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What’s the difference between “FERMENTED” foods, and “man-made, processed” foods?

T. Bergenn
Longevity Advisor; Director and Independent Consultant at AKEA

Everyone knows Fermented Foods are all the rage: Kombucha, Sauerkraut, Kimchi, and uhhh… wine & cheese, right?

Enter: people who think that we should eat foods totally “un-processed”, and they think fermentation is something new-fangled and man-made. So they lump the best health food in with the worst of junk foods!

Thus:
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CONFUSION!

Bacteria improve the value of already nutrient-dense superfoods. Some watch their foods ferment on their countertops. Others buy foods fermented by bacteria in a vat. Either way, it’s NATURE that ferments things, making them approximately 10 times more nutritious than they were to start — in grand part due to their increased bioavailability once they’ve been “pre-digested” by healthy bacterial strains such as: B. bifidum, B. breve, B. longum, L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. paracasei, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, L. salvarius, and S. thermophilus.

If, as a longevity advisor, I have been promoting for years the consumption of fermented foods for digestive health (for gut health and healing) — since gut health is responsible for approximately 70% of wellness, immunity, and longevity… and if I am blessed to find that a company exists with MY VALUES, and is producing an easily consumable form of fermented superfoods, based on the same lifestyle knowledge that I’ve discovered in my years of research as a longevity advisor — you better believe I’m going to want to SELL it and EARN a GOOD LIVING doing so.

Q: Can anyone rattle me by calling me a peddler or salesperson?
A: If I was able to happily maintain my dignity while cleaning other people’s toilets for the 20 years I had my house-cleaning business, you can imagine how TREMENDOUSLY honored I feel to be able to provide a truly wide range of personal health benefits to clients I work with now — some who suffer from serious autoimmune illnesses, and others who used to suffer from common issues like joint pain, insomnia, constipation, and skin problems. Want to see a loved one lick their diabetes Type 2? How fast can you dial me? 510-292-9976

Apply the economic philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas — and you will see that we are increasing the value to you of God’s whole foods by combining the world’s top superfoods together, drying them, making them into a powder form, fermenting them, adding minerals, active enzymes, and MORE of the probiotics, and making them accessible and affordable to those who know they want fermented foods (should we call it “Essential Vitamin FF?”) in their daily diet for their longevity lifestyle. If our bodies are accepted as part of the testing and proving ground, I am GLAD to share how improved is my health in various dimensions — reversed asthma, allergies, skin keratoses, insomnia, menopausal symptoms, and chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome.

Every week, I hear another client share how they have reversed their diabetes with the use of our whole, organic, fermented superfoods product. Remember, our product contains NO synthetics. Nothing created in a lab. Thank God for BACTERIA! Some of my BEST FRIENDS (with BENEFITS!) are GERMS. lol

Good morning, everyone!

TAKE THAT! Monsanto! Our probiotics and fermented foods help heal up what their GMO’s TEAR UP — we help HEAL THE GUT!

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Click to read our AMAZING INGREDIENT LIST.

Click to SIGN UP as a CUSTOMER

Connection as an Anti-Depressant

Mina and Me, on a walk in the Berkeley HillsI want to share something: I LOVE walking… pretty much any time, any where. In the U.S., people spend a lot of time alone. And I used to spend a fair amount of time walking alone, even though I generally prefer to be accompanied. One time, I took a trip to Mexico to spend time with my (now ex) husband’s family. There, and in many other countries and cultures, most people spend very little time alone. I found this a little odd, but rather pleasant, as I’ve always been gregarious and I appreciate company. If I walked to pick up fresh veggies at the corner market, one of the relatives would walk with me. If I had to do any other errand, someone would offer to accompany me. And I always said yes. I got used to this and enjoyed the walks quite a bit.

Upon my return to the U.S., I resumed my walks, and the first time I was walking alone, I observed something profound. My mind happened to take a little unhealthy detour — something related to worry and seeing things from a negative and somewhat twisted perspective. I caught it, and noticed it. I thought, “That’s funny; I haven’t had that kind of thought lately. I wonder why not, and I wonder what elicited that just now.” I followed the train of thought back, and knew that this kind of thought had not been a completely uncommon occurrence for me… particularly while walking, so I wondered why it seemed unfamiliar to me all of the sudden. And it came to me: I realized I had not been ALONE for a while. I had not been walking ALONE for quite a while.

