To start with, this is not one of my normal posts – this is really quite serious, in fact diet and life changing. As Don Knotts said in the Ghost and Mr. Chicken, ”Let me clarify this.” At age 17, I was found to be allergic to fowl, pork and red meat! This may sound awful but after my teen years full of stomach/bowel problems and surgery - it was great to have relief. At 19, I was further diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis but no relief was given. Hence I was content to live a life without meat (except fish) and looked for no other answers. My arthritis would flare periodically but after a few months would subside and life would go on. That is until last winter after some female surgery, my arthritis flared and wouldn’t stop but grew increasingly worse. So bad was it that my husband had to cut my food for me! I was desperate – even prescription medications didn’t provide much help. Then my daughter-in-law, Jessica, went to a Weston-Price conference and among other things found the following book. So if you, or some family member or friend is suffering with or has been diagnosed with a long term medical condition, PLEASE read on!
The GAPS book – Gut and Psychology Syndrome – is written by a British physician, Dr. Natasha Campbell – McBride MD. She primarily uses the information and diet presented in the book to treat children with autism and learning disabilities. The results of her work supports her position on the link between physical and mental health, the food and drink we take in and the condition of our digestive system.
GAPS is broken up into four parts. The first part explains how all diseases begin in the gut. Dealing with many psychological issues, such as, schizophrenia and depression, she explains how these patients are often malnourished and suffer from vitamin deficiencies.
In the late 1970s it was discovered that gluten from grains and casein from milk can be turned into opiates in the digestive system which absorb into the blood, cross the blood-brain barrier and affect the brain. These opiates were found in the urine of schizophrenic patients and those with depression and autoimmune conditions. Later on Dr. Reichelt … found the same compounds in the urine of autistic children. - GAPS pg. 72
Simply put, our digestion begins in the stomach with stomach acids, continues with pancreatic juices and is completed as the food moves through the intestines. The gut is lined with a bacterial layer which provides a barrier of protection. This layer contains the beneficial bacteria necessary for proper and timely digestion of food.
In the gut, the absorptive surface of the intestines has finger-like protrusions called villi and deep crypts between them (like hills and valleys) The villi are coated with specialized cells called enterocytes. These cells complete digestion and absorb the nutrients from ingested food. They are continually born in the depths of the crypts and slowly travel to the top of the villi. They digest and absorb becoming more mature as they move upward. At the top of the villi they are shed off. So, the lining of the intestines is constantly being renewed.
When beneficial bacteria of the gut are removed the renewal process is disrupted – there are fewer enterocytes (absorptive cells) and the existing cells no longer function properly. The villi degenerate and are not able to digest and absorb food properly. This leads to mal-absorbption and nutritional deficiencies.
An example is given on page 21 of the GAPS book using the digestion of milk and wheat proteins. In the first stage of digestion, the digestive juices of the stomach split the proteins into less complex amino acid chains (peptides), some of which include casomorphines and gluteomorphines. These peptides move to the small intestines where the second stage of digestion occurs. At the intestinal walls, assisted by the pancreatic juices, they are broken down by enzymes. In people with abnormal gut flora (and resulting poorly functioning enterocytes), the undigested complex proteins (casomorphines and glutemorpines) are absorbed into the bloodstream unchanged and cause problems.
These problems include interference with brain function and immune system function. According to Dr. Campbell-McBride’s experience, when the gut flora is restored, many GAPS patients can digest casein and gluten, at least, in moderate amounts without a return of symptoms. So, the treatment focuses on returning the good gut flora and allowing the digestive tract time to heal.
Part two of the GAPS book focuses on treatment which is an Introduction Diet consisting of six stages. Moving through the stages, food is added in an orderly way from what is easily digested to what is more difficult to digest. After the Introduction Diet, the Full GAPS Diet is followed for a period of time to be determined by the patient’s symptoms. Instructions are given for coming off the GAPS Diet along with recipes and supplementation recommendations.
Part three covers different issues including ear infections, influences which boost and those which damage immunity, constipation and genetics.
Part four deals with having a baby in the GAPS family.
