Monday, October 25, 2010

Parasites! Parasites! Were not in Kansas any more!


When I was a child and imagined how I'd spend my life and what I'd do I never imagined myself working as a Colon Hydro-therapist! Let's be honest most of us squirm a little just at the thought of getting a colonic. It was over thirteen years ago when I got my first colonic. It was not a quick decision. A friend kept urging me to try it to help clear up my skin of acne. Finally, once I got the courage the get a colonic the world changed for me. Now, I have been a Colon Hydro-therapist for over 5 years and give approximately 1000 sessions a year. Yes, that's a lot of poop! All goes down the drain. No worries.

I've met a lot of people who have digestive problems ranging from acid reflux, indigestion, constipation, Candida overgrowth, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and more. I stare at a colonic tube for umpteen many hours over the years and there have been a few determinations that have crossed my mind when observing people's poop. Most of us wouldn't dare think that acquiring parasites is a widespread problem amongst the western world. Often, people think that if you catch a critter that you must have traveled to Bangladesh or Nepal to bring those friends home with you. This is not the only way that parasites can be obtained.

About 50% of adults have parasites but do not know it. There are many different kinds of parasites. Many parasites are called pinworms, amoebas, protozoans like Giardia, hook worms, flukes, and tapeworms are a few of those nasty fellas. They can be acquired in different ways such as by the water supply, spoiled food, eating rare meat, at day care centers, contamination of food, sexual contact, a pet licking your face or walking barefoot on grass or in a lake. Crazy huh? I try to always wash my raw produce in water before eating, but to be honest I am not always perfect at this task. I know the best defense toward not ingesting any parasites is to wash raw food thoroughly in filtered water and use either hydrogen peroxide or apple cider vinegar in the water and scrub it with a brush. Even the most pristine raw foodies have to be concerned about parasites. I have heard of many educators claiming that if your body is pure enough that it is not a concern. I know of three purist 100% raw foodies that have had problems.

Beware of eating in the finest restaurants and juice bars. Watch how well a juicer is cleaned or if the Chefs have washed their hands properly before preparing your food.

Symptoms of parasitic infliction are: feeling tired all the time, digestive problems such as gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea that comes and goes, food sensitivities/allergies, environmental intolerances, joint and muscle pain/inflammation, anemia/iron deficiency, rashes, restlessness, multiple awakenings/interrupted sleep, anxiety, grinding teeth, excessive bacterial/viral infections, depression, snoring, asthma, difficulty gaining or losing weight no matter what you do, Candida program not working/can't conquer sweet cravings, oily greasy stool, itchy butt, ineffective digestion and absorption of fats, or just don't feel great.

Parasites interfere with a healthy immune system. The body becomes overwhelmed by the poisons and toxins generated by parasites. They release toxic gases, secretions and waste materials. Ammonia is one of the gases parasites excrete. These toxic secretions strain the immune system that can make you feel tired a lot. These toxins accumulate in the colon, and create a congested liver, followed by an overload to the skin, lungs and kidneys.

There are small parasites that are microscopic in size such as protozoans like Giardia, and amoebas. They travel anywhere in the body via the bloodstream. They can get into our joints and eat calcium that lines our bones. They can eat the protein coating of our nerves called the myelin sheath that disrupts the nerve signal to the brain. They behave more like an infection in the body. They can reproduce without laying eggs by reproducing themselves.

Large parasites are worms and can be seen by the naked eye. They can grow up to 10-15 inches long and lay eggs. They don't usually travel outside the digestive tract. These worms can cause anemia and interfere with vitamin B12 metabolism. They can be acquired by a dog licking your face, or by eating meat.

Many people have been misdiagnosed with a peptic ulcer but the real problem is round worms, mislabeled with ulcerative colitis but have amoebas, think they have chronic fatigue and yeast infections but underlying cause is Giardia, and diabetes or hypoglycemia caused by tapeworms.

Many of my clients who suffer from symptoms of Candida overgrowth and have been working extra hard to heal themselves with probiotics, and a low sugar, highly alkaline diet are not always successful. Why? Once tested properly many of these clients are shown to have parasites. Once the parasites are extinguished then the constipation problem heals like a miracle, and the bloat/gas are gone. Candida regains its balance in the body.

Parasites create an irritation and stress in the body. They eat, lay eggs/or reproduce, and secrete. They feed off our food and off of us! They take our food, fatten up and leave us what's left over. Drowsiness after a meal is another sign that worms are present. They can suck nutrition from our cells. Some people may have trouble keeping weight on for this reason. Parasites enter the digestive system and quickly find their way to our vital organs. Parasite can be found anywhere in the body such as the brain, heart, and lungs. They usually go to the liver at first chance. They can cause a physical trauma to the body by the perforation of intestines, the circulatory system, the liver and so on. When chyme is released into the perforated intestines it oozes into the lymph system. Allergies are the first reaction. Which means that parasites erode and create holes out of your organs. Then, things get complicated on how to get rid of parasites in the true sense of the word GONE.

