Vitamin D, Sunlight, Cancer

A few notes from Mercola's Vital Votes comments:

The main cause of skin cancer is the wrong types of fats being consumed, including margarine & vegetable oil. Traditional diets didn't contain them. Cholesterol produced from these oils in the skin, when it is exposed to the sun, can produce tumours. The human body can't metabolise these bad fats. They are also responsible for the esculating macular degeneration, alzhiemer's & child behavoural problems etc. If you stick to butter & coconut oil for cooking & unheated virgin olive oil on salads together with a healthy diet, skin cancer shouldn't be of concern. We're lucky in N.Z. & Aust. that our cows are grass fed, producing healthy fats, unlike grain fed cattle. Check Dr. M's search engine for healthy fats & the Weston A Price site.

Exposure to sunlight may reduce your risk of advanced breast cancer, according to new research from Stanford University.

The study followed 4,000 women between the ages of 35 and 79, and evaluated the effects of long-term sun exposure. Women with a light skin color who had high sun exposure had half the risk of developing advanced breast cancer (cancer that has spread beyond the breast) as women with low sun exposure.

High sun exposure was defined as having dark skin on your forehead, since your forehead is typically exposed to the sun often.

Sun exposure may work to prevent cancer because it increases the levels of vitamin D in your body. While you can get some vitamin D from your diet, up to 90 percent comes from your exposure to sunlight.

Sources:

• American Journal of Epidemiology October 12, 2007
• The Independent October 21, 2007
• Clinical Trials Web October 21, 2007

Remember that if you are going to take a supplement to take Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and not Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). The body must convert D2 to D3. D3 is what the body makes with sunshine. You should have your Vitamin D levels checked also.

Wintergreen

From Young Living:

Historically Wintergreen leaves were chewed by Native Americans & early Settlers to increase their respiratory capacity & strengthen teeth enamel preventing tooth decay.
Wintergreen tea was also drank for its anti-oxidant abilities.

Wintergreen oil is anti-spasmodic & anti-inflammatory, additionally Wintergreen oil assists in balancing blood pressure, is a vasodilator, excellent for arteriosclerosis, & lowers our pain level with its analgesic & anesthetic abilities.

Wintergreen oil produces excellent results with arthritis, joint, bone, spine, back, neck, soft tissue, nerve, teeth, & many other types of pain.

Wintergreen oil has also been proven to rapidly regenerate bone & tendon tissue 75-80% faster, making it valuable for injuries & bone density concerns.

Often you'll read that Wintergreen oil is not for internal use, however Young Living’s Wintergreen is safe for internal use in small quantities. Remembering Wintergreen is over 90% organic methyl salicylate(aspirin is made of synthetic methyl salicylate; Salicylic acid). Young Living’s Wintergreen is especially valuable as a pain reliever when combined with Helichrysum, or Clove & Valarian or Vetiver in a capsule & taken orally 1-4 times daily.

Young Living’s Wintergreen is safe for diffusing, topical & internal use.

*Please refer to the Essential Oil Desk Reference for more research information.

Stress / Diabetes Tips

Sabrinaoe: " My husband has diabetes and has got a very stressful working environment. He has started medication but they are not of much help. He gets stress about everything in life. It's driving me nuts. If any of you have any suggestions I would greatly appreciate it."

MillersCrossing: "Some sort of mind-body practice would be valuable. If EFT doesn't work, try something else like meditation or breathing exercises. There are many options out there."

Pinballdoctor: " I've discovered the best way to deal with stress is EXERCISE. Get your hubby to go for walks, long walks. That would be a good start. Stress is a killer if not dealt with properly. If he is stressed to the max and diabetic, that's two strikes. Is he overweight? That would be very bad. Also get your hubby to stop drinking coffee and start drinking green or white tea, for these teas contain theanine, which is a natural stress reliever. St johns wort would also help, as well as 3mg melatonin before bed."

Mareke: "Your husband's proneness to feeling stressed may be partially due to poorly regulated blood sugar levels. I used to think I was more stress pone than the average person until I realised that what I thought was nervous tension was really my blood sugar levels dropping quite low and my body running low on energy producing stress like symptoms. I discovered that small protein meals consumed through the day while at work helped even out my moods enormously as the protein kept my blood sugar levels steady. The difference it made to my ability to handle the demands of the day was amazing because my blood sugar levels remained steady. Small frequent low GI meals would probably be good for a diabetic in preference to several large meals a day.

"Exercise is of course good for a diabetic. A good 8 hours sleep each night is also good for a stressed person. Sleep has a renewing effect on anyone but especially a stressed person."

Kaysv: "I'm not diabetic but a dear friend is. He began taking a huge mineral supplement with specific targeting chromium & vanadium. His blood sugar did stabilize but no one can prove that these minerals did it. He believes they did. His doctor wouldn't give minerals any credit, but simply decreased his insulin."

This was from HSI health forum you can easily reach the HSI Healthier Talk community forums on their web site at www.hsibaltimore.com. Just choose "Forum," and join in with any of the dozens of discussions about nutrition and natural health care.
Diabetes can be reversed. See other posts on this blog for what constitutes healthy living and eating choices.

Top 6 Toxic Fabrics

1. Polyester is the worst fabric you can buy. It is made from synthetic polymers that are made from esters of dihydric alcohol and terpthalic acid.

2. Acrylic fabrics are polycrylonitriles and may cause cancer, according to the EPA.

3. Rayon is recycled wood pulp that must be treated with chemicals like caustic soda, ammonia, acetone and sulphuric acid to survive regular washing and wearing.

4. Acetate and Triacetate are made from wood fibers called cellulose and undergo extensive chemical processing to produce the finished product.

5. Nylon is made from petroleum and is often given a permanent chemical finish that can be harmful.

6. Anything static resistant, stain resistant, permanent press, wrinkle-free, stain proof or moth repellant. Many of the stain resistant and wrinkle-free fabrics are treated with perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), like Teflon.

In general, look for natural fibers like:

• Cotton
  
• Silk
  
• Linen
  
• Hemp
  
• Wool
  
• Cashmere

From Body Ecology. To see the whole article go to: http://bodyecology.com/08/03/13/top_6_fabrics_you_should_avoid_wearing.php

The Hidden Dangers of Your Morning Shower

--I'm guessing this is from HSI:

Chlorine: Added to most municipal water supplies, this disinfectant destroys proteins in the body, irritates skin and sinus conditions, and aggravates asthma, allergies, and respiratory problems. Chlorine is used almost universally in the treatment of public water supplies because of its toxic effect on harmful bacteria and other waterborne, disease-causing microorganisms.

But there is a growing body of scientific evidence that shows that chlorine in drinking water may actually pose greater long-term dangers than those for which it was used to eliminate . These effects of chlorine may result from either inhalation or absorption through the skin during showers.

I recommend getting a shower filter.

Supplements

Someone posted this on a CureZone thread about Thyroid. The comments on supplements I found interesting and tend to agree with.

