Ok, this is everyone's favorite topic, right? Not.
But parasties are indeed a real part of most people's health problems.
Most experts estimate that 80-95% of the American population has parasites (just google it - you'll be surprised).
- If you have a pet, you're at risk for parasites.
- If you've ever been out of the country, you undoubtedly picked up parasites.
- If you've ever eaten pork or fish, you've most likely consumed parasites
...these are just a few indicators.
Basically, unless you've recently done a parasite treatment, you most assuredly have them right now.
But before you freak out, try to remember that this knowledge can be a good thing. Parasites can mimic other diseases and cause all kinds of problems in the body. So maybe your strange symptoms have a simple explanation.
The problem is that most doctors don't test for parasites, or they only test for a few kinds. And most medications they prescribe only kill the adult parasites, not the eggs, thus are ineffective.
After I returned from Mexico, my MD gave me a routine parasite medication, which as far as I know, didn't do any good. Next I tried a natural alternative - Wormwood. (That is the nastiest taste on the planet!) I don't think that helped either, because my intestinal problems continued.
Later a friend recommended an herbal treatment, which consisted of taking capsules, powder in water, and drinking a special tea each day, for several weeks (40-50 days, I don't remember exaxtly). Unfortunately, because of my sensitivities to herbs, it made me worse, and I had to quit before I finished it.
Finally, in 2009, I went to Dr. Smith (http://www.allertouch.com/index.asp) who has developed a natural treatment for parasites that actually works! He treated me for parasites in my intestines. Later I found that I had parasites in my adrenal gland, so we treated for those also.
When we tested my mom she originally had them in her stomah and liver. We treated her. Then a few months later more showed up in her lower intestines. So we treated for those.
The point is that there are many different kinds of parasites and they can be in different places in the body. And after treating for one kind, another kind may show up somewhere else. This is why regular checking and treating for parasites is so important.
If you're interested in the natural method we use, send me an email or post a comment, and I'll send you the specifics (it only takes 2 days).
If your body is not as sensitive as mine and you can tolerate herbs, then Dr. Valerie Saxion has an herbal parasite treatment on her website, called ParaCease. http://www.valeriesaxion.com/
She also has MUCH more information about this topic.
Unfortunately, parasites are part of the reality of living in this fallen world. Whatever you do, please take this seriously! Your body is God's temple. Be a faithful guardian of it. Kick out the "squatters." =)
Fighting for health,
-Joanna
- One more note: A good rule of thumb is to get a new toothbrush every 3 months (germs & nasties build up in your toothbrush). But it's especially improtant to get a new toothbrush when doing a parasite treatment. If you don't, you could end up reinfecting yourself from your toothbrush.
.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
I CAN...
Living with Environmental Illness is constantly being faced with what I can't do. I can't - go there, do that, eat this, see them.... The ongoing limitations can be overwhelming at times.
Today I just want to praise God for the improvements in my health that mean there are some things I CAN do again!
- I CAN wash dishes!
It's been years since I've been able to stand up long enough to wash a few dishes. And believe me, it feels great! =)
- I CAN read books!
I don't know how many months it's been since I could hold a book in my hands without getting sick from it. I'm having so much fun reading that I'm actually in the middle of 4 different books right now!
- I CAN do 4 & 1/2 push-ups! =)
Ok, not every day, but at least once or twice a week. Yeah!
- I CAN listen to music!
There were a lot of months when I was so weak that any sounds, even good music, would make me feel worse. It's so wonderful to be playing Wayne Watson and Keith Green again!
- I CAN learn!
For a long time my body was in survival mode: eat, breathe, sleep. Thinking was a luxury I didn't have. But now I'm able to receive information, process it and learn - and I'm loving it! (My brain still isn't 100%, but I think it's at least 50% better.)
These are just a few of the things I CAN do again now, things I took for granted for many years. I praise God for His healing work in my body, and I pray I will enjoy every day, being thankful for what I CAN do!
"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (I Thess. 5:18)
Today I just want to praise God for the improvements in my health that mean there are some things I CAN do again!
- I CAN wash dishes!
It's been years since I've been able to stand up long enough to wash a few dishes. And believe me, it feels great! =)
- I CAN read books!
I don't know how many months it's been since I could hold a book in my hands without getting sick from it. I'm having so much fun reading that I'm actually in the middle of 4 different books right now!
- I CAN do 4 & 1/2 push-ups! =)
Ok, not every day, but at least once or twice a week. Yeah!
- I CAN listen to music!
There were a lot of months when I was so weak that any sounds, even good music, would make me feel worse. It's so wonderful to be playing Wayne Watson and Keith Green again!
- I CAN learn!
