If you or anyone you know is effected by cancer, please get this brand new book ASAP.  It is very important reading.  Writer Connie Strasheim interviewed fifteen MDs and Naturopathic Doctors who are having successful outcomes with cancer patients using a variety of modalities and techniques.  The statistics on chemo and radiation are not good, and so it is very exciting to know there are so many other options available. The hard part, I believe, is not getting caught up in the whirlwind of fear and passivity that often accompany a diagnosis of cancer.

There are some common themes among the doctors, though not many. One is the of Insulin Potentiation Therapy, which uses the fact that cancer devours sugar to potentiate chemotherapy with much smaller, less harmful (to the patient) doses. Some doctors are using IPT with natural cancer-killing substances instead of or along with conventional chemo drugs.  Another common thread is that most doctors interviewed stressed that cancer patients almost universally experience a trauma in the two years before diagnosis, and so they recommend healing on the emotional, mental and spiritual levels along with the physical.

Some of what is recommended is simple and inexpensive, and can be done at home, like coffee enemas, saunas, and some supplements. Many doctors interviewed share exactly what they use that is available to everyone.

Some of the doctors and clinics take insurance. But it is depressing that because the standard of care is surgery, chemo and radiation, that is what insurance generally pays for, and for those who venture outside that realm, it is mostly out of pocket, often at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars.

It’s frustrating to me that the nutritional advice is completely inconsistent from doctor to doctor, but I suppose, like everything else, it is best customized. And that’s one thing I did like about this book: these doctors are taking the time to get to know their patients, and tailoring their approach to the individual.  I can’t help thinking that may be part of the secret of their success.

One of the big hits at our retreat with Dr Klinghardt in the summer 0f 2010 was Cistus Tea, a pleasant tasting loose tea with a mild, berry-like flavor. In Germany, dogs who were given a daily dose got 1/100th the tick bites of dogs who weren’t. Since I live in one of the worst areas in the world for ticks and Lyme, and spend about an hour a day walking with my new little pal Lucy in the woods, I was very eager to test it out on us both. What I find is that the ticks don’t seem to like us any more, and yay for that!

While I still find some crawling*, I have not found any attached, embedded or engorged ticks. And that’s definitely unusual in my experience. After all, we tromp in the woods four times a day, and Lucy has her nose and paws in all sorts of leaves and brush where ticks love to hang out.

I drink about 2 cups a day and thoroughly enjoy it, sometimes with a little stevia or raw honey, sometimes I add Pomegranate or Acai or Vitamin C powder, sometimes just plain. It also works well as iced tea, so you can make a quantity and store in the fridge cold. For Lucy, who is ten pounds, I mash about a tablespoon of my tea into her food twice a day.

I am carrying this in the office in a small bag, as well as a large bag that lasts months ($25 and $50 respectively). Use 1 teaspoon of loose tea per cup, let it steep about 10 minutes, and strain. You can re-use the same tea several times.

*Update/Note: After using it consistently, I find that I no longer find ticks on either of us, and many of my clients have had the same experience.

How to Have Flawless Skin

I am regularly asked how I get my “flawless skin.” I appreciate the compliment and I am pleased to share my secrets, such as they are.  After all, the skin is the largest organ of the body, and its health both affects and reflects our overall health.

Certainly, a healthy lifestyle is the foundation for healthy skin, and I practice what I preach:

The Dos:

• I eat well, including huge quantities of fresh organic produce, and lots of foods with healthy fat, including nuts and seeds, avocados, coconut oil, and olives.
• I try to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night, and almost never get less than 7.
• I drink a lot of clean filtered water, herbal tea, fresh green juice, and Kombucha
• I have a sweaty and vigorous one hour Ashtanga yoga practice 5 or 6 times a week. Never underestimate the cleansing power of a drenching sweat, a good organ-massaging twist or a five minute headstand.

The Don’ts:

• No coffee
• No soda, other than seltzer
• No alcohol
• Minimal sugar
• Minimal processed food

If much of that is pretty foreign to you, you might want to start out your skin rejuvenation program with my Customized 21 Day Detox. You will notice a significant improvement in your skin.

I also detox myself regularly using kinesiology, just as I do in sessions, as well as coffee enemas and nutritional supplements. Supplements for skin need to be customized, but can include zinc, anti-oxidants, B vitamins, along with some healthy fat, choosing from among fish oils and plant oils.

