ESTATE PLANNING, Sickness
YOU CAN’T CATCH CANCER BUT YOU CAN BEAT IT!
“Every day is a chance to change your Life”
Our Podcast this week, is an exceptional story about beating Stage 4 Cancer and turning your health around with Elaine Gibson, creator of Renewed Living Inc.
Elaine Gibson beat stage IV cancer without traditional protocols! Now she shares hard-won lessons so you too can lose weight, have more energy, create and renew optimum health. Recently, Elaine has been prominently featured during International Raw Food Day 2013, 2014, 12 Days of Raw Christmas, G O RAW! and Integrated Health Magazines.
In addition Elaine was cited as one of the 10 Most Inspirational Natural Cancer Survivors by Extreme Health Radio, Cure 2 Cancer Conference speaker and part of the important Quest for the Cures documentary series. This fall, Elaine was interviewed for the Cure to Cancer Conference Tele summit along with Dr. Brian Clement and Dr. Gabriel Cousens.
Today Elaine is a health coach, raw food educator, raw food chef, speaker, author, green technology specialist, workshop leader and, most important, grandmother. She is a Total green juiceaholic.
Today Elaine is a published author, sought-after motivational speaker, workshop facilitator, private health coach and creator of the Extraordinary Living Made Easy system.
Elaine’s passions are family, green juice, connecting with other passionate extraordinary women and making a difference in an unhealthy world where getting healthy doesn’t have to be difficult.
“Did you just chalk it up to getting older?
Well, I have news for you. The majority of health problems in the Western world are either caused or made worse by our daily diets. The food we get off the shelves is stuffed full of unnecessary additives to make it look better, smell more delicious, taste a certain way and last for months on end. All those additives and preservatives may serve a purpose , but they’re doing your body harm… and it’s all in the name of convenience. In fact, everything is geared towards convenience. Feeling down? Take this pill. Struggling to cope with work, home, family problems? Give everyone a pill, a cup of coffee, a glass of wine and ignore the core of your being. Of course, it’s easy to grab a can, or box, or package of ready-to- eat food after a long and busy day. You’ve worked hard and you’re exhausted, you don’t have the energy to prepare a fresh, wholesome meal. The irony is, those food are sapping your energy – it’s a vicious cycle.” ~https://renewedlivinginc.com/extraordinary-living-made-easy/
Starting with the water we drink can be a start!
What Makes Alkaline Water Different?
“Water is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen. That’s why you call it H2O. Water’s pH level determines how acidic it is and ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral. That “seven” number is considered neutral or balanced between acidic and alkaline. If water is below 7 on the pH scale, it’s “acidic.” If it’s higher than 7, it’s “alkaline.”
EPA guidelines state that the pH of tap water should be between 6.5 and 8.5. Still, tap water in the U.S. tends to fall below that — in the 4.3 to 5.3 range — depending on where you live.
Bottled water falls under different standards depending on whether it claims to be alkaline. Bottled alkaline water has a pH level above 7. In some cases, manufacturers use a special device to change the chemical makeup of the water. Other times, they add nutrients to the water to change its pH.”
For comparison, orange juice has a pH of 3.3 and black coffee is about a 5. Pure water has a neutral pH of 7. But tap water in the U.S. tends to fall below that — in the 4.3 to 5.3 range — depending on where you live.” ~~https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-alkaline-water#1
Checking the Health Claims
“Alkaline water enthusiasts claim that its increased hydrogen provides greater hydration than regular water, especially after a hard workout.
Fans of the stuff also say that regular drinking water with a pH below 7 creates too much acid in your blood and cells. They blame plain water’s low pH for all sorts of health problems, from osteoporosis to cancer.
Water that is more alkaline supposedly reduces acid in the bloodstream and:
- Improves metabolism
- Increases energy
- Slows aging
- Improves digestion
- Reduces bone loss
Backers of high-pH water say it also has the power to starve cancer cells.” ~https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-alkaline-water#1
Can Alkaline Water Do All This?
“The health claims about alkaline water are more about sales than science. There isn’t much research to support them.
Also, your body, on its own, can keep your pH levels at an even keel. Your kidneys are your built-in filtration system. It’s their job to balance the acid levels in your body. If your blood gets too acidic, your body brings it down by breathing out more carbon dioxide.
