Finding Freedom on Furlough

I know, I know..

The last thing you may feel is free during a government shut down. The term 'Freedom' can be thrown around so freely, but what does it mean to you? I mean, what if you woke up tomorrow and could do ANYTHING you wanted with your life? What would you do?
Who would you BE?

THAT TIME IS NOW!

Many Americans, for the last 15 days have been on Furlough - a temporary unpaid leave of absence, due to our current government shut down. This has left a large chunk of Americans on standby as they wait to return to "business as usual."

While it may not affect you directly, it surely affects you indirectly in some manner.
Here is a list of closings and shut down sectors:

• All 368 National Parks as well as National Museums are CLOSED.
• Don't have a passport? You won't be able to get one until this shin dig is over.
• DC's budget is approved by Congress, so no budget means no (or limited) trash collection. DC produces 500 tons of garbage each WEEK.
• No federally backed loans for you! Business, mortgage, or otherwise.
• No new clinical trials will be conducted by the National Institute of Health, and new patients will not be taken on during this time frame. Current trials will continue.
• NASA will furlough almost all of its employees. However, Mission Control employees in Houston will stay put as well as those at the International Space Station.
• e-Verify, the system that allows companies to check on the legal work status of an employee, will cease.
• No gun permits will be issued.
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children’s Program), has stopped as no monies are available to pay the administrative costs. *side eye*
• The Patent and Trademark Office, because of the fees it collects, has enough independent funding to remain open for four weeks – but would close as well in any extended government shutdown.
• Administration for Children and Families and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will have to furlough the vast majority of their staff.
• FDA food inspections, which mainly cover seafood and dairy products, will also cease.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will continue "minimal support to protect the health and well-being of U.S. citizens," but it will have a "significantly reduced capacity" to respond to outbreaks and will be unable to support its annual flu program.  
• We still have to pay taxes (blah!) BUT IRS taxpayer assistance hotlines and walk-in centers will be closed. All audits are also suspended (good news for many). 

Employees who work for government functions “necessary to protect life” cannot shut their doors to the public, such as law enforcement, Homeland Security, Coast Guard, Secret Service, U.S. military, intelligence agencies, embassies, consulates that help Americans abroad, emergency medical care, border patrol, and emergency and disaster assistance.


I could go on but I know you get the point. The world is on partial pause.
Take a deep breath... Exhale..

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So, what to do with this new and abundant free time?

Try exercise, clean your space, take a walk, meet new people, try something new, sleep in, work on your dreams - LIVE! Do all the things that you always complained you didn't have time for.

I'd like to put you in a certain mindset for a moment - follow me...

Imagine there was no resolution to come of this government set back. Millions of people suddenly had to figure themselves out. Would you lose your sense of self? What was it that you liked to do again? What other skills or abilities do you have that could prove useful?

You feel a growing desire for community support. There are others out there going through this just like you. Maybe you can make new friends. Perhaps we can all supply a need. Who grows their own food in our local area? Who is good at building? Is anyone interested in yoga? Where are the musicians?

This is a time for everyone to dig up their long-buried passions. Now that there is no one to take instruction from. What do YOU do?

We are entering a new day and age. The energetic shift is undeniable. We are letting go of outdated systems, ways, habits, ideas, and awakening the creators within us.

We've spent our entire lives trying to fit various pre-made molds created by society, parents, friends, spouses, etc. while slowly suppressing our true selves. We are ALL unique as our fingerprints and snowflakes.

Be you, shamelessly. 

Discover you, shamelessly. 

Love you, shamelessly. 

LIVE FOR YOU, shamelessly. 

 

You deserve to create your own reality!

So, Fight the Furlough Funk and get to know your Self. 

Create possibilities. 

Think outside your box(es). 

Try something new. 

That's freedom.

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Brooke Johnson aka Brooke Jay is a Social Entrepreneur, Certified Nutrition Consultant, and Wellness Coach for RAW! on Wheels., a DMV based live vegan service. 

RAW! offers Coaching, Catering, Juice Cleanses, & more!  http://www.RAWexclamation.com

Contact her directly at BJohnson@rawexclamation.com

Tracing our Roots - Nottoway Pow Wow 2013

Happy Autumn Everyone! How was your Equinox?
Between the Full Moon on the 19th, and the Fall Equinox on Sunday, the energy was flowing and full of change.