Products alone won’t give you gorgeous skin. But the right products help support and enhance the appearance of healthy skin, and keep it looking its best as we age.  And there are several I just wouldn’t be without.  Here are my 3 favorites.

• Skin Protect This remarkable product was developed by one of the best herbalists I know.  It is designed to not only protect against cellular damage and inflammation, but actually repair it as well.  It is formulated with phytonutrients, liposomal nutritional compounds, unique fatty acids and essential oils.  I recommend it to everyone, but particularly to anyone who is concerned with sun damage, lines, wrinkles, discoloration, loss of elasticity, and/or at risk for skin cancer.  You can buy this through my office for $22 for 1 ounce.  Apply lightly twice a day, or more frequently if you are in the sun.
• Derma Q-Gel I have been using this moisturizer for more years than I can remember.  It is rich, nourishing, non-greasy, feels great, and is so soothing and pampering for your skin.  I use it twice a day, after Skin Protect.  You can buy this from my office for $23 or from Amazon

When luxuriating in the bath (with 2 cups of white vinegar, a few drops of lavender and either Epsom Salts for detox and relaxation or Baking Soda for detox and alkalinizing – all great for your skin) I sometimes slather on a mask of pure coconut oil, either this or this.
• I also use an exfoliating 2% BHA Lotion from Paula’s Choice.  Her sun blocks are great, too, both the SPF 15 and 30. They don’t irritate my eyes (often a problem with contact lenses) and don’t feel greasy or heavy on my face or body.

As for commercial products, I do like two from Olay Regenerist. I don’t use these as often, or as regularly, and I don’t feel, like the products above, I wouldn’t want to live without them, but I do like having them as part of my armamentarium.

So that’s it: the secrets of my glowing healthy skin.  And thanks again for the compliment!

What is more valuable than health and vitality? They make everything else possible.

Here are 10 gifts from my practice, in a price range from very little to extravagant, to support the health of your loved ones through the holidays and beyond.  And as you’re reading, remember that you, too, deserve the gift of health.

1. Sweet Healthy Treats
Prepare something that’s both tasty and healthy, package it up on a festive plate  or make it your contribution to the party. On my site you’ll find recipes for many delicious indulgences, including brownies, chocolate cake, chia pudding, chocolate covered nuts, and more. (Can you tell I have a weakness for chocolate? Just make it 70% cocoa or more, or use xylitol instead of sugar, and it qualifies as a food rather than candy. True. Oh yeah!)

Know someone who’s gluten free? Gift them with a whole book of delicious and healthy treats.  This is one of my favorite cookbooks!

2. Bars
Everyone loves these. Use them as stocking stuffers, or as healthy fuel when you’re dashing through the snow. All flavors are gluten free, several are dairy free as well. No junk, low carb, no hydrogenated fats, balanced protein, healthy fat, real food. I will mix a case for you if you like. $2.50 each

Flavors: Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Crispy Rice with Peanuts, Chocolate with Almonds, Berry, Vanilla Almond, Peanut Butter Chocolate, CocoImmune (like a Mounds bar – really!), Spice, Coconut Almond, Goji Berry

3. Gift Certificate
Do you know someone who could use some support making changes in their lifestyle, health or nutrition? Someone who’s been bemoaning the difference between how they want to eat/look/feel and their current state? Why not give them a gift certificate for a session?

My initial consultation is two hours: the first to take a very thorough history (health, nutrition, lifestyle, sleep, emotional, family, etc) and the second to actually start doing some work and putting together a program.  Clients leave their first session with a good idea of what is going on, and how to get started feeling better.  The fee for my initial consultation is $300.

Or, if you really want to support someone in making significant changes, why not give them a gift certificate for my 13 Week Success Program? (pssst: maybe the person you want to support is…. YOU!)

Special Holiday Offer: Give a 13 Week Gift Certificate to someone else, buy one for yourself too, and save $150.  Ask me for details.

All sessions are available locally in my office, and long-distance, via webcam or phone.

4. Xiser

The Xiser is the best exercise I know to blast fat and maintain muscle while helping to heal your metabolism.  And all you need is 3-8 one minute intervals a day, 3 days a week, to get great results.  This is High Intensity Interval Training, and it helps you lose fat and build and/or retain lean muscle. I’ve been touting HIIT for many years, and it is just now starting to get a lot of press.

The really good news? The price on the Xiser has dropped from $449 to $299!

