learning to make good coffee

my coffee maker died a few weeks ago (first thing in the morning). in order to guarantee my family's safety until a replacement could be found, i had to find another way to make coffee. i did some inquiring on facebook and someone shared with me the term 'cowboy coffee'.

i decided to give it a whirl. the recipe i found online seemed a bit strong to me, so i improvised.





RECIPE for COWBOY COFFEE 1 quart of water in stainless steel saucepan 4 Tablespoons of dark roast Folgers 1 eggshell (i actually added 1 teaspoon of powdered shells from a jar i'd been saving for fertilizer) 1 heaping teaspoon of stevia leaf (real leaves, not the extracted or powdered stuff) bring all ingredients to a boil. allow to boil for 1 minute. turn off the heat. allow to sit for another 2-3 minutes. throw in an icecube to help the grounds settle to the bottom of the pan (also helps to cool it a bit as this is much hotter than drip coffee). pour into coffee cup through a strainer or ladle off the top into cup. add cream if desired.


this is some good stuff maynard.

been a coffee drinker for about 22 years and i thought i'd been drinking good coffee. apparently, i'd never had good coffee, because this cowboy coffee is some good stuff and it made the other stuff taste like brown water. funny thing is that noone ever complained, so i guess my friends are all just polite or they've never had good coffee either (except you, BJohnson LOL).

anyway, my last drip maker gave up the ghost way too early and after burning through 3 drip makers in less than 3 years, i thought maybe it was time to try something new. i decided that this pan coffee was so good, i should really look into getting a stove-top percolator. it took me awhile to find what i wanted, but i figured if i was gonna shell out the $ i was going to make sure i didn't purchase any more aluminum or plastic cookware.

i settled on a stainless percolator called the Classic Yosemite by Farberware. the advertisement on every website didn't mention the materials used to construct the inside parts, so i really had to dig for customer reviews to find anything. i finally found a couple of customer reviews on some obscure website that said that the basket and stem were indeed made of stainless steel, so i jumped on amazon and ordered me one. it arrived express and i was very excited when i opened the box, only to find that the basket and stem were missing from the package. needless to say, i was a bit deflated. my husband who was napping on the couch sleepily asked 'well can you at least tell if the insides are made of stainless like you wanted?' um...hubs, they didn't SEND THE INSIDES.

anyway, i digress. i ordered a replacement and it was here in 2 business days. i was very impressed with amazon's turnaround on this whole deal. so here, i've got my fancy, shiny new percolator and it makes outstanding coffee. the weird thing is that it takes more grounds ( i settled on 1/3 cup coffee grounds and 2 teaspoons of stevia to a full pot--8 cups) than it did just making the cowboy coffee in the pot, but it gives a nice rich full bodied flavor that i can totally get used to. apparently being spoiled by good coffee doesn't take long, because a few days after i got it, i had some drip coffee and i was not impressed enough to even finish the cup. i guess, i now am a coffee snob and loving every minute of it.

so for anyone looking for a stainless stovetop percolator, i thought i'd give you all the details about my find so that it would make it easier to decide if you want one too. while shopping i found many complaints and many compliments about certain features and i'll try to address all of these.

the entire pot inside and out and all of it's parts, except for the handle and the see-through perk handle are stainless steel 18/10. the parts consist of a pot with attached heat resistant handle, a lid with a removable (screw in) transparent plastic perk lid (handle), a stem with attached spring and base, a basket and a lid to the basket--called a spreader.

there are markings for the water both inside and outside the pot, a feature that some pots did not have.

the instructions say that if you wet the basket before adding grounds, they will not leak through. i have followed this instruction every time, and the only time grounds get in my coffee is if i forget to put the spreader lid on or if i try to pour the coffee while the basket is still in the pot.

once removed from the heat, it does take about 5-10 minutes for the water/coffee remaining in the basket to drain into the pot.

the instructions say to bring to boil and perk for 5-7 minutes, but after a few tries, i've settled on a 10-minute perk and i'm pretty happy with it.

there is one feature that i think is not well designed but i don't think it's a deal breaker. in most coffee pots, the spout is attached at the base of the pot with a built in funnel shape which directs the liquids towards the spout. for some strange reason the spout is attached rather high and it's wrapped around or attached over a plain hole in the side of the pot. the normal funnel shape is absent and so the coffee will pour well when it's full but when trying to empty the pot completely it's near impossible not only because you're trying to hit a flat hole, but also because the upper rim is curled under (presumably to prevent spraying while perking) and won't allow any liquid to flow freely from the top of the pot no matter which direction you turn it. i've found this to be odd and even a bit annoying, but not so much that i wouldn't recommend the pot to others for it's features and it's low price and my great tasting coffee!

