Real Food and Natural Flavors

WHAT A WAY TO START OUT A POST...I am tired.  This past week was stressful.  This week to come will be what it is and I hope it has a slower pace to it as I am needing to rest up.  February is coming to an end.  MARCH is about here!  WONDERFUL MARCH.  

Last Tuesday, I drove our car HOME through a snow storm.  Relieved to be HOME when I arrived.  This was for a short distance of 13 miles, but the roads were slick and visibility was challenging to say the least.  

Thursday I was on the road again as I met my Mom in Emporia for a follow-up on her nose surgery.  This went well.  Her nose is healing.  Mom shared with me that my sister is having health problems.  Thursday night I received a phone call from my brother-in-law informing me that my brother was taken to a Wichita Hospital with a blood clot on the brain and cracked ribs.  Intensive Care.  He took a fall and was in poor health.  

On Friday I went to Wichita to visit my dear brother also had a chat with my sister that was there as well.   Brother improved.  Was told the blood clot will probably go away on its own, the cracked ribs will slowly heal.  We thought he had a stroke and fell, but it looks like he fell and cracked his ribs plus bruised his brain.  He has been falling more at 67.  May be dementia.  Husband and I took out to return HOME.  Long drive.  We arrived HOME late after driving in dense fog with some rain that was predicted to turn into a blizzard.  Once again I was ready to be HOME and kiss the ground.  


My Mom is going deaf.  There is a lot of HUH? 
My brother-in-law is going deaf and my Husband is wearing hearing aides.  It's challenging to speak to where they understand the conversation.  As we age, we continue to change.  

Next day, I slept in.  Felt so tired.  The WINTER STORM blew into TOWN making staying inside a desirable place to rest.  I took a nap in the afternoon while listening to a Susan Puzio program on Blogtalkradio.  I remembered my dream of a grandchild playing on my computer with a iPad attached to it.  New design of course.  I couldn't get my computer to work as it had died.  THEN I woke up to Susan's program still playing.  I will now have to go back and listen to the program once again.  Nothing like falling asleep on a lazy Saturday afternoon.      

Later in the day, I found myself researching LEAD in lipsticks, what chemicals called 'NATURAL FLAVORS' added to foods and beverages are about,  GMOs, what to look for when shopping to get REAL FOOD.   I cleared out the fridge some things that have NATURAL FLAVORS in them.  A new thing to embrace eating better.  I'm finding out that I didn't know squat about additives other than dyes and coloring. 

When the label says it has Natural Flavors in it, this can mean that the flavor came from something made out of something from nature and it may not be edible, but put into foods to enhance the flavor.  If a rubber tire were going to add flavor to a food, someone might use it to flavor their product?  No silly.....or wood they?  (like cellulose)  

WELP....I started paying attention to HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP.  Reading more labels.  I started with Ketchup.  Deliberately changing to KETCHUP without fructose in it.  No High Fructose Corn Syrup.  BUT the next time I shop for Ketchup, I will be looking to see if Natural Flavors have been ADDED to the ingredients print out as this is becoming a big NO on my NO-no list.  

Product Description

• SKU: #011110858535
• Shipping Weight: 1.39 lb

• Organically Grown
• No Preservatives
• USDA Organic
• Non-GMO

Certified Organic by Global Organic Alliance

Simple Truth Organic products are formulated without genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The USDA's National Organic Program do not permit the use of ingredients made with GMOs in Certified Organic Products.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Tbsp. (17 g)

Servings per Container: About 33

	Amount Per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	20
Fat Calories	0
Total Fat	0 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	150 mg	6%
Total Carbohydrate	4 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	4 g
Protein	0 g
Vitamin A		0%
Vitamin C		0%
Calcium		0%
Iron		0%

Other Ingredients: Organic tomato concentrate (water, organic tomato paste), organic sugar, organic vinegar, salt, organic onion powder, organic spices.

I love Ketch-up, but what's in it to begin with?  Will find out by taking a little bit of time to read the complete label.  You know that many have fought the government to keep the ingredients off the labels.  So if a product has genetically modified ingredients in the product the companies that prepared the product do not have to inform you that ingredients have GMOs in them or are genetically modified.
  
Genetically 
Modified 
Organisms.

LAST SUMMER when I was told that cheese with cellulose (wood pulp) was what it was, I stopped eating it.  
    