Your stomach is the great equalizer. Your gastric juices — a combination of digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid — neutralize everything you eat and drink. Basically, your stomach will re-acidify alkaline water before it can do anything the health claims promise.” ~~https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-alkaline-water#1
Alkaline water and cancer
“Alkaline water is said to help counteract the acid that’s found in your bloodstream. It’s thought that drinking water with a higher pH can increase your metabolism and improve your body’s ability to absorb vital nutrients.
Some theorize that this will starve any cancer cells found in your body because cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment.
Introducing something alkaline is said to slow or stop cancer growth by balancing your body’s pH levels.
In general, alkaline water may have a hydrating effect on your body. For some people, it might also improve symptoms related to stomach acid reflux.
However, in a body with normal function, alkaline water will not cause a significant change, if any, in your body’s overall acid-base balance measured in the bloodstream.” ~ https://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/alkaline-water-cancer#connection
“Despite the lack of proven scientific research, proponents of alkaline water still believe in its proposed health benefits. These include:
- anti-aging properties (via liquid antioxidants that absorb more quickly into the human body)
- colon-cleansing properties
- immune system support
- hydration, skin health, and other detoxifying properties
- weight loss
- cancer resistance
They also argue that soft drinks, which are notoriously acidic, have very positive ORPs leading to many health problems, while properly ionized and alkalinized waters have highly negative ORPs. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has a slightly negative ORP.” ~ https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/alkaline-water-benefits-risks#benefits
15 Best High-Alkaline Foods
“Eating a well-balanced diet and exercising on a regular basis is essential to good health. Including more alkaline foods in your diet increase the alkaline content in the blood, which decreases the acid content. A more alkaline blood pH helps protect healthy cells and balance essential mineral levels. Alkaline diets protect bone density and muscle mass, lowering the risk of chronic pain and inflammation and improving immune function. Many high-alkaline foods are a delicious contribution to a healthy body.” ~ https://facty.com/lifestyle/wellness/10-best-high-alkaline-foods/15/
1. Cucumbers
“Cucumbers are a high-alkaline vegetable that helps regulate blood pressure and plays a role in the structure of connective tissue within the body, including the muscles. Cucumbers are also a mild diuretic and can ease bloating or swelling. Their antioxidant qualities make them great for removing toxins from the body. Cucumbers are also high in B vitamins.
2. Seeded Watermelon
Seeded watermelon is an excellent alkaline-forming food. This melon has high fiber and water content, which lets it flush acids out of the body. Incorporating seeded watermelon into the diet not only increases fiber intake but also helps balance alkaline content. Watermelon is rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene and contains plenty of arginine, magnesium, and potassium, which helps reduce blood pressure.
3. Avocado
In addition to balancing pH, this creamy fruit contains antioxidants that do wonders for the skin. Essential antioxidants make avocados a powerful, nutrient-dense food. They are also high in monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce cardiovascular disease and balance blood sugar and offer plenty of potassium, which reduces blood pressure.
4. Cayenne Peppers
Another surprising high-alkaline food is cayenne pepper. Cayenne pepper is one of the most alkalizing foods, filled with antioxidants and anti-inflammation benefits. This combination makes them handy for fighting off toxins. Cayenne aids in digestion and metabolic function and has mood-boosting properties thanks to its ability to increase endorphins in the body.
5. Bell Peppers
Bell peppers can enhance almost any meal raw, grilled, or roasted. The veggie is packed with antioxidants that decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and inflammation, and is rich in vitamins C, A, and E and fiber. Some people have adverse reactions to peppers due to the lectins in the skin and seeds, but peeling and removing the seeds help to remove some of the inflammatory proteins.
6. Spinach
Spinach is easy to find and easier to use. This incredibly alkaline leafy green is high in vitamins K, A, C, as well as iron, potassium, and magnesium. Spinach is also rich in chlorophyll, which can decrease inflammation and increase the quality of red blood cells. Adding spinach to meals will help ensure balance in the body’s mineral content.
7. Kale
Kale has a wealth of alkalizing benefits including those now-familiar essential antioxidants, which can improve the digestive system and help rid the body of acidity and toxins. Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods and is high in vitamins A and C. It’s also one of the best sources of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting. As such, however, it is not recommended for people taking blood thinners.
