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Oni’s Sea Salad Recipe

My dear friend Julius stopped by recently and made a very special sea vegetable salad recipe that was given to him by a beautiful woman named Oni ( Sounds like Oh-knee). This was something I had never had before because I haven’t been a huge fan of seaweed in the past. However, since I recently cut out salt again, I’ve been getting into the salty flavor of sea veggies like Dulse. Sea vegetables are nutrient dense and may contain a variety of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, Iron, iodine and B vitamins, depending on the type of seaweed. I was super excited to try Oni’s Sea Salad and it did not disappoint! We hope you will enjoy it too.

This recipe is totally customizable to your personal preferences so if you don’t eat garlic, you can avoid it and if you want to limit your fat intake, you can cut back on or omit the olives. 

Recipe Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Arame
  • 3/4 cup Wakame
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 large red bell pepper or one medium to small size red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (use less for an even more low fat version)
  • small knob of fresh ginger, approx. 5 to 10 grams grated
  • Pure filtered water

Break up the arame and wakame by taking handfuls and using your hand to crush it into smaller pieces. When they rehydrate, they will return to their original large size and if not broken up or chopped, may be too large to easily eat. You can see the hand crushing example in the video below. (If you don’t have strength in your hands, you can always cut them with a knife or scissor after they’ve been rehydrated.)

Place the dried sea vegetables in a bowl leveling them out so you don’t have a large mound in the center of the bowl. Gently pour filtered water over the sea vegetables using just enough water until it reaches the top of the sea veggie layer. Take care not to over-fill with water. Cover and set aside to absorb the water while you prep your other ingredients. *It can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes for the water to absorb. *Note – If you use too much water, you’ll have to drain the excess water later and you’ll lose a lot of nutrients and some of the flavor. 

In a separate bowl:
Prep garlic by using a garlic press or ceramic grater plate to press or grate garlic and place in the bowl.
Peel a small piece of ginger. You’ll use about 5 to 10 grams. Using the grater plate, grate the ginger and add to the bowl. You can also use a garlic press for the ginger by cutting the ginger into garlic size pieces and pushing it through the garlic press.
For the red bell pepper, discard the seeds and stem. Slice the pepper into thin pieces approximately 1/2 inch long.  
Cut kalamata olives in half length-wise or feel free to chop them into smaller pieces and use less olives if you prefer, and add them to the bowl

Once the sea vegetables have absorbed all the water, use a fork to fluff up and stir the sea vegetables to make sure they have fully absorbed the water. The wakame will likely turn a beautiful shade of green. Add the garlic, ginger, olives and bell pepper to the sea vegetables and mix thoroughly.

Your sea salad is now ready to eat as is or you can add it to other salads, stuff it in wraps, or use it to top your favorite vegetable or flax crackers. 

Links to ingredients & kitchen tools for this recipe

Ceramic Grater Dish with Garlic Peeler

Watch the Recipe Video

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How To Stay On A Raw Food Diet

People often think I have really strong willpower, but my success with the raw food lifestyle came from an intense desire to always feel good after a lifetime of feeling bad. I strongly despise not feeling well and when I learned I held all the power to control how good or bad I felt, I became more motivated than ever to stay on a raw path knowing that was my ticket to feeling good all the time.

When I look at bread, pasta, pizza, cake, cookies, etc., all I can think about is how bad it will make me feel. If I did eat one of those things, I know it would take days or maybe weeks for me to recover and I just don’t have any interest in putting myself through that torture. I literally feel addicted to health and feeling good!

Rather than indulge in dense or unhealthy foods that are difficult to digest, I would much prefer to eat high vibrational foods like raw zucchini pasta, raw crackers, a raw dessert, raw pizza or a raw wrap instead, to keep my energy and vibe in a really positive, happy place. My goal, whenever I had a craving for a cooked food in the beginning, was to find a raw recipe version of that food or meal. I basically made a deal with myself that I would always find a raw alternative before ingesting something that would make me feel bad.
Pasta 4 pizza 4
In the very beginning, I had cravings for popcorn and things with vinegar like pickles and savory salad dressings. I would allow myself to have some vinegar or a few handfuls of popcorn if I just couldn’t get past the craving and eventually, I learned how to make kale chips which diverted my attention from the popcorn. Last year, I went back to using raw apple cider vinegar because I found so many benefits from using it and, it is raw after all. (See video on my personal experience and benefits of consuming raw apple cider vinegar here)

I think all my cravings for sweets and chocolate went away because my diet now consists of mainly sweet fruits. The only time I ever started to experience cravings for cooked or unhealthy food was when I didn’t eat enough fruit throughout the day. So, I learned to always enjoy plenty of fruit at every meal.
pear pie Peach cake 4
Now that my sweet tooth is satisfied with delicious, nutrient dense fruits, I have absolutely no desire to binge on junk anymore.

