Dragonfly News

The Official Monthly Newsletter of Song of Health
MARCH 2010

Click here to download a printable
version of this newsletter.

April 10 Newsletter
February 10 Newsletter

Welcome Subscribers, to Dragonfly News. We are excited about the opportunity to share interesting and helpful information with you in our monthly newsletter, which is available to subscribers only. We first email the newsletter and food resource updates to you directly in .pdf form. Then, in a few days you will be able to access the newsletter on the website. The food resource updates will be incorporated into the existing Food Resource List and can be found by clicking the icon on the left side of most pages on the website.

If you did not receive this issue at your email address and would like to, please notify us immediately at manager@songofhealth.com.

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The information in Dragonfly News is brought to you by the Song of Health Team:

Sandra Strom, CEO of Song of Health
Dr. Letitia Dick, N.D., Staff Doctor
Dr. Jared Zeff, N.D., Staff Doctor
Dr. Caryn Potenza, N.D., Staff Supporting Doctor
Elizabeth Vedder, Manager of Food Resource Updates
Shawn Murphy, Song of Health Webmaster and Graphics Designer

IN THIS ISSUE:

SUBSCRIBERS SPOTLIGHT:
Stories, Comments, Questions Asked
and Answered

ARTICLE: "Are Natural Dietary Supplements in Danger of Being Eliminated?" By Sandra Strom, CEO of Song of Health

SHARING EXPERIENCES: “ Sad Eyes ” By Sandra Strom, CEO of Song of Health

RECIPES:
Cereals and Grains:  Kasha (Toasted Buckwheat Groats) With Nuts; Sandy's Mexican Rice
Cookies:  Carob and Honey Brownies (or use Chocolate)
Custards and Puddings:  Baked Luncheon Custard
Main Dishes:  Sweet and Sour Fried Rockfish
Salads:  Sandy’s Favorite Romaine Salad

FOOD RESOURCE UPDATE:  No March update yet

The Carroll Institute of Natural Healing, co-founded by our renowned Doctors Letitia “Tish” Dick, N.D. and Jared Zeff, N.D., LAc., is an educational opportunity for Naturopathic physicians and students to further their education in the traditional methods of Naturopathy, not otherwise taught in the Naturopathic colleges. This is where physicians and students learn how to perform the Carroll Food Intolerance Evaluation method, constitutional hydrotherapy and other important methods of traditional natural healing.

Song of Health and The Carroll Institute of Natural Healing work together to reach as many people as possible, to educate and help understand the importance of avoiding personal food intolerances, applying traditional Naturopathic methods of healing and naturally restoring the body to health.

We invite everyone to contact us with any questions you may have regarding these methods at manager@songofhealth.com.

Song of Health.com actively promotes physicians and professionals who support our work and companies who act with integrity and are honest their products and services.
Check out your Goods and Services section at Song of Health.com.

Those interested in advertising at Song of Health.com, please CLICK HERE or email us at advertise@songofhealth.com.

WEBSITE CHANGES!

THE SUBSCRIBERS RECIPES SECTION CONTINUES TO UNDERGO CHANGES.
~     The Recipes Index is done!  The index is a list of all recipes in alphabetical order, as well as cross-referenced.  Just click on the listing and link to the recipe.  Now, along with the recipes being coded for food intolerance categories, links to the Food Substitutions List and the Food Resource List on each Recipes page, it is even easier to find your favorite recipe and learn how to adapt it to your personal needs. 

SAVE 10% ON YOUR NEXT SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL:

Refer a new subscriber and receive 10% off your next renewal!  To receive your coupon email manager@songofhealth.com and tell us the name of the person you are referring.  Once they subscribe, you will receive your 10% discount. It’s that easy!

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	SUBSCRIBERS SPOTLIGHT STORIES, COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS

Share your story with others.

SUBSCRIBERS, PLEASE…help others by sharing your story.  When you allow us to publish it in Dragonfly News and Subscribers’ Testimonials, a dedicated section on the Song of Health website, you provide the opportunity to reach out to those who still suffer but are not confident that our dietary lifestyle will work for them. By hearing and reading about how our lives were dramatically changed we can help others to step through the door toward wellness. WE WOULD BE HONORED TO INCLUDE YOUR STORY about how you came to follow the Carroll Food Intolerance way of life. We reserve the right to edit for grammar and spelling correctness, however we will not change your story content.