5. HIIT on a Budget

Want to do interval training with a very low investment, and no equipment? I have a great DVD for $18. Lots of fun, lots of variety, and someone to tell you, with humor and brio, exactly what to do!

6. Cell Phone Chips These are small and unobtrusive and are placed on cell phones, computers, and portable phones for protection from radiation. I strongly recommend them for everyone who carries and uses a cell phone, PDA, bluetooth device, lap top, or desk top computer. I put a couple on my car’s dashboard too.

They are $50 each and there is no charge if you want me to drop them in the mail for you. Whether you use them or not, please don’t put your cell phone next to your head (brain). Teach your kids, too.

7. Thieves Spray Another great stocking stuffer and a product I wouldn’t be without. It is ideal for use on door handles, toilet seats, and any surface that needs cleansing to protect from dust, mold, and undesirable microorganisms. I use it in the office regularly, as well as on planes, in hotel rooms, etc. This small bottle is perfect for traveling or keeping in your purse or backpack. $12

8. Valor Essential Oil Blend Valor is an empowering and beautiful blend of spruce, rosewood, blue tansy, and frankincense therapeutic grade essential oils. Designed to increase feelings of strength and courage, it is grounding and centering and my all-time favorite fragrance. $28

9. Xylitol Gum and Mints If you’re not familiar with xylitol and all its benefits, please read my article here. These are a great way to keep from snacking on all those tempting holiday treats.

Gum: $12 for 90 pieces, Mints: $9 for 90 pieces

10. Clean Healthy Water I hope you’re not still buying bottles and carrying water in plastic! A charcoal filter like a Brita is good in a pinch, but for a high quality reverse osmosis system that is a great value, try this one. And please mention that I sent you!

My wish for you in 2011 is that you experience the health, the vitality, and the changes that you’ve always dreamed of and wished for. More is possible than you think, and I would love to be your facilitator. Please let me know how I can support you in making 2011 your best year yet.

Yoga has so many benefits, we probably don’t even know how to recognize or measure most of them yet. Flexibility and calming are just the beginning. Yoga can help you improve circulation, energy, memory, attitude, digestion, metabolism and strength. You don’t have to turn yourself into a pretzel or stand on your head in order to attain this, either. Even if you start with just a few sun salutations, you are doing yourself a world of good. And no matter your age and condition, you can learn to twist like a pretzel and stand on your head—I speak from personal experience!

Sometimes my energy gives out  halfway through practice, but I keep going: yoga teaches perseverance. Sometimes I try one posture over and over, and it’s just not happening.  Try again tomorrow: yoga teaches compassion & patience. Another I never thought I’d be able to do gets easier each day: yoga teaches the value of persistence. Most of what I do on my mat every day seemed impossible not long ago: yoga teaches change is always possible.

My own personal practice is Ashtanga, a lineage of yoga that has been taught by Sri Patthabhi Jois and now by his daughter Saraswati and his grandson Sharath. It incorporates breath, movement and postures to produce an intense cleansing heat in the body, and a quieter mind. You can learn more about it here. For me, finding Ashtanga was like coming home. I encourage you to find a yoga practice that is right for you.

Yoga is the best metaphor for life:

1. Nothing goes right, or feels right; all falls apart, and then the next day it comes together in an entirely new way.

2. What was clearly impossible yesterday is consistently proven possible after all.

3. Sometimes the most important thing you can do is show up.

This is an effective and economical Reverse Osmosis water filter that you can install in your kitchen – SO much better than buying bottled water.  Dr Klinghardt says it’s the best one available, better than systems that cost many times more.

Since I live in an agricultural area, and downhill from a large apple orchard, and have well water, I wanted to make sure that the water I drank and served was healthy and contaminant-free. I have been using it for a while and have been very happy with it.

If you order, please put my name and email (fran@fransussman.com) as the referrer. Thank you!   Order here!

Note: If you use reverse osmosis, it is essential to then replace electrolytes and structure. I do this with BioPure Enhanced Matrix Formula and M-Water. For more information, please contact me.

]]> http://www.fransussman.com/the-best-filter-for-your-drinking-water/feed/ 1 http://www.fransussman.com/make-your-own-ice-cream/ http://www.fransussman.com/make-your-own-ice-cream/#comments Sun, 01 Aug 2010 21:42:10 +0000 fransussman http://www.fransussman.com/?p=995

Why feel deprived when you can so simply have delicious and healthy ice cream at home, even if you’re dairy free?  I make mine with coconut milk, xylitol, raw cacao, and/or fresh fruit, and it is soooo delicious.

