Counsels on Diet and Food by Ellen G. White Prevailing Corruptions Due to Unrestrained Appetite Many marvel that the human race have so degenerated, physically, mentally, and morally. They do not understand that it is the violation of God’s constitution and laws, and the violation of the laws of health, that has produced this sad degeneracy. The transgression of God’s commandments has caused His prospering hand to be removed. CD 61- 62.3 Intemperance in eating and in drinking, and the indulgence of base passions, have benumbed the fine sensibilities, so that sacred things have been placed upon a level with common things.—Spiritual Gifts 4a:124, 1864 Those who permit themselves to become slaves to a gluttonous appetite, often go still farther, and debase themselves by indulging their corrupt passions, which have become excited by intemperance in eating and in drinking. They give loose rein to their debasing passions, until health and intellect greatly suffer. The reasoning faculties are, in a great measure, destroyed by evil habits.—Spiritual Gifts 4a:131, 1864 Irregularity in eating and drinking, and improper dressing, deprave the mind and corrupt the heart, and bring the noble attributes of the soul in slavery to the animal passions.—The Health Reformer, October, 1871 Let none who profess godliness regard with indifference the health of the body, and flatter themselves that intemperance is no sin, and will not affect their spirituality. A close sympathy exists between the physical and the moral nature. The standard of virtue is elevated or degraded by the physical habits. Excessive eating of the best of food will produce a morbid condition of the moral feelings. And if the food is not the most healthful, the effects will be still more injurious. Any habit which does not promote healthful action in the human system, degrades the higher and nobler faculties. Wrong habits of eating and drinking lead to errors in thought and action. Indulgence of appetite strengthens the animal propensities, giving them the ascendancy over the mental and spiritual powers. “Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul,” is the language of the apostle Peter. Many regard this warning as applicable only to the licentious; but it has a broader meaning. It guards against every injurious gratification of appetite or passion. It is a most forcible warning against the use of such stimulants and narcotics as tea, coffee, tobacco, alcohol, and morphine. These indulgences may well be classed among the lusts that exert a pernicious influence upon moral character. The earlier these hurtful habits are formed, the more firmly will they hold their victim in slavery to lust, and the more certainly will they lower the standard of spirituality.—The Review and Herald, January 25, 1881 CD 63.5...

What is vitamin B12 and what does it do? Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia that makes people tired and weak. Two steps are required for the body to absorb vitamin B12 from food.  First, hydrochloric acid in the stomach separates vitamin B12 from the protein to which vitamin B12 is attached in food. After this, vitamin B12 combines with a protein made by the stomach called intrinsic factor and is absorbed by the body. Some people have pernicious anemia, a condition where they cannot make intrinsic factor. As a result, they have trouble absorbing vitamin B12 from all foods and dietary supplements. [NIH] How much vitamin B12 do I need?  Read more about Vitamin B12 here. Vitamin B12 is found naturally in a wide variety of animal foods and is added to some fortified foods. Plant foods have no vitamin B12 unless they are fortified. You can get recommended amounts of vitamin B12 by eating a variety of foods include the following: Beef liver and clams, which are the best sources of vitamin B12. Fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and other dairy products, which also contain vitamin B12. Some breakfast cereals, nutritional yeasts and other food products that are fortified with vitamin B12. To find out if vitamin B12 has been added to a food product, check the product labels. What about Vegans how do they get Vitamin B12? Foods fortified with B12 are also sources of the vitamin although they cannot be regarded as true food sources of B12 since the vitamin is added in supplement form, from commercial bacterial production sources, such as cyanocobalamin. Examples of B12-fortified foods include fortified breakfast cereals, fortified soy products, fortified energy bars, and fortified nutritional yeast. The UK Vegan Society, the Vegetarian Resource Group, and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, among others, deny that non-animal food sources of vitamin B12 are reliable and recommend that every vegan who is not supplementing consume B12-fortified foods. According to Stephen Walsh, a UK Vegan Society trustee, and other members of the International Vegetarian Union science group (IVU-SCI), in October 2001. To get the full benefit of a vegan diet, vegans should do one of the following: eat fortified foods two or three times a day to get at least three micrograms (μg or mcg) of B12 a day or take one B12 supplement daily providing at least 10 micrograms or take a weekly B12 supplement providing at least 2000 micrograms. Disclaimer Source: National Institute of Health,, Medical Encyclopedia, Wikipedia,  Medical Dictionary, Mayo...

Appendicitis This is an inflammation of the appendix,(a tube of tissue connected to the large intestine.) The symptoms include sharp pain in the lower right abdomen, the pain typically begins around your navel and then shifts to your lower right abdomen. Appendicitis pain  increases over a period of 12 to 18 hours and gradually becomes very severe’. Thefirst symptom is often pain around your belly button. (See: Abdominal pain) The pain may be minor at first, but it becomes more sharp and severe. Your appetite will be reduced, and you may have nausea, vomiting, and a low fever.  Symptoms of Appendicitis? The classic symptoms of appendicitis include: Dull pain near the navel or the upper abdomen that becomes sharp as it moves to the lower right abdomen. This is usually the first sign. Loss of appetite Nausea and/or vomiting soon after abdominal pain begins Abdominal swelling Fever of 99-102 degrees Fahrenheit Inability to pass gas Almost half the time, other symptoms of appendicitis appear, including: Dull or sharp pain anywhere in the upper or lower abdomen, back, or rectum Painful urination Vomiting that precedes the abdominal pain Severe cramps Constipation or diarrhea with gas If you have any of these symptoms, go to the ER. An infected appendix must be surgically removed or it will eventually burst, spreading the infection within the abdomen. This can result in life-threatening complications. Read more about Appendicitis here Sources: Medical Encyclopedia, Appendicitis WebMD, Appendicitis National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/appendicitis/DS00274,  U.S. National Library of Medicine – The World’s Largest Medical Library...