New interest in 'NATURAL FLAVORS'.  
Natural Flavors - These are made in a lab from a proprietary mixture of chemicals derived from anything in nature. Each flavor may contain up to 100 ingredients, including “synthetic chemicals such as the solvent propylene glycol or the preservative BHA” as well as GMO-derived ingredients (unless organic or Non-GMO Project verified).   

Desiring to get "well informed" I will have to do some reading to get in the know of things.  Hours will go into this research.

Supper was Pork Chops, mashed potatoes with gravy, and a very spirited salad.  Bottled water to drink and cookies for dessert.  Of course the cookies had natural flavors in the ingredients.  Not HAPPY about this.  Ate them anyways.  

Tomorrow will be another effort to read about REAL FOOD.

Dear Lord, Take me on this journey to better inform me of what is happening in the food industry, food and what REAL FOOD is.  
In Jesus name I pray, 
Amen.  

Blessings,
d  

    

25 Days Till SPRING

YES, I DO.

25 Days Until Spring 

and 25 Ways to Prepare For It

1) Go through your Spring clothing and foot ware to see what you have and to remind you what you need to get before Spring has sprung.  What will you wear come Easter?  Winter clothes no longer wanted taken to THRIFT STORE or local ministries.

2) Wash your Spring sweaters.

3) Wash interior windows.

4) Wash interior window lace panels making ready for Spring/Summer curtains and drapes.

5) Make Hair Appointment for Spring, Easter, Prom, Wedding, Anniversaries, Birthdays preparations.

6) ADD Vitamin Cs and Elderberry concentrate to daily consumption to help body/immune system fight Spring Time colds.

7) Wash your Spring bedding for switching from Winter bedding to Spring.

8) Give yourself a facial.

9) Soak your feet and clean the grunge off of the heels and elbows.

10) Eat Salads.

11) Clean the inside of the refrigerator, stove and microwave out. 

12) Organize the Pantry.

13) Polish the silver/silver plate.

14) Clean the interior of the automobile out.

15) Sweep the home floors.

16) Clean the bathroom top to bottom.

17) Visit a Shut-in.

18) Purchase or make Easter cards.

19) Clean light fixtures.

20) Read a book.

21) Quiet time with the Lord.

22) Get your eyebrows shaped.

23) Update checkbook.

24) Make physicals with doctor, dental cleaning, OB/GYN appointments, etc. for entire family for Summer months.

25) Gather items for Spring Rummage/Garage/Yard Sale. 

25 days until the calendar says it's SPRING.

READY.  This has been a very long WINTER to me.

Oh, so ready for SPRING,

d

In The Neighborhood

This actual 1920ish photograph of my old neighborhood shows where my stone house was over to the left beyond the Model T.  Notice the auto facing the direction it is known now a days as parked on the wrong side of the street.  I don't know when it became against the law to park this way as some still do this in the year 2019.  

I noticed that there was once a front door on what we had as a side with only windows and no doors on this side of the house.  My Husband thought that there had been a door here that had been exchanged for a window probably when the newer part of the house became the front of the house in an L-shaped design which later someone built an L-shaped porch.

The neighbor children were walking to school.  Must have been somewhat cold as they are bundled up in their coats.  1920 was before my time.  I suppose all these lil ones are long gone.

Before we moved into our old rock house, I use to drive down this street and admire the rock house behind the children.  The smaller house to the right is still there and in beautiful condition.  The fence is long gone.

Love the iron fence.  Wish it had stayed.

I still drive this neighborhood.  Miss living in our rock house.  Miss it a great deal especially in the SPRING when the flowers begin to bloom.  Time marches on and so I must as well.

All the best,
d

Snow Day Ahead

Supper was at a Mexican Restaurant.  My good deed today was to drink water instead root beer.  Good girl.  No evening dishes to wash.  Gave it some thought as to what we should have for the rest of the week's evening meals.  

Hamburgers on Wednesday.  
Left over Pizza on Thursday.  
Friday Roast beef with potatoes, carrots and green beans.
SALADS on the side.
During daylight hours will be Celery Juice.

  

I think there's some frozen turkey still hibernating down under in the freezer drawer.  This could make some nice turkey sandwiches for the week-end.  The way my fridge is doesn't hold as much food as I'm use to.  This refrigerator is a counter depth and I miss my deeper fridge like mad.  Still getting use to it not being as deep as I was accustomed to.  