You can use the inexpensive Cuisinart, or indulge in the more extravagant DeLonghi. I used the former for years quite happily, but the DeLonghi is really fabulous: easy to use, easy to clean, and the end result is unbelievably yummy!

Hey, if Oprah and Dr Oz can make talking about poop acceptable, why not move the conversation even further along, so to speak, and talk about coffee enemas, and doing an enema series.  They are safe, deeply cleansing and detoxifying, and really very simple to do.

Here is a basic coffee enema recipe.  If you are using regular coffee, it must be organic and caffeinated, but I highly recommend the link here, which will get you economical and organic coffee that is prepared specifically for therapeutic enema use rather than drinking. Trust me, it’s a very different product, and doesn’t smell or look anything like regular coffee. (They do offer excellent organic drinking coffee, too. Just don’t mix ‘em up!)

1. Basic Instructions:

In a non-aluminum pot or saucepan pour 2 cups of filtered or distilled water and add 2-3 Tablespoons of organic coffee, finely ground.  Stir, then bring to a boil.  Boil for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Remove from heat, and strain through a fine sieve to remove the coffee grinds. Do not use a paper or cloth filter, as this will also remove some of the therapeutic elements. Add to 4 cups of distilled or filtered water. This should this bring it to the right temperature.

You can buy an enema bag kit very cheaply ($2-$3) at any medical store, and it can be cleaned and reused several times. but for just a few dollars more, you can get one that is better made and will last longer, at the same link with your coffee, below.  I also sell a “starter set” with the enema bag, a small pouch of coffee, and an essential oil sample, for $10.)

Clamp the hose, and pour the strained coffee into the bag. Let a little bit out into the sink or tub, and then clamp closed again. Prepare some towels or a blanket on the floor, and lie on your right side. (While the many nurses in my practice are familiar with having clients lie on their left side, to empty the colon, the right side is preferred to support the liver.) The enema bag should be about doorknob height. You can use any oil on the tip that you would put in your mouth, or any healing salve or lotion.

The key to doing this successfully is to not rush. Insert the tube just a couple of inches, and let about a cup of liquid in, then clamp again. Take a few deep breaths, massage your belly, and repeat, taking your time, until the bag is empty. If you have any cramping or discomfort, slow down and take some nice deep breaths. Then lie there for 15-20 minutes. Read a book, listen to music, relax. After the time is up, get up and sit on the toilet.

It is not unusual to not be able to use the whole amount, or wait the whole 20 minutes, at first, but as you get more accustomed to the process, it will become less intimidating, even easy.

An enema can generally be used once a week if you are healthy, more often if you are sick, or constipated. As always, check with your health care professional if you have questions or concerns.  And you will absorb some caffeine, so I recommend doing this early in the day.  After you are through, wash your enema set with grapefruit seed extract or Thieves (see below).

2. Enema Series

Once you have got the basics down, you might want to try an enema series for a more comprehensive cleanse.  This is a series of 3, with the first two being water with essential oils, and the last one coffee, as above.

Heat about a quart of water to a comfortable warm temperature.  Add about 10 drops each of 2 or 3 essential oils, such as Purification, Di-Gize, Thieves, Frankincense, or Lavender.  You can also empty a couple of garlic powder capsules, or use artemesinin or other herbs. For a customized formula, please ask me at your next session.
The first time, use just a little bit of water, and wait just a few minutes before evacuating.  The second time, use the rest of the water and hold it longer, about 10 minutes.  Then you are ready for the coffee version, above.

I will only use Young Living oils, as they are therapeutic grade, rather than perfume grade, and I have never found any other oils to match their potency, value, safety, and effectiveness.  I wish it weren’t an MLM, but it is, so you can join using my #560698 or, if you are a client, I am happy to add your order to mine at cost. I order once or twice a month.  I also use Thieves disinfecting hand lotion before and after each enema.

I love my Kombucha!  It’s my favorite mid-afternoon and post yoga drink, and I often have some first thing in the morning as well.  I started drinking it out of the refrigerated case at the health food store, but at almost $4 a bottle, it wasn’t very practical to have on a daily basis.  Yet it is delicious, has so many health benefits, and even I get tired of drinking only tea and water sometimes.  Brewing it at home is amazingly simple and cheap.  I’ve been brewing my own Kombucha since July ‘09, and now have a quart a day for just pennies.