Dr. Schulze says that the iodine in kelp is not dangerous due to the fact that it is in a matrix of other minerals and vitamins which don't allow the body to become unbalanced. he believes kelp is an adaptogen, meaning that it revs up a slow thyroid and calms down an overexcited one. I take LOTS of kelp and only feel better for it.

What FF said is true...High quality whole food sources of nutrients, regardless of the content will in most cases not harm you. There may be certain instances where a food may not work well, or even be bad for one person and still be a miracle cure for another. Which emphasizes that we are all unique with unique needs. It is only when we take man made isolates of a supplement that we get all out of whack and have problems. That is why I have eliminated vitamin supplements from my routine. I feel strongly that unless absolutely known to be needed, we are doing more harm than good to ourselves.

That said, I do take herbal teas and tinctures when needed and take whole food "supplements" like chlorella, spirulina and a green drink mix. I do not pay attention to RDA anymore, I feel it is a crock and a half. I focus my diet on mineral rich foods which eliminates all processed foods and virtually eliminates any conventionally grown produce.

Iodized salt is so bad because, through refining the matrix of minerals is extracted to isolate sodium and chloride and then iodine is added... very bad for the human body.

I had a BP of 170/110 a year ago, it is now 120 -130/75 - 90 and it was accomplished with diet and exercise only... no pharmaceuticals. I hope to get it lower by losing and additional 20 – 30 pounds in the next year. The two things I eliminated almost immediately where all refined oils, GMO foods, and table salt . I did this while eating as much unrefined salt as I want, sometimes more than I should. If that does not scream "IT IS THE DIET" nothing will.

As Jack LaLanne says "if man made it, do not eat it".

grz

Tourette's Syndrome--Magnesium Deficiency

Someone posted this: magnesium supplementation got rid of the head twitch immediately; the other symptoms have subsided over the last 2.5 months (I am giving her less than the RDA for her age because I do not want to cause an imbalance). As I learned from the report, there are magnesium antagonists, like dairy and phytates in wheat. Calcium supplements can also cause magnesium imbalances if taken alone and in large quantities.

Remember, there can be multiple causes to a symptom; and nutrients act in concert so not one is more important than another (that is one reason I am not a big fan of supplements). For instance, B-complex, like fish oil, has been used to eliminate or alleviate symptoms of depression and hyperactivity. For what I have read, B-complex is necessary for proper absorption of magnesium, and magnesium is needed for proper metabolism of fats, and to regulate the uptake of calcium into cells. We know a lot, but that is just the tip of a very large iceberg!!

Thyroid Problems

A. You could have a mineral deficiency including natural iodine, not what they put in table salt.
According to Dr. James Howenstine, MD, a board certified specialist in internal medicine, it is “remarkable that anyone has normal thyroid function” in light of these common occurrences:

1. Estrogen Dominance. This is caused by petrochmicals, fuel exhaust, hormones in meat and chicken, plastics, propylene glycol, sodium laurel sulphate in ointments, herbicides and pesticides. These potent estrogenic substances block the production of thyroid hormones and greatly magnify the incidence of estrogen dependent cancers. 100% of males and females in developed countries have estrogen dominance.
2. Antibiotics, chlorine in the water, fluoride, and NSAID drugs used for arthritis all kill the healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract. This allows an overgrowth of candida, fungi, mycoplasma and anerobic bacteria, all of which release powerful neurotoxic substances into the blood stream that damage the hypothalamus, often resulting in multiple endocrine disorders, including under activity of the thyroid gland.
3. Mercury that leaks from dental fillings is toxic to the thyroid gland
4. Fluoride from any source directly interferes with thyroid function.
5. Selenium is a trace mineral that is deficient in our soil. The production of thyroid hormones depends on a selenium containing enzyme which is lacking.
6. Lack of iodine in our soil and diet leads to decreased thyroid hormone production.
7. X-rays (dental, neck, spine, etc.) injure and damage the thyroid gland
8. Perchlorates common in our drinking water block the uptake of iodine, thus inhibiting the production of thyroid hormones.

If taking the proper and safe form of iodine (water soluble non-toxic ammonium iodide), a person gets a headache in the frontal lobe, this indicates a B-1 deficiency (so take B-1 tablets). If a headache occurs in the base of the skull, this indicates a multi-mineral, and especially a magnesium or calcium deficiency. Vitamin K deficiency would be indicated by irritability, sensitivity to light, coldness or heat. A metallic taste in the mouth indicates a greater need for iodine. A stinging sensation in the mouth and throat indicate throat inflammation.

Unfortunately, the most commonly available sources of iodine are potassium iodine and sodium iodine (not recommended). This form can cause toxic effects.
Be sure you only use the safe non-toxic form of iodine, which is generally only available through doctors, and some health food stores (if you can not find it, you can order it from my office at 425-865-9874. The tester bottle is also available for $20).

--I do not know where this is from, but it has a phone number to who ever wrote it.

Movie on Excitotoxins

Here is a link to a movie about MSG and aspartame.

A friend of yours highly recommends you read this health article: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/07/10/why-you-do-not-want-to-eat-processed-foods.aspx

Psyllium

Whole food fiber products for sufferers of digestive orders should not contain psyllium; it can cause gas and bloating, and it contains compounds that will exacerbate their disorder.

--I don't remember where I found this from. Many people have been helped by psyllium. As for me cleanses I've done with psyllium have caused problems.

Butter?

And why would I be so insistent that you eat butter? Take a look at the long list of the benefits you receive when you include it in your diet:⁸

1. Butter is rich in the most easily absorbable form of Vitamin A necessary for thyroid and adrenal health.
   
2. Contains lauric acid, important in treating fungal infections and candida.
   
3. Contains lecithin, essential for cholesterol metabolism.
   
4. Contains anti-oxidants that protect against free radical damage.
   
5. Has anti-oxidants that protect against weakening arteries.
   
6. Is a great source of Vitamins E and K.
   
7. Is a very rich source of the vital mineral selenium.
   
8. Saturated fats in butter have strong anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties.
   
9. Butter contains conjugated linoleic acid, which is a potent anti-cancer agent, muscle builder, and immunity booster
   
10. Vitamin D found in butter is essential to absorption of calcium.
    
11. Protects against tooth decay.
    
12. Is your only source of an anti-stiffness factor, which protects against calcification of the joints.
    
13. Anti-stiffness factor in butter also prevents hardening of the arteries, cataracts, and calcification of the pineal gland.
    
14. Is a source of Activator X, which helps your body absorb minerals.
    
15. Is a source of iodine in highly absorbable form.
    
16. May promote fertility in women.⁹
17. Is a source of quick energy, and is not stored in our bodies adipose tissue.
    
18. Cholesterol found in butterfat is essential to children's brain and nervous system development.
    
19. Contains Arachidonic Acid (AA) which plays a role in brain function and is a vital component of cell membranes.
    
20. Protects against gastrointestinal infections in the very young or the elderly.

Raw, Organic Butter is the Best

Believe me this is only a partial list. If a woman is pregnant, hopes to become pregnant or is nursing her baby, I think it should even become a law for her to eat butter for her baby's developing brain, bones and teeth.