I don't know how many of you know what Autumn is like in Virginia but it is simply GORGEOUS. Johnee' and I both have deep roots in Southern Virginia and the Tidewater Area, right in the cradle of America's beginnings. We now reside in the Northern, VA which is cool, but the hustle and bustle of DC city living can be draining.

This past Saturday, we decided to head south to attend the 2013 Nottoway Indian Tribe Pow Wow in Surry, VA. It had to be fate how this came about.

A bit from our Healing Quest. Click picture for full album

In April, we embarked on a 30+ Day cross-country RAW! Healing Quest, while sharing raw food knowledge and holistic practices in exchange for lodging. We met a ton of beautiful people and new friends that we still keep close contact with. We love you all! Stay tuned for our RAW! Healing Quest Part 2 :)

But any who, while making our way through VA we decided to get off the main highway and take the scenic route into NC. On the way, Johnee' read a sign in passing that said something about Nottoway Indians. I quickly encouraged her to make a U-turn so we can go explore, persistent on the fact that it was fate.

I've had an on and off infatuation with studying my family's ancestry. I'll periodically move full speed ahead with enthusiasm until I hit yet another census glitch and racial roadblock. Native Americans, or as I like to call them, First Nation people were not allowed to claim their heritage and would either claim mulatto, negro, or pass as white so not to be apart of their peoples genocide. This makes it extremely hard for those of us from Native and African decent to trace where we come from and essentially to know who we are.

My sister, Mother, Aunt (her twin), & my Father.

My mother often speaks of visiting a native reservation with her father (my Grand-Daddy) as a child up until she was about 10. I thought of this and a chilling feeling went through my body as we headed toward the Nottoway house.

We experienced a bitter-sweet anxious-excitement upon entering the house. There were many artifacts, documents, and remaining pieces of the culture that they managed to hold on to but it was the PEOPLE that stood out the most. These people resembled various parts of both Johnee's and my own family. They were thrilled to hear of our Quest and raw food business and invited us to their yearly Pow Wow in Surry.

Now, here we are.

It was a pleasure connecting with various peoples at this Inter-Tribal gathering. Many elders and attendees were storehouses of information. I discovered that the reservation my mother visited was of the Mattopani and Pamunkey tribes. They were acknowledged as honorary tribes BEFORE the incorporation of the United States. My family is OF this land! This explains the lack of slave records on my mothers side of the family! We're getting somewhere..

My dad even found out that his mother's (my Nana) grandfather was 100% Cherokee, originating in North Carolina! That's another genealogical adventure in itself!. I can go on and on about the thrill of uncovering such information.

But back to the Pow Wow..we had a blast! There was dancing, drumming, arts and crafts, stones, medicine bags, dream catchers, books, fresh herbs and more! Here's a quick photo recap:

Pictures can't describe the energy & humility of this experience. It was an honor. We'll be attending yet another Pow Wow this coming November which will likely put us directly in touch with the Mattopani & Pamunkey tribes. We openly welcome this unfolding of our history and learning the roots of our beginnings. Every little bit of information counts on this journey to knowing thyself, you know?

Until next time...

Love and Wellness, 

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Brooke Johnson aka Brooke Jay is a Social Entrepreneur, Certified Nutrition Consultant, and Wellness Coach for RAW! on Wheels., a DMV based live vegan service. 

RAW! offers Coaching, Catering, Juice Cleanses, & more! Click the link below for more info! http://www.RAWexclamation.com

Contact her directly at BJohnson@rawexclamation.com

RAW! on Wheels Healing Quest

 

Your favorite RAW! ladies, Brooke & Johnee' are currently undergoing a DOCUMENTED 30+ Day Road Trip (or more!)- spreading Raw Vegan Food, Juice, & Health Awareness cross country, inspired by 'Craigslist Joe' and 'Spirit Quest.'

We are dependent on the kindness of strangers, our FB friends, and craigslist adventurers for assistance as we travel across the states (and maybe OUTSIDE the US..wherever the wind blows!) spreading the RAW! word.

We aim to make a positive and healthy impact on all those we encounter in exchange for the basic necessities below.