Testing is not always accurate, as 1 out of 4 people are diagnosed correctly to have parasites. I refer most of my clients to a gastrointestinal MD in NYC who has traveled the world and can diagnose a much wider variety of parasites than a regular test. He gets a sample along the intestinal wall where critters love to hang out. On you! The next best choice of tests is a stool test kit. I like ‘Doctors Data’ stool collection kit. Also, you can get a blood test. Here's Dr. Kevin Cahill's contact info (212) 879-2607. He is not a holistic doctor.

Most of us probably have some parasites and would rather not want to think about it. I am so sorry to even suggest that this is the possible reason for poor digestive problems. I have heard that supplementing with a Betaine Hydrochloride with Pepsin can create a barrier against acquiring parasites. HCI is a supplement that supports having good stomach acid. Most people over age 40 really should supplement with it at every meal containing fats or protein foods. If you feel a warm or burning sensation in your belly then discontinue use. Take as directed. Those critters won't get past that acid.

I will blog again soon with more information on how to get rid of parasites. You are welcome to come see me for a session so we can discuss some options that I have heard have worked. Please consult a healthcare practitioner before taking on any new regimes or supplements.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Put More Raw Food On Your Plate!



It all started 21 years ago when I was suffering from chronic yeast infections, acne, constipation, and an overall lack of energy. I was very resistant to a change in my diet, but a friend encouraged me to acquire as much knowledge as I could about my health problems. I transitioned myself onto a vegan diet and after one year nothing had changed. Once I committed to eating 75% of my diet exclusively of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and sprouts did a transformation happen. After going through five different doctors in three years I finally was able to heal myself with this radical change in diet. Raw foods allowed my body the opportunity to heal itself. I could never go back again.

We are living beings with a vital life force in our bodies. It makes complete sense that we would put that same life force rich food into our body to create an energetic body. Kirlian photography shows the energy field of any raw food exhibiting a beautiful aura of high voltage light and electricity emanating from the food. Take the same food and cook it and the light remains only a dim glow.

Raw food comes in a perfect package of just the correct amount of water, fiber, enzymes and phytonutrients. You can never improve upon nature. Raw food is a water rich food. Our body is 70% water and ingesting water rich food creates ease in digestion. Most people eat very concentrated food that takes more energy to digest then to exercise! When we cook our food we remove the moisture content and then expected to drink 8 glasses of water to replace it. Why not just eat raw food?

Fruits and vegetables move through the body leaving nothing behind except vital nutrients. When we eat refined food, meat, cheese, pasta or tofu this food creates a sticky poop! Waste residue is often left behind, absorbed and creates obstruction in the body. Disease is often a product of obstructive waste found in our cellular body, organs and tissue. Eating raw food that moves cleanly through the body and carries itself out in the form of fiber keeps the body a well working machine!

Raw food encourages the body to detoxify. The ionic charge in raw food can create an awakening to occur of toxins to be released from the cells. Also, the ease in digestion allows the body to gain energy to heal and renew the body.

Enzymes are necessary for all metabolic processes of the body including digestion. Raw Food is packed with enzymes to support good digestion. When we eat cooked food this creates stress on the body to provide adequate enzymes for digestion. This can accelerate the aging process.

When we cook our food above 113 degrees the enzymatic activity begins to perish. At 118 degrees the food is considered dead. The molecular structure has changed. Think of what a string bean feels like raw. It is crispy and snaps into pieces. Think of the same string bean after being cooked it becomes limp and mushy. What kind of body do you want?

There is evidence of a heighten immune response after ingesting cooked food. Leukocytosis has occurred which is a raise in the body’s white blood cell count. The body has an innate intelligence that responds when a foreign invader has arrived, “COOKED FOOD!” Think about the thousands of cooked food meals eaten and the wear and tear on the immune system over ones lifetime.

Have you ever noticed after eating a cooked meal that you need to clear your throat or blow your nose? How do you spell M-U-C-U-S? How can all that mucus do a body good? Cooked food can create an irritation to the body’s tissues and organs. In response, excessive amounts of mucus are generated to protect itself. Over time, this mucus can harden and create more obstruction in the body. Trying to lose weight?

Raw foods generally have a high alkalinity in pH. Truthfully, when seeking healing of any disease the answer in part can be found in changing ones pH chemistry. Most people consume highly acidic foods such as animal protein, grains, coffee, alcohol and refined foods. An acid forming diet will create an acidic body. Although nuts and seeds tend to be acid forming they should be consumed in small amounts. Almonds are a highly alkalizing food.