8 From The Skinny on Fats
http://www.westonaprice.org/knowyourfats/skinny.html
and Why Butter is Better
http://www.westonaprice.org/foodfeatures/butter.html
9Fertility Awareness, Food, and Night-lighting
http://www.westonaprice.org/women/fertility.html and
High Fat Dairy May Boost Fertility
http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/printnewsbis.asp?id=74590


By Donna Gates for BodyEcology.com

Mammograms

As you may already know, my life's research and experience have convinced me beyond any doubt that in the vast majority of cases, mammograms are less accurate than manual breast cancer screenings - and that the unnatural compression of the breast during mammography actually increases the spread of any cancerous tissues that may be present.

So basically, they're worse than useless. They exist only to make mammography labs and radiologists money, and provide jobs for the radiation technicians. Honestly, that's my opinion of them. But I
digress...

Daily Dose Douglass

The 20 Fruits and Veggies With the MOST and LEAST Amount of Pesticides

The 20 Fruits and Veggies With the MOST Pesticides

These are the ones that you should always buy organic, if possible. If you do buy conventional versions of the following produce, please be sure to wash them thoroughly with Wash dem Veggies (organic produce, of course, should also be washed just in case). These are ranked in order by EWG, with the worst of the bunch, peaches, at #1.

Peaches tend to have the most pesticides of any fruit or vegetable ... so if possible buy these organic.

1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Sweet Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Pears
9. Grapes (Imported)
10. Spinach
11. Lettuce
12. Potatoes
13. Carrots
14. Green Beans
15. Hot Peppers
16. Cucumbers
17. Raspberries
18. Plums
19. Grapes (Domestic)
20. Oranges

The 20 Fruits and Veggies With the LEAST Amount of Pesticides

According to EWG, the following produce has the lowest pesticide load, ranked in order with the produce with the absolute lowest pesticides first.

1. Onion
2. Avocado
3. Sweet corn (Frozen)
4. Pineapples
5. Mango
6. Asparagus
7. Sweet peas (Frozen)
8. Kiwi
9. Bananas
10. Cabbage
11. Broccoli
12. Papaya
13. Blueberries
14. Cauliflower
15. Winter Squash
16. Watermelon
17. Sweet potatoes
18. Tomatoes
19. Honeydew melon
20. Cantaloupe

Recommended Reading

Organophosphates: What You Don't Know Can Indeed Hurt You

The Danger of Household Insecticides Confirmed in Recent Study: What You Can Do Instead

from: sixwise.com

Choline

Choline is part of the B vitamin complex.

According to a report I sent you last year, the average choline intake in the U.S. is only about 315 mg per day - well below the recommended adequate intake (AI) of 425 mg per day for women and 550 mg per day for men. This is a concern because choline deficiency can prompt a folic acid deficiency, which in turn may raise homocysteine - the amino acid that promotes plaque buildup on artery walls.

But choline benefits go far beyond heart health. Your body uses choline to maintain healthy cell membranes, and to facilitate memory storage and muscle control. In addition, choline helps prevent fatigue, insomnia, and the build up of fats in the liver. And studies have shown that low levels of choline have been associated with poor kidney function and memory loss, while more advanced cases of deficiency may contribute to anemia, high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney failure.

The best source of choline is a food that many mainstream doctors still insist is bad for you: egg yolks. In fact, eggs safely deliver an abundance of key nutrients.

Other choline sources include organ meats, peanuts, toasted wheat germ, cod, salmon, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, milk, and flaxseed. Many multivitamins contain choline, but not enough to even approach the recommended AI.

--from HSI

Benefits of Coconut Oil

-Prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and stroke.
-Prevent diabetes and relieve the symptoms and health risks associated with the disease.
-Support the development of strong bones and teeth.
-Protect against osteoporosis
-Promote loss of excess weight
-Kill viruses that cause mononucleosis, influenza, hepatitis C, measles,herpes, AIDS and other illnesses.
-Reduce symptoms associated with pancreatitis
-Reduce severity of problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
-Relieve symptoms of gallbladder disease.
-Relieve symptoms of associated with Crohn's disease,ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
-Relieve pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
-Reduce chronic inflammation
-Protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
-Prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay
-Prevent premature aging and degenerative disease
-Relieve symptons assoicated with chronic fatigue syndrome
-Relieve symptons associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (Prostate enlargement)
-Reduce epileptic seizures.
-Protect against kidney disease and bladder infections
-Prevent liver disease.
-Kills bacteria that cause pneumonia, earache, throat infections, dental cavities, food poisoning, urinary tract infections, meningitis, gonorrhea, and dozens of other diseases.
-Kill fungi and yeast that causes candida, jock itch, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush diaper rash, and other infections.
-Expel or kill tapeworms, lice giardia, and other parasites
-Ward of skin infections
-Reduce symptoms associated with psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis
-Relieve dryness and flaking
-Prevent damaging effect of UV radiation from the sun such as wrinkles, sagging skin,and age spots
-Control dandruff.

--I don't remember where I got this from

Common Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

The most common symptoms include back and neck pain, muscle spasms, anxiety, panic disorders, Raynaud's spastic vessels, arrhythmia, fatigue, eye twitches, vertigo, migraines.

11 Toxic Ingredients to Beware of In Typical Skin Moisturizers

• PETROLAUM (mineral oil jelly): A petroleum derivative that clogs skin from taking in oxygen and releasing toxins.

• METHYL PROPYL BUYTL and ETHYL PARABEN: Used as preservative to extend products' shelf life and may cause allergic reactions and rashes. Contains highly toxic carcinogenic formaldehyde-releasing ingredients

• SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES: -can contain hundreds of chemicals. usually only identify chemicals as "fragrance". Synthetic fragrances cause headaches, dizziness, rashes, coughing, vomiting, skin irritations, etc.

• PROPYLENE GLYCOL: Derived from petroleum It is so dangerous that the EPA requires workers to wear protective wear when working with it. The National Toxicology Program classifies Propylene Glycol as a skin and eye irritant, possible carcinogen and known to cause liver and kidney damage.

• SODUIM LAURYL (LAURETH) SULFATE (SLS or SLES): Holds oil and water together and acts as a detergent causing your products to foam. One of SLS's original uses was as an industrial garage floor cleaner. Now used in personal-care products added to everything from shampoos, toothpastes, bubble baths and lotions. SLS absorbs easily and causes skin irritations, itchiness, cracking, dandruff and infections.

• PEG (Polyethylene Glycol): PEG's are used to dissolve oil and grease, and to thicken products. They are used in many personal care products as well as in oven cleaner. They are also potentially cancer causing and strip the skin of its natural moisture factor.

• TALC (Magnesium Silicate): a natural mineral found and lung irritant, and is widely used in makeup and body powders. Talc has been linked to ovarian and lung cancer. It is NOT biodegradable.

• DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine): three are hormone-disrupting chemicals and form cancer-causing agents. They are easily absorbed by the skin, and research indicates a strong link to liver and kidney cancer.

• FORMALDEHYDE : Widely used in cosmetics as a germicide, preservative and fungicide. Formaldehyde is very often in cosmetics and not listed as an ingredient. It's suspected as a powerful carcinogenic and mutagenic, damaging and inhibiting the repair of DNA.

• ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL: petroleum derived, and is used in antifreeze and shellac. It penetrates the skin easily and is thought to destroy intestinal flora, leaving your body's major organs open to parasites, and thus to cancers.ARTIFICIAL COLORS: Generally referred to on labels as "FD and C" Many are suspected of causing cancer.

From: sixwise.com

Use Virgin Coconut Oil

Vinegar of The Four Thieves recipe

Inspired by Better Basics for the Home, by Annie B. Bond (Three Rivers Press, 1999).

During the time of the Black Plague a family of perfumers robbed the dead. As perfumers they knew well the antiseptic essential oils, and they infused them in vinegar and rubbed them on their bodies; by doing so they protected themselves from certain death. The doctors of the time used the same herbs and essential oils to to protect themselves while tending so many who were contagious. They wore big cloaks over their heads that reached down well below their shoulders. Attached to the cloak over the nose and mouth was a 10” long canoe-like shaped beak full of antiseptic herbs and essential oils.

Place a small handful each of dried lavender, rosemary, sage, rue and mint in a large jar, and cover completely with organic apple cider vinegar. Cover tightly and set for six weeks. Strain into a spray bottle. Whereas no home can be made to be sterile, spray the powerfully antiseptic Vinegar of Four Thieves recipe in areas of concern, such as on cutting boards and door knobs, always making sure to avoid your eyes.

Cleaning and Storing Wool

Clean woolen items before storing.

To wet clean wool: The key to not shrinking wool is to never twist it, agitate it, or wring it out. Gently swirl the wool in the water, then rinse and press the water out. Wool is an acidic material, so use a shampoo with its acidic pH. Or an acideic detergent. Any soap or detergent with a pH above 8 will harm wool. To lower the pH of a soap or detergent, add 1 tablespoon of white distilled vinegar or lemon juice before washing. Water temperature when washing wool should be around 100 F. Block wool -- lay it flat and shape it -- before drying.

Natural Moth Balls (Repellent Sachets): These sachets are lovely to tuck into sweater drawers and hang in closets. Most health food stores sell bulk dried herbs.

2 ounces each of dried rosemary and mint
1 ounce each of dried thyme and ginseng
8 ounces of whole cloves

Combine the ingredients in a large bowl. Blend. Make sachets by choosing a 4 x 4 inch piece of natural fiber with a tight weave, such as silk. Sew three sides together, then fill with the herbs and sew the fourth side shut. You can adapt this pattern to any size you want (2 x 2 is the traditional size for the undergarments drawer, for example). A good idea for small sachets is to fill cotton teabags sold for making your own tea (these are often sold in health food stores). If you are really in a rush, just tie the herbs up in a cotton bandana or handkerchief; place the herbs in the middle, gather the edges together, and tie with a ribbon.

Variation: Other herbs that are good for repelling moths include lavender, lemon, sweet woodruff, and tansy.

4. Completely seal clean woolen items in bags, boxes, and chests. Cedar chests help repel moths, but they must be sealed.

5. If you see moths, freeze the item of clothing for two days in the freezer.

Wool Moth Spray
If you have wool moths already, the best spray is to make one of neem oil, adding 1/4 cup of neem oil to 1/2 gallon water, with a dab of liquid castile soap, in a spray bottle.

Annie Berthold-Bond

Drugs and Grapefruit Juice

You've probably heard that grapefruit juice shouldn't be taken with medications because a chemical quirk in the juice boosts the potency of certain drugs, increasing the risk of a dangerous overdose.

It appears that grapefruit juice impedes an enzyme that plays a key role in metabolizing some drugs. When the effect of the enzyme is derailed, more of a drug's active ingredient reaches the bloodstream.

The enzyme - known as CYP 3A4 - may also be affected by apple juice, lime juice and orange juice made from Seville oranges. These juices should also be avoided with cholesterol lowering statin drugs (such as Lipitor), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (such as Prozac) and, as mentioned above, drugs that manage blood pressure.

Researchers note that the effect grapefruit juice has on specific drugs may vary from patient to patient.

( taken from HSI)

Depression

--Researchers have found that the cerebral spinal fluid of suicide victims have low levels of magnesium. Clinicians find that most of their depressed patients are low in magnesium.

-- Low zinc is associated with depression.

--Go to this site to read about people who were on antidepressants and/or were switching their doses and the effect it had on them. http://www.ssristories.com/index.php

--Omega 3 and B vitamins are very important for mental health.

--Finding Omega-3 supplements: preferred cod liver oil is from Nordic Naturals. [I'm not sure what the best Cod liver oil is]. If the thought of cod liver oil or fish oil makes you gag, look for a gel cap form. Dr Andrew Stoll recommends about 4 grams of EPA for depression.

--Finding B-vitamin supplements: Brewer’s Yeast enriched with B-vitamins is a very good B-vitamin supplement. You might take about double the recommended levels for a couple of weeks. If you find yourself reorganizing the cupboards at midnight, you’ve taken too much. Brewer’s Yeast can give you some energy, but you need your sleep more than your cupboards need reorganizing. Ask someone at your local independent health food store for their recommendation on a B-complex vitamin for you. [The best source of B-vitamin is actually liver. You can buy desiccated Liver tablets if you don't like liver.] I mentioned the Brewer’s Yeast above because that is the most palatable choice for most people. Another path to B-vitamins is through eating liver. When I eat liver about three times a week, I have a great boost of energy, I am able to handle stress, and the many life stresses do not upset me as much as they normally would. [Liver from pastured animals is best.]

---This information was taken from many sources, unfortunately I don’t remember where from.

Autism, Raw Milk, etc.

The major reason why autistic children need to avoid milk is because it is pasteurized. The pasteurization process turns casein into a very dangerous molecule that can further precipitate the brain injury. If the children are fed real raw milk this will not occur.

Even heating milk above 100 degrees to make yogurt causes protein cross-linking where amino acids become fused together. Poor lysine really goes through a beating!

It is commonly known that raw milk will sour, but pasteurized milk will putrefy. The idea that putrefaction of the stools causes disease (i.e. intestinal autointoxication) originated with physicians in ancient Egypt (Chen and Chen 1989). The toxic process, however, was reversed by the consumption of lactic acid-producing bacteria that changed the colonic microflora and prevented proteolysis (Chen and Chen 1989).

Autointoxication is an ancient theory based on the belief that intestinal waste products can poison the body and are a major contributor to many, if not all, diseases (Ernst 1997). By ancient tradition, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are involved in the production of fermented foods. German scientists found that foods rich in LAB constitute one quarter of the German diet and are characterized by a safe history, certain beneficial health effects, and an extended shelf life when compared with raw materials (Hammes and Tichaczek 1994).