anyway, if you're in the market for a great, inexpensive new stove-top percolator, this one is not a bad find.

click on any photo below to enlarge.

woman disabled by flu shot reaction

Woman Disabled by Flu Shot Reaction



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H1N1 martial law?

another herbal concoction

this stuff is my newest concoction for drinking in the evening or anytime i don't want coffee...it's sweet & yummy

3 T catnip
3 T oatstraw
4 T orange peel
3 tsp unprocessed stevia herb
30-36 whole cloves
1 gallon water


for 1-2 cups, use about 1/2 teaspoon of catnip, oatstraw and stevia, 3/4 teaspoon orange peel, and 2-3 cloves...enjoy!

if you want to use processed stevia, leave out this measurement and sweeten to taste after the tea is made. i'm sure it will work fine, but i really enjoy the more natural flavor that the raw herb provides.

avoiding mosquito bites @ ehow

Avoiding Mosquito Bites, Naturally

dermographism

April 2007 - I began having severe neck and shoulder pain. Throughout the next 8 weeks I would take high doses of narcotic pain killers (darvocet & vicodin) while the docs figured out what was wrong with me. At the end of May it was determined I had a neck injury and needed physical therapy. After 2 visits with the PT, I was able to stop taking the meds. Much to my alarm the narcotics had been busy doing their nasty work on the rest of my body and I began to break out in hives for no apparent reason.

(click to enlarge)







The attacks were severe enough that I was having to go to the doctor and the emergency room to be medicated to prevent further problems and alleviate the infernal itching. At one point, every lymph node in my head and neck swelled up hard while the rest of me was covered in one big hive. I had to go the ER to get pumped full of something that made me feel like I'd drank about 47 pots of coffee in about 5 minutes.

After several rounds of prednisone and prednisalone given by my regular doc with no good results, I was sent to an allergist. This allergist with 45 years of experience under his belt told me that I had dermographism. Dermographism by definition is the ability to write on one's skin (dermo meaning-skin and graph - meaning-write). It's cause is supposedly unknown, but it's a reaction by the histamine cells in the skin (dermal layer) that is triggered by blunt trauma (scratching and abrasion).

The doc said that my only recourse was to take antihistamines until the condition healed on it's own or until I died--whichever came first. What a great thing to look forward to.

Over the next two and half years I took the dreaded antihistamines. Meanwhile I developed candidasis (again) along with several other problems that are often associated with long term use of pharmaceutacals (insomnia, fatigue, moodiness, lack of energy, chemical sensitivity, etc.). I had searched around and as far as I could tell, there were no answers to be had. After much prayer and way too much time, a friend told me about a cleanse she was doing that was helping her severe digestive and allergenic issues. I did some research on the formulas she was using and decided to give them a try.

I did a 10 day bowel cleanse and much to my surprise, after 2.5 long years, I was able to quit taking the antihistamines. Unfortunately, this was also not without consequences. As with any medication of this nature, I suffered from withdrawal from the meds. The irony to this is that the withdrawal symptoms were so similar to the symptoms that the meds were supposed to control, so for several weeks I was unsure if the cleanse had actually worked. Desparate to believe I had done the right thing, I asked around and another friend told me to take calcium and magnesium supplements to encourage my nervous system to heal itself. After a few weeks of this and waiting for the effects of the meds to wear off, I was convinced that I was on the right track. Over the next couple of months the symptoms were nearly gone but I decided to do one more round with the cleanse.

I did 10 more days on this cleanse and am following up with strong probiotics to recolonize my poor (but clean) gut. It's been a long time since I've felt this good. It seems over the last 14 years my health has been in and out and up and down, but I suspect I've found the summit. Lord willing...I won't stumble across another injury or major health issue that I won't be able to conquer with my new wisdom about herbs, diet, health and my own body.

A friend also did the cleanse with me the first time and was cured of his life long eczema. He is 34 years old and has never been "itch free". He was also very happy with this cleanse.

Neither of us works for the company, nor will we receive any compensation from the company if you ever decide to try their products, but considering the nature of our conditions and how severe and unpleasant they WERE, I felt it prudent and necessary to share the information with anyone else out there that might benefit.

