A Tale of Two Women

  Woman #1:   Once upon a time there was a woman who came down with a serious Urinary Tract Infection.  As per her usual routine (instilled in her growing up years as a child), she made an appointment with the doctor. She had been through this before and usually responded well to antibiotics.   After a few tests and questions, it was determined by the doctor that she did have an infection and a prescription was given.  She returned home and began the prescribed medication.  The UTI began to clear up right away and the pain lessened.  What a relief she felt to feel better and be back to her normal routine.  After a few days, however, she began to notice that her heart was pounding in her ears when she would lie down at night.  Her hands and neck felt flushed and she was having trouble sleeping.  She made another appointment with her doctor and tests were run.  Her blood pressure seemed elevated, so she as given a common drug to take care of the blood pressure problem.  The medication seemed to help the problem, but she started to have anxiety attacks in the night and would wake up overly worried about small problems and would feel physically drained and not able to get back to sleep.  Other tests were run, other medications prescribed, other side effects revealed themselves.... and the original side effects never went away.  She had other plans for her future, but had to put them on hold due to her condition.

  Woman #2:  Once upon a time there was a woman who came down with  a serious Urinary Tract Infection.  She began to research and knew what needed to be done to stop the infection.  She eliminated sugar and white flour from her diet and added a juicing regimen and lots of garlic.  There were times that she thought she was getting better, but then the symptoms would flare up again.  She even fasted a day to try and stop the infection, but it had a strong hold on her and she just couldn't shake it.  So, reluctantly, she  made an appointment with her doctor.  The usual tests were run and the results were conclusive-- a very serious UTI had taken hold.  She had kept it at bay with the nutrition, but just needed a simple antibiotic to clear it up.  She was prescribed a very strong antibiotic and returned home to take it.  She stocked up on good yogurt to keep her store of intestinal flora intact as she knew that antibiotics can deplete that. After just taking 1 pill, she felt better, but the UTI symptoms had been so severe, she did not want them to return, so she finished the medication and thought that was the end of it.  A few days later, she began to notice that her head and hands were  pounding at night when she would lie down and at times she would awaken to feel an extremely fast heart rate.  Other symptoms began to emerge, and she started doing some research on the drug she had been prescribed.  She found hundreds of other patients who had shown the same (and much worse) side effects from taking this drug.  She asked her doctor about it and was told it was just "coincidence".  After 3 months, she contacted a nutritionist to seek help in getting her body's balance renewed, in  hopes that the symptoms would eventually go away.

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     The first story described here is merely hypothetical, based on testimony after testimony that I have read about the side effects suffered by those who are prescribed Ciproflaxin or other medications that are similar ( Levaquin, and other quinolone drugs).  The second story is a true account of what happened to me.  My UTI was in September of 2012 and I am still suffering from the side effects. I am under the care of a nutritionist, but have not seen results as of yet.  If you know of anyone who has had these same problems, please email me at whataileththee@gmail.com .  I write this only to warn you of the dangers of pharmaceuticals.  Please, read the side effects before taking any drug.  My pharmacy usually gives a print-out with each prescription and did not in this case.  I was in such pain,however, I don't know that I would have heeded.   I know that there are many who take Cipro on a regular basis and do not have these symptoms, but you don't know ahead of time who will be affected.  The company that produces this drug gives a list of questions for the patient to ask the doctor before taking this drug (shouldn't it be the other way around?).  There are many simple problems that could cause major health issues if Cipro is taken.  Please take this as a warning.
      So, the rubber meets the road: I have had to completely change my lifestyle for the time being.  From what I have read, the symptoms do not go away, so this may be a forever change.  I would appreciate your prayers and input. I will write again soon about the nutritionist that I contacted and the health changes that I have made in hopes of healing.  I am so thankful that I know the Great Physician and that He knows what can be done to heal this problem!

   Exodus 15:26 ".....for I am the LORD

 

that healeth thee."

Another Free E-book!

