Our first guest blogger! THE GRASS MAN!!!!
Hello Crazy Sexy Cancer world! Michael from Hippocrates here. When Kris asked me to write a blog for her peeps, I blushed, smiled and felt honored all at the same time. It would be my pleasure to inform people of GREENS and how amazing they are!
First of all, allow myself…to …introduce….myself. My name is Michael Bergonzi, Greenhouse / Expo Manager / Health Educator Director at Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, FL for the past seven years. My career in the field of alternative health & wheatgrass began in San Diego, CA back in 1990. Growing grass for a living and not ending up in jail seemed like a pretty cool job! Ok, I’ll take it! Of course, the cost per one ounce is $1.00 rather than $350.00! =)
Most people now a days have at least heard of wheatgrass juice if not actually tasted it themselves from a juice bar or health food store. (There are always some people that enjoy drinking it, but no one ever hangs around those people!) The taste of wheatgrass is not always a pleasant one and we are told that it must be our bodies that are detoxing. However, that is not always the case. For example, as a wheatgrass grower, I would bring a tray of grass to the health food store, ready to juice. If they juiced it that day, it would not taste at all bitter or cause that nausea feeling. But, they choose instead to put it in the store window for a display for people to see it, and now it stays in the window for two more days in which the sun shines on it, which it should never. They haven’t watered it, which they should everyday, and now, that same sweet tasting wheatgrass has aged almost 80 years in two days. It’s kind of like people, the older it gets, the more bitter it becomes! =) Wheatgrass should be harvested when a second blade becomes visible, and then the entire tray needs to be cut at the same time. It may then be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week without losing it’s value and taste.
Let’s talk about the ‘greens’ on the planet Earth. First of all, everyone can agree that we, as humans, are mammals. Most of the mammals on this planet are living on leafy greens. In fact, we are one of the few mammals that still eat meat and the only mammal that cook our food. To say that protein only comes from eating meat is an uneducated statement. Sprouts, sprouted beans and GREENS are the best source of proteins for our bodies. Think about it on a bigger scale. How is it possible that most every mammal (and you all agreed that WE humans are mammals) can live on eating just leafy greens? Elk, moose, deer, giraffes, gorillas, elephants, horses, etc… and don’t forget the one that WE get most of our food here in the USA from, the COW!!! Ahhhhhhh… and here is the problem now a days. You see, in the past, when you lived on red meat and dairy products, in-directly you lived on GRASS. The cow was eating the grass; we were eating the cow. It just makes sense. We were getting the EARTH in our diets. But, today, that is NOT the case. Most cows are now trough fed, mostly grains, which are making their systems too acid base, and are having to be shot full of antibiotics, steroids and of course hormones. They go over to the trough, eat as much as they can, and now want to take a nap because they are ‘full.’ (Ringing true to us as humans these days who drive through the fast food joint, meaning WE are being trough fed too! Staying full, getting tired and staying sick.) A cow taking a nap because it’s too full? Are you kidding me? So, the problem now is our red meat and dairy aren’t what they used to be. We are not getting the GRASS (green / earth) in our diet any longer. Look, I have been in this field now for 17 years, too long to judge anyone for what they choose to eat. I just want to educate people on “what’s simple is TRUE.” Get the Earth back in your diet, more oxygen back into your cells and exercise once a day. (yoga, walking, stretching, etc…)
OK. Is any of this making sense yet? Let’s go to the first thing your body needs to live. Before food, before water, you need OXYGEN!!! Everyone reading this, please pause for a moment and take a DEEP BREATH… Count to three on the inhale and three on the exhale. Wasn’t that good? Let’s face it, the only people that really focus on breath these days, unless you’re into yoga, thai-chi or meditation, are smokers! =( Personally, I smoked for 10 years, and I know why I felt the ‘need’ for a cigarette, because it would relax me. Exactly, what are you doing when you smoke? (You now have to leave your job and go outside the building. Amen to that law, so you get a bit of stress relief too.) You’re BREATHING DEEP, for the first time all day. I am NOT encouraging smoking, however, I am encouraging breathing. Try it without the “stick.” Walk away from people, your job, etc… and go somewhere, by yourself, and spend 5 minutes breathing deep. It’s amazing how much calmer you will be after doing this.
