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As some of you may have gathered from previous posts (or know, if you know me in "real life"), we practice extended breastfeeding (beyond age 1) and child-led weaning. Bekah, 22 months, is still breastfeeding. We believe that children will wean when they are ready to do so, and should not be forced or even heavily encouraged to do so. Since we also have Daniel, who is of course nursing, we are doing what is called "tandem nursing," which is when two children of different ages are both breastfeeding at the same time.
There are many benefits to both practices -- extended nursing and tandem nursing. I'll start with a few here:
*Emotional Benefits: Kids have an emotional need to be close to their mothers, and some fulfill this by nursing. It's often observed that even non-nursing kids will snuggle against their mothers' breasts and seem to draw comfort there. Some older babies and toddlers will attempt to latch onto their mothers even if they didn't nurse. It seems to be biologically programmed for children to nurse and seek comfort that way.
*Discipline/tantrum benefits: There is no better way to get a toddler over a tantrum than to nurse. A toddler having a tantrum is completely out of control and totally overemotional. Nursing calms them and brings them back to equilibrium. Bekah can be crying constantly, unable to talk to me and out of control (and no amount of cuddling with either of us will help), but she'll nurse for five minutes and be completely fine again.
*Nutritional benefits: Toddlers are notoriously picky eaters. Even the ones who aren't picky are often too busy to eat sometimes and don't always get a good variety. If they are nursing, they are getting the proper balance of nutrients and fat and whatever else they eat is fine. That is, if they have days where they don't eat well, it isn't really a concern (obviously toddlers should be eating a varied diet of solids, assuming no medical issues). The content of the milk actually changes as the toddlers age, so it is perfect for them always!
*Bonding benefits: Sharing nursing times with siblings can be a very bonding experience. Siblings have been known to curl around each other, hold hands, stare at each other, etc. The older sibling doesn't need to feel pushed away, like only mommy and baby have that special time; the older sibling is included too.
*Health benefits for mom: Two years or more of breastfeeding, lifetime (not necessarily consecutively) has been shown to reduce the rates of breast and ovarian cancer and provide many other health benefits. Breastfeeding also helps moms to lose pregnancy weight.
There are many other benefits but those are just some major ones.
According to the CDC, in the U.S., 17% of babies are breastfed at 1 year, and almost 6% are still breastfeeding at 18 months (in 2003). Data past this age was not available (70% start initially, for reference). In a study that looked at parents who practice attachment parenting in particular (as we do), 83% were breastfeeding at 1 year, 66% at 2 years, and 44% at 3 years (this doesn't surprise me, as among my friends, you are "weird" if you wean your kid before age 2). So, clearly a subset of the population nurses their kids quite a long time!
I began breastfeeding with the intention of making it to one year -- which sometimes seemed very, very far away. At that time I read about extended nursing and tandem nursing but I just didn't think I could do it. However, what I didn't understand then was that I wouldn't be nursing "a toddler," but I would be nursing MY toddler! Once Bekah was a year, neither of us was at all ready to stop, and I was already pregnant with Daniel. We kept going, and have decided on baby-led weaning (which I'll discuss in a moment). Of course, with Daniel's arrival, we began tandem nursing. He is 5 months now and our nursing relationship is smooth. I feed Daniel (he is still exclusively breastfed; we will start baby-led solids when he is older) every 2 -3 hours, and Bekah nurses typically 3 - 4 times per day (morning, before nap, before bed, if she wakes at night or if she is upset during the day).
Child- or baby-led weaning means that the child chooses when to stop nursing, with no pressure from the parents. This doesn't mean there is NO communication about nursing, of course. Many toddlers start doing acrobatics while nursing (they enjoy standing on their heads, sitting facing you, twisting and turning, etc.) and asking to nurse by pulling up your shirt. At this point, toddlers are taught nursing manners: they are not allowed to nurse if they do any acrobatics, and they need to find a more appropriate way to ask to nurse (such as saying "milk" or another keyword, or signing "milk"). It's best, of course, if the keyword is neutral, not like "boobie!" because your child WILL yell it out in public sometimes. :) After age 1, nursing is really a give-and-take relationship. The mother can feel free to tell the child to wait if they are out, or she is busy, and can offer a substitute for nursing (cuddles, a story, a snack, etc.). If a child bites or doesn't mind his/her nursing manners, s/he may be asked to stop immediately. There is no concern about him/her getting "enough milk" as a toddler (barring allergies or health concerns, of course), so nursing sessions are primarily about comfort.
Many children go through a nursing "lull" around a year old. They lose interest because they are so focused on learning to walk, talk, etc. Some babies will actually self-wean at this point, and refuse to nurse anymore at all. Others will pick up more again after they've achieved their developmental milestone. Once they pick up, many toddlers need to nurse very often (3 - 6 times per day) throughout their second year. Between 2 and 3, many toddlers slow down again and several wean. Some children continue to nurse through their third and fourth years, and some as long as school age, although this is rare. Children who DO nurse past their third year often only nurse if they are sick, upset, etc. and this may be as infrequent as once a month. It is typically not a daily or multiple times a day thing anymore past the third year. There are always exceptions, but it is typical to nurse infrequently at an older age.
In a lot of cases, children nurse so infrequently at an older age that a parent will not notice they have weaned until they look back and realize it's been several weeks since the child's last nursing session. After a few months of not nursing, children will forget how to latch. Children also often lose the ability to latch around age 7 or so. A very good resource on the natural weaning age and how weaning occurs is Kathy Dettwyler's work (she is an anthropologist who has thoroughly studied the subject). I won't go into it in too much more detail because her work is really great, and that link is only a couple pages long, so click it to learn more.
A lot of people have misconceptions about extended and tandem nursing, which I'll try to clear up here:
*Older children nurse as often as babies -- Nope! Many older children only nurse once a day, or even just a couple times a week. Some nurse even less frequently than this.
*Older children will nurse during school; their mother will have to come at lunch time or recess -- Sorry! Most children over age 2 or 3 nurse only at home, and again, probably not very often. Their mothers certainly don't go to school to nurse them.
*Children need to stop nursing to learn to eat "proper" food and drink from a cup -- Not true! Most children learn to use a cup and eat adult food between 6 and 12 months, just like their non-nursing peers, and after age 1 get most of their food from solids and cups. Nursing doesn't mean they don't learn to get nutrition from other sources. After age 1, nursing is mainly (though not entirely) for comfort.
*Children will NEVER wean without their parents' encouragement -- Ever heard of a nursing teenager? It just doesn't happen. When a child outgrows the need to nurse, they will stop. This varies by child; some are actually under a year, while some are 7 or 8. But they will ALL eventually stop with no encouragement.
*Breastmilk doesn't provide any nutritional benefit after 1 year -- False. The milk changes as the child changes and is always perfect. It continues to provide the proper balance of fat and calories, as well as other nutrients, to fill in what the child may not be getting during their picky eating phases.
*Moms practice extended breastfeeding more for their own benefit; they don't want to let their babies grow up -- No way. Children nurse because THEY want to. They can't be forced to do so. Many mothers even grow weary of nursing after awhile, but remain committed to child-led weaning, even if they put some restrictions on nursing (i.e. "only before bed and upon waking"). The entire practice is geared towards meeting a child's needs, not an adult's.
