A tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of your tonsils, two oval shaped pads of tissue located on each side of the back of your throat. Although the number of tonsillectomies has declined drastically in the last 30 years, the surgery continues to be one of the most commonly performed on children, with more than 530,000 done each year on children under 15 in the U.S.

Administration of the guidelines for the surgery differ between countries. For instance, England's National Health Service (NHS) has classified the surgery as "of limited benefit," with some commissioners unwilling to pay for surgery unless a child has had eight cases of tonsillitis documented by a physician visit in one year, strongly adhering to the letter of the Paradise Criteria for Tonsillectomy.

This has resulted in a significant drop of routine tonsillectomies, with an increase in emergency admissions to the hospital for tonsillitis. While it may appear as if children are suffering more bad sore throats and infections in their tonsils, recent research finds the tonsillectomy childhood rite of passage may come with an associated long-term risk.

Risks Associated With Tonsillectomy Years After Surgery

Not all scientists agree with the guidelines for tonsillectomies, believing reducing the criteria could result in a reduction in hospital admissions and overall associated health costs. Now, a recent, published study demonstrates early removal of tonsillar and adenoid tissue, which often shrinks in adulthood, may have long-term respiratory system effects. The study was a collaborative effort between Copenhagen Evolutionary Medicine, University of Melbourne and Yale University.

The team analyzed data from just under 1.2 million children born between 1979 and 1999 in Denmark. They looked at the first 10 years of the children's lives to determine if they underwent a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy and then followed their health up to age 30. Of the participants, 17,400 had adenoidectomies, 11,830 had tonsillectomies and 31,377 had a combined adenotonsillectomy, where both the tonsils and adenoids were removed.

The researchers found the risk of preventing a sore throat from tonsillitis nearly vanished by age 40, but the surgery increases the lifetime risk of developing other serious respiratory conditions. Sean Byars, Ph.D., who led the research from the University of Melbourne, explained, "We calculated disease risks depending on whether adenoids, tonsils or both were removed in the first nine years of life because this is when these tissues are most active in the developing immune system."

Although these tissues shrink by adulthood and were historically presumed redundant, it is now recognized they are strategically positioned in an arrangement known as Waldeyer's ring. Waldeyer's tonsillar ring tissue includes lymphoid tissue from the nasopharynx, tonsils and base of the tongue. The tissue acts as the first line of defense in recognizing bacteria and viruses and begins the immune response to clear the body of foreign invaders.

The analysis of the data revealed tonsillectomies were associated with an increased absolute and relative risk for diseases of the upper respiratory tract, including asthma, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and influenza. Removal of the adenoids was linked with more than a double relative risk of COPD and nearly double the relative risk of upper respiratory tract diseases. The researchers concluded it is important to consider long term risk associated with these surgeries,and wrote:

"Our observed results show increased risks for long-term diseases after surgery support delaying tonsil and adenoid removal if possible, which could aid normal immune system development in childhood and reduce these possible later-life disease risks.

Given the tonsils and adenoids are part of the lymphatic system and play a key role both in normal development of the immune system and in pathogen screening during childhood in early life, it is not surprising that their removal may impair pathogen detection and increase risk of later respiratory and infectious diseases."

Why Do Doctors Recommend Having Your Tonsils or Adenoids Removed?

Tonsillectomies are recommended for treatment of recurring, chronic or severe tonsillitis or complications resulting from enlarged tonsils, such as difficulty breathing at night. Rare diseases of the tonsils or bleeding tonsils may also result in a recommendation for tonsillectomy. According to the Paradise Criteria for Tonsillectomy, the minimum frequency must be seven episodes in the previous year or at least five in the previous two years.

Tonsillitis often presents with a sore throat and includes a temperature greater than 100.9 degrees Fahrenheit with cervical adenopathy. These are tender lymph nodes along the neck greater than 2 centimeters in size. Children often present with tonsillar exudate, or a white film covering the tonsils, culturing positive for group a beta hemolytic streptococcus.