Now, let’s take a moment and go back to how ‘wheat’ grass came to light. A woman by the name of Ann Wigmore founded Hippocrates in Boston approx. 50 years ago. She actually healed her own health issues by chewing on ‘lawn’ grass. That’s right; I said lawn grass, not wheatgrass. She began chewing on it and got sick for many weeks, but stayed with it till she eventually started feeling better and better. She learned that the grass / greens were the most complete foods on the planet, as well as having other healing properties. The wheat seed was chosen because of its sweeter, more palatable taste. (Her cat picked it out.) She also learned that the green / chlorophyll will increase the hemoglobin in the blood which then distributes oxygen to every cell in our body. Take another deep breath! Remember that oxygen is a good thing? Ann started this because of watching the animals do it, as well as a statement that was made to her as a child, “Instinct guided creatures, left to them selves, do not make mistakes.” (I LOVE that one.) Most of us chewed on grass as children, if it was around. Why then and not now? We lost sight of our instinct. Here’s a FYI on oxygen content on the planet these days: 100 years ago, there was over 30% and now it is at an average of 15%. The most out there, if you live in a lush, green area, is 21%. However, in downtown major cities it is down to 9% or less. Does anyone remember ‘smog alerts’? I do, but not since 1990, when they stopped telling people. Fact: Oxygen in the cells means less chance for cancer to survive. GREENS = Chlorophyll = increased hemoglobin = more OXYGEN in your cells. GET IT NOW? Don’t forget, fresh wheatgrass juice is the best way to FEEL a difference. Drinking 2 ounces / day on an empty stomach is optimum.
In closing, remember these two simple words: “Stay Present.” More too come on GREENS and sprouted beans next month… Till then, yours in the greenhouse at Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, FL, breathing in approx. 30% oxygen everyday, Michael Bergonzi
For questions on growing your own wheatgrass or sprouts, visit my personal website (which I am still working on improving) at www.hippocratesgreenhouse.com and send me an email anytime.
PS. Hi gang, it’s me Kris. Just so you know, Michael is the #1 grower of wheatgrass and sprouts in the country, maybe the world. His knowledge is vast. Michael created and perfected many of the greenhouses at the top healing centers. He is a transformative man (with a kick ass sense of humor) and he will be back for a visit soon! Thank you rock star Michael!!!!!!!!
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Good morning people,
I want to share with you the fabulous morning I had with my kids (they are 5 and 2 1/2.) We have this fabulous children’s CD titled ‘Kids in Action.’ It is a series of inter-active songs ranging from dancing, stretching, resting and even going on that infamous ‘Bear Hunt’ we all did as kids. This morning my 5 year-old asked if we could do “Kids in Action’ before going to school, why not, it got them to turn the TV off! So, I decided to jump in with them…..a little dancing with myself and my boys….twirling them around the family room is so much fun, a stretching, reaching, tip toe walking, bear hunt finding, a marching, deep breathes and lots of arm-movements to say the least. Not only was it a blast playing with my kids and not only did I feel great after moving around, but my 5-year-old hit the nail on the head. A few minutes after we were done playing around he came up to me and said, “hey mama, I feel great after doing “kids in Action, I love it. We should do it everyday in the morning, it is a great way to ‘get movin’” I kid you not, he said those exact words. It just goes to show we should all step back and listen to the innocence of children. My kids see my husband and I exercise all the time, in fact they even do some yoga stretches with us and pretend to lift weights and “go jogging.” etc. (It is amazing the down-ward dog pose a 5 and 2 year old can get into…..they are so flexible. I think partly because they have no stress in their bodies yet. So, enjoy your day, juice it up and in the words of my 5 year-old….get movin’! Kris, I know this is an echo to your mission, but it is so important so I thought I would share.
This is my first Thanksgiving on the Living Foods diet. I am a little nervous of how I am going to do. We are going to my parent’s house and although my mom is very supportive, there will be loads of food that I don’t want to eat. My cravings have mostly subsided these last few months, but I don’t want to fall off the wagon. I do have a cleanse planned for next week, but wish me luck.
Thanks, Laura!