Things we need:

-Internet Access on the road (to keep everyone posted on our journey)
-Food/Grocery
-Fuel/Petrol (Two words: Cross Country)
-Toiletries
-Eco Eating Utensils (e.g. sustainable straws, forks, spoons, knives, travel glass water bottles, etc.)
-Truck/Utility vehicle Rental
-Great friendly people

 

What we have to offer:
-Temporary live-in RAW! Chef & Nutrition Consultant prepared to juice/prepare live cuisine and coach you for duration of stay. We come complete with our own equipment!
-Handcrafted Jewelry
-Yoga instruction
-Reiki
-Great Company and Conversation
-Helping hands with any other Odd jobs

-Various Artistic Talents

Check out our Video Update!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & Youtube to keep up with journey :)

 
Click here to DONATE to the RAW! Healing Quest!

Email rawonwheels@gmail.com to contact us personally about this expedition and bring us to YOUR city.

 

Peace, Love, and Wellness

 

Brooke & Johnee'

Brooke Johnson and Johnee' Wilson are the creative forces behind RAW! Inc., a DMV based raw food catering and delivery service. 
 

RAW! Inc. offers Meal Plans, Juice Detoxes, Raw Food Coaching, Catering, Food Demos, and even private yoga instruction! They are currently touring the US on a RAW! Healing Quest. Click the link below for more info! www.RAWexclamation.com 

Please, No More Agave

Agave literally makes me itch. For the longest, I stood pridefully with my refined sugar-free lifestyle, holding agave nectar close to my side. Little did I know that this once natural plant, was processed into a High Fructose Syrup.

The Many Uses of Agave

Most agave sweeteners are derived from the blue agave plant. Aguamiel, the plant water used for production, is natural until processed to form a syrup or nectar. This same substance can make tequila when fermented. (Raw Vegan Tequila? Who's up for it!?)

Nearly every part of the agave plant has been made useful. People have found uses for the agave's flowers, stems, roots, and spines. Here are a few of the most common uses:

• Each agave plant will produce several pounds of edible flowers during the summer. The leaves may be collected in winter and spring (when the plants are rich in sap) for eating.
• The stalks, which are ready during the summer before the blossom, weigh several pounds each. When roasted they become sweet like molasses and are suitable for eating.
• During the development of the inflorescence, there is a rush of sap to the base of the young flower stalk. This is used in Mexico and Mesoamerica in the production of the beverage pulque. The flower shoot is cut out, the sap is collected and subsequently fermented. By distilling this liquid, a spirit called mezcal is prepared; one of the most well-known forms of mezcal is tequila. It takes 8 to 12 years for the plant to mature enough for this process.
• The leaf of the agave can be brewed into a tea to treat constipation and excess gas; raw agave leaf is also considered a diuretic.
• The root of the agave can be brewed into a tea to treat arthritic joints.
• Interestingly, when the stalks of the agave are dried, they can be used to make the aboriginal musical instrument, the didgeridoo.

ON THE FLIP SIDE - AGAVE TODAY

The agave syrup of today is a newly created sweetener that was developed in a lab in the 90's.

“It’s almost all fructose, which is just highly processed sugar with great marketing,” says Dr. Ingrid Kohlstadt, a Johns Hopkins professor and fellow of the American College of Nutrition, in a Chicago Tribune article.

What’s so bad about fructose? That’s the sugar in fruit, right?

Fructose found in fruit is perfectly fine, but fructose found in processed foods, like agave syrup - not so much.

And if the word “fructose” is reminding you of high-fructose corn syrup, you’re not off-base. High Fructose Corn Syrup is a mix of 55% fructose and 45% sucrose, and agave syrup products can contain up to 90% fructose. 

"Agave “nectar” is not made from the sap of the yucca or agave plant but from the starch of the giant pineapple-like, root bulb. The principal constituent of the agave root is starch, similar to the starch in corn or rice, and a complex carbohydrate called inulin, which is made up of chains of fructose molecules. Technically a highly indigestible fiber, inulin, which does not taste sweet, comprises about half of the carbohydrate content of agave. 

The process by which agave glucose and inulin are converted into ‘nectar’ is similar to the process by which corn starch is converted into High Fructose Corn Syrup. The agave starch (from the bulb) is subject to an enzymatic and chemical process that converts the starch into a fructose-rich syrup — anywhere from 70% fructose and higher according to the chemical profiles posted on agave nectar websites.” -  Weston A. Price Foundation

Agave Bulb

There is much debate over whether or not agave is safe for diabetics. Agave does not raise blood glucose levels but the refined, highly concentrated fructose in agave raises triglycerides, reduces the sensitivity of insulin receptors & has other negative effects. Not to mention, agave has more calories than sugar itself. This leads to fast weight gain for frequent users.

