Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Kittens that came from heaven or hell?

Got caught up with work and here I am.
I relapsed and had too much pizzas over the month. I realized when I consumed wheat after I was off it for 30 or more days, my skin has been flaky and my itch is BACK. Is so hard to be discipline! Anyways last Sunday we found 5 kitten in the storage compartment of my roommate's RV which was left opened for months. The mother nested the babies. Long story short, the mother took off and now these kittens are living with us.

I know many of you are cat lovers. I happened to be allergic to them.  My roommates loves cats. One of them said is a blessing from heaven... HELL for me!
People who doesn't live with my condition will never understand. This is what I have on my fingers - DYSHIDROTIC ECZEMA. 
Dyshidrotic Eczema is a type of eczema which commonly affects the hands and feet and characterized by itchy and painful blisters. The occurrence of blisters could cause severe itchy and cracked skin. When it affects the hands, is called cheiropompholyx.  Because I have so many lesions on my hands, washing becomes impossible. Water and sweat causes the blister to spread more violently. Having them in between my fingers are the worst. Yes and many sleepless nights!
Some days, I used a needle to pop these blisters. Once they are popped  the itch stops, but that's how they look in the above picture. Folding clothes is also a difficult task as my cracked skin gets caught in the fabric.

I have tried tea tree oil, no fragrance moisturizers, no perfume shampoos, detergents, soaps. Soaked my fingers in rubbing alcohol even it burns after scratching, even if it helps to eliminate the itch just for that 5 secs, Nothing really works in the long term. I invested in humidifier, a new one every year, air purifier, water filtration system and the lists goes on. On top of all that, I see different dermatologists almost every month. 
What they do? Prescribed higher dosage of antihistamines and stronger steroid creams. In the long term these topical steroids thin out your skin and they don't really work. These docs have no interest in helping you find a solution, first of all they not suffering from the illness. You can present them with options, how about an allergy test. Some will say, I can refer you, but I am not sure if that helps, You have eczema. You need to apply this topical hydrocortisone everyday and take Atarax when you need to. I will give you 30 pills to start of with and a refill. Very disappointing! 
oh... There is nothing to do with diet that's what they said, if you asked them. Come back see me in a month, so I can make more money off you. They can do more, but they don't. Not here in America! These so called doctors are also known as SCAMMERS!


I just want to be a normal person. Normal pair of hands that I can pet a cat or any animal that has fur. Is that too much to ask?
Today we went to pet store to get milk for the kittens and while I was standing outside waiting for my roommate in the store, I see this 10 year old that stuck her hands into the cage where the kitten bites and scratches her. I feel in pain, but she was laughing hysterically.

The past days I have been very edgy because of these kittens. More cleaning for me, they pee and poop (diarrhea) and got out of the box... basically the carpet is soiled. Cleaning made it worst for me, even with gloves. I use cotton lining gloves, they don't work because of the sweat. Sweating is one of the major cause of these blisters.

I am also mad with myself for having this condition, feeling bad that my roommates cant keep the kittens. I research about what I should do, here's so pointers that I discovered:
*Salt soaks
* White vinegar soaks
* Avoidance of known triggers - dyshidrosis sufferers may need to abstain from washing their own hair or bodies, or wearing gloves when they do so, however waterproof gloves are often potential irritants.
* Zinc oxide ointment
* Nickel-free diets .
* Stress management counseling 
* Light treatment: UVA-1, PUVA, Grenz Rays, Low Level Light Therapy using a Red + NIR (LED) combination

I was also told my mercury fillings in my teeth( from cavities) may also cause these allergies and weak immune.
Dental Amalgam contains about 50% Mercury. 
Mercury rapidly depletes the immune system
Mercury from amalgam is stored principally in the kidneys, liver and brain
Mercury from amalgam causes kidney damage
Mercury will cause an increase in number and severity of all allergies

While searching for holistic dentists, I found this information from http://www.holisticdentistny.com/services-candidates-for-holistic-dentistry.php

Holistic Dentistry is well suited to patients of all ages. It is particularly beneficial to patients suffering from:
AllergiesTMJ Disorder
Emotional StressGeopathic Stresses
Biochemical DeficienciesEnvironmental Toxicity
Low Immune System


Now to find a holistic doctor to remove my replace my mercury fillings, will be another stressful because my insurance do not cover the good stuff! The average tooth replacement cost from USD1000 to USD6000. 

