All posts by Kathryne Pirtle

Environmental Toxins and Health, Healing and Building Health with Nutrient-Dense Foods, Skin and Hair Care Products

Are your hair and skin care products and cosmetics toxic?

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While a nutrient dense diet is critical to building optimal health and maximizing your detox ability, removing toxic products from your menu of skin and hair care and cosmetics is also very important. The combination of all the poisons we are exposed to adds up and puts extra strain on our bodies. In the EWG study (Body burden, 2002) that tested 9 healthy subjects for 210 chemicals, they found 167 chemicals in every subject and 91 compounds were industrial toxins! Of these, 76 were linked to cancer, 94 were neurotoxic, 86 were hormonal disruptors and 79 were associated with birth defects or abnormal development.

If you read the ingredients on your shampoo, conditioner and cosmetics containers and they look like a chemical factory–think twice about using them!

The best way to begin to reduce this toxic load is to control what you can control. Here are a few links to sources of toxin-free body care products and cosmetics:

http://healing-scents.com/index.html
http://www.drrons.com/

For more information on building health and healing with nutrient-dense-foods see our book Performance without Pain and our new e-book on acid reflux.

Best in health,

Kathryne Pirtle

Digestive Disorders and Healing Diet, Dogs and Cats and a Nutrient-Dense Diet, Healing and Building Health with Nutrient-Dense Foods, Inflammation and Healing Diet, Sustainable Farming, Health, Soil and Environment

Are you corn fed?

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You hear about corn-fed livestock and vegetarian-fed chicken–which also means corn-fed–but have you considered that you are what you eat-eats? In Dr. Francis Pottenger’s study of cats, he experimented with feeding them different types of raw milk. The health of the cats receiving raw milk from grain-fed cows was remarkably poor in comparison to those fed raw milk from grass-fed cows. These cats displayed all kinds of nutrient deficiencies. Their bones were weak, they had poor immune systems and they developed degenerative conditions of all kinds.

Just look around and see all the health epidemics. It does not take a brain surgeon to realize that corn-fed does not work!

If your health is your wealth, our country has a disaster waiting to happen! However, by purchasing foods that are traditionally raised, you will not only improve your own health, but be a part of a movement that is helping to insure the health of future generations!

For more information on healing and building health with nutrient-dense foods, see our book Performance without Pain and our new e-book on acid reflux.

Best in Health,

Kathryne Pirtle

Acid Reflux Healing, Antibiotics and Health, Asthma and Acid Reflux, Breast Health and Cancer Prevention, Children's Health, Digestive Disorders and Healing Diet, Ear Infections and Acid Reflux, Enzymes and Healing, Fermented Foods and Digestion, Healing and Building Health with Nutrient-Dense Foods, Inflammation and Healing Diet, Singer's Health

Tradtional fermented foods–why everybody needs them for good health

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Traditionally cultured and fermented foods like plain whole milk kefir and yogurt from grass-fed cows, homemade sauerkraut, kimchee and pickled beets, and beverages like beet kvass and  kombucha were common foods throughout history before refrigeration. They were a way to preserve foods worldwide. Would it surprise you to know that you absolutely cannot afford to live without them though?

In order to function properly–that is to break down our foods into usable components and detoxify our body– the human digestive system needs ample probiotic bacteria and enzymes. Fermented and cultured foods naturally provide these components. Without these kinds of foods, we may develop many serious digestive problems like candida overgrowth, which chemically change the way our foods are processed and we will not be able to get rid of toxins. Ultimately, poor digestion equals poor health. In fact, acid reflux, inflammatory conditions of all kinds and cancer can be linked to poor digestion and a toxic overload.

Do your health a big favor–devote time to learning to prepare these delicious cultured and fermented foods. As your digestion improves so will your health!

For more information on preparing cultured and fermented foods see our website at www.performancewithoutpain.com. Both of our books, Performance without Pain and our e-book on healing acid reflux are wonderful guides to optimizing digestion.

Best in health,

Kathryne Pirtle

Healing and Building Health with Nutrient-Dense Foods, Recipes for Traditional Foods

Maximizing the nutrient value of nuts, grains and beans

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Although nuts, seeds, grains and beans are not considered nutrient-dense foods, careful preparation can improve their digestibility and nutrient availability. Historically, people worldwide took careful steps to prepare these difficult-to-digest foods as they all contain anti-nutrients and enzyme inhibitors.

Soaking grains and beans in acidulated water overnight–that is water with yogurt, kefir, vinegar or lemon juice–will prepare them for easier digestion. As an example, if you are serving oatmeal to your family in the morning, the night before, slightly warm the water required for the recipe in a pan and stir in some yogurt and the dry oatmeal and cover. Place the pan on top of your refrigerator. The next morning cook as usual. Make sure you add lots of butter or cream when serving as this will also greatly enhance the nutrient value. If you are preparing beans, cover them with warm water and stir in some yogurt or vinegar and let them soak for at least 12 hours, drain and cover again with water and cook as usual. Always serve beans with a meat and a fat so that your meal is nutrient-dense.