If you want more info on how to get this cleanse or more testimonials on the product, visit the website herbdoc.com.

iHerb.com

I order almost ALL of my supplements, soaps & coconut oil at . it's an awesome place to shop and their customer service is excellent. UPS once lost my order and i called iHerb and they shipped a complete replacement order the same day--no questions asked. they always respond to questions efficiently and with complete courtesy.

this month they have $1.99 FLAT shipping unless your order is over $60 and then it's free.

if you're a first time customer, use this coupon code - LIN172 - to get $5 additional discount on your first order. once you become a customer, you can sign up for their rewards program and anyone you refer will get you discount $$ to use on your own purchases.

cancer: step outside the box

i am currently reading the most amazing book. It is a plethora of information collected by the author on every little factoid, doctor, treatment and scandal associated with the monster we call cancer.

i think every person in America should get a copy of this book and learn the truth about your body, your health, your doctor and the system to fight the "war against cancer".

be ready to be shocked, saddened, angry and amazed.

you can get a copy of it here.

http://www.bulkherbstore.com/Cancer-Step-Outside-The-Box

sssssssstrrrrrrrreeeeeeeetch

Ever seen one of these? I've got one and I've been spending alot of time in it lately. I'm having problems with my neck and rotator cuff (related) again and i have to stretch everything a few minutes a day to get the muscles to quit squeezing my nerves. interesting and useful little gadget. mine cost me about $18.00 and it's pretty easy to set up, and even easier if you have a friend who can lift 20 lbs to hold up the weight (water bag) while you get your head situated. if this is something you want or need, you can get them at most medical supply stores (the places where you buy crutches, nebulizers & walkers bars for your home).

botox

your milk on drugs

irradiated foods

more from

he who controls the food controls the people

FDA Unleashes Mass Irradiation of Spinach, Lettuce and Other Vegetables

Friday, August 22, 2008 by: Mike Adams (see all articles by this author)
Key concepts: Food, The FDA and Irradiation

(NaturalNews) The FDA has announced that beginning today, spinach and lettuce sold across the United States may now be secretly irradiated before it reaches grocery store shelves. What's "secret" about it? The FDA previously decided that irradiation warning stickers would not be required on any food items because it would be "too confusing to consumers." (The word IRRADIATION apparently has too many letters to be understood to food buyers.) Thus, irradiated foods will not be labeled as such, and consumers are going to be left in the dark about all this (except for those who actually eat the irradiated food, in which case they will glow in the dark).

The FDA, of course, insists that the levels of irradiation used to kill e.coli will have no effect whatsoever on the nutritional value of the food. This astonishing statement comes from an agency that doesn't believe food has any nutritional value in the first place, so lowering the value to zero by destroying all the phytonutrients does not, in the opinion of the FDA, alter its nutritional value at all. Thus, destroying all the anti-cancer nutrients in a head of broccoli merely brings that broccoli into "compliance" as a non-functional food, according to the FDA.

Radiation, of course, destroys delicate phytochemicals in plants -- the very phytochemicals protecting consumers against cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol, inflammation and other diseases. Microwaving broccoli, for example, destroys up to 98% of its anti-cancer nutrients. (The FDA has not yet acknowledged this scientific fact, either.) In a similar way, irradiating food destroys much of its nutritional content, including vitamins, carotenoids, anthocyanins and other delicate protective nutrients that are right now providing the last, desperate nutritional defense against the American diet of meat, milk, fried foods and processed junk.

Irradiating fresh produce will leave the U.S. population is a state of extreme deficiency in protective plant-based nutrients.

Does the FDA plan to destroy the health of the U.S. population?

Many people suspect that's what the FDA really wants. A nutritionally-deficient, disease-ridden population would mean a windfall of profits for the FDA's buddies in Big Pharma -- the folks who sell patented medications at monopoly prices. With the food supply destroyed by radiation, ordinary people would have virtually no remaining sources of protective phytonutrients!

In promoting this food radiation policy, the FDA has accomplished what all the terrorists in the world could not: The mass irradiation of the U.S. food supply -- much like setting off a dirty bomb over the nation's farms (but with less radiation). This destruction of the nutritional value of the food supply is a far greater threat to the health of the U.S. population than any terrorist event, including 9/11. And yet it is being done by our own people, TO our own people, by a lawless agency that answers to no one. FDA officials are not voted into office by the People; they are appointed by politicians. They answer to no one, they refuse to follow federal law, and they operate as tyrants over a quarter of the U.S. economy.

And now they have taken it upon themselves to destroy the national food supply.

We should be more than just alarmed -- we should be outraged! The FDA has committed an act of war against the People. With this decision, the FDA has firmly positioned itself as an enemy of the People, and a bringer of death and disease to the nation. Why are our elected representatives in Washington allowing this madness?