A little off topic but would love some feedback:
An acquaintance of mine did her agriculture thesis on organic and non-organic vegetables. According to the research and findings, the organic veggies were much higher in heavy metals than non-organic. What is worse for us, the pesticides and chemicals or the heavy metals? I’m not 100% certain if the testing was also based on certain areas of growth (i.e. specific soil)?
Another thing I’ve learned is (and I guess we really all know this) advertising can be so misleading! I watch a news report that found that some stores that claim they sell organic produce actually treat the produce with chemicals once they have arrived at the store.
I guess in today’s world you just have to do the best you can. There is no way to be 100% sure of anything anymore. A great article here on what “Organic” really means (although note this was written in 2000 and pertains to Canada and I haven’t looked into any new laws regarding inspection) I still say that eating a veggie that has not been sprayed with pesticides but may have some contact due to a nearby farm that does spray (even with great distance this stuff does carry!) or where the soil may have some contamination from water run off … well it’s better than eating one directly sprayed right?
http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/food/organics/index.html
I actually found a lot of interesting stuff in their archives related to food: http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/food/index.html
just t – Sorry for the delay in responding, my son was home from school, sick yesterday and then last night I got very dizzy and hot and took my temp and it was up 3 degrees from where it normally is. I was just bragging to family about how healthy I am, so I guess that’s what I get! I don’t have canser either. I joined this blog because canser is all around me and I want to help the ones I love who do have canser, and prevent it from getting to me. I do have other health problems that I believe can also be healed through diet, and the juicing is the most beneficial diet change I’ve made in my entire life. Since I started juicing I have stopped craving sugar. My husband said since he started the juice he hasn’t had a single soda. I realized that i hadn’t either, and didn’t want one!
BAV- MSM stands for METHYLSULFONYLMETHANE. Big word huh!LOL. I believe it has changed my life. I was living in chronic pain and really wanted a natural way out, and I think I may have found it.
I just finished reading a book that I wanted to share. It is called “The Juiceman’s Power Of Juicing” by Jay Kordich. He talks about wheatgrass and specifically how to grow it and credits Hippocretes Institute for there work with wheatgrass. And this book is from the early 90′s! There are a lot of good juice recipes and info on the what each veggie and fruit give us nutritionally. It’s a great book, and I got if from the library so it was free info!
I also just finished Kris’ book Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips. GREAT BOOK! I would be happy to send it on to anyone here that can’t afford to buy it. Just let me know and I’ll put it in the mail.
Jennifer
Jennifer- (goony) that juicing book sounds really interesting! I’m definitely going to see if I can get it from Bookswim or something.
Thank you so much for that info :)
Bav- WOW !! thank you so much for taking all that time to share all the great info !! thank you also for supporting us non-canser babes ! Kris’s book is changing my life big time !! i’m juicing ( not enough, but i’m trying ),i’m dancing to one song a day ( not well, but again, i’m trying ) i’m singing loudly in the shower ! i made my alter ! and more. i agree that the crazy sexy lifestyle applies to us ” chronic ” people too.
I do have one question for you. what are your thoughts on coffee ? thanx.
laura- what a great story about you and the kids ! My eight year old daughter and i do my daily one dance together. though she prefers to dance to ” big and rich” or ” bon jovi “.lol
goony- your inspiring me to start juicing more. i get so lazy about it cuz i hate to clean the damn juicer ! i can’t wait till Kris comes out with hers, i need to up-grade. i’m curious, do you do wheatgrass ? if so, when and how much do you do ?
you also reminded me that i have the ” juicemans ” book ! i bought it when i bought his juicer along time ago. i just went and got it and dusted it off. i forgot what a great book it is ! he has juices in there for EVERYTHING ! he even tells you what order to juice everything for the optimum amount of juice. thanx so much !
I hope you and your son are feeling better !
just t,
no worries, girl. i have been doing some reading today on the MSM you take. and went back to your origingal post to remind myself of your health issues, lupus and fibromyalgia. and this is my OPINION on what I learned. Basically, I believe you are getting benefits from the MSM b/c it is counteracting the inflammatory, acidic, allergic, mucus-laden condition most of us are in b/c of our diets. Kris’ goal of alkalinity for us all, if you can commit to it, I think could potentially not only make you pain free, but vastly improve, if not resolve your health problems. Yes, I know it is a bold claim, but I truly believe this. Seriously.
