Chicken Soup for Asthma and Inflammation

It may not sound like a yummy and delicious soup but don't let the name fool you.
My husband has asthma. One of the major factors with asthma and many other health issues is Inflammation. Today I made a super soup with all of the amazing inflammation fighting, asthma kicking ingredients I could find!

House smells delicious. Another detox recipe!

4 pieces organic chicken (or more)
*The chicken is mainly to add protein and flavor. My husband is definitely a carnivore.*
1 whole garlic, chopped
1 jalapeño, chopped
Rosemary

Add to the slow cooker on high with 6-8 cups of filtered water for 3 hours.
Optional, add chicken or veggie broth

Add 1 bunch Cilantro, chopped
1 whole red onion, chopped
1 bunch Dandelions or kale, chopped
1 head of broccoli, chopped
*Or use broccoli slaw*
4-5 stalks of celery
**might need more water or broth*

Continue cooking for 1 more hour

Optional, add 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice at the last 30-45 minutes
**I forgot the celery in the above pic**

Detox December

You're probably thinking...."Is Mary totally crazy?  Who starts a Detox in December?"

For starters, there is really no need to go all out and go broke on Detox supplies or programs.  There are plenty of home remedies and simple solutions for regular detoxification.  Since the Average American eats so much more (especially fatty) food during the holidays, adding a detoxifying step to your day is so important.

First, I suggest Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth.  
This might be one of the easiest options for detoxing.  
From Detoxing with Diatomaceous Earth, "Add diatomaceous earth to your diet to detox parasites that can contribute to food intolerance, nausea, bowel discomfort, pain, itching, asthma, sinus infections, Morgellon's disease, and a host of other allergic-type reactions.
DE detoxes mercury, cadmium, lead and other heavy metals; removes poisons from chemtrails, radiation and may alleviate the effects of GMOs. DE possesses antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties.
In addition to detoxing and destroying pathogens, diatomaceous earth helps to lower blood pressure and contributes to the production of collagen to improve skin tone, strengthening the tendons and joints."

Another simple solution is Lemon Water.  You might enjoy reading Benefits of Lemon Water.  
From Health Benefits of Lemon & Basil, "Health benefits of lemon include treatment of throat infections, indigestion, constipation, dental problems, fever, hair care, skin care, internal bleeding, rheumatism, burns, overweight, respiratory disorders, cholera and high blood pressure. Known for its therapeutic properties for generations, lemon helps to strengthen your immune system and cleanses your stomach. It is not only a blood purifier but also enables body to fight diseases. Lemon juice, especially, has several health benefits associated with it. Useful for treating kidney stones, curing heart strokes and reducing the body temperature, lemonade helps you to stay calm and cool."
 

Basil Lemonade recipe

Add Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) to your routine.  
From Health Benefits of ACV, "Apple cider vinegar contains vitamins and minerals such as beta-carotene, pectin and vital minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, chlorine, sulfur, iron, and fluorine."  
I make a delicious salad dressing with ACV.  I call it my Detox Dressing and it's originally from a major detox I used to do once a year. 

From Global Healing Center, here are more FOODS to assist with detoxification:
Fruit
Greens: Kale, Brussels Sprouts, Alfalfa, Arugula and Chard
GARLIC
Broccoli Sprouts
Green Tea
Mung Beans
Seeds & Nuts
Omega 3 oils

Right now, Mary's Heirloom Seeds is offering FREE SEEDS with purchase of Mary's Sprouting Kit.  Each kit purchased will include 6 ounces of Organic Mung Beans.

Each Kit Includes:   wide-mouth glass sprouting jar (quart size), 
lid & screen, organic SEEDS and detailed sprouting instructions.

 There you have it!  

Detox this December for a Healthier and Happier 2015!

Health Benefits of Hot Peppers with Recipes

I LOVE hot stuff!!!  Check out the recipe collection below.

Stuffed Hot Peppers from Allrecipes

Smoked Paprika Hummus from Food in Jars

Hot Pepper Relish from Preserving Food at Home

Lazy Chili Rellenos from The Pioneer Women

Peach Jalapeno Jelly from Food in Jars

Do you have a favorite Hot Pepper recipe to share?

More Foods to Fight Inflammation

Did you get a chance to read part 1 Foods to Fight Inflammation?

It was a great starting point to fight inflammation.  WHY should I take a pill (or 3) to fight inflammation when I have the answer in my own fridge?  If you watch TV you've probably seen every pill on the market today with the flashy, sensual ads they use to convince you that you NEED another pharmaceutical.

You Don't!  Prevention is the key.  Fight inflammation BEFORE it manifests into a headache, achy and swollen joints, fibromyalgia (which is a common diagnosis for "I don't know what's wrong with you but you have pain"), migraines, RA and so much more.  Diseases feed on inflammation.  Fight inflammation and you fight disease!