IF YOU PREFER US TO HELP YOU WRITE YOUR STORY, WE WILL BE HAPPY TO. JUST ASK!

Please email your contribution to manager@songofhealth.com.

Thank you for helping us to achieve our goal of reaching out to as many people as possible in order to provide help, hope and answers. The more we give away, the more we receive!

A note of encouragement: A subscriber was concerned that her story was uninteresting. There is no such thing as a boring, uninteresting story! We are here to support each other and every contribution helps, no matter how small or large the content. Please don't let that stop you! We invite you to check out Subscribers Testimonials to read what subscribers have shared.

REMINDER: IMPORTANT!  We will continue to print this message in every newsletter from now on. It is an important issue that we believe needs to always be addressed:
On occasion, a subscriber will ask our doctors a question regarding a food intolerance and their responses will slightly differ. This has sometimes caused confusion and has been expressed directly to one of our doctors by several patients.

Per Dr. Zeff: “…most likely, we are not evaluating foods for, e.g., potato content. We are evaluating a food against a blood sample of a person with a known potato intolerance…” Test results for one patient to a food can vary from another patient, even though they are intolerant to the same food category. So, Dr. Watrous may determine a different result than Dr. Zeff, or any of the other doctors who competently perform this testing, because they are testing a patient’s specific blood sample to a specific food sample. As Dr. Zeff puts it, “It is one of the peculiarities of the methodology.

”For this reason, we constantly emphasize throughout the Song of Health website that the information found on the website is a guide only. If you have any personal issues with a product, in other words, a test evaluation shows a food should be o.k. for you to eat, yet you have a reaction to it anyway, we suggest you refrain from consuming it until you have it tested for you personally.

Always, always, always consult your physician with any medical issues you may be experiencing, any drugs you have questions about or your medical care. Our purpose is to help you to determine what foods are included in food intolerance categories. All other information, including articles, are for educational purposes, and is not meant to replace your doctor’s care for you. We are set up as a support team for doctor, patient and subscriber. There are many questions Song of Health can answer for you, and we encourage you to ask us first, in regards to food and food intolerances. What we are not qualified to answer directly, we refer to our doctors and they, in return email their responses to us. You may consider Song of Health as your information center.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us. We are here to support you and your efforts to claim and maintain great health by refraining from your food intolerances and learning about other natural health issues.
In Health,
Sandra Strom

QUESTIONS ASKED AND ANSWERED:

Questions Emailed to us:

Song of Health has been given permission by our Subscribers to share the following communications with you.  In so doing, we all reap the benefits of learning together.

From Ellen:  Dear Sandra: Do you or any of the doctors in Oregon know of a water filtration system without potato starch? Thanks, Ellen.
Reply from Dr. Jared Zeff, N.D. (Salmon Creek Clinic):  I use a "Pur" water filter on my sink and it has no potato.  Dr. Zeff
Reply from Dr. Tish (Windrose Naturopathic Clinic): All of the "water softening salts" in soft water systems are potato. Charcoal filters in "under sink" filters systems or the Brita, Pur, filters are fruit based. Most plastic tubing for filter systems, and especially refrigerator water systems that make ice cubes and water in the door dispensers, all are potato. I hope this helps. Dr. Letitia Dick

From Ellen:  Hi Sandra: Another question:  If the water that comes into our house from the town contains potato starch will the Pur water filter remove it?  Will anything remove it? Thanks, Ellen.
Reply from Dr. Tish:  The only way to know for sure is to test a sample of the water after it is run through the filter.  A distiller might also work. Dr. Tish

From Michele: Hi. I remember seeing a recipe somewhere about how to make your own chocolate bars using honey, and cocoa powder (plus other ingredients). I thought it was on your website, but I am unable to find it now. Does this sound familiar, or am I remembering it from somewhere else? Thank you for all of you help. Your website has made making the transition much easier.  Michele
Reply from Sandra Strom, CEO of Song of Health:  Hello Michele.  Thank you for your positive feedback. I appreciate it.

Are you looking for a brownie type chocolate bar or a candy type? Let me know and I'll see what I can find for you. One easy trick is to take an existing recipe, substitute honey for the sugar. If the chocolate used in the recipe is sweetened, then keep the amount the same. If it calls for unsweetened chocolate, reduce the honey by half the amount of sugar called for. One ounce cocoa powder can be substituted for 1 ounce of chocolate.