How Agave Affects ME

Back to the initial "agave makes me itch" statement... 

First off, I have hyper sensitive skin. Every time I consume agave, my arm breaks out into an inflamed, itchy mess bringing about flakiness and irritation that is followed by a slight loss in pigment. Now, you KNOW I'm not having that! Basically, my skin is overproducing in a selected area. Instead of taking 35 days to regenerate, it is moving more at a weeks pace.

The fructose found in agave nectar has been known to cause oxidation damage and changes to skin collagen. Increased oxidation and changes in skin collagen indicate acceleration of the aging process.

Skin rashes are one of the most common side effects to agave consumption.

How can you determine if agave has Mal effects for you? 

Keep a FOOD Journal!

By doing so, you keep track of what you eat, when you eat, and the reactions your body has to certain things. With consistency, you will eventually notice habits and how what you eat can affect you. From here, you can make changes in the necessary areas. This works well for smoking and drinking habits too!

I personally think that our [American] taste buds have been negatively conditioned to be addicted to sugar as previously discussed in The Most Common Addiction - Sugar. I believe that we should start eating for our HEALTH rather than succumbing to the demands of our feisty taste buds. Your taste can be healed!

Ultimately it is the choice of every individual to take complete control of their body and regulate what goes into and onto it. But knowledge is POWER and I like to live by the saying "Know Better, Do Better"

Love and Wellness,

<3 Brooke Jay

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Brooke Johnson aka Brooke Jay is a Social Entrepreneur ,Certified Nutrition Consultant, and Wellness Coach,  for RAW! on Wheels., a DMV based live vegetarian service. 

RAW! offers Meal Plans, Juice Cleanses, Coaching, Catering, Yoga, & more! Click the link below for more info! http://www.RAWexclamation.com

Contact her directly at BJohnson@rawexclamation.com

The Truth About Protein

While living a raw plant-based lifestyle, I'm constantly bombarded with the question, "Where to you get your protein?" This interrogation usually lasts a few minutes and is often instigated by someone with "less-than-optimal" health. Scenarios like these go to prove just how little people really know about protein. 

So what is Protein exactly? 

Proteins are considered the "building blocks" of life and are used for an array of vital bodily functions.

Proteins are constructed of amino acids. When amino acids group together, they form various kinds of proteins. An essential amino acid is an amino acid that cannot be synthesized naturally by the organism (usually referring to humans), and therefore must be supplied in the diet.

There are 22 amino acids but only 8-9 are proved to be essential.

The amino acids regarded as essential for humans are:

• Phenylalanine
• Valine
• Threonine
• Tryptophan
• Isoleucine
• Methionine
• Leucine
• Lysine
• Histidine

Additionally, cysteine (or sulphur-containing amino acids), tyrosine (or aromatic amino acids), and arginine are required by infants and growing children. Essential amino acids are "essential" not because they are more important to life than the others, but because the body does not synthesize them, making it essential to include them in one's diet in order to obtain them. 

The good news is that our bodies naturally pull amino acids together throughout the week from everything we consume and naturally create proteins for us. Simply put, we can eat fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds all through out the week without frantically worrying about combining things properly to create complete proteins. Our bodies do the work of organizing the amino acids to create the protein for us.

We are perfect by NATURE. It’s just science, and knowledge is power.

Enough of the fancy-smancy nutrition lingo...

 What's the 'beef' with animal protein?

• Animal protein takes a minimum of 48 hours for your body to assimilate, whereas fruits and vegetables take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. 
• In combination with the S.A.D (Standard American Diet) diet, flesh foods are clogging without the proper fiber to push them through.
• Cooking makes meat even more indigestible. If you must consume it, eat it RAW!
• Unless organic and grass fed, meat contains synthetic hormones, antibiotics, and other chemical diseases that are harmful to both the animal and humans
• Animals are our FRIENDS. I feel that we as humans are here to keep the BALANCE between man, animal, and nature but instead we choose to be barbaric and put ourselves at the top of the food chain. 140 BILLION animals are killed a year to stock grocery shelves. We must work to change this!
• We waste many natural resources on those 140 billion animals. Trees are cleared out for animal operations, water is provided to these animals until slaughter, as well as grains for food. 30% of the ENTIRE land surface of the planet is accounted by livestock production.
• The owners of meat companies (dairy, processed food companies etc.) have been lying to you for years in the name of capital gain. At this point, they now have more money than the FDA, USDA, and our government. Who do we believe?