*Nursing will teach children to seek food for comfort -- Nope. A person who uses food as comfort does so in lieu of a more appropriate source, like a friend or spouse or even writing in a journal. Nursing is a time of cuddling with mommy, having mommy's full attention, an intimate moment. The food is secondary, and a distant second at that. Mommy's attention is what matters most. Eventually, when the child weans, he will seek hugs and cuddles and closeness with his mother, not a separate source of food. Nursing a child just isn't the same as saying "Here, eat this piece of candy and stop crying."
*Breastmilk/feeding doesn't provide any other benefit after 1 year -- Sure it does! The many immune benefits continue for as long as nursing does (although the benefits have not been studied beyond age 2). Comfort continues, too. Nursing is a great parenting tool, because it can end tantrums quickly and make sick children feel better. In fact, sometimes breastmilk is the only food a sick child can tolerate.
*Children need to learn to seek comfort away from the breast in order to mature -- Yes, but it's not that simple. Children who are nursing do seek comfort in other ways, too. A child doesn't nurse EVERY time he is upset. Perhaps he needs to sometimes, but other times is satisfied with a kiss, a hug, a cuddle. Nursing is only ONE way that a child seeks comfort, and sometimes it is the most effective way. For example, if a child is devastated, beyond control, nursing can restore equilibrium in a matter of minutes instead of needing an hour to calm down. Children don't need to give up nursing to learn that comfort can be had in other ways too.
*Children who nurse past 1 are dependent and babyish -- Nope! Have you ever met one? Most children who are nursing are VERY confident and independent. They know that their need for cuddling and loving are being met, so they feel quite assured. They often enjoy new people and experiences because they are securely attached to their parents. It is children who are NOT securely attached who have issues with dependence because their needs are not being met.
Extended and tandem nursing is not for everyone, but it is a really great experience. Mothers feel very close to and in tune with their children, and their children feel securely attached to their mothers and very confident. I couldn't parent without it.
How do you feel about extended and tandem nursing? Have you ever done it? Do you have any other myths you'd like cleared up, or questions you'd like to ask?
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Baked Ravioli
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I made this for dinner this week and it was yummy! So I thought I'd share with you. :) It's also a GREAT real food recipe. Lots of pastured eggs, grass-fed beef, whole grain flour, raw milk cheese (if you want; we still can't do dairy).
Ingredients:
Dough:
1.5 c. flour
2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. basil
3 eggs
Water as necessary (less than 1/3 c.)
Filling:
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 c. bread crumbs
1 egg
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp. onion, minced
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
Sauce:
1/4 c. olive oil
1/4 c. onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 lb. ground beef (opt.)
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. oregano
3.5 c. crushed tomatoes
1 c. parmesan, romano, or mozzarella cheese (opt.)
Directions:
Mix all ingredients for dough together. Add a little water as needed until dough comes together and is smooth, but not sticky. Knead briefly on a floured cutting board, then set aside.
Mix together all ingredients for filling. Set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add onions and garlic and cook until softened. Add meat, if using, and cook until browned. Add salt, oregano, basil, and tomatoes. Let this simmer until ravioli is done, 1 - 2 hours.
Divide the dough into 3 equal parts. Roll out one part at a time until quite thin (you can also use a pasta machine to thin the dough). It should be no more than 1/8" thick. Cut into equal size squares. Place a small amount of filling in the center of half the squares, then place the other squares on top and pinch closed carefully on all sides. Set finished ravioli on a plate. (I wasn't particularly careful to make them look nice; I didn't make them match exactly in shape and size, nor did I measure the filling, and I didn't do anything to the edges. But this was just for us to eat. You can do a lot more to make them look pretty, but then it takes a lot longer.) Continue the same procedure with the other parts of dough until all the ravioli are finished.
(I made the filling with gluten-free breadcrumbs and made the extra filling into mini-meatballs for Bekah.)
While you are making the last set of ravioli, put a large pot of salted water on to boil. Place the ravioli into the boiling water in 3 or 4 batches (they should have enough room to swim) for 4 - 5 minutes. When they are done, scoop them into a 9 x 13 baking pan. When all the raviolis are done, cover with the sauce. Top with cheese if desired. Bake at 350 for 15 - 20 minutes. Serves 3 - 4.
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Comments on this post have been locked and updates are no longer being made to this page. Please click here to view this article on the new site.
I made this for dinner this week and it was yummy! So I thought I'd share with you. :) It's also a GREAT real food recipe. Lots of pastured eggs, grass-fed beef, whole grain flour, raw milk cheese (if you want; we still can't do dairy).
Ingredients:
Dough:
1.5 c. flour
2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. basil
3 eggs
Water as necessary (less than 1/3 c.)
Filling:
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 c. bread crumbs
1 egg
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp. onion, minced
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
Sauce:
1/4 c. olive oil
1/4 c. onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 lb. ground beef (opt.)
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. oregano
3.5 c. crushed tomatoes
1 c. parmesan, romano, or mozzarella cheese (opt.)
Directions:
Mix all ingredients for dough together. Add a little water as needed until dough comes together and is smooth, but not sticky. Knead briefly on a floured cutting board, then set aside.
Mix together all ingredients for filling. Set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add onions and garlic and cook until softened. Add meat, if using, and cook until browned. Add salt, oregano, basil, and tomatoes. Let this simmer until ravioli is done, 1 - 2 hours.
Divide the dough into 3 equal parts. Roll out one part at a time until quite thin (you can also use a pasta machine to thin the dough). It should be no more than 1/8" thick. Cut into equal size squares. Place a small amount of filling in the center of half the squares, then place the other squares on top and pinch closed carefully on all sides. Set finished ravioli on a plate. (I wasn't particularly careful to make them look nice; I didn't make them match exactly in shape and size, nor did I measure the filling, and I didn't do anything to the edges. But this was just for us to eat. You can do a lot more to make them look pretty, but then it takes a lot longer.) Continue the same procedure with the other parts of dough until all the ravioli are finished.
(I made the filling with gluten-free breadcrumbs and made the extra filling into mini-meatballs for Bekah.)
While you are making the last set of ravioli, put a large pot of salted water on to boil. Place the ravioli into the boiling water in 3 or 4 batches (they should have enough room to swim) for 4 - 5 minutes. When they are done, scoop them into a 9 x 13 baking pan. When all the raviolis are done, cover with the sauce. Top with cheese if desired. Bake at 350 for 15 - 20 minutes. Serves 3 - 4.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Homemade Diaper Rash Cream
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**This post has been entered in Things I Love Thursdays, because I really do love how well this cream works!!**
In my search to clear Bekah's diaper rash, I decided that I didn't really like any commercial products. They have too many ingredients in them and most are more of a barrier product than a healing product. I do like Burt's Bees and it's what I use if I have to use a commercial product, but I was pretty sure I could do better.
I researched the healing powers of many different ingredients. Both shea butter and sweet almond oil are known to heal and moisturize the skin. Comfrey and calendula are also known to heal the skin. Lavender oil is antibacterial (and smells nice), so this actually helps to "cure" the rash (Bekah's was bacterial). Coconut oil, too, is antibacterial and also soothing to the skin. Anything made by bees -- pollen, wax, honey -- is healing and antibacterial. All together, it makes the perfect rash cream!
Ingredients:
1/4 c. spring water
1 tbsp. comfrey leaves
2 tbsp. calendula flowers
1 tbsp. raw shea butter
1 tbsp. raw coconut oil
1 tbsp. beeswax
3 tbsp. sweet almond oil
10 drops essential oil
1 4-0z. glass jar with lid
Directions:
Mix 1/4 cup spring water with 1 tbsp. comfrey leaves and 2 tbsp. calendula. Simmer gently for 10 - 15 min. Strain, reserving the water.