On the website is a recipe in Candies for "The Perfect Chocolate Bar." It calls for maple syrup as the sweetener and cacao powder (you can also use the unsweetened cocoa powder. I use the organic products Dagoba Cacao Powder or Now Cocoa Powder. In the Cookies section is a recipe for Brownies that uses dates. I will include a great brownies recipe in our next newsletter (see the Recipes section below), on line, and I will round it up now and send to you personally, which I use the cocoa powder and honey. They are very rich but oh so good! Hope that helps.  In Health, Sandra

From Teresa: Hello, Sandra. Perhaps someone has already provided you with information regarding your request from the December 2009 Newsletter. This might be the same info you already have. If so, just disregard.

I have the book, Super Baby Food, by Ruth Yaron. On pages 256-265 in the book, she goes into great detail about how to make homemade yogurt. In it, she has several suggested home-added yogurt flavorings that are not fruit.

On pg. 257, it states:

Briefly, the steps in making yogurt are:
1. Sterilize the milk to kill all bacteria.
2. Cool the milk to the incubation temperature for growing yogurt.
3. Add nonfat dry milk for extra nutrition. (Optional)
4. Introduce friendly yogurt bacteria (the starter) into the milk.
5. Let the yogurt bacteria incubate.
6. Refrigerate the finished yogurt.
7. Optionally add flavoring to the yogurt.

Aside from using store-bought yogurt for a starter, she states, "Another starter, which can be purchased at any natural foods store, is freeze-dried bacteria culture sold in packets. Although more expensive, this starter is more reliable thanyogurt from a previous homemade or commercial batch."Pg. 259.

I have never made homemade yogurt myself, but thought her methods might be fun to try someday. I don't know anything about "grape enzyme live culture" you mentioned in your request for suggested yogurt making and am curious as to whether or not "freeze-dried culture" fits that category.  Hope this helps!
Reply from Sandra:  Hello Teresa. Thank you for sharing this! I will pass the information on to our fellow Subscribers, in the next newsletter and in The Forum.

Regarding yogurt cultures and fruit: We have yet to find a yogurt culture, or kefir, that does not come from fruit. (Please see The Food Resource List.) The only freeze-dried starter actually evaluated was for kefir, which also comes from fruit. If we find an exception to this, we will notify you all immediately.

Thank you again, for your great teamwork.  In Health, Sandra

From a Subscriber:  I found an article by Dr. Zeff in your old newsletter regarding a hibiscus tea. My son is also fruit intolerant and I wanted to know which brand of hibiscus tea have tested free of fruit?  I realize that tea bags usually test positive for fruit.  Thank you.
Reply from Sandra:  Everything that has been evaluated since 2007 is listed, that I'm aware of. I notice we don't have any hibiscus that has been evaluated. If there is a specific product you want to know about that is not listed, we highly recommend you submit it for evaluation. That is the best way to be safe.

Regarding the tea bags themselves, we have several listings in the Food Resource List that are fruit free. Once again, the only way to know for sure with each product is to each of them evaluated.

Wish it was easier than that, for all of us. The food industry is simply not predictable, not only from one food to the next, but the same food from one month to the next! Manufacturers will often use alternate suppliers, which is one of the reasons for all the inconsistencies.  Let me know if I can help further.  In Health, Sandra

