12 Things Everyone Should Do More Often

(MindBodyGreen) By: Dr. Danielle Dowling

You probably already know the things that make up a good, healthy, happiness-filled life. (And you’re pretty sure it’s not Cheetos, checking email in bed, or gossiping.)

But we all need occasional (or even daily) reminders. And the good news is: you don’t have to do these things five times a day, every day to see a big shift in your life. Even just a few times a week or five minutes a day can make a big difference. Promise!

With that in mind, here are 12 things that all of us—myself very much included—should be doing more often.

Sunshine vitamin - A potent defense against deadly new tuberculosis strains

With antibiotic resistant tuberculosis superbugs on the rise around the world, natural remedies are increasingly important to combat the spread of this serious disease. Consuming adequate levels of vitamin D is crucial not only for a healthy immune system, but also to trigger production of antimicrobial peptides that specifically inhibit the bacterium. As an inexpensive and extremely effective defense, this humble vitamin should play a leading role in everyone's daily diet.

The rise of tuberculosis superbugs

As revealed in the Natural News article, "Health experts warn untreatable tuberculosis threatens world," dangerous new strains of the tuberculosis bacterium (TB) are becoming alarmingly more prevalent. Modern medical intervention may prove to be completely worthless in the near future due to the fact that 30 percent of new tuberculosis cases are antibiotic resistant TB (MDR) varieties. But we don't have to hide in our homes and hope we won't be exposed. Instead, a measure of preventative action can keep families and communities safe.

Gelatin: A protein rich superfood that conquers food allergies, insomnia, arthritis - plus much more

Back in the 1950s, Jello molds were all the rage in the United States and many of us have disturbing memories of these artificial creations. Certainly not consumed for health, Jello actually has a little known secret buried amongst the sugar and toxic dyes: When gelatin is pure, it's actually quite good for you. Strip away the additives and a powerful healing food is revealed.

Jump to the 1970s when people began to make the connection between plain gelatin consumption and lustrous hair, strong nails and healthy teeth. Take a step further into the present day and real food advocates have uncovered further benefits which grant gelatin a superfood status.

Purple Potatoes Pack Mega Antioxidants Compared to White-Fleshed Potatoes

By: Joe Martino 

(Collective Evolution) Most of us are used to seeing and eating the typical white or yellow fleshed potatoes. You may even eat sweet potatoes on a regular basis and so you might be accustomed to orange as well. But purple potatoes are certainly not as popular, although given the deep rich color of these potatoes, more of us should be familiar with these potatoes for the powerful nutrients they pack.
Native to South America, purple potatoes got their name due to their deep purple skin and flesh. There are several types of the purple potato including the Purple Majesty, Purple Viking and Purple Peruvian varieties. Purple potatoes are rich in antioxidant phytochemicals and studies show that purple potatoes can aid in lowering blood pressure.

Ready for a good spring cleaning? Spruce up the liver with these recommendations

It may be hard to believe, but we are already racing headlong into our next season -- springtime. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), each season coordinates with a specific organ and spring just so happens to be the time of the liver. If this organ becomes imbalanced, anger, rage, irritation and depression can set in. While new plants are blooming, sprouting and thrusting upward, the liver deserves much needed tender, loving care to shake off the heaviness of winter. Natural remedies and lifestyle adaptations are the perfect complement to this process. Keep in mind, when the liver is untroubled, we can launch into vibrant beginnings with renewed zest and balanced pleasure.

This City Aims to Be “Car Free” in 20 Years

By: Amanda Froelich

(True Activist) To live in this age is an exciting time. The technological advances have accelerated communication around the world, and in effect, a shifting of resources to more sustainable alternatives continue to be implemented at an increasing rate. Who knew thirty or even fifty years ago that cars would so quickly go out of fashion in favor of more sustainable, alternative modes of transportation?

Yet this is exactly what is happening in the German town of Hamburg. The city council recently disclosed it has plans to divert most of its cars away from the city’s main thoroughfares in twenty years. In order create what will someday be a large green network, local authorities are to connect pedestrian and cycle lanes; this is expected to smooth inner city traffic flow.

Four specialty salts that can change your health for the better

With depleted soils and environmental toxins, consuming a mineral-rich diet is much more taxing now than in the past. Even when the diet is 100 percent organic, ensuring the proper level of nutrients can be difficult. Natural, unprocessed salt can help balance the odds in your favor. Brimming with essential trace elements, these salts are not only delicious but also exceptionally nourishing.