In a double boiler (I used one pan in another, the bottom one filled with water), melt 1 tbsp. raw shea butter, 1 tbsp. beeswax, 1 tbsp. coconut oil, 3 tbsp. sweet almond oil, and add 2 tbsp. of the herbal liquid. Stir all together until everything is completely melted. Add 10 drops of essential oil (I used lavender but plan to experiment with others soon). Pour into a very clean 4 oz. glass jar. Allow to cool, then use like normal diaper cream.
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Comments on this post have been locked and updates are no longer being made to this page. Please click here to view this article on the new site.
**This post has been entered in Things I Love Thursdays, because I really do love how well this cream works!!**
In my search to clear Bekah's diaper rash, I decided that I didn't really like any commercial products. They have too many ingredients in them and most are more of a barrier product than a healing product. I do like Burt's Bees and it's what I use if I have to use a commercial product, but I was pretty sure I could do better.
I researched the healing powers of many different ingredients. Both shea butter and sweet almond oil are known to heal and moisturize the skin. Comfrey and calendula are also known to heal the skin. Lavender oil is antibacterial (and smells nice), so this actually helps to "cure" the rash (Bekah's was bacterial). Coconut oil, too, is antibacterial and also soothing to the skin. Anything made by bees -- pollen, wax, honey -- is healing and antibacterial. All together, it makes the perfect rash cream!
Ingredients:
1/4 c. spring water
1 tbsp. comfrey leaves
2 tbsp. calendula flowers
1 tbsp. raw shea butter
1 tbsp. raw coconut oil
1 tbsp. beeswax
3 tbsp. sweet almond oil
10 drops essential oil
1 4-0z. glass jar with lid
Directions:
Mix 1/4 cup spring water with 1 tbsp. comfrey leaves and 2 tbsp. calendula. Simmer gently for 10 - 15 min. Strain, reserving the water.
In a double boiler (I used one pan in another, the bottom one filled with water), melt 1 tbsp. raw shea butter, 1 tbsp. beeswax, 1 tbsp. coconut oil, 3 tbsp. sweet almond oil, and add 2 tbsp. of the herbal liquid. Stir all together until everything is completely melted. Add 10 drops of essential oil (I used lavender but plan to experiment with others soon). Pour into a very clean 4 oz. glass jar. Allow to cool, then use like normal diaper cream.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Health News Tuesday: Health Care Plan Update, BPA Ban, Tamiflu Scandal
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Health News Tuesday!
Senate's "Compromise" Bill in Response to Public Health Care
The government-run health care is facing serious opposition in the Senate, and a new option has been proposed. Ben and I predict none of it will pass in the end. :)
New Nano Technology Could Detect Cancer with Simple Blood Test
Very interesting, safer technology could be the answer to early cancer detection.
New York Senators Introduce Ban on BPA
Something that will help our children greatly! It's been banned in Canada and other countries already, and hopefully the U.S. is now following suit.
Children on Medicaid More Likely to Be Drugged
Scary statistics and how often and why children from low-income families are likely to be given anti-psychotics and other drugs.
Milk Thistle Cuts Liver Toxicity from Chemotherapy
Yet MORE evidence that alternative medicine works and is practical.
Tamiflu Approved Through Scientific Fraud
Tamiflu, which is derived from star anise (a natural medicine) was approved through the use of fraud in its clinical trials.
Fructose May Cause Metabolic Syndrome
Bad news for diabetics. Note the effect on cholesterol levels too; it seems to point to cholesterol being a symptom of a greater problem (i.e. inflammation caused by poor diet and metabolic disturbances) than a problem by itself.
Please visit our new site, ModernAlternativeMama.com.
Comments on this post have been locked and updates are no longer being made to this page. Please click here to view this article on the new site.
Health News Tuesday!
Senate's "Compromise" Bill in Response to Public Health Care
The government-run health care is facing serious opposition in the Senate, and a new option has been proposed. Ben and I predict none of it will pass in the end. :)
New Nano Technology Could Detect Cancer with Simple Blood Test
Very interesting, safer technology could be the answer to early cancer detection.
New York Senators Introduce Ban on BPA
Something that will help our children greatly! It's been banned in Canada and other countries already, and hopefully the U.S. is now following suit.
Children on Medicaid More Likely to Be Drugged
Scary statistics and how often and why children from low-income families are likely to be given anti-psychotics and other drugs.
Milk Thistle Cuts Liver Toxicity from Chemotherapy
Yet MORE evidence that alternative medicine works and is practical.
Tamiflu Approved Through Scientific Fraud
Tamiflu, which is derived from star anise (a natural medicine) was approved through the use of fraud in its clinical trials.
Fructose May Cause Metabolic Syndrome
Bad news for diabetics. Note the effect on cholesterol levels too; it seems to point to cholesterol being a symptom of a greater problem (i.e. inflammation caused by poor diet and metabolic disturbances) than a problem by itself.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Ways to Save Money Around the House
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**This has been entered in Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom!**
So far, we've discussed creating a budget and ideas to save money on that budget. That is, large ways to save, like refinancing the mortgage, cutting out entertainment, buying in bulk, etc. But there are other ways to save money, around the house. Simple, little things that most people don't even think about that can add up and make a big difference on how much you eventually spend on your bills.
Disposable Items
*Use less toilet paper -- limit yourself to only 3 - 4 squares per bathroom trip unless you really NEED more. Most times you don't. Check on your children to make sure they aren't grabbing a huge handful "just for fun," either. If we let her, Bekah would stand in the bathroom and throw the toilet paper in the toilet, sheet by sheet, all day. Obviously a waste!
*Use fewer paper towels -- When possible, use towels or something that can be washed instead. When a paper towel is necessary or truly more convenient, use only one, or even half a sheet. Whatever the smallest amount is that gets the job done.
*Reuse plastic baggies -- Rinse them out if they were messy, or just re-use them as is. If you've only had chips or something dry in them, you can use them right away. Lettuce can be in the same bag for a couple weeks before it needs rinsed. Any non-food item bags can obviously be re-used.
*Reuse EVERYTHING! -- "Anything else" falls in this category. You can reuse old canisters or bottles to store stuff (it doesn't have to be food) or turn into a children's toy. Old spice containers (plastic) make great toys! Basically, if there is a way something can be used again, do it. Get creative.
*Move away from disposables -- When possible, don't use ANYTHING disposable. No paper plates. No Kleenexes (ideas on how to get around this are coming soon). No disposable diapers (clearly we use cloth). No paper towels. No napkins. No plastic silverware. No plastic cups. Nothing! It isn't always possible, but do what you can.
Water Use
*Only wash FULL loads in the washer -- Combine loads if you have to, or wait an extra few days. If you must wash not full loads, at least use a lower water level.
*Consider low-flow toilets and showers -- A low flow toilet uses less than 2 gallons per flush, instead of 3 - 5. A low-flow shower head uses less than half as much as an ordinary head too. Reducing the overall length of your showers, or frequency, will save money on water, too!
*Don't flush the toilets so often -- Okay, you might think this is crazy. But a toilet doesn't need to be flushed EVERY time you pee in it. Let it go for 2 or 3 times and flush it only once or twice a day, instead of every time. This will save a lot of money if you have a big family. We do this on our upstairs toilets, though not the downstairs ones where guests go. Poop always gets flushed immediately. :)
*Reuse bath towels -- these can be used at least 3 - 4 times! Ideally, you should replace them about once a week, but NOT after every shower.