From a Subscriber:  Dear Sandra, I am trying to accommodate mine and my family’s (I have four children) as well as my husband’s intolerances.  It has been five months now, since we found out about Dr. Tish and Windrose Clinic and been tested for intolerances. It was so hard and frustrating when I first started trying to follow and accommodate - (1) Egg Intolerant with Fruit and Sugar combination, (2) Potato Intolerant with Fruit and Sugar combination, (1) Dairy Intolerant with Fruit and Sugar combination, (1) Dairy, Honey Intolerant with Fruit and Sugar combination and (1) Fruit Intolerant with Grain and Sugar combination.  It has gotten easier; however, I seem to be getting confused lately.  For those of us who can eat fruit, can we eat fruit that we grew in our garden that has been dried or frozen for winter eating? Obviously, in Spokane an apple, or a peach, or a strawberry does not grow during the winter.  But, if I have frozen that fruit or dried it, can we consume it in that state during the winter?  Also, I am not aware that rice grows within 200 miles of us.  Can those of us who eat grain eat the rice?
Reply from Sandra:  It is the general rule to avoid fruit that is not locally grown and in season. However, we all fudge on that, at times. I live in the Pacific Northwest and, as you are, limited to what fruits are available in the winter - basically none! Some store well, such as apples. I do not can fruit anymore, ever since Dr. Harold Dick suggested I not waste the time, money and efforts to do so, many years ago. I do freeze blueberries, and I see no problem drying and freezing local fruits. The most important thing to remember is that everyone is different and may or may not react to something another person will. If you are prone to allergies and you notice that you exhibit symptoms after consuming fruit out of season, then it would be prudent to back off from eating it. The thing to remember is "moderation." For example, I like to throw a handful of blueberries in with cereal, etc., but I don't eat them every day. That is what works for me. May I suggest downloading the Food Consumption Journal from the website and keeping track of when your family consumes fruit and then if you notice uncomfortable symptoms within 24-48 hours. This way, you can recognize if there is a pattern of discomfort connected to the fruit consumption.

Regarding rice, I find it to be a nice, hearty staple. I am more concerned about what hidden ingredients may be in the grain, especially fruit and/or potato. Check the Food Resource List for those products that have been evaluated by our doctors. If there is a product you are concerned about, I suggest submitting it for evaluation.

I understand how it can feel that it takes a rocket scientist to figure out what we can eat and what will harm us. If you were to talk to 10 "experts" about what humans should or should not eat, I'm sure you'd get 10 different answers. There are some who believe humans should only eat raw foods and be vegan. Our beliefs are to maintain the integrity of the food as best as possible by not overcooking, refrain from our food intolerances, eat as much as we can that is locally grown and in season or stores well (i.e. root vegetables). There was a time when our environments would furnish us with everything we needed, within a traveling range. That isn't necessarily so anymore, since we have overpopulated some areas, poisoned and overworked the land with fertilizers, chemicals and overproduction, and killed off many of the original natural fauna and flora. That's why the supplement market is so huge.

Bottom line...think in terms of moderation; if you witness uncomfortable or unhealthy symptoms, journalize to determine if there is a pattern between what is eaten and consequences; enjoy the fruits of your labors, so to speak!  Hope that helps. In Health, Sandra

From May:  Dear Sandra, do you have a good resource for loose leaf teas on the internet or otherwise?  May
Reply from Sandra:  Posted in The Forum by one of our Subscribers in February 2009:

“I have found Pacific Botanicals to be an excellent source of many, many herbs, including hibiscus tea and hawthorn berries that I was prescribed, and even an inexpensive source of dulse powder.  Their number is 541-479-7777. They are also on the web. I have not tested anything, but this is up to each person who uses this resource to do so. Hope this helps. I loved their hibiscus tea! ~”

