Walk

The Gospel Tool Kit

Skills for Increasing Happiness by Russ Seigenberg, Ph.D.

Mental Health Book

http://www.ldsmentalhealth.blogspot.com/

Upper right hand corner green box.  Click on free link to the book.  

Emergency Gallbladder Surgery: Do You Need It, Or Can You Afford To Wait?

Sharon Theimer, Mayo Clinic
Study: younger, older people likelier to visit ER repeatedly with gallstone pain before surgery
Gallstone pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit emergency rooms. Figuring out who needs emergency gallbladder removal and who can go home and schedule surgery at their convenience is sometimes a tricky question, and it isn’t always answered correctly. A new Mayo Clinic study found that 1 in 5 patients who went to the emergency room with gallbladder pain and were sent home to schedule surgery returned to the ER within 30 days needing emergency gallbladder removal. The surgical complication rate rises with the time lag before surgery, the researchers say.
“It makes a big difference if you get the right treatment at the right time,” says co-lead author Juliane Bingener-Casey, M.D., a gastroenterologic surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. The study is published in the Journal of Surgical Research.
Often it’s obvious who needs emergency gallbladder removal, a procedure known as cholecystectomy, who can delay it and who doesn’t need surgery at all. But sometimes patients fall into a gray area. Mayo researchers are working to develop a reliable tool to help determine the best course of action in those cases, and the newly published study is a first step, Dr. Bingener-Casey says.
How to handle gallstone patients is a cost and quality issue in health care. In the United States, 1 in 10 women and 1 in 15 men have gallstones, and more than 1 million people a year are hospitalized for gallstone disease. The fatty food common in U.S. diets is a contributing factor, Dr. Bingener-Casey says.
ER visits and emergency surgery are typically more expensive than scheduled surgeries. In addition to cost issues, patients often prefer the convenience of scheduling surgery, so they can arrange child care and leave from work, for example. But delaying a needed gallbladder removal more than six days increases the surgical complication rate and may make patients likelier to need open-abdomen surgery rather than a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure, the researchers noted.
“Gallbladder disease is very frequent and it’s one of the most expensive diseases for the nation as a whole. If we can get that right the first time, I think we can make things better for a lot of people,” Dr. Bingener-Casey says.
Researchers studied the billing records of 3,138 patients at Mayo in Rochester between 2000 and 2013 who went to the emergency department for abdominal pain within 30 days before gallbladder surgery. Of those, 1,625 were admitted for emergency gallbladder surgery, and 1,513 were allowed to go home and schedule surgery at a later date. Of the patients who went home, 20 percent came back to the emergency room within a month needing a cholecystectomy urgently, and of those, 55 percent were back in the ER within a week for emergency surgery.
[ Watch: Emergency Gallstone Surgery: Do You Need It, Or Can You Afford To Wait? ]
Among those discharged from the ER, younger patients who were otherwise healthy and older patients who did have other health problems were likelier than people in their 40s and 50s to return to the emergency room within a month and need gallbladder removal urgently, the study found. That suggests that younger patients, older patients and those with other serious medical conditions may benefit from a second look before they are discharged from the emergency room, the researchers say.
Researchers analyzed test results typically considered indicators of gallbladder disease including white blood cell count, temperature and heart rate and saw no difference between those who left the ER and didn’t make a repeat visit and those who left the emergency room only to come back within a month. Such metrics may be incorporated into a decision tool if they hold up during future research.

http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1113211859/emergency-gallbladder-surgery-tool-mayo-clinic-081314/

Vitamin B12 & Tinnitus

Last Updated: Oct 24, 2013 | By Brindusa Vanta

Dietary sources of B-12 include meat. Photo Credit meat image by sameer said ahmed from Fotolia.com

Vitamin B-12 also known as cobolamin is a water soluble vitamin. It plays and important role in the formation of red blood cells and metabolism of sugars, fats and proteins. It is also helps maintain healthy nervous system and some research studies found it beneficial for improving tinnitus, especially when this condition is associated with a shortage of this nutrient. If you consider taking vitamin B-12 for your symptoms, first talk to your doctor.

About Tinnitus

Tinnitus, a noise in the ears is a common condition, affecting one in five individuals, according to Mayo Clinic. It can be perceived as a ringing, buzzing or clicking sound that may be vary in intensity and frequency throughout the day. It can be caused by damage of the inner ear, deterioration from the aging process or injury from working in a noisy environment. Tinnitus may also manifest as part of some medical conditions like Meniere's disease, stress or head trauma.

Tinnitus & B-12 Deficiency

People suffering from tinnitus should test whether or not they have B-12 deficiency, as a shortage of this nutrient has been linked with chronic tinnitus and noise induced hearing loss. This is the conclusion of a study published in March 1993 issue of "American Journal of Otolaryngology." The authors evaluated over 100 subjects exposed to noise and 47 of the participants diagnosed with tinnitus had vitamin B-12 deficiency. Some of them also had symptoms improved when received supplementation with B-12.

• B-12 Therapy for Tinnitus

Michael Murray, ND and author of "The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicine", also supports the fact that B-12 deficiency is common in people who have tinnitus. He indicates that supplementation with B-12 may improve symptoms of tinnitus in individuals who are deficient in this nutrient, however is less likely to benefit those who have adequate blood levels of this vitamin.

Dosage and Drug Interactions

To manage tinnitus a daily dose between 1,000 and 2,000 mc daily of vitamin B-12 along with a B complex formula, vitamins A, C and E are suggested by James Balch, MD, and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Blood levels of vitamin B-12 may be lowered by some medications including antibiotics, anti diabetes and chemo drugs.

Considerations

Consult a qualified health care professional to find out the underlying cause of your condition and whether or not you have low blood levels of vitamin B-12. Keep in mind that vitamins and other supplements do not replace and should not be used to replace any conventional drugs prescribed for tinnitus. Vitamin B-12 is not approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the management of tinnitus.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/407911-vitamin-b12-tinnitus/

Map Of The Gallbladder

http://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/gallbladder

Healthline.com recently launched a free interactive "Human Body Maps" tool. I thought your readers would be interested in our body map of the Gallbladder: http://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/gallbladder

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped, hollow structure located under the liver and on the right side of the abdomen. Its primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a yellow-brown digestive liquid produced by the liver. The gallbladder is part of the biliary tract. The gallbladder serves as a reservoir for bile that is not immediately used for digestion. The gallbladder's absorptive epithelial lining concentrates the stored bile. When food enters the small intestine, a hormone called cholecystokinin is released, signaling the gallbladder to contract and secrete bile into the small intestine through the common bile duct. The bile helps the digestive process by emulsifying fats and neutralizing acids in partially-digested food. An excess of cholesterol, bilirubin or bile salts can cause gallstones to form. Gallstones are small, hard deposits inside the gallbladder that are formed when the stored bile crystallizes. A person with gallstones will rarely feel any symptoms until the gallstones reach a certain size, or if the gallstone obstructs the bile ducts. Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is the most common way to treat gallstones.