The initial treatment is antibiotics administered for the streptococcal infection. However, with recurring tonsillitis a tonsillectomy and potentially adenoidectomy would be recommended. Complications from enlarged tonsils can include difficulty swallowing, disrupted breathing during sleep and difficulty breathing.

As with other surgeries, a tonsillectomy comes with risks, including reactions to anesthetics, swelling, bleeding during surgery or bleeding during healing and infection. Since surgery leaves an open wound in the throat, it is often difficult for children to swallow fluids, sometimes leading to dehydration. Recovery usually takes 10 days and often includes pain in the throat and sometimes the ears, jaw or neck. Complications requiring emergency care include bleeding, fever, dehydration or breathing problems.

In one study, 8 percent of nearly 140,000 children ages 1 to 18 revisited the hospital within 30 days of having a tonsillectomy. The revisit rate varied between hospitals. It was as high as 12.6 percent in some and as low as 3 percent in others. Bleeding was the most common reason, followed by vomiting and dehydration, pain and infection. Children older than 10 were at a higher risk of returning to the hospital with bleeding, while having a lower risk of vomiting and dehydration.

Adult Tonsillectomy Surgery Holds Greater Risk

Researchers demonstrated the increased risk for chronic respiratory conditions likely formed from tonsillectomies performed prior to full development of the immune system. However, the adult procedure carries different risks. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association-Otolaryngology looked at the mortality, complications and reoperation rate in adult tonsillectomy.

The researchers looked at health records of nearly 6,000 adult patients who underwent a tonsillectomy, evaluating mortality, complications and reoperation in a 30-day postoperative period. In most cases patients had a primary diagnosis of chronic tonsillitis and or adenoiditis. The most common complication following the surgery was pneumonia, urinary tract infections and superficial site infections. Patients who required a second operation were more likely to be male and to have postoperative complications.

In a second study, researchers from Penn State University found 20 percent of adults who had a tonsillectomy experienced complications, finding a rate significantly higher than previously published. The team also discovered the complications substantially increase health care expenditures for the patients.

This team analyzed data from over 36,000 adult tonsillectomy patients, finding complications included bleeding, pain, dehydration, blood transfusion, dislocation of cervical vertebra and fever. After one week, 15 percent suffered at least one possible complication. This rose to 20 percent by week two and four. The researchers found 10 percent visited an emergency room after discharge and nearly 1.5 percent were readmitted to the hospital within two weeks after the procedure.

On average, an adult tonsillectomy without complications costs $3,830, as compared to a surgery with hemorrhage, costing $6,388. Dennis Scanlon, Ph.D., professor of health policy and administration at Penn State University, commented on the results of the study, saying:

"Our results highlight the challenges patients face when making informed decisions about medical and surgical treatments, as well as the excess costs and harm incurred due to complications. Patients expect to compare the risks and benefits of treatment options, but as our study shows, credible patient-centered information is often lacking, even for a common procedure that has been in practice for many, many years.

The availability of important risk and benefit information should be expedited, and providers need to be trained to engage patients in how to use this information to make informed choices."

Tonsillotomy Is an Alternative Surgical Option

A tonsillotomy, or partial removal of the tonsils, may be an alternative surgical option for both children and adults. Tonsillotomy has provided favorable outcomes in children presenting with obstructive sleep apnea as it is associated with a lower incidence of postoperative bleeding, higher parent satisfaction and faster recovery time than a total tonsillectomy. Research has also demonstrated comparable results to a total tonsillectomy in the improvement of obstructive sleep apnea symptoms in children.

In a second study with 43 participating children between the ages of 2 and 9, a randomized trial compared the clinical effects of a standard tonsillectomy against a tonsillotomy using a CO2 laser. During follow-up, both patient groups found comparable relief from sleep apnea and tonsillar hypertrophy at three months and two years.

Tonsillotomy caused no measurable bleeding during the surgical procedure, and postoperative pain and distress were less pronounced than in the tonsillectomy procedure group. These results were replicated in another study group of children ages four to five.