Both lupus and fibromyalgia have inflammation and immune system components in common. In fact, are major factors in both. Girl, I know it seems overwhelming at first thought, but I really encourage you to get on the crazy sexy lifestyle – pronto. I think it will change the quality of your life tremendously. I realize trying to change overnight is not realistic, I’m not suggesting that. Pick one place to start, and just begin.
Because alkalinity is key for you, I would encourage you to avoid coffee. I know, I know. But caffeine is super acidic, not good for your constellation of problems. Herbal organic tea instead?
I actually am incredibly hopeful for you. I think you have the power to help your body return to “zen.” It will take some learning and work, but you CAN so do it.
Viva la Crazy Sexy Lifestyle for all!!!
Hugs,
b
bav- thank you so much for the words of encouragement ! i just sat here and cried for a good ten mins. i think it was good tears ?! i feel relieved and empowered that someone belives this crazy sexy lifestyle will help me ! the coffee thing sucks !! but i kinda knew that was coming.lol. thank you again for the encouragement ! i think i’ll wear my cowgirl boots tomorrow !!!
Hello Kris and everyone.. I have missed you all. Misson work and Thanksgiving are crazy nutty times. I have been catching up and I am amazed at the posts and the content. bav. is brilliant as always. Micheal did a fabulous job.. and I am loving the instant energy from the wheatgrass.. I just down it like medicene and have been lucky.. I wonder if it would hurt it to mix it with other things in the beginning to keep the nausea down? Other greens. I know many need a transition diet to move to all raw and the wheatgrass and the colonics.. babysteps.. I have to say it make you feel great though..
Roslin- I am going to put my two cents in and it is worth just that. But I have a ton of misable experience with pain. I am recovering from bone cancer. I was told the leg has to come off.. well I said NO and I was given a choice. The could cut every nerve from my hip to my knee and I could live in excruitiating pain forever or they could take the leg. Well hell a girl has to have toenails to get a pedicure and I wasn’t going in for the half price special on the five toes for less deal. So ha. pain… Pain..and pain I was never ever prepared for. I feel like someone is ripping my flesh off and setting me on fire all the time. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. First. Get to someone who is a neurologist and pain specialist to help you. There are several really specialized guys out there and find someone that works with you. Tell them what you want. I tell my precious dr. no pain and no pills and he laughs and says someday!! And we move on. Now here are some alternatives that you may not know about. A neurologist pain specialist not anesthesiologist can go in and shoot those nerves that are aggravated with marcaine I opt out of the marcaine/depo-medrol steroid mix because I am not into the roids they make you bloat feel like shit and gain wieght.. haven’t we all got enough going on. Anyway my guy is great. I get 27-33 nerve blocks and epidurals to keep me pain free(as I can be) for six weeks. Now when I first began this treatment he told me I had to workout and the treatment would slowly build in effectiveness. Five years later I can walk seven miles a day… I still hurt and burn and I take meds.. and they are high power meds like Kadian slow release morphine that allows me to never even know that it is releasing and I can have a normal life. But if I miss the meds or the shots.. BOOM bedtime for weeks. Now the effects vary but most of the time I can function and I have a high energy high maintance life.. So I got my life back. And I dont have to be screaming in pain or losing my mind. Neurotin works for many folks.. so does Lyrica.. that is a new one and it is good. I haven’t had much luck with them and they made me feel sick as a dog. I also cannot say enough about getting ahead of the pain. If you can find a dr. and get him to relieve your pain.. then keep ahead of it.. life is much easier. Listen to you body and don’t overdo.. if you dont sleep your pain will be higher.. stress same thing.. so balance is key. this diet has helped renew my energy and my lifestyle has improved. My husband has ALs and it comes with pain of its own and different treatments. I can tell you this a heating blanket and Lidoderm patches if the pain is epidermal they can help. Capsasain can light your world up. And cause it to hurt more. I have a theroy that any irritant can make things worse. Think alkaline and soothing. I do think elimintation is so important and when you have gotten the crisis down then work to keep it down. If I can do anything for you please let me know. There are two Dr.s in Alabama that take assignents from all over the country.. if you want thier numbers please email me calliekyle@comcast.net I hope your pain is better today and you find relief. And if there is anything I can tell you is dont take no for an answer. Find someone to help you call the dr. until he helps or get a new one.. and dont get frustrated.. It will get better. Pain.. can be controlled. And today is the best day to start. I will be praying for you and sending you my thoughts and prayers. Callie
Hi Callie & everyone!
