adjusting. This means it is probably time to kick it up a notch (a baby notch). Tomorrow....

I ordered a product today called Nanotek Chitosan which is supposed to help the body detox. If it helps the body detox, it will help make the herxes easier.

Wishing you beautiful dreams....

Sukie

Monday, April 5, 2010

Hurts So Good...

Hello to all on this vibrant day ~

The herx thing is definately happening. I have been experiencing more pain than usual, lasting for a few hours after taking the Salt/C combo. My neck, shoulders, collarbone, inner elbows, hips, "sit bones", inner knees..... yikes! My vision has been blurry. And yet... I am HAPPY about it, for it's a part of my healing and transformation.

I actually feel very blessed, as my journey with lyme has been easier than most, from what I've heard. There may be other reasons as well, but I feel much of that is because I work every day with reiki and various healing frequencies, I regularly have acupuncture, am learning Qigong, and I am just an extremely positive person, which is the most important thing. That being said, it's hard to feel upbeat when you are in deep pain, and so I really feel for folks that are flat on their backs in agony that makes their very bones ache. I've experienced some of that and it's just horrible. Things really shifted for me, pain-wise, when I allowed myself to accept what was truly happening to my body, and take my healing into my own hands. It was very empowering. I own my own healing decisions and learnings, and am blessed to have the support of many folks along the way who can help. I am also very happy and pleased to be of support and help to others.

One decision I made along the way was not to take pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics and pain meds. I do take aspirin most days, once and sometimes twice, to help take the edge off. That's my own personal choice. For some, more serious pain meds may be the way to go to get through it. We do what we need to do.

Once I got over the initial shock last spring of being so sore I could hardly move, I experienced several months of serious agony, interlaced with some anger and depression. Let's be honest, it was really about fear. It was scary to feel like my body had suddenly rebelled against me. When I was younger I learned to process through anger issues I had (generally people/relationship issues, or political frustration), but the ones I've experienced this past year have been related to being extremely sore and not being able to control it (many four-letter words escaped my lips during this interesting time). This is how it felt until I did my reading and research and figured out what I needed to do to get well. And in my moments when the pain eased off and I could relax and think a bit, I would tune into a higher consciousness that helped me understand there is a reason for everything, and that this experience and this learning are a part of my growth and unfolding as a spiritual being in a human body. I embrace a deeper understanding that uplifts me, and a knowing that all is unfolding as it should. My job is to let it unfold and be open to processing what comes up, inquiring within about what is needed for my healing and transformation, and surrendering to the process with love rather than fear. That doesn't mean I won't ever again get really pissed about it along the way, or feel a sadness about it in my heart.... that's part of the human experience.

And so it is, aho...... beautiful blessings to all... more tomorrow,

Sukie

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Coasting...

Howdy ~

Not much to report today. I was still sore when I woke up, so I didn't take any salt/Vit. C until 3:30 today. During the morning and early afternoon I felt really excellent, once I got up and got moving, so at least the herx was pretty much over. After taking the dose at 3:30 I started to get a little sore, but not too bad. Will take another dose tonight around 9:30, and we'll see how that goes. I remain really thrilled that I had a herx following my second dose yesterday - that means the salt/C is working. I just need to spread the doses out a bit further apart until my body gets more used to it. So it's all good. I'll keep you posted....

Sukie

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Climbing the Mountain....

Hello All ~

Thanks to those of you who have told me you enjoy the blog. :-)

Today has been BIG. I took a second dose of Salt/Vitamin C at a 4.5 hour interval today (intervals yesterday were closer to 8 hours apart), and my body went into a pretty strong herx reaction. Painful, yes..... but actually really welcome today in the sense that my body is showing me that the salt/C protocol is going to work on killing the cooties. So that is the GOOD news. As I am testing the waters and working my way up slowly, I will now back off and take the next dose 6 or 7 hours away from the last one and see if I can have a smaller herx reaction that isn't as painful.

This is the journey up the mountain. It will take a year or two, maybe more, to reach the summit, but once I do, I will start down the other side. In other words, it takes a long time to herx the majority of the bacteria out of one's system, but once we reach critical mass, then the reactions will become less intense and I should hopefully start feeling so much better. This means the immune system will become more and more strong, and the bacteria will clear out of all those deep places they've been hiding, and eventually we reach some kind of harmony between the bacteria that remain, and the immune system being able to stay on top of it. As I mentioned before, the goal isn't necessarily to wipe out every last bit of bacteria. Our bodies normally have all kinds of bacteria within, both "good" and "bad". It's unrealistic to try to annihilate the "bad" ones.... we just want them to resume a harmonious relationship with the rest of the system.....