   

      I have joined the E-reader girl page on facebook and check out her suggestions everyday. My 11-year old has a kindle and we "share" it. *wink*  He has a file on his opening page that states "Mom" so I know which books are mine!
     I had to share this one as well.  I have been dabbling in the area of homemade cleaners and laundry detergents and thought this book would help out in that area.  Have you ever considered the danger that is contained in one bottle of toilet bowl or shower cleaner?  The potential for poison is ever present and what about those kiddos?  I often wondered about that when I would clean the shower, coughing the entire time because the chemicals being used were so strong and then later that day one of my little munchkins would take a bath and sometimes drink the water or put the washcloth in their mouth. Yuck!
     There is wisdom in using the old time cleaners and solvents that people used to use years ago.  Vinegar is a great anti-bacterial cleaner.  Did you know that they used to use Eucalyptus oil in hospitals to kill the germs in the air?  I'll take the scent of Eucalyptus over Lysol any day!
     So, follow the link below and learn with me about homemade cleaners to help make your home healthier!

 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B88UGLQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00B88UGLQ&linkCode=as2&tag=ereagirl-20

Free E-book!

     Heads-up, health conscious friends!  I just found a free e-book that you may be interested in.  I included a link at the end of this post for you to take advantage of the great offer.  Now, I have not read the book, but it sounds interesting and may have some good advice. It sounds like it is based on old home remedies that the author's grandmother used to use.  There is wisdom in the old time remedies!!  Just remember to take everything you read with a grain of salt (pink salt, of course!) and rely on your instincts and past knowledge of health information. If something sounds legitimate, you may want to research it further online before adding it to your healthy medicine cabinet.  Happy reading!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0095HJ5I2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0095HJ5I2&linkCode=as2&tag=ereagirl-20

Papaya to the Rescue!

     One of my most favorite natural cures came to our rescue a few weeks ago.  We made a quick trip out of town to take some time off and enjoy some shopping and museums in the big city.  On the way down, my husband started complaining of very bad stomach cramps. By the time we arrived at the motel, he was doubled over and in extreme pain.  I was discouraged. I imagined him huddled in the bathroom all night and one by one, the rest of us in turn.  So, I turned to my favorite magic tummy cure: papaya enzymes.

     This is one of my favorite cures because it works almost immediately. We had a friend that worked for us.  He arrived at work one morning and was doubled over with stomach pain (of course the donuts and mountain dew that he had for breakfast had nothing to do with it!!).  He took 5 of these pills and was better immediately. He was amazed and called them "magic pills". 

     The papaya contains natural enzymes in the form of bromelain that aids in digestion.  However, fresh papaya is hard to come by these days and very hard to carry around with you!  These pills solve the problem. When there is an upset in the digestive juices in your stomach, the outcome is a stomach ache.  Adding more digestive enzymes helps to restore the balance and take care of the problem.  Raw apple also works, but papaya pills are more concentrated.

    

 

     I purchase these at Walmart.  They are not very expensive and a good thing to keep around.  They taste great and are easy to chew. My kids think they are candy. Sometimes I wonder about their complaints about tummy aches.....they love having papaya and when one child gets some, they all get some!  When there is real stomach trouble, it works immediately to soothe the pain.  When we eat at a restaurant or have some meal that is hard to digest, I pass around the papaya to everyone as a preventative measure. I have jars of these pills stashed everywhere around the house in strategic places.  I carry a constant supply in my purse.  My husband, who doesn't do a lot of natural stuff, swears by them and carries a supply in his lunch bucket.

 

 

     This is another version that I like to use.  These are mint flavored and available on eBay.  They are different in that they have a slight mint flavor, which is good at comforting an upset stomach.

     In this season when stomach trouble is rampant and the flu bug is just around the corner, stock up on some papaya enzymes.  You may be able to ward off the  impending virus by adding some enzymes to your system.  I usually let the kids eat 2 at a time, but when there is a serious problem, you can take up to 5 every hour.  My mom insists that she kept a violent stomach bug away by taking papaya every hour when she first felt sick!  It's worth a try!

     Well, the papaya rescued our family vacation. Within a few  hours, the couple of doses of papaya pills did the trick and my husband was better and eating supper!  Thank you, papaya!!!

Happy Birthday, Truly

An open letter to our daughter, Truly, on the occasion of her 5th birthday.