*Combining baths/showers -- If you have little kids, take them in the bath or shower with you. Or, bathe them together. Use less water for the bath. It will all save money, and time!
*Leave sinks off -- If you're washing dishes, fill the sink and just use that, don't keep the faucet running. If you're brushing your teeth, keep the water off except the wet the brush and to rinse. You can fill a small cup to rinse with, too, so you don't need the water on.
In the Kitchen
*Plan creative menus that use leftovers to avoid food waste -- Making chicken for dinner one night? Plan soup or sandwiches with the leftovers. Get creative with what's left in your fridge (or pantry) that will spoil if you don't use it. A wilting head of lettuce, last night's burgers and some old tomato sauce could turn into a sloppy-joe like meal with a side salad, for example.
*Compost food and garden -- Sometimes, you just won't get to the food in time. In that case, throw it into a compost pile and use it in your garden in the summer. Just don't add meats or oils of any kind, and of course no non-food items (coffee grounds, egg shells, etc. are okay).
*Don't buy things with a lot of packaging/individual servings -- Buy a big bottle of juice instead of individual sizes. Buy a huge box or bag of raisins instead of little ones. Then, split them yourself into individual servings if you like. I know, I prefer things in meal or snack-size portions too, but I put them into containers myself. Glass are ideal, but plastic or even baggies (reuse those!) work in a pinch.
*Planning meals that use food wisely (salads, soups, seasonal items, etc.) -- If you make a salad or soup, you can use some expensive ingredients (like meat) but stretch them far. One large chicken breast could be enough to serve 3 - 4 people if it's in soup; otherwise you'd need one per person. Also look at what items are in season and buy those, as they tend to be cheaper. If you can, stock up on seasonal items and can them or freeze them (home canned items are done in glass and don't have the BPA issues of store-canned foods).
Energy Use
*Turning lights off -- When you're not in the room, turn the lights off! During the day, just don't turn them on. This really applies to anything you're not using, like computers, the TV, etc.
*Closing unused heating registers and closing doors -- If there's a room you're not in much, close the heat registers and then close the door, so the heat doesn't have to reach that room.
*Lowering heating/raising air conditioning temperatures -- Thermostats can be lowered to 65 - 68 in the winter and 75 - 78 in the summer to maximize efficiency and cut heating/air bills. We actually don't have central a/c at all, just a couple window units, and we turn them on when we're in those rooms (one downstairs, one in our bedroom, one in Bekah's room).
*Consider Energy Star/High Efficiency appliances -- These will lower your energy bills. Although I have heard that HE washers are not great for cloth diapers, so it may be better to have one that you can adjust the water level yourself.
*Mow the lawn every other week in the summer instead of every week -- It'll be fine even it doesn't look super nice. :) It saves money on gas and it saves your time.
*Don't water the lawn -- It doesn't need it. If it's a dry summer it won't look the greatest, but what's more important? How your lawn looks (i.e. what the neighbors think), or saving money AND water?
Miscellaneous
*Learn to repair your home yourself, instead of paying a repairman -- There are some things you shouldn't do yourself, like major plumbing, but for simple fixes, learn to do it yourself. There are books you can buy that are a lot cheaper than a repairman, or even websites that will teach you. We have an advantage here. Ben grew up fixing up and remodeling houses with his dad, so he knows how to fix most anything, including the electrical! Certainly don't call a repairman if, say, your washer is simply off balance, or the garbage disposal doesn't work. Take personal responsibility and learn to repair small things on your own.
*Learn to do other things yourself, too: make your own coffee, mow your own lawn, cook your own meals, etc. -- We really covered this in the last post, but you don't need to go out to eat a lot, nor do you need to hire someone to do basic things like mow your lawn. :)
*Banish unnecessary items from your home -- Don't buy an extra piece of candy at the store (even if your kids were really good). Don't buy new toys (even for birthdays; they'll get new stuff from friends and family anyway). Don't buy food you won't eat. Don't buy unnecessary medicine (we don't buy anything OTC anymore)!
*Make things yourself -- Make your meals, sew buttons back onto your clothes, fix hems or rips in clothes, make your own baby toys (make sure they're safe), sew cirb sheets and blankets (it's easy!), etc.
There are LOTS of ways to save money around the house. Most of these are also environmentally-friendly, too. It's all about living a frugal and sustainable life!
What do you do to save money around the house?
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**This has been entered in Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom!**
So far, we've discussed creating a budget and ideas to save money on that budget. That is, large ways to save, like refinancing the mortgage, cutting out entertainment, buying in bulk, etc. But there are other ways to save money, around the house. Simple, little things that most people don't even think about that can add up and make a big difference on how much you eventually spend on your bills.
Disposable Items
*Use less toilet paper -- limit yourself to only 3 - 4 squares per bathroom trip unless you really NEED more. Most times you don't. Check on your children to make sure they aren't grabbing a huge handful "just for fun," either. If we let her, Bekah would stand in the bathroom and throw the toilet paper in the toilet, sheet by sheet, all day. Obviously a waste!
*Use fewer paper towels -- When possible, use towels or something that can be washed instead. When a paper towel is necessary or truly more convenient, use only one, or even half a sheet. Whatever the smallest amount is that gets the job done.
*Reuse plastic baggies -- Rinse them out if they were messy, or just re-use them as is. If you've only had chips or something dry in them, you can use them right away. Lettuce can be in the same bag for a couple weeks before it needs rinsed. Any non-food item bags can obviously be re-used.
*Reuse EVERYTHING! -- "Anything else" falls in this category. You can reuse old canisters or bottles to store stuff (it doesn't have to be food) or turn into a children's toy. Old spice containers (plastic) make great toys! Basically, if there is a way something can be used again, do it. Get creative.
*Move away from disposables -- When possible, don't use ANYTHING disposable. No paper plates. No Kleenexes (ideas on how to get around this are coming soon). No disposable diapers (clearly we use cloth). No paper towels. No napkins. No plastic silverware. No plastic cups. Nothing! It isn't always possible, but do what you can.
Water Use
*Only wash FULL loads in the washer -- Combine loads if you have to, or wait an extra few days. If you must wash not full loads, at least use a lower water level.
*Consider low-flow toilets and showers -- A low flow toilet uses less than 2 gallons per flush, instead of 3 - 5. A low-flow shower head uses less than half as much as an ordinary head too. Reducing the overall length of your showers, or frequency, will save money on water, too!
*Don't flush the toilets so often -- Okay, you might think this is crazy. But a toilet doesn't need to be flushed EVERY time you pee in it. Let it go for 2 or 3 times and flush it only once or twice a day, instead of every time. This will save a lot of money if you have a big family. We do this on our upstairs toilets, though not the downstairs ones where guests go. Poop always gets flushed immediately. :)
*Reuse bath towels -- these can be used at least 3 - 4 times! Ideally, you should replace them about once a week, but NOT after every shower.
*Combining baths/showers -- If you have little kids, take them in the bath or shower with you. Or, bathe them together. Use less water for the bath. It will all save money, and time!
*Leave sinks off -- If you're washing dishes, fill the sink and just use that, don't keep the faucet running. If you're brushing your teeth, keep the water off except the wet the brush and to rinse. You can fill a small cup to rinse with, too, so you don't need the water on.