You might give them a try. I do not have personal experience with them myself.   In Health, Sandra

~~~~~

Sample From The Forum:

Posted by Michele, 22nd February, 2010:  I have a potato intolerance and a fruit/grain combo.  I know that when they shell almonds they use a potato by-product to remove the shells, making almonds not available for us to eat.  Why can we not rinse the almonds and remove the residual from the shelling process?  Also, the same for rice.  I have found that most rice has a fruit in it. Since the product is not being injected with the processing agent, can we rinse it and remove it?  I hope it makes sense, what I am asking. Thank you. Michele
Posted by Sandra, CEO of Song of Health:  Dear Michele, these are great questions!
1st - regarding potato used in the shelling process of almonds.  That's the first I’ve heard of that.  If you look through The Food Resource List, you will note that none of the almonds listed contain potato.  You'll note that the tamari flavored almonds listed do contain potato.  That comes from whatever is in the flavoring the nuts are coated with.  Generally, when a product evaluates positive for potato, it is often used as either a stabilizer or anti-coagulant.  As an example, potato starch is used in most mined salt to keep it from coagulating.  Tapioca pearls are coated with potato starch to keep them from sticking together.  Sometimes potato is found in the packaging products, which then contaminates the food.  We have found some grains to "test" positive for potato, such as rice.  It is difficult to determine exactly what the origin is of what has permeated the food.  Did they coat the grain itself?  Did it come from the packaging?  It is not uncommon for a manufacturer to alter the processing of a product and this is why you will often see changes in evaluations of the same product, even within a couple months' time.

2nd - regarding fruit in rice and whether the rice can be rinsed to be rid of it.  We haven't found that to work.  The citric acid, or whatever other form of fruit used to preserve the grain, permeates the grain and also then contaminates it, so to speak, for fruit intolerant people.

Does that answer your doubts and questions?  In Health, Sandra
Posted by Michele:  Yes, it answered my questions.  Thank you very much. I was just curious when someone asked me, and I couldn't give them a reasonable answer.  Thanks again.

REMEMBER TO CHECK THE FORUM FOR NEW POSTINGS DAILY!

Subscriber Stephenie R. suggests:

 When posting a question or comment on The Forum to a thread that is not recent (within the current week), PLEASE CREATE A NEW THREAD, even if the topic has been discussed at a prior time. This way, new entries won’t get unintentionally missed.

The Forum is a great way to make new friends!

It is a great opportunity for you to share tips, meals, recipes and any other information to help support and educate each other!

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

Each month we bring you articles on a myriad of topics regarding health and environmental issues. The main focus of Song of Health is to avail you of expert information on the Carroll Food Intolerance dietary methods. This is the first step to getting and staying well. We feel, however, that there are also many other interesting and important issues to be aware of. It is our goal to share, with you, our findings on what may have a cause and effect on our healthy lives.

Are Natural Dietary Supplements
in Danger of Being Eliminated?
By Sandra Strom, CEO of Song of Health

While shopping at one of my natural food store haunts the other day, I was asked to grab a sheet of paper that addressed a plea to oppose a proposed federal senate bill, “#S3002 - The Dietary Supplement Safety Act.”  Naturally, I picked it with the intent of researching the proposal, and then to share my findings with you.

Senate Bill #S3002, proposed by Senator John McCain (R-AZ) “to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to more effectively regulate dietary supplements that may pose safety risks unknown to consumers” is cited as the “Dietary Supplement Safety Act of 2010.” 

Briefly, the bill seeks to register and regulate any facility “engaged in manufacturing, packaging, holding, distributing, labeling or licensing a dietary supplement for consumption in the United States.”  This bill requires that these Dietary Supplement Facilities must file annual reports to register a list of all dietary supplements, from the manufacturing process down to the retail distribution.  Included shall be a full list of ingredients and the labeling per product.

In general, a dietary supplement will only be considered safe for the public if there is a history of use, or other evidence, for a period of at least 75 days, that proves its safeness when used as recommended or suggested usage, per the labeling.  Reports of adverse and non-adverse events due to consumption must also be filed.

Serious complications from drugs such as steroids spurred the original purpose of this bill, designed as an effort to protect the public from dangerous drugs too easily distributed, especially to athletes.  The wording in the bill, however, does not specify steroids and, instead, lumps all dietary supplements into the same big bag, including all herbal and vitamin products. 