My suggestion, if you are struggling to stay on a raw food path, would be to try the following:
1. Load up on the best fruit you can find and make sure it’s ripe when you eat it 
2. Always be prepared with plenty of quality food at home and when you’re on the go
3. Find recipes for the raw food version of your favorite snacks and cooked meals
4. Make a deal with yourself to always choose the food that will make you feel your best and support your health & wellbeing
5. Find support in a raw food group in your local community, such as www.meetup.com or online

You veer off the diet because you can. So, find a reason why you can’t stray. It really is just a decision you adhere to, such as not cheating on a mate, not stealing, or simply deciding to brush your teeth twice a day. Make a commitment to yourself and then follow through by being prepared. That may mean going shopping twice a week instead of once a week or waking up a half hour early to prep your food for the day. 
wrap 4x7
Don’t let any rules of raw food rule your life. Make changes where you can and take the necessary steps to make this lifestyle work for you. If you need extra support, I’m happy to help through one on one consulting

If a raw food lifestyle is something you desire, with the right mindset and preparation, I know you can do it!

Have questions about succeeding on a raw food or plant based diet? Ask here, and I will answer your questions here on the blog
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A New Year’s gift for you: FREE meal plans + training videos

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

If you don’t know me very well, let me start by saying, I never promote anything I don’t believe in or that I wouldn’t use myself. I don’t want to waste your time with something that doesn’t have great value. 
 
Today is the start of a new chapter in each of our lives and I have something awesome I’d like to share with you. I hope it helps you make changes you’ve been wanting to make. 
 
Since I am not a parent, I don’t have the same experience that my dear friend, Kevin, has to offer. I believe his knowledge and experience as a parent, can help transform your life.
 
For the last 6 years, Kevin Cosmo has been training parents to increase their energy and have more fun with their health. He’s trained hundreds of parents and they’ve gained tremendous amounts of energy and fitness, while losing hundreds of pounds and saving hundreds of valuable hours. 
 
Here’s the first training video in Kevin’s FREE High Energy Parenting Course: The Core Strategy for Having More Energy
 
Kevin breaks down the 3 step strategy he uses with all of his clients, the 7 rules of having energy, and then he even shows you how to instantly energize yourself and jumpstart your day. Nothing for sale here, just great content for you to use to improve your life. There’s even a PDF that you can download and follow as you watch the video.
 
People depend on you to be healthy and energized. It’s your time. I really hope you like it.

Click HERE for your first training session
 
Wishing you a very healthy, joyful and energized New Year!
 
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Tangy Mango Hemp Cilantro Dressing

Mango hemp cilantro dressing

I was having a major craving for a crisp, romaine salad with a cilantro dressing last night. I always have lots of cilantro in the fridge and I was ready to create something new. I threw a bunch of ingredients into my mixing cup and searched the fridge for cilantro, only to find two half used bags of mostly spoiled cilantro. *Long deep sigh*

I could have easily just blended the ingredients I had and added some basil instead but that’s not what I was wanting. My body needed cilantro! My husband was so sweet to drive me to the store so I could run in and grab some. Thank you giant grocery store on the corner for having a decent size organic section with plenty of fresh cilantro bunches!

Here’s what I came up with for the dressing…

Ingredients:

1/2 cup mango
1 TBLS plus 2 tsp Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
1 small garlic clove
1 tsp minced fresh ginger
2 TBLS hemp seed
1 TBLS fresh lime juice
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
* 1 or 2 tsp of 100% pure maple syrup (optional if you’re like me and you like a sweeter dressing)
* pinch of salt (optional)
* chopped green onion or chives for garnish (optional)

Directions:

In a blender like a Vitamix, blend mango, vinegar, garlic, ginger, hemp seed, lime juice, maple syrup and salt until smooth. Add chopped cilantro and stir it into the dressing. 

Pour over your favorite greens and add green onion or chives for garnish. You can also top your salad with another tablespoon of hemp seeds.

For my salad, I used romaine lettuce, cucumber noodles, mango chunks, fresh tomatoes and a handful of thinly sliced purple cabbage. 

Enjoy!

Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Mango Sauce

zucchini noodles avo mango sauce

Sometimes you just want something different. That was me last week at dinner time. Standing in front of the refrigerator, staring blankly at its contents, I knew I wanted a savory noodle dish of some sort but I wasn’t sure what. I had part of an incredible Reed avocado that I needed to use up and I searched the fridge for additional ingredients to throw together. This avocado mango sauce is what I came up with. 

It was super creamy and a little tangy and it hit the spot.