Think about this: If the FDA has its way:

• All your food will be irradiated, pasteurized or killed
• All your children will be vaccinated
• All your medicine will be based on pharmaceuticals
• All your free speech about health will be suppressed
• All informative labeling on food and supplements will be outlawed
• Growing and selling non-irradiated garden vegetables will become a crime!

Today it's spinach and lettuce; tomorrow it's all fresh produce

Don't think the FDA will stop with spinach and lettuce, either. They're already talking about irradiating tomatoes, peppers and onions. Before long, radiation could become mandatory for ALL fresh produce, and all the fresh fruits and vegetables that are supposed to contain health-protecting nutrients will be transformed into sterile, inert plant mass with no health benefits at all. (Brilliant scam, huh?)

This is by design. I believe the FDA wants the American public to be sickened and diseased. Why else would they ban Free Speech about healing foods like cherries, broccoli and garlic? Why would they outlaw the selling of herbs and nutritional supplements that claim to treat and prevent disease? The FDA wants you to be sick, enslaved and medicated, and irradiating the food supply is the quickest way to accomplish that.

He who controls the food controls the People.

He who destroys the food can profit from the People's sickness.

The FDA's crimes against humanity

In pushing this radiation agenda, the FDA is committing a crime against humanity -- a nutritional atrocity that violates fundamental human rights. And yet the FDA's top decision makers continue to operate with zero oversight and zero accountability. They make decisions in a corporate-sponsored vacuum, absent any input from reasonable, health-conscious consumers or scientists. And because they have been granted tyrannical powers by Congress, the FDA operates above the law.

It is not subject to any laws whatsoever; not even the U.S. Constitution which is supposed to protect the People's right to "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" (as stated in the Declaration of Independence).

The mass irradiation of the food supply is a violation of the "Life" part of that phrase, wouldn't you agree? If we can no longer buy nourishing foods with their nutrients intact, then we are all doomed to degenerative disease and death... but not before paying out our life savings to doctors, drug companies and hospitals. That's the evil genius of the food irradiation plot: It kills you slowly, at just the right pace to drain your bank account before you expire from malnutrition.

I truly believe this irradiation of the food supply is the beginning of the end of America. No nation can survive the destruction of its food supply. The FDA is dooming America to a slow, painful, medicated death. In a generation, this nation will be lost, destroyed from within by short-sighted tyrants who violated nature and left the People to rot.

What you can do right now to fight this latest transgression by the FDA

For starters, you can:

1) Grow your own food. A little gardening is good. Grow whatever you can, even if it's just a few kitchen herbs.

2) Buy your food at farmer's markets, coops and CSAs. See http://www.localharvest.org/csa

3) Ask your grocery store if they are buying irradiated spinach. If they don't know, demand they find out!

4) Raise hell with your Senators and Congresspeople, demanding they pass new laws protecting consumers from the FDA and its plot to destroy the nutritional value of the food supply.

Also, listen to two podcasts I've posted on this topic. The first was recorded several months ago, where I publicly predicted the FDA would do exactly what we're seeing right now. Listen to that podcast here: http://www.naturalnews.com/Index-Podcas...

The second podcast was just posted today. I recorded it right before writing this article. It goes into much greater detail about the FDA's plot to destroy the health of the U.S. population. You can listen to that here: http://www.naturalnews.com/Index-Podcas...

Finally, don't stand for this food supply madness! Raise your voice. Write your local paper, call your representatives in Washington and tell them you strongly oppose the irradiation of the food supply. Teach people about phytonutrients. And stay tuned to NaturalNews as we continue to cover this important story.

The FDA has gone mad. Criminally mad. It is an agency that will literally kill you if given the chance, and it is up to all of us to stop this madness before we lose our health, our children and our very nation.

About the author: Mike Adams is a holistic nutritionist with a passion for sharing empowering information to help improve personal and planetary health He is a prolific writer and has published thousands of articles, interviews, reports and consumer guides, reaching millions of readers with information that is saving lives and improving personal health around the world. Adams is an independent journalist with strong ethics who does not get paid to write articles about any product or company. In 2007, Adams launched EcoLEDs, a maker of super bright LED light bulbs that are 1000% more energy efficient than incandescent lights. He also founded an environmentally-friendly online retailer called BetterLifeGoods.com that uses retail profits to help support consumer advocacy programs. He's also a noted technology pioneer and founded a software company in 1993 that developed the HTML email newsletter software currently powering the NaturalNews subscriptions. Adams also serves as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a non-profit consumer protection group, and enjoys outdoor activities, nature photography, Pilates and adult gymnastics. He's also author of numerous health books published by Truth Publishing and is the creator of several consumer-oriented grassroots campaigns, including the Spam. Don't Buy It! campaign, and the free downloadable Honest Food Guide. He also created the free reference sites HerbReference.com and HealingFoodReference.com. Adams believes in free speech, free access to nutritional supplements and the ending of corporate control over medicines, genes and seeds. Known by his callsign, the 'Health Ranger,' Adams posts his missions statements, health statistics and health photos at www.HealthRanger.org

going green

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i'm gonna need help today.