Yes, we all want to feel “safe” that our money is well spent on products that won’t make us sick, or worse.  We need to look closer, though, at the implications of this bill and what changes could occur on the market:

 The wording of this bill implies that retail stores are also considered distributors and are, therefore, included in the regulations.

 The cost of implementing and maintaining this legislation would most likely be exorbitant, both to companies who have supplied unadulterated products for many years and government agencies overseeing reports, hearings and adjudication.

 Why aren’t the culprits specifically targeted instead of entire industries not even related to the serious, dangerous drugs?

 It is monumental to expect retail stores to report ingredients of products they sell, not to mention it being redundant and a waste of time if their distributors and the manufacturers are also expected to file the same reports.  The bill implies that all parties are liable for the same information.  For the first time ever, retail stores of dietary (nutritional) supplements would be required to register with the FDA.  I question what value that would add to the current system.

 The threat of removal of many supplements currently on the market would reduce your opportunity to access many of the natural products you are used to obtaining.

It is possible that this bill, along with so many other congressional proposals, will be scrapped before ever coming to a vote.  Let’s play it safe now.  Become involved.  Contact your senators and ask them what their position is and what your concerns are.  You can find your senator by going to http://www.senate.gov/general/
contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm.  

You can read the Senate bill #S3002 at:  http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Files.
View&FileStore_id=2fe2fa5d-636b-4705-97df-8318a24f718f.

SHARING EXPERIENCES:

Remember that eating our food intolerances can have a dramatic effect on our moods as well as other symptoms we discuss ad infinitum. 

SAD EYES
By Sandra Strom, CEO of Song of Health

In mid-January I made a “brilliant” decision to plunge Liquid Plummer down the drain.  The next day my eyes looked like I had been in a fight and the other guy had walked away looking good.  Both eyeballs felt like they were being stretched over a drying rack from swelling, the eyelids and area underneath the eyes were red from what appeared to be a burn, and the lids were swollen nearly shut.  I was scary looking!  Discomfort was a mild description of the pain, itchiness, and burning I was experiencing.

I’ve been around natural healing methods for a long time, so I decided to be my own doctor (another “brilliant” decision).  First, I grabbed a stem of Aloe Vera and applied its juice all over the skin, along with Vitamin E oil.  Then I looked in the medicine cabinet and found some old hydrastia eye drops I’d saved from a couple years ago, in the remote hope they might still have some potency.  Not so, and after a couple days of tenacious attempts at self-healing, I made the belated call to our doctors at Windrose Clinic.  They immediately mailed eye drops to me and, in the meantime, I was instructed by Dr. Potenza to immediately begin detoxifying the liver.  So, I began the detox process by doing home constitutional hydrotherapy treatments, taking a “cocktail” of #42 capsules – a combination of wormwood and aloe, and trying a couple homeopathics used for swelling and eye discomfort.  All the while, I constantly slapped Vitamin E oil as an emollient and Aloe Vera on my very sore, red lids.  I also tried to scrutinize everything I ate to be certain I wasn’t, inadvertently, consuming my food intolerances. 

The anticipated eye drops arrived, along with new remedies.  After a week or more of trying everything, to no avail, I tried another approach.  I called our other doctor, Jared Zeff, for his input.  Once again, he emphasized detoxing the liver, so we tried another homeopathic remedy, hoping I would respond to it.  Nope, nada.  Finally, after a month of swelled eyes, exhaustion from the battle, and melting stubbornness, I drove in to see Dr. Jared.  He checked my vitals, then began trying different remedies to see if I responded to anything.  Finally, after 4 or 5 attempts, I began to respond slightly to one.  So off I was sent with the new remedy and instructions to call and report in every day.  For 2 days it appeared that I might be starting to improve.  In the meantime, I decided to have our doctors send me goldenseal caps, in the event that I might be carrying an undetected virus or infection. 

Then it happened again: no positive healing response, reverting to the previous condition.  I was instructed to have an eye specialist examine me.

So, the next day I went to the eye doctor, who said he could see no symptoms of infection or virus and, thus, diagnosed my condition as a severe allergic response.  He gave me some anti-inflammatory eye drops, to be taken for 2 days, and sent me on my way.