Ingredients:

16 oz zucchini spiralized or julienned into noodles
1/2 cup green cabbage
1/2 cup purple cabbage
1 1/4 cups red bell pepper cut into thin, 1 inch strips
1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, more if you love cilantro like I do
5 medium basil leaves chopped or cut into thin strips
1/3 cup avocado
1 cup sweet, ripe mango like a kent, haden or keitt
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 TBLS fresh lime juice
*2 tsp tamari or coconut aminos (optional)

Directions:

Spiralize or Julienne zucchini into noodles and place in a large bowl. Add cabbage, bell pepper, cilantro and basil

Blend avocado, mango, celery, lime and optional tamari and pour over noodles. Gently mix noodles and sauce together

Can be garnished with fresh chives for additional flavor

Many blessings!

Sweet Lo Mein Noodles

Lo Mein Noodles

Chinese food was always a favorite of mine before following a raw food diet, so I was super excited to find this incredible dish from The Raw Caterer, which I purchase often at my local farmers market. It’s so delicious! It’s definitely one for those who like SWEET, savory meals. I keep begging them to release a recipe book because their food is SO GOOD! Hopefully someday soon, they will. Until then, they were so kind to share the ingredients used in this recipe. However, I don’t know their exact measurements and because I’m making much smaller batches, I had to modify the ingredients a little to be able to blend it properly.

This is reminiscent of the sweet dishes you might find at PF Changs or other Asian restaurants.  

Ingredients:

16 oz. zucchini (spiralized or julienned into noodles)
1 medium red bell pepper cut into thin, 1 inch strips
1 cup green or purple cabbage thinly sliced
1 or 2 button mushrooms or your favorite mushrooms thinly sliced *see additional mushroom options below
1 cup of raisins
1/4 cup of mango or if you’re allergic to mango you could substitute celery
1 TBLS Tamari or Coconut Aminos
1 small clove of garlic
1 thin slice of jalapeño, add more if you like more heat
1 tsp of finely diced fresh ginger

* For the mushrooms, I actually prefer the flavor and texture of dried mushrooms. I like to dry shiitake mushrooms in the dehydrator and then slice them and mix them in with the noodles and sauce. They taste more mild and I like the consistency better. I also slice and then dry portobello mushrooms too. I’ll break them up and put a small handful in the dish instead of shiitake. Button mushrooms will also work great if you decide to go this route. If you like fresh mushrooms, no need to dry them, just slice and add them to the dish. You can also slice and marinate fresh mushrooms in tamari, or coconut aminos, for 20 minutes before adding them to the noodles for enhanced flavor.

Directions:

Combine zucchini noodles, cabbage, bell pepper and mushrooms in a large bowl. I sometimes like to add thinly sliced celery to this dish for added flavor.

For the sauce, using a small blender like a Nutri Bullet or Smart stick, blend raisins, mango, tamari, garlic, jalapeño and ginger until smooth or almost smooth. Pour over noodles and mix gently until all ingredients are combined well. 

Sauce will be thick but once properly mixed with zucchini noodles, it will thin out and cover noodles well. 

Hǎo wèikǒu
好胃口
That’s enjoy your meal in Chinese!

Raw Savory Vegetable “Rice”

Vegetable rice

When you’re in the mood for something a little more dense, filling and savory, instead of reaching for cooked carbs, try a raw vegan, savory vegetable “rice” dish. This recipe can be a delicious and filling meal on its own, or paired with a salad, used as a filling to stuff peppers or tomatoes, and would even be great stuffed into lettuce leaves for a yummy wrap! This was often my go-to meal when I was really needing something other than my usual salad.

Savory Vegetable “Rice” Ingredients:

1 medium or small romanesque cauliflower or regular cauliflower (2 1/2 cups of cauliflower pieces before processed)
1 small kohlrabi peeled and cut (*optional)
1 large, ripe, red bell pepper approximately a 6 oz. sized pepper stemmed and seeded (half cut up in pieces, the other half set aside for sauce)
2 persian cucumbers or 6 oz. (or 1 small regular cucumber peeled) julienned into 1 inch noodles (zucchini can be substituted)
3 1/2 cups of cherry or vine ripened tomatoes (2 cups for sauce and 1 1/2 cups cut up for rice)
4 large stalks of celery approximately 11 oz. (6-7 oz. roughly chopped for the sauce and 3-4 oz. finely chopped for rice)
1/2 cup of fine carrot peelings
1/2 cup of pre-soaked sun dried tomatoes (soaked in warm water, preferably for an hour or more depending on thickness) a few pieces for the sauce and the rest for the rice
1 1/2 medjool dates (pitted) OR for better food combining – a 1/2 cup or so of a sweet tasting mango or apple 
15-20 medium sized sweet basil leaves (10 or so for sauce, and the left over for garnish)
1/2 cup of fresh blueberries for garnish (*optional)

Directions:

For rice
Break apart the romanesque or cauliflower and put the pieces along with the peeled & cut stem into the Vitamix or food processor
Add the peeled and cut kohlrabi and blend, or process, both until it becomes a small rice sized consistency

Pour into a large bowl
Add your cut up bell pepper pieces, cucumber (or zucchini) noodles, finely diced celery, chopped tomatoes, fine carrot peelings, and your cut up, soaked sun dried tomatoes

For sauce
In a blender like the Vitamix, blend 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, 1/2 of your red bell pepper, 3 stalks of celery roughly chopped, 1 1/2 pitted medjool dates OR ( you can substitute the dates with a sub-acid fruit like 1/2 cup of mango or sweet apple like a Fuji.)