GAPS – Gut and Psychology Syndrome – has for many been life changing – from parents of children with learning disabilities to those (like me) with autoimmune diseases. Having already benefited from dietary changes made as a result of this book, I admit that I have a biased opinion. However, if you or anyone you know suffers from any of the mentioned illnesses (and I did not cover them all!) I would recommend purchasing this book or check with your local library.
* For further reading you may also be interested in GAPS – My Experience
This Giveaway is Now Closed! Thank you all for participating.
Congratulations: Krista W!
Math, math concepts, numbers, estimating, measuring – do these words cause stress?
“Adventures in Mathopolis: Estimating and Measuring” coauthored by Catherine Weishopf with Karen Ferrell, and Linda Powley encourages problem solving skills for children grades 3-5. ” Adventures in Mathopolis” transforms math into a fun exercise with its humor and cartoon illustrations. As children read the story they encounter one math problem after another.
The four main characters are:
- Lostis Marbles who is the number loving mayor of Mathopolis. Unfortunately, he usually gets them mixed up until two superheroes come to his rescue.
- Elexus Estimator quickly estimates volume, height, weight and other quantities.
- Maverick Measurer who believes accuracy in math is all important.
- Acer Eraser who erases numbers in Mathopolis causes all types of problems.
My son is ½ finished reading and working through “The Adventures in Mathopolis: Estimating and Measuring” and is actually enjoying it! In addition to reinforcing math skills, he has also learned new problem solving skills. “The Adventures in Mathopolis” capitalizes on a child’s enjoyment of an adventure with superheroes. Intertwined in the adventure are applicable math lessons presented in a nonthreatening way. If your child enjoys adventure books, Mathopolis is a great way to learn math skills while having fun reading.
You May Purchase books by Catherine Weishopf, Karen Ferrell, and Linda Powley through Amazon: 
Estimating and Measuring (Adventures in Mathopolis)
Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow: Fractions and Decimals (Adventures in Mathopolis)
The Great Polygon Caper (Adventures in Mathopolis)
You May Win It! I am pleased to offer one Dimes2Vines readers a 2 volumn set of the Mathopolis series: “Adventures in Mathopolis: Estimating and Measuring” and “Adventures in Mathopolis: Fractions and Decimals”. This giveaway will end on March 13, 2010 at 11:59pm CST and is open to all US residents. The winner will be posted here and notified by email. Please be sure to leave contact information.
***Please remember to leave a comment for each of the following entries.
***If you already follow Dimes2Vines via RSS, Email, Twitter and/or Facebook - Leave a comment letting me know as your entry.
To Enter: Leave a comment letting me know who you would like this book for and why.
Extra Entries:
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The prize will be shipped direct from the sponsor of the giveaway. Dimes2Vines is not responsible for shipping or lost/damaged prizes.
I received a copy for review but no other compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own. A special thanks to the Product Review Place and Catherine Weiskopf for this opportunity
This Giveaway is Now Closed. Thank you all for participating!
Congratulations: Betty (#84) and Dawn (#68)!
Childhood obesity is becoming a national epidemic. Written by Joanna Dolgoff, MD, “Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right” is a book designed as a tool for parents’ use to give their children a healthy future. A graduate of Princeton University and NYU Medical School, Dr. Dolgoff specialized in pediatrics. Seeing the explosive number of childhood obesity cases, she began intensive research on the subject of pediatric weight loss. The health risks of obesity in children include: diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease – diseases which previously were limited to adults. Fueled by the passion to help her young patients, Dr. Dolgoff left her pediatric practice to specialize in pediatric weight loss.
“Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right”, which is a product of her research and is her aim at combatting childhood obesity. It is a family nutrition plan based on the colors of the traffic light: Green Light = Go, Yellow Light = Slow and Red Light = Uh Oh! She has color coded thousands of foods along with their appropriate serving sizes using this system. This plan encourages controlled calorie intake, choosing healthier foods while focusing on involving the whole family in healthier eating as well as regular exercise.
Although focusing on childhood obesity, the overall game plan is healthier food choices for healthier bodies. Thinness can not be equated with health. Using this method, proper nutrition for growth, development and maintenance of healthy bodies is not only attainable, but, easy and fun for the whole family.