As a Spanish Medical Interpreter, I had interpreted for several psych appointments for depressed and other mentally ill patients. And I began to reflect on the CULTURAL differences between depression and other mental illnesses and treatment for such HERE in the U.S., and in Mexico. And I learned at a deeper level one of the most important Principles of healthy, happy, longevity: Connection. When you are WITH people a LOT, you may feel a little imposed upon, (oh darn!) but there are built-in checks and balances when you start to think and say things that are not true and objective, like negative thoughts and perspectives that don’t take into account the positive aspects of a scenario or the ability to resolve difficult dilemmas by obtaining community/family support and not being left solely to one’s own devices (which are sometimes woefully inadequate). “Your problem” becomes/is “our problem”. “Let me make you a good meal and that will help you feel better.” See, a lot of times people get into a negative spiral here in the U.S. because they get a little out of sorts and then they don’t have the energy or focus to do good “self-care”, so they get worse because they have inadequate nutrition or they stay up too late, don’t shower or get dressed or get out, etc. Each of those things happens because they are not fully integrated in a community. The brain then functions worse and worse. If there are people around, they can and do help reverse a spiral, or elevate a person enough to keep them from plummeting.

If YOU see what I’m saying here, and have your own experiences which corroborate this concept of the importance of “Connection” to mental health (which plays out statistically), then please join me at http://TheBluePrintForLife.com It is my mission (Purpose) to help bring the wholesome lifestyle of the world’s Longevity Hot Spots to the United States. I could use your help. The BluePrint for Life includes: Nutrition, Movement, Relaxation, Connection & Purpose. Thank you!!!

Inflammation Reduction Complete Protocol

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INFLAMMATION Reduction
Here are practical ways to reduce inflammation in the body (skin, brain, joints, etc… it’s all attached). Inflammation is not always bad. It’s a vital process. But CHRONIC inflammation is harmful, and that’s the one to combat.
Inflammation is the painful component of arthritis (symptoms include pain, swelling, red coloration to the area, and sometimes loss of movement or function), and may be a component of cardiovascular diseases. Can the foods you eat help reduce inflammation? Many experts believe it’s possible, so I’ll explain which foods are highly anti-inflammatory, and which foods exacerbate inflammation.
Online articles to reference:

http://www.chicagonow.com/clean-convenient-cuisine/2010/09/best-and-worst-top-10-most-inflammatory-and-anti-inflammatory-foods/

http://nutrition.about.com/od/dietsformedicaldisorders/a/antiinflamfood.htm

First: Drink at least 12-16oz of pure water every morning upon arising, 20 minutes prior to consuming anything else. Many people of the world’s long-living cultures add the juice of 1/2 a fresh, organic lemon.

Single supplements:

For acute inflammation (chest cold, sinuses, sprained ankle, poison oak, etc), sip water with Vitamin C powder added throughout the day (to bowel tolerance, as it will loosen the bowels). Now that much of Vitamin C comes from GMO sources, it is recommended to find a GMO-free source. You may include willow bark on your list of natural anti-inflammatory agents (the basis of aspirin). Personally, I occasionally have used bromelain (pineapple enzymes from the core) and turmeric. I keep both on hand. Bromelain works for headaches, but so does a simple acupressure move. Do not use bromelain long-term (daily for longer than a week at a time).

The articles cited above list foods that cause or aggravate inflammation, and list foods which have an anti-inflammatory effect. If the full-tilt-boogie anti-inflammatory diet seems like too extreme a change for you, then I recommend that you simply pick 3 of the foods to emphasize and 3 of the foods to avoid, and just try those few, simple changes at first, but do it whole-heartedly.

For example, I always think of blueberries, filberts (hazelnuts), and pineapple (on an empty stomach) when I want to reduce inflammation. And salads, in general. And I think of sugary, fried, and processed foods as causing inflammation. With just those few things in mind, it makes a pretty big difference to simply add 3 and avoid 3.