In the Kitchen
*Plan creative menus that use leftovers to avoid food waste -- Making chicken for dinner one night? Plan soup or sandwiches with the leftovers. Get creative with what's left in your fridge (or pantry) that will spoil if you don't use it. A wilting head of lettuce, last night's burgers and some old tomato sauce could turn into a sloppy-joe like meal with a side salad, for example.
*Compost food and garden -- Sometimes, you just won't get to the food in time. In that case, throw it into a compost pile and use it in your garden in the summer. Just don't add meats or oils of any kind, and of course no non-food items (coffee grounds, egg shells, etc. are okay).
*Don't buy things with a lot of packaging/individual servings -- Buy a big bottle of juice instead of individual sizes. Buy a huge box or bag of raisins instead of little ones. Then, split them yourself into individual servings if you like. I know, I prefer things in meal or snack-size portions too, but I put them into containers myself. Glass are ideal, but plastic or even baggies (reuse those!) work in a pinch.
*Planning meals that use food wisely (salads, soups, seasonal items, etc.) -- If you make a salad or soup, you can use some expensive ingredients (like meat) but stretch them far. One large chicken breast could be enough to serve 3 - 4 people if it's in soup; otherwise you'd need one per person. Also look at what items are in season and buy those, as they tend to be cheaper. If you can, stock up on seasonal items and can them or freeze them (home canned items are done in glass and don't have the BPA issues of store-canned foods).
Energy Use
*Turning lights off -- When you're not in the room, turn the lights off! During the day, just don't turn them on. This really applies to anything you're not using, like computers, the TV, etc.
*Closing unused heating registers and closing doors -- If there's a room you're not in much, close the heat registers and then close the door, so the heat doesn't have to reach that room.
*Lowering heating/raising air conditioning temperatures -- Thermostats can be lowered to 65 - 68 in the winter and 75 - 78 in the summer to maximize efficiency and cut heating/air bills. We actually don't have central a/c at all, just a couple window units, and we turn them on when we're in those rooms (one downstairs, one in our bedroom, one in Bekah's room).
*Consider Energy Star/High Efficiency appliances -- These will lower your energy bills. Although I have heard that HE washers are not great for cloth diapers, so it may be better to have one that you can adjust the water level yourself.
*Mow the lawn every other week in the summer instead of every week -- It'll be fine even it doesn't look super nice. :) It saves money on gas and it saves your time.
*Don't water the lawn -- It doesn't need it. If it's a dry summer it won't look the greatest, but what's more important? How your lawn looks (i.e. what the neighbors think), or saving money AND water?
Miscellaneous
*Learn to repair your home yourself, instead of paying a repairman -- There are some things you shouldn't do yourself, like major plumbing, but for simple fixes, learn to do it yourself. There are books you can buy that are a lot cheaper than a repairman, or even websites that will teach you. We have an advantage here. Ben grew up fixing up and remodeling houses with his dad, so he knows how to fix most anything, including the electrical! Certainly don't call a repairman if, say, your washer is simply off balance, or the garbage disposal doesn't work. Take personal responsibility and learn to repair small things on your own.
*Learn to do other things yourself, too: make your own coffee, mow your own lawn, cook your own meals, etc. -- We really covered this in the last post, but you don't need to go out to eat a lot, nor do you need to hire someone to do basic things like mow your lawn. :)
*Banish unnecessary items from your home -- Don't buy an extra piece of candy at the store (even if your kids were really good). Don't buy new toys (even for birthdays; they'll get new stuff from friends and family anyway). Don't buy food you won't eat. Don't buy unnecessary medicine (we don't buy anything OTC anymore)!
*Make things yourself -- Make your meals, sew buttons back onto your clothes, fix hems or rips in clothes, make your own baby toys (make sure they're safe), sew cirb sheets and blankets (it's easy!), etc.
There are LOTS of ways to save money around the house. Most of these are also environmentally-friendly, too. It's all about living a frugal and sustainable life!
What do you do to save money around the house?
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Germ Theory
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Please visit our new site, ModernAlternativeMama.com.
Comments on this post have been locked and updates are no longer being made to this page. Please click here to view this article on the new site.
As most of you who've read this blog for any length of time know, I am against modern medicine. Some of you think I am plain crazy; others think I am merely a bit extreme. I thought I would try to explain, though, why I believe what I do. I haven't truly chosen to reject modern medicine because I think doctors are evil, or the corporations are out to get us. In general I find them misguided but intending good (there are SOME out there who are just interested in profit, as I've said before, but on the whole I think most individuals are intending good). Also, again, I do believe in TRAUMA medicine -- I think it's great that we have doctors who can set broken bones, stitch deep wounds, and perform reconstructive surgery. If I'm in an accident, there's nothing I'd rather have. But barring that, I'll skip modern medicine, thanks.
The truth as to why I don't believe in modern medicine lies in something called "germ theory." Germ theory is the idea that there are specific bugs or 'germs' that cause all disease. These germs could be viruses or bacteria. There are many different kinds, they all have specific names, and they cause specific diseases that produce specific sets of symptoms. Therefore, these diseases can be helped (i.e. cured) by creating antibiotics or vaccines which either kill the germ or prevent the germ from making us sick in the first place. This theory is what modern medicine is based on.
I don't believe in germ theory. It fails to explain several things. 1) Why infection rates in "exposed" individuals vary from 20 - 40% on average (why don't the rest of the exposed people get sick, too?). 2) Why individuals have varying severities of the illness (if the specific germ produces specific symptoms, it should be the same in all individuals). 3) Why symptoms/presentation varies from person to person (again, symptoms should be the same if the germ/disease is the same). 4) Why so many "different" diseases present with nearly the exact same symptoms (why are there 500 diseases that all present with "fever, cough, congestion and sore throat" for example?)
First, let's talk about some history of germ theory. It was first theorized in the 1860s by Louis Pasteur (who invented pasteurization), in opposition to a theory called "spontaneous generation." That theory posited that living things could come from non-living things (evolution anyone?) and that people got sick due to this 'spontaneous generation' of illness, but this theory was disproven. (That's NOT what I'm going to argue is the cause of illness.) Basically, Pasteur noted that when things were exposed to air (in many experiments, they used broth), they became "contaminated" and went bad. Therefore, something must be in the air, a "germ," which caused this to happen, since when broth was NOT exposed to air, it did not go bad. Then, in the 1870s, another scientist (Koch) used Pasteur's work and Semmelweiss's (who came up with the idea of hand washing to prevent disease) and said, theoretically, that specific microbes must cause specific diseases. Sometime after this viruses were "discovered," although none were ever seen until the invention of the electron microscope in the 1900s. And even then, "Most viruses are far too tiny to be seen in an ordinary high-powered microscope, except perhaps as a minute spot of light against a dark background." Francis Crick, 1988. That is to say, most viruses are too tiny to have ever been really seen or studied. A tiny speck of light could be anything -- even just a shadow.
For a long time, it was thought that only bacteria could cause illness. Now, there is the theory of viruses, which I addressed briefly above. It has also been noted that there is a lot of "natural flora" that exists in living organisms. That is, we have a lot of "good" bacteria that lives in and on us, not just bad bacteria. Most people are now familiar with this, because everyone is talking about probiotics and that sort of thing. For the scientists, in developing germ theory, though, the normal gut flora is glossed over (in fact, this is an area that is fairly new to heavy research) and the illness-causing bacteria is focused on.