Kombucha has all the benefits of fermented foods, is rich in probiotics, B Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, and is highly alkalinizing and anti-inflammatory.  It is so good for you, and it tastes great.

Note: Kombucha does have a little alcohol: about the same amount as a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. And it does have a little caffeine: about a third that of a cup of tea.

A study from Cornell University concluded:
“Kombucha may be a healthful beverage in view of its anti-microbial activity against a range of pathogenic bacteria. This may promote immunity and general well being.”

I ordered my home brewing system here.  What I love about it is that you get EVERYTHING you need to get started, other than the water and a pot.  This system really makes it foolproof, and you will be drinking your own Kombucha in a week.  Even better, if you mention my name and email in the comments section when you order, you can request a free DVD with lots of great tips on brewing, bottling and more.

If you like Kombucha, this system quickly pays for itself.  Not only that, my clients who have tried it agree with me: home-brewed tastes even better than the expensive store-bought stuff.  And of course, if you have any questions about brewing, I’ll be glad to help.

Buy your complete Kombucha brewing system here!

I get asked this question a lot.  I really depend on my shake for a delicious, satisfying, and nutrient-dense start to my day.  I often work right through lunchtime, do my yoga practice and don’t eat a second meal until 2 or 3PM, and my shake keeps me energized, full and focused all that time.

Here’s how I make it.  All the ingredients are usually organic.  Yes, there’s a lot in it, but it only takes a few minutes to put together, and breakfast is the one meal I eat on the run as I’m getting ready for the day.  This blend of ingredients really works: my shake is an essential part of my health and fitness.  Everything is gluten-free, of course.  You can follow the links to order any of the products, or consult me if you want help customizing your own shake, for a great nutritional foundation each morning.

• 4 ounces of unsweetened coconut milk, either plain or vanilla. Apart from being delicious, coconut milk is a healthy base, with beneficial plant-based fats.

• about a cup of frozen berries  Berries are low glycemic, high anti-oxidant, and high fiber.

• a little bit of a higher glycemic fruit, like 1/3 banana, half a dozen cherries, or a few pieces of frozen mango  Don’t skip this part or you will be hungry too quickly!

• 1 Tablespoon FiPro Flax Organic cold-milled flax seed adds healthy fat and fiber.

• 1 teaspoon OmegAvail Ultra TG I love this product because it combines high potency Omega 3s with Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K, all in one.

• 1-2 scoops Salba Rx This Salba/Maca blend is incredibly nutrient dense. It is a source of protein, calcium, healthy fat, and fiber, and enhances both the taste and texture of my shake.

• 1 scoop Whey Cool This is the cleanest whey powder available, retaining the fragile immune boosting components available in raw milk, from cows fed only on chemical free grass pasture.  Often tolerated even by those sensitive to casein.  I usually use the unflavored, but it also comes in vanilla and chocolate.

• 1/2 scoop Ultra Lean Vanilla or Paleo Meal Strawberry. I want a little more protein in my shake, and simply put, these fit the bill and taste the best.

• 1 Tablespoon MCT Oil Energy-boosting fat from coconut oil is thought to help with weight management, and also gives a nice frothy texture.  Added bonus: Coconut oil is about 50% monolaurin, which is an immune-booster and anti-viral.

• 1 Tablespoon PaleoFiber I love this because the fiber comes from fruits, vegetables, roots and seeds.  It is hard to find gluten-free fiber products.  You can add it to just about anything, but in a shake I find it extends the time before I’m hungry again.  That’s because it significantly reduces glycemic load.

• 1/4 teaspoon Taurine powder  Because I’m a vegetarian, it’s important to supplement taurine for heart health, immune support, and a calm and healthy nervous system.  It also helps stabilize blood sugar and aids fat metabolism.

When the weather is cold, I usually pour about 4 ounces of hot water over the frozen fruit; in the summer I’ll add ice instead.  I use a stick blender because I’d rather clean that than my VitaMix every morning.  Every few months I’ll do a detox shake instead, replacing the Whey Cool with PaleoCleanse or ProtoClear.

For those who don’t eat dairy, I recommend Prescribed Nutrition, a blend of pea, hemp and rice protein with lots of added fiber and greens, or PaleoMeal Dairy Free.  Both are good tasting, sound nutrition.

Craving chocolate? Sometimes I add a scoop of raw organic cacao powder, and some xylitol.

So there you have it: my secret formula for my morning shake!