Blend until all ingredients are mixed well but not too smooth

Add chopped basil to the sauce and stir, or pulse in basil leaves. Be careful not to blend basil because it can become bitter and the basil flavor can get lost in the sauce.

Pour sauce over rice and mix together

Garnish with fresh sweet basil and optional blueberries

You can also add fresh organic corn, chives, cilantro and a pinch of cumin for a Mexican style rice dish!

Raw Savory Vegetable “Rice” Recipe Video

Celery Powder Is A Flavor Dynamo!

celery powder 10 in

Celery powder can be a delicious & healthy addition to just about any dish for a nice boost of flavor. It’s naturally salty and brings out the flavor of pretty much everything you sprinkle it on.

One of my favorite foods to shake this delightful green powder over is freshly sliced, organic, vine ripened summer tomatoes! Holy moly…the flavor is Amazing! My husband puts a healthy dose on every one of his savory, cooked vegan meals and loves it.

It’s pretty easy to make, especially if you have a dehydrator. You can also make it in your oven, the oven directions are at the end of the instructions below. If you’d like to get a dehydrator, you can buy one here and receive FREE Shipping! 

Directions:

Wash, trim and dry one or two full bunches of celery.

Cut them into 1/4 inch slices and place them evenly on your dehydrator trays. If you have an Excalibur, it doesn’t need to be placed evenly. You can just put a sizable layer of celery on the mesh sheets or non-stick sheets. I like and use these non stick sheets which work great. By the way – Prep time can be cut in half by using a food processor to cut your celery.

Turn the dehydrator on to 105° or 110° F and let celery dry completely, it may take up to 18 hours or more. You want to make sure they’re completely dry. If there’s any moisture left in them, the powder will be clumpy and it will quickly become moldy.

When they’re done, grind them into a powder in a coffee grinder or high powered blender like a Vitamix.

Store in a tightly sealed container or an old spice jar.

To Dry or Dehydrate Celery in an Oven
(directions from http://www.ehow.com/how_4589078_dry-dehydrate-celery.html)

[Preheat your stove to 140° F.

Place the celery pieces onto a wire mesh tray. Place the wire mesh in the center rack of the stove.

Insert a wood stick or hot pad between the stove and the stove door. Keep the stove door open about 1 inch. Moisture needs to escape the stove.

Check the temperature of the stove using a thermometer. The internal temperature should remain 140° F.

Place a metal fan facing the inside of the oven. Blow air into the stove to increase air circulation.

Stir the celery every 30 minutes with a spatula. All surfaces of the celery need equal drying. Drying takes approximately 4 to 12 hours. Remove the celery when it is dry.

Place the dried celery into a glass Mason jar. Store the celery for future use.]

See my video below for step by step visual instructions on making celery powder in a dehydrator. 

P.S. You can also use these instructions with beet green stems and chard stems for a unique salty flavor and vibrant splashes of color on your savory meals!

Decadent Peach Dessert – Nut & Fat Free!

Peach Dessert

A simple yet decadent fat free, raw vegan summer dessert that will melt in your mouth and taste like peach heaven! It’s also properly combined so it will digest with ease.

A single medium serving for one, OR it can be shared as two small servings.

Ingredients for base:
7 or 8 Medjool dates pitted (or 1 cup of your favorite dates)
1/2 of a small to medium yellow nectarine, pit removed
*optional – 7 or 8 drops of Medicine Flower Vanilla extract & Peanut extract
(You can use several drops of regular vanilla extract instead)
Blend until smooth or almost smooth and spread onto a plate or into a dessert ramekin

Variation options for base:
You can use a peach instead of nectarine for blending
OR you can omit the nectarine, add a handful of extra dates and blend in 2-4 TBLS of fresh young thai coconut water

Garnish date base with:
1 large ripe juicy yellow peach cut into slices (or enough peaches to cover the surface)
a dusting of cinnamon on top
* optional – a small handful of plump blackberries or blueberries

Organic Raw Vegan Flavor Extracts can be found here:
http://medicineflower.com/flavorextracts.html

Decadent Peach Dessert Video

Parasites

Parasites are one of the most misdiagnosed afflictions. Their symptoms mimic a long list of other illnesses and disorders which often make a proper diagnoses complicated. On top of that, once parasites are suspected, getting accurate testing is even more difficult because the only reputable lab that I knew of that gave accurate results merged with a new company and changed their testing process. Most people struggle for so long and often have no idea why. And, even if they do know why, they cannot find a solution. They try everything from prescription medication, herbs and essential oils, a strict diet, and even water fasting, with little to no success. 

