Amino acids

For a quick breakdown of the importance of amino acids, here is a helpful list:

Assists in muscle building and overall muscle mass

Helps reverse muscle breakdown

Retains muscle mass (specifically from leucine, which reduces the expression of genes that break down muscle during periods of inactivity)

Helps muscles recover after exercise

Decreases abdominal fat (isoleucine, valine and leucine),

Improves exercise performance

Elevates mood

Improves sleep quality

Top Foods that contain the greatest amount of natural amino acids:

“Nuts and Legumes

Walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews and peanuts are all rich sources of the essential amino acid L-arginine. Arginine is known to boost immune function, assist in muscle metabolism and muscle mass and enhance collagen production and bone growth. Almonds and cashews are also top sources of isoleucine, another essential amino acid that stabilizes blood sugar and increases energy. Almonds and peanuts also boast high levels of the amino acid phenylalanine, which is thought to enhance mood.

Hemp Seeds

Not only high is essential amino acids, hemp seeds also have a great amount of protein, fiber, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Try hemp milk or a rounded heap of hemp seeds in your morning smoothie or over oatmeal. They are very easy to digest and assimilate into the intestinal system well for most.

Wild Fish

Wild fish of any kind (smallest on food chain is best) is another top source of many of the amino acids. Moreover, fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, herring and sardines are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may have benefits in protecting against heart disease. Fish are abundant in the essential amino acids isoleucine, lysine and methionine.

Natural Soy Protein

Soybeans and soy protein (from natural, unprocessed: tempeh, NON GMO soy beans, tofu, homemade soymilk) deliver high concentrations of several essential amino acids. Natural soy is rich in the essential amino acids isoleucine, lysine, methionine, tryptophan and valine.

Cage Free and Free Range Eggs

Though I suggest and recommend that people eat vegetarian diets, for those who cannot give up all sources of animal meats, have eggs, which contain plentiful amounts of amino acids, specifically: methionine, isoleucine and lysine. Health Information News adds that eggs are a good source of tryptophan, an essential amino acid involved in the production of the mood-enhancing neurotransmitter serotonin and choline, a brain and eye developer for fetuses and new born infants” (Source: Livestrong.com)

Additional Sources: OrganicAuthority.com

There are certain power foods in most of our reach that can help fight off the feelings of nervousness, anxiety, worry and stress. While there are no magic foods or pills out there, people should know that incorporating specific foods have been scientifically proven to calm nerves and lift mood. A general key when it comes to foods that reduce stress and anxiety is to find foods that are high in zinc, iron, B vitamins, vitamin C, iodine and magnesium (commonly lost from the body during the stress response). The following are my favorite picks for go-to-options when feeling worried, anxious or nervous and stressed. Also remember to de-stress with daily meditation practice and exercise.

Blue Green Algae, Seaweed, Sea Kelp, Sea Vegetables

One of the richest in complete minerals and nutrient food sources on this earth is blue green algae and sea vegetables. They are extremely high in chlorophyll, macronutrients, and phytochemicals and they have amazing amounts of magnesium (a natural anxiety reducer), as well as high tryptophan content (the same comfort that makes people happy and sleepy after a turkey dinner).  Sea vegetables also help to detoxify the blood and negative energy (both figuratively and literally).

Herbal Teas and Essential Oils

Chamomile, melatonin, kava and passionflower herbal teas will help to relax the nervous system and help people relax. Drinking them when anxiety seems to peak is a great natural remedy. Peruvian ginseng and rhodiola contains adaptogens that helps promote calm energy. These herbs also embody alkaloids that have been found to help support the endocrine system and fight stress and fatigue.

Essential Oils of the highest grade that you can ingest include: lavender, frankincense, bergamot, clary sage, patchouli, vetiver, vanilla, and peppermint oil.

Goji and Blueberries

Goji berries are loaded with thiamin B1 and magnesium, both of which help the body maintain sleep, raise mood levels, and boost energy. Both goji berries and blueberries are rich in antioxidants that combat stress and have a calming effect (magnesium) after eaten.

Sprouted Raw Almonds

Sprouted (soaked almonds in filtered water for 10-14 hours) almonds are easier to digest, yield higher bioavailable protein, iron and nourishing omega 3.  Almonds also contain both zinc and vitamin B12 – both key nutrients for maintaining a balanced mood. Iron helps to maintain brain functioning, which fights anxiety and diminishing energy.

Organic Dark Chocolate (70 % Cocoa)

If you select 70% organic, pure dark chocolate without the added sugars or milks, you will be eating a great mood boosting, antioxidant rich tasty treat that lifts anxiety and stress, reduces the stress hormone cortisol (belly fat) and other nervous symptoms.  Dark chocolate has a good source of magnesium, copper, potassium and iron. Try dark cocoa covered kale chips. They blend the best of two healthy worlds.

Maca Root

This Amazonian popular superfood is now available in most grocery stores and health food stores and served as a powder which is mixed into beverages. The root has most of the phytonutrients and compared to other fruits and vegetables, the maca root is reported to yield more magnesium and iron than any other! Maca root is used most commonly for boosting energy and also as a natural way to regulate hormones.

Remember to also utilize your stress relieving habits and techniques as part of a holistic lifestyle. Meditation, yoga, exercise, quality sleep, and creative expression through journaling or art, decluttering your living and work space, positive affirmations and a strong social network will definitely help melt anxiety and stress away.

Hitting the pavement running through streets, trails or treadmill sure is one of the best ways to tone and supercharge your body and muscles! Science shows that it is one of the best exercises people can do for a full body workout, but running can also be hard on the body, and too much of a good thing may end up leaving your joints a little tender. People who chose to run on asphalt can testify that the body needs a little tender loving care after a good jaunt.

Stretching is great for the body, but sometimes not enough. That is why the practice of yoga, blending flexibility, stretching, and the breath together into one, is my choice of “recovery” after and in between runs.  Your muscles, ligaments and tendons rebound faster so there’s less chance of injury, less soreness, and speedier recovery. Yoga poses also simultaneously strengthen muscles in the core, back, and arms to improve posture, helping you to run more efficiently. Try dedicating 15 to 20 minutes on these poses after a run when muscles are warm, or practice them on your off days. The best is to sign up for weekly yoga classes for a deeper, total-body stretch.

So let’s talk about the breath, because most people don’t realize that the breath is just as important as the physical bending of the body, and the breath is the foundation of the concept yoga. A small portion of yoga (the philosophy) involves Asana (posture) and Pranayama (breath control). Although there are many benefits to the philosophy of yoga, these two (postures and breath control) are the main focus of yoga for cross-training runners.

The breath is a remarkable tool for calming. By paying attention to and practicing the ujjayi breathing (see our article on ujjayi breath) from your diaphragm, people start to enter that semi-meditative and healing state of being. To properly breath with the ujjayi breath, gently constrict the throat, creating a little resistance to the air flow and producing a soothing sound when you inhale and exhale. Some compare it to the “ocean” sound you hear in a seashell; others call it “Darth Vader breath.” Either way, fill your belly with gentle healing, deep breaths.

Yoga has many other benefits as well, including: improved body flexibility, performance, stress reduction, attainment of inner peace, and self-realization.

I have noticed that with my yoga practice, my hip flexors are not as tight after running. Hips are often a huge problem area for runners and simple yoga exercises that help to increase hip flexibility include sitting on the floor more often. The hip joint is capable of an enormous range of movement, none of which is encouraged by chairs. Sitting on the ground, grass or sand helps to “ground” us as well, ridding our bodies of negative electromagnetivity. Just sitting crossed-legged rotates the thigh bones, stretches the inner thighs, and flexes the knees. For beginners uncomfortable on the floor at first, sit on the edge of firmly bolded blankets or on a cushion and let the outsides of the knees sink freely down to the ground.

The following are my favorite yoga stretches that benefit runners (and most athletes, for that matter) and parts of their bodies that impact running and may, not only make you a stronger and a more efficient runner, it could possibly make you more agile and align your body better.1. Standing forward bend, or fold with “ragdoll” arms, or wide leg standing forward bend

2. Butterfly/cobbler stretch

3. Downward facing dog or downward facing dog with leg lift

4. Runners stretch

5. Pigeon

6. Lunge with Quad Stretch

7. Child’s Pose

1. LateralX Elliptical Machine

One of my favorite machines at the gym is the LateralX Elliptical Machine by Octane Fitness. “Move in a New Direction” is their motto on this machine, and it certainly is one of the most progressive pieces of equipment available today.

Typical elliptical (non impact, feels like standing upright on a bicycle with Nordic track cross country ski arms) moves in a front to back (and vice versa) fluid circular, or elliptical motion. The LateralX from Octane Fitness is offers not only the same motions of the traditional elliptical, but also side steps (like a skating motion) and works out the quads, calves, glutes, and core. “When at the widest setting (level 10) users burn 23% more calories and receive 30% greater muscle activation in the hip abduction, hip adduction and knee extension over traditional elliptical trainers” states Octane Fitness. Below is a great introductory video as to how to use the machine. I personally find the MMA (mixed martial arts) interval training program one of the most effective. It is extremely hard, as it also incorporates upper body (back, shoulders, deltoids, biceps), as the arms must “push and pull” through different levels of resistance in each round that you are “fighting.” If you seek a different but effective workout, give the LateralX Elliptical Machine a go! (Photo Credit: OctaneFitness.com)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzQHOcBrSso

2. Kettle bells

Kettle bells are a very versatile and effective workout. They are easy to use (once you get the hang of them) and improve functional strength and adds great body mass and lean muscle (plus they are fun). Do not be shy or intimidated! Try them out and you will see why athletes of all realms choose kettle bells to increase core stability, muscle range of motion, blast body fat and accelerate fat metabolism. Buying a set of kettle bells are also much cheaper than an entire set of dumb bells, and you can always come up with different and effective kettle bell exercises. Below are a few basic but effective kettle bell exercises and resources.

Kettle bell “flip squats” demonstrated by Matt O’Brien, author of The Magic Pill: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UC5OyNst7WE

Daily Burn is a great resource where you can log onto instant kettle bell exercises: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tdYj_rWbJg

EastBourneBootCamp has a great demonstration of Kettle bell lunge variations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1787nJLns-4

Kettlebellworkouts.com as a “5 best kettle bell workouts for upper body”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGvhy7FhZyI

3. Jumping (Rope, Trampoline, Up and Down)

Not just for children, jumping (even skipping) releases many feelings of being free and happy. These great exercises are often over looked as even exercise because they are so fun. Jumping rope is very inexpensive (and can be free if you do not have a rope and simply use your arms to mimic ropes in hand), portable and helps the body learn coordination, timing, and builds cardio endurance and lower body (legs) power.

Trampoline parks are very popular in most major cities and offer a three dimensional jumping options (off walls and various polls and equipment into foam pits). Most trampoline parks offer fat burning aerobic classes for the cardio warriors, and you don’t have to be an experienced gymnast to attend! Building self audacity is just one of the great things about jumping. You begin to lose the sense of fear and start springing from one place to another. . . with a smile on your face. (Photo credit: urbanairtrampolinepark.com)

No rope or trampoline? No problem! Find a nice corner (the size of a yoga mat) and just start jumping to your favorite music. Dance a little while you are at it. Jump in sand at the beach (improve your vertical for the next pick-up volleyball game), or jump off the diving board! Don’t think so horizontal. Get up and increase the vertical. Jump in max-intervals, on and off, side to side, front to back, do 180 turns and incorporate some squats and push ups. It’s heart pumping good!

4. TRX Suspension Training

Developed for Navy Seals, the popular TRX suspension training exercise uses gravity and a person’s bodyweight to perform hundreds of exercises. By adjusting your own body position, resistance can be added or decreased. Extremely effective in building a solid core, muscle endurance, fine tuning the micro-fibers as well as the major compound muscles, this very portable and easy to learn to use exercise program should be on everyone’s (new to fitness and exercise and seasoned athlete alike) “to-d0″ list. Below is a great introductory video on the TRX Suspension Training:

http://www.trxtraining.com/suspension-training (Photo Credit: busybodyfitnesscenter.com)

I like body movement and exercises that do not depend on clunky, complicated machines. The more versatile and portable, the better. Trainers across the country are adopting these new trends to help their clients achieve faster, more effective results with a more fun approach. Think outside the gym-box, and make working out and sweating enjoyable. Good luck and train hard!

“Nothing worthwhile comes easily. Work, continuous work and hard work, is the only way to accomplish results that last.”

~Hamilton Holt

Photo Credit: LadyFitUSA.com

Probiotics

Let’s take probiotics as an example. I talk a lot in my nutritional seminars and articles about the benefits of probiotics in daily regiments. We all have grown to learn that probiotics are the “good for you” and friendly bacteria in the intestinal tracts that allows for better digestion, relief from gas, bloating, diarrhea and other symptoms of food intolerance. But taking too much (especially for children, senior adults and adults with compromised immune systems) can result in the opposite effect. Side effects of taking too much probiotics include, gas, bloating, stomach cramping, diarrhea, headaches and skin rashes. It is important to follow suggested dietary guidelines when taking any supplements, including probiotics.

Livestrong.com suggests people taking probiotics to fist allow the body to get used to fermented foods and drinks. Start with a small amount of cultured vegetables (kimchee, sauerkraut) such as half a cup, or “no more than 2 ounces of probiotic liquid per day. As your body starts to get used to the probiotics, you can add half a serving of fermented vegetables, or an extra 2 ounces of probiotic liquid per day.”

The below are additional popular “too much is not a good thing” items worth reading.

Vitamin C

60 milligrams a day is the recommended adult dosage for this popular immune system booster and cancer reducer, but decades of research seem to point that over 500 milligrams of vitamin C a day can actually begin damaging DNA. Published in the British Journal Nature (1998), professors from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York warn people that taking giant doses of vitamin C via supplements (vitamin C from fruits and vegetables do not apply) are pro-oxidants to the DNA structure, not antioxidants. Other symptoms of toxicity include: headache, hot flashes, general weakness, insomnia, kidney problems. Stick to organic fruits and vegetables for your vitamin C fix and make sure you read the dosage on bottle labels.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D can be toxic once more than 50,000 international units (IU) a day for several months is consumed. Called hypervitaminosis D, this uncommon toxicity occurs via ingesting mega doses of synthetic vitamins, not by diet or sun exposure because our body’s regulate the amount of vitamin D produced by the sun exposure (and fortified foods do not include near the amount for toxicity as people may think and studies show).

Toxic symptoms include: poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination and kidney problems. Stick to vitamin rich foods such as mushrooms and sardines, and enjoy at least 15 minutes of sunshine on your skin daily when possible (Source: MayoClinic.Com)

Iron

Iron helps to transport oxygen from the lungs to every single cell in body. It is also a key player in the metabolic system, neuro- transmitter production, and blood health. Too much or too little can be a problem with iron. Too little may result in shortness of breath, memory impairment and mental functioning as well as anemia. Too much results in liver damage, heart problems, pancreatic complications, missed periods, fatigue, weakness, arthritic aches and pains, changes in skin pigment, and the classic constipation. Iron supplements tend to be constipating especially in little and older family members. The recommended daily dosage is 8 mg (men), and 18 mg (women).

Again, stick to fresh foods, preferably vegetables and legumes (artichokes, dark leafy greens, soybeans, lentils) to achieve your iron quota. Synthetic iron supplements and animal meats come with a lot more body mechanic processes that may do more harm in the body than good (Source: WebMd)

Hand Washing with Antibacterial Soap

It was a huge fad in in the 90’s and still going strong into the 2000s: antibacterial everything (soaps, hand lotion, sprays, dish detergents and cleaning products). While marketing and science research claims that using such products are great in killing 99.9 percent of all bad bacteria and germs, again, there are negatives to too much of a good thing.

According to the CDC, researchers are finding a link between allergies and the use of antibacterial soaps.  The body sees these antibacterial solutions as a lesser need for the immune system to be strengthened, which in turn causes allergy problems and weakened immune system.  Why exactly? The antibacterial chemicals are essentially antibiotics, and they are very effective in killing both the good and bad bacteria, but do not kill viruses, which are the cause of colds and the flu. When people live in a sterile environment and are not exposed to germs, they are more prone to infections.

Triclosan, the antibacterial ingredient in most commercial hand soaps and cleansers when mixed with chlorinated water (plain tap water), forms chloroform gas, especially dangerous if used as an antibacterial product for bathing. It can also disrupt endocrine functioning (hormones), damage liver functioning, cause eczema, asthma and can accumulate in the fat in the body, where toxins are stored.

Don’t try to be so careful in making everything safe for an emergency surgical ward. Wash your hands with regular soap and water and try not to think about germs too much.

Brushing Teeth

Good oral hygiene is super applauded from a very young age, and many people believe that brushing more often and harder with dental devices equate to better teeth and oral health. Called “tooth abrasion,” over brushing, especially vigorous, hard brushing can lead to receding gums and more sensitive teeth in general. It can also wear down enamel; can create periodontal diseases and cavities on the roots of teeth that bring about the need for fillings, root canals and teeth extractions.

People think that brushing harder with medium to hard bristles will remove plaque better, but plaque is so soft hat you can remove it with a soft wash cloth (if you could reach the areas).

Opt for a soft manual brush or soft wet electric brush and apply light, gentle pressure on the gum line and brush after eating main meals. Floss daily and rinse with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. I also recommend chewing on soft xylitol gum in between meals (Source: Deltadentalins.com)

Too Much Protein

Protein, especially and specifically animal products, have been glorified since the boom of the meat farming industry. We have been told as a society to eat more protein to lose weight, to gain muscle mass, to feel more satiated and to have a balanced diet. Why is eating too much protein bad for the body?

Ready for some science to back these claims? “Medical research shows that consuming too much protein, more than 30% of a person’s total daily caloric intake, could actually harm the body, says researchers at Stanford University.  By adding more protein but not more calories or exercise to your diet, the body has to oxidize the animal protein (creates cell damaging free radicals), the liver has to process it (a liver taxing process) and the stomach and gastrointestinal tract must move the dead (acidic) and it won’t help you build more muscle mass.  That’s not all. The kidneys develop toxic ketones to rid the uric acid from the processing of animal meat.

According to a study published in 1992 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, eating more protein and increasing total caloric intake while maintaining the same exercise level will build an equal amount of additional fat and muscle mass.

Yes, protein is an important muscle building block for hair, skin, nails and muscles, but only 15 percent of your daily recommended calories should come from protein, and try to get that from beans, and plant vegetables, such as  Swiss chard and mustard greens (highest in plant protein of all plants). Beans and rice are also the perfect protein complex and choice for people who choose the vegan/vegetarian lifestyle (Photo Credit: bodybuildingtoday.com)

So in the end, is moderation key? I tend to believe so if the  choices are generally healthier for the body and mind than not.

“Love only grows by sharing. You can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others.”   ―  Brian Tracey

People don’t have to feel like they have to adopt a small third world country of a hundred mile highway to feel like they are making a difference in people’s life and the world around us. I believe that even small, secret notions of selflessness, such as picking up trash on the side of the street (so animals do not ingest or die from the garbage through strangulation) or even putting back books at the bookstore after browsing (because it is the right thing to do and will save someone else the time to do it) are simple acts of kindness. We are models for the people around us, and for our family and friends. If we get used to doing such acts of good and right-ness, our internal and external wellbeing are directly reflected. Below is a list that describes positive effects:

The “helper’s high” is a term labeled for the positive hormones released from the brain after helping others. This hormone boosts immune systems and combats the stress hormone that suppresses it.

Acts of kindness, helping others and being socially connected helps decreases stress hormones and boosts heart health and other cardiovascular diseases.

Smiling toward others, thinking good thoughts, writing positive words, letters or thoughts down lowers blood pressure.

Oxytocin is produced and released into the body when acts of kindness are performed and repeated. This is the feel good hormone that builds the trust, bonding and feelings of love in a person.

Being altruistic and compassionate toward youngsters, especially infants from birth through childhood years helps to foster and build “mirror neurons” that help those children emulate and pass on kindness onto others.

The brain’s natural feel-good chemicals (dopamine and endorphins) are released, which act like morphine and fuels into the reward circuitry (another stress response reducer). Not only will people feel happier and calmer in the mind, the neurological and endocrine systems of the body are being caressed with positivity.

Being compassionate and altruistic also makes people more attractive because of the positive energy and confidence they exude (may result from all the good hormones running through the body and lower stress levels that combat aging).

Look for an organization, community group, meet up group, activity, non-profit or cause in your local or regional area that you would like to be a part of, volunteer with or simply gather more information. Even spreading the knowledge through social media is a great way to step outside of yourself and make our Earth a better and more loving place to be.

Sources: WebMd, Science Daily

photo credit: www.ci.minnetrista.mn.us, michaelsellers.com, ivs.vfp.org, onbeing.org

A daily meditation practice is the gateway to life as a “founder.”  When we habitually cultivate a calm state of mind and reduce our stress and anxiety, what we find is a richness of life that is available in every moment.  When we minimize our reactiveness to any situation, what we can draw from it is a depth of experience that is simple yet profound, and frequently instructive.  Present moment awareness is the key to happiness, since happiness can only exist in the present.  Because the present moment is always here and now, what we have found is a model for sustained happiness.
When we find ourselves being overly competitive, judgmental or critical, what it tells us is that we are not happy in the moment.  There is a subtle difference between striving for improvement and expansion and rejecting our current experience.  Any rejection of where we are now is resistance to the present moment, resistance to happiness and resistance to life itself.  Resistance is the source of all suffering.  Our preference is to strive for both expansion and acceptance simultaneously.  We can only achieve that through Love.
My teacher’s teacher, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, summarized the mechanics for us in this wonderful quote:

Graviola is very easy to grow and eat (just like you would a cactus fruit or any other fruit you cut in half and eat the fleshy meat part). Actually, the whole plant from the roots to the leaves and fruits are used as medicine.  And to all the recent popular demand and over harvesting of “miracle” foods (plants, fruits, nuts, seeds and berries) found in the Asian, Central and Southern Americas, I would like to simply note that though amazing healing qualities may lie in these such foods, there is no ONE-CURE-ALL- food  in the world. It takes a holistic approach to optimal health and well-being. Back to graviola. Researchers are even saying people living with cancer can forgo traditional cancer therapies and eat graviola as a natural and more effective cancer treatment method that is 10,000 times more effective. Sound too good to be true? Sound just like every other drug/food/treatment promise? Let’s look a little more into this miracle fruit!

The statistics of people getting cancer in this modern age is simply staggering. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 12.5 million people are currently living with cancer in the United States alone (though the U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other country). We may be living longer as a race of people but we are definitely not living healthier as a whole. The out of pocket payments for natural and alternative medicine treatments and therapies are growing exponentially every year, as more and more citizens are seeing the loopholes in traditional western medicine and seeking a more preventative and non-invasive-way to better, chronic disease free, optimal living.

Let’s look at graviola, and why all the public attention, for example.  In either promoting or defending this relatively “new” to the public “super miracle fruit”, it has been deemed that the pharmaceutical giants know about its anti-cancer properties have proven to curtail existing cancers, but it is very inexpensive to grow and import, so the money is not there to turn a steep profit (like drugs have proven to be for decades). Keeping graviola’s secret healing properties (as well as other alternative healing foods and techniques) in the shadows is how the pharmaceutical giants stay alive. Marketing their drugs after every other short 30 second commercial all day, continuously, on the media feeds (television, internet, radio and print ads) boost branding and confidence toward potential buyers.

On the other side of the fence, there really is not a lot of “scientific data” out there to justify the statistical evidence people who work off of “numbers” need to make graviola’s claim valid across multiple disciplinary boards. Small size samples, unreliable data, no follow ups on subjects and not many double blind studies throughout the world has been done over time. Does this mean that graviola is not what people claim it is? Should chemotherapy still be the number one go-to for cancer treatment in today’s modern society?

In the South American societies, aside from anti-viral uses to rid parasites and viruses and to decrease inflammation, graviola is used to treat depression symptoms, blood in urine, depression, motion sickness, induce vomit and eliminate the bowels, treat herpes and diseases that are transmitted through sand fleas, induce labor in pregnant women and to calm nerves.

Like I stated earlier in the article, there are simply too many mixed opinions for people to lay all their eggs in the graviola basket. While I am a firm believer that alternative medicine treatments should be explored over traditional modern and popular cancer treatments on the market today (pharmaceutical drugs, radiation and chemotherapy), I would urge people to look at side effects of all treatments. What I like about naturopathic, holistic, traditional Chinese Medicine and alternative medicine is that no drugs are used. Drugs always have side effects, and often flood the body systems and organs with harmful residue that hurt beneficial functioning.

There are possible side effects to graviola, even though it is a natural fruit.

Below are a few documented known effects:

Vomiting

Sleepiness

Neural dysfunction and degeneration leading to symptoms reminiscent of Parkinson’s Disease

Dangerous for women who are pregnant, as it can disrupt the normal healthy growth of the fetus

Sources: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Livestrong.com, memorial sloan-kettering, How stuff works.com, graviolacancer.net, WebMD.

Photo Credit: graviolacancer.net, healingrecipies.ws,