Dear Truly-
     Today would have been your fifth birthday.  I cried my first tears today thinking of the wonder and excitement that a 5 year old would have on her birthday. We would have woken you early in time to open your gifts before Daddy left for work. You would have come down the stairs in your jammies, with sleepy eyes and messy hair to see your place at the breakfast table all decorated with streamers and balloons and our special dishes.  I can just imagine the delight in your eyes as you opened your gifts.  A 5 year old girl would most likely love princess stuff and anything pink and sparkly!
     Turning 5 has always been one of those milestone birthdays when a toddler suddenly transforms into a child. You would have started school this fall and would most likely have already known your alphabet and numbers from watching and playing with your siblings.  You would have started taking on some new chores, like helping sweep the kitchen and learning to wash the dishes.  Your sisters would have loved helping you learn and teaching you how to fix your own hair and pick out pretty outfits. 
      Your exit from this life left quite a hole in our hearts.  When your brothers and sisters are playing, I often look around and think, "Who's missing?"  Then, it dawns on me, that it is you.  Your siblings often mention you in passing.  Charity seems to be the most sensitive about your death, coming to me in tears saying that she misses you. We all do.
     When I read in Hebrews about that "great a cloud of witnesses", I wonder about how much of what  is going on down here on earth is visible to you in heaven.  We often wonder about how "old" you might be in heaven, or if you look like us, or what you do. No matter what "age" you are, you will always be a baby in our hearts!  The kids and I were discussing the other day about eye color and they asked about yours. I told them that you never opened your eyes here on earth, but most babies eyes are blue.  I think about the others that I know who are in heaven.  Perhaps you have spoken to your great grandma and grandpa Yowell today, or great Grandpa Tate or great Grandpa Deatrick.  I don't know a whole lot about what goes on in heaven, but when I read about all the celebrations that God designed for the Israelites, surely heaven must be full of celebration.  I hope they are celebrating with you today!
     We are not going to sit around and mope today.  Today is still a celebration.  We have designated this date on our calendar to decorate the house with our Christmas decorations.  The kids are excited to finally get the tree decorated and get the stocking hung and the greenery around the house. We will bake a cake to celebrate the day, just because we love having a reason to make cake as you surely know!  We will also go out to your gravestone and place some flowers there in remembrance.  Though we know it is just your body that is there, I think it helps the kids to see the flowers there.  We all take comfort in knowing that you are with our blessed Saviour!  We can't wait to see both He and you someday!
     Your short life on this earth taught us so much.  I thank our heavenly Father over and over for His wisdom in giving you to us for such a short time.  We learned so much about His goodness and grace through all of that time.  We love you, Truly Hope. 
                                                                   Lots of Love,
                                                                                Mommy



*To read all of Truly's story click here

Foods that Heal: Pumpkin

 

 

 It's that time of the year when we begin filling our houses with the delicious scents of the fall harvest. Pumpkin is always at the top of the list of favorite fall flavors. Though it is the main ingredient in our favorite desserts, pumpkin not only tastes good, it packs a strong boost to your health!

 

  
     Pumpkin breads, muffins and desserts are a great way to get super nutrition into your children as well.  Even canned pumpkin is a good choice.  The canning process does not require any added preservatives.
     So, what is in this super food?  The beautiful bright orange color should give a hint as to the type of vitamins that are in pumpkin.  Pumpkin contains high amounts of carotenoids, which are also present in carrots, which contain high amounts of vitamin A which we know to aid in eyesight.  Vitamin A also is a great immunity booster, preparing our bodies for the approaching cold weather! Carotenoids also assist your body in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
    Pumpkin is also full of other great vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, which also helps to boost immunity, but is also effective in preventing signs of aging and helps your body produce collagen. The pumpkin is also a diuretic, which means that it is very effective in flushing toxins out of your body.  Magnesium, potassium and zinc are other vital nutrients that your body needs which reduce hypertension, support bone density and promote reproductive health.

     We all know that fiber and protein are essential parts of out daily intake, and pumpkin packs plenty of these! The fiber in pumpkin will aid in gastrointestinal disorders, but also helps lower bad cholesterol and helps to regulate blood sugar.
    When seeking good pumpkin recipes, find ones that use a good portion of it.  A cup in a recipe is a good amount, but a whole can full is better.  Paula Deen's pumpkin bars are good and include a whole can of pumpkin as well as 4 eggs-- super protein packed!!  The frosting is extra yummy and contains good amounts of dairy fat (sour cream and butter), though eat in moderation!! To add nutrition to the recipe, I substituted coconut oil for the vegetable oil and used whole wheat flour for half of the flour.(http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/pumpkin-bars-recipe/index.html) My picky, protein hating 5 year old loved it!! :)

       Pumpkin is rather versatile and can be used equally in the place of sweet potato puree' (and vice-versa).  One of our favorite healthy muffin recipes is included below.  Enjoy your pumpkin this fall and also add some nutrition to your life!