I was one of those people, trying all of the above remedies with little success but thankfully, I finally found a solution that worked for me, as well as for my husband, family members and friends.

My Story
After switching to a raw food diet, my digestion was working perfectly for the first time in my life. No more bloating, no more constipation, I was feeling great and continued to feel great for many months. Suddenly, without making any changes, my digestion began to slow down and I started to experience constipation again. I became extremely bloated unlike anything I’d ever experienced. One or two bites of food and that was it, I felt so full, I couldn’t take another bite and even felt like I had a hard time breathing. I began experiencing headaches and my vision became blurry. I had no idea what was wrong after everything had been going so well. 

For nearly a year, my husband was experiencing muscle tightness, pain and severe swelling in his hands, wrists, knees and feet. swollen handsHe saw numerous doctors and was finally diagnosed with arthritis and sent home with medication. He was practically bed ridden. He was in a lot of pain and couldn’t even make a fist.

Fortunately for us, we didn’t stop searching for answers and went to see our sports injury specialist who always seemed to have the answers we needed when no one else did. He suspected parasites, not arthritis, and ordered a test kit for my husband. When his tests came back positive, I was sure I was infected too, and sure enough, I was.

Through expensive specialized stool tests, we were diagnosed with parasites on two separate occasions. My husband was diagnosed with Strongyloides, a roundworm that can mimic extreme arthritis symptoms. He also had pinworm and a protozoan parasite. I was diagnosed with whipworm and a protozoan parasite. I’ve never been one for taking medications, but reluctantly, the first time we were diagnosed, we took prescription medication to get rid of these critters. It seemed to work temporarily but we never got completely better. We got tested again months later and found completely different parasites in our systems. We decided prescriptions were out, because they obviously weren’t going to keep the parasites away and we needed a solution.

We tried taking herbs for months and achieved decent results but they weren’t perfect and their effects certainly didn’t last. We also had uncomfortable side effects of anxiety and general discomfort throughout the whole process. Each time we would finish a long cycle of herbs, about a week later, our symptoms would return. I was SO frustrated and really started to feel hopeless.

It was a long trial and error process, and after trying what seemed like everything, we finally found a lasting solution and the parasites are gone.

Thanks to many internet health forums, I found lots of people having great success with parasite zappers. Even though we were both very skeptical, we felt we had nothing to lose, so we bought a couple and gave it a shot.

These particular parasite zappers emit a low level electrical current throughout the body killing bacteria, virus, fungi, parasites, etc. without killing off your good bacteria. According to the manufacturer, parasites are positively charged and unhealthy tissue is also positively charged. zapper duoThe introduction of weak electric current (via the Zapper) destroys parasites by reversing their polarity. Negative ions are added to encourage diseased tissue to heal — healthy tissue is negatively charged. Parasites cannot defend their positive polarity (shortage of electrons) against the introduction of simple direct current and they die very quickly. Negative ions will repel parasites whether electric current, magnets, or orgone generates the ions. Parasites not only die when subjected to electricity, but also disintegrate and are easily assimilated as harmless nutrients or eliminated. 

After wearing the zapper for only 14 hours, when I woke the next day, my body felt completely different. I felt like I had taken a muscle relaxer. My body was so relaxed and at peace for the first time in a very long time. 

After that, things just continued to get better.

My digestion is much stronger. I don’t have the constant bloating discomfort I was experiencing 24/7 and my digestion is back to working the way it should. My vision began to clear up and the weird headaches I was having went away as well.

After using the zapper, my husband also completely recovered. Within a few days he noticed small improvements and within a month, he was well again. No more swelling or pain.

We both got the basic zappers first, because they were so affordable. After having such great results, I decided to upgrade to the Terminator. We made sure our entire family got a zapper and my dad, who was waking up everyday with arthritic-like pain throughout his body said, after wearing his for a day or two, that he was waking without any pain. He broke his zapper a short time later and was without it while he waited for a replacement and his pain returned. Then, it disappeared again when he got his replacement. I found this very interesting.

There are other zappers available on the market but they’re much stronger and you can only use them for a few seconds to minutes at a time because the side effects of the die off can make you really ill, which is why we chose to buy the low level, battery operated zappers. Thankfully, they don’t cause major side effects or discomfort.

It’s very important to change the battery every 4 days because 9 volt batteries lose the majority of their power after about 96 hours of constant use in a zapper. It’s also crucial to clean the copper contacts on the zapper daily, sometimes twice a day if they get really dirty. 

For best results, along with the above recommendations, you should wear your zapper 24/7 for at least 30 days. The zapper should be removed when bathing or during very physical activity.