Star Fruit also known as (Carambola) is rich in antioxidants, potassium, and vitamin C; and low in sugar, sodium, and acid. It is also a potent source of both primary and secondary polyphenolic antioxidants.  Averrhoa carambola has both antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.  Extracts showed antimicrobial activity against E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Wikepedia] Health Benefits Star fruit ( Carambola) an excellent source of Vitamin C which is important to the health of our body. It helps in maintaining bones, teeth, mucous membranes, skin and improve the immune system.. A single slice of star fruit has 37.2 mg of Vitamin C (USDA.nutrition data) The fruit has beta-carotene, which can be converted into retinol or vitamin A in your body for good vision and appetite.  The star fruit is rich in soluble fiber, which can be useful to reduce cholesterol levels and keep your bowels healthy. The star fruit provides little amounts of the B vitamins such as vitamin B5  and the derivatives may help lower cholesterol and speed up wound recovery. Star fruit also contains folate or vitamin B9 that is essential for preventing birth defects as well as for reducing the risk of stroke and heart attacks. Note : If you have Kidney problems check with your doctors before eating star fruit.  On Hemodialysis or starting hemodialysis Always AVOID star fruit (carambola). [The National Kidney Foundation] Disclaimer Sources:  Fruits of warm climate. Julia F. Morton, Florida Gardener....

       Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic acid, is necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues. It is involved in many body functions, including formation of collagen, absorption of iron, the immune system, wound healing, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones, teeth, and healthy skin. Vitamin C also helps your body fight infection, and it acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage. Vitamin C is not stored in the body.(excess amounts are excreted) This antioxidant super-nutrient is found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Yet, according to dietary intake data and the 2005 U.S. Dietary Guidelines, most adults don’t get enough vitamin C in their diets. Vitamin C is easily absorbed both in food and in pill form, and it enhance the absorption of iron when the two are eaten together. Vitamin C is a Water-soluble vitamins . These vitamins must be continuously supplied in the diet to maintain healthy levels. Eat vitamin-C-rich fruits and vegetables raw, steam, or cook them with minimal water to retain the vitamin (nutrients.) because heat can destroy vitamin C during cooking. Vitamin C is one of many antioxidants that can protect against damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals, as well as toxic chemicals and pollutants like cigarette smoke. Free radicals can build up and contribute to the development of health problems such as cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.   Foods richest in vitamin C are citrus fruits, green peppers, guavas, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, white potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Other good sources include dark leafy greens,  and many other fruits and vegetables like cantaloupe, papaya, mango, watermelon, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, red sweet peppers, kale leaves, parsley, collard leaves, turnip greens, mustard greens, raspberries, blueberries, winter squash, and pineapples.         Eating a diet rich in all the nutrients is the best outcome for good health. So it is best to eat lots of fresh fruits and fresh vegetables. American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Dee Sandquist, RD, suggests we should “Strive to eat nine servings of fruits and vegetables daily, because you will get a healthy dose of vitamin C along with an abundance of other vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that are good for disease prevention and overall health.” Vitamin C is very important for a pregnant mother and baby, both need this vitamin daily. It is necessary for the body to make collagen, a structural protein that is a component of cartilage, tendons, bones, and skin. Vitamin C literally holds the body together. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed some researchers believe that vitamin C deficiencies in newborn babies can impair mental development, based on studies done on animals. Sources: Natural Remedies Encyclopedia – Vance Perrell,...

 The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting someone against flu viruses. In addition to getting vaccinated, the Red Cross has some simple steps people can take to help prevent the spread of the flu virus. Parents can also practice these things with their kids to help keep them well: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and throw the tissue away after use. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands. Wash hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand-rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home if you’re sick. Citrus fruits loaded with Vitaminn C  is great to boost the immune system; such as Oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, lemon,limes.  [”The benefits of vitamin C may include protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling” ~~ WebMD] Signs Of The Flu: How does someone know they have the flu? The common signs of influenza are high fever, severe body aches, headache, being extremely tired, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and vomiting and/or diarrhea (which is more common in children). If someone in your household does come down with the flu, the American  Red Cross wants you to know the best way to care for them: Designate one person as the caregiver and have the other household members avoid close contact with that person so they won’t become sick. Make sure the person stays at home and rests until 24 hours after the fever is gone. Designate a sick room for the person if possible. If there is more than one sick person, they can share the sick room if needed. If you have more than one bathroom, designate one for those who are sick to use. Give each sick person their own drinking glass, washcloth and towel. Keep the following either in the sick room or near the person: tissues, a trash can lined with a plastic trash bag, alcohol-based hand rub, a cooler or pitcher with ice and drinks, a thermometer and a cup with straw or squeeze bottle to help with drinking. A humidifier will provide extra moisture, making it easier for the sick person to breathe. Sick people should wear a facemask, if available, when they leave the sick room or are around others. Give plenty of liquids (water and other clear liquids) at the first sign of flu and continue throughout the illness. People with the flu need to...