Today has already started a bit rough. My husband, bless his heart, knew I would be tired this morning and shorted himself on sleep today in order that I might sleep in this morning. I was so thankful for this, but unfortunately, this only took the "edge" off my morning. I woke up with a splitting headache and a general fog lying overhead. I had no milk in the fridge for my coffee and nothing to feed my kids for breakfast. *sigh*

Hubby was already tired and trying to wind down for bed-time, so he was less than thrilled with running off to the store to get milk at a moment's notice while clad in pajamas. Although, I was less than thrilled with his suggestion of getting milk before work, I understood. If I'd have remembered it was St. Patrick's Day, I might have considered a wee bit o'Irish Creme in my Coffee. That might have fixed everything.

Then we had a slight altercation, most likely my fault and I decided I wasn't going to make through the morning, much less the entire day without coffee (and I just can't drink it black - what a mood buster), so off to the store I went. I barely got hubby's car started - it's a delicate old girl (like me). Then I pull out and realize I didn't get any cash, so I attempt to turn around (in a yacht) and I start rolling backwards in "DRIVE". Keep in mind, it's drizzling and yucky outside which didn't improve my mood at all. I finally get the transmission to do what it's told and I pull into the side road to back up and I roll forward in "REVERSE". AAACK. Again, I ease the old girl into forward motion at my discretion (not hers) and I almost hit a woman driving by me. I decide at this point that turning around could prove to be disastrous. Then I remember, I have a $5 in my purse so on to the store I go.

I get there and have trouble deciding what to get, but finally get through it without much of a hitch. The ladies even gave me animal crackers and balloons for my kids. Yippee.

So home I go and I can't get the door open without setting down the milk and I nearly dropped it. I didn't want to set it on the ground because it was muddy all around the door and my head is still pounding and I don't want to make a second trip out to the car.

I decide to give the kids their animal crackers for breakfast (great mom, ain't I?) and hubby vetos it for one of the kids because of something that happened while I was gone. My surprise was crushed and I didn't hesitate to let my husband know that he had failed me in this respect. So onto the second altercation of the morning. My head is pounding harder. Yeeeech. I lay down and sulk and rest on the couch and hubby comes over and apologizes and works on my back. He is such a dear sweet man and I softened. Then hubby went into the bathroom to get ready for bed. I tried to poke my head in the door to get a hug and he shut the door on my head (he thought the kids were trying to walk in on him and apparently he was "exposed" LOL). Then I'm a bit stunned and can't remember what I wanted and when hubby tries to get me to answer, I just stand there a bit dumbfounded.

Then I walk back to the couch and lay down to sulk again. Then I lay on the couch a bit longer and asked God to get me through this day, cuz I just knew I'd never make it alone.

Then I look up and tell hubby, I just came into the bathroom to tell you "I need you". He seemed not to understand and I was unable to explain it further. It's so weird, how when I feel like this, all of my collegiate level vocabulary and articulation skills just fly right out the window. I need to learn to grunt better. He gets up to go to bed and I muster myself back off the couch and wander over to stand in front of him and look exceptionally pitiful and needy hoping he will read my mind--a truly difficult task at best and nearly impossible when my internal reasoning is broken. He was probably reading something like this--blah, whine, hurt, aaaaach, hug, love you, yuck, the cat needs water. No wonder he didn't know what I wanted. I FINALLY manage to articulate "I need a hug". Hubby was kind enough to accommodate....ahhhh a little better.

Well, it's lunchtime and I still have a headache, but the most amazing thing. Hubby went to bed happy (we made up). I got to eat a fresh blueberry muffin made by the finest bakers that our local grocery store has to offer. The kids are being extremely good and quiet and the phone hasn't rung all morning and I even had a nice "quiet" chat with a good friend on the messenger this morning. God is good.

(I think I'll have another muffin.)

One of my favorite verses...seemed appropriate.