Superfoods:

Akea Essentials is the most micro-nutrient dense of the anti-inflammatory foods. It is highly alkalinizing: Click here to see the ingredient list: I use it every day, as it has helped me with chronic inflammation of the skin, joints, lungs, etc. Akea Essentials has over 30 of the world’s most powerful superfoods (nutrient-dense foods), all grown organically in the U.S. and fermented, meaning plenty of additional super-healthy probiotics, which can help squelch the fires of inflammation in the gut. It contains only 44 calories per serving, and 2 grams of protein.
The vast majority of chronic illnesses begin with inflammation in the gut, so Akea Essentials is the best preventative and restorative I know for cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Click here to order.
So far, Asantae makes Akea, and only ships to the U.S. and Canada, so if you don’t live in the U.S., try the international shipping option on the Affiliates page of OrganicsForFree.com. Or the next option.

Salad made with anti-inflammatory foods: Put some variety in it, for sure, but a DAILY SALAD is the single most effective lifestyle change available internationally to make a huge difference in decreasing inflammation.
Add some sauerkraut, or kim chee or organic yogurt daily to your diet to get your fermented foods. THIS is one amazing secret of the world’s happiest, healthiest, longest living people. And guess what — most of them don’t have much access to (or need for!) doctors and pharmaceuticals. Hmmm….

Mila is the most macro-nutrient dense of all anti-inflammatory foods, and I still have some available in stock. If you want a little extra plant-based protein (3 grams per serving) & Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids (3,000 mg) & 5 grams of fiber, this is a very good product. Message me directly for purchase: TBergenn@PowerSourceUnlimited.com This food must be consumed with a lot of water, so if you hate drinking water, do not use this product. It is also a little pricey, but it does a lot for you. It can even work for pets’ inflammation! If you want a 1/2 price type of organically-grown chia seed, I sell that, too! Just message me.

Foods To Eat:

Fats and Oils. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in cold-water oily fish, chia, flax (flax has some toxins and is often GMO, so I don’t recommend it), and pumpkin seeds. Consumption of monounsaturated fats found in olive oil, avocado, and nuts, has been linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Other healthful oils include rice bran oil, grape seed oil, and walnut oil.

Fruits and Vegetables. Whole fruits, berries and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and phytohemicals. Choose green and brightly colored vegetables, and whole fruits. You should eat at least five (and preferably more) servings of fruits and vegetables each day. (Akea Essentials provides 5 additional to your daily dietary intake.)

Protein Sources. Possible anti-inflammatory protein sources include lean poultry (turkey best), fish and seafood (fatty fish offer protein as well as omega-3 fatty acids). Fermented soy foods such as miso and tempeh, along with other legumes and nuts and seeds can be used as plant-based protein sources.

Beverages. Your body needs water. Drink filtered tap water when possible — I use an Aquasana water filter system (and as an affiliate, can get you a reduced price) — but sparkling or bottled water, or unfiltered tap water if need be, is far better than getting dehydrated. Herbal tea, especially green tea, is great. Freshly juiced vegetables & fruits, and organic kefir (if you cannot tolerate organic milk) are other options. Many people find milk inflammatory. Organic milk works fine for me. Please don’t drink any bottled or canned juices or sodas when you are trying to reduce acute inflammation, due to the acidifying effects and sugar content.

Foods To Avoid

Loading up on junk foods, high-fat meats, sugar, and highly processed foods may increase the potential for inflammation in your body. Reduce your consumption of trans fats and saturated fats by cutting back on highly processed foods, red meats, and high-fat processed meats such as bacon and sausage. Cut back on refined white flours in bread and pasta (look for 100% whole-grains instead). Eliminate added sugars by decreasing your consumption of sugary sodas, pastries, candy, rich desserts, and pre-sweetened cereals.
Whenever you DO eat these foods, include light green, juicy veggies like hearts of romaine, celery, or cucumbers, which will alkalinize your body and counter the worst effects of inflammatory foods.

Another possible source of irritation and inflammation comes from the nightshade family of plants, which includes potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant. These vegetables contain a chemical alkaloid called solanine, which can trigger pain in some people. While there aren’t any formal research findings that back the claim about nightshade plants, some people do believe they get relief from the symptoms of pain and inflammation when they eliminate them from their diet.