Household Uses For Lavender

Lavender has a secret, sweet-smelling double-life. You probably know that lavender can be all flowery aromas and calm effects, but it also has a serious side that packs a mean anti-bacterial and anti-fungal punch. Plus, this plant can help dispel unwanted pests, keep your laundry fresh and even improve the air you breathe!
Here are five of our favorite ways to use lavender in your home:
1. Laundry detergent. Add some extra oomph to your laundry detergent with this DIY lavender detergent recipe. It only takes two tablespoons to freshen up your bedding, towels or anything else you want to smell fabulous. Your laundry will smell like a valley of wildflowers!
2. Pest repellant. Moths and mosquitoes both hate the aroma of lavender. To keep moths at bay, fill small, breathable spice sacks with dried lavender sprigs and hang them in your closet. To deter mosquitoes, dab a couple drops of lavender essential oil on your skin before stepping onto your porch or attending your next barbecue. Bonus: Lavender is known to help improve your mood.
3. Furniture polish. If you have small children or curious pets in your home, try this non-toxic furniture polish. Mix two tablespoons of lemon juice with a ½-teaspoon of olive oil and one drop of lavender essential oil. Using a soft cloth, buff a small amount of the solution into your wood furniture. Note: Test your homemade polish on a small, unnoticeable part of your wood furniture before buffing the entire piece.
4. Eco-friendly air freshener. Make an all-natural lavender spritzer by combining a few drops of lavender essential oil with a cup of water. Stir and then add the mixture to a spray bottle. You can use this all-purpose air freshener anywhere in the house to dispel funky odors. Tip: Spray this solution in your empty vacuum bags to refresh your carpets and make your vacuuming experience a little more enjoyable.
5. Linen spray. Improve your sleep, reduce dry skin and freshen up your sheets at the same time. Three in one! Because lavender is naturally anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, it makes for a great linen spray. To make your own, mix 3 ounces of vodka with 30 drops of lavender essential oil. Add 1.5 cups of distilled water and stir the ingredients together.  Using a funnel, pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Shake well, and then spray lightly over your linens for a soothing night’s sleep.

https://brightnest.com/posts/5-lovely-ways-to-use-lavender-at-home

Mosquito Bite

So I heard that if you used orajel on a mosquito bite that the itch would go away. Got a mosquito bite tonight, and so I put the orajel on it within about 15 minutes of the bite. About 15 minutes after applying the orajel, the itch is gone, but so is the bump from the bite. AMAZING!

Top Medicinal Herbs Listing - Most Popular Herbs

                  

	Common Name	Botanical Name	Other Names
Aloe Vera Gel Aloe vera Tender Perennial succulent : The leaf juices of the aloe plant have important medicinal uses, making aloe one of the most respected medicinal plants found in many gels, creams and lotions....
Apple Malus domestica Apple cider vinegar, wine vinegar Fruit Tree : In addition to the fruit of the apple tree, its bark, flowers, and leaves all have healthy properties. Apples contain malic and tartaric acids, and salts of potassium, sodium, magnesium, and iron. Apple cider vinegar can even lower cholesterol ...
Bitter Melon Momordica charantia balsam pear, bitter gourd Gourd : The gourd-like fruit has a long history as a treatment for diabetes. Bitter melon improves the body's ability to use blood sugar and improves glucose tolerances...
Black Seed oil Nigella sativa Kalonjii, Black cumin, black caraway, Roman-coriander, fennel-flower Annual Herb : Black cumin seed oil is used as a healthy dietary supplement. Black seed oil contains fatty acids, vitamins and minerals in a unique cell structure. Native to Western Asia, black seed oil has long been valued for it's health benefits...
California Poppy Eschscholzia californica Gold Poppy Tender Perennial : The above ground parts and roots of this wildflower show promise in the treatment of insomnia without the side effects and dependency risks of sleep aids...
Catuaba Erythroxylum catuaba caramuru, catagu, catigu, catigua, chuchuhuasha, pau de reposta, or tatuaba tree : Catuaba is the most famous of the Brazilian aphrodisiac plants, noted for it's ability to strengthen male stamina...
Cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. cassia Cassia Bark, Sweet cinnamon Evergreen Tropical Tree : Cinnamon is recommended for treating weak digestion, low appetite and stomach upsets. It has powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties and may help lower blood sugar...
Coconut oil Cocos nucifera Tropical tree : Coconut oil works wonders for dry and damaged skin, cuts, bruises, and speeds the healing while it fights infection. Coconut oil is different from other saturated fats because it is composed of medium-chain fatty acids, MCFAs...
Comfrey Symphytum officinale Perennial Herb : Comfrey salves, ointments and teas are best known for the topical treatment of burns and just about any skin irritation...
Dandelion Root Taraxacum officinale Priest's crown, Swine's Snout Perennial Herb : Dandelion root is high in many micro-nutrients including potassium. Dandelion supports the liver and improves digestion and helps to flush toxins from the body...
Devil's Claw Harpagophytum procumbens grapple plant, wood spider Perennial vine : Devils claw offers slow but sure relief of joint pain caused by both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and it has also been shown to relieve muscle pain and enhance mobility ...
Epimedium Epimedium grandiflorum horny goat weed, xian ling pi, and yin yang huo Perennial Herb : Epimedium, also known as Yin Yang Huo or Horny Goat Weed, is a powerful remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been used for thousands of years to promote male potency and as an aphrodisiac...
Garlic Allium sativum Poor Man's Treacle, Bawang, Bauang Monocot Perennial : Readily available and inexpensive garlic may be the first line of defense in treating high blood pressure, and dealing with common skin and fungal infections...
Ginger Root Zingiber officinale Luyang Dilaw Perennial Monocot reed : Ginger root combines well with many herbs, improving taste and potency. Ginger speeds up the delivery of healthy plant chemicals into the bloodstream while adding a spicy, hot zest to your favorite dishes...
Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo biloba L. Tree : Allergies and asthma improve with ginkgo. The leaves contains anti-inflammatory chemicals and natural antihistamines and ginkoglides, which inhibit a chemical involved in asthma and allergies. Ginkgo helps to restore better blood flow to the brain, which ...
Ginseng root Panax ginseng Ren-shen, X-yang-shen, Asian ginseng, Korean ginseng Herbaceous perennial : Ginseng is one the best known and widely prescribed herbs in Chinese medicine as a general adaptogenic and restorative tonic ...
Hemp Oil Cannabis sativa marijuana, pot, gunja, weed Annual Herb : Perhaps the most valued property of hemp (Cannabis sativa) is its percentage of essential fatty acids, which is higher than any other plant in the world. Although Cannabis sativa is illegal in the United States because of the dried leaves ...
Hops Humulus Lupulus Hops Perennial vine : Aged hops are sedatives, fresh hops provide bitters that stimulate digestion; these bitters are also found in the aged herb...
Passion Flower Passiflora incarnata Perennial Vine : Herbalists have a high regard for the soothing properties of passionflower and recommend it as a general nerve tonic. Passionflower is often combined with other sedative herbs...
Pomegranate Punica granatum Fruit : Pomegranates and pomegranate juices are touted for their heart protective antioxidants today, but ancient Egyptians loved them for their ability to kill tapeworms and other parasites ...
Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis Woody perennial herb : Amazing, versatile rosemary is valued by cooks, herbalists, aromatherapists, and gardeners alike. Rosemary oil combats mental fatigue, increasing concentration and memory...
Saffron threads Crocus sativus crocus : Traditional uses of saffron extend far beyond the kitchen. Saffron has been used to reduce fever, to regulate the menstrual cycle, to combat epilepsy and convulsions and to treat digestive disorders. Saffron contains more than 150 volatile ...
Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica Nettle, Common Nettle herbaceous perennial : Nettles are a potent herb with a long history of use. Stinging nettle contains natural antihistamines that open up constricted bronchial and nasal passages...
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium L. Perennial Herb : Wormwood is used today mainly as a bitter tonic, and in natural pest control. As the name implies, wormwood is a powerful worming agent that has been used for hundreds of years to expel tapeworms, ... http://www.anniesremedy.com/chart.php