Salt varieties and benefits

Have a look at the four unique salts highlighted below and learn how this small addition can have a big impact on health.

Spicy Tomato & Sweet Potato Bisque {gluten-free and vegan}

I first tasted a version of this soup at Whole Foods in the San Francisco Bay Area. It quickly became a favorite, especially in the cool of winter. This bisque also does quite well as a refreshing chilled version during those hot summer months.

This is a surprisingly creamy, yet healthy, tomato soup which is simple to prepare. The sweet potatoes add a a bit of balance to the acidity of the tomatoes while also lending a wonderful smoothness. Sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic rating than standard potatoes, an added bonus for those of you watching your carbohydrate intake.

The Cilantro Water Cleanse

(Underground Health Reporter) If you’ve traveled to Mexico, you’ve heard the warnings: “Don’t drink the water!” “It’s not sanitary!” “You’ll get the runs!” These warnings aren’t just for tourists to heed; locals need to be wary of contaminated water in Mexico as well. Tap water in the United States fares only a bit better, but in Mexican villages, many locals don’t have the money for filtration systems. A new study conducted by U.S. and Mexican researchers, however, is shedding light on the filtering properties of a popular Mexican spice—cilantro! If further research confirms that cilantro purifies water, then we may just have an extremely inexpensive, all-natural filtering agent on our hands!

Soft-drink habit in disguise: Commercial fruit juice and smoothies cause more harm than good

We may think we are giving health a good turn by opting for commercial fruit juice or pre made smoothie instead of soda pop, but health advocates warn this in not a sound choice. Linked with obesity and type 2 diabetes, the drinks are often a disease promoting agent in disguise. Masquerading behind a facade of wholesomeness, fruit juice and smoothies contain high levels of harmful fructose and synthetic additives. In response, nutrition experts warn if we want to avoid health issues in the future, these beverages should be given a wide berth.

The risks of 'healthy' beverages

A significant player in the soaring rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes, sugar of all kinds (especially fructose) is a health disaster. Barry Popkin, a professor of nutrition at the University of North Carolina, states that "smoothies and fruit juice are the new danger," in an interview with The Guardian.

Positive mental states encourage health and longevity - Research

According to current research, gratitude and appreciation aren't just pleasant emotions, both offer tangible health benefits as well. The HeartMath Institute in California has taken these findings a step further, providing a systematic approach for cultivating true appreciation - which ultimately reduces stress, chronic disease and nervous system disorders. In our fast-paced and intense modern world, orienting oneself toward positive mental states can vastly improve the quality of life and promote longevity.

The dance between appreciation and science

A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that gratitude supports cardiovascular and immune system health. Participants were monitored while asked to recall for five minutes an incident that triggered anger. Next, the individuals were told instead to focus on a memory that inspired gratitude. Heart, pulse and respiration rates dramatically improved. The researchers believe that by cultivating gratefulness, stress is  significantly reduced - thereby boosting immune function and strengthening overall health.

"Genetic Roulette" documentary shatters the myth of GMO safety

According to the documentary Genetic Roulette "…physicians and scientists have uncovered a grave trend. The same serious health problems found in lab animals, livestock, and pets that have been fed GM foods are now on the rise in the US population. And when people and animals stop eating genetically modified organisms (GMOs), their health improved." Information is power.

In the wake of the startling findings that GM corn causes massive tumors, liver damage and shortened life spans in rats, it is vital now more than ever to educate friends and family about the dangers of GM food. Genetic Roulette couldn't have arrived at a better time. A production of the Institute for Responsible Technology, Genetic Roulette features interviews with farmers, scientists, physicians, educators and chefs who explore the dangers of genetically engineered food. The film is by Jefferey Smith, author of The Seeds of Deception, and seeks to expose "the unintended but real health consequences of genetically engineering our food," said promoter Rodney Robinson. The documentary covers everything from the basic defining criteria of genetically modified organisms to California Ballot Initiative 37. Genetic Roulette also examines the significant connection between GM food and the rise of birth defects, autism, allergies and intestinal damage. The documentary can be viewed at: www.responsibletechnology.org

Ron Paul's new homeschooling curriculum: Bucking the public educational system, one liberty-minded student at a time

Ron Paul is on a mission to educate children. The former U.S. congressman is far from retirement with his latest project -- creating an alternative to the public school system through an independent online home curriculum. Paul believes "... children do better when their education is controlled by those who know their unique needs best, rather than by a federal bureaucrat." A long-time vocal advocate for homeschooling, Paul warns that dictatorships have historically recognized the threat of independent education and act accordingly to suppress it. In a bid for cultivating future freethinkers, the Ron Paul Curriculum was born.

