Disclaimer:  I am not a medical professional, just a retired teacher who likes to share her findings about staying healthy.

Fasting refers to the complete abstinence from food for a short or long period of time for a specific purpose.  The word is derived from the old English, ‘feastan’ which means to fast, observe, be strict.

Fasting is nature’s oldest, most effective and least expensive method of treating disease.  It has been recognized as the cornerstone of natural healing.

The practice of fasting is one of the most ancient customs. It is followed in almost every religion.

The Mohammedan, the Buddhists, the Hindus and many others have their periods of strict fasting.

Many noted modern physicians have successfully employed this system of healing in the treatment of numerous diseases and that’s because the common cause of all diseases is the accumulation of waste and poisonous matter in the body which results from overeating.  The majority of persons eat too much and follow sedentary occupations which do not permit sufficient and proper exercise for utilization of this large quantity of food.  This surplus overburdens the digestive and overstresses the organs and clogs up the system with impurities or poisons.  Digestion and elimination become slow and the functional activity of the whole system lacks balance.  Therefore, the onset of disease is merely the process of ridding the system of these impurities.

Now, it is believed by some, that disease can be healed by only one remedy—by doing just the opposite of what causes it, that is, by reducing the food intake or fasting.  And by depriving the body of food for a time, the organs of elimination such as the bowels, kidneys, skin and lungs are given the opportunity to expel, unhampered, the overload of accumulated waste from the system.

Thus, fasting is merely the process of purification and an effective and quick method of cure. It assists nature in her continuous effort to expel foreign matter and disease producing waste from the body, thereby correcting the faults of improper diet and wrong living. It also leads to regeneration of the blood as well as the repair and regeneration of the various tissues of the body.

The first time I fast was more than twenty years ago.  My family and I spent five days on a fast.  It was certainly not easy, but we did notice our excrement as being totally-shocking!  Our intestines received a good cleaning and after, I no longer experienced sinus problems.  Unfortunately, before long, I went back to my old habits at school, stuffing my face with whatever was available in the vending machine and my sinus problems came back, while I continued to gain weight.
(Next article, how long should one fast?)
 
Now, if I only knew how to handle my stress.  Being able to control one’s stress has much to do with one’s cortisol levels.  For me, exercise wasn’t the answer. After all, I certainly didn’t feel like walking after a full day of teaching, nor did I feel like walking in the morning, before school.  Keeping up with lesson plans, parent concerns, observations, evaluations, etc., did me in, and I was totally clueless about taking something to help with the primary-stress hormone, known as “cortisol.”
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I know this sounds like a sales pitch, but taking a supplement to help with this primary-stress hormone, is one of the best things a teacher should do to help regulate stress.  Personally, I really like the product, “Super Cortisol Support,” from NOW.  Product can be purchased at http://www.iherb.com.  Use this coupon code to save money at checkout, BER298. I started with one pill a day in the afternoon, just to see how my body would respond to it.  I waited a week before adding a pill a night, and now I am taking the recommended dosage of three a day, (one in the morning, one with lunch, and one with dinner.)  In being perfectly honest, I have been taking this supplement for more than a month and I have really noticed a huge difference in how I feel!  If I were taking this supplement as a teacher, I know I would have been able to control my eating and get a little exercise along the way.
 

​Teaching is Stressful and What Might Help
Back in the seventies, teaching was a blast.  Most parents were very supportive and that made life for a teacher much easier than it is today.  Unfortunately, as time evolved, and since the educational system could easily get sued, teachers became less respected and more was put on their plate.
Before my retirement in 2017, it became more clear that some parents didn’t really do their job and more of it was dumped on the teacher.  As a teacher knows, it only takes one parent to cause enough stress in a teacher’s life to make every day seem like hell. 
Yes, indeed, I remember those nasty notes and unproductive phone calls.  I had to grow a thick skin and hold my tongue and just document, document, and document some more.
Sure, I had attended workshops on how to deal with stress as well as read up on the topic.  But, let me make this perfectly clear, the advice only worked on those have less stress.
As a result of having so much stress, I gained a lot of weight and lost some hair.  At that time, I didn’t know it was to do with stress, more to do with age.  Recently, I found out and I’m passing it on to you, the reader, our need for cortisol support.
According to a educational resource from the Society of Endrocrinology, cortisol is a steroid hormone that regulates a wide range of processes throughout the body, including metabolism and the immune response.  It also has a very important role in helping the body respond to stress.
I truly believe, from my own personal experience as a former classroom teacher, that this stressful job causes too much cortisol over a prolonged period of time and leads to a number of the following symptoms:

• Rapid weight gain mainly in the face, chest and abdomen.
• A flushed and round face
• High blood pressure
• Osteoporosis
• Skin changes (bruises and purple stretch marks)
• Muscle weakness
• Mood swings, which show as anxiety, depression, or irritability
• Increased thirst and frequency of urination

High cortisol levels over a prolonged time can also cause lack of sex drive and, in women, periods can become irregular, less frequent or stop altogether.
In addition, there has been a long-standing association between raised or impaired regulation of cortisol levels and a number of psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression.  However, the significance of this is not year clearly understood.
I HAD A NUMBER OF THESE SYMPTOMS AND IF I HAD KNOWN IT WAS TO DO WITH CORTISOL, I WOULD HAVE STARTED TAKING SOMETHING TO HELP ME BEFORE NOW!!!!
After much research before deciding what might help, I decided to try Super Cortisol Support from NOW and see how my body would respond.  Could I get my hair back?  Can I get rid the weight around my middle?  Can I do something about this frequent urination?  One may wonder, if you’re retired, why are you having these problems?  You just do!
Two weeks ago, I started taking this product.  I feel more calmer, like a sense of peace, and I am not having the same problem with frequent urination.  As for my weight gain and getting my hair back, only time will tell.
I purchase this product as http://www.iherb.com.  Use this coupon code, BER298, to save money at checkout.

(Written by Kelley Curl 7)
So many people assume that I handle stress, very well.  Well, that makes me feel good!  However, no one really knows how a person feels on the inside, especially the quiet ones.

Stress can build up and the instinct to “fight or flight,” can cause one’s body to go into overdrive, producing cortisol, and other hormones involved in one’s stress response.

Stress can lead to built-up energy. The "fight-or-flight" instinct causes one’s body to go into overdrive, producing cortisol and other hormones involved in your stress response. And over time, if the stress isn't resolved, it actually can affect your energy levels. Either way, what better way to balance that energy than with movement? The next time you're feeling overwhelmed, go for a brisk walk, do some squats, or yoga your way to that feeling of zen. Simply put, a change of scenery and action can do wonders.  Ever heard the phrase, “it’s the simply things that bring the most joy?”  Well, I’m sure whoever said that was talking about relieving stress!

I know from working a full-time job and being involved in humanitarian activities, it’s become easy to fret over just about anything.  It’s become quite easy to worry about job security, especially if one is living from paycheck to paycheck. Or, to worry about one’s health, such as getting another kidney stone or another migraine.

A way to overcome the burden of the mind is to take deep, long breaths, at two-minute intervals, until the mind is calm.  A calm mind is needed to become more clear-headed in handling most situations.

Of course, one has to mention good nutrition, in keeping one’s stress-level at a minimum.  Quick eating all that junk food, even if you feel like it!  My weakness has always been sweets.  So, when I’m serious about what I am eating, perhaps I could try and add nutrients like lemon balm, magnolia and lychee fruit extract.  Research has shown they work wonders in helping one to relax. I know for my dad, a retired military officer, who lives with a mild case of PTSD, these nutrients help!

Now, as for my momma dealing with stress, read what she has to say,
“As the old-timers would say when I was growing up in a small town in Florida, "gettin' old sure ain't pleasant." Well, let me tell you, I found out just what they were talking about, such as dealing with a bald spot and a cracked tooth, ain't pleasant. Getting fatter around the waist, ain’t pleasant either!  Now, I could sure use something to help ease my stress and I found it!  It’s called, “Super Cortisol Support,” by NOW.  It supports healthy adrenal response and manages one’s appetite. I notice an immediate difference in the way I feel after taking it.”
Super Cortisol Support from NOW can be purchased at http://www.iherb.com.  SAVE money at checkout using this COUPONCODE, “BER298.”

DISCLAIMER:  I am an avid reader and not a medical professional. When trying something new, talk to your healthcare adviser.
                                                                                                        
Kelley is the author of Oh! Feeling Pretty! Can Trace Minerals Fight Viruses, Prevent Cancer, and Other Ailments? https://books2read.com/u/mgZoeK
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​Okay, my goal is to get my hair back.  Am I succeeding?  I, think so.  The number one culprit is the shampoo one is using.  After all, it goes right on your scalp!

There are so many shampoos on the market that claim to help with hair loss and to regrow one’s hair.  Well, I certainly was fooled by some!  As a cautionary measure, one needs to make sure to do one’s homework.  Read the label carefully and research all ingredients one is not familiar with and, of course, this may take some time. 