Pretty to look at.  Somewhat functional.  Just doesn't have the depth I like.  Kind of like some people I have known.  Grins.  



AS WE DROVE BACK TO TOWN last night, the snow was blowing and I was needing a hot cup of HOT CHOCOLATE.  This was more excitement than wanted.  WHITE KNUCKLED DRIVING.  Started to get slick on the road and difficult to slow down while coming upon a jeep in the middle of our lane.  They had their warning lights blinking.  I could not stop to help if I wanted to.

Driving very slow on a winding road where the outside line on the pavement of the highway wasn't visible with blinding snow flurries hampering my vision was more than enough stimulation.  I was more than ready to be HOME.

When arriving HOME I would have kissed 

the ground I walked on 

if it weren't snowed upon.  Smooch.

TOO COLD.

It took three times as long to travel the 12 miles between the towns than normal.  I was ready to be HOME and off the road quietly sitting in my recliner.  Thankful to be HOME.  Ready to go to bed and sleep covered up with heavy bedding.  Still I have to have an electric fan blowing over me.


The rest of this chilly month will be wrapping up as I move slow these days.  March is only a few days away where SPRING will bloom forth.  Waiting for my knee to stop aching when I first stand on it to walk.  Lord help.  I'd like to be walking.  First my heel was so bad now my knee.  The heel got better.  Hoping for the knee to follow.  

My days do not go completely as I plan.  
Staying flexible helps.d  Party time

at:  http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/2019/02/wise-woman-titus-2-linkup_20.html

Another Meatloaf

No pictures for this one.  Just making a post for recall.

MEATLOAF QUEEN HERE,

d

MEATLOAF

Ingredients

• 3 slices bread
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2/3 cup 2% milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup finely shredded carrot
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
• GLAZE:
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon prepared mustard

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°. Tear bread into 2-inch pieces; place in a blender. Cover and pulse to form coarse crumbs; transfer to a large bowl. Stir in egg, milk, cheese, onion, carrot, salt and pepper. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Transfer to a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan.
• In a small bowl, mix glaze ingredients; spread over loaf. Bake 60-75 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Freeze option: Bake meat loaf without glaze. Securely wrap cooled meat loaf in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. To use, partially thaw meat loaf in refrigerator overnight. Prepare and spread glaze over top; reheat on a greased shallow baking pan in a preheated 350° oven until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.

Effects of Tubal Ligation

Hormonal Symptoms Caused by Tubal Ligation

Michelle’s Question
“What happens to my hormones after a tubal ligation? I was told I would be fine, but now I feel like I’m going crazy because I feel so bad. I’m tired all the time. I have weight gain and migraines, and I am so moody.”

Have you had a tubal ligation or had your tubes tied? If so, then you probably didn’t expect to have any problems after this procedure. Your doctor may have told you that you wouldn’t feel any differently. The reality is, many women do notice changes after a tubal ligation.

During tubal ligation surgery, the fallopian tubes, which connect the ovaries to the uterus, are cut or blocked to prevent pregnancy. Women often refer to this procedure as having their “tubes tied.” In this video, Dr. Sheridan explains the hormonal effects of tubal ligation. (We’ll give you a hint: you’re NOT crazy!)

Michelle’s Question
“What happens to my hormones after a tubal ligation? I was told I would be fine, but now I feel like I’m going crazy because I feel so bad. I’m tired all the time. I have weight gain and migraines, and I am so moody.”

Video Transcript:

Dr. Sheridan: Michelle, I’m Dr. David Sheridan. You asked a really good question. When your tubes are tied they not only crimp the fallopian tube, but they include the blood vessel that goes to each ovary and they do this on each side. The ovary does get blood supply from two vessels, but so do a lot of tissues. That doesn’t mean you can cut one off, or crimp it and block it, and the tissue’s not affected. We see this from time to time in women who have their tubes tied. You might lose a little bit of each ovary and feel fine. You can lose a lot of each ovary, they can be left severely damaged, and almost throw hormones around randomly.

What this often does is affect a woman’s ability to make progesterone more so than estrogen for reasons that are not well understood. She can be left estrogen dominant, it’s a tricky term, but it really means progesterone deficient allowing estrogen effects to dominate. Estrogen becomes the dominant hormone.