Anti-inflammatory Diet Tips

Choose fresh foods more often and choose fewer heavily processed foods. Here are some tips:
For breakfast, try oatmeal served with fresh berries and walnuts.
Snack on whole fruits, nuts, seeds, and fresh vegetables instead of cookies and candy.
Eat more fish and less fatty red meat. Eat meat as a treat, or as a condiment, and only organic.
Cook with olive oil for low temperature cooking, and use coconut oil for medium & high temperature cooking.
Choose eggs with Omega 3s.
Have a salad with lots of fresh vegetables as your meal.
Stay away from deep-fried foods; bake, broil, poach or stir-fry instead.
Choose dark green or brightly colored vegetables as side dishes — they should fill half your dinner plate.
Drink water, organic milk, 100% fresh vegetable/fruit juices, herbal and green tea instead of sugary sodas and soft drinks.
Maintaining a healthy weight also appears to be helpful for reducing pain and inflammation.

Movement/Rest — this is an important dialectic to get right. Both are needed. Alternate throughout the day. Don’t overdo either. No obsessive exercise. No couch potato. Get 6-8 quality hours of overnight sleep, on a regular schedule if possible. Meditation & Prayer work. Yoga and/or stretching provide restful movement. Walking is the #1 movement to combat inflammation.

Connection — Stress acidifies. Uplifting, supportive connection lightens the load in more ways than one — it can alkalinize the body.

Purpose — You have to “get out of your self”. Don’t dwell on the pain & inflammation, nor let it define you: Attend to it, and also attend to your life’s work, your important service to the world and its people.

Getting a sense that all this could be impossible alone? You’re right. But you can do it. Join our Longevity Community — there is an online and an offline dimension! Call to schedule a free, 5-10 minute Longevity Community Questionnaire.

T. Bergenn
President, Power Source Unlimited
Longevity Consultant
510-292-9976
Connect with us on Facebook! http://Facebook.com/PowerSourceUnlimited

SHROOMS: (macro- and micro-) Biology & Ecology

Reishi Mushrooms Edgar and I were at a party tonight, where we met several entrepreneurs. A couple of them were super laid-back people with whom we have something deeply in common: The prized REISHI mushroom. Anyone who has taken our Longevity Community Questionnaire knows that of ALL of the organic superfood ingredients in our product, each one in its own right, are AMAZING for our health. But there is ONE ingredient we specifically highlight: The Reishi Mushroom. It’s known for boosting the immune system, but my holistic Dr. Marcey Shapiro taught me a dozen years ago that Reishi is known for boosting DEEP immunity, which is different than the effects of echinacea and other immune boosters which are more quick and stimulating. Reishi supports healthy nerve function, and also enhances mood and promotes restful sleep.

Well, tonight I learned from UC Berkeley microbiology graduate Monica Neff that several of her customers are cancer patients using the Reishi mushroom for immune support during chemotherapy. It is significant to me, that like our Akea company’s product, Monica’s company’s products are organic, vegan, gluten-free, grown in the U.S. and kosher. While I was at it, I learned a few other things of interest about fungi that I’ll share, just to whet your appetite for the miracles of mycology: Cordiceps shrooms are known for boosting energy; Turkey Tail shrooms are known for detoxification; and Lion’s mane shrooms are known for memory enhancement.

I had the opportunity to talk with Monica about my secret fascination with a WHOLE SEPARATE quality of mushrooms… their mysterious ability to transform human-invented, chemically toxic, and ecologically devastating waste materials — toxic sludge — into bountiful, healthy eco-systems. To me, it’s a sign of God, and his incredible love, and mercy for humans and our sins and foibles. Even when we think we’ve really done it, we’ve irreparably despoiled our only livable planet, … along come empirical examples of God’s forgiveness and his infinite strength, wisdom and capacity to be a great Father — a rescuer, a provider, in our times of deepest need, when we’ve really screwed up and don’t necessarily “deserve” any better. He gives us another chance. He offers us SHROOMS to show us it’s okay to not know everything.

Monica told me there is a group that has some of my same fascination with the “contamination transformation” that mushrooms provide with “no sweat”. It’s called Bay Area Radical Mycology. Wild. Perhaps I’ll check it out.

For those of you interested in pet health… I haven’t even scratched the surface here, but there are some good signs that the Power Shrooms are helping in cases of Valley Fever, a fungal infection of horses and dogs.