This is just only on my fingers, I have not gone into details of my scalp and other areas of my body! Some friends when I speak about my condition, they say chop off your fingers or why are you so sensitive? Telling them not necessary makes you feel better when there are days you need to share :(




Monday, April 2, 2012

Put your trust in FDA!


How many times have these Fucking Dumb Ass(es) fucked us up? One mistake after another - is anyone listening?
The FDA approved drugs one after another without sufficient research conducted and it takes many many years with increasing deaths to get their attention! FDA uses labels that the general public may not understand: contraindicated (should not be used), 100% natural (Does not mean it is not genetic modified or pesticide free)
Natural foods are processed without preservatives or additives, but may have been grown with the use of pesticides or other conventional methods. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the term ‘natural’ only as it applies to added color, synthetic substances, and flavors. We perceived the product label 100% natural as safe & healthy!

Good Example of another case (arsenic in chicken meat).
As Pfizer pulled the drug Roxarsone off the shelves, the FDA continues its campaign of denial, claiming arsenic in chickens is at such a low level that it’s still safe to eat. In the article below FDA claims its research has high levels of inorganic arsenic, a known carcinogen. For many years(approx 60 years) our chickens have been fed with Roxarsone. Roxarsone is also used widely in many countries.

Pfizer Suspends Sales of Chicken Drug With Arsenic (from NewYork Times)

WASHINGTON — Farmers have for decades fed chickens an arsenic-containing drug that promotes growth, but after a government study found trace amounts of this poisonous carcinogen in chickens, its maker will suspend its sales.

Officials at the Food and Drug Administration said the amounts found were so low that chickens treated with the drug, called 3-Nitro, do not pose a serious health risk and will continue to be sold. Perdue and organic chicken producers do not use the drug.

“The presence of that carcinogenic residue obviously raises concerns, and it’s completely avoidable,” said Michael R. Taylor, F.D.A.’s deputy commissioner for foods. “It needed to be acted on.”

Pfizer, which makes 3-Nitro, also known as roxarsone, will suspend the drug’s sales in 30 days, giving producers time to find alternatives. The drug, first approved in 1944, kills intestinal parasites, promotes growth and makes meat look pinker. And since 3-Nitro contains organic arsenic, which is far less toxic than its inorganic counterpart, producers assumed that it would have no effect on people who ate the animals.

But there has been growing evidence that organic arsenic can change into its more toxic cousin. So F.D.A. researchers developed a way to measure inorganic arsenic in meat. They got 100 chickens, fed roxarsone to about half of them and measured levels of inorganic arsenic in their livers. Chickens fed roxarsone had consistently higher levels of inorganic arsenic, a known carcinogen.

Definition: A carcinogen is any substance, radionuclide, or radiation that is an agent directly involved in causing cancer.

Read more at http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/09/business/09arsenic.html



Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Food Addiction!


Recipe for Rash Attack:
3 Shrimp Dumplings(wheat flour)
2 Bites of Lo Mein
Let it sit for 12 hours
1 thick chunk of milk chocolate with almonds
30 secs add more if required
1 big bite of cheese pizza

So over the pass few days, I have been a scapegoat with my own food experiments. I want to be able to eat a slice of bread with peanut butter once in a while. I crave for milk chocolates! Once you start with sugar, is like the saying Don't start playing with fire. My body is not completely free of yeast hence the tiny amount of sugar brings yeast back to life.
It will make you drive to the nearest gas station at 2 in the am just for a bag of M&M's and it takes no more than 5 mins to finish the bag.
Yes food is an addiction! If you cant say NO to sugar!