Pumpkin Muffins
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup old fashioned oats
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 large eggs
1 cup pumpkin (or sweet potato) puree'
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup oil (I like coconut)
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine all ingredients.  Line muffin tin with muffin papers. Fill with batter 1/2 way up.  Bake for 15 minutes @ 350.

Foods that Heal: Honey

     Honey is one of the most amazing foods that the Creator gave to us.  I have known about a lot of its healing properties, but just in the past few months I have been doing more research and finding out much more!  It is amazing to realize that honey is the only food that we consume from insects.  When God promised the Israelites a "land flowing with milk and honey", they probably knew what amazing things could be done with honey.  It is also interesting to me to see that the Word is compared to honey. What an appropriate analogy as you will see soon!  Not only does it sweeten life, but also brings healing and restores life!

     Now, when I speak of honey, I mean a particular kind.  The honey that you reach for off the grocery store shelf has been processed and heated to kill any bacteria. In the processing and heating, vital nutrients are destroyed along with the good bacteria.  When you search for real honey, purchase it from a  bee keeper or health food store making sure that it is unprocessed, raw honey.
     Honey is such an amazing food.  It contains its own bacteria fighting powers so that the worst infections are kept at bay.  At one time, a bacteriologist set out to prove that honey was fertile ground for growing bacteria and in the process, discovered the opposite!  He placed actual typhoid and dysentery bacteria in honey and within 48 hours all the bacteria were dead!  Amazing!  Those of you in countries that suffer with these ailments should find a local bee keeper or invest in some bee keeping equipment yourself!  What a valuable and simple way to kill off germs!  The amazing thing is that honey is so pleasant to the tongue, it would be no trouble to get your children to take it. 
     The antiseptic properties of honey extend far beyond internal healing.  Any external wound or skin ailment would heal much more quickly if covered in honey.  Before the invention of penicillin, honey was used extensively in both world wars to effectively heal battle wounds and was even used to treat gangrene.  The emollient properties of honey  would also reduce scarring and keep a wound moisturized.  I read testimonials over and over again of individuals who had some type of skin ailment or wound that would not heal with modern medicinal tactics, and after hearing of honey's healing abilities, had the problem cleared up in just days.
     Honey is also an amazing food that never spoils.  I remember hearing about explorers opening up an ancient Egyptian tomb and finding vats of honey that were still usable.  Honey does have its own way of preserving itself by crystallizing, but add a little heat, and it is as good as new.
     Because honey is a by product of the bee, then it has already been digested.  So, it is very easy on the stomach.  Its smoothness eases stomach upset and soothes the intestines.  Little tummies would benefit from a spoonful of honey now and then.
     I have been amazed to see that modern doctors are now telling parents to give their children honey in the place of cough suppressants.  The moisturizing ability and its smooth stickiness allows honey to coat the throat, keeping coughs at a minimum and effectively soothing a sore throat. 
     Honey is a lower sugar, so the body is not overwhelmed with a sugar high, like it would be with regular sugar.  Honey is a very effective energy booster, yet also helps to relieve anxiety.  Anyone who suffers with allergies would benefit greatly by eating honey that is from their local area.  The bees collect the pollen from the local plants, giving the eater an immunization of some sorts from the plants that they are allergic to. High cholesterol, skin problems, diabetes, weight loss, infection: the list could go on and on.  I read so much on this topic, I was overwhelmed with the information. If you have a particular ailment that you are interested in reading about, I suggest researching that ailment to see if honey can be used to heal it.  I also read a ton of amazing information at  www.whfoods.com which gave a wealth of information on the healing powers of honey.
     One word of caution, doctors warn mothers of young children not to give honey to an infant younger than one year of age.  Unprocessed honey can carry bacteria that may be too strong for an infant to handle.  Honestly, with compromised immunity from being bottle fed instead of breast fed, more infants would be affected by these bacteria.
     So, support your local bee keeper today and add honey to your natural medicine cabinet.  Your children will be happy you did!