If the zapper starts to tingle or itch, you must move the zapper so it doesn’t burn your skin. The only place you cannot get burned is on the bottom of your feet and the palms of your hand. When sleeping, it’s best to wear the zapper in a sock (or the wrist bands we offer) on the bottom of your foot or wrapped in the palm of your hand.

I believe in these parasite zappers completely after all of our successful experiences, and because I was constantly asked if I sell them, I decided to make them available on my website.

If you’re interested visit my Zapper Page for great prices and fast shipping. We also offer a non-toxic copper cleaning cloth that cleans the copper contacts quick & easy without any chemicals.

The Basic and Terminator zappers are safe for use with pets and children. 

With small children and infants, it’s best for an adult to wear the zapper and hold the child so your bare arm is touching their bare skin to transmit the frequency through skin contact. Or, by holding the zapper on their skin for short intervals, making sure to move the zapper to different locations on the belly every five minutes or so. NEVER strap the zapper to a small child or infant. 

According to the manufacturer, children and pets seem to heal very fast, compared to adults, and feels no more than a half hour of zapping per day is necessary for sick children and babies. 

With pets, it is similar to using on small children and infants. You can place the zapper on your pet’s belly area for 20-30 minutes while sitting with them, making sure to move the zapper from time to time. An hour a day in total time is likely all that’s needed. NEVER strap the zapper to your pet in any way. Be mindful to monitor your pet’s behavior, if they become uncomfortable, be sure to move the zapper to a different position. 

Here are some videos about my zapper experience and how to care for the zapper:

 

My personal experience with parasites and the zapper

How to clean your zapper: Quick & Easy

Parasite update and FAQ video

Testing:

As mentioned earlier, the most accurate lab for testing parasites, Metametrix, which is the lab that diagnosed me, my husband and my mom with parasites, has merged with a company called Genova Diagnostics and they’ve changed the way they test.

However, apparently there is a test procedure called PCR that is becoming more available for people to accurately test for parasites, bacteria and virus. 

“Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique that is used to amplify trace amounts of DNA (and in some instances, RNA) located in or on almost any liquid or surface where DNA strands may be deposited. The key to understanding PCR is to know that every human, animal, plant, parasite, bacterium, or virus contains genetic material such as DNA (or RNA) sequences (nucleotide sequences or pieces of DNA or RNA) that are unique to their species, and to the individual member of that species. Consequently, if a sample contains segments of DNA or RNA, PCR is a method used to amplify (make many more identical copies) of these unique sequences so they can then be used to determine with a very high probability the identity of the source (a specific person, animal, or pathogenic organism) of the trace DNA or RNA found in or on almost any sample of material.” – info from emedicinehealth.com

I don’t know the cost of PCR testing but when my family and I were tested, it was very expensive for the stool test kit. It was close to $400 per kit. For many people who have multiple symptoms, they find it much more affordable to just buy a zapper and start using it for 30 days. If their symptoms go away, they saved time and money, plus experienced relief much sooner. If their symptoms don’t go away, they’re only out a small amount of money after giving it a chance, and they can gift it to someone who will likely benefit from using it. 

Symptoms of Parasites:

Here’s a list of symptoms followed by the ways in which we can contract parasites that was shared with me by my dear friend Mikey, who’s been such a great supporter of my experience and who has generously contributed excellent information regarding this subject. Thank you, Mikey!

*Please note the rest of the information below was not written by me and I have made some suggestions in a couple areas as a healthier option.*

Common Symptoms of Parasites in Humans

Constipation: Some worms, because of their shape and large size. can physically obstruct certain organs. Heavy worm infections can block the common bile duct and the intestinal tract, making elimination infrequent and difficult.

Diarrhea: Certain parasites, primarily protozoa, produce a prostaglandin (hormone-like substances found in various human tissues) which creates a sodium and chloride loss that leads to frequent watery stools. The diarrhea process in a parasite infection is, therefore, a function of the parasite, not the body’s attempt to rid itself of an infectious organism.

Gas and Bloating: Some parasites live in the upper small intestine where the inflammation they produce causes both gas and bloating. The situation can be magnified when hard-to-digest foods such as beans and raw fruits and vegetables are eaten. Persistent abdominal distention is a frequent sign of hidden invaders. These gastrointestinal symptoms can persist intermittently for many months or years if the parasites are not eliminated from the body.

Irritable bowel syndrome: Parasites can irritate and inflame the intestinal cell wall, leading to a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms and malabsorption of vital nutrients, particularly fatty substances. This malabsorption leads to bulky stools and steatorrhea (excess fat in feces).

Joint and muscle aches and pains: Parasites are known to migrate to encyst (become enclosed in a sac) in joint fluids, and worms can encyst in muscles. Once that happens, pain becomes evident and is often assumed to be caused by arthritis. Joint and muscle pains and inflammation are also the result of tissue damage caused by some parasites of the body’s ongoing immune response to their presence.