Whole flower organic Chamomile (non-gmo) Great for Tea and Tinctures

Chamomile is an inflammation fighting herb/flower.  I made a chamomile tincture a few months ago and I use it whenever I feel the need.  Basil  is another great herb and it's SUPER easy to just add to any recipe.


SUGAR is one of the worst offenders.  Inflammation FEEDS on sugar.  If you have inflammatory health issues or are at risk for cancer and/or diabetes sugar is your enemy!

Foods that are high in fiber, leafy greens, citrus and unprocessed are the way to go.

Fried, processed, fatty, chemical or sugar laden foods can not only increase inflammation they can also make you fat and sick. 

I'm changing things up around here.  Look out for more healthy recipes and non-gmo ingredients.  PLUS, I'm growing my own organic veggies using non-gmo heirloom seeds so I'll be adding to the Harvest Recipes collection.

Sharing this healthy post HERE.

Detoxing Smoothie to Fight Inflammation

Not everyone is a fan of green juice or smoothies.  I am!  My husband...not so much.  He prefers his greens in a salad (unless I can disguise them in a berry or banana smoothie)

I am really enjoying trying new recipes lately on my quest to fight inflammation.  If you do a bit of research, inflammation can cause disease and damages your body.  If you're looking for an anti-aging, healthier way to live...Fight inflammation!!!

Detox Energy Elixer

I love celery!!!

adapted from Healing Gourmet

Ingredients

2 medium organic cucumbers, peeled

4 slice(s) organic ginger (about 1/4" thick each)

1 whole organic lemon, juiced

1/2 cup(s) organic parsley

1 whole (2" diam) organic beet

8 stalk(s) organic celery 

Preparation
Add all ingredients to a juicer to express. 
Chill juice if desired, and serve. 

*I modified this recipe to make a smoothie*

I used 1/4 of the ingredients, added everything to the blender with 1-2 cups of cold water.  You can make it creamier with 1/2 cup organic yogurt.

Check out how I'm getting in Bikini Shape!

Cleansing Salad recipe to fight Inflammation

This is my first recipe I'm sharing specifically to fight Inflammation.  If you missed my last post,
Foods to Fight Inflammation, you really should go back and read it!
Welcome to Meatless on Monday #24!

We love brussels sprouts!

Cleansing Crucifer Salad
adapted from Healing Gourmet

Ingredients
1 cup(s) organic broccoli, finely chopped
4 Tbsp(s) fresh organic lemon juice
1 cup(s), chopped organic red cabbage
8 whole organic Brussels sprouts, finely sliced
1 Tbsp(s) raw organic extra virgin coconut oil
Optional:  semi-chopped walnuts, chopped red pepper, shredded carrots

Fantastic coconut oil.  It's non-gmo!!!

Preparation
Mix lemon juice and coconut oil in a small bowl.
Combine sliced Brussels sprouts with chopped red cabbage. Place on serving dishes.
Top with finely chopped broccoli. *Add optional ingredients*
Drizzle with lemon/coconut oil.
Serve. 

**Serve with a small piece of poached salmon to really fight inflammation**

If you're looking for a stronger, natural inflammation fight, check out the Herbal Kits at Mary's Basics.  You can make you own tincture in as little as 3-6 weeks.

I'm happily linking up HERE. 

Foods to fight Inflammation

I recently helped my husband put together a newsletter for his patients on Therapeutic Modalities to speed up the healing process as well as foods to fight inflammation.  Inflammation is a huge factor when you are dealing with pain.  Since we are a wellness-based Chiropractic clinic, we encourage natural ways to fight inflammation and increase mobility.

Basil infused Olive Oil

At the moment I am working on a few recipes to help fight inflammation.  One I have already shared is Earth Day Basil Pesto.  Basil, Garlic, Walnuts and Olive Oil are all inflammation fighting foods!!!

First I'll start with Herbs: (click the links for more healthy benefit info)
Chamomile
Basil
Rosemary
Thyme
Tumeric
Ginger

And now for a few more Inflammation fighting foods:
Dark leafy veggies 
(ex: spinach, brussels sprouts and broccoli)

source

Citrus fruits
Berries
Carrots
Peppers (Cayenne is great!)
Sweet potatoes
High-fiber foods (ex: legumes and whole grains)
Olive oil
Walnuts
Garlic
Oily fish (Ex: salmon, anchovies and mackerel)   

These are not the only inflammation fighting foods but it's a good start.  If you'd like to get the most out of your herbs, check out the Herbal Home Remedy recipes.

Avoid foods high in saturated fats such as fried foods and foods with a lot of sugar.  Both of these types of food have shown to increase inflammation.

Stay tuned for a few more Healthy Recipes to fight Inflammation!  

Check out the parties I link up to HERE.