And on that note: Good night. Sleep tight. And get your daily Reishi right!

I conducted a SYMPHONY… from my favorite GF bakery.

imageI met with a new friend today at the Mariposa Bakery. Her name is Clara; she’s Argentinian and she loves MUSIC. Personally, I am not one to immerse myself in music. While I enjoy many genres… from Ska to Andean, Hawaiian to Christian Folk, and plenty of others, I’m really just a casual fan. But lately…

I’ve been working on something that feels like a masterpiece… a grand, symphonic, orchestral, masterpiece!

I feel like an orchestra conductor, while many of the musicians in the symphony may have hardly an inkling of the melody or notes they play so beautifully… which fill my ears with joyous tones, and giddy anticipation. Some of these great musicians barely perceive the instrument they stroke so masterfully; others wouldn’t have a clue even as to the name of their instrument. But I am pleased, no matter.

There is a single, solitary clarinet, which is confidently removed from its case, in one opera hall after another… starting out by piping a reedy, captivating tune which soon resonates with other woodwinds who add relaxed undertones to the melody. Then a full-bodied viola graces the stage, stretching and swaying, and enticing the horns and bells.

The song has not even reached the first climax, but we all know it’s coming, as we have all stepped on stage and begun improvising, listening for the subtleties of each other’s unique strengths.

I have a sense of the grandiosity. Of the historic import of these seminal works. Sometimes I want to convey it. Sometimes I feel like leaving it to be delectably discovered by each person who hears the piper’s tune from afar, and feels themselves sneaking and peaking into the concert. We’re all in for SUCH a TREAT! And we’re all learning to read MUSIC, and to deftly play our unique instruments, in this wide-open community amphitheater. Wait! Listen – … Listen for the crescendo. Wait. Here it comes! Where are you? Can you hear it?

The Long Road to Simple Blessings

Here is a reply I wrote to a heart-wrenching story that a good friend posted on The BluePrint For Life online social network, a community of people who value holistic living.

This BluePrint community is extensive, as it traces back to our longest living elders on the planet, and the diets and lifestyles that got them to that status. This community embraces the “homesteading” lifestyle of fermenting organic foods, walking and cycling, resting, praying and meditating, staying connected with family and friends, and living one’s Purpose with a passion… which taken together… is at once cutting edge and old-fashioned!

Not everyone who embraces this lifestyle even KNOWS yet about our online social network… so if this describes you, SIGN UP.

Here is my profile in the community. I look forward to seeing yours.

And here is the original story from the NYTimes

Are Low Salt Diets Deadly?


I was reading this article

http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/studies-suggest-low-salt-die…

I know we have a whole other thread on salt — mainly about WHICH ones are healthy and which to avoid.

http://theblueprintforlife.com/forum/topics/replace-salt-with-herbs-and-spices?page=1&commentId=6567573%3AComment%3A10296&x=1#6567573Comment10296

But for me, the verdict is still not out. And this blog/discussion is not really just about salt.

Yesterday, a client/friend came over to take the Longevity Community Questionnaire, and he cares a LOT about age-prediction factors. I’m not really focused on age-prediction, but I humored him because he REALLY wanted me to take the Vitality Compass questionnaire by BlueZones.com. I took the Questionnaire, and apparently, I’m going to live to 99.7 years old. lol. But, interestingly, the first recommendation the Vitality Compass gave me to IMPROVE my longevity… was to reduce my salt intake. On the questionnaire I had indicated that I add salt to food or eat salty food 5 days per week. Well, I don’t favor salty food, and I do not add it at the table, but Edgar and I use some salt while cooking, pretty much daily, so I figured I’d answer conservatively, saying 5 days a week.

So the Vitality Compass thinks I should have even less. I have to tell you: I trust my own compass more. I trust my own research more. And I think it’s an interesting thing about the head, the heart, the community, and our relationship with “knowledge” and “research”. And with God. And with “the salt of the earth”.

This is why I LOVE having the Longevity Hot Spots as a living example of what “works”. Because look at how much my friend stresses about his individual age-prediction! That is not healthy. Meanwhile, he’s pushing people away from him by his rigidity. We need to foster Community. I believe it’s way more important than Ivory Tower studies. (When was the last time an Ivory Tower professor or student came down to bring you chicken soup when you were sick?) I mean… look at the “results” of “research” that came from Stanford University… about how supposedly organic produce is no more nutritious than non-organic produce. I value knowledge and studies, heck, I did plenty of that myself… but HOW do we study? Who do we study? Who do we trust?

