Friday, July 31, 2009

Lowered Blood Pressure without Medication

Several months ago my husband was told during his physical that his blood pressure was high. This wasn’t total news to him as he had been monitoring it on his own for awhile. “Give me a month and I’ll focus on getting in down”. I’m sure the doctor was being as encouraging as possible when he told Rodney, “People don’t change. They eat what they want to eat”.

A month later after diligently exercising regularly, cutting back on salt and sugar, no change. Not good. This was particularly discouraging because my husband had also lost about 10 pounds over the last few months. Now the doc brings out the “big guns” and tells him he’s gotta get on meds. Being the spouse of The Everyday Organic revealed itself as my husband said “NO WAY!”

Fortunately during this time, he had heard how his Dad got his cholesterol levels in check without medication. My Father-in-Law had run into an old friend who he hadn’t seen in a while and was completely impressed with this guys overall health improvements. He asked him, “What did you do?” Among the basic changes, his friend also mentioned G.A.P pills. This wasn’t the first time my Father-in-Law had heard of these. He knows a woman who’s like 89 or somethin’ and still full of vigor and life. She takes G.A.P pills. Hmmm, there must be something to these. After three weeks of taking them, my Father-in-Law’s cholesterol was well within the normal range.

My husband was sold but…what’s in a G.A.P pill? Garlic, Aloe, and Parsley which are all known for their cleansing abilities. The other ingredients are your basic stabilizing agents. Bottle in hand, he followed the instructions given to him by The Aloe Man diligently: take 5 pills 3x day for the first 2 wks then back down to 2pills 3x day with meals (dosage may vary per person so please ask for yourself).

After a month, there was a slight lowering of his blood pressure. Still frustrated, he called and asked for more input. I assured Rodney, “It says ‘money back guarantee’. I’m sure you’re not the first person this has happened to”. He called and it was suggested to not drink more than 40 ounces of water a day because that can dilute the garlic, aloe, and parsley in your system.

He backed off the H2O and WALLAH!!!

In April his blood pressure hit it’s highest at 157/94, YIKES, then went down slightly to 148/85-better but still high. While taking the G.A.P pills his blood pressure lowered to mid 130’s over high 80’s then 129/83, 130/73, and even 125/83!!! Now, these G.A.P pills aren’t magic and certainly not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise but there is no doubt they’ve taken Rodney’s efforts over the edge and kept him off blood pressure medication.

*If you’re already on blood pressure medicine, please use common sense and consult your physician before making any changes and as always: The information on this website is solely intended for sharing knowledge and information from the research and experiences of those at The Everyday Organic. We encourage you to make your own decisions regarding nutrition with guidance from your qualified health care professional and/or nutritionist.

UPDATE 8.3.09 In response to some of your comments and questions, I realized you may want to know a few "stats" on my husband:
43 years of age
African-American
non-smoker
Occasional glass of red wine
exercises regularly (3-4xweek)
average weight for his height
Family history of high blood pressure
Daily commuting time: 2 hrs (which can seriously effect one's BP, especially in the ATL)

By the way, this morning his BP was 127/76!

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Food Inc, Fast Food Nation, Super Size Me movie trailers

Regardless of your political affiliation,age,race, social or economic status, or education; you need to get your head out of the sand (or wherever else it may be) and at least watch the trailer to one of the movies below and may I suggest not while your eating...

Food, Inc.
Fast Food Nation
Super Size Me

“PUT THAT BURGER DOWN!” is all my sister said after she saw the movie Food, Inc. My husband and I just saw it this weekend. Though we only eat, I mean ate, conventional meat on occasion at someone else’s house, we were still quite speechless. For you Everyday Organic readers, you will be encouraged to know that the suggestions they give, you have already heard. For example, reading labels and knowing what actually is in your food is something we talk about all the time. However, it certainly drives home the point even more and calls a serious label reader to take it even higher. Comments welcomed.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Tribute to Michael Jackson

The following is my tribute to Michael Jackson. I mean no disrespect by the words I write. I want to simply share with you my love for his music and appreciation for the influence he made while with us.


The spirit of Michael Jackson will live forever and it’s not just "Black or White", it’s green too. His Number Ones cd is everywhere and it rocked my world to see it’s in eco-friendly packaging. What a "Thriller"! The case is made of recycled chip board and can be recycled again making it easier to "Heal the World". Some of you are screamin, “Leave Me Alone” and others are asking where to start? Simple, with "The Man in the Mirror". But remember, "You are not Alone". So sing "Earth Song" til’ "The Break of Dawn" and if you still can’t get with being green, just "Beat It"!

If this has left you feeling "Off The Wall", email me, "I’ll Be There".

Thursday, July 2, 2009

The U.S. Army Recycles, do you?

Finding it difficult to recycle? Here’s a Facebook comment from my friend, J.P. serving overseas for the U.S. Army:

"Hi Jennifer! We, The Army, do have a recycling plan going on especially being in the desert but don't have much of an entertainment event though!
We have been here about a week and are getting ready to move on. Thanks for the items of interest! JP-United States Army

Let’s face it, some of us still think it’s difficult to recycle right here in the States, even though the recycling bin was probably delivered right to the doorstep. If you don’t have a bin, you still have the freedom to drive to the recycling center whenever you want.

When you feel you’re too busy and just have to toss that empty bottle in the trash, remember our American troops. While they’re spending every ounce of mental and physical energy protecting others and trying to stay alive themselves, they’re also recycling in the desert of Iraq. Come on, no more excuses.

As we light up the grills for our 4th of July celebrations, be thankful for the land we so freely enjoy. Then give a special salute to J.P. and The United States Army as you recycle all those bottles and cans.