Day 4 and my pain has reduced to a dull ache. A little ache in the shoulders and a some pain when I deep breathe but NOTHING compared to the weekend when I was bedridden. I had a “normal life day” today. Did everything I had to do and more. Started my neurontin last night before bed and it KNOCKED ME OUT!! Boyfriend said I didn’t move all night. My nurse practitioner told me to start off slow, one before bedtime and work my way up to 3 a day if my body can handle it.
Callie- I love how you referred to being stuck in bed when the nerve pain acts up. I think the only people who understand the pain we go through are the people who actually watch us get in the fetal position in bed and scream into a pillow. Thank you for all the ideas and advice I appreciate it more than you know.
I guess I figured since I was 20 I could handle pain on my own and I didn’t need meds. I thought my body was young and would just take it and bounce back a day later. Finally after I couldn’t take it anymore I called my canser institute and they got right on it, I had my new medication that day. I guess when I got the C it was such a huge blow to me bc I lead a very active life. I was a competive cheerleader all through elementary-high school. Being active keeps me sane!! So my body was very in shape before I had massive surgery and afterwards it has and probably never will be the same. That’s hard to accept, but I bike at a local gym and plan to do a lot of swimming on my Florida trip, which I leave for this Thursday!!
I am considering trying acupuncture when I am able to and I have a gift certificate to a spa from my recent birthday. So I plan on trying some acupressure or gentle massage, since my nerves don’t affect my back too much. I also want to clarify that my DR’s are amazing, in fact I have an entire team that works with me not to mention an entire pain management team. It was my own fault for not telling them how I was feeling…not their mistake. Roswell Park is fantastic facility with research going on 24/7 very exciting!! I actually donated my tumor to research. Well everyone I just wanted to keep you updated since you have been so helpful with all your advice, thank you again so much. It’s nice to have people who know what it’s like to be…US!
Hey Roslin,
I am so happy you are feeling better. I understand so much how it feels to look down and your body seem not like yours anymore when my tumor was removed I thought oh this will be little hiccup and I will be back on the road to being me. Well hells bells and shot gun shells.. did I have a surprise coming because I generally take the harder road I didn’t have the leg removed after the required year in bed to let the graft that had never been done heal.. I was no longer the soccer babe that road a horse all afternoon play soccer in th morning.. and run.. oh I loved to run.. but giggle I still run.. it hurts like hell but it works and lovely dr. oz says in seven years you can rebuild your body.. I am going to be back to being so buff I may just photograph it and hang it over the fireplace haha.I know how you feel about your body being the same. But I bet all kidding aside that you will come to like yourself more everyday.. and no matter what anyone says 20 is terrific but 40 hold on to your socks.. if fabulous.. and you have the best years left to live and be amazed by the beauty in you and in life. I am thrilled your pain is better. It will give a lot of folks praying for you a great sigh of relief. Many Blessings dear one.
XOOXXOXOXOOX Callie
I’m also hoping for some help with what to do if wheatgrass makes you feel nauseated. Is it okay to have the shot of wheatgrass mixed in with, say, some lemonade? Or will it completely dilute the benefits?
Michael, keep doing what your doing. I am new to drinking wheat grass, and totally see the benefits. Will be starting my own mini greenhouse soon and will be contacting you for some tips. thanks
My mom cured herself from lymphoma with the Ann Wigmore diet. Amazing
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I have been adding wheat grass to smoothies (blending) and heard this may not be the best idea. What are your thoughts?
Kris,
You are suchan inspiration to us all!! My mother has breast cancer that missed her so much..it came back after a 7 year vacation. Now is it visiting her in her bones, abdomine and liver. My sister and I are always thinking of new and better ways to live our lives and our mom is finially getting on board with us, she has changed her dish soaps to natural ones, she eats more organic and she loves your green smoothie (as do I, I make it every day!) thanks for all the information you provide us with..may we all live happy, memorable lives and for any of you out there that are in pain, you are in my thoughts and prayers!!
M
November 20, 2007