Why eat the animal that eats plants for protein and nutrients? 

Go straight to the source!

 

There is Protein in Everything!

 

 

ALL VEGETABLES CONTAIN AMINO ACIDS! 

The typical vegetarian gets adequate protein as long as caloric intake is adequate and a variety of foods is eaten. Vegetarian diets tend to be lower in protein than non-vegetarian diet, but typically meet or exceed daily protein intake recommendations, which are believed to be beneficial. 

Great plant sources of protein include leafy veggies such as spinach and kale, cucumbers, broccoli, parsley, watercress, artichokes, almonds, cashews, quinoa, amaranth, wild rice, sprouts, seaweeds, mushrooms, olives, goji berries, avocados, chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds,  pumpkin seeds, sprouting, as well as maca root. Many of these sources are COMPLETE Proteins.

 

***Interesting Fact:  1 lb of Romaine Lettuce has 2x more complete protein than 1 lb of beef.***

It’s hard NOT to get enough protein during the day so long as you are eating REAL - from the earth - food.

I encourage you to do the research yourself. Ignorance is a choice in the age of information!

Let's work to banish the protein deficiency myth!

Love and Wellness,
Brooke

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Brooke Johnson aka Brooke Jay is a Social Entrepreneur, Certified Nutrition Consultant, and Wellness Coach,  for RAW! on Wheels., a DMV based live vegetarian service. 

RAW! offers Meal Plans, Juice Cleanses, Coaching, Catering, Yoga, & more! Click the link below for more info! http://www.RAWexclamation.com

Contact her directly at BJohnson@rawexclamation.com

Mommy, Milk, and Child Development

So you heard it hurts, or that is is an inconvenience, but truth is, the pros of breast feeding outweigh the cons BY FAR. Most of what we have come to know about breast feeding is influenced by public opinion or bashed by those who are ignorant to it's benefits.


Lactose and Lactase

Milk sugar is called Lactose.  Lactose is broken down by Lactase which makes this balance essential for the development of the nervous system.

Human breast milk contains more lactose than cow's milk (which is used in formula) but also has an equivalent amount of lactase to break it down. With a good diet, breast milk can exclusively support the baby for 6 months.

Cow's Milk is much lower in lactase which leaves formula fed babies at a disadvantage because their livers do not yet have the capacity to make this enzyme.

50 to 60 million people in the United States are lactose intolerant due to lack of lactase in early developmental stages. More than half of these people are minorities, either African American, Asian American, Native American, and Hispanic origin.


The Mother-Child Connection: Pros & Cons

Prenatally and post birth, the baby's health is largely dependent on the mother's nourishment. Some even consider preconceptional nutrition - or the health of the mother up to a year before she becomes pregnant.

PROS:

• Breast Feeding is best for both Mommy and the baby.
• stimulates uterine contractions bringing the uterus back to normal size
• reduces bleeding
• the mother can pass protective antibodies to the child
• the calorie output to the child helps to bring weight back towards it's pre-pregnancy level while the child gets all needed nutrients such as iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, niacin, potassium, and the correct amino acids for growth
• Breast Milk is convenient. You carry it with you!
• SAVE MONEY!
• Studies show that breast fed babies are healthier than bottle babies.
• fewer allergies
• leaner
• lower cholesterol levels
• these qualities typically stay true into later years and adulthood
• The invention of milk pumping devices with storage has made breast feeding and option for working mothers

CONS & PRECAUTIONS:

• The mother must be healthy or any toxins will be passed to the child
• Stay away from alternatives. Soy formula is NOT better!
• Mothers MUST remember to eat well so they do not become nutritionally drained while nursing. Water is the main ingredient of breast milk so stay hydrated!

Why no Dairy? Why not formula?

Lifelong consumption of milk is a common mistake in nutrition. By adulthood we should have all kicked the habit - that is if we even started to begin with. If your children develop reoccurring congestive problems such as excessive snot and mucous and/or ear infections, I recommend eliminating all dairy products for a minimum of a month to see if symptom's cease. Keep a food diary for this!