Recently, I found out that some products I thought I was safe using, turned out not to be what I had expected.  Beware of certain ingredients found in various shampoos and the following are on my watch list: Ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, sodium chloride, polyethylene glycols (PEG), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), formaldehyde, alcohol, synthetic fragrances (irritate the scalp causing hair loss), synthetic colors, diimethicone (can clog pores causing hair loss), cocamidopropyl betaine, triclosan, and retinyl palmitate.

Now, finding a shampoo that was free of any of these culprits was impossible. 
Now, an alternative to trying to purchase an over-the-counter bottle of shampoo was to make one’s own shampoo.  I did find this recipe:
 
Homemade Coconut Milk Shampoo.
1/4 cup liquid castile soap, like Dr. Bronners. 20 drops of essential oils of choice (Peppermint, lavender, rosemary and orange, or a combination of those). For dry hair, add ½ tsp olive or almond oil (optional).

I did try using this mixture with rosemary drops, but I just didn’t feel like my hair was truly washed.  Now, I thought about using a bar of unscented soap like my mother had done, and her hair did grow back, but I remember her having a hard time getting her hair rinsed to her satisfaction.

So, I kept on buying certain shampoos believing I had found the right one, only to discover there was at least one ingredient that could cause hair loss.  I was just about to give up when I came across a shampoo that was truly pure from any harsh chemicals.
I came across a shampoo from Organic Excellence along with a conditioner at http://www.iherb.com. (Use this coupon code: BER298, to save money during checkout.)  It is sulfate-free and toxin-free.  It is formulated with certified organic ingredients, vitamins and botanicals. This shampoo can be used on all hair types.  Now, iherb.com had the wild mint version of the shampoo.  Now, I don’t know if I am allergic to wild mint or not.  But, still I wanted a shampoo with no fragrance, what-so-ever!  As it turned out, Organic Excellence does offer a shampoo without the wild mint added, but it is not available at iherb.com.  I had to purchase the shampoo and conditioner directly on their website: https://lddy.no/uwqa

 There is no code for a product discount, but they do offer a free sample pack of their products when purchasing a product off their website, which is rather nice.
Now, I don’t wash my hair every day.  I only wash my hair when it feels dirty.  That’s how it was when I was growing up.  So, one could say I’ve gone back to my childhood ways.  In addition, I will rinse my hair in slightly cold water, so that my scalp gets the tingly feeling, which helps the blood to circulate.

Getting my hair back is not an easy task, but one I am working on and will continue to work on.  As I continue to keep up with the necessary supplements and washing my hair with a toxic-free shampoo, I have noticed an improvement, and that to me, means the world!
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Of course, I plan to add more to my hair story, as I learn more ways to get my hair back!

My story continues as I try to find a way to stop hair loss and to restore what I've lost.  In this segment, bees come to my rescue.
 
Bee pollen contains the amino acid L‑Cysteine, which contains sulfur and is said to help reverse hair loss and can strengthen the hair strand. You can achieve timeless skin by regular consumption of bee pollen! ... Bee pollen has a LOT of health benefits but it also has remarkable beauty benefits as well!
It is used as a basic dietary supplement for hair and is considered a preventive treatment for its fall due to illness or fatigue.  It also helps to stimulate hair in cases of baldness.  So, of course, I started using it!
 
How to Use

• Food supplement to stimulate hair growth:  Mix half a teaspoon of honey with half teaspoon of pollen in a glass of water.  Drink the mixture twice a day, one hour before meals.
• Hair growth mask:  A mask made of bee pollen with hot water helps stimulate hair growth.
• Prevention of hair loss:  Eating about a tablespoon of bee pollen every day by adding it to juices or milk shake helps to strengthen hair roots and prevents it from falling.  It gives it a great shine!
• Improve the appearance of hair:  dissolving a teaspoon of bee pollen in a tablespoon of shampoo contributes to get beautiful hair!

 
Fortunately, I have found a bee pollen product from Y.S. Eco Bee Farms sold at http://www.iherb.com, and have been taking this supplement in the morning with a teaspoon of organic honey, just before I have my morning brew.  It has become quite popular, since I had to wait to reorder, due to this product being sold out.  Use this coupon code to save money during checkout (BER298)
 
 
****And what was one of the things I had to do, switch to a hard-to-find shampoo (a shampoo without sneaky chemicals and fragrance-free) which I could only find at
https://lddy.no/uwqa
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