That's all for today... just did a wonderful sauna followed by a long nap, and now off to a healthy supper and to watch a couple of DVDs with Erick.

Have a lovely Easter! What a wonderful time of year to celebrate the return of color, light and precious life!

Sukie

Friday, April 2, 2010

Sugar..... Oh Honey Honey!

Greetings ~

Today is day 2 of the Salt/C protocol. I actually woke up feeling pretty cruddy this morning... headachey... very sore in my limbs. I suppose it could be mild herxing, but I suspect it has something to do with the fact that I ingested a wee bit of sugar last night, which is enough to set me off. My women's group had a little gathering where we all brought munchies, and I nibbled on a couple of things that I knew would probably cause me some grief. Thankfully, it cleared up pretty quickly, and now I feel much better.

I've noticed lately that my pain episodes don't last as long as they used to. That says to me that my immune system is starting to recover. YESS!

For many years I've been sensitive, maybe even allergic to, refined sugar. Whenever I eat anything sweet my skin itches, I get bloated, my heart pounds, and my eyesight gets more blurry (lyme bacteria LOVE sugar!). While sometimes these can be symptoms of diabetes, I tested negative for it three times over the years. It was no surprise to me when cane sugar came up in the high zone on my food sensitivities test.... I'd figured that one out a long time ago.

We all know how hard it is to avoid sugar. I've learned to do it, and my cravings have gone way down, although I still get them occasionally, which is when I turn to the fruit bowl and eat the sweetest, ripest fruit I can find (watermelon, cherries, grapes) to get me through that craving (it's still a sugar rush for the body, but not quite as bad as the refined-sugar-rush). I know, it's not quite the same as chocolate cake with white frosting (my personal favorite), or a good chocolate chip cookie (my second favorite), but you know what.... ever since the lyme ramped up last year, it has become increasingly easier for me to "just say no" to sugar. For if I DO eat it nowadays, I end up in major pain, usually for hours. It's not worth trading about 60 seconds of pleasure for 10 hours of agony. So now it's fruit... and maybe twice a month I have a spoonful of honey on/in something to appease the craving gods....

Refined sugar is well known to trigger muscle tightness and spasms. It is also known to suppress the immune system. Have you ever noticed that colds and flus seem to be so much more prevalent in the fall and winter months? Think about it.... most people start eating candy on Halloween, and continue to indulge in sugary desserts and snacks throughout the holidays, probably through Valentine's Day. When you ingest sugar, your immune system flatlines for a few hours. Our culture is wild about sugar, but not everyone realizes how much it is hidden in practically every type of food and drink on the planet. If you read the labels of essentially ANYTHING in the grocery store that has a label, you will find some form of sugar there, whether it's dextrose, fructose, sucrose, brown rice syrup, maltodextrin, the infamous high fructose corn syrup, and my personal favorite "evaporated cane juice." It sounds so harmless, doesn't it? All those "little bits of sugar" in things add up to a whole lot of sugar in everybody's systems, all the time. Do your own research if you don't believe me....

And let's face it, artificial sweeteners are equally as bad, maybe even worse for humans. I am so grateful that I gave up soda drinking many many moons ago. I've even had to give up most juices, at least for the time being, as the sugar concentration is so high in them. I react to them, big-time.

One of the books I appreciate the most is Insights Into Lyme Disease Treatment: 13 Lyme-Literate Health Care Practitioners Share Their Healing Strategies (it may get the prize for world's longest book title). All of the MDs, naturopaths, chiropractors and others in the book are very clear on one thing. If you have lyme disease, you must absolutely steer clear of sugar, as it feeds the bacteria. And we DO NOT want to do that! As you also may have heard, that same warning applies to those with cancer. Cancer cells thrive on sugar.

One thing that has gotten me through the past few years has been to increasingly eat more as nature intended. Veggies and fruits were put here for a reason. Ice cream and macaroni and cheese were not. Don't get me wrong, I do LOVE them. But I've learned they are not my friends. The longer I stick with a veggie-based diet, the better I feel, and the easier it is to just say NO to stuff that will promote disease and mess around with my life force. I do realize that some people live well into their 90's and beyond while eating and drinking all sorts of garbage, but honestly, have you really looked at them? They generally don't feel very well and look like heck. I personally choose to feel well, in all ways possible. It takes some effort, but it does get easier...