This can cause severe mood swings, irritability, headaches, and even migraines. You can start swelling and have fluid retention. It can be mild, moderate, or even devastating. Just like PMS, some women are affected mildly; some are devastated by their symptoms. It’s the same cause even though the woman with PMS maybe didn’t have her tubes tied. It’s progesterone deficiency allowing estrogen to dominate. Fibroids, fibrocystic breast disease, endometriosis, ovarian cysts – these are other things that are caused by progesterone deficiency.

The biggest problem may be that progesterone’s your biggest bone builder, and it’s very important to help the brain repair itself. Progesterone’s probably your biggest anti-cancer compound. What we know in women that do not ovulate is that they have a 540% increase in breast cancer, a 1,000% increase in overall cancer mortality. These numbers are greater than the difference between smokers and non-smokers. I’m not saying that you make no progesterone, but you’re not making enough to balance the estrogen you have, causing symptoms that can be quite severe, threatening your bones, and also, in my opinion, raising cancer risks.

For someone with your problem, I would strongly recommend getting actual bioidentical progesterone from a doctor who knows how to adjust the dosage properly. It’s going to be best for your symptoms, way better than any drug, period. It’s going to be best for your health, because progesterone is very safe, and does not cause cancer. It actually protects against cancer, probably better than anything else.

You’re not crazy, but your doctors may be, because this has been going on a long time. I have been asked this, now I didn’t know what was going on, but when I was a resident, I didn’t know bioidentical hormones from my shoes. I did have women ask me, “I just had my tubes tied, could that make me feel bad?” Not all women, but many women, have their tubes tied and do okay, but some do not, because their ovaries are significantly damaged, and it continually makes them more and more estrogen dominant, in some cases even menopausal.

Beauty Is Skin Deep.....

This week has flown right on by....it's Friday once again.  I love Fridays!!!  Heard that snow is suppose to come again.  Well it did and is as I looked out the window where the snow is falling down nice fluffy flakes.  My main focus is that we are one day closer to SPRING.  Praise the Lord. 

33 days until calendar SPRING. 

My Mom had her surgery and did well.  My heart sank a little when I saw the work of the surgeon to remove cancerous cells from her nose.  Basal Cell.  May it heal well and cause no more problems.  The cancer was on the bridge of her nose where there isn't much skin that can be taken away.  Rethinking sunscreen.  I stay out of the noonday sun most days, but still after years of being exposed to sun, the damage is already done.  From this day forward......baby soft skin.

The Lobby was full of people waiting for their turn to have surgery.  Older individuals.  Very common for construction workers and farmers who have spent years exposed to rays.  

I was wondering where to go to be looked over from a dermatologist.  I believe I will make an appointment and have the doctor look at a place on my temple and a place on my back.  Get this thing over.  My Husband has a spot on the top of his head that keeps returning.  Him too.

Have you experienced skin cancer?  It is becoming more and more common.

Beauty is skin deep, but not limited to skin alone.  Beautiful skin is beautiful.  HEALTHY SKIN is beautiful.  This large organ of ours needs tender loving care.  I decided to use baby soap on my face this week.  Gentle soap.  Shall see how that goes.  

It's been a few years since I saw a television program about people who needed LIVER TRANSPLANTS because their bodies did not properly sweat due to excessive amounts of TATTOOS.  When skin cannot detoxify from lack of sweating, health issues arise.  The popular trend of going overboard on body tats will more than likely cause LIVER HEALTH to decline.  Quality of life matters.  Don't do TATS.

Skin care matters.  All the chemicals we are exposed to matters.  I'll be looking into make-up that is more natural.  Lipsticks especially since this is basically my make-up.  Lipstick can be used as blusher/rouge/eye shadow.   SIMPLICITY RULES.  The talc powders in eye shadow should make a red flag go up.  Where does the talc in your eye shadow come from?  Which country sells your cosmetic company their talc?  Why the concern?  The shadow can flake into your eye and then what?  The shadow is on skin.     

I remember back in the day when I was brainwashed and mesmerized into thinking that a Christian Ladies program I was listening to just wasn't SPIRITUAL ENOUGH.  The program was about skin care.  I was wrong to think we shouldn't be alerted to healthcare for skin.  I was really deep into the word of faith/charismatic movement that I truly was daft to the reality of this world and what we should do to stay as healthy as we can.  How to protect self from what needed protected.

God gives us a brain....use it.  THINK.  It is alright to be a thinking Christian.  It is alright to use logic.

Have you ever gone to a meeting where the speaker told you that you didn't need to think?  You should throw your reasoning away?  I have.  Such nonsense to be given.  I should have left the meeting and never looked back. 