8. Bananas
Bananas act as a natural antacid, producing mucus that coats the lining of the stomach. This versatile fruit is rich in calcium and can help balance blood sugar. Eating a banana before bed may improve sleep because they contain the amino acid tryptophan. They also aid in relaxation thanks to the muscle-relaxing qualities of potassium and magnesium.
9. Broccoli
Broccoli is an all-around healthy vegetable. In particular, the cruciferous veggie is a must when it comes to increasing alkalinity. Broccoli helps inhibit the growth of cancerous cells, supports the digestive system, and improves detoxification processes in the body. Like many healthy vegetables, it contains antioxidants that can help decrease inflammation in the body.
10. Celery
Not only is celery alkaline, but it is also high in water and has lots of vitamin C, which helps support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve cardiovascular health. Potassium and sodium also help rid the body of excess fluids. Celery is also very high in fiber, which can reduce constipation and aid weight loss.
11. Sea Vegetables
Sea vegetables are a bounty of alkalizing foods full of micronutrients known for remarkable health benefits. Their multiple varieties carry different nutritional profiles, but each type contains high levels of the trace element iodine. Sea vegetables also yield a generous harvest of essential amino acids and antioxidants such as phenols and tannins. Despite their salty flavor, kelp, dulse, kombu, and other edible sea plants are rather low in sodium and calories.
12. Almonds
Almonds are more alkaline than other nuts such as walnuts, pecans, and cashews, according to the proponents of the alkaline diet. Almonds also contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids that can help protect the heart. They are rich in protein, antioxidant vitamin E, and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and manganese. Clinical studies show that almond phytonutrients can reduce insulin resistance and systemic inflammation. The nut’s biocompounds also help improve the blood lipid profile. The nut’s high fiber content contributes to feelings of satiety, making them a tasty, nutrient-dense snack option for controlling the appetite and managing weight when consumed in small quantities.
13. Basil
Aromatic basil can enhance the flavor and alkalinity of many dishes. Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine practices include this long-revered herb to relieve a host of gastrointestinal and kidney ailments. Eugenol and other biocompounds are thought to help reduce blood glucose levels, fight inflammation, boost immunity, and treat mood and cognitive conditions, as well.
14. Root Vegetables
Root vegetables can make hearty, alkalizing additions to the diet. Radishes and beets carry nitrates that increase nitric oxide, a molecule integral to many cardiovascular functions. Carrots provide more than 300% of the recommended daily requirement of beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A that helps protect vision, enhance skin, and fight cancer-causing compounds. Root vegetables supply plenty of soluble and insoluble fiber, which can boost the health of gut microbiota.
15. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are high in citric and ascorbic acids. Although they are acidic, these fruits generate alkaline by-products and fans of the alkaline diet suggest they are alkaline. Lemons, oranges, limes, grapefruits, and tangerines are rich sources of vitamin C and supply generous amounts of vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, and folate. They also contain flavonoids that may help fight neurodegenerative conditions, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cancer.” ~ https://facty.com/lifestyle/wellness/10-best-high-alkaline-foods/15/
If that isn’t a little “food” for thought I’m not sure what is!! Check out the possibilities, and Elaine’s story of passion and love for everyone to improve their health and their well being through Alkalinity! You can improve your health, and your recovery from diseases! Because you can’t catch Cancer, you can only Beat it!
Elaine Gibson
Speaker/Author/Mentor, Renewed Living
703-622-6885 | elaine@renewedlivinginc.com |
www.renewedlivinginc.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainegibson/ https://twitter.com/renewedliving4u https://www.youtube.com/renewedliving4u |

Disability Planning, Preparedness, Sickness, Small business preparedness
HOW TO DEAL WITH THE AFTER EFFECTS OF A STROKE?