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
~1 John 3:22

Here's another good one.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
~Matthew 11:28

government health warning

DO NOT SWALLOW CHEWING-GUM !!

pharmer's market

fast food nation

A MUST READ!!!

FAST FOOD NATION: GOOGLE BOOKS

This book a little difficult to read in the first chapters as they tend to remind me of old text books from highschool filled with history and facts that don't seem to affect me, but I trudged on. I'm very grateful that I did. Once you begin to realize how these mundane somewhat trivial facts begin to turn into corporate deception, lack of humanity and a threat to our very way of life, your eyes will open and you'll begin to understand the need for everyone to be made aware of these atrocities against Americans and other cultures around the world. We spend our days backseat driving our politicians and football players while something we take for granted is quietly taking control of our diet and stealing our health from us while we pay them to do it.

If you have ever eaten a hamburger or a french fry and you can read, you shouldn't go another day of your life with blinders on. READ THIS BOOK. It may save your life and the lives of your grandchildren someday.

doctors

A victim of chronic bronchitis called on a well-known physician to be examined. The doctor, after careful questioning, assured the patient that the ailment would respond readily to treatment.

"You're so sure," the sufferer inquired, "I suppose you must have had a great deal of experience with this disease."

The physician smiled wisely, and answered in a most confidential manner:

"Why, my dear sir, I've had bronchitis myself for more than fifteen years."

welltellme.com

candida and leaky gut

Candida and Leaky Gut
by healthybratt, administrator welltellme.com

Candidiasis
Candida Albicans are organisms which live in and on the body of many creatures and cause no harm to the body when other microbial organisms are thriving to keep them "in check". When these other organisms are not present, Candida Albicans can become excessive and can severely compromise the immune system, causing many types of chronic illness. Parasites, recurrent antibiotic use, steroid drugs, use of acid blockers, oral and I.V. contraceptives, excess sugar and refined carbohydrate intake (sugar & white flour), and chlorinated water are all factors which can kill helpful bacteria in and on the body and allow Candida Albicans to overpopulate the body, resulting in a condition called Candidiasis.

Although much information is available, many traditional physicians are not giving any merit to this diagnosis. The most common symptoms of Candidiasis are vaginal yeast infection or an infection in the mouth most commonly known as thrush. These are usually treated symptomatically and the cause of the symptoms is not treated. This usually delays correct diagnosis in the patient and allows for the condition to worsen and cause more problems.

Symptoms of Candidiasis include:

* Internal problems including: liver dysfunction, chronic hepatitis, abdominal pain, accelerated aging, fluid retention, tissue swelling, numbness, tingling, dental enamel displaysia and eye disorders;

* Respiratory disorders including: nasal congestion, postnasal drip, nasal itching, chronic sinusitis, seasonal or other non-food related allergies, ear pain and congestion, recurrent ear infections, draining, itching ears, sore or dry throat or mouth, cough, pain or tightness in the chest, wheezing, and shortness of breath;

* Behavioral, Neurological and other Brain disorders including: autism, OCD, depression, ADHD, migraines, confusion, poor concentration, fogginess, dizziness (vertigo), poor memory, mood swings, nervousness, aggressive behavior, anxiety, fatigue and insomnia;

* Endocrine disorders including: urinary tract infections, incontinence, and bedwetting;

* Digestive and Bowel disorders including: food allergies, obesity, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, belching, gas, flatulence, indigestion, heartburn, esophagitis, acid reflux, malnutrition, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), bad breath, and mucous in the stools;

* Skin disorders (usually a result of food allergens) including: acne, rosacea, hives, dermatitis (atopic eczema), psoriasis, dandruff, scalp lesions and nail fungus;

* Female reproductive disorders including: PMS, recurring vaginal infections (itching, pain, burning or discolored/foul smelling or thick vaginal discharge), uterine fibroid, breast fibroid, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, decreased libido, and pain related to intercourse;

* Autoimmune disorders including: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, multiple sclerosis, Raynaud's disease (numbness in toes and fingers), lupus, fibromyalgia, diabetes, cancer, pediatric immune deficiencies, HIV positive, Reiter's syndrome, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, endotoxaemia, alopecia areata, vitiligo, Addison's disease, Celiac disease, vasculitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and thyroid dysfunction.

Many of the above listed symptoms (such as mouth, skin or vaginal infections) can be caused primarily by Candida Albicans overgrowth; however, most of these disorders are a result of a secondary condition called Leaky Gut Syndrome.