In a recent study evaluating the differences between tonsillotomy and tonsillectomy in adults suffering from tonsil-related health conditions, researchers concluded the evidence suggested equal efficacy between both procedures. Adult patients had a preference for the tonsillotomy as there was reduced pain, a reduction in analgesic use, higher patient satisfaction, lower operation time and a reduction in postoperative complications.

If you need help, talk to Salisha. As a trained nutritionist, she will help you or your children reduce symptoms of health problems and live a better life, free of pain and worry. 

HOME REMEDIES

Milk: Boil milk and add a pinch of tumeric and powdered black pepper powder. Drink this concoction before sleeping for a minimum of three nights in a row as an effective remedy for inflamed tonsils. Goats’ milk is easier to digest for those that are lactose intolerant.

Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea mixed with lemon and honey is an age-old natural remedy for tonsillitis. The chamomile acts as a relaxant and reduces stress and anxiety caused by tonsillitis, along with addressing the symptoms of the condition, such as pain and soreness.

Salt water: Salt-water gargle helps to ease throat pain and reduce swelling. Salt water help in cleaning out the mouth and throat and prevents the build-up of further infection on the surface of the tonsils.

Beetroot: Drink freshly juiced beetroot, carrot and or cucumber juice daily to boost the body’s immune system and fight the infection more efficiently. Drink these juices individually or mix them together for the best results.

Lime: The citrus fruit is one of the most popular natural remedies for tonsillitis. Mix fresh lime juice in warm water with honey and salt and sip on this combination for pain relief from swollen tonsils.

Fenugreek seeds: Boil fenugreek seeds in water for half an hour. Cool and strain and use this water to gargle with. Fenugreek has anti-bacterial properties that make it excellent for tonsillitis.

Herbs: Calendular, cleavers and mullein are three powerful herbs that can stimulate and cleanse congestion and mucus from the lymph system, and relieve the symptoms of tonsillitis and other related swellings of the throat, neck, arms and groin.

To make a tea, use two parts calendula, two parts cleavers and one part mullein. Place the herbs in a small saucepan and cover with cold water.

Heat slowly and simmer, covered, for 20 to 45 minutes. The longer the herbs are simmered, the stronger the tea will be.

Drink two to three cups a day.

If you need help, talk to Salisha. As a trained nutritionist, she will help you or your children reduce symptoms of health problems and live a better life, free of pain and worry. 

How to pick the perfect watermelon this simmer.

Have you ever been to the supermarket searching for the most perfect looking watermelon in those large bins?

When that watermelon craving hits, we will spend quite a lot on the juicy fruit. It's loaded with antioxidants, electrolites and vitamins. It's a healthy snack that both adults and kids love! 

But, sometimes we bring the juicy fruit home and slice in, only to see it's all waxy and dry looking. Some even taste sour or bland and flavourless if you don't know how to pick the right one. 

So here is a simple chart you save to your phone so you can refer to it when you are about to pick up a juicy watermelon. So go pick up a watermelon at a nearby farm or store today! 

Check out our other fruit readiness charts in the following posts. 

Enjoy!!

Health Benefits of Ginger and Ginger Beer

Ginger beer has a number of health benefits that make it quite different from most refreshing beverages:

Relieves Nausea and Improves Digestion

Did you know that ginger beer is an effective remedy against nausea and morning sickness? According to studies conducted by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, ginger beer enhances digestion and helps food move smoothly through the stomach

Probiotics

Probiotics have been in your system from the very moment that you were born. When you travel through your mother’s birth canal during delivery, that’s when you were exposed to your mother’s bacteria for the very first time. This event started a cascade of events inside your gastrointestinal tract, your GI tract, and it started to produce good bacteria.

This rich gut microbial community is referred to as the microbiome, which plays a vital role in your immune system and overall health.

Now here’s a fun fact. The human brain weighs about three pounds, and a healthy human body will have about 3.5 to 5 pounds of probiotic bacteria and microbes. So, our bacteria are heavier than our brains, they’re primarily in our digestive system.