Dr. Dolgoff states that the key to overcoming the childhood obesity trend is: “Parents! Nobody has more influence over your child’s health choices than you do. You are a role model for your children: there’s no way around it. The best way to help your child lose weight is to emphasize healthy habits at home”
Dr. Dolgoff has done the work for you by categorizing more than 1,000 foods into the following categories:
Green Light = Go Most of these foods contain protein, fiber and other nutrients. They are higher in nutrient value and lower in calories and fat.
Yellow Light = Slow These are foods moderately high in calories and slightly higher in fat than green light foods. They still provide healthy nutrition but should be eaten moderately.
Red Light = Uh-Oh! These are treats that can be eaten twice a week. They are high in calories, fat, sugars and do not contain many nutritional benefits.
Combination Foods These are foods which are a mixture of higher and lower calorie foods. Many fast foods fit into this category.
Free Fuel These foods are unlimited and do not count as traffic lights of any color.
While written for parents concerned about childhood obesity, this book is for all parents. Easy to understand and especially fun for children, the traffic light approach is a practical and nutritious diet plan for any family. The book is full of nutritional information, menu plans, recipes and alternative suggestions to make your families meals healthy ones.
You May Win It!
I am pleased to offer 2 Dimes2Vines readers a copy of “Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right”. This giveaway will end on Jan. 13, 2010 at 9pm CST and is open to all US residents. The winner will be posted here and notified by email. Please be sure to leave contact information.
***Please remember to leave a comment for each of the following entries.
***If you already follow Dimes2Vines via RSS of email, Twitter of Facebook - Leave a comment letting me know as your entry.
To Enter: Leave a comment letting me know what is a red light food for you.
Extra Entries:
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The prize will be shipped direct from the sponsor of the giveaway. Dimes2Vines is not responsible for shipping or lost/damaged prizes.
I received a copy of the book for review but no other compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own. A special thanks to the Product Review Place for this opportunity.
This Giveaway is Now Closed. Thank you all for participating.
Congratulations Amanda and Kristin!
Prime-Time Health is written by Dr. William Sears with his wife Martha Sear, RN as co-author. Dr. Sears, who trained at Harvard Medical School’s Childrens’ Hospital is an associate clinical professor at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine. He and his wife have 8 children.
In 1997, at the age of 57, Dr. Sears was diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. During his recovery and journey back to health, he began studying testimonies of people who have survived major illnesses and become healthier, as well as, centenarians’ (people who live to be a hundred or more) lives and health habits. From these studies, Prime-Time Health was written. Dr. Sears and his wife have been practicing these suggestions now for many years and the result is the enjoyment of better health.
I found this book to be one of the most practical and well-balanced health books I have read. Dr.Sears focuses on a well-balanced lifestyle involving good nutrition, regular exercise, plenty of satisfying sleep and a healthy mental attitude. Much of the book is devoted to the how’s and why’s of the lifestyle changes which are encouraged.
I was encouraged because we already do many of the recommended nutritional changes. We eat very few processed foods (home grown, homemade foods are less expensive), fried foods or sugar items. He does recommend for those needing a major change in their eating habits a healthy smoothie to be used to sip on, instead of breakfast, lunch, and two snacks. While I am sure the smoothie is nutritious, for our family, this is not a practical suggestion. Meal times are important family time for us. Since I have arthritis and am in the middle of a flair-up, I will try a modified smoothie using our homemade kefir, protein powder, juices, and cinnamon, as a mid-morning snack.
This illustrates a point Dr. Sears makes which I really appreciate: “The program that is for you is the one you will do. It is okay to pick and choose. Do as many steps as you can. Make it fit you.”
Although I will not implement each and every suggestion found in Prime-Time Health, it did encourage me to continue the healthy habits we do have, as well as, add others. Dr. Sears does an excellent job of balancing healthy habits with practical living. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in improving their health or just looking for reinforcement of healthy habits already in place.
You May Purchase It! Prime-Time Health is available at most major bookstores and online at Amazon.com: Prime-Time Health: A Scientifically Proven Plan for Feeling Young and Living Longer
OR
You May Win It! I am pleased to offer two Dimes2Vines readers a copy of Prime-Time Health. This giveaway will end on Feb. 6, 2009 at 9pm CST. The winner will be posted here and notified by email. Please be sure to leave contact information.