Herb Gardens

1. Garlic: Garlic is one of the most amazing plant foods ever. It is actually among the remedies studied in pharmacology classes. Here are some of its benefits: antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral, antioxidant, immune stimulant, anti-parasitic, anti-vampiric (OK, I just thought that would be funny to throw in), anti-inflammatory and lowers cholesterol. You can take this as a supplement, but I prefer to use things in their natural state because they are just so yummy. My daughter and I eat garlic-gone-wild (pickled garlic cloves) right out of the jar with crackers.
2. Turmeric: This spice supports healthy joint function, gives you radiant skin, improves digestion, helps maintain healthy bones and joints, maintains healthy cholesterol levels, promotes healthy blood and liver functions and gives immune system support. Turmeric is a component of curry powder, which is another way to work it into your diet. I like drinking an infusion of turmeric when I'm not feeling well. Warms me from the inside out.
3. Thyme: Thyme is very aromatic and is a great antiseptic. It is also great for respiratory ailments, such as bronchitis. The aroma is reputed to increase memory function as well. Thyme lends itself well to many types of foods: stews, soups, meat dishes and salads.
4. Lavender: One of my favorite herbs because of its delicious smell. I spray a little lavender water on my pillow at night to sleep better. Lavender is also an antioxidant. This can be used in aromatherapy, an infusion to drink, or throw them in some scones. It also helps prevent bloating.
5. Basil: This little dynamo can calm your nerves, detox your liver, great source of fiber and if you boil a little and strain, you can spritz on your face to clear up blemishes. I have given this little remedy to people with severe acne and it works great. It's also an anti-inflammatory. Use basil in your spaghetti sauces or drink as an infusion.
6. Cilantro: Helps purify your body of heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, by drawing them out of your tissues. It's also a great source of fiber and iron. Cilantro lends itself naturally to Indian and Mexican cuisine.
7. Sage: Has antiseptic and antioxidant, fights fatigue, improves memory, and helps reduce anxiety. A cup of sage tea helps reduce muscle aches and pains that often accompany the flu.
8. Parsley: Packed with vitamins A, C and K (for healthy blood) and a great breath freshener.
9. Cinnamon: This reduces blood sugar, so it's great for diabetics. Also anti-viral and anti-microbial benefits. Sprinkle it on your oatmeal (which also lowers cholesterol) in the morning and get a double whammy. Cinnamon helps with menstrual cramps (add some to your warm tea) and can reduce arthritic pain.
10. Cayenne: As an anti-irritant, cayenne has the ability to ease an upset stomach, ulcer (seems contradictory, but it's true), sore throat, spasmodic and irritating cough, and diarrhea. It is also an anti-cold and flu, anti-fungal, and can prevent migraines. Cayenne is an anti-allergen, anti-inflammatory, a digestive aid (stimulates the digestive tract, increasing flow of enzymes), relieves intestinal gas, detox support, joint pain reliever, antibacterial and mixed with a little unscented lotion, can relieve sore muscles.

http://familyshare.com/herb-gardens-a-good-way-to-teach-children-about-natural-remedies

Histamine and Cough

So to help with the fullness in my ear and the dizziness I experience from Meniere's Disease, I have tried 3 different drugs.  The first was a diuretic.  It made me more dizzy, and I had several other side effects with it.  The second was some drug that dialated the blood vessels, it was like a blood thinner.  It gave me weakness, weird vision, headache, and a number of other bad symptoms.  This third drug they have tried is a liquid histamine.  It causes this cronic dry cough.  At night I cough all night to the point of near vomiting.  During the day I cough up green chunks.  My head feels a bit congested too.  I am the only one out of five in my family with the cough.  When researching I found that histamine can cause this type of uncomfortable cough.  So I guess this med is not going to work for me either.  There isn't much more that the doctors can do except to inject into my eardrum this Gentamicin.  This is supposed to do something to help the balance problems.  Kinda scares me to be honest.  So today I stop the histamine, and go back to being dizzy again, until I can decide what to do, or get brave enough to have a needle stuck in my ear drum.  Just can't keep coughing like this.

Update:  I took two or three days off of the histamine, then I took one dose of it at night.  I woke this morning with a dry and scratchy throat.  I think I'll skip today or tonight, and try a dose of it tomorrow night, if my throat feels fine, and I'm not coughing.  I do feel less dizzy from this medicine, but it certainly is not worth the awful cough, and the crud that I cough up.  Hoping to find a happy medium with this medicine.  I want to try some essential oils that are supposed to help, but they are really expensive!  

Vestibular Meniere's

I do have Vestibular Meniere's.  It has caused some very uncomfortable days.  That is why I am posting about it.  I am trying to find some essential oils, or something besides all the weird meds they keep trying me on. 

Meniere's Disease

 

Meniere's Disease is not fun. Not fun at all. If you or someone you know has this condition, you have my sympathy.

My husband’s aunt had Meniere's, but no one really understood it. She always seemed to be having “one of those days”. At family reunions, if she did come, she preferred to eat alone in the kitchen rather than with everyone else. She stopped working, stopped being her normal vivacious and outgoing self. And no sympathy or understanding from anyone that I could see.

No, it’s not fun at all. If you have Meniere's, is this all you can expect? Or is there some hope?

What is Meniere's Disease?

Meniere's Disease is (also called Vertigo disease), is generally described as an inner-ear balance disorder. A person with this disorder experiences “attacks” which happen suddenly, without notice, any time, anywhere.

You feel like you're spinning (vertigo), you have ringing in your ear (tinnitus), you have a feeling of pressure in your ear and your hearing may come and go. This might last a few minutes, a few hours, or even several days. You may experience nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion and intense fatigue during a prolonged attack of Meniere's.

Is there any cure? This question has a good news – bad news answer. Bad news first? It seems there is no cure. Good news is – you can take action to help yourself and lessen or even possibly end your attacks.