Cow's milk is best avoided because it has a different amino acid balance which is suitable to calves, not humans. Cow milk also contains more fat and allergens.

Formulas - which are derived from cow's milk - are not recommended due to their unnatural, synthetic makeup.

How Long Should I Breast Feed?

Infants shouldn't have their first meal before 6 months.
A healthy mommy can nourish her baby that entire time on breast milk alone. Waiting  6 months gives the baby time to develop their digestive tract and immune system to reduce chances of allergy and mal food reactions. Premature feeding leads to poor digestion, allergies, immune problems, and obesity.

A child's first food should be simple, natural, preferably organic, and pureed. Imagine coming off of a liquid fast - you can't rush right into solids! Make your own baby foods with a blender and bottle in recycled baby food jars or glass jars! These are RAW baby foods!

Foods to puree':

• pears
• plums
• apples
• sweet potato/squashes
• ANY vegetables

Breast milk should STILL be a part of the diet at this time. Continue the pureed food and breast milk combo throughout month 7.

From 8 months to a year, babies become more hungry and adventurous with food.
Make sure you teach your child the vast amount of natural fruits and vegetables that inhabit this earth and let them know that mommy likes this food too! They will often want whatever it is you have. Use this outgoing attitude as a gateway to a well-rounded diet. Breast milk should still be a part of the diet at this time.

So when do they stop breast feeding already!?
Wane your baby off of breast milk when they are ready. Begin waning after a year.

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As women, we carry a big responsibility, for the world comes through us. Give the next generation a fair chance by beginning the mother-child bond properly! You are their first teacher, their first source of food, shelter, and nourishment. Together, we can change the world <3

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Brooke Johnson aka Brooke Jay is a Social Entrepreneur, Certified Nutrition Consultant, and Wellness Coach, for RAW! on Wheels, a DMV based live vegetarian service.

RAW! offers Meal Plans, Juice Cleanses, Coaching, Catering, Care-giving, & more!  

 

http://www.RAWexclamation.com

Contact her directly at BJohnson@rawexclamation.com

Another Common Addiction: SALT

As promised in The Most Common Addiction: SUGAR, we now have the scoop on Another Common Addiction: SALT. To understand the information to come, we must first understand "What is Salt?" and "How Is Salt Used in the Body?"

Salt or Sodium?
Salt is a combination of sodium (40%) and chloride (60%) aka Sodium Chloride. 5 grams of salt (1 tsp) contains about 2 grams of sodium. Sodium (Organic Salt) is atomic number 11 on the periodic table with it's symbol being Na.

Sodium is an electrolyte (along with potassium and chloride) and is closely tied with the movement of water - as we may notice in the saltiness of ocean water. Remember, we are 70-85% water ourselves! Sodium is the primary positive ion found in the blood, body fluids, and every cell.

Our bodies must maintain a normal sodium - potassium balance which is KEY to life (and key to avoiding High Blood Pressure!) Sodium is concentrated OUTSIDE of your cells while potassium is mainly inside which is needed for normal muscle and nerve cell function. Proteins push sodium out of the cell and potassium into, thus helping the heart, lungs, and nervous system to function optimally. 60% of body sodium is in fluid around cells, 10% inside of cells, and 30% in bones, making sodium 0.15% of our body weight. Sodium is the primary intracellular mineral although it functions extracellularly when working with potassium.

A Brief History of Salt
Salt was in use long before history as we know it...

• Ancient Khemetic (Egyptian) art records salt making, salt for spiritual offerings, and as valuable for trade.
• 4700 years ago in China, the Peng-Tzao-Kan-Mu was published on pharmacology. A major portion of the writing was dedicated to over 40 kinds of salt as well as extraction methods that are similar to today.
• Ancient Greeks traded salt for slaves, giving birth to the term, "not worth his salt."
• Salt is also the root of the word Salary which originally referred to payment given to soldiers. This value may have led to it's overuse.
• Salt is rumored to have up to 14,000 uses - uses for way more than food! It can be used as a cleaning agent for blood, rust, copper, yellowed linens and even applied topically for beauty and health purposes such as cleaning teeth and treating poison ivy.
• The human species lived for centuries on a natural diet which contained less than 1 gram of sodium - Elevated blood pressure was not an epidemic.
• NOW 6-12 grams a day or more are consumed via processed foods, snacks, and salt added when preparing and consuming food.