Did you know that our digestive systems are the second largest with the neurological system? It’s called the enteric nervous system, and it’s located in the gut. That’s why it’s called our “second brain.”

When consumed on its own, ginger beer can have some amazing health benefits. In fact, one of the most popular ways to consume ginger is in its beer form. Yes, you read that right! Ginger beer is much healthier than most carbonated drinks, and it’s also one of the most refreshing drinks you can easily prepare in your own home.

The key ingredient in ginger beer is ginger root, which is known for its myriad of culinary and medicinal uses since ancient times. The ginger root holds an active compound called gingerol, natural oil which is a rich source of minerals such as magnesium, manganese, potassium, copper, and vitamin B6. This active compound is responsible for ginger’s medicinal properties. Additionally, gingerol is also responsible for the rich unique fragrance of the root.

Gastrointestinal cancer and liver cancer are some of the most common cancers present around the world. Fortunately, we have superfoods such as ginger available at our disposal. In addition to gingerol and shogaol, other active compounds like zingerone and paradol work in unison to fight cancer cells. Moreover, these compounds exhibit chemo-preventive properties that alleviate the signalling molecules that cause inflammation and stop the other destructive activities of the cancer cells in our bodies.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Have you ever suffered from arthritis, osteoarthritis, gastritis, esophagitis, hepatitis, and any other type of body inflammation? Ginger beer can help! Body inflammation happens when the body’s white blood cells are set into motion to fight or protect our body against foreign substances. This sudden release of chemicals raises blood flow to the afflicted area, which results in inflammation. Ginger contains active compounds that can effectively suppress the inflammation and also aid in pain relief.

Ginger Beer Ingredients

In its simplest form, ginger beer can be made using either fresh or dried ginger, sugar and lemon juice. Not to be confused with the fizzy ginger ale, ginger beer’s carbonation is created by adding yeast during the brewing process, whereas the ale’s fizziness is obtained through adding seltzer water. There are two varieties of ginger beer currently being sold: alcoholic and nonalcoholic. The taste of ginger beer greatly varies due to the differing amounts and types of ginger and sugar used. More importantly, some brands do not indicate the ginger content in their beer. Thus, the best way to truly reap the benefits of this amazing beverage is to make your own at home.

How To Make Ginger Beer

1/2 cup sugar

3 cups of water

5 tbs fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped

Directions

1. Add the ginger with the other ingredients in a large jar with a lid.
2. Mix thoroughly until sugar is dissolved with a wooden spoon. 
3. Cover the jar and put it in a warm place for 24 hours, you now have a batch of Starter.
4. FEEDING the starter: Add 2 tbs fresh grated or finely chopped ginger to the jar with 2 tbs sugar and 2 tbs water. Stir well.
5. Cover tightly and place in a warm, dark area for 12 hours.
6. After 12 hours you will need to stir with a wooden spoon. Cover again tightly. 
7. Wait for another 24 hours until it's bubbly, your ginger beer is now ready to drink!
8. Strain the ginger beer into a clean jar or soda pop bottle with a lid.
9. Enjoy with fresh lemon juice or mint leaves on ice!
10. Save the ginger and liquid at the bottom of the jar. This is your STARTER for your next batches. Feed it sugar, ginger and water as above every 3 days. Store at room temp. Feed once per week in colder months. If not using for a while keep it in the fridge. Remove from the fridge at least 48 hours before making a new batch feeding and stirring every 12 hours. 

So, what can you do to ensure that you have an ample supply of good bacteria in your gut?

#1: Be sure to include lots of sour and probiotic-rich foods in your diet. Apple cider vinegar, ginger beer, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, raw milk yogurt, natto, kombucha, lots of different fermented foods.

#2: Do your best to avoid substances that can destroy probiotics, like grains, GMOs, tap water, and antibiotics.

#3: Use a high-quality probiotic supplement.

Bottom line: Probiotics are absolutely essential for our overall health. We die from disease and we die from malnutrition if we do not have probiotics in our system. Your immune system will not function properly if you don’t have a sufficient supply of probiotics, and neither will your neurological system.