What Can I Do to Help Myself?

First of all, there is no “one size fits all” cure. The attacks you are experiencing may not be as bad as another person, or they may be worse. You may find some of the suggestions work better for you than others. The good thing is that most of the following suggestions cannot possibly harm you, so there is no reason not to give them a try.

If you are a Meniere's sufferer, you probably already know what to do during an attack:
“Lay down on a firm surface. Stay as motionless as possible, with your eyes open and fixed on a stationary object. Do not try to drink or sip water, as you would be very likely to vomit. Stay like this until the severe vertigo (spinning) passes, then get up SLOWLY. After the attack subsides, you will probably feel very tired and need to sleep for several hours. If vomiting persists and you are unable to take fluids for longer than 24 hours (12 hours for children), contact your doctor. Your doctor may wish to see you and may prescribe some medication.” 1. http://www.american-hearing.org/index.html (Menieres Disease, 2008)

But the real answer is to avoid these Meniere's attacks altogether through lifestyle changes. Do they really work? For most people, they do.

• Limit your salt and sodium intake
A normal diet has between 1100 and 3000 mg of salt/day. You should keep your salt intake under 1000 mg/day, even as low as 400 mg/day is good. Generally, processed foods and restaurant meals all will have a high salt content. Prepare or buy fresh, natural foods – and don’t add salt! Almost everyone finds this one action alone brings some improvement. Don’t forget that you still absolutely need some salt in your diet, you do not want to eliminate salt altogether.

• Drink, drink and drink

Yes, remember the eight glasses of water a day? You probably need it. But don’t drink it all at once and “get it done”. You need to distribute your fluids throughout the day evenly. If you’re sighing and thinking of all the trips to the bathroom (!) don’t worry, that only happens when you’re dehydrated. If you drink enough water consistently every day, your cells absorb more and you don’t have that problem. And you might find that when you start drinking lots of water that you actually feel thirstier. Again, this is showing you that you really are dehydrated. This won’t last, either. And please don’t think that milk, juice, coffee, tea etc. replaces plain old H2O. They don’t.

• Don’t drink, drink and drink

No, I’m not really contradicting myself! But everyone agrees. No caffeine. No alcohol. No hot chocolate. No soft drinks. Sorry, but you’ll find that the rewards of avoiding these drinks far outweigh the sacrifice you’ll be making. Reducing the frequency of Meniere's attacks is definitely worth it!

• Eat foods that are good for you

Fruit, vegetables, whole grains. You might find you do better if you avoid dairy products and MSG. Avoid foods that are high in sugar. Avoid processed, instant and canned food.

• Medications

Avoid Aspirin and medications that include aspirin and/or caffeine. If you are taking prescription medications, pay attention to whether they are making your Meniere's attacks worse and talk to your doctor about it if they are.

• Butt Out!

Just think about how well you’re going to feel and how much energy you will have when you follow all these suggestions! And when you stop smoking, you’ll have so much more money to spend on having fun as well! Seriously, cigarettes restrict your blood vessels and will make your symptoms worse.

• Reduce stress

Not always easy, I know. But if you can rearrange your life to be a bit kinder to yourself, that would be good.

• Nutritional Supplements

Have you heard the story about the guy who went to the doctor and said, “I need a pain reliever for my head. My head hurts when I bang it against the wall.” Predictably, the doctor says, “Well, stop banging your head against the wall!”

But that’s what you’d be doing if you try to stop your Meniere's symptoms with medications or nutritional supplements, yet ignore all the suggestions above. But you might need a little more help.

I don't have Meniere's myself, so I can't tell you from personal experience how well these products work, but I'm listing two that come well recommended. They give you nutrients that you need, and they are anti-inflammatory and help to improve circulation.

Menotrab
One product is Menotrab from Oslo Health Solutions in Norway. It is an herbal remedy made up of natural ingredients combined in a certain way to work well for Meniere's. It has been clinically proven, and if you use it for a three month period and for some reason don’t like it, they will refund 100% of your money. The price is $79.99 for a one month supply with free shipping.

Meritin
Another product I like is Meritin, a homeopathic remedy from Berlin Homeo Products in Germany. They also have a 100% guarantee of satisfaction. Their product costs $48.00 for a one month supply, and $85.00 for a two month supply. They also have no shipping or handling charges.

 http://www.all-about-earcandling.com/menieres.html

Help with Hearing Challenges-Using Helichrysum EO

Help with Hearing Challenges-Using Helichrysum EO

My son has hearing damage from playing the drums, is there an Essential oil that can help that?

Linda, CA.

HELICHRYSUM
Helichrysum italicum is a sub-specie of the more commonly known plant Everlast or Immortal. The essential oil distilled from it has a distinct fragrance and a unique chemical composition. Its traditional uses include nervine, anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, antitussive, cicatrizant, febrifuge, antiseptic, antihematoma, anticoagulant, cholagogue, fungicidal, hepatic, diuretic, emollient, mucolytic, splenic, cytophylactic, and expectorant.


Helichysum italicum will be the oil of choice to help with Hearing Challenges, because of its ability to regenerate damaged nerves.

About the Ear

With in the ear canal or the cochlea, there are Hair Cells that Amplify sound waves and transduce auditory information to the Brain Stem. When these hair cells are underdeveloped, broken, or damaged by loud noises, ear wax, or infection, decreased hearing sensitivity can result.

Loud noices can break the hair cells. Ear wax keeps the hair cells together and from vibrating. Age causes a degeneration of these hair cells. Also, some people are born with underdeveloped hair cells. Helichrysum italicum can help all of these problems, and may restore hearing. (It can not help if there is a bone deformatey with in the ear. )

Helping Hearing Challenges

Before beginning the application, review the steps.
Check the condition of the recipient’s hearing (#14)

1. Put 2-3 drops of Helichrysum in the hand
2. Hand the oil bottle to the recipient to sniff and hold. See #10.
3. Apply to ear canal rubbing it lightly around the canal.
4. AVOID ENTERING THE EARDRUM AT ANY TIME! See caution below.
5. Then, follow along the mastoid bone outside the ear and on down and around towards the center of the neck.
6. Repeat in the other ear.
7. Put fingers in both ear canals, push in and “rock” fingers pulling up, down and back in the canal several times.
8. Tug on ear lobes.
9. Repeat steps 1-8 using the Geranium essential oil. (For emotional balance)
10. The recipient should hold the bottle just below the nostril and inhale deeply. (at least 3 times on each side). Holding the bottle is another connection to the oil.
11. It is important to balance the applications of any oils you use, so do both ears even if only one is affected.
12. After the ears have been treated, have the person “rest”. The person should sit quietly for a moment and then walk around the room.
13. You may have to apply Geranium to ease the emotions that can well up from the experience of sudden sound. An emotional reaction (emotional or irritable) is okay and should be handled with Geranium.
14. After a minimum of 5 minutes, test the hearing.