For nuts, you will want to make sure you start with “raw.” Unfortunately, except for pecans and walnuts, it is difficult to find truly raw nuts in the health food store. For peanuts and almonds, you will have to look online. Here’s a website that offers high quality organically grown raw nuts.

http://www.livingtreecommunity.com/store2/products.asp?catid=17&gclid=CMzfreyipp4CFQjyDAod5x66nQ

To prepare 1 pound of nuts, simply cover them with water and add 1 tablespoon of Celtic Sea salt and let them soak for about 8 hours. Drain and dehydrate in a dehydrator or place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper on the lowest setting in your oven for about 12 hours or until crispy.

Taking the time to prepare nuts, grains and beans will make them a wonderful addition to a nutrient-dense diet.

For more information on building health and healing with nutrient-dense, traditional foods, see www.performancewithoutpain.com.

Best in health,

Kathryne Pirtle

Healing and Building Health with Nutrient-Dense Foods, Sustainable Farming, Health, Soil and Environment

A True Thanksgiving:Become a consumer of naturally raised foods that support the future health of our food supply and population.

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Have you thought about the how the decisions you make today will affect people in seven generations? Most of us do not consciously think in these terms, but maybe when it comes to the foods we choose for ourselves and our family, it should be our priority. We are at a critical juncture in history where the  poor decisions about our food supply are affecting the health of our entire population. It has only been since 1950 that our food production, the types and quality of foods we have  available and what foods we are told to eat have been affected by how much profit was made by an entity behind the scene of this drama.

It is certain that as we choose to support foods because of their health-providing qualities we will naturally turn to foods that are not produced in this industrial system. However the integrity of this decision goes farther than this, because by choosing these kinds of foods, we are supporting the health of  the soil, the animals, the water, the air, and the economic stability of small family farms dedicated to bringing these high quality foods to our tables. For this utmost reverence given to the circle of life we can celebrate a true Thanksgiving.

For more information on a healing diet and building optimal health with traditional, nutrient-dense foods see http://performancewithoutpain.com.

Best in health,

Kathryne Pirtle

Healing and Building Health with Nutrient-Dense Foods, Recipes for Traditional Foods

Making Your Holiday Dinner Nutrient-Dense

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With a few adjustments to the Thanksgiving feast, you can make your dinner even more nutrient-dense. I like to think of meal planning from the perspective of what foods were available before the industrialization of the food supply and do everything possible to obtain these types of foods for my family. Although they are more expensive, they are also more filling and nourishing and their health benefits are far reaching. When you “Put your money where your mouth is,” you are helping to insure your family’s good health. Remember–“Your health is your wealth!”

Here are some guidelines:

  • Try to obtain a pastured turkey from a farm co-op as this meat is far superior to even an organic turkey and often no more expensive. The beauty of buying a wonderful pastured turkey is that the leftovers taste fresh for a long time as the fats in the meat do not go rancid as with commercial birds.
  • Serve nutrient-dense butter–Raw butter from your co-op is best or Whole Foods has  high quality butter.
  • Use whole milk–preferably raw-pastured or unhomegenized, organic– and pastured butter for your mashed potatoes
  • Serve your organic vegetables with lots of butter
  • Make your own cranberry sauce–I posted a wonderful lacto-fermented cranberry chutney several days ago–see  http://performancewithoutpain.com/2009/11/21/great-holiday-recipe-for-traditionally-fermented-cranberry-chutney/
  • Make your own pumpkin pie with high-quality organic ingredients

Your wonderful turkey has more gifts to offer as you can use the carcass to make a fantastic nutrient-dense bone broth soup. Cover the bones, fat and skin with water and put in a few tablespoons of vinegar. Simmer for about 12 hours and strain.  You will have a beautiful broth for a marvelous soup that you can freeze.

For more information on a healing diet and building optimal health with traditional, nutrient-dense diet foods, see http://performancewithoutpain.com

Best in health,

Kathryne Pirtle

Fermented Foods and Digestion, Healing and Building Health with Nutrient-Dense Foods, Recipes for Traditional Foods

Great Holiday Recipe for Traditionally Fermented Cranberry Chutney

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Historically, traditional lacto-fermented foods were a mainstay of people’s diets worldwide before refrigeration. The lacto-fermentation process was very important in preserving foods. There were countless recipes from all cultures that created a wide array of delicious condiments like sauerkraut, pickles, pickled beets, kimchee and chutneys–and beverages like beet kvass, kombucha, kefir and ginger ale. Consuming these foods will help to maintain good digestion as they are high in enzymes and and probiotics. Sadly, when we buy these foods from most grocery stores today, they are pasteurized and will lack the wonderful health-building components.

Here’s a wonderful holiday recipe for a traditionally fermented cranberry chutney.