Finally, there is the debate that raw food nutrition cannot be absorbed as well as cooked food. Most raw food is very digestible when not overeaten and eaten in good combination. Raw green leafy veggies such as kale can be juiced, blended into a smoothie or massaged with oil to break down the cellulose better. The nutrition in raw food is far superior in quality compared to any cooked food any day.

You don’t have to be a Raw Foodist to be healthy, but increasing the amount of raw food in your diet is very beneficial to creating good health.

http://www.donnaperrone.com

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Begging for Change





I’ve just returned from my trip to southern India to visit Sai Baba’s ashram in Puttaparthi, a small village located near Bangalore. We had heard about a school that was founded by an American couple named Michael and Aleli. They call this endeavor the ‘Children’s Project Trust.’ I don’t have much opportunity to be with children and wasn’t sure what to expect. Michael and Aleli are wonderful spiritual beings that had an idea of starting a school to help the many destitute children of India.

India is an amazing country, full of buzzing activity, color and contrast of abundance and great poverty. I felt safe inside the security of the ashram but as soon as I stepped through the gates to the village I felt overwhelmed and vulnerable gripping to the arm of my boyfriend Jerry every second. I knew about the begging children on the street, but had no idea of the stories these children had to tell.

Visiting the 32 children that are mostly girls of the ‘Children’s Project Trust’ was a heart opening experience that I will never forget. The stories of these children are described in the book ‘Begging for Change’ by Jennifer Gaze. I have several copies to lend out to anyone interested who would like to help. All of these children have been abused in some way. Many of the girls have been living on the street or in a garbage dump while either orphaned or having parents who are alcoholic. Often sent out to beg for money rather then attending school many of the children were beaten if they did not bring back adequate money. Many of the parents would use this money for drink rather then feed and take care of their children. These children were often left to their own resources to care for themselves. There was no one to feed or bath them. Many of the girls were sold into marriage as early as age 13 to a boy of another family of alcoholism. Their fate sealed at an early age. The legal age in India to marry is 18 years old but no one is enforcing this law.

Sometimes, a Westerner will find these children on the streets and try to help by putting the children in a live-in school/orphanage. Unfortunately, these schools provide no sanctuary for the children. The chaste system in India considers these precious children at the bottom of the barrel and does not protect them. The children are often hungry and beaten for no reason other then getting an answer wrong on a test. There is no quality of education provided to the children in these schools. And worse many of the girls I met were sexually abused by staff members at these schools on a regular basis and/or raped by their own male family members. Many of the girls would run away from the schools and wind up on the streets again.

I was able to meet Aleli who has undertaken a huge responsibility to care for and teach these children. She considers each child, as her own, and has no previous training as a teacher. She and Michael are responsibility to raise, educate and love each child. Their dedication is apparent in the faces of each child. My experience with the children left a profound impression on me. They are so full of love. I expected the children to be cautious and ill behaved. On contrary they were open and playful. They were able to connect and share what they were learning and grateful for this opportunity to have a good life. The older girls were poised and confident young women that spoke, read and wrote English very well. The school attracts volunteers from many western countries to teach the children or to offer their service to help care for them. The men who help manifest healing the girl’s trust and faith in men. My friends and I brought the school needed supplies and additional money to support this project. The children seem genuinely happy and well adjusted. Aleli and Michael have done a fabulous job and have made the ultimate sacrifice to give up their comfortable life in America to do the tireless work needed to care for and educate 32 children. They even counsel the families of the children and offer food and support as well. I feel that the children are getting a great education from the CPT.

The children begin their day at 5 am with a spiritual practice, exercise, wholesome vegetarian food, creativity and classes. The spiritual component of their education is important in creating a foundation of faith, confidence, good values, ethics, love and joy. They are well behaved and interact well with each other. These are grateful children who will be strong, confident and loving adults one day that will contribute to society. Michael and Aleli’s strong spiritual faith fuels their sacrifice and tireless giving.

Michael and Aleli are in the process of building a school in the mountainous area in India called Coorg. The school will provide a better space for raising the children. They will be able to grow crops such as coffee to create self-sufficiency. They support the children in whatever they want to do when they grow up, but know that many of these children will eventually take over the school themselves to teach and care for more children like themselves in the future. What a beautiful concept.

I have heard about the suffering of children around the world, but when you actually meet the children and see their hopeful faces it really touches your heart. I will continue to support the ‘Children’s Project Trust’ by sending funds on a regular basis. To learn more: http://www.childrensproject.org

If you wish to make a donation by check, you can address your check directly to:

Children's Project

C/O Philip Brown

370 23rd Avenue #9

San Francisco, CA 94121

If you are interested in becoming a visiting Faculty they do need your help in reading, writing and arithmetic.

Thank you for reading my blog about the children.