Leaky Gut Syndrome
Candidiasis left untreated will in most cases develop into a condition known as leaky gut syndrome (LGS). As Candida Albicans become dominant in the intestinal tract they begin to mutate. They grow small roots called rhizomes which penetrate the walls of the intestines and create small holes in the mucousal lining. The epithelium on the villi of the small intestine then also become inflamed and irritated. This allows undigested foods and microbial toxins from the small intestines to flood into the blood stream. When these particles enter the blood stream the immune system is alerted to invaders which causes them to attack. Depending on the location of the lesions in the intestines, this can cause damage to many different parts of the body and compromise the liver, the lymphatic system, the endocrine system, reproductive organs and the immune response.

What Can Be Done?
A person who has Leaky Gut in most cases (if not all), also suffers from Candidiasis, so the logic to treating this problem would be to first attack the cause and then heal the condition. The Candida Albicans need to be controlled and/or removed before healing of the intestines can occur.

1. Change the Diet

Candida eats sugar; therefore, diets need to be altered to exclude ALL sugars (especially refined grains and sugars) wherever possible for as long as possible. Eating sugar will not ensure failure to fight Candida; however, it will slow down the process considerably. As long as food (sugar) is provided to the existing organisms, they will continue to thrive, reproduce and mutate. Eliminating as many sugars from the diet as possible during treatment will speed up the healing process considerably.

2. Eliminate Food Allergens

Foods that cause intolerances in the body should be eliminated from the diet. In many cases of Leaky Gut and Candida infestation, food intolerances develop. Since they occur over a long period of time, the body may react differently than would be expected so these are more difficult to detect. Food elimination diets are recommended to find food intolerances. Once determined which foods cause reactions in the body, these foods should be avoided for the duration of treatment. They can later be reintroduced to determine if the food intolerance has been reversed as a result of healing the leaky gut.

3. Kill the Candida

Antifungal supplementation is highly recommended. Cleansing can be done without supplements, by drastically changing your diet, but if the symptoms are severe and the budget allows, more drastic measure are generally prudent. There are many anti-Candida formulas on the market some over-the-counter and some that can be prescribed by a physician like Nystatin or Lamisil. A more natural yet effective antifungal is Candida Clear which contains many ingredients found in nature which are known to be antifungal and antiparasitic.

NOTE: Candida Clear contains Black Walnut, which is reputed to dry up mother's milk. It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers. Alternative treatments such as pure virgin coconut oil and/or pure aloe vera juice are recommended for yeast and figs or raw pumpkin seeds as natural treatments for parasites.

As sugars are eliminated and antifungals are added to the regimen, a worsening of symptoms may arise. Known as "die-off", this is common and should not be a cause for alarm. This is a reaction to toxins being released by the dying organisms and the body's inability to flush out these toxins at a fast enough rate to prevent symptoms. If these symptoms become debilitating, a piece of toast or bowl of oats for breakfast OR cutting back to a smaller dosage of antifungal treatment can slow this process. This is only recommended if symptoms severely interfere with daily routines. If the symptoms are minor, lots of water, fiber and rest are the best course for ridding the body of these toxins at a faster rate.

4. Recolonize the Gut

Taking antibiotics, drinking unfiltered chlorinated water and having Candida overgrowth severely depletes or kills of all the naturally occurring bacteria in the lining of the intestines. Helpful microbials including bifido and lacto bacteria and nutritional yeasts (not to be confused with Candida) are needed to recolonize the intestinal tract. GR8-dophilus, a probiotic supplement in capsule form, is a very effective tool for fighting Candida and repopulating the intestinal flora. Other brands are available at most local health food store and GNC carries a good brand of 5 strain probiotics.

Naturally cultured foods such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, and kimchee all contain many strains of lacto-bacteria and should be added to the diet. These foods can be bought commercially, but most contain extra sugars and preservatives. Sugar feeds Candida, so homemade is always best.

5. Heal the Gut

The holes left by the vacating Candida may heal on their own, but more often than not, American diets are deficient and do not provide adequate nutrition for reversing Leaky Gut Syndrome and it's related conditions. Supplementation of Essential Fatty Acids may be necessary either in diet or pill form.

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential to the immune system and most of the "wet" parts of the body. Without them, the immune system fails to respond properly and the brain and internal organs begin to starve. These are essential to healing the mucousal lining of the intestines.