Problems with Salt Consumption Today
Organic Salt or Sodium is an essential mineral and is naturally present in fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds. When natural foods are the only source of sodium, there will contain more potassium which will maintain balance and not lead to hypertension.The sodium in fruits and vegetables is complexed with other organic molecules, causing them to be absorbed slowly. In contrast, table salt is unbuffered and enters quickly through the stomach lining.

Sodium is easily absorbed in the stomach and intestines. Nearly 100% of sodium consumed gets absorbed into the body, into blood, and circulated through the kidneys which reabsorbs or eliminates in order to maintain stable blood sodium levels. The S.A.D diet (Standard American Diet) consumed by most Americans is in excess of sodium and must be eliminated through urine.

Most people can clear excess sodium chloride from their bodies but it makes the kidneys work harder. Over time, the kidneys may weaken from this chronic stress and be unable to clear the salt optimally. This may lead to high blood pressure.

Standard American Diet sources of Salt/Sodium

High salt diets and cultures have led to an epidemic in high blood pressure, especially in the United States. Other problems stem from sodium overconsumption such as PMS, water retention, and toxemia of pregnancy.  It is not uncommon for the average person to consume up to 12 grams of salt a day! We should limit salt to a maximum of 5 grams a day or 2 grams of sodium.

*RANDOM FACT* In China, a traditional method of suicide was drinking water saturated with table salt. One ounce of salt causes the body to hold six pounds of excess fluid. Salt in large quantities can be lethal!

When you eat salty foods the body has to compensate to maintain homeostasis. If you eat salty foods for a long period of time, as with caffeine, heroin and nicotine, the body becomes dependent on salt to maintain balance. Therefore reducing salt intake can create physical withdrawal. This is how Salt becomes addicting!

While almost all foods contain some sodium, no wholesome natural food has a high salt content. Only the Western diet of processed foods has a high salt content. Avoid foods such as these - they are LOADED with sodium!:

Breads	Cheeses	Pickles	Crackers	Peanut Butter	Bacon	Ketchup
BBQ Sauce	Chips	Olives	Bologna	Mayonnaise	Corned Beef	Hot Dogs
Baking Soda	Soy Sauce	Tamari	Salad Dressing	Mustard	Steak Sauce	Popcorn
Ready Made Gravy		Pretzels		Canned Goods	Table Salt/Morton's

***The above mentioned foods are high in both salt AND preservatives.

"But isn't Iodized Salt GOOD for me?"
Let's first look at Iodine itself.
Iodine is a chemical element that is essential for normal thyroid function. The thyroid influences all body functions such as nerve and bone formation, reproduction, speech, mental state, and the function of skin, hair, nails, and teeth.

Commercial, Iodized salt such as Mortons is overused, overprocessed and contains harmful ingredients such as aluminum and other unneeded and unwanted chemicals. These highly processed, refined salts contain no essential minerals.

**RANDOM FACT** In CHEMISTRY, a salt is ANY combination of a positive and negative ion in crystalline form or in solution. Tricky, tricky scientists...

The life from OCEAN WATERS procides the best source of iodine.

• Kelp is the most common high - iodine sea vegetable, rich in minerals, low in sodium and a good seasoning substitution for salt.
• Sea Salt is another natural source of iodine. It is less processed - if at all - than standard table salt. It still contains trace minerals such as iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, manganese, and zinc.

With good soil, (minerals are absorbed from the soil) other iodine sources are onions, mushrooms, lettuce, spinach, green peppers, pinapple, canteloupe, and strawberries.

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There is no real need for added salt/sodium in the diet. Our bodies function best with a low sodium intake. If you MUST use salt, choose a mineral rich option such as:

• Kelp Powder
• Pink Himalayan Sea Salt
• Hawaiian Red or Black Sea Salt
• Kala Namak or Black Salt
• any other natural gourmet sea salts

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Brooke Johnson aka Brooke Jay is a Social Entrepreneur, Certified Nutrition Consultant, and Wellness Coach, for RAW! on Wheels, a DMV based live vegetarian service.

RAW! offers Meal Plans, Juice Cleanses, Coaching, Catering, Care-giving, & more!

 

http://www.RAWexclamation.com

 

 

Contact her directly at BJohnson@rawexclamation.com