• Speak softly behind the damaged ear. Avoid speaking torwards the good ear.
• Rub your fingers together behind the damaged ear.
• Determine how far away you should be by how severe the hearing loss is.
• If there is no noticeable improvement in the hearing, repeat steps #1-9.

Restored hearing may be minimal; it’s a process that takes time.
Let the recipient know that his/her hearing can improve more if they will repeat the process twice a week for as long as they feel it is necessary to gain optimum hearing.
CAUTION: If you accidentally get helichrysm in the ear drum, IMMEDIATELY add carrier oil to dilute the helichrysum. There is potential for the ear drum to blister, but if you're cautious in application, no problem should arise.

For Ringing in the Ear (Tinnitus)
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a ringing, swishing, or other type of noise that seems to originate in the ear or head. In many cases it is not a serious problem, but rather a nuisance that eventually resolves. It is not a single disease, but a symptom of an underlying condition. Nearly 36 million Americans suffer from this disorder. In almost all cases, only the patient can hear the noise.
What causes Tinnitus?
Tinnitus can arise in any of the four sections of the ear: the outer ear, the middle ear, the inner ear, and the brain. Some tinnitus or head noise is normal. If one goes into a sound proof booth and normal outside noise is diminished, one becomes aware of these normal sounds. We are usually not aware of these normal body sounds, because outside noise masks them.
Anything, such as wax or a foreign body in the external ear, that blocks these background sounds will cause us to be more aware of our own head sounds. Fluid, infection, or disease of the middle ear bones or ear drum (tympanic membrane) can also cause tinnitus.
One of the most common causes of tinnitus is damage to the microscopic endings of the hearing nerve in the inner ear. Advancing age is generally accompanied by a certain amount of hearing nerve impairment, and consequently tinnitus.
Today, loud noise exposure is a very common cause of tinnitus, and it often damages hearing as well. Unfortunately, many people are unconcerned about the harmful effects of excessively loud noise, firearms, and high intensity music. Some medications (for example, aspirin) and other diseases of the inner ear (Meniere's syndrome) can cause tinnitus. Tinnitus can in very rare situations be a symptom of such serious problems as an aneurysm or a brain tumor (acoustic tumor). http://www.medicinenet.com/tinnitus/article.htm



To help with Tinnitus or Ringing of the ear, follow the same procedure as above for hearing.

• For a mild case, just apply with your finger, 1-2 drops Helichrysum inside the bowl of the ear and around the ear. (Do not drop straight oils inside the canal)

http://theresanoilforthat.blogspot.com/2009/01/help-with-hearing-challenges-using.html

Proposed Natural Treatment For Meniere's Disease

 

 

Proposed Natural Treatment for Meniere's Disease First of all, it is necessary to distinguish between someone having Meniere's Disease versus someone having the symptoms of Meniere's Disease. Meniere's Disease is not identified by a cause, rather it is identified by a set of symptoms. Thus, for example, if one person gets the symptoms of Meniere's Disease because of the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and another person gets the symptoms of Meniere's Disease because of a food allergy, they are both said to have Meniere's Disease. It should not be a surprise, therefore, that no one knows what "causes" Meniere's Disease for the simple reason that there may be many things that cause it. However, according to the book: The Calcium Bomb - The Nanobacteria Link to Heart Disease and Cancer, by Douglas Maulhall and Katja Hansen, Meniere's Disease is caused by calcification (page 4). The book also states: "The inner ear regulates balance with fluid. Sometimes tiny stones in the ear seem to undergo a chemical change from calcium carbonate to calcium phosphate and then roll around in the fluid, leading to loss of balance. The cause [of the calcification] is unknown. There is no cure." The Calcium Bomb, page 11 This means that one cure for true Meniere's Disease may be oral chelation therapy or EDTA chelation by I.V. It may well be that a microbe is responsible for the calcification. Also, the treatments for kidney stones may also be effective against Meniere's Disease. However, we must also consider the treatment of diseases that cause the symptoms of Meniere's Disease. KNOWN CAUSE of Symptoms: Aspartame First of all, aspartame, the sugar substitute, also known as NutraSweet, Equal, etc., that is found in virtually all diet soft drinks and many other products, has been proven to cause the symptoms of Meniere's Disease. It also causes depression and a lot of other things. RULE #1: Avoid aspartame AT ALL COSTS Likewise, the ubiquitous food additive MSG, or monosodium glutamate (to be discussed next), can also give a person the symptoms of Meniere's Diease. Since both of these substances are called "excitotoxins," I suspect any and all excitotoxins can cause the symptoms of Meniere's Disease. But let's talk more about MSG because it is "hidden" in virtually every processed food you eat. KNOWN CAUSE of Symptoms: MSG, HVP, Cysteine MSG is ADDED to over 30 different substances, thus allowing the food vendors to HIDE the fact that MSG is in their products. Food vendors ADD MSG on purpose to make the food more flavorable and to make the food more addictive. However, they HIDE the fact that MSG is in their products because if they admitted it, no one would buy their products. I went to the grocery store one day and looked at the sliced turkey section. None of these products mentioned that they contained MSG, yet every product I saw did contain MSG hidden under another name. Here is a PARTIAL list of foods that contain MSG that the food industry does not want you to know about. The list was compiled by Shoshanna Allison, M.T.P.: Food Additives That ALWAYS Contain MSG    Monosodium Glutamate [MSG]    Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein [HVP]    Hydrolyzed Protein; Hydrolyzed Plant Protein    Plant Protein Extract    Sodium Caseinate    Calcium Caseinate    Yeast Extract    Textured Protein (Including TVP)    Autolyzed Yeast    Hydrolyzed Oat Flour    Corn Oil Food Additives That FREQUENTLY Contain MSG    Malt Extract    Malt Flavoring    Bouillon    Broth    Stock    Flavoring    Natural Flavors/Flavoring    Natural Beef or Chicken Flavoring    Seasoning    Spices Food Additives That MAY Contain MSG Or Excitotoxins    Carrageenan    Enzymes    Soy Protein Concentrate    Soy Protein Isolate    Whey Protein Concentrate    Also: Protease Enzymes of various sources can release excitotoxin amino acids from food proteins For more information about MSG fraud, see: http://www.truthinlabeling.org/ Note that orthodox medicine states that a Meniere's patient should avoid salt. Since virtually ALL processed foods have both salt and MSG added to them, it is quite possible that MSG if the real culprit. However, added salt should be avoided by everyone. RULE #2: Avoid MSG, HVP, cysteine, etc. AT ALL COSTS Possible Cause: Food Allergies Allergies frequently cause inflammations in the body. These allergies show up in different places in the body. It is possible one of those places causes the symptoms of Meniere's Disease. "Recently, attention has been mainly focussed on the immunologic function of the endolymphatic sac; thus, immune disease may contribute to a substantial percentage of Meniere's disease. However, for the most part, the underlying cause of Meniere's disease is unknown. It is most often attributed to viral infections of the inner ear, head injury, a hereditary predisposition, and allergy." http://www.american-hearing.org/name/menieres.html Possible Cause: Microbes In one study, 21 Meniere's Disease patients were tested for HSV-1 and HSV-2 virus. As you may remember HSV-1 is a very common virus and causes cold sores. HSV-2 is an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease). 20 of the 21 patients had the HSV-1 antibodies. However, whether this study is significant or not is not known. Most people have the HSV-1 virus and once they get it they have it for life. While Meniere's Disease may be caused by a virus, there is insufficient evidence that it is generally caused by a virus. Having said that, a review of the natural substances that have successfully treated Meniere's Disease leads to a list of items that are generally antiviral, antifungal and antibacteria treatments. An example of this is colloidal silver, which has been shown to be effective in the treatment of Meniere's Disease. In alternative medicine colloidal silver is generally used to treat bacterial infections and viral infections. Other Things to Avoid Meniere's Disease may be caused or exacerbated by poor circulation. Things like caffeine and nicotine are well-known to cause circulation problems. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes also cause circulatory problems. There is a list of supplements below which improve circulation. Treatments for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can be found elsewhere on this website. Treatments Here are some alternative treatments that are claimed to treat Meniere's Disease: Note: Some mutivitamins may meet several of these requirements. Manganese, 50 mg a day, Chromium Picolinate, to control blood sugar, which is a problem with many MD patients, Magnesium, 200 mg a day, Calcium (get coral calcium, which also has trace minerals), Vinpocetine (mentioned on several sites), Lipase enzyme (Meniere's has been known to be caused by a lack of this enzyme) Niacin - Vitamin B3 (improves circulation), Cayenne Pepper (improves circulation), MSM (improves circulation), Ginko Biloba (improves circulation), Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) (improves circulation), Alpha Lipoic Acid (Lipoic Acid) (for hearing loss) Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (keep arteries free from plaque), Supplement High in B Vitamins, Vitamin B12 Colloidal silver (antiviral, antibacterial) Noni Concentrate AND Samento (antiviral)   Noni Concentrate Vendor   Buy BOTH Samento and Noni Concentrate liquids and take in equal doses. See this article on viruses to get doses for Noni Concentrate and Samento (use the "flu" dosage for 7 straight days): http://www.samento.com.ec/sciencelib/noni/howenstine.html All Causes Listed 1) Aspartame (KNOWN cause), 2) MSG, HVP, Cysteine (KNOWN cause), 3) HSV-1 virus (may or may not be a cause), 4) Food allergies (probable cause), 5) Lack of lipase enzyme Nerve Regeneration If true Meniere's Disease is caused by nerve degeneration, there are several items which are known to regenerate nerve damage. They are: 1) DMSO, [see: DMSO Article] 2) Helichrysum essential oils (my recommended vendor is Young Living - all other U.S. brands are junk). There is one testimonial of helichrysum helping a Menieres patient significantly. Young Living vendors can work with you on how to use cotton balls to administor the essential oil. 3) EFA's, which are a type of omega-3 fatty acids (source: The pH Miracle for Diabetes, by Robert O. Young, PhD), it is best to make the omega-3 water soluble, see: Making Omega 3 water soluble 4) Insulin (source: Treating Cancer With Insulin Potentiation Therapy, by Ross A. Hauser, M.D. et. al.), Please let me know what works and doesn't work so I can pass it on to others. http://www.cancertutor.com/Other02/Menieres_Disease.html