So go make some ginger beer and start today!

Here’s to your health. God bless.

Salisha

Who doesn't like crispy hash browns!? We created this recipe just in time for mother's day this year. These has browns make a wonderful breakfast or a quick snack between meals. They are gluten-free and can be made vegan with a couple of simple steps.

Healthy and delicious.

No preservatives or artificial ingredients

Gluten-free

[Vegan]

You can even take these to work or wherever you go. Just wrap them up and keep in a tight tupper ware container. Serve with a bit of honey, ketchup, hummus, avocado dip or sour cream. It's truly up to you!
You can also chop any vegetable and add it to the batter, the more the merrier and healthier. Let's make these bad boys.

(Add meat, cheese, tofu, vegetables to make these unique to your taste or diet needs)

Ingredients

2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and grated

1/4 cup gluten-free flour

1 small carrot, grated [OR broccoli, spinach, peppers, etc.]

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp curry powder

1/2 tsp turmeric

1 egg yolk [ OR keep it vegan with a flax egg: 1tsp flax and 2 tsp water]

1/4 or more Olive oil for frying 

1/4 cup nut milk

4 tbs Cheese of your choice, grated [vegan cheese works too]

Directions

1. Peel and use a cheese grater or processor to grate potatoes.

2. Rinse with cold water and squeeze the potatoes until it's as dry as possible. 

3. Add to a large bowl and add all other ingredients.

4. Mix well until it resembles chunky pancake batter if it's stiff add more nut milk.

5. Heat oil on medium heat.

6. Spoon one large spoon of batter into the oil, gently flatten with the back of a spoon. 

7. Fry on both sides for about 2 mins each. 

Serve hot or freeze for up to 10 days. 

Enjoy!

Salisha 

In this crazy time of the coronavirus, we all want to protect ourselves from getting sick. However, you don't need to fight at the drugstore or supermarket for hand sanitizer or toilet paper. Let's keep our wits.

The most important thing to remember is to stay calm. Getting upset and scared will not help your situation, it actually will make it worse. 

Do the best you can to prepare to be sick, you are not preparing for the world to end, remember it most likely won't! Humanity is resilient and so are you, we will all be alright. 

Ok so for the hand sanitizer it's truly the simplest recipe!

Mix 4 oz aloe vera gel with 4 oz rubbing alcohol.

Add 10 drops of tea tree oil and mix well.

All you need is a small plastic bottle to keep it in. Take some with you in your purse or pocket too. 

That's it! So why are you buying sanitizer? Make a large batch and share it with family and friends. 

Keep safe and calm!

Thanks!

Salisha

My indoor garden! Follow us on YouTube here.

If you haven't checked out my posts this winter you may have missed my winter gardening posts. We have lots of tomatoes, parsley, radishes and just started planting some of our summer seeds for outside once spring hits!
So far the tomatoes are doing so well, we have dozens of tomatoes on the vines and have been harvesting radishes and lots of fresh parsley all winter!

Using a grow light we successfully grew some of our favourite veggies and will be growing more next winter.  

WATCH MY VIDEOS HERE ON YOUTUBE!

Come back in a couple days to seehiw the garden progresses and to keep track of how much the plants are growing.

Plus I also post aboutmy favorite Reality TV shows and some Beauty videos as well. Be surr to subscribe! 

Salisha

Chicken Mushroom Curry

To create this delicious, nutritious meal you don't need the whole kitchen skin! 

It only requires a few ingredients you probably already have in your fridge. 

Again you won't find me posting exact recipes all the time, it's more for inspiration. 

So here goes. 4 servings 

Ingredients

6 Drum sticks

4 tbs olive oil

1/2 tsp Curry powder

1/2 large onion, chopped

1 to 2 large portablello mushrooms, chopped

6 cups water

Salt and pepper

1/4 tsp dried thyme and oregano

Directions

1. Add oil to large pot on medium heat, add onion, curry and dried herbs.

2. Cook for a few minutes, add mushrooms, chicken, cook for about 4 minutes. 2 minutes on each side.

3. Add water, simmer for about 35 minutes stirring every 10 minutes. 

4. Reduce until it's a thick gravy and chicken is fully cooked and falling off the bones.

Serve with rice, potatoes or any other side. 