I'm actually thankful in many ways for this little lyme adventure, for it has been a wake-up call in certain areas of my life, especially eating. I have been a vegetarian for many years now, but I was still eating too many processed foods and sweets. Now my food is "clean" - I buy everything organic that I possibly can. Yes, it's a bit more expensive, but I think of it as preventive maintenance and money I won't have to spend down the road getting well again. The more of us who get into clean eating, the more the costs on quality food will come down. I greatly appreciate living here on Whidbey Island - we have several places to get organic food, and folks around here feel pretty strongly about it.

I so appreciate my doctor..... I just have to say it here.... right now!!! Thank you Jennifer Rabinovich, ND! It is very gratifying to have a healthcare professional truly in your corner, who will help educate you and knows ways to get you better, while at the same time respecting your own instincts and wisdom. I'm always emailing her articles to read and discuss. Some doctors would not appreciate that, but I think she's glad that I take that kind of interest in my own healing. I hope if any of you out there incur any type of major illness or disease, that you find practitioners who are open-minded and willing to see the big picture. I have found that holistic health practitioners tend to be more open-minded, generally, than traditionally trained western MDs, although I think many western doctors are realizing that they have a lot to learn and are opening up to that. People are starting to demand it. My mother's generation seemed to believe that doctors were gods not to be questioned.... my generation is a bit more demanding and we baby boomers really don't like being told what to do, which is probably why the range of alternative healing arts continues to expand all the time. We love having options!From my experience, it takes a blend of healing modalities to help one reap the benefits of optimal health. As a Reiki Master, I feel that energy work/vibrational healing is critical to health, and so are acupuncture, yoga, massage, flower essences, homeopathy, chiropractic, and other healing modalities. I always encourage people to follow their own intuition about what they need in any given moment to experience wellness and wholeness.

OK, time to pop some more Himalayan salt (in capsules) and Vitamin C. Gotta keep the little bacterials on the run.... more soon. Blessings to all,

Sukie

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Would you like some salt with that?

Good morning.... Today the odyssey begins.... I took my first dose of Salt/Vitamin C together awhile ago.... so far so good. I'll take more later today. The first few days are really about testing the waters to see how much the body can handle without going into huge herx reactions. Although you do want to have small herx reactions (if you recall from earlier posts, herx reactions come from the bacteria - they emit toxins when they expire. When enough of them die at the same time, that creates heavy pain for the person taking the salt/C.... or using a Rife machine.... or antibiotics.... or...., as the body works to cleanse the toxins out of the system). In essence, herx reactions are a good thing, for you know you are affecting the bacteria.... but they are not a good thing when you go overboard and try to do too much too soon. That can cause incredible suffering.

Herx reactions are described as "die-off syndrome", "detox reaction", and "healing crisis." They go hand-in-hand with healing from lyme (and from some other types of infections, too). Herxes can include sweats/fevers, joint/muscle pain, nausea/flu-like symptoms, headaches, chills/cold sweats, general malaise, and temporary severity of existing symptoms. They can be a real joy-ride....... not! They can be at least partially alleviated with LOTS of water, minerals, sea salt or Epsom baths, saunas, colonics, certain herbs and, I've heard Benadryl.

Some salt info: In the body, when the outside environment around a cell is very salty, the concentration of water in the solution is less than inside the cell, and water tends to leave the cell. This causes the cell to dehydrate, which ultimately kills the microbial cell. By subjecting unfriendly bacteria to a salty or saline environment, it prevents them from growing and/or outright kills them through what is called osmotic dehydration. Remember that we are talking about pure, unadulterated sea salt, not table salt. This effect covers an extremely wide range of microbial micro-organisms of bacterial, protozoan, and parasitic origins. HOWEVER, salt does not adversely affect good or "friendly" bacteria, such as flora found in the intestinal tract. The salt and the vitamin C taken together have a synergistic normalizing, healing effect on the immune system.