Guard your heart.  Embrace truth.  Take care of your body.  The temple.

Stay beautiful.

Blessings and all the best,

d    

WebMD tips~

Skin has three layers:

• The epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, provides a waterproof barrier and creates our skin tone.
• The dermis, beneath the epidermis, contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands.
• The deeper subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) is made of fat and connective tissue.

The skin’s color is created by special cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin. Melanocytes are located in the epidermis.

Skin Conditions

• Rash: Nearly any change in the skin’s appearance can be called a rash. Most rashes are from simple skin irritation; others result from medical conditions.
• Dermatitis: A general term for inflammation of the skin. Atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema) is the most common form.
• Eczema: Skin inflammation (dermatitis) causing an itchy rash. Most often, it’s due to an overactive immune system.
• Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition that can cause a variety of skin rashes. Silver, scaly plaques on the skin are the most common form.
• Dandruff: A scaly condition of the scalp may be caused by seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema.
• Acne: The most common skin condition, acne affects over 85% of people at some time in life.
• Cellulitis: Inflammation of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues, usually due to an infection. A red, warm, often painful skin rash generally results.
• Skin abscess (boil or furuncle): A localized skin infection creates a collection of pus under the skin. Some abscesses must be opened and drained by a doctor in order to be cured.
• Rosacea: A chronic skin condition causing a red rash on the face. Rosacea may look like acne, and is poorly understood.
• Warts: A virus infects the skin and causes the skin to grow excessively, creating a wart. Warts may be treated at home with chemicals, duct tape, or freezing, or removed by a physician.
• Melanoma: The most dangerous type of skin cancer, melanoma results from sun damage and other causes. A skin biopsy can identify melanoma.
• Basal cell carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is less dangerous than melanoma because it grows and spreads more slowly.
• Seborrheic keratosis: A benign, often itchy growth that appears like a “stuck-on” wart. Seborrheic keratoses may be removed by a physician, if bothersome.
• Actinic keratosis: A crusty or scaly bump that forms on sun-exposed skin. Actinic keratoses can sometimes progress to cancer.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: A common form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma may begin as an ulcer that won’t heal, or an abnormal growth. It usually develops in sun-exposed areas.
• Herpes: The herpes viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause periodic blisters or skin irritation around the lips or the genitals.
• Hives: Raised, red, itchy patches on the skin that arise suddenly. Hives usually result from an allergic reaction.
• Tinea versicolor: A benign fungal skin infection creates pale areas of low pigmentation on the skin.
• Viral exantham: Many viral infections can cause a red rash affecting large areas of the skin. This is especially common in children.
• Shingles (herpes zoster): Caused by the chickenpox virus, shingles is a painful rash on one side of the body. A new adult vaccine can prevent shingles in most people.
• Scabies: Tiny mites that burrow into the skin cause scabies. An intensely itchy rash in the webs of fingers, wrists, elbows, and buttocks is typical of scabies.
• Ringworm: A fungal skin infection (also called tinea). The characteristic rings it creates are not due to worms.

• Skin Tests

  • Skin biopsy: A piece of skin is removed and examined under a microscope to identify a skin condition.
  • Skin testing (allergy testing): Extracts of common substances (such as pollen) are applied to the skin, and any allergic reactions are observed.
  • Tuberculosis skin test (purified protein derivative or PPD): Proteins from the tuberculosis (TB) bacteria are injected under the skin. In someone who’s had TB, the skin becomes firm.

  Skin Treatments

  • Corticosteroids (steroids): Medicines that reduce immune system activity may improve dermatitis. Topical steroids are most often used.
  • Antibiotics: Medicines that can kill the bacteria causing cellulitis and other skin infections.
  • Antiviral drugs: Medicines can suppress the activity of the herpes virus, reducing symptoms.
  • Antifungal drugs: Topical creams can cure most fungal skin infections. Occasionally, oral medicines may be needed.
  • Antihistamines: Oral or topical medicines can block histamine, a substance that causes itching.
  • Skin surgery: Most skin cancers must be removed by surgery.
  • Immune modulators: Various drugs can modify the activity of the immune system, improving psoriasis or other forms of dermatitis.
  • Skin moisturizers (emollients): Dry skin is more likely to become irritated and itchy. Moisturizers can reduce symptoms of many skin conditions.

  
  

  

  
  

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