It's all about The Dirt:

“When people notice the new medicine movement now and are surprised at its swift rise and sudden popularity, they must not overlook that it is the fruition of much that was going on for a long time. It is a single common rallying point now. But its potential is barely yet realized. It is dynamite, for it challenges the principles of government and the principles of science too, and it holds the seeds of new values that might actually not be the old values in new clothing. It is not simply another tyrant awaiting the convenient overthrow of the present regime”.

~ Richard Grossinger, Planet Medicine

We are all part of the movement, whether we choose to or not. Every time we buy a Coke or an apple, kale or a pizza, acupuncture or antibiotics, we vote. The more we realize that our vote counts, the more we put junk science to shame.

Cheers for choices…

(Photo credit)

Hot off the press from Sixwise:

Worry and Anxiety May Harm Your Brain and Body,
Increase Dementia Risks

A study by researchers from the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Chicago’s Rush University found that people who are prone to “psychological distress” — negative emotions like worry and anxiety — are more likely to develop memory problems than those who adopt a more carefree existence, according to an analysis of two studies on aging that together included over 1,200 people.

In fact, study participants who experienced negative emotions most often were 40 percent more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment than those who experienced the least negativity.

Cognitive impairment involves mild memory or cognitive problems, and can be a stepping-stone to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. A past study by the same researchers also indicated that people who are easily distressed are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who are not.

Further, researchers from the University of Connecticut Health Center have found a striking link between your nervous system and your immune system, revealing just how chronic stress may kill you.

The researchers found that the same part of your nervous system that is responsible for the fight-or-flight stress response (the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)) also controls regulatory T cells, which are used by your body to end an immune response once the threatening foreign invader has been destroyed.

Their new research on mice revealed that the sympathetic nervous system can negatively impact your immune system, and also shed some light on why stress often exacerbates autoimmune disorders like lupus, arthritis and eczema.

Chronic stress is known to actually intensify inflammation, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), which makes you more vulnerable to inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis.

You may also not have known that stress can actually accelerate aging. According to a 2006 study presented at the 114th Annual Convention of the APA, people with chronic stress are more likely to suffer from age-related diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, major depression, mental decline, osteoporosis and metabolic syndrome.

(photo credit)

Essential minerals for the nerve system:

The essential minerals necessary for the healthy function of the nerve system are sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, manganese, silica, and iodine.

Sodium is necessary for nerve conduction, nerve stimulation, and muscle contraction. Food sources include okra, celery, carrots, beets, cucumber, asparagus, poultry, strawberry, eggs, spinach, peas, cheese, whey, fish, oysters, lentil beans, kelp and Celtic sea salt.

Potassium is essential for nerve conduction, sympathetic nerve stimulation, and muscle contraction. Food sources include green leafy vegetables, bananas, whole grains, sunflower seeds, potato skins, parsley, blueberries, dill, peaches, coconut, cabbage, figs and almonds.

Calcium is necessary for nerve transmission and muscle contraction. Food sources include dairy products, tofu, eggs, leafy green vegetables, onions, cauliflower, figs, dried plums, dates, sesame seeds, salmon, and sardines.

Magnesium is necessary for nerve system relaxation. Food sources include grapefruit, oranges, green leafy vegetables, wheat germ, seafood, nuts, garlic, figs, yellow cornmeal, eggs and kelp.

Phosphorus is essential for nerve transmission, parasympathetic nerve stimulation, and muscle contraction. Sources include seafood, poultry, meat, whole grains, eggs, yellow corn, nuts, seeds, and garlic.

Sulfur is abundant in the brain and nerve system. Food sources include eggs, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, asparagus, carrots, horseradish, shrimp, spinach, garlic and melons.

Manganese feeds the brain and nerve system. Food sources include eggs, whole grains, almonds, black walnuts, green vegetables, mint and parsley.

Info taken from “Health is Simple, Disease is Complicated” by James Forleo, DC

“No one said that a conscious path was easy. It’s easier, at least in the short term, to change channels, crack another beer, grab a slice of pizza, take the blue pill, and descend into a self-induced coma. Probably 90 percent of people do this, so it’s not as though you’ll lack for company.”

~Jack Bennett of thirty-two thousand days

No one said this life was going to be easy. My dad always warned me “Life’s tough… get used to it.” I think it may be a lot easier than we make it though. Have it be more conscious, collective, content, and creative. Not that a beer and pizza with a good movie is bad, but to be able to break out and breathe in is a good thing.

(photo credit)