For a long time my body was in survival mode: eat, breathe, sleep. Thinking was a luxury I didn't have. But now I'm able to receive information, process it and learn - and I'm loving it! (My brain still isn't 100%, but I think it's at least 50% better.)
These are just a few of the things I CAN do again now, things I took for granted for many years. I praise God for His healing work in my body, and I pray I will enjoy every day, being thankful for what I CAN do!
"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (I Thess. 5:18)
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Roller-coaster
Living with E.I. is a roller-coaster.
For a long time, it was all downward spirals and sideways corkscrews for me.
Thankfully, with the right help, I've been able to make some steady upward progress. But that doesn't eliminate the downward plunges or upside down loops.
For example...
In December God brought me to the top of a huge hill - I got off the Cortef medication!
Of course, shortly after that I had an awful reaction to some herbicide, it took over a week to recover. I was just starting to feel better when I reacted to something on Christmas Day!
After two weeks, I was about back to "normal" (for me) when I had another chemical exposure.
I got over that one, then we had fumes in the oven - we couldn't use it for two weeks.
Finally got that straightened out, and then we got gasoline fumes in the house...we're still trying to get those cleared out.
(And this is just a little snapshot of my life, not including all the other twists & turns.)
But E.I. life isn't without its "ups," thanks to God's grace.
One day I was crying out to God in anguish of spirit, just tired of this trial, tired of the struggle, but also tired of this imperfect life, its pain and impermanance.
Then, like someone had flipped a switch in my brain, I realized that, really and truly, earth has nothing I desire! (Ps. 73:25) Everything I love, all that I long for is already stored up for me in heaven!
In a moment God took me from the depths of anguish to the heights of joy! He used the difficulty of my trial, the loops and plunges, to bring me to a place of spiritual awareness and deeper intimacy with Him.
I understand now that if I hadn't gone through the "downs" of the roller-coaster, I wouldn't have experienced the "ups" either.
I guess all of life is a roller-coaster, not just E.I. life. Heaven is our "finish line," our place of permanance and perfection. Until then we're still on this wild ride.
So while sometimes on this roller-coaster I'm holding on for dear life, other moments I'm lifting my hands and shouting for joy!
For a long time, it was all downward spirals and sideways corkscrews for me.
Thankfully, with the right help, I've been able to make some steady upward progress. But that doesn't eliminate the downward plunges or upside down loops.
For example...
In December God brought me to the top of a huge hill - I got off the Cortef medication!
Of course, shortly after that I had an awful reaction to some herbicide, it took over a week to recover. I was just starting to feel better when I reacted to something on Christmas Day!
After two weeks, I was about back to "normal" (for me) when I had another chemical exposure.
I got over that one, then we had fumes in the oven - we couldn't use it for two weeks.
Finally got that straightened out, and then we got gasoline fumes in the house...we're still trying to get those cleared out.
(And this is just a little snapshot of my life, not including all the other twists & turns.)
But E.I. life isn't without its "ups," thanks to God's grace.
One day I was crying out to God in anguish of spirit, just tired of this trial, tired of the struggle, but also tired of this imperfect life, its pain and impermanance.
Then, like someone had flipped a switch in my brain, I realized that, really and truly, earth has nothing I desire! (Ps. 73:25) Everything I love, all that I long for is already stored up for me in heaven!
In a moment God took me from the depths of anguish to the heights of joy! He used the difficulty of my trial, the loops and plunges, to bring me to a place of spiritual awareness and deeper intimacy with Him.
I understand now that if I hadn't gone through the "downs" of the roller-coaster, I wouldn't have experienced the "ups" either.
I guess all of life is a roller-coaster, not just E.I. life. Heaven is our "finish line," our place of permanance and perfection. Until then we're still on this wild ride.
So while sometimes on this roller-coaster I'm holding on for dear life, other moments I'm lifting my hands and shouting for joy!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
What To Pray
This week I was thinking about my E.I. friends who are heavy on my heart. I want so badly to be able to change their circumstances, heal their bodies, and free them from suffering.
At the same time, I know that God has allowed me these years of health problems to bring about much good in my life. So even though I continue to ask Him to restore my friends' health, I thought of a few other important prayer requests...things I have often prayed for myself, things we can pray for anyone with E.I., maybe things you need prayer for as well, whatever your circumstances.
I hope these prayer requests will help you in praying for others and encourage you in your own relationship with God today.
Please pray for those with E.I. -
- to have sufficient courage to face each day's challenges. Some days we just don't want to open our eyes to another day of suffering. Only God can give supernatural courage.
"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." (Philippians 1:20)
- to continually meditate on God's promises, not negative thoughts, especially during sleepless nights.
"My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises." (Psalm 119:148)
- to find and hold on to hope - hope in God, but also hope for restored health. People with E.I. need to know that they can get better, that there are answers, that this illness won't last forever.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)
- to practice vocal praise to God, in spite of how we feel and what we see.
"Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth," (Psalm 119:108a)
- to learn how to be truly happy in God alone. There is a genuine gladness we can have in knowing God, regardless of circumstances. But only God can accomplish this.
"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." (Psalm 90:14)
Praise God that He hears our prayers and listens to our cries!
Thank you for praying.
Blessings,
-Joanna
.
At the same time, I know that God has allowed me these years of health problems to bring about much good in my life. So even though I continue to ask Him to restore my friends' health, I thought of a few other important prayer requests...things I have often prayed for myself, things we can pray for anyone with E.I., maybe things you need prayer for as well, whatever your circumstances.
I hope these prayer requests will help you in praying for others and encourage you in your own relationship with God today.
Please pray for those with E.I. -
- to have sufficient courage to face each day's challenges. Some days we just don't want to open our eyes to another day of suffering. Only God can give supernatural courage.
"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." (Philippians 1:20)
- to continually meditate on God's promises, not negative thoughts, especially during sleepless nights.
"My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises." (Psalm 119:148)
- to find and hold on to hope - hope in God, but also hope for restored health. People with E.I. need to know that they can get better, that there are answers, that this illness won't last forever.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)
- to practice vocal praise to God, in spite of how we feel and what we see.
"Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth," (Psalm 119:108a)
- to learn how to be truly happy in God alone. There is a genuine gladness we can have in knowing God, regardless of circumstances. But only God can accomplish this.
"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." (Psalm 90:14)
Praise God that He hears our prayers and listens to our cries!
Thank you for praying.
Blessings,
-Joanna
.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Prayer Request
Please pray for my friends Sam & Nathan and their mom, Karen.
They have Environmental Illness, like me, only they are more sick than I am right now (about like I was 2 years ago). They don't have a computer because they are so sensitive to EMF's (Electromagnetic Fields). So we write letters and talk on the phone once in a while.
They live in the mountains of AZ, but the high elevation isn't good for them, so they've been wanting to move to a lower place. This seems like an impossible goal. With their chronic fatigue and extreme sensitivites, it's all they can do just to get through each day, let alone find a safe place to move to, get their van in working order, get all the details in place for a move, etc.
I talked with Karen briefly this week. Things have been rougher than usual lately, and she sounded pretty discouraged.
Because they've been dealing with these health problems for more than 15 years, they don't have a church family or much spiritual encouragement or support at all. My heart just goes out to them!
Sometimes I forget how incredibly blessed I am to have so many wonderful people praying for me, encouraging me, helping me.... I'm trying to be that for this family, but I could definitely use your help.
So, if you will, please take a moment today to pray for Sam, Nathan & Karen.
Pray that God will encourage their hearts and strengthen their faith in Him during this long, ongoing battle.
And please pray for God to divinely heal them, or to lead them to some real help and answers that will bring healing to their bodies.
Thank you so much! It's such a blessing to have this blog and know that people care about those of us with E.I. And it's an even greater blessing to be part of the Family of God! =)
Your sister in Christ,
-Joanna
They have Environmental Illness, like me, only they are more sick than I am right now (about like I was 2 years ago). They don't have a computer because they are so sensitive to EMF's (Electromagnetic Fields). So we write letters and talk on the phone once in a while.
They live in the mountains of AZ, but the high elevation isn't good for them, so they've been wanting to move to a lower place. This seems like an impossible goal. With their chronic fatigue and extreme sensitivites, it's all they can do just to get through each day, let alone find a safe place to move to, get their van in working order, get all the details in place for a move, etc.
I talked with Karen briefly this week. Things have been rougher than usual lately, and she sounded pretty discouraged.
Because they've been dealing with these health problems for more than 15 years, they don't have a church family or much spiritual encouragement or support at all. My heart just goes out to them!
Sometimes I forget how incredibly blessed I am to have so many wonderful people praying for me, encouraging me, helping me.... I'm trying to be that for this family, but I could definitely use your help.
So, if you will, please take a moment today to pray for Sam, Nathan & Karen.
Pray that God will encourage their hearts and strengthen their faith in Him during this long, ongoing battle.
And please pray for God to divinely heal them, or to lead them to some real help and answers that will bring healing to their bodies.
Thank you so much! It's such a blessing to have this blog and know that people care about those of us with E.I. And it's an even greater blessing to be part of the Family of God! =)
Your sister in Christ,
-Joanna
Friday, March 18, 2011
Teach Me
I've had health problems for a long time, and I know a lot of people who are sick. The one thing we all pray continually is, "Lord, please heal me!"
We know God is our Healer, and thankfully we can always pray and ask Him for healing.