--I'm not sure where I got this information, possibly HSI or Body Ecology.

Parsley

The Amazing Health Benefits of Parsley, or, "Hey, I Shouldn't Be Just a Table Garnish!" excerpted from: www.SixWise.com

Parsley is an easy-to-use, incredibly flavorful, nutrition powerhouse, yet, unfortunately, it often gets regarded as a "throw-away" garnish on dinner plates. Derived from the Greek word meaning "rock celery" (because it's related to celery), parsley has been cultivated for 2,000 years, and was used medicinally long before that. Aside from adding a burst of fresh flavor to soups, vegetables, meats and a host of other dishes, parsley is full of valuable nutrients that have proven health benefits. Parsley's Many Health-Giving Properties Parsley contains three times as much vitamin C as oranges, and twice as much iron as spinach. It's an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A and folate, as well. But parsley's nutrition advantages do not end there. For a quick look at parley's major nutrients (based on two tablespoons, which has only 2.7 calories!), check out the chart below, then keep reading to find out about more of parsley's healthy benefits. Nutrient Amount % Daily Value Rating* Vitamin K 123.00 mcg 153.8 Excellent Vitamin C 9.97 mg 16.6 Excellent Vitamin A 631.80 IU 12.6 Excellent Folate (folic acid) 11.40 mcg 2.9 Good Iron 0.46 mg 2.6 Good * Based on nutrient density and daily value. Fights cancer. Parsley contains volatile oils that have been found to inhibit tumor formation in animal studies, particularly those in the lungs. The oils are not only cancer-fighting, they're also known to neutralize carcinogens including those found in cigarette smoke and charcoal grill smoke. Parsley also contains folic acid, which has been found to help prevent colon and cervical cancers. Antioxidant-rich. Parsley contains beneficial antioxidant compounds called flavonoids. These compounds combine with oxygen-containing molecules and help prevent oxygen-based damage to cells. Parsley extracts have also been found to increase the antioxidant capacity of the blood in animal studies. Good for the heart. The folic acid in parsley is a critical nutrient in cardiovascular health. Specifically, folic acid helps convert potentially dangerous homocysteine into harmless molecules, a process that protects blood vessels and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Protects against rheumatoid arthritis. A study published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that people who ate the least amount of vitamin-C-rich foods (like parsley) had a three times greater chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis than those who ate the most. How to Use Parsley As you can see from the chart above, it only takes two tablespoons of parsley to yield a host of health benefits (but you can use as much as you like!). Fresh parsley is always more flavorful than the dried variety, so if you can get it, always use fresh. Generally, the flat version tends to have a more intense flavor than the curly-leaf variety, but pick the type that appeals to you the most. Simply wash the parsley, chop it up and sprinkle it into your favorite dishes, from soups and salads to fish and meat dishes. Or, check out the tasty recipe below for a parsley sauce that works great on lamb, fish and chicken. Garlic, Lemon & Parsley Dressing Ingredients: 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped or pressed 6 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley 6 tbsp. fresh breadcrumbs 6 tbsp. softened butter Juice of 1 lemon Salt & freshly ground black pepper Method: Make a smooth paste of the garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, butter and lemon juice Season to taste with salt and pepper. Spread the sauce on the desired entrée near the end of the cooking time (in the last hour for meat) and return to oven. Source: MountainValleyGrowers.com Sources The World's Healthiest Foods

High Fructose Corn Syrup

"I will remind you all, Snapple also claims to 'have the best stuff on Earth' in their brand ... If the 'best stuff' includes harmful high intensity sweeteners, High Fructose Corn Syrup, that is NOT fruit sugar, or sugars, nor metabolized as such, and is a leading ingredient linked to cardio vascular disease, diabetes, hypoglycemia, some forms of cancer, and obesity, then 'best' has a whole knew meaning I was never taught."

--comment on a site

How Not to Blow Yourself up at the Gas Station

In the past, you may have heard about cars blowing up at gas stations, allegedly because the consumers pumping gas were using their cellular phones.

For once, however, mobiles probably aren't the real cause of at least 150 fires at gas stations, according to the American Petroleum Institute.

The real culprit: Static electricity that builds up in the body, especially when a person leaves the gas pump and returns to their warm car while waiting for the pump to finish fueling their car.

After returning to the pump, that built-up static electricity on your body, created from rubbing against cloth seats and carpeting, may discharge when you touch it, creating a flash fire from gasoline refueling vapors.

But with sub-zero temperatures still a problem in the Northern Hemisphere, you probably don't want to stand in the cold waiting for your gas tank to fill up either. Some common sense tips from the American Society of Safety Engineers to protect you and your car from static electricity:

• Turn off your car's engine while refueling it.
• Don't "top off" your gas tank, as that will cause spillage.
• When filling a safe gas container, place it on the ground.
• If you must return to your car while filling the gas tank, always be sure to touch a metal part of your car away from the tank (reducing the buildup of static electricity) before coming back to the refueling area.

--Valvoline Car Care

"Interviewing" Your Surgeon

So take your time "interviewing" your surgeon with the following top questions so you feel certain that the procedure and the surgeon are right for you.

1. How will the surgery be performed? (Ask him or her to draw you a diagram, if you like.)

2. Is there more than one way of performing the procedure?

3. Are there alternatives to the surgical procedure?

4. What are the benefits of the surgery?

5. What are the risks of the surgery?

6. If I opt NOT to have the procedure, what are the risks/benefits?

7. What is the expected outcome of the surgery?

8. How many of this (or similar) surgery do you perform each year? (A good indicator of experience and ability)

9. What kind of anesthesia will be used? (And what are the risks/benefits of it?)

10. Will I meet with an anesthesiologist before surgery?

11. Will my heart rate and breathing be monitored during the surgery (and is anything else monitored)?

12. At which hospital will the surgery be performed?

13. How often is this procedure performed at that hospital, and what is the success rate? (Studies show that patients do better in hospitals that have experience with the procedure.)

14. How long will I be in the hospital?

15. Is there a 24-hour recovery room in the hospital (or, where will I recover in the hospital)?

16. What are the qualifications of the staff in the recovery room?

17. What are my options for pain control after the surgery?

18. How long will it take me to recover?

19. What will the procedure cost, and is it covered by my insurance?

20. What about a second opinion? (Getting a second opinion is fairly common before an elective surgical procedure is performed.)

21. Will you please mark the location of the surgery on my body ahead of time? (This helps to ensure that the wrong site is not operated on, which does, fairly rarely, sometimes happen.)

--I think this is from six-wise

Seven Nutrients Many Americans are Lacking

--from(sixwise.com)

1. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects your cells from damaging free radicals, may protect against cancer and Alzheimer's disease, helps your cells to communicate effectively and helps to boost your immune system. However, up to 93 percent of Americans are not getting enough.