So I bought organic sprouted wheat bread (and it says flourless) from Alvarado Bakery.
Whats the difference between sprouted wheat and whole wheat?
Sprouted grain bread has a few advantages over whole wheat bread. Whole wheat bread is made from whole wheat kernels ground into flour, while sprouted grain bread is made from kernels that are allowed to sprout before they're baked into bread. Many sprouted grain breads are made not only from wheat kernels but from a variety of grains and legumes, such as barley, oat, millet and even lentils. Sprouted grains are also easier to digest compared to other whole grains, and the sprouting process increases the bioavailability of certain vitamins and minerals in the bread.

Read More... http://www.livestrong.com/article/431712-sprouted-grain-bread-vs-whole-wheat/

Since I have been tested negative for celiac disease doesn't mean I am wheat tolerant.
Sprouted wheat bread may be better tolerated than bread made with whole or refined wheat flour. Going to do a one slice test in a couple of days and keep you all updated.




Tuesday, March 27, 2012

China Buffet filled with Section 8 crap!

So yesterday, I decided it was good idea to eat out after returning from NY a week eating out.
Whenever I'm in PA, this place seems the most valued for money buffet place for $12.99. Lunch for $8.99 (same selection)
You witnessed Section 8 crowd committing gluttony at their tables. Eat till you bloat and passed out!!!
I must say the place offers ginormous selection of Fried foods, Pizza, Meat, Hibachi, Sushi, Seafood, Fried chicken, Nuggets, German Salad bar, Soups, help yourself soft serve and desserts.
I used to think since I am paying $12.99, let me stuff myself with at least $15.99 or more worth of food. I don't do that anymore, it destroys my body and makes me feels like heavy weight champion.
So my plate consisted of string beans, broccoli, grilled tilapia, lo mein(wheat noodles) and shrimp. Went back for more shrimp, fresh cut pineapple and honey dew. If I get tempted to eat the other food which I am not supposed to, I just walk around and looked at what others have on their plate and say to myself, good you are eating on my behalf.

We don't stay at that place long enough to eat everything. Anyways, 15 mins after we paid we left for Walmart down the street. All of a sudden I felt dizzy, tightness on my chest, nauseous and I couldn't breathe. I tried to prevent myself from blacking out. I hurried out of Walmart for fresh air. I didn't get what I needed - Basmati Rice :(

That night I went to bed with the dizzy spell and a mild rash around my ankles, neck and my fingers. In the morning my fingers on my right hand swell up and itch like crazy. I quickly popped 25 mg Hydroxyzine (antihistamine) that was prescribed by my dermatologist. I realized I scratched myself pretty good while I was asleep. Smell of blood on my fingers.
It bothers me that I am so sensitive. If this new diet has made me more sensitive to what is in our daily "norm" food.
Not sure, if it was MSG in the food, wheat or shrimp. Earlier that day, I did had a few Traderjoe's shrimp dumplings made from wheat and some Lo Mein from the buffet place(very tiny amount)







Monday, March 26, 2012

Herbs and Spices


Favorites Herbs & Spices I use occassionally:

Turmeric
Sprinkle tumeric aka Curcumin in almost every dish I cooked
Tumeric has lots of health benefits such as:
Detoxifying Liver,
Prevent cancer cells from growing.
Antiseptic and Anti bacterial function.

Paprika
Lots of antioxidants and Vitamin C
Sprinkle whenever I need that sweet& mild spicy taste in my dish.

Cilantro (Frozen from Dorot, available at Traderjoes)
Each cube is equivalent to 1 tablespoon.
I recycled this plastic trays and filled them with fresh chopped organic Cilantro, Parsley & Garlic


Cilantro helps removes Heavy metals esp mercury from our teeth filing and fish consumption.
I have an addiction to Cilantro, so I use about 3 cubes to make Cilantro rice for 2.
I add Cilantro to my scramble eggs, zucchini, eggplant, rice along with tumeric :)
Cilantro taste so good with everything, esp when is all chopped up.