Let me share why table salt is bad for us: In 1923, processors began kiln-drying salt at 400+ degree temps, which changed the chemical structure of the salt. During the refining process, the 82 out of 84 essential mineral elements found in salt are removed, leaving only inorganic sodium chloride. About 7% of this refined salt ends up on your table, with the extracts being sold for industrial use. It is used in the silver mining process. Boron is extracted for gasoline additives and chemical fertilizers. Magnesium is sold to makers of metal alloys and for explosives. Other chemicals removed from salt go into making plastics. Once all these natural minerals are removed from the salt, chemicals are added to bleach it whiter, prevent water absorption while salt is in the box, and to keep it from caking, so it will shake out easier. Things like aluminum hydroxide, silica aluminate, sodium ferrocyanide, tri-calcium phosphate, stearic acid and others are added to salt. The aluminum additives leave a bitter taste, so manufacturers then add dextrose (refined sugar). This is what most people use on their food at home, most restaurants use in cooking, and most processed food manufacturers use in abundance.

This substance is actually toxic to our bodies and causes us to hold water, leading to bloating, edema, and cellulite. It deposits into the joints of our bones and causes arthritis. It can be deposited in the walls of arteries and veins, the lymph system, sexual organs, urinary tract, and glandular system. It is energetically dead. This type of energetically dead sodium is found in abundance around cancer cells. Shortly after salt started being refined, mental illness increased dramatically (this info all according to Lyme Strategies: Practical Research on Lyme Infection, www.lymephotos.com.).

HEALTHY: Rock salt, sea salt and Himalayan salt are loaded with minerals. Historically, various cultures have taken salt medicinally to stay well. This is the salt Erick and I use at home, and I have started to carry with me for those occasions when I need it on the road. Even some sea salt is iodized - make sure to get the un-iodized kind!

So there's a summary for you about salt. Now you understand why the medical establishment has labeled salt as "bad", since the majority of people use the type that is stripped of its nutrients and has all kinds of added chemicals. In the world of holistic health, you can find all kinds of info supporting natural, pure salt as a needed support to human well-being.

This day and the protocol are off to a good start. Last night, went with friends to an amazing, beautiful, uplifting sacred chant concert with Snatam Kaur. I love her music and had seen her in concert before, so was really looking forward to it. The energy in the packed room rocked the house, and we all came home feeling very open-hearted and blessed. A good way to move into a fresh commitment and adventure.... peaceful, grounded and happy.

Doctors and other healthcare practitioners who work with lyme disease all echo the same thing: The person who truly heals and moves forward in vibrant health is the person who makes their healing a priority. This generally means not working for awhile, or only as much as one can handle; letting go of the "fast lane" lifestyle and surrounding oneself with nature, quietude, and harmony; following a super clean, healthy eating plan; taking whatever vitamins and supplements one may need to bring the immune system into balance; and cultivating peace of mind.

For me this last part has always been primary in my world. Meditation and prayer are a part of my daily life. I believe we change the world by changing ourselves. I strive for an attitude of gratitude, and appreciate the flow of joy that surges through me from choosing to look at life as an amazing adventure. I do often feel the world's pain, and I feel tremendous love and compassion for all of life. I reach out and help wherever, whenever I can. Mostly I strive for balance, for if I am in balance, I can set that example for peace.

I feel that the microcosm and the macrocosm effect one another..... The Earth is in a period of purification, renewal, and rebirth. This has to happen. We all are a part of that process. It reflects differently in peoples' lives. But I believe all are affected. We just need to look around at what's happening in the world and especially within our own society, to know that something major is happening in our lifetime. For me right now, my body is literally reflecting that same purification, renewal, and rebirth. I have always been extremely sensitive to energy, and several people including teachers and doctors, have remarked to me that I am like the canary in the coal mine right now. We live in a "toxic soup" on planet Earth (of our own creation), and it affects us all. We have been exposed to things we don't even think about, because we are so used to just accepting and acquiescing to what our government and "leaders" decide is best for us. This is a huge generalization, of course, as we have much power that we can take into our own hands, and sometimes we do. But let's face it, all of our systems are loaded with heavy metals, toxic levels of fluoride, pesticides, artificial hormones, antibiotics, and the list goes on from there. We can assimilate it to a point, and then the body will say "enough!" I feel truly blessed to have received the heads-up..... to stay the course I need to purify myself and be open to the "new" coming through..... I pray that we all have the courage to listen to our bodies, to follow our own intuition, and to choose love over fear.

So there is my philsophizing for the day. Many blessings, and I'll keep you posted.
Sukie