Lacto-fermented cranberry chutney

* 3 cups of cranberries
* 1/2 cup of nuts (pecans was suggested in the recipe I found, we used hazelnuts)
* 1/2 cup of rapadura
* 2 teaspoons of salt
* 1/2 cup of whey (easy whey can be made by draining 2 cups of plain organic yogurt through a smooth dish towel or cheesecloth-the drained liquid is the whey)
* 1/2 cup of prune juice or other juice (I used apple juice)
* 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon of cloves
* juice from 1 orange
* juice from 1 lemon
* 1/2 cup of raisins (optional–I like the chutney without raisins better)

Pulse all, except raisins, in food processor. Stir in raisins. Place ingredients in a 1 quart glass jar. Leave 1 inch room at the top of jar. Cover. Ferment 48 hours, then refrigerate. Serve with meat or poultry.

Usually the fruit ferments are good for 1-2 months. My chutney is still excellent after one year!!

For more information on healing and building health with traditional foods, see www.performancewithoutpain.com.

Best in health,

Kathryne Pirtle

Calcium Absorption, Healing and Building Health with Nutrient-Dense Foods

How to Maximize Calcium Absorption

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So many people today suffer from serious problems having to do with calcium absorption. People are purchasing calcium supplements by the tons in hopes of preventing calcium deficiencies. We have epidemic numbers of people with osteoporosis, poor dental health, weak bones and diseases that have to do with calcium being deposited in the wrong places, like the arteries and organs. What are some of the factors of this trend?

First, most diets do not have adequate vitamins A and D from natural old fashioned foods like high quality fermented cod liver oil, egg yolks and liver. Without these key nutrients, the body cannot absorb calcium or any other vitamins well.

Second our diets are low in vitamin K2, which is ample in foods from animals on pasture. Vitamin K2 acts like the mortar for the bricks of both vitamin A and D in putting calcium in the right places in the body, like the teeth and the bones and not in the arteries. With the corn feeding of our livestock, we have an entire population deficient in this vitamin.

Third, low fat diets do not support calcium absorption. Without traditional fats in the diet like butter, coconut oil and lard, we cannot utilize calcium properly.

Next, our diets lack the easy-to-digest traditional foods that are rich in calcium. Bone-broth soup and cultured raw dairy from grass-fed cows and goats are foods that were eaten for thousands of years, yet they largely disappeared from our diets with the industrialization of our food supply.

Finally, diets lacking the probiotic foods that support good digestion, will also hamper calcium utilization.

Unfortunately all the calcium supplements in the world will not make up for the nutritional building blocks available in real food–no matter how much they cost or how many commercials support that product!!

The key to  improving calcium absorption is eating a nutrient-dense, traditional diet. For more information see www.performancewithoutpain.com.

Best in health,

Kathryne Pirtle

Digestive Disorders and Healing Diet, Healing and Building Health with Nutrient-Dense Foods

Do you take time to chew your food?

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As silly as this question sounds, it is a very important subject for good health. Sitting down to enjoy eating a meal and taking the time to chew each bite is another step you can take for maximizing the digestion and nutrient availability of your foods. The impact this ritual will make in your life can be astounding. As you literally bless the food with gratitude for nourishing your body and take the time to appreciate the every aspect of your meal, you will also notice over time an increased awareness of your connection to the earth and all its amazing gifts.

My favorite mantra is “Present moment–I am grateful.” May you be strengthened and enriched by each bite of life!

For more information on a healing diet and nutrient-dense foods see www.performancewithoutapain.com.

Best in health,

Kathryne Pirtle

Digestive Disorders and Healing Diet, Enzymes and Healing, Fermented Foods and Digestion, Healing and Building Health with Nutrient-Dense Foods

Enzymes in our foods–why they are so important

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Eating a diet that is high in enzymes is very important to healing and building optimal health. Enzymes are not only necessary for digestion of our foods, they play an important role in every process of the human body. Dr. Edward Howell’s research on enzymes determined that we have an “enzyme bank, ” and for good health and longevity, it is important to eat foods that will not draw upon these reserves. (See  his books Enzyme Nutrition and Enzymes for Health and Longevity.) Eating a diet where the foods themselves are high in enzymes keeps the pancreas from having to secrete them for digestion, thus saving them for the repair and maintenance of cells, organs, tissues, muscles and tendons.

High-quality, naturally raised raw proteins like raw and cultured dairy, raw egg yolks, raw meats and fish are the highest in enzymes. However, eating cooked foods with high-enzyme fermented vegetables like unpasteurized sauerkraut, pickled beets and kimchee as well as cultured beverages like beet kvass, kombucha and lacto-fermented drinks also saves the body’s enzyme reserves.

Some raw foods  have anti-nutrients and enzyme inhibitors, and require special preparation to digest well. Nuts, seeds, grains and legumes all contain these difficult-to-digest elements in their raw form and need to be soaked in acidulated water to break down these components.

Our book, Performance without Pain, contains a wealth of information on high-enzyme foods, preparing cultured foods and the proper preparation of foods containing enzyme-inhibitors. It can get you started on understanding how to maximize the healing energy of your diet. For more information on building health and healing with nutrient-dense foods see Performance without Pain and our new e-book on healing acid reflux.

Best in health,

Kathryne Pirtle