• Excellent Food Sources: Mustard greens, Swiss chard, sunflower seeds (raw, preferably), turnip greens, almonds, spinach, papaya and olives

2. Vitamin C

Over 30 percent of Americans are not getting enough vitamin C, which is crucial for boosting your immune system, helping wounds heal, protecting against cancer and fighting against free radical damage.

• Excellent Food Sources: Red bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, parsley, lemon juice, strawberries, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cantaloupe, and grapefruit

3. Fiber

Fiber helps to support bowel regularity, maintain normal cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and may help you maintain a healthy weight by staving off hunger. However, upwards of 96 percent of Americans are not getting enough.

• How Much You Should be Getting Daily: For Americans aged 19-50, 38 g for men, 25 g for women

• Excellent Food Sources: Turnip greens, raspberries, broccoli, Swiss chard, raw celery, kidney and pinto beans, squash, strawberries and asparagus

4. Magnesium

About 56 percent of Americans are lacking in magnesium, a nutrient that is essential to build and strengthen your bones, keep your blood circulating smoothly, support your heart health and help your nerves and muscles to relax.

• How Much You Should be Getting Daily: For Americans aged 31 years and up, 420 mg for men, 320 mg for women

• Excellent Food Sources: Swiss chard, spinach, squash, pumpkin seeds, cucumbers, sunflower seeds, black beans and navy beans

5. Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps to preserve and improve your eyesight, promotes healthy skin and boosts your immune function, but about 44 percent of Americans aren't getting enough.

• Excellent Food Sources: Raw carrots(some of these are not vit.A), calf's liver, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, apricots, red bell peppers, cod liver oil [you can only get true vitamin A from animal/fish sources]
  

6. Calcium

About 70 percent of Americans don't get enough calcium, which helps maintain strong bones, supports nerve and muscle function, and may help maintain normal blood pressure.

• How Much You Should be Getting Daily: Americans aged 19-50, 1,000 mg. Those over 50, 1,200 mg

• Excellent Food Sources: Yogurt, sesame seeds, milk, spinach, greens (mustard, turnip and collard), broccoli, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, asparagus, oranges

7. Potassium

Potassium helps your nerves and muscles function properly, maintains normal blood pressure and helps regulate body fluids, yet 97 percent of Americans aren't getting enough.

• How Much You Should be Getting Daily: For Americans aged 19 and up, 4,700 mg

• Excellent Food Sources: Swiss chard, spinach, crimini mushrooms, lima beans, avocado, pinto beans, papaya, lentils, eggplant, beets, strawberries

Sugar

Refined sugar is, of course, a poison and detected as a toxin within the body. This causes an autoimmune response and depletes the immune system. The rise in blood sugar levels causes the pancreas to release insulin and this stays in the blood stream long after blood sugar levels are normalised. The insulin prevents proper function of the spleen and release of growth hormone, both integral parts of the immune system. Refined sugar is, therefore, a double edged sword. Any naturally occurring sweetener would have to be a better choice and let's face it, not everybody has a perfect diet. --from a reader's comment on a Mercola article

Alternatives to refined (white) sugar:

raw honey
100% maple syrup
green stevia (this is an herb) and some say Zylitol
unsulferred blackstrap molasses
dates and raisins or fruit
never splenda, aspartame, high fructose corn syrup or any other fake sugar

Teflon

(I can't remember where I found this)

teflon-coated aluminum contains perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA),

In animal studies, PFOA posed health hazards like:

• Serious changes in organs including the brain, prostate, liver, thymus, and kidneys, showing toxicity.

• Death of several rat pups that were exposed to PFOA.

• Changes in the pituitary in female rats, at all doses. The pituitary controls growth, reproduction, and many metabolic functions. Changes in the size of the pituitary are considered an indication of toxicity.

• PFOA has been associated with tumors in at least four different organs in animal tests, and has been implicated in an increase in prostate cancer in PFOA plant workers. ⁵

Estrogen

"I agree 100% that exercise is one piece to the healing and prevention puzzle. I have found as well that most of my clients that have breast cancer in their family, are worried or get it, are estrogen dominant. This can mean high levels, but as well normal levels of estrogens. Estrogen dominance means that one has low levels of progesterone in order to oppose estrogen.

"Estrogen caused cell proliferation and cell growth. Estrogen dominance in this day and age in my opinion comes from many places, but the most common are:

"1. Plastic water bottles and containers contain xenoestrogens.

"2. Stress causes the body to steal pregnenolone (precursor to progesterone) from the metabolic pathways in order to keep up with the production of cortisol. This leads to adrenal issues and low progesterone levels.

"3. Most hygiene products, perfumes, etc will cause estrogen levels to increase, as well as make a women's hormones go haywire.

"4. The pill causes most women's hormones to go haywire. Most have synthetic estrogens in them, which cause adrenal stress, as well as add to estrogen dominance.

"5. Soy, and this is a whole discussion topic in itself."

[6. Pesticides!]

--from a post on a forum(?)

Kefir

From Body Ecology: we prefer milk kefir to yogurt because it is more potent.
Kefir has more live microflora and unlike yogurt, kefir has beneficial yeast.

Choose Milk Kefir if You Want:

• Smoothies - thick and rich, you can add stevia and sour fruits, like blueberries or cranberries for a delicious morning smoothie.
  
• To boost your mood - milk kefir is the 'feel good' drink because it boosts serotonin levels in your brain, which in turn boosts your mood!
  
• A good source of biotin, vitamin B12, thiamine (B1), folic acid, calcium and phosphorous.
  
• A source of dairy that is easier to digest.
  
• To coat your intestinal lining, making it easier for benefical bacteria to thrive in your intestines.[Some say the kefir bacteria won't survive the stomach acid unless it is in a specially coated pill form. If this is the case a kefir enema (lukewarm water with some kefir in it)would be the best way to repopulate the gut--my comment]
• To cool your body, especially if you have a fever or any condition resulting in body heat, like a herpes outbreak or AIDS.
  
• Kefir is a very popular breakfast in Russia and Poland in the hot months of summer because it is a cooling beverage.
  
  

Anti-bacterial soaps

In 2004, Americans spent more than $540 million on anti-bacterial hand cleaners, soaps and detergents that contain chemicals such as triclosan to kill germs, even though a Food and Drug Administration panel found that they are no better than soap and water.

Triclosan mimics thyroid hormone, is commonly added to soaps, toothpaste, deodorant, dog shampoo, cutting boards, clothing, toys and other anti-bacterial products, and is turning up in fish, breast milk and wastewater. A recent study has shown it's enough to disrupt thyroid function in frogs. Equivalent data on humans isn't yet available.