Parsley
Good for kidneys and bad breath :)


Tips:
Blend these herbs separately, or mixed them with garlic and olive oil. Store in the fridge up to 7 days. Since I have the plastic trays from Dorot, I freeze them. Yes you can use them straight from freezer.

Here's a healthy and tasty recipe:
Cilantro Rice (leftover rice is good too)

2 cups Basmati brown rice (cooked and drained)
Do not over cook the rice (Al Dente is perfect)
Olive Oil
1 Chopped Onion
2 or 3 Cubes of frozen cilantro
Turmeric
Salt and Pepper
Sliced organic celery (long and thin)
Sliced organic carrots (long and thin)
Soy Sauce (optional)

In a pan heat oil, add chopped onion, cilantro, sprinkle turmeric, salt and pepper. In about 5 mins, add carrots, in next 5 mins add rice and celery. in low flame stir all these ingredients for about 4 or 5mins and serve.










Sunday, March 25, 2012

Today's Special! Hungry for change

From now till April 10! You can watch this informative documentary via this link!


Is not boring. If you want to live without pain, and you tired of your doctors pushing you more prescription drugs. This is perfect to watch. What are the chemicals that Science has invented to make us consume more? How deceiving is Diet and Low Fat foods. How MSG make us gain weight. And what are the other names of MSG.

Friday, March 23, 2012

4 year old burger from McDonalds!


My fav monkey Aaron aka Stacks who is almost 10, shared a video about McDonalds burger that is 4 years old. Watch the link to believe it! the burger looks just like me! Hardly aged :)


Today I used a non stick pan and a plastic spatula to cook. ( Couch surfing in Queens, hence not my kitchen)
Have I gone mad? Last year I replaced my cookware(non stick and Aluminium) with Stainless steel and Corningware Ceramic. Replacing your cookware can be costly, so my options were thrift stores. Anyways here's why you should not use non stick and Aluminium cookware.

Non Stick Pans Health Risk

PFOA

  • Perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, is a chemical used in the non-stick cookware manufacturing process. It is used to make the fluoropolymers that make the coating slippery. PFOA exposure presents several serious health risks, such as developmental problems in animals, and low birth weights in infants. Although PFOA has not been classified as a carcinogen as of 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and eight major cookware manufacturers have agreed to stop using PFOA by 2015. In the meantime, FDA research regarding non-stick pans found that the PFOA evaporates during manufacturing, so there is very little health risk to the consumer, who is more likely to be exposed to PFOA from other sources, like fast-food packaging or carpeting.

Prevention/Solution

  • Fortunately, the health risks of non-stick cookware may be minimized by observing a few basic precautions. To prevent fumes from being released, only use non-stick cookware over low or medium heat, and avoid preheating an empty pan. Keep the kitchen well-ventilated by using the exhaust fan or opening a window. Purchase heavyweight cookware, and maintain the quality of the cookware by using wooden or silicone utensils, and replacing damaged or worn pieces. Extend the life of your cookware by storing it with a protective layer between pans, or hanging it from a pot rack. According to DuPont, makers of Teflon non-stick cookware, the pans can give 3 to 5 years of good service before replacement if cared for properly.

Aluminium Health Risk:
Exposures to aluminum through food can occur when aluminum leaches or otherwise dissolves from the cookware into the food. Leaching is most likely when the foods being cooked or stored are highly basic (like baking soda) or highly acidic (like tomato sauce, lemon juice, oranges, or vinegar). For example, tomato sauce has been shown to contain 3-6 mg aluminum (per 100 g serving) after cooking in aluminum pans, which translates into about one-tenth of the typical daily intake. This leaching of aluminum with acidic foods does not happen with aluminum cookware that is anodized, or electro-chemically processed to seal the aluminum in the cookware.