I'm going to start with the normal flora to explain why we get sick. Every living organism on the planet has some sort of natural, healthy state. This state includes all of the organism's "vital signs" (in humans, pulse, respiration, temperature, etc.) and its normal balance of bacteria. In humans, it is notable that approximately 70% of the immune system is found in the gut flora (that is a recent discovery). I believe that this balance is somewhat precarious, and that if the balance is thrown off by anything -- stress, antibiotic use, too much junk food, environmental toxins, etc. -- illness results. That is, it is not a specific "germ" that is responsible for illness, but the entire balance of different types of bacteria within a person. There are no specific germs that cause specific diseases. Rather, when the gut flora becomes unbalanced, a person's body will produce symptoms to rid itself of whatever is in excess and restore whatever is low in order to achieve balance again.
This theory explains why people who are heavily exposed to environmental toxins get sick much more often, in general, than those who are not. It is known and accepted that those who eat a lot of junk food, smoke, drink, etc. tend to get sick more often than those who do not do those things. Those who have "unhealthy practices" have higher toxin loads and need to detox more often. It also explains why people can have different symptoms in response to the "same" illness -- they are producing whatever symptoms their individual body needs in order to become healthy again. It also explains why many people can be exposed to an illness and NOT get sick, because their body may not need to detox at that time.
Yes, there are things this theory doesn't explain -- such as exactly why a group of people do all seem to become sick at the same time. I believe further research is needed to understand this. However, I think that there is some type of energy or body chemistry that can trigger detox in people who require it by being around those who are sick, if that makes sense. Let me give you an example.
There is a family of 4. All 4 live together and share everything -- they hug, kiss, share glasses, silverware, etc. If one is sick, all are thoroughly exposed. It is also worth noting that two are children and both are nursing (okay, this really happened to us :) ). One child becomes sick, and presents with low grade fever, vomitting, heavy congestion, coughing, disturbed/restless sleep and loss of appetite. Two days later the other child is sick, but presents with minor congestion and coughing, no other symptoms. The next day a parent gets sick, presenting with scratchy throat and minor congestion. The other parent does not get sick. If germ theory were true, they would ALL get sick, and they would all present with the same symptoms in the same severity. I believe in this case, the first child gets sick and passes her "needs" to the mother via saliva while nursing. The mother's body produces bacteria/antibodies to help her heal and build her immune system, but these antibodies also go to the second nursing child. This produces symptoms, mildly, in the mother and second child, but NOT the father, who does not participate in the nursing relationship. Can I prove this? No. But I believe this theory better accounts for what occurred than germ theory does.
It is worth noting that if germ theory is false, or even if parts of it are false, then antibiotics and vaccinations are generally useless. Vaccination is ALWAYS useless, and antibiotics are almost always useless. Antibiotics kill bacteria, but they are non-specific. They kill all forms of bacteria, so they can kill (probably) whatever type of bacteria is in excess and making you sick, but they also kill off the helpful bacteria. This doesn't actually heal you (just provides temporary relief), but continues the cycle of off-balance bacteria. This is why recurrent or secondary infections (like yeast infections) are common with antibiotic use. Also, because antibiotics are derived in a lab, they are "dead" and they function the same every time. The bacteria is living and it learns to outsmart the antibiotics, so to speak, breeding "super bacteria" like MRSA. Even 10 or 15 years ago this might have sounded ridiculous...but today we are all too aware of the dangers of MRSA.
If, instead, a person heals naturally (without any aid), the body will restore its own balance and reinfection is unlikely. For severe infections, there are plant-based medicines that can help. Think of it this way: all the plants that grow in the wild must protect themselves from mold, viruses, and bacteria. They clearly manage to do so in most cases because plants thrive. Taking the oils from these plants, therefore, can give the benefit of this "natural medicine" that keeps the plant alive. Essential oils, which are derived from plants and kept as living substances (i.e. not processed with heat or chemicals) contain antibacterial and anti-viral (if you believe in viruses) properties. They change and evolve with the bacteria and can help to restore the proper balance, rather than just killing all bacteria. Other substances, like vitamin C, boost the body's immune system to help it overcome the infection more quickly (exactly how this happens, I won't get into just now).
So, after studying this subject for awhile, and of course the simple fact that I believe that God gave us all the medicine we'll ever need naturally (are you aware that all medicine is originally derived from natural substances anyway?), I do not believe in germ theory or the use of modern medicine. This doesn't include anomalies like type I diabetes or unusual failures of the body, which would have caused certain death before inventions like insulin. I'm talking about everyday, general health. I don't believe that vaccines prevent disease, or that antibiotics cure it. I believe modern medicine is best saved for anomalies (like people born with heart conditions, type I diabetes, transverse babies requiring c-sections, trauma, etc.) and not for routine care. I think it is a mistake for people to rely so heavily and casually on the use of medication. How many people pop antacids or Tylenol any time they feel a little off, and don't think twice about it? We're messing with our body chemistry and, I believe, causing more illness than we're curing.
Unfortunately the more scientists learn, the more fascinated they are about possibilities and implications of medicine. They are eager for technology to replace "old ways" and they believe that they can improve upon nature. I believe this, too, is false. You can't improve nature. Doctors want to help, and researchers mean well, but they are caught up in a false system of beliefs, an incorrect theory. I believe that with continued research (because after all, the knowledge of gut flora and probiotics is relatively recent), they will come to understand this. I believe there are many researchers out there who are open minded and want to know. I also believe there are some who are seriously biased and who will cling to their current theories and ideas and refuse to believe in change.
This sums up my beliefs about health, medicine, and why I feel the way I do. I hope it has opened your mind to new possibilities and that it explains my position a little better.
Further Reading:
The Germ Theory: A Faulty Medical Model
What do you believe? Has any of this changed the way you think about health?
Please visit our new site, ModernAlternativeMama.com.
Comments on this post have been locked and updates are no longer being made to this page. Please click here to view this article on the new site.
As most of you who've read this blog for any length of time know, I am against modern medicine. Some of you think I am plain crazy; others think I am merely a bit extreme. I thought I would try to explain, though, why I believe what I do. I haven't truly chosen to reject modern medicine because I think doctors are evil, or the corporations are out to get us. In general I find them misguided but intending good (there are SOME out there who are just interested in profit, as I've said before, but on the whole I think most individuals are intending good). Also, again, I do believe in TRAUMA medicine -- I think it's great that we have doctors who can set broken bones, stitch deep wounds, and perform reconstructive surgery. If I'm in an accident, there's nothing I'd rather have. But barring that, I'll skip modern medicine, thanks.
The truth as to why I don't believe in modern medicine lies in something called "germ theory." Germ theory is the idea that there are specific bugs or 'germs' that cause all disease. These germs could be viruses or bacteria. There are many different kinds, they all have specific names, and they cause specific diseases that produce specific sets of symptoms. Therefore, these diseases can be helped (i.e. cured) by creating antibiotics or vaccines which either kill the germ or prevent the germ from making us sick in the first place. This theory is what modern medicine is based on.
I don't believe in germ theory. It fails to explain several things. 1) Why infection rates in "exposed" individuals vary from 20 - 40% on average (why don't the rest of the exposed people get sick, too?). 2) Why individuals have varying severities of the illness (if the specific germ produces specific symptoms, it should be the same in all individuals). 3) Why symptoms/presentation varies from person to person (again, symptoms should be the same if the germ/disease is the same). 4) Why so many "different" diseases present with nearly the exact same symptoms (why are there 500 diseases that all present with "fever, cough, congestion and sore throat" for example?)