By the way, anti-bacterial soaps don't prevent colds or flu, which are associated with viruses, not bacteria. (3)

News From Dr. Van Ness

3. chicagotribune.com

Earaches

What to do if your infant has an earache or anyone else- use some or all but not all at the same time:
-use a hot water bottle, 10 minutes on and off for an hour, repeat if necessary
-rub under the ear in a downward motion
-put some breast milk in the ear
-put some hydrogen peroxide in the ear
-give the baby Kyolic garlic drops internally
-give the baby Natren Life Start, children's probiotic drops as directed
-make the following recipe to use 2 times a day, 4 to 8 drops in the painful ear as needed: 2 teaspoons honey, 2 teaspoons raw apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons pure water, 20 drops rubbing alcohol, 20 drops Kyolic garlic drops.
-blow dryer to dry and warm ear on low, not too close.
(as always Consult your doctor :) if you feel you must)
-Mullein Oil (garlic) ear drops

Beeswax Candles

So, what's so great about beeswax anyway?
Beeswax is a natural substance made by bees in contrast to paraffin which is a chemical bi-product of the oil industry. Beeswax candles burn brighter, longer and with less soot than any other and it does NOT emit toxins to pollute the air you breathe. Beeswax candles emit negative ions when burned which has been shown to clean the air and invigorate the body. Beeswax gets it's color and aroma from the honey and pollen that is packed into the honeycomb cells by the bees that secreted and formed it into the familiar hexagonal pattern. [Unlike soy candles, beeswax candles do not break down in 10 months. These candles store indefinitely under the proper conditions i.e. not in a furnace.][Paraffin is made from the bottom of the barrel of left over residue from refining petroleum. This product produces carcinogens and soot when burned equal to some of the same toxins produced by burning diesel fuel. In fact, if you read the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) for Paraffin Fume, it states to "Keep away from heat & ignition sources" and to "Avoid breathing vapors". (Hard to do when your burning these type of candles in your home.)]
Here is a great place to buy beeswax candles, they're handmade and have the best price: http://www.beeswaxco.com/ Please note the burn time on these candles.

This post was a compilation of cut and pastes from the beeswax.com site and an e-mail I received and a very little of my own writing.

Thanks to the Pope, Now We're Talking

Please read this article (http://catholiceducation.org/articles/multiculturalism/mu0007.htm) as a follow up on the reaction to the Pope's talk at Regensburg that upset Muslims. This is very important to read and pass on to people who only heard half the story.

Avoid Coffee If...

Info on coffee from Dr. Mercola:

It appears that drinking coffee may interfere with your body's ability to keep homocysteine and cholesterol levels in check, most likely by inhibiting the action of the vitamins folate, B12 or B6. Coffee has been previously associated with increased risk of stroke and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have also shown that caffeine in coffee can raise blood pressure and levels of stress hormones, and if consumed in large quantities it can lead to heart palpitations, jitters and nervousness.
Pregnant women should NEVER drink coffee. Caffeine is a stimulant drug that easily passes through the placenta to the developing fetus and is also transferred through breast milk.

During pregnancy and in infants the half-life of caffeine is increased, which means that it will stay in your body, and your infant's body, longer. Moreover, fetuses have no ability to detoxify caffeine.

Research suggests that drinking more than 300 mg of coffee daily, or the equivalent of two to three 8-ounce cups, may increase the risk of miscarriage, birth defects such as cleft palate and low birth weight, although as I mentioned above I don't believe that ANY amount coffee is safe for pregnant women.

Even with moderate caffeine intake, when the woman experiences no effects, studies have found changes in both the mother's and the fetal heart rate and blood pressure. Preliminary studies also suggest that drinking four cups of coffee or more per day may put the infant at an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Caffeine may also make it more difficult for women to maintain necessary levels of iron and calcium, which are especially important during pregnancy.

It also appears that coffee consumption is associated with increased estrogen levels, which means an increased risk of breast and endometrial cancer.

Coffee also has the issue of pesticide contamination, which is particularly harmful during pregnancy. You can read more about this issue below.

Coffee is usually not grown in the United States and we therefore have no control over how many pesticides are sprayed on coffee crops. As such, coffee is a heavily sprayed crop, so drinking coffee is likely to expose you to a dose of pesticides with each cup.

Pesticides have been associated with a number of health problems such as:

Prostate cancer and other cancers
Parkinson's Disease
Miscarriages
If you choose to drink coffee, drinking organic coffee might reduce or eliminate the exposure to toxic herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. The only drawback is that the countries where coffee is produced probably have less control and monitoring for compliance to organic practices along with pesticide use. Another plus of organic coffee is that you will also be helping to protect the health of the people working in the coffee fields, as you will be helping to reduce their exposure to toxins as well.

Avoid Coffee if You Have High Blood Pressure, Insomnia or Anxiety

Since coffee is a stimulant it will only worsen the symptoms of insomnia and anxiety and should definitely be avoided. People with panic or anxiety disorders may find that they are especially sensitive to caffeine and may find that even a small amount of the stimulant exacerbates their symptoms. Similarly, the caffeine will linger in your body for hours after you drink it, so it may keep you up at night even if you drink it long before bedtime.

For those with high blood pressure, a general rule is that the more caffeine you drink in a day, the higher your blood pressure will be. So if you are already at the higher end of the scales, drinking coffee will only increase your blood pressure further.

[Coffee can contribute to adrenal fatigue.]

"Coronaries/Cholesterol/Chlorine"

Every now and then we run an advertisement for a product called ShowerSafe, a showerhead filter that helps reduce the absorption of chlorine in tap water. http://www1.youreletters.com/t/369627/2660685/788768/0/

The latest ShowerSafe ad prompted this e-mail from an HSI member named Mary: "I read your article on chlorine and have a concern. I do water aerobics 3x a week for an hour. If a 10 minute shower is bad, what can that be doing?"

Good question. When I checked in with HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., and posed Mary's question, he started at the top: the scalp, noting that the pores of the scalp are highly absorbent.

Dr. Spreen: "As someone who spent a TON of time in chlorinated water (and handling chlorine levels), there is NO question that swimming in American pools is far worse than showering...the chlorine levels are much worse in the pool. That's haunted me for years.

"Even worse, however, would be a hot tub...they are positively loaded with chlorine.

"I say 'American' pools, as in Europe they refuse to use chlorine or bromine, preferring the more expensive process of ozonation. My feeling is the US can't afford to have that bit of news get out, as people will then start to question their municipal (chlorinated) water supplies.

"So, yes there's scalp absorption (plus inhalation, don't forget) in a shower. And never, ever, get in a hot tub unless it's ozone treated (which you won't find in the US, far as I know)."

In the e-mail Dr. Spreen sent, he mentioned a book titled "Coronaries/Cholesterol/Chlorine" by Dr. Joseph Price. The book explains how chlorine intake contributes to narrowing of the arteries.

Dr. Spreen: "Price found that American kids dying in car wrecks at home had far less atherosclerosis than kids the same age killed in Vietnam. His conclusion was that the only thing different was all the chlorine tablets the troops had to dump into all water supplies to be able to drink available water over there.

"He then took chickens (which for some reason have arteries like humans) and tested chlorinated and non-chlorinated water on them. He found that the highly reactive nature of the chlorine molecule scars the arterial intima [the inner lining of the artery]. The body protects itself by painting a thin film of cholesterol over the damaged area. It's not the cholesterol that kills, it's the continual need for protection against the scars that eventually gets out of hand."