Learning the basics plus much more

8 powerful plants that can detox your home

(MindBodyGreen) Did you realize the average American spends 90 percent of his time indoors? That’s a lot of time. Unbelievably, air pollution inside your home or office can be worse than the pollution outside, which is why the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranks indoor air quality as one of the top five environmental risks to public health.

There are many things you can do to clean up the air in your home. First, stop buying products made with toxic chemicals that pollute your living space. Products like air fresheners, vinyl flooring, pressed wood made with formaldehyde, and harsh solvents fill your air with nasty chemicals that harm your health.

Be the change with crowd-funding

Instead of turning to big banks, the government or credit cards, creative entrepreneurs and environmental activists are using the power of numbers to realize their dreams. Enter crowd-funding. By tapping into networks of individuals, small donations finance worthy projects, businesses and ideas—even civic overhauls. And people are making a difference without breaking the bank.

Many times, projects and businesses that need capital are overly 'alternative' and unable to attract the attention of banks or do not fit the rigid qualifying terms of government aid. Who wants to contend with outrageous debt and interest rates anyway? A unique solution to this dilemma is crowd-funding. Anyone can participate in bringing creative, environmental or socially aware enterprises to fruition with just a little 'seed change'—helping to support new ventures in a meaningful way. For those who back fledgling projects through crowd-funding, their efforts are often rewarded by a sense of local involvement and personal connection.

10 American Foods that are Banned in Other Countries

(Eat Local Grown) By Dr. Mercola

Americans are slowly waking up to the sad fact that much of the food sold in the US is far inferior to the same foods sold in other nations. In fact, many of the foods you eat are BANNED in other countries.

Here, I’ll review 10 American foods that are banned elsewhere.

Seeing how the overall health of Americans is so much lower than other industrialized countries, you can’t help but wonder whether toxic foods such as these might play a role in our skyrocketing disease rates.

BANNED FOODS

#1: Milk and Dairy Products Laced with rBGH

Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) is the largest selling dairy animal drug in America. RBGH is a synthetic version of natural bovine somatotropin (BST), a hormone produced in cows’ pituitary glands. Monsanto developed the recombinant version from genetically engineered E. coli bacteria and markets it under the brand name “Posilac.”

Win the battle of the bulge with probiotics and green tea

With obesity reaching epidemic proportions, new ways to slim down are in demand. Instead of fad diets and strange drinks, try natural green tea and probiotics. Both are found to be exceptionally effective in helping individuals shed extra pounds and maintain healthful weight.

Several studies have established a clear connection between an imbalance in gut bacteria and excess weight. Researchers found that bifidobacteria levels were nearly double in healthy weight infants between the ages of 6 and 12 months compared with those who became overweight. This may explain why breast-fed babies, who tend to have thriving colonies of bifidobacteria in their gut, are at a lower risk for having weight problems later in life.

How To Build a 400sqft Solar Powered Off Grid Cabin for $2k

(Off Grid World) How to build a nice small cabin powered by solar panels. Lamar Alexander built this cute little 400 square foot cabin for approximately $2000, and powers it with a 570 watt solar and wind power system. The whole system is very inexpensive, and the best part is he is mortgage free. Very cool little cabin. I’d be proud to build something like this myself, and call it home.

“…This cabin is 14×14 with a full loft and approximately 400 square feet of living space. Downstairs is Kitchen, Bathroom, Dining and Living area. Upstairs is a large Bedroom and Office. There is enough room for 6 people to sleep comfortably. Power system is 580 watts Solar electric and 400 Watts wind power which powers a 12 volt fridge, lights, water pump, TV’s, laptop and many gadgets. Heat source can be propane or wood stove. Toilet is composting or a septic tank system…” ~www.simplesolarhomesteading.com/