Juicing and Supplements

I scoured Craigslist for a juicer so I wouldn't have to spend $100 on the new one I found at Target. Found one for $50 and they even personally delivered it to me! Jack Lalane's Power Juicer is the name. I got to use it for the first time this afternoon for a lunch juice. It was actually quite exciting!! I knew to put in the Kale first, according to the Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead documentary.



So I threw in chopped pieces of kale up until the whole head was in there. WOW that color! Like dark evergreen dripping out of the spout-so gorgeous. The kale doesn't go as far as you'd like, but it's thick and concentrated! I like that color going inside my body :) Next I chopped up a green apple (lowest in sugar of all apples), a small plum (it was on the verge of getting too squishy) and some watermelon chunks (how could I ever eat a whole watermelon). I squirmed and took a step back when I realized that oh yes, there is a pit in a plum and you can't get all excited and throw it in as a whole fruit...

Disaster averted, all went smoothly! I braced for my first drink...the smell-very green! First sip, Oh! Pretty good! The kale gave the drink a bitter dirt edge which I have to admit I liked. I have fantasies of eating soil and eating wood.The other fruits gave way for some great sweetness to mask it though. It made enough for 2 glasses. I'll give the other one to Phil tonight when he gets home. He'll like it before he goes for his run in the park.

This is so weird but about 3 minutes after I drank the whole thing my sinus opened up. I had no idea it was blocked. Also, my eyes became clear and my brain, bright! Almost like a raw produce high! Enjoyable :) Then I turned on a cheesy exercise video which I can stream via Netflix to our tv and did a few minutes of movement. Look at that, a chain reaction of a healthy juice onto feeling great and even working out. It's been a good day so far!



Also I have started taking supplements. I have done weeks of research looking for what I would need to aid the weak points of my body. Depression, borderline Insulin Resistance, sensitivity to the sun, lack of energy. I looked up natural remedies and basics for depression, seeing that is a brain disease that effects everything else. I have already changed my diet to cut out sugar, gluten and complex carbs. I am upping raw veg and fruit via juicing and I am hoping this will work along with everything and provide priceless nutrients I just need anyways.

I wanted to get all natural vitamins, but they just happen to cost a bit more. So when I went to Safeway I saw that all the vitamins were B1G1, so how could I say no?! I spent a good half hour looking at all of them, searching for the sugar and gluten free options, along with the best combined deals. Nature's Bounty had all of that good stuff! Here's what I got:


here's me so happy in the cool, shady Muir Woods ;)

Vitamin D - I am extremely sensitive to the sun. It's just one of those annoying things I've always had to deal it. When I take a step into it I get an instant headache and feel like I'm going to pass out. I carry my lacy parasol everywhere, but it gets old when you just wanna go for a normal walk and have hands free.

I have heard that Vitamin D will help with my sun issues and provide me with the nutrients I am shielding from myself. It also helps with immune functions, modulation of cell growth, strengthening of bone density, fighting many diseases but in my case diabetes. I am taking 2000 mg a day. They are super small easy-to-swallow pills.

Calcium Magnesium & Zinc -
calcium: It is the most abundant nutrient in our bodies, making up 99% of what is found in teeth, bones, blood, body tissues, nerve cells and other fluids that account for the rest. It also plays a role in blood clotting, muscle contractions and in heart function. It's an important one for sure!

Magnesium:
Magnesium is involved in 300 biochemical reactions in your body. It works with calcium to help maintain strong, healthy bones and supports the immune system. This mineral also plays a role in muscle and nerve function, and most importantly for me- blood sugar and blood pressure regulation and energy metabolism.


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Zinc:
Zinc is found in enzymes that pass on genetic information, metabolize food and regulate blood pressure and reproduction. It's also found in enzymes that control appetite and others that help wound healing. It's super important to take zinc if you're pregnant. Though I don't plan on babies for a while ;)

Fish Oil - I think Fish Oil is kind of an obvious, well known great supplement to take. It especially interests me because I am not a fan of fish or meat in general. I would rather eat a carrot. I don't mind shrimp, but they are bottom feeders and far from healthy. You can't get the special nutrients derived from fish if you just aren't eating it. Next best thing though, are fish oil vitamins. I got the odorless variety, to avoid fishy aftertaste and burps. Sorry, gross I know but has to be said.

Fish oil effects brain function, like the deepest parts. It can combat Depression, Alzheimer's, Schizophrenia, and so many more brain diseases by cleaning out unwanted plaque buildup. There is an endless list of how it will help your body if you take it. Here are a few: heart problems, inflammation, arthritis, anti-aging, better site, mental health.


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The Asian part of the world has it right. Fish makes up the majority of their protein. They also drink tea constantly. They live longer than most of us and they are still bright and functioning right before they die. It's an inspiration to me.

B12 and other B's -
B12- Is needed to convert carbohydrates into glucose in the body, thus leading to energy production and a decrease in fatigue and lethargy in the body. It helps in healthy regulation of the nervous system, reducing depression, stress, and brain shrinkage. Protects against heart disease by curbing and improving unhealthy cholesterol levels, protecting against stroke, and high blood pressure. Essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. It helps in cell reproduction and constant renewal of the skin. helps protect against cancers including breast, colon, lung, and prostrate cancer.

I got a droplet form which you can drip under your tongue up to four times a day! It will give you great energy and is great to combat low feelings and depression! The rest of the B's are as essential!

Now I just need Vitamin E, C and Niacin. Niacin has the power to basically cure depression. I'd like to see how that goes! The flushes don't make me excited, since I hate feeling hot or flushed but it's worth it! Skip the anti-flush types. Don't tamper with your bodies way of using it!

Do you take supplements? Have you found they help your overall health?