But I think many times God would like us to also pray, "Lord, please teach me."
Teach me how my body works.
Teach me what causes illness and why I'm sick.
Teach me about the things you have provided to help my body heal.
Teach me more about you through this trial.
Teach me to depend on your strength in my weakness.
Teach me whatever you want me to learn.
Teach me....
I can tell you that if God had healed me miraculously when I asked Him to several years ago, I'd never have learned all the things I know now. And I probably would have ended up getting sick again down the road, because I'd still have been ignorant of how my body works and what to do to keep it healthy. Not to mention all the spiritual lessons I would have missed.
I know our natural tendency in any trial is to just get OUT of it as quickly as possible! But God's goal for us is not a perfect life on this earth, but a life that is being transformed through our trials.
So as we continue to ask for healing, I hope we will also have courage to keep praying, "Lord, teach me."
"Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
-Psalm 27:11
We know God is our Healer, and thankfully we can always pray and ask Him for healing.
But I think many times God would like us to also pray, "Lord, please teach me."
Teach me how my body works.
Teach me what causes illness and why I'm sick.
Teach me about the things you have provided to help my body heal.
Teach me more about you through this trial.
Teach me to depend on your strength in my weakness.
Teach me whatever you want me to learn.
Teach me....
I can tell you that if God had healed me miraculously when I asked Him to several years ago, I'd never have learned all the things I know now. And I probably would have ended up getting sick again down the road, because I'd still have been ignorant of how my body works and what to do to keep it healthy. Not to mention all the spiritual lessons I would have missed.
I know our natural tendency in any trial is to just get OUT of it as quickly as possible! But God's goal for us is not a perfect life on this earth, but a life that is being transformed through our trials.
So as we continue to ask for healing, I hope we will also have courage to keep praying, "Lord, teach me."
"Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
-Psalm 27:11
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Stick To It
You may already know this, but I think it's worth mentioning here - that teflon/non-stick cookware is hazardous to your health.
Here's a paragraph from the Natural News website:
"...in the two to five minutes that cookware coated with Teflon is heating on a conventional stovetop, temperatures can exceed to the point that the coating breaks apart and emits toxic particles and gases. At various temperatures these coatings can release at least six toxic gases, including two carcinogens."
(from - http://www.naturalnews.com/026678_Teflon_iron_cookware.html)
I don't know about you, but I certainly don't want to be breathing in any more carcinogens than I already am from living in this toxic world.
According to Dr. Valerie Saxion, the toxins we encounter from teflon are difficult for the body to detox, because they are stored in the fat cells. You can't just drink more water to 'wash them out.' (Eating parsley and cilantro can help somewhat in detoxing the fat cells in your body.) The toxins from teflon can also be passed through a mother to her unborn baby.
Our culture is always looking for what's convenient. But in many cases, what's convenient is also what's dangerous. Thankfully there are healthy and safe alternatives to cooking with teflon/non-stick coated pans.
"We continue to recommend cast iron and stainless steel cookware as safer options for stove-top cooking, and oven-safe glass for baking. These safer pans might be a little harder to clean, but your health is worth it."
(from - http://www.ewg.org/healthyhometips/dangersofteflon)
In light of this knowledge, just wanted to encourage you to 'stick to' the healthy choices in cookware and say no to the non-sticky choices.
Just another simple way to protect your health and your family.
Blessings,
-Joanna
Here's a paragraph from the Natural News website:
"...in the two to five minutes that cookware coated with Teflon is heating on a conventional stovetop, temperatures can exceed to the point that the coating breaks apart and emits toxic particles and gases. At various temperatures these coatings can release at least six toxic gases, including two carcinogens."
(from - http://www.naturalnews.com/026678_Teflon_iron_cookware.html)
I don't know about you, but I certainly don't want to be breathing in any more carcinogens than I already am from living in this toxic world.
According to Dr. Valerie Saxion, the toxins we encounter from teflon are difficult for the body to detox, because they are stored in the fat cells. You can't just drink more water to 'wash them out.' (Eating parsley and cilantro can help somewhat in detoxing the fat cells in your body.) The toxins from teflon can also be passed through a mother to her unborn baby.
Our culture is always looking for what's convenient. But in many cases, what's convenient is also what's dangerous. Thankfully there are healthy and safe alternatives to cooking with teflon/non-stick coated pans.
"We continue to recommend cast iron and stainless steel cookware as safer options for stove-top cooking, and oven-safe glass for baking. These safer pans might be a little harder to clean, but your health is worth it."
(from - http://www.ewg.org/healthyhometips/dangersofteflon)
In light of this knowledge, just wanted to encourage you to 'stick to' the healthy choices in cookware and say no to the non-sticky choices.
Just another simple way to protect your health and your family.
Blessings,
-Joanna
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