“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the IMPOSSIBLE!”~ St. Francis Assisi
Honesty and love explains how Gervel tells her story about being a wife, a caregiver to her husband after a long almost 4 year journey. It has it’s obstacles, it’s grief, and it’s decision-making that I would not wish on anyone, Gervel says. I’m human. Period. I’m not a SHERO nor am I a martyr. I struggle daily. April will mark 4 years into this nightmare. It’s not the physical demands, although they are cumbersome, ie. feeding, cleaning, changing adult diapers, moving a grown man whose body has disappeared before my eyes, it is the emotional part that is the worst. It is like being in solitary confinement, this person that was once was so vibrant, the love of your life cannot respond to the simplest request. I am Reggie’s caregiver 24/7 for the most part, I have a kind woman that I pay when I’m doing my jobs and to have a breather away for a few hours… lately I find myself spending money I don’t even have – having her here more often because I can’t stand to do it for more than 48 hours consecutively there is not enough wine to make it palatable. I rather sacrifice some other need to have a break even if I’m in the house, and with the pandemic where else am I? The truth of the matter I’m watching someone I love actively die… and it is brutal. Explained by Gervel.

What makes a person stay? Regardless ?It has been gently suggested that perhaps it would be easier if I looked at a nice facility for Reggie, that it is taking a toll on my well-being having him at home. I have also been told that a lot of people would have left by now, not because they don’t love their person, just because it is overwhelming and there is no end in sight, no recovery, his prognosis dire.Let me try to break it down… the why I stay, regardless. It is because Reggie is my soulmate and if you are fortunate to have a soulmate you know that connection is an organic destiny. When you are loved authentically you have a powerful bond with a person that is rare and treasured. Our lives were entwined together for 30 plus years. My strength comes from within my soul, enabling me to do things I never thought I could do. This is a deeper connection than just loving somebody, love sometimes fades over time, you may say “I love you but I gotta go now, I can’t do this anymore.”. If you are fortunate to have a soulmate, you know that person is part of your wholeness. Yes it’s difficult, yes I’m tired, yes there are days I want to give up… but I will remain here, because of this force within me that can’t be interrupted. Gervel says.
I don’t know if it is the impending holiday or the pandemic or what… but I’m feeling incredibly vulnerable, just a mess. Weeping if the wind blows my way or if I hear a holiday melody. There are days I don’t even recognize the person I’ve become, some days there is a dark cloud looming over me even when the sun is shining bright. The fear is maddening, most of the time I’m so freaking busy, I don’t usually let it consume me or notice it until I have a quiet moment, like this morning waking up at 4 to the quiet that comes with dawn.I look for signs in the universe that tell me things are going to be better- and then I think, wait a minute you are okay now, just roll with it. I still have much good in my life- little things like ordering beautiful a perfume, that I should not have been spending money on, and the company sent me 2! Or because of my stress level I’ve loss weight and I can wear my “ small” clothes now, things that I probably should have gotten rid of but didn’t. I’m still shooting, pandemic and all… that’s a blessing. I’m often asked how can we help… my priority is keeping Reggie home no matter what, it was in his advanced directive that if at all possible he wanted to be home… and as difficult as it is that is what I’m going to do even if it kills me. 90% of my jobs are at home in my studio, but with this pandemic and having a business that is not essential it’s been a challenge getting bookings, so what would be helpful is if you book a session or referrals or purchase a gift certificate for a future session. I LOVE working! Yes, so don’t forget to book your next photo session with Gervel!
A catastrophic event, in my case Reggie’s stroke, has a way of disintegrating a family. It has taken its toll on all of us, there are days I wonder who have we all become…The finger pointing of who is not doing what, the frustration of being a prisoner, my comings and goings regulated by my ability to write a check for a caregiver, the hope of recovery has now settled to the grim reality of hopelessness. We are all suffering from the stroke. The outbursts are now routine, the quietness that comes from not having nothing to say to one another is our norm now. I no longer have any tolerance for bullshit, gone are the welcome smiles with the double dose of niceties that I normally dish out when family comes by with their grandiose recommendations of what I should be doing. I hate to rant, but this weekend was difficult, Reggie is tired, and no one other than my son and I want to accept that this is the case. Everyone is looking for a solution, a heroic measure, instead of thinking what does Reggie want? The question I am often asked, “Is he depressed?” My response …”hmmmmm You can’t get out of bed, your left side is paralyzed, your wife has to take care of all your bodily functions, you have to be disimpacted, you can’t eat on your own, you can’t have a conversation about the pandemic or anything else for that matter, you weigh maybe a 100 pounds, your quality of life sucks anyway you look at it, and your question again???” I truly get it, everyone means well, they want to be fixers… but there is no fix. This is a heart-wrenching situation that has drained all of us, I cry dry tears now because I have nothing left. Gervel says.