Cod Liver Oil is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids and is a good supplement choice for a myriad of reasons. It's good for the joints, reversal of autoimmunity, a good source of vitamins A and D and it will help repair the mucousal lining in the intestines.
Natural sources of omega 3 fats include:

Avocadoes, Walnuts, Walnut Oil, Fish Oil, Salmon, Scallops, Halibut, Shrimp, Snapper, Tofu, Squash, Herring, Mackerel, Anchovies, Sardines, Tuna, Chia, Perilla, Purslane, Lingonberry, Hemp, Krill, Krill Oil, Animal Fat (grass fed has higher fat content), Lamb (even commercial lamb is generally grass fed and is reputed to be one of the best meat sources), Dairy (grass fed has higher fat content), MicroAlgae(Crypthecodinium cohnii and Schizochytrium), Brown Algae and Acai(Palm Fruit)

Omega 6 fatty acids are also essential for a healthy immune system, and depending on the person (diet), may also need supplementation.

Natural sources of omega 6 fats include:

Cottonseed Oil, Peanut, Grapeseed Oil, Corn Oil, Cereals, Whole Grains, Whole Grain Bread, Corn, Safflower and Sunflower

Natural sources of both omega 3s and omega 6s include:

Eggs, Flax Seed and Flax Seed Oil

An amino acid supplement called l.Glutamine has been shown to help heal intestinal damage. It's available in pill form at most places that sell nutritional supplements. This amino acid is found naturally in most meats.

Aloe vera juice, in addition to having antifungal qualities also contains nutrients vital to intestinal health and can be very beneficial for healing the lining of the intestines.

6. Detox the Liver

Candida overgrowth, cleansing for Candida and any medications previously given by physicians for the resulting conditions can severely overload the liver with many toxins and slow down other immune functions in the body. Detoxifying the liver can not only help overall health, but speed the process of healing the leaky gut.


Milk thistle, dandelion, spirulina and chlorella are reputed to be liver detoxifiers and can be found at most pharmacies that sell vitamins and other dietary supplements.


AVOID: Refined sugars and grains, oral contraceptives, ibuprofen and other NSAIDS, excessive alcohol, prescription medications which affect the liver, chlorinated water and ESPECIALLY antibiotics whenever possible. If these things cannot be avoided, then daily supplementation of probiotics is a MUST.



I have been following an anti-candida/leaky gut diet & supplement plan since April. I've been using Candida Clear & Gr8-dophilus to fight the candida and cod liver oil and l.glutamine to heal my gut. I've a had a few setbacks and felt doubtful at times, that I was taking the right course of action. I had symptoms that were obviously related to candida/leaky gut and others that seemed unrelated.

I used to have recurrent vaginal yeast infections, skin infections, phantom itching, and bowel upsets. I used to have sensitive eyelashes. They constantly itched or were poking me. I was unable to wear eye makeup as a result. I used to get boils on my legs and cysts on my eyelids with some frequency. My cuticles on my nails used to crack and hurt. My toenails used to be thick and brittle. My lips and skin used to chap regularly. My hair used to fall out in wads. I used to be low on energy and had trouble with insomnia, depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder. I had PMS and intermittent (sometimes severe) mood swings and a decreased and unpredictable libido. I used to have high blood pressure. I used to have some sort of food allergy which I never diagnosed specifically and I used to be allergic to newspaper. I was susceptible to recurrent bronchitis and severe sinus infections. I had constant cravings for unhealthy carbohydrates and sugars. I had trouble losing weight even when dieting.

I'm happy to report that all of these and some others I probably forgot to mention have ALL DISAPPEARED COMPLETELY. I've not had any recurrence for several weeks. I've also lost 15 lbs (still working on the rest).

I have also stopped using all products which contain SLS and started using wild yam cream which I believe helped with the itching and the PMS symptoms. I believe the progesterone in the wild yam cream may have slowed my weight loss a bit. I also use a super multi-vitamin called SuperMom**. This in addition to healing my gut has given me enough energy to get through most days productively without a need for a daily nap.

I intend to finish the Candida Clear that I have and the Gr8-dophilus until it's gone and then quit. Then I intend to continue with all of my diet changes. I'm so thrilled with all of the results and hubby is happy too, because I'm healthier and more balanced and more available without hesitation. ;)

So, now it's not only a matter of research, but also experience that tells me that if you have any weird health problems that you just can't put your finger on, instead of going to the doc to get a magic pill to cure what ails you, treat for yeast and leaky gut and see what happens. I think you'll be amazed at the results - I know I AM! ;D

If you're interested in any of the products I've mentioned above, iherb.com carries them all. look at the bottom of the blog for a coupon code.

ADDED 03/15/2008 Be sure and catch my podcasts on the G.I.Tract at BacktoBasicsPodcast.com. Also come and find out experiences others have had with diagnosing and treating these conditions at welltellme.com.