I actually began to feel some relief from the eye swelling with the new eye drops.  I continued to take the previous remedies and now also added goldenseal caps.  For a couple days, I appeared to be on the mend, albeit the redness around my eyes was still angry looking.

A week later, the redness in the eyeballs was mostly gone, however, the eyelids were still swelled and the red raccoon eyes were still prevalent.  So, again I called the doctors.  This time, Dr. Potenza suggested I remove any supplements I take on a daily basis, for a few days, then gradually add one at a time back in; this, in an attempt to “reboot” the system, as she put it.  By this point, my immune system is rebelling against every- and anything.  Dr. Tish was also concerned that one or more supplements may contain my food intolerance and wanted to evaluate them before I resumed taking them.  

Then, it happened again.  I woke up this morning with my eyes half shut from swelling and the redness still fiery.  Again, I spoke with Dr. Jared, and my instructions were to eat only homemade soup of easily digestible vegetables, and chicken if desired – Wouldn’t you know, I just baked sourdough buns - and to resume the “hydro” treatments; then call him every day and report in.  His suspicions:  severe allergic reaction to the many varieties of pollen that have recently surfaced due to our unusually warm winter.  Whatever I’m eating, something is blocking me from healing.  One thing is pretty certain…the doctors are agreeing this is “severe allergic response.”

So, this is where we’re at now.  I’ve tried goldenseal, apis, euphrasia (eyebright), chamomile eye soaks, Naturopathic eye drops, hydros, wormwood and aloe, vitamin E, and homemade cocoa sweetened with honey for my mood.  I’m sure I’ve missed things in that list.  I’ll wait until Dr. Tish evaluates the supplements for my food intolerances before adding them back to my daily regiment, follow Dr. Jared’s instructions for soup and hydros the next few days, and have my friends and family pray for me! 

The body is a funny machine.  My sister and friend remind me that the Native American elders ask us what we are afraid to look at in our lives when we have eye issues!  Just what I want to hear.  Guess I’ll ponder on that for a while. 

To All My Relations, Sandra

“Every dis-ease known to humans is created in our digestion system” (Dr. Harold Dick, N.D.)

NEW RECIPES

The Recipes section for Subscribers HAS UNDERGONE major changes! 

        The ingredients in each recipe are now coded for food intolerance items.

        A Table of Contents has been created for each section, including links for each recipe.  We are now working on a Recipes Index.

        We continue to add cooking and baking tips in order to help and teach you how to easily adapt recipes, to prepare meals easily and sometimes quickly, and to help you enjoy cooking!

        WE INVITE YOU TO SHARE YOUR SUGGESTIONS, RECIPES, COMMENTS AND CONCERNS.  Please go to The Forum and post in the Recipes section, or contact us at manager@songofhealth.com.

~ Always use organic products whenever possible.
~ We recommend you use Celtic sea salt, which is Neutral.
~ All new recipes are now coded for Food Categories. 
~ If a recipe contains your food intolerance, see the FOOD SUBSTITUTIONS LIST for alternative ingredients.

See the Food Substitutions List for easy alternatives to adapting your favorite recipes.

KEY FOR CODES

REMEMBER TO: REFER TO THE FOOD SUBSTITUTIONS LIST FOR ALTERNATIVES AND THE FOOD RESOURCE LIST FOR HIDDEN INGREDIENTS.  

CEREALS AND GRAINS

KASHA (TOASTED BUCKWHEAT GROATS) WITH NUTS
(Contributed by Sandra Strom, CEO of Song of Health)

Heat the oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) to medium high.
Add the chopped leek and stir.
Add minced garlic. Stir and sauté until golden brown.
Quickly stir in nuts.
Then stir in Kasha.
Add beaten egg. Mix and cook until egg is dry.  (These steps should be done quickly, mixing constantly, so nothing burns.)
Add the liquid all at once, then add parsley (optional) and salt.  Briefly stir.
Cover, turn down to simmer and cook until liquid is completely soaked up and Kasha is tender, about 20 minutes.  Add more water, if necessary.
Yield: 2 servings.
Variations:  ~ Add 1-2 tsp. Tamari soy sauce (Sy) mixed in with liquid.
                 ~ Add a couple drops of hot sauce or Eden Hot Sesame Oil (G).

Shown: Kasha served with Roasted Vegetables

SANDY’S MEXICAN RICE
(Contributed by Sandra Strom, CEO of Song of Health)

In a 2-quart saucepan, place oil of choice. 
Heat to high and immediately add rice.  Stir for 30 seconds, careful to keep from burning.
Add water and remaining ingredients. Stir only briefly, just enough to evenly mix.
Turn heat down to medium low.  Cover.
Cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
Yield: 3-4 servings as a side dish.

REMEMBER TO: REFER TO THE FOOD SUBSTITUTIONS LIST FOR ALTERNATIVES AND THE FOOD RESOURCE LIST
FOR HIDDEN INGREDIENTS.

COOKIES

CAROB AND HONEY BROWNIES
 (Contributed by Sandra Strom, CEO of Song of Health)