How to Naturally Deter Snakes And Rodents From Your Home

Plant Herbs 
Herbs are amazing for your health, are beautiful in your garden, and smell wonderful. In doing research online I also found some people who think that herbs can deter snakes. These include: wormwood, rosemary, marigold, bay, comfey, and garlic.
Bay leaves are also amazing in your home. All you need to do it get some fresh leaves and throw them behind toilets, in cabinets, and under furniture. You won't smell them but insects and rodents hate the smell. You will need to replace the leaves with fresh ones every month or so.
Garlic Spray
If you really want to be green and protect the exterior of your home mix crushed garlic cloves with water and spray once a month. You can use the large spray containers that are usually used when spraying chemicals, but instead of buying the chemicals just crush up 5-7 garlic cloves and add water. I would also let the mixture sit for about an hour and mix occassionally so the water can absorb the garlic.
This deters snakes, bugs, and some rodents. You will also reduce your environmental impact, save money, and reduce your families exposure to toxic chemicals!
Clear Your Yard
Snakes love tall grass, messy hedges, stacks of lumber, and any other area around your home that they could easily hide. Be sure to keep the areas around your home neat and trimmed to discourage their intrusion.
Clove and Cinnamon Spray
Like the garlic spray above cloves and cinnamon are great deterents. Simply mix equal parts of clove oil and cinnamon oil in a spray bottle (you can add some water, but it needs to be strong). Spray this around your home's walkways and around the edge of your yard. I suggest doing this once a month or after a heavy rain, but some sources say every 2-3.
Have A Good Storage System
A good storage system for dog food, cat food, bird seed, etc. is highly advised. Mice and other rodents love to get into these things and the snakes around your home are most likely looking for small rodents.
You can also set out mice traps, I like the old fashioned ones because they do not use chemicals and are very effective. I know I said I don't agree with killing wildlife, but mice reproduce fast, get into food, and have diseases (carried by fleas) that could harm your pets or even your family.
Tighten Up Your Home
I have read that most snakes within 100 feet of your home are also within 25-50 feet of their home. Snakes like dark, secure, and damp areas to nest so be sure to block areas like under decks, porches, and basements.
*I also suggest having some knowledge about the different types of snakes in your area. There are some good snakes that you might want to keep around!

http://greenlifepages.com/green-tips/item/468-how-to-naturally-deter-snakes-from-your-home

Low Sodium Foods: Shopping list

           

Most people eat much more sodium (salt) than they need. This can lead to health problems like high blood pressure. When you go food shopping, keep these tips in mind for reducing the sodium in your diet:

• Choose fresh instead of processed foods when you can.
• Use the Nutrition Facts Label to check the amount of sodium. Look for foods with 5% Daily Value (DV) or less. A sodium content of 20% DV or more is high.
• Look for foods labeled “low sodium,” “reduced sodium,” or “no salt added.”

Take the list below with you the next time you go food shopping.

Vegetables and Fruits

Choose fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits when possible.

• Any fresh fruits, like apples, oranges, or bananas
• Any fresh vegetables, like spinach, carrots, or broccoli
• Frozen vegetables without added sauce
• Canned vegetables that are low in sodium or have no salt added
• Low sodium vegetable juice
• Frozen or dried fruit (unsweetened)
• Canned fruit (packed in water or 100% juice)

Breads, Cereals, and Grains

Compare labels to find products with less sodium. When you cook rice or pasta, don’t add salt.

• Plain rice or pasta (Tip: If you buy a package with a seasoning packet, use only part of the packet to reduce the sodium content.)
• Unsweetened shredded wheat
• Unsalted popcorn

Meats, Nuts, and Beans

Choose fresh meats when possible. Some fresh meat has added sodium, so always check the label.