The BluePrint for Life is exactly what it says. And people can modify how they follow it, and contribute to it. It’s a living community… modeled on living communities. Our faith is not reducible to a score on a chart or in a mathematical or electronic formula. These tools may be very valuable… but they do not, and cannot replace community. Thank you all for being here for each other, and for me.

God bless you,
T. Bergenn
Longevity Consultant
510-292-9976

Aquasana: Water of Choice for Power Source Unlimited, LLC

LOTS of people have asked for my recommendations of which types of water to use.  So, I had to do a LOT of research.  I examined water for drinking, water for bathing, water for cooking, and water for cleaning.  I researched high-priced water, bottled water, filtered water, low-cost water, tap water, and pretty much all types I could find, and ran them all through MY filter:  the low-budget, holistic health, longevity filter!!

Here is what I found:  If you want to get high-priced anti-oxidant water, I know a couple of responsible consultants from whom you can purchase a Kangen unit.  Dr. Bo Marley, and Omar Ramirez.  Both are VERY nice men, and very attentive and responsible in their respective businesses.  We have tried this water, and we did indeed notice some very nice benefits — definite increased energy; deep sleep (except when you have too much of the delicious water, or too late); great flavor; great texture; great taste — even for water, it’s just so yummy, you want to drink more of it.  Even stubborn folks who NEVER drink enough water will probably change their habits with this water.

That said, I personally don’t want to drink “restructured water” for my ongoing hydration needs.  It has been tested for many years and is very popular in some Japanese hospitals, etc… but I am of the mind that God structured the water right to begin with, so I’m wary of it… I see it as “newfangled”, and I’m a little “old-school”.

On the filtered water, I looked at Multi-Pur, and all the others, and I’ll save you time:  I’ve been using Aquasana for years — it’s just the best, hands-down, all-purpose water.   I compared what they filter for, and their respective costs, and the challenges of dealing with each company vs the ease, the responsiveness of the respective merchants, availability of comparison materials, etc. http://mproxy.banner.linksynergy.com/fs/banners/36667/36667_3.jpg  You can get a nice set-up for an apartment for under $200 and it will include your kitchen filter and your shower filter, and they have a program called Water for Life, so that they always send the replacement filters automatically.  And their support people are always polite and have helped me out on the odd occasion of a billing question or difficulty with replacing the filter or something.  They send the filters like clockwork — which is GREAT, cuz we would all forget to do that if it was up to US, right?  So I just replace mine when they arrive:  set it and forget it.  If you own a home, you can get an OUTSIDE unit that filters ALL of the water before it enters your house — SO cool, and economical.  You don’t need the chlorine and chemicals inside, but it keeps it safe until it gets there.

Aquasana also sells glass bottles, which are very cool, very convenient, 2 perfect sizes, and they have cozies that come with a strap — GREAT for HIKING!!!!!

Another REALLY cool thing about Aquasana water is you can SHOWER in it!  This is FANTASTIC.  You will probably notice the difference in your skin and hair within 4-8 days.  Just softer, and more relaxed once you are no longer barraged with chlorine, etc.  Remember:  Showering can be a prayer, or a meditation.  Appreciate your body, appreciate the water, cleanse yourself inside and out, be present, enjoy the sensual experience, and thank your Creator, commune with the earth’s elements.  I got this idea while reading The Four Agreements a few years ago.  But we all know that some of our most genius ideas “flow” while showering, right?  If you are lucky enough to have a life partner, shout out to them to write your idea down before it “slips down the drain”.

Some of the world’s Longevity Hot Spots are known for their high mineral content.  In fact, some cynical folks have brought this up as “proof” that WE in the U.S. are doomed, and that we cannot replicate what these long-lived people have access to in their “magical mystery mineral” water.  They may indeed be blessed, but we are all blessed in our own way.  And we can get more minerals by consuming the cultured minerals eaten by the probiotics in Akea Essentials:  http://powersource.akealife.com/essentials/faq-akea-essentials/#MineralsSource

Psoriasis — at your wits’ end, socially, physically, emotionally?