First, let's talk about some history of germ theory. It was first theorized in the 1860s by Louis Pasteur (who invented pasteurization), in opposition to a theory called "spontaneous generation." That theory posited that living things could come from non-living things (evolution anyone?) and that people got sick due to this 'spontaneous generation' of illness, but this theory was disproven. (That's NOT what I'm going to argue is the cause of illness.) Basically, Pasteur noted that when things were exposed to air (in many experiments, they used broth), they became "contaminated" and went bad. Therefore, something must be in the air, a "germ," which caused this to happen, since when broth was NOT exposed to air, it did not go bad. Then, in the 1870s, another scientist (Koch) used Pasteur's work and Semmelweiss's (who came up with the idea of hand washing to prevent disease) and said, theoretically, that specific microbes must cause specific diseases. Sometime after this viruses were "discovered," although none were ever seen until the invention of the electron microscope in the 1900s. And even then, "Most viruses are far too tiny to be seen in an ordinary high-powered microscope, except perhaps as a minute spot of light against a dark background." Francis Crick, 1988. That is to say, most viruses are too tiny to have ever been really seen or studied. A tiny speck of light could be anything -- even just a shadow.
For a long time, it was thought that only bacteria could cause illness. Now, there is the theory of viruses, which I addressed briefly above. It has also been noted that there is a lot of "natural flora" that exists in living organisms. That is, we have a lot of "good" bacteria that lives in and on us, not just bad bacteria. Most people are now familiar with this, because everyone is talking about probiotics and that sort of thing. For the scientists, in developing germ theory, though, the normal gut flora is glossed over (in fact, this is an area that is fairly new to heavy research) and the illness-causing bacteria is focused on.
I'm going to start with the normal flora to explain why we get sick. Every living organism on the planet has some sort of natural, healthy state. This state includes all of the organism's "vital signs" (in humans, pulse, respiration, temperature, etc.) and its normal balance of bacteria. In humans, it is notable that approximately 70% of the immune system is found in the gut flora (that is a recent discovery). I believe that this balance is somewhat precarious, and that if the balance is thrown off by anything -- stress, antibiotic use, too much junk food, environmental toxins, etc. -- illness results. That is, it is not a specific "germ" that is responsible for illness, but the entire balance of different types of bacteria within a person. There are no specific germs that cause specific diseases. Rather, when the gut flora becomes unbalanced, a person's body will produce symptoms to rid itself of whatever is in excess and restore whatever is low in order to achieve balance again.
This theory explains why people who are heavily exposed to environmental toxins get sick much more often, in general, than those who are not. It is known and accepted that those who eat a lot of junk food, smoke, drink, etc. tend to get sick more often than those who do not do those things. Those who have "unhealthy practices" have higher toxin loads and need to detox more often. It also explains why people can have different symptoms in response to the "same" illness -- they are producing whatever symptoms their individual body needs in order to become healthy again. It also explains why many people can be exposed to an illness and NOT get sick, because their body may not need to detox at that time.
Yes, there are things this theory doesn't explain -- such as exactly why a group of people do all seem to become sick at the same time. I believe further research is needed to understand this. However, I think that there is some type of energy or body chemistry that can trigger detox in people who require it by being around those who are sick, if that makes sense. Let me give you an example.
There is a family of 4. All 4 live together and share everything -- they hug, kiss, share glasses, silverware, etc. If one is sick, all are thoroughly exposed. It is also worth noting that two are children and both are nursing (okay, this really happened to us :) ). One child becomes sick, and presents with low grade fever, vomitting, heavy congestion, coughing, disturbed/restless sleep and loss of appetite. Two days later the other child is sick, but presents with minor congestion and coughing, no other symptoms. The next day a parent gets sick, presenting with scratchy throat and minor congestion. The other parent does not get sick. If germ theory were true, they would ALL get sick, and they would all present with the same symptoms in the same severity. I believe in this case, the first child gets sick and passes her "needs" to the mother via saliva while nursing. The mother's body produces bacteria/antibodies to help her heal and build her immune system, but these antibodies also go to the second nursing child. This produces symptoms, mildly, in the mother and second child, but NOT the father, who does not participate in the nursing relationship. Can I prove this? No. But I believe this theory better accounts for what occurred than germ theory does.
It is worth noting that if germ theory is false, or even if parts of it are false, then antibiotics and vaccinations are generally useless. Vaccination is ALWAYS useless, and antibiotics are almost always useless. Antibiotics kill bacteria, but they are non-specific. They kill all forms of bacteria, so they can kill (probably) whatever type of bacteria is in excess and making you sick, but they also kill off the helpful bacteria. This doesn't actually heal you (just provides temporary relief), but continues the cycle of off-balance bacteria. This is why recurrent or secondary infections (like yeast infections) are common with antibiotic use. Also, because antibiotics are derived in a lab, they are "dead" and they function the same every time. The bacteria is living and it learns to outsmart the antibiotics, so to speak, breeding "super bacteria" like MRSA. Even 10 or 15 years ago this might have sounded ridiculous...but today we are all too aware of the dangers of MRSA.
If, instead, a person heals naturally (without any aid), the body will restore its own balance and reinfection is unlikely. For severe infections, there are plant-based medicines that can help. Think of it this way: all the plants that grow in the wild must protect themselves from mold, viruses, and bacteria. They clearly manage to do so in most cases because plants thrive. Taking the oils from these plants, therefore, can give the benefit of this "natural medicine" that keeps the plant alive. Essential oils, which are derived from plants and kept as living substances (i.e. not processed with heat or chemicals) contain antibacterial and anti-viral (if you believe in viruses) properties. They change and evolve with the bacteria and can help to restore the proper balance, rather than just killing all bacteria. Other substances, like vitamin C, boost the body's immune system to help it overcome the infection more quickly (exactly how this happens, I won't get into just now).
So, after studying this subject for awhile, and of course the simple fact that I believe that God gave us all the medicine we'll ever need naturally (are you aware that all medicine is originally derived from natural substances anyway?), I do not believe in germ theory or the use of modern medicine. This doesn't include anomalies like type I diabetes or unusual failures of the body, which would have caused certain death before inventions like insulin. I'm talking about everyday, general health. I don't believe that vaccines prevent disease, or that antibiotics cure it. I believe modern medicine is best saved for anomalies (like people born with heart conditions, type I diabetes, transverse babies requiring c-sections, trauma, etc.) and not for routine care. I think it is a mistake for people to rely so heavily and casually on the use of medication. How many people pop antacids or Tylenol any time they feel a little off, and don't think twice about it? We're messing with our body chemistry and, I believe, causing more illness than we're curing.
Unfortunately the more scientists learn, the more fascinated they are about possibilities and implications of medicine. They are eager for technology to replace "old ways" and they believe that they can improve upon nature. I believe this, too, is false. You can't improve nature. Doctors want to help, and researchers mean well, but they are caught up in a false system of beliefs, an incorrect theory. I believe that with continued research (because after all, the knowledge of gut flora and probiotics is relatively recent), they will come to understand this. I believe there are many researchers out there who are open minded and want to know. I also believe there are some who are seriously biased and who will cling to their current theories and ideas and refuse to believe in change.
This sums up my beliefs about health, medicine, and why I feel the way I do. I hope it has opened your mind to new possibilities and that it explains my position a little better.