Anemia: Some varieties of intestinal worms attach themselves to the mucosal lining of the intestines and then leach nutrients from the human host. If they are present in large enough numbers, they can create enough blood loss to cause a type of iron deficiency or pernicious

Allergy: Parasites can irritate and sometimes perforate the intestinal lining, increasing bowel permeability to large undigested molecules. This can activate the body’s immune response to produce increased levels of eosinophils, one type of the body’s fighter cells. The eosinophils can inflame body tissue, resulting in an allergic reaction. Like allergy, parasites also trigger an increase in the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE).

Skin conditions: Intestinal worms can cause hives, rashes, weeping eczema, and other allergic-type skin reactions. Cutaneous ulcers, swellings and sores, popular lesions, and itchy dermatitis can all result from protozoan invasion.

Granulomas: Granulomas are tumor-like masses that encase destroyed large or parasitic eggs. They develop most often in the colon or rectal walls but can also be found in the lungs liver, peritoneum, and uterus.

Nervousness: Parasitic metabolic wastes and toxic substances can serve as irritants to the central nervous system. Restlessness and anxiety are often the result of the systemic parasite infestation. (After completing a herbal cleanse, many people swear that their persistently grouchy mates or relatives have become a lot more pleasant and patient. “The most famous tapeworm of recent years belonged to the late opera singer Maria Callas. She had a serious weight and skin problem. When the tapeworm was detected and removed, “her weight dropped, her skin improved and her temperament mellowed,” says Gittleman.)

Sleep disturbances: Multiple awakening during the night particularly between 2 and 3 AM, are possibly caused by the body’s attempts to eliminate toxic wastes via the liver. According to Chinese medicine, these hours are governed by the liver. Sleep disturbances are also caused by nocturnal exits of certain parasites through the anus, creating the intense discomfort and itching.

Teeth grinding: Bruxism – abnormal grinding, clenching, and gnashing of the teeth – has been observed in cases of parasitic infection. These symptoms are most noticeable among sleeping children. Bruxism may be a nervous response to the internal foreign irritant.

Chronic fatigue: Chronic fatigue symptoms include tiredness, flu-like complaints, apathy, depression, impaired concentration, and faulty memory. Parasites cause these physical, mental, and emotional symptoms through malnutrition resulting from malabsorption of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and especially vitamins A and B-12.

Immune Dysfunction: Parasites depress immune system functioning by decreasing the secretion of immunoglobulin A (I&A). Their presence continuously stimulates the system response and over time can exhaust this vital defense system, leaving the body open to bacterial and viral infections.

The following conditions might also be tell-tale signs of a parasitic invasion: weight gain, excessive hunger, weight loss, bad taste in the mouth and bad breath, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, acne, migraines, and even the biggest killers: heart disease and cancer.

Causes of Parasites:

Food

We can get parasites from food that is not adequately cooked. Meat such as pork and beef that is undercooked is the means of transmission for tapeworms, as is undercooked freshwater fish. Vegetables and fruit may come from the field or the market carrying both protozoan (single celled, microscopic) and metazoan (worm) parasites. Parasites may be added to vegetables and fruit if they are sprayed, rinsed or washed in water that has not been properly filtered. And parasites may be transferred to food by the person preparing the food if impeccable hygiene is not followed. When you eat in restaurants you have a greater chance of ingesting a parasite if you eat uncooked food, such as salads. Cooking food will eliminate most parasites and since cooked food is often handled with utensils, there is less likelihood that the food was handled with bare and perhaps unwashed hands that may have come in contact with a parasite. However, some parasites are tough and can withstand sustained high temperatures as described above in the water category. At home, soak vegetables and fruit for at least 15 minutes in a solution of two ounces of hydrogen peroxide or one ounce of common pure chlorine bleach per gallon of properly filtered water and then rinse off with pure, properly filtered water. (I prefer to wash my food with Grapefruit Seed Extract available at most health food stores or a fruit and veggie wash that contains GSE. You can also use apple cider vinegar. Alicia) Wash your hands and scrub under your finger nails before preparing or eating food. This measure of hygiene is even more important if you have pets. Once again, enjoy your food but use common sense and apply your knowledge of appropriate hygiene.

Pets

Pets are often hosts to parasites and pets share many parasites with humans. Simply stated, pets are able to lick themselves almost anywhere and then pets groom themselves. Pets love to be petted and humans love to pet them. And so the parasite is passed from pet to person. Again, always wash your hands and scrub under your finger nails after touching an animal and especially before preparing or eating food. Avoid kissing pets or letting them kiss you. And it is wise not to let pets on the bed. It is a good idea to have your pet checked by the veterinarian for parasites on a regular basis. Veterinarians seem to be more adept at finding and treating parasites than human doctors.

Sex

Oral genital sexual activity can result in the transmission of some parasites. Be impeccable in your hygiene.