In "Coronaries/Cholesterol/Chlorine" Dr. Price offers another key point to support the link between chlorine exposure and atherosclerosis.

Dr. Prince notes that heart disease is a modern health problem. We're told by mainstream nutritionists that high-fat diets are to blame, but high-fat diets were common in the 19th Century while heart disease was rare. Meanwhile, the steady growth of heart disease rates throughout the 20th Century parallels the steady increase in the use of chlorine in our water, paper, clothing, insecticides, paints and cleaning products.

-HSI

Benefits of Organic Food

Here is the short list of the benefits of organic food.

No pesticide, herbicide, fungicide residues on food
Less chlorine chemistry into our environment.
No synthetic fertilizer residuals built into plants
No genetically engineered organisms or varieties.
Intense, realistic flavors.
Higher vitamin content.
Higher mineral content and greater mineral variety

Unbalanced pH

Most people who have unbalanced pH are "acidic." This condition forces the body to borrow calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium from vital organs and bones to buffer the acid and safely remove it from the body. This process weakens these organs and bones over time.

[I don't remember where I copied this from. See an earlier post on how to balance your pH.]

Aspartame, "Chemical Poison"

Mansanto website said,"As far as aspartame is concerned, according to researchers and
physicians studying the adverse effects of aspartame, the following
chronic illnesses can be triggered or worsened by ingesting of
aspartame: Brain tumors, Multiple sclerosis, Epilepsy, Chronic
fatigue syndrome, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's, Mental
retardation, Lymphoma, Birth defects, Fibromyalgia, Diabetes.
Aspartame is made up of three chemicals, aspartic acid,
phenylalanine, and methanol." The book, "Prescription for Nutritional
Healing" by James and Phyllis Balch lists aspartame under the
category of "Chemical Poison." As you can see, that is exactly what
it is. "

[This was taken from a health forum, possibly Curezone.]

Tinnitus

According to Holistic Online, onion juice is a folk remedy that calls for one drop of the juice in each ear, three times a week until the ringing in the ears is relieved. I have no idea if this works , but I do know that onion juice is not the only natural treatment for this very annoying condition.

In a 2002 ginkgo biloba study conducted in Germany, patients who received 200 mg of ginkgo daily generally reported marked reduction in tinnitus.

A deficiency of zinc may be at the root of some tinnitus cases. Foods that contain zinc include spinach, oysters, beef, papaya, asparagus and prunes.

Tinnitus is a common topic in the HSI Healthier Talk community forums. One HSI member with an "extreme case" of tinnitus notes that CoQ10 supplements combined with a low carbohydrate diet helped enormously. And another member found relief with chiropractic treatments.

Jenny Thompson -HSI

Prevent Alzheimer's

Can vitamins help prevent Alzheimer's disease?

Many HSI members are well aware that an elevated level of homocysteine (an amino acid) increases the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. And they also know that foods and supplements rich in vitamins B6, B12, and folate can help reduce homocysteine.

Less well known, however, is a demonstrated link between high homocysteine and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia.

So we return to the original question: Can vitamins (specifically, the ones mentioned above) help prevent Alzheimer's disease?

Last year, researchers from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University recruited more than 320 healthy older men from a Veterans Affairs study on aging. At baseline, all of the men completed food-frequency questionnaires, and blood was drawn from each subject to measure B vitamins and homocysteine. Over the following three years the men took occasional tests to monitor cognitive function.

At the conclusion of the study, researchers reported these results:
High homocysteine levels were associated with a decline in recall memory
High folate levels were significantly linked to verbal fluency
Subjects with elevated folate levels had fewer declines in spatial copying (a drawing test that measures the brain's ability to understand and reproduce geometric figures)

Writing in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the USDA authors concluded that, "Low B vitamin and high homocysteine concentrations predict cognitive decline."

Vitamins B6, B12, and folate have been proven to help metabolize homocysteine. These nutrients are abundant in asparagus, lentils, chickpeas, most varieties of beans, and especially spinach and other leafy green vegetables. But many people don't absorb B vitamins well, so in addition to these food sources a good B-complex supplement is often required to lower homocysteine levels.

According to several studies, supplements of the antioxidant amino acid N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may also lower homocysteine levels.

In 2001 I told you about a study that showed how NAC improved cognitive function in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease. The 24-week study of 47 subjects revealed that those participants who took NAC showed improvement in nearly every outcome measure, without experiencing any negative side effects.

Once homocysteine levels are addressed, there are other nutrients that may offer further protection from Alzheimer's. In the e-Alert "Form Rides with Function" (4/20/05), I told you about two studies from Johns Hopkins University that show how two key vitamins may support cognitive function.

In the first study, nearly 580 subjects, aged 60 or older, were followed for more than seven years. A diet high in vitamin E (spinach, eggs, nuts, seeds, avocados, tomatoes, peaches and blackberries) was strongly associated with a significant reduction of Alzheimer's risk. Intake of dietary vitamin C was found to be somewhat useful in reducing AD risk, but less effective than vitamin E.

Nearly two years later, another Johns Hopkins team interviewed more than 4,700 subjects aged 65 or older. Supplement intake was assessed, as well as the prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, from 1995 to 1997, and again from 1998 to 2000. Evaluation of the data showed that in the first phase, those who took supplements of vitamins C and E combined had a 78 percent lower risk of AD. In the second phase, the percentage dropped to 64, but still indicated a significant level of protection.

In addition, Alzheimer's risk was even lower among subjects who took a vitamin E supplement along with a multivitamin that contained vitamin C.

Jenny Thompson -HSI [Also, be sure to do your Sudoku!]

Migraine and Blood Sugar

Migraine patients may have a new strategy for minimizing headaches.

Italian researchers at the Headache Centre at the University of Turin investigated the confirmed link between migraines and an increased risk of blood vessel-related disorders such as high blood pressure.

The Turin team recruited 30 migraine patients and a control group of 15 healthy subjects without migraines. When blood sugar levels were measured after each subject drank a beverage with high sugar content, blood sugar levels in the migraine group remained much higher than those in the control group for up to three hours after taking the drink. Other measures also indicated a general insensitivity to insulin among the migraine group.

Lead researcher Innocenzo Rainero, M.D., told Reuters Health that methods for addressing insulin insensitivity - such as regular exercise and avoidance of high glycemic foods - might help prevent migraine attacks.

-HSI

Psoriasis, Natural Treatment

In psoriasis, skin cells multiply too rapidly, resulting in unsightly, itchy rashes. Complicating matters is the fact that psoriasis is still poorly understood, has no certain cause, and is considered by conventional medicine to be incurable.

Incurable, maybe, but not untreatable.

Here's a treatment that's been successful for thousands of psoriasis patients - an extract of mahonia aquifolium (also known as the Oregon grape). In 1995, researchers in 89 dermatology practices throughout Germany put mahonia aquifolium to the test, using 433 patients who suffered from chronic psoriasis. Over the course of 12 weeks, the dermatologists reported that symptoms improved or completely disappeared in 81 percent of the