One of the most difficult things with my ordeal is the dissonance of wanting Reggie to live while at the same time knowing due to his poor quality of life, perhaps as painful as it is to accept, the alternative would be better. You question your love when you are faced with with hard decisions. Do you love enough to put your own selfish reasons for wanting someone to be “alive” and breathing, at what cost? Do you become desensitized to your loved ones suffering? Do you put your hands over your ears to muffle the sounds of discomfort from life sustaining/prolonging procedures? Do you seek some other distractions, bury yourself in work, in order to separate from the reality of your situation ? Or do you connect with your feelings, and think about what would be best and become proactive?I wish I knew the answers…I’m haunted by this… Gervel says
A year ago, almost to the date I decided to choose happiness for myself regardless of my circumstances. I was slowly dying, no one really knew because I served a good game face, always smiling, while the truth of the matter, I was deteriorating on the inside, making a few to many trips to Trader Joe’s for more and more wine, marinating in a dark space only coming out to do my jobs. Once I claimed happiness again the universe opened up, the first thing that happened I was invited to go to Cuba, and I accepted not knowing or caring at that moment how I was going to go away for 8 days. Of course it was almost impossible to find care for Reggie so I could go away, but I did- and for one week I was able to be anonymous, no one knew my story, I was free from the burden of my daily existence. I was able to think and process how going forward I was going to balance everything and not lose myself in the process. I realized I had lost my voice back in 2017 when the stroke happened, I became this fearful woman whose protector was down and out and she was helpless, frantic, overwhelmed with life decisions that were coming daily. I felt powerless. My world as I knew it was changing rapidly, at a dizzying pace. Now 3 plus years later, I’m living aloud making decisions for Reggie and I and doing what is best for us, no longer making choices based on pleasing others. I’m in a good place, I’ve been grieving for my husband for almost 4 years, yes it’s odd to grieve for someone that is present yet so far gone. I greet each day with no expectations, welcoming and making the most of what I’m presented with- I’m stronger now and there is a peace that comes with that. As Gervel explains.

Being a woman of a certain age (sexty/one) I was having a conversation with a person and the topic came up about selecting a mate based on their well being and overall health. Would it be advantageous to perhaps chose a younger partner? Or would it be better if you are “mature” to stay solo so if something happened you would not have to take care of a person. I thought about it for a second and I thought about Love and its inherit risks, it is not easy to control your heart or who your fall in love with. Love is worth every bit of the unknown. If you have had deep love there is nothing you would trade it for… it is worth all the risks. However, what I will say if I’m going to be totally honest, when your relationship transitions to caretaker/patient and your partner is unable to communicate, and the days turn into years, it is an incredibly lonely place, filled with different emotions, such as anger, resentment, sadness and feelings of abandonment. Your storybook life has been bombed, destroyed forever, reduced to just a memory. I have had a beautiful life, my highlight reel dreamlike and I am grateful for that. I’ve had 30 years of bliss and 3 plus years of heartache. I don’t know what the future holds for me, 2021 is around the corner, I will continue on my path of reclaiming and discovering my purpose, while navigating my chaotic day to day experiences. As Gervel says.
I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m going to bring it up again. Do you have an advanced health directive? If so are you CLEAR on what you want in the event you are unable to communicate? And lastly and MOST importantly do you have someone who will execute your wishes REGARDLESS of the outside pressures they may face? Let me just say this… I was not that person and I suffer greatly from the guilt each day I look at Reggie in his condition … some days when his gaze is able to focus on me I think he is thinking “You bitch you did not do right by me and honor my requests that were laid out in black and white… I’m f-ing miserable because of YOU!” You are probably thinking what did I not honor? Well he did not want a feeding tube… I agreed and got one anyway-He did not want a trach – I got one anyway-He did not want IV antibiotics – he got those all the time-The list goes on and on … and my poor husband had all these things listed that he did not want- but I was not strong enough to refuse these heroic measures that in the long run could never bring him back…Take care of this and appoint someone that will make it happen… and it may not be the person you think it should be… As Gervel explains.
Our Podcast is an exceptional interview of how all of the rest of the family can suffer, can grieve, can be frustrated and how Love empowers all. Very moving and very passionate story of a soul journey.
Don’t wait to put your STUFF together, don’t let your journey kick you in the butt!
WHAT WILL YOUR STORY BE?
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