There are some diseases that have the reputation of being “UNCURABLE”.  AIDS, HERPES, DIABETES… and PSORIASIS.

When I first discovered some plaques on my face… near the sides of the bridge of my nose… I didn’t trip.  But after trying several so-called “remedies”, I had to do more research, and then found Psoria-Flora… a homeopathic cream which helped significantly… for a while, but the psoriasis was pretty tenacious.  I then read that once you have it, it can always come back… and usually does… and more often as we age.  Not a very promising prognosis.

But not only is PSORIASIS tenacious,  I AM TENACIOUS!  So I learned about the 5 elements of happy, healthy longevity; and I learned about superfoods, and fermented foods; and now I have my psoriasis UNDER CONTROL, with NO medication.

I met a very passionate man, who told me he had produced a film about Psoriasis.  “I’m Just Like You“.  He probably didn’t know why, but I zeroed in on his film.  I just HAD to see it.  First I watched the 6 minute trailer… with my fiance Edgar.  I felt so warm and embraced that this NICELY done clip, revealing some of the vulnerability, hassle and fear I’d experienced with psoriasis… was something I shared with my partner… and then I got to feel that he knows and loves and supports me on a still deeper level.

I also felt deep curiousity about the people in the trailer… it didn’t go deep enough for me, and I was intrigued to know if I’d get in the characters’ heads and their emotions, and their challenges and family relations if I watched the full length movie.  I sensed that I would feel comraderie and relief by watching the movie.  And I wondered if some of them might get benefit from what I’d been doing for MY Psoriasis.  So I got the movie from Fred — I was happy and proud to donate financially to get it, because I realized the $ goes to the cause of helping others with Psoriasis.

The movie was longer than I’d expected, which was cool, cuz I thought it might not go as deeply as I wanted into the characters and their family experiences.  It was a full length, feature film!  And I had 2 friends over to watch it with me.  They found the movie gripping on a dramatic, heart-level (and they were MEN!).  And I look forward to reaching out to the REAL FAMILIES featured in the film.  I hope to really get to know them, and together with them, help lots of other people with Psoriasis.

They COME, so YOU don’t have to GO.

GO.   Go shopping.  Go get the best organic produce.   Go drive and create emissions.  Go use gas.   Go wait in the grocery store line.  Go and miss time with your loved ones.  Go and miss a call you were waiting for.  You get the point.

So to COMBAT all this GO, GO, GO… call G.O. — Guerrilla Organics!

I met Mark Deutsch and Martha Matsuda in around 2003.  About one year prior, their business Guerrilla Organics indeed started organically.  Mark Deutsch began this company in 2002 when he moved to San Francisco from St. Louis.  Going to a local organic foods store to stock his refrigerator, Mark was shocked at the cost ($200!) for two bags of groceries which contained mostly produce.  Going to San Francisco’s Wholesale Farmer’s Market, Mark bought something affordable – a box of potatoes.  He shared his potatoes with housemates and friends, who told other friends, who wanted in on the deal; someone else asked if he delivered.  Thus was born Guerrilla Organics – a small organic produce delivery business that still operates guerrilla-style… but now in Oakland, Berkeley, SF, Daly City, & Pacifica  http://guerrillaorganics.com/html/boxes.html

The cool thing for me, personally, is that Mark invented and patented the most amazing musical instrument, called a Bazantar.  He plays mesmerizing, heady, transformative music that can deliver you into a new consciousness.  And Martha shares her passions in a unique and fascinating art form — Butoh dancing.  So they support their performing arts habits by slinging local, organic produce.  They are SUPER consistent in their organic produce delivery and they are particularly enlightened and spiritually developed people… made it a very easy decision for me to switch to them from my previous “Box” delivery service.  I think participating with arts and cultural events is an important Longevity Practice.  It can re-connect us with all of humanity, and also with our Purpose.  And gives us a vehicle to bond more deeply with our loved ones and friends.

Can you imagine how cool I felt when I realized that my organic produce delivery purchases would create proceeds that help 2 cutting edge community artists practice their crafts in the arts?  AND that staying with their services meant that I get an “organic” way to continue developing my own connection with that kind of people?

YUMM.