Yield: 2 Cups

Ingredients:
4 large apples, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks (Gala work well!)
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 C filtered water
1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine apples, cinnamon stick, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for approximately 15 minutes or until fork tender.
3. Drain apples in colander and return to pan. Add vanilla and cardamom (if using).
4. Using an immersion blender, purée until desired consistency.

Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, NSAIDS and steroids block normal prostaglandin function. What does this mean? Well...
 
Prostaglandins are hormone-like “messengers” that cells use to communicate with other cells. One function of prostaglandins is to control inflammatory function. There are three types: PG1 & PG3 (anti-inflammatory) and PG2 (pro-inflammatory). All three types are needed by the body. NSAIDS and steroids block normal prostaglandin functions by inhibiting the conjugation of Essential Fatty Acids into PG2, which in turn suppresses pain and inflammation. Unfortunately they also stop the production of PG1 and PG3 by competing with receptor sites in our bodies' prostaglandin pathways. The body needs to inflame to heal before it anti-inflames. Blocking this function delays and prevents healing and is ultimately extremely detrimental to natural healing processes.

So while you may be inclined to pop a pill for your headache, keep in mind the pills aren't targeted and affect the body as a whole. When prostaglandins get turned off by NSAIDs, other critical body functions also get turned off.  In addition to inflammation, prostaglandins also play a role in hormone regulation, cell growth, stomach acid secretion, and fluid retention among others...NSAIDs alter every single one of these functions. Eek!

So what can you pop for those aches and pains then? A high quality fish oil supplement. Omega 3 fatty acids open PG1 & PG3 pathways (anti-inflammatory) and inhibit PG2 (pro-inflammatory).

Fats are important building blocks of the cells in the body. Cell membranes are made of a lipid bi-layer which consists of phospholipids, glycolipids, and cholesterol. This bi-layer regulates what can move in and out of the cell. Quality fats are needed to build the lipid bi-layer of the cell. A poor or low-fat diet will not provide the tools needed to create and maintain healthy cells. When rancid or hydrogenated fats are consumed, the body will use these fats to make up the cell wall which leads to a weakened cell. Weakened cells lead to a myriad of health issues.

Certain types of fatty acids are a critical fuel source, essential for hormones, managing inflammation & anti-inflammation and are required for fat-soluble vitamin absorption. Also maldigested fats become a form of assault on the small bowel, leading to leaky gut, food sensitivities, and ultimately increases our risk for Autoimmune conditions. 

You may want to think twice before you reach for that bottled of water labeled "Distilled" thinking you're doing a body good! The distillation process of water removes minerals, organisms, and chemicals. The dangers of any water that has had the minerals removed is nutrient depletion. Because it contains no minerals, when consumed it tends to attract minerals AND toxins to balance with the other body fluids. It pulls heavy metals out of long-term storage but does not help your body excrete them. So now they are mobilized and may end up being picked up by brain cells or other nervous system tissue. Uh oh! 
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Bottom line...pure water is unnatural and does not exist in nature! It is man-made and our cells simply do not accept it as they have no use for it. Regular consumption can lead to mineral deficiencies, especially among those who may already be slightly deficient.