• Fish or shellfish
• Chicken or turkey breast without skin
• Lean cuts of beef or pork
• Unsalted nuts and seeds
• Peas and beans
• Canned beans labeled “no salt added” or “low sodium”
• Eggs

Milk and Milk Products

Choose fat-free or low-fat milk and yogurt more often than cheese, which can be high in sodium. Milk and yogurt are also good sources of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.

• Fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk
• Fat-free or low-fat yogurt
• Low sodium or reduced sodium cheese (like Natural Swiss Cheese)
• Soy-based drinks with added calcium (soymilk)

Dressings, Oils, and Condiments

When preparing food, choose ingredients that are low in sodium or have no sodium at all.

• Unsalted butter or margarine
• Vegetable oils (canola, olive, peanut, sesame oil)
• Sodium-free salad dressing and mayonnaise
• Vinegar

Seasonings

Try these seasonings instead of salt to flavor food.

• Herbs, spices, or salt-free seasoning blends
• Chopped vegetables, such as garlic, onions, and peppers
• Lemons and limes
• Ginger
• http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/heart-health/low-sodium-foods-shopping-listGinger

 

Low-Sodium Diet Guidelines

This article provides basic information to help you start or continue following your low-sodium diet. Planning what you eat and balancing your meals are important ways to manage your health. Eating healthy often means making changes in your current eating habits. A registered dietitian can provide in-depth personalized nutrition education, tailor these general guidelines to meet your needs, and help you begin a personal action plan. Some evidence suggests a daily sodium restriction to 1500 milligrams (1.5 grams) may benefit patients with cardiovascular risks including heart failure, hypertension, African-American ethnicity, and all middle aged and older adults.
Here are some basic guidelines that will help you get started:

• Control the sodium in your diet. Decrease the total amount of sodium you consume to 2,000 mg (2 g) per day.
• Learn to read food labels. Use the label information on food packages to help you to make the best low-sodium selections.
• Include high-fiber foods such as vegetables, cooked dried peas and beans (legumes), whole-grain foods, bran, cereals, pasta, rice and fresh fruit. Fiber is the indigestible part of plant food that helps move food along the digestive tract, better controls blood glucose levels, and may reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood. Foods high in fiber include natural antioxidants, which reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The goal for everyone is to consume 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day.
• Maintain a healthy body weight. This includes losing weight if you are overweight. Limit your total daily calories, follow a low-fat diet and exercise regularly to achieve or maintain your ideal body weight.

Learning to read food labels

Food labels are standardized by the U.S. government's National Labeling and Education Act (NLEA). Nutrition labels and an ingredient list are required on most foods so you can make the best selection for a healthy lifestyle. Review the food label below. If you do not know how much total sodium is in this product, ask your dietitian, or health care provider, to show you how to read food labels and apply the information to your personal needs.

• A. The serving size represents the typical amount eaten by an adult.
• B. The sodium content is listed on the food label per serving size. Ignore the % daily value and focus on the amount of mg sodium per serving. Decrease the total amount of sodium you consume to 2,000 milligrams (mg) or 2 grams (g) per day.

Low sodium = 140 mg or less per serving
No sodium = less than 5 mg per serving

Sodium guidelines

Sodium is a mineral found in many foods. It helps keep normal fluids balanced in the body. Most people eat foods containing more sodium than they need. Some foods may be high in sodium and not taste salty. Eating too much sodium causes the body to keep or retain too much water.
Following a low-sodium diet helps control high blood pressure (hypertension), swelling, and water build-up (edema). A low-sodium diet also can help decrease breathing difficulties caused when the weakened heart has difficulty pumping excess fluid out of the body.
Your doctor may recommend that you consume no more than 2,000 mg (2g) of sodium per day. A low-sodium diet means more than just eliminating the salt shaker from the table! However, that is a good start since one teaspoon salt = 2,300 mg of sodium. It is important to keep a record of the amount of sodium you consume every day. Write down the amount in mg after each meal or snack.

Comparison of Sodium in Foods

Protein

Food	Serving Size	Milligrams/Sodium
Bacon	1 medium slice	155
Chicken (dark meat)	3.5 oz roasted	87
Chicken (light meat)	3.5 oz roasted	77
Egg, fried	1 large	162
Egg, scrambled with milk	1 medium slice	171
Dried beans, peas or lentils	1 cup	4
Haddock	3 oz cooked	74
Halibut	3 oz cooked	59
Ham (roasted)	3.5 oz	1300-1500
Hamburger (lean)	3.5 oz broiled medium	77
Hot dog (beef)	1 medium	585
Peanuts, dry roasted	1 oz	228
Pork loin, roasted	3.5 oz	65
Roast lamb leg	3.5 oz	65
Roast veal leg	3.5 oz	68
Salmon	3 oz	50
Shellfish	3 oz	100 to 325
Shrimp	3 oz	190
Spareribs, braised	3.5 oz	93
Steak, T-bone	3.5 oz	66
Tuna, canned in spring water	3 oz chunk	300
Turkey, dark meat	3.5 roasted	76
Turkey, light meat	3.5 roasted	63

Dairy Products

Food	Serving Size	Milligrams/Sodium
American Cheese	1 oz	443
Buttermilk, salt added	1 cup	260
Cheddar cheese	1 oz	175
Cottage cheese, low fat	1 cup	918
Milk, whole	1 cup	120
Milk, skim or 1%	1 cup	125
Swiss cheese	1 oz	75
Yogurt, plain	1 cup	115

Vegetables and Vegetable Juice

Food	Serving Size	Milligrams/Sodium
Asparagus	6 spears	10
Avocado	1/2 medium	10
Beans, white, cooked	1 cup	4
Beans, green	1 cup	4
Beets	1 cup	84
Broccoli, raw	1/2 cup	12
Broccoli, cooked	1/2 cup	20
Carrot, raw	1 medium	25
Carrot, cooked	1/2 cup	52
Celery	1 stalk raw	35
Corn boiled, (sweet, no butter/salt)	1/2 cup	14
Cucumber	1/2 sliced	1
Eggplant, raw	1 cup	2
Eggplant, cooked	1 cup	4
Lettuce	1 leaf	2
Lima beans	1 cup	5
Mushrooms	1/2 cup (raw or cooked)	1-2
Mustard greens	1/2 chopped	12
Onions, chopped	1/2 cup (raw or cooked)	2-3
Peas	1 cup	4
Potato	1 baked	7
Radishes	10	11
Spinach, raw	1/2 cup	22
Spinach, cooked	1/2 cup	63
Squash, acorn	1/2 cup	4
Sweet potato	1 small	12
Tomato	1 small	11
Tomato juice, canned	3/4 cup	660

Fruits and Fruit Juices

Food	Serving Size	Milligrams/Sodium
Apple	1 medium	1
Apple juice	1 cup	7
Apricots	3 medium	1
Apricots (dried)	10 halves	3
Banana	1 medium	1
Cantaloupe	1/2 cup chopped	14
Dates	10 medium	2
Grapes	1 cup	2
Grape juice	1cup	7
Grapefruit	1 medium	0
Grapefruit juice	1 cup	3
Orange	1 medium	1
Orange juice	1 cup	2
Peach	1	0
Prunes	10	3
Raisins	1/3 cup	6
Strawberries	1 cup	2
Watermelon	1 cup	3