***Please remember to leave a comment for each of the following entries.
***If you already follow Dimes2Vines via RSS of email, Twitter of Facebook - Leave a comment letting me know as your entry.
To Enter: Leave a comment letting me know what healthy habit you do or would like to implement.
Extra Entries:
**Follow Dimes2Vines via RSS feed or email.
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**Tweet about this Giveaway.
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**Sign up for Swagbucks as my friend. You will earn 3 Bonus Swagbucks just for signing up!
The prize will shipped direct from the sponsor of the giveaway. Dimes2Vines is not responsible for shipping or lost/damaged prizes.
I received a copy of Prime-Time Health for review but no other compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own. A special thanks to the Product Review Place for this opportunity.
Just like chicken soup is comforting when you are sick, so are the devotional stories found in Chicken Soup for the Soul; Devotional Stories for Women. This book contains 101 devotions that are meant to be read on a daily basis. To be honest though, I have found them so interesting and encouraging, I sit and read several at a time. The stories speak to women and their needs. Each devotion gives the reassurance that as women, we are not alone in what we are experiencing. In our busy lives, it is easy to forget that other women are going through the same things that we are. The stories include inspiration, encouragement, and humor. Chicken Soup for the Soul does a good job of helping you see God in life’s daily events.
One of the author’s, Susan Heim, has generously offered a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul; Devotional Stories for Women to one Dimes2Vines reader.
4 Ways To enter:
1. Leave a comment telling why you think you would enjoy this book.
2. Follow me on twitter @dimes2vines and leave a comment with your twitter name.
( If you already follow on twitter, leave a comment letting me know you do.)
3. Subscribe to Dimes2Vines via email ( in upper left sidebar) and leave a comment letting me know did.
( If you already subscribe, leave a comment letting me know you do.)
4. Tweet about this site and this giveaway and leave a comment with your link.
This Giveaway is open to US residents only and will end on 12/21/2009 at 9pm. The winner will be selected at random, posted here at Dimes2Vines and notified by email. Please make sure to leave contact information in your comment.
I received a free review copy of the book but no other compensation was given for this review. This did not bias my review and the opinions expressed are my own.
Family Activities are an important aspect of building relationships. One of our favorite family activities is reading a book together in the evening. You might envision Little House on the Prairie as I describe the following scene. Our baby is normally already asleep. Everyone is sitting in the living room in their jammies. The younger children may be playing with toys while listening or all may be helping shell pecans (in season) or everyone just quietly listening. Their Dad begins reading. I know, the only thing missing is a roaring fire but we have no fireplace! Finishing one chapter, all eagerly beg for another. Whether it is out of sincere enjoyment or postponing bedtime…who knows? I would like to think that is purely sincere enjoyment of the book. But, after all, they are still children and what child normally likes to go to bed when the option to stay up is available!
Currently, we are reading Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen. The story takes place after World War II. It details the struggles of a family regaining their relationships after the father’s return from war. The family moves to the country to live in the grandmother’s house. They hope the hard work of country living and fresh country air will accomplish the needed healing. The book tries to promote traditional family values in snippets over a year of their new country life. Sibling rivalry (meanness) is a bit too prominant in the book. But these scenes lead us into meaningful discussions as to what Christian family relationships really should be. Respect for the parents is developed throughout the plot.
If you have never tried family activities, try reading together as a family, I would highly recommend it. Quality time spent interacting together helps produce lasting, valuable relationships. It is one of the things that we do together as a family which helps bond us together as well as teaching the children to be attentive.
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About Me 
God has amazingly blessed me, Dina-Marie, with a wonderful husband and 10 beautiful children. Moving from our "secure" life in Alabama to the "exciting" life of starting a vineyard in west Texas has been challenging to say the least. I have had the opportunity to take a crash course in frugal living and become a real farm girl - complete with milk cow and chickens. I have learned the importance of health from the inside out, "traditional" cooking and cod liver oil!
I hope to encourage you to make the most of where you are and what you have. |