Here is a recipe I've used for years.  I adapted the original for my personal food intolerances (potato and fruit/sugar). You can substitute chocolate for the carob. However, chocolate is bitter, whereas carob has a bit of a sweet flavor. Therefore, you need to increase the honey to at least 1 cup. Taste the batter to check for sweetness before spooning into baking dish. Remember to check The Substitutions List for alternative ingredients to avoid your personal food intolerances. (I use the baking soda substitute for baking powder to avoid potential potato. See The Food Substitutions List.)

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a 9 x 9 square glass baking dish.
Cream the butter (or oil) with honey.
Beat in eggs.
Beat in vanilla and salt.
Sift dry ingredients together. Stir (don't beat) into wet mixture along with nuts and milk.
Spoon batter into baking dish.
Bake 30 minutes or until done. (Test by sticking toothpick in. If it comes out clean brownies are done.)
Cut into squares.
Yield: Approximately 16.

CUSTARDS AND PUDDINGS

BAKED LUNCHEON CUSTARD
(Contributed by Sandra Strom, CEO of Song of Health)

Pour water in a large shallow pan and set in the preheating oven so the water gets hot.
Butter or oil a large rectangular baking dish or individual custard cups.
Evenly place the chopped broccoli and mushrooms in the bottom of the dish.
In a large mixing bowl add eggs and milk.  With a fork, stir just until evenly blended.  Do not overbeat.
Add the cheese, cilantro and salt and stir just until evenly blended.
Pour mixture in baking dish, over the broccoli and mushrooms.
Set in the pan with hot water.
Bake 45 minutes.  Or turn oven down to 325 degrees and bake 1 hour.
To test if done, stick toothpick into the middle of custard.  If it comes out clean, the custard is done and will be firm when it slightly cools.
Yield: 3-4 servings.

Shown: Baked Luncheon Custard with Broccoli, Mushrooms and Cheese

MAIN DISHES

SWEET AND SOUR FRIED ROCKFISH
(Contributed by Sandra Strom, CEO of Song of Health)

STEP ONE:  MARINATE FISH:

Wash fish.  Remove any bones.  Cut in pieces about 2” x 4”.
Spread in a pan or dish.
Mix the marinade ingredients and brush or pour over fish, evenly coating.
Refrigerate for at least a half hour, longer if possible.  The longer the fish marinates, the richer the flavor will be.

STEP TWO:  FRY FISH:

Pour flour into a medium size brown paper sack.
Add fish, one at a time, and shake well to coat with flour.
In a large cast iron skillet heat oil on medium high.
When oil is hot, carefully add fish pieces, one at a time.
Cover with a splatter screen for safety.
Fry fish for approximately 3 minutes, or until golden brown.
Turn over and repeat.
Quickly remove from skillet and place on platter lined with either paper towels or cotton cloth, to drain excess oil.
Salt to taste.
Serve immediately.
Yield: 2 servings.

Shown: Served with Sandy’s Mexican Rice and  Sandy’s Favorite Romaine Salad

SALADS

SANDY’S FAVORITE ROMAINE SALAD
(Contributed by Sandra Strom, CEO of Song of Health)

Wash romaine leaves, then coarsely tear and place in a serving bowl.
Place sliced mushrooms over the romaine.
Next place the sliced olives on top.
Sprinkle the chopped pecans over salad.
Sprinkle cilantro over salad.
In a creamer or jar mix the oil and vinegar.  Either pour over salad and serve immediately or serve separately and allow everyone to pour their own.
Yield: 3-4 servings.

Shown:  Sandy’s Favorite Romaine Salad

FOOD RESOURCE LIST UPDATES    

THE FOOD RESOURCE LIST ON THE WEBSITE IS NOW AVAILABLE IN PRINTABLE VERSION. JUST GO TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE AND CLICK ON "SOH RESOURCE LIST PART 1 OR PART 2" FOR THE VERSION IN .PDF FORM.

Use the codes below to translate the Results Column.

HOW TO READ THE FOOD RESOURCE LIST AND USE THE KEY:

 As items are submitted and analyzed by our staff doctors, they are then added to the Food Resource List on the Song of Health website. We compile the updated lists to email to you as well.

 The items are listed per category.

 By listing the “Date Evaluated” you can be assured of the most recent updates.

 Under the “Evaluated For” column, “ALL” signifies that the product has been analyzed for all food categories included in the Carroll Food Intolerance Evaluation Method. In some cases, you will see ingredients listed in the “Results” column that are not included in “Evaluated For.” This is because the ingredient has been listed on the packaging, or it is obviously in the stated category. For example, results for milk will be “dairy (D).”

 Under “Purchased At” we furnish where the product was purchased, whenever the information is available, in the newsletter. (Most brand foods considered “natural” or organic products may be found at your local natural foods store.) We are not able to show the “Purchased At” column on the website, however.

If you have any questions, please contact us at: manager@songofhealth.com. We are happy to help!

THERE ARE NO NEW UPDATES TO THE FOOD RESOURCE LIST AT THIS TIME.  AS SOON AS WE HAVE NEW UPDATES, WE WILL EMAIL THEM TO YOU IMMEDIATELY AND POST THEM IN THE FOOD RESOURCE LIST.

TOGETHER WE ACHIEVE...

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