Breads and Grains

Food	Serving Size	Milligrams/Sodium
Bran flakes	3/4 cup	220
Bread, whole wheat	1 slice	159
Bread, white	1 slice	123
Bun, hamburger	1	241
Cooked cereal (instant)	1 packet	250
Corn flakes	1 cup	290
English muffin	1/2	182
Pancake	1 (7-inch round)	431
Rice, white long grain	1 cup cooked	4
Shredded wheat	1 biscuit	0
Spaghetti	1 cup	7
Waffle	1 frozen	235

Convenience Foods

Food	Serving Size	Milligrams/Sodium
Canned soups	1 cup	600-1,300
Canned and frozen main dishes	8 oz	500-2,570

Please note: These are sodium content ranges—the sodium content in certain food items may vary. Please contact your dietitian for specific product information.
Source: Sodium analysis was done using ESHA Food Processor for Windows, Version 8.4, 2004.

Sodium guidelines: Foods to choose

Protein - choose 2-3 servings per day

• 2-3 ounces of fresh or frozen fish, shellfish, meat (beef, veal, lamb, pork) or poultry
• 1/2 cup cooked dried beans or peas
• 1/2 cup low-sodium canned fish (such as salmon or tuna)
• 1 low-sodium frozen dinner (less than 600mg sodium per meal) - Limit to one per day
• 1 egg (no more than 3 whole eggs per week)

Dairy products - choose 2 or more servings/day

• 1-1/2 ounces of low-sodium cheese
• 1 cup milk (non-fat or 1% recommended)
• 1/2 cup low-sodium cottage cheese
• 1 cup soy milk

Vegetables and fruits - choose 5 or more servings/day

• 1/2 cup fresh whole, chopped, cooked, frozen or canned fruit
• 1/2 cup chopped, cooked, frozen or no-salt added canned vegetables
• 1/2 cup low-sodium tomato juice or V-8 juice
• 1/2 cup low-sodium tomato sauce
• 1 cup raw leafy vegetables

Bread and grains - choose 6 or more servings/day

• Low-sodium breads, rolls, bagels and cereals (1 serving = 1 slice bread, 1 small roll, 1/2 bagel, 1/2 English muffin or a 4-inch pita
• 1/2 cup pasta (noodles, spaghetti, macaroni)
• 1/2 cup rice
• Low-sodium crackers (read label for serving size)

Sweets and snacks (include sparingly)

• 1 ounce unsalted nuts
• 1/2 cup low-sodium pretzels or chips
• 3 cups popped low-sodium popcorn
• 3 fig bars or gingersnaps
• 1 slice angel food cake
• 1 tbsp jelly or honey
• 1 cup sherbet, sorbet or Italian ice; 1 popsicle
• 8-10 jelly beans; 3 pieces hard candy

Fats, oils and condiments (use sparingly)

• Olive and canola oils
• Low-sodium butter and margarine
• Low-sodium soups
• Low-sodium salad dressing
• Homemade gravy without salt
• Low-sodium broth or bouillon
• Low-sodium catsup
• Low-sodium mustard
• Low-sodium sauce mixes

Other seasonings (can use freely)

• Lemon juice
• Vinegar
• Herbs and spices without salt

Sample Menu

Breakfast

• Fresh fruit
• Low sodium cereal (hot or cold)
• Milk
• Low sodium wheat bread
• Reduced sodium margarine or peanut butter

Lunch

• Lean roast turkey on whole wheat bread with low sodium mustard
• Raw carrot sticks
• Applesauce
• Unsalted pretzels

Dinner

• Grilled Chicken
• Boiled potatoes
• Steamed fresh vegetables
• Tossed salad and low sodium dressing
• Low sodium roll with low sodium margarine
• Fresh melon
• Angel food cake

Snack

• Fresh fruit

Note: For a diet in which you consume 2,000 mg pf sodium per day, a sample plan might involve eating 500 mg at breakfast, 150 mg for snacks twice daily, 600 mg for lunch, and 600 mg for dinner.

Sodium guidelines

• Use fresh ingredients and/or foods with no salt added.
• For favorite recipes, you may need to use other ingredients and delete or decrease the salt added. Salt can be removed from any recipe except from those containing yeast.
• Try orange or pineapple juice as a base for meat marinades.
• Avoid convenience foods such as canned soups, entrees, vegetables, pasta and rice mixes, frozen dinners, instant cereal and puddings, and gravy sauce mixes.
• Select frozen entrees that contain 600 mg or less of sodium. However, limit to one of these frozen entrees per day. Check the Nutrition Facts label on the package for sodium content.
• Use fresh, frozen, no added salt canned vegetables, or canned vegetables that have been rinsed before they are prepared.
• Low sodium canned soups may be used.
• Avoid mixed seasonings and spice blends that include salt, such as garlic salt.
• Don’t use a salt substitute unless you check with your doctor first.

Seasoning recipes

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and blend well. Spoon into shaker. Store in a cool, dark place.

Spicy blend

• 2 tbsp dried savory, crumbled
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground white pepper
• 1 tbsp dry mustard
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 2-1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp curry powder

Saltless surprise

• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp powdered lemon rind or dehydrated lemon juice

Spicy seasoning

• 1 tsp cloves
• 1 tsp pepper
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp coriander seed (crushed)
• 1 tbsp rosemary

Herb seasoning

• 2 tbsp dried dill weed or basil leaves, crumbled
• 1 tsp celery seed
• 2 tbsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp (pinch) dried oregano leaves, crumbled freshly ground pepper

Restaurant dining tips

Appetizers

• Select fresh fruit or vegetables
• Avoid soups and broths
• Stay away from bread and rolls with salty, buttery crusts

Salads

• Select fresh fruits and vegetables
• Avoid pickles, canned or marinated vegetables, cured meats, seasoned croutons, cheeses, salted seeds
• Order salad dressings on the side and use small amounts of them

Main courses

• Select meat, poultry, fish or shellfish choices that includes the words broiled, grilled or roasted
• Select plain vegetables, potatoes and noodles
• Ask the server about the low sodium menu choices, and ask how the food is prepared
• Request food to be cooked without salt or monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Avoid restaurants that do not allow for special food preparation (such as buffet style restaurants, diners or fast food chains)
• Avoid casseroles, mixed dishes, gravies and sauces
• At fast food restaurants, choose the salad entrees or non-fried and non-breaded entrees (such as a baked potato) and skip the special sauces, condiments and cheese*
• Avoid salted condiments and garnishes such as olives and pickles

Desserts

Select fresh fruits, ices, ice cream, sherbet, gelatin and plain cakes

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/healthy_living/nutrition/hic_low-sodium_diet_guidelines.aspx