Air

Some parasites can be transmitted through the air. One example is Ascaris Lumbricoides, commonly referred to as roundworm. This worm is estimated to be the most common parasite on the planet, infecting maybe one in five people. While it is more common in other countries, it is very common in the U.S. Female worms may produce 200,000 eggs a day. In areas of poor sanitation, these eggs can survive for a time in relatively dry conditions where the eggs may become airborne and inhaled by a human. This is all that is necessary for that parasite to begin the lifecycle in a human host. The most common parasite in children in the U.S. is considered to be the pinworm, or Enterobius Vermicularis. Female pinworms come out onto the skin around the anus and lay their eggs. This can cause itching. The eggs can remain viable on bedclothes, bedding, underwear, clothing and the dust in the room for days and can be transmitted by direct contact and then into the mouth or through the air. Killing pinworms is not difficult. But getting rid of a pinworm infestation can be if proper care is not taken. Vacuum meticulously. All clothing and bedding should be washed and dried in a hot drier for at least 30 minutes. Chemicals are available that are added to the wash water to kill the eggs. Dry cleaning is also recommended. While getting rid of pinworms, wear underwear that is elasticized so they fit snuggly around the thigh for 24 hours every day until the pinworms have been eradicated. Carefully remove the underwear so that any eggs that might be caught in the fabric are not lost and set them aside to be washed as described above. Change the underwear when you wake up in morning and before bed at night. Remember, the females usually come out to lay their eggs at night.

Soil

Hookworms, such as Necator Americanus and Ancylostoma Duodenale can be contracted through the soil as well as from vegetables. These worms can enter a human host by burrowing through skin of the feet if one is in the dirt with bare feet. Be careful about going barefoot. These two hookworms exist in many areas of the world. The range for Necator Americanus includes parts of New Mexico.

Fecal Matter

If you work in areas where contact with fecal matter is possible, such as cleaning toilets or changing diapers, be careful. It has been documented, for example, that giardia has been passed around at some day care centers where children in diapers are cared for.

Travel

Although many human parasites are common in the U.S., parasites are much more common in many other countries and so easier to come in contact with. Be meticulous in your habits about hygiene and consumption of food and drinks. Take a portable water filter when you travel. These are available at most outdoor/camping stores and are designed to eliminate Giardia as well as other parasites. Also, build a strong immune system before beginning your travel and regularly take nutritional and herbal products to help prevent getting parasites while you travel.

Hydrochloric Acid

People who produce lower levels of hydrochloric acid in their stomachs either naturally or because of acid reducing drugs are more vulnerable to getting parasite problems. The hydrochloric acid “digests” the protein of the parasitic cysts, eggs or other transmission forms. Discuss hydrochloric acid supplementation or ways of improving your hydrochloric acid production with your kinesiologist. (If you have low hydrochloric acid, the practice of proper food combining can help, and so does taking raw organic apple cider vinegar. If that doesn’t work, water fasting is very helpful. Alicia)

Doorknobs

Although picking up pathogens from doorknobs has become a cliché of ridicule, it is certainly possible to come into contact with a number of parasites and other pathogens from doorknobs, toilet seats or any other surface (money perhaps) where people touch. This is even truer if the surface is near a toilet. As an example let’s use Giardia, since it is common and can survive outside the body in a range of conditions for extended periods of time. A person with Giardiasis uses the toilet in a restaurant or at the movies after which they do not wash their hands. This could result in one or more Giardia cysts on their hands and when they open the door to leave the restroom those cysts might be transferred to the doorknob. The next person to touch that doorknob could pick up those cysts. And even though that person has just washed their hands with care, if they return to the restaurant or the movie and eat food with their hands, there is a risk of contracting Giardiasis. While it would be foolish to never venture out into the world for fear of “getting something,” consider developing habits that help protect yourself from the very real possibility of coming in contact with a bug you don’t want. Use your sleeve, or a paper towel or a tissue to open the door as you leave a restroom. Carry small hand sanitizer packets, such as Purell, and clean your hands before eating or touching your mouth and nose. (I do not recommend the use of hand sanitizer. I think it’s best to wash your hands regularly with a natural soap like Dr. Bronner’s and avoid antibacterial soaps. You can use essential oils instead of sanitizer too. Alicia) Some types of parasites are considered communicable and are more easily passed around in families, relationships and communities. For example, many public health authorities require that cases of Giardiasis be reported.

Summary

Parasites are a fact of life. This was well understood by most people in America up to the middle of the twentieth century. Common knowledge about preventive hygiene and annual parasite purges was passed on within families. It is not difficult to evaluate what changing factors in society resulted in the loss of the transmission of that common knowledge. But it has occurred. The parasites continue to thrive. The time has come to raise awareness about how common parasite problems are as well as how to prevent getting them and how to eliminate them when we get them. Resolving a parasite infestation is one of a handful of essential components that is absolutely necessary in order to create a strong foundation from which we can maintain or reestablish our health.

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