Enjoy! 

Salisha 

I have made made these zucchini fries a few times over the months and I like them more and more every time I make them. They are crispy, light and flaky. I have them as a quick brunch when I want to start my day off right. It only requires a few ingredients and will be a fabulous side to any meal. 

Ingredients

1 large zucchini, peeled and sliced or use a fry cutter for perfect fries. 

1/4 cup rice flour 

1/4 cup potato starch or tapioca starch

4 tbs cup coconut oil, plus 1/2 cup olive oil for frying

1/4 tsp. Each Salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder

Directions

1. Mix flour, starch, salt, pepper, garlic powder in a large bowl.

2.  Cut and rinse zucchini in cold water.

3. Put oil into a deep pot on medium to high heat.

4. Coat the zucchini fries in the flour mixture.

5. Dust off the excess flour.

6. Fry on medium-high heat until golden.

7. Sprinkle with a little salt

Enjoy!

Salisha

I love stir fries! Yes, I make a different stir fry at least once per week, always with a different assortment of fresh vegetables. The main ingredients needed are gluten free soy sauce, chopped veggies and cooked rice and meat. Its just about assembling it in the pan.

Using a large frying pan or wok, add olive oil and chopped veggies and cook for 7 to 10 minutes on med to low heat until veggies are soft. Add meat and more oil if needed. Cook for a couple minutes, add soy sauce, rice and 1 large egg if wanted. Cook until hot and steamy, stirring often!

Here I used purple cabbage, broccoli, peppers, turkey dogs, and spinach and 1 cup cooked rice. 

The possibilities are endless!

Enjoy with some Simply Pure blooming tea 

Salisha 

Benefits of Distilled Water

 What Is Distilled Water?

Distilled water is any water that has been filtered utilizing distillation. There are numerous kinds of distillation, yet all of them rely upon isolating parts of a mixture from the different boiling points.

More or less, water is heated to its boiling point. The water is purified by boiling the water and gathering the steam. Chemicals found in the water that boils at low temperature are gathered and disposed of. Likewise, any substances that remain after the water has evaporated, they are also disposed of. The water that is collected in this way has is much cleaner than the first liquid. The distillation process expels most polluting contaminants, so it is a reasonable method for water treatment.

Water distillation dates back to the generation of Aristotle.

It has been utilized to desalinate ocean water since no less than 200 AD, as laid out by Alexander of Aphrodisias. In drinking water, one thing one must consider is distilling the water twice (double distilled) to guarantee high purity.

Find your water distillers here

1. Removing Contaminants

Elimination of water borne contaminants that may be found in drinking water. Drinking contaminated water is one of the fastest ways to spread disease, toxic metals and industrial pollutants cannot be removed by simple water filtration alone.

By removing the contaminants from water through distillation, you can help alleviate the risk of future illnesses and toxic buildup.

2. Elimination of Chemicals

The most common problem with drinking municipal water is that chlorine and/or fluoride that are added as part of the water treatment process. The addition of fluoride is a huge can of worms alone and perhaps one of the greatest controversial issue perpetrated in modern times. Among a host of other problems, too much fluoride in your drinking water can have adverse effects such as tooth discoloration and breakdown of tooth enamel. Chlorine can be harmful to your skin in undiluted amounts, it can also be harmful to your body in the diluted amounts of city water.

Distilled water has filtered out all these chemicals as well as others to make what is called pure water.

3. No Additives

Many municipal water supplies also contain calcium. While calcium is essential to maintaining good health, too much calcium can be a precursor to kidney stone formation. For some people, kidney stones can be a constant and painful problem and drinking distilled water can reduce the risk of developing more kidney stones. And, if you just prefer to be in complete control of how you receive your vitamins and minerals, there is no substitute for distilled water.

Find your water distillers here