Further Reading:
The Germ Theory: A Faulty Medical Model
What do you believe? Has any of this changed the way you think about health?
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Recovering from Colds
**We've moved!!**
Please visit our new site, ModernAlternativeMama.com.
Comments on this post have been locked and updates are no longer being made to this page. Please click here to view this article on the new site.
**This post has been entered into the Works For Me Wednesdays at We Are That Family!**
Somehow, I missed this post when I was looking at my schedule! I thought I had everything done through next Wednesday. But, now you see that sometimes taking care of my family means that I do forget about the blog from time to time. :)
Recently, we all got colds! It happens sometimes in the winter. Bekah got hit the hardest and had a few miserable days, but the rest of us mostly just had the sniffles. There were several things we did to help ourselves feel better, though, none of which included drugs!
First, I made some homemade chicken vegetable soup. Soup made with fresh chicken stock is very soothing and healing. The broth itself pulls the toxins and yuck out of your body, actually healing you faster. Plus, it just tastes good. To this, I added a large clove of garlic (per bowl), crushed right before serving. Garlic loses most of its benefits if it is heated or after a couple of hours, so it's important to add it late like this. Yes, that made the soup VERY strong and some people can't stomach that. But it really helps. I felt like my throat was less sore and my sinuses were clearer after eating this soup. Another idea (borrowed from Keeper of the Home) is to crush the garlic and smear it on a piece of bread, and add lots of butter or olive oil, and eat it as garlic bread. I didn't do that this time, but I did a few weeks ago when I just felt a bit tired and needed a boost. In addition to garlic, I also added some cayenne pepper to the soup just before serving. The capsacin in peppers also helps to clear sinuses.
Next, I made some echinacea tea with raw honey in it. The tea also had a lot of peppermint. This tea really soothed ALL of us. It's naturally caffeine-free because it is herbal, so I gave it to Bekah, too. I also gave her honey on a spoon to soothe her cough. She enjoyed it, and studies have shown that honey is more effective than drugstore cough syrup, and much safer, especially in children.
One night I had trouble sleeping because of a sinus headache. For most, that means a trip to the doctor for antibiotics. But not here. :) I put cool compresses on my forehead because it made my headache feel better. Then, I used hot compresses on my cheekbones, and applied pressure, starting next to my nose and running out towards my nose, to help clear the congestion and blockage. Finally, I used a mix of olive oil and eucalyptus oil in my ears to help clear them and to kill any bacteria that was there (eucalyptus oil is naturally antibacterial). I let the oil sit in each ear (one at a time) dor a couple minutes, then let it drain out. I also drank plenty of water and tried to blow my nose a lot. An hour later my headache was mostly gone and I felt much better. In the morning, the headache and sinus pressure were gone.
A side note: over-the-counter cold remedies are meant only to relieve symptoms, not to actually cure colds. Rest and time will cure colds, but the remedies I'm describing can help the process along.
In Bekah's room, we set up a warm-mist vaporizer with eucalyptus and lavender oil in it. This helps her a lot. I also put both children in a bath with these oils. Eucalyptus clears sinuses and improves breathing, and lavender helps relaxation.
With Daniel, who is only not quite 5 months (3 more days!), I didn't feel comfortable giving him anything directly. I took extra vitamin C for both of us (3 - 4 grams per day), and I also sprayed breastmilk up his nose to loosen the congestion. There is saline solution available commercially for this purpose, but breastmilk works better, is free, and doesn't make him angry. Breastmilk also contains antibodies that can actually help to get rid of the cold, rather than just loosen the congestion. I used a nasal aspirator on both kids to suck the worst of the mucus away from them. They both really hate it, but Bekah realizes it makes her feel better and will actually bring me the aspirator and point at her nose. This doesn't stop her from crying a bit and squirming while I'm doing it, but she agrees she feels better after and she does keep asking me to do it. (She did actually while I was writing this!)
How do you help your colds? Is there anything that works for you?
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**This post has been entered into the Works For Me Wednesdays at We Are That Family!**
Somehow, I missed this post when I was looking at my schedule! I thought I had everything done through next Wednesday. But, now you see that sometimes taking care of my family means that I do forget about the blog from time to time. :)
Recently, we all got colds! It happens sometimes in the winter. Bekah got hit the hardest and had a few miserable days, but the rest of us mostly just had the sniffles. There were several things we did to help ourselves feel better, though, none of which included drugs!
First, I made some homemade chicken vegetable soup. Soup made with fresh chicken stock is very soothing and healing. The broth itself pulls the toxins and yuck out of your body, actually healing you faster. Plus, it just tastes good. To this, I added a large clove of garlic (per bowl), crushed right before serving. Garlic loses most of its benefits if it is heated or after a couple of hours, so it's important to add it late like this. Yes, that made the soup VERY strong and some people can't stomach that. But it really helps. I felt like my throat was less sore and my sinuses were clearer after eating this soup. Another idea (borrowed from Keeper of the Home) is to crush the garlic and smear it on a piece of bread, and add lots of butter or olive oil, and eat it as garlic bread. I didn't do that this time, but I did a few weeks ago when I just felt a bit tired and needed a boost. In addition to garlic, I also added some cayenne pepper to the soup just before serving. The capsacin in peppers also helps to clear sinuses.
Next, I made some echinacea tea with raw honey in it. The tea also had a lot of peppermint. This tea really soothed ALL of us. It's naturally caffeine-free because it is herbal, so I gave it to Bekah, too. I also gave her honey on a spoon to soothe her cough. She enjoyed it, and studies have shown that honey is more effective than drugstore cough syrup, and much safer, especially in children.
One night I had trouble sleeping because of a sinus headache. For most, that means a trip to the doctor for antibiotics. But not here. :) I put cool compresses on my forehead because it made my headache feel better. Then, I used hot compresses on my cheekbones, and applied pressure, starting next to my nose and running out towards my nose, to help clear the congestion and blockage. Finally, I used a mix of olive oil and eucalyptus oil in my ears to help clear them and to kill any bacteria that was there (eucalyptus oil is naturally antibacterial). I let the oil sit in each ear (one at a time) dor a couple minutes, then let it drain out. I also drank plenty of water and tried to blow my nose a lot. An hour later my headache was mostly gone and I felt much better. In the morning, the headache and sinus pressure were gone.
A side note: over-the-counter cold remedies are meant only to relieve symptoms, not to actually cure colds. Rest and time will cure colds, but the remedies I'm describing can help the process along.
In Bekah's room, we set up a warm-mist vaporizer with eucalyptus and lavender oil in it. This helps her a lot. I also put both children in a bath with these oils. Eucalyptus clears sinuses and improves breathing, and lavender helps relaxation.
With Daniel, who is only not quite 5 months (3 more days!), I didn't feel comfortable giving him anything directly. I took extra vitamin C for both of us (3 - 4 grams per day), and I also sprayed breastmilk up his nose to loosen the congestion. There is saline solution available commercially for this purpose, but breastmilk works better, is free, and doesn't make him angry. Breastmilk also contains antibodies that can actually help to get rid of the cold, rather than just loosen the congestion. I used a nasal aspirator on both kids to suck the worst of the mucus away from them. They both really hate it, but Bekah realizes it makes her feel better and will actually bring me the aspirator and point at her nose. This doesn't stop her from crying a bit and squirming while I'm doing it, but she agrees she feels better after and she does keep asking me to do it. (She did actually while I was writing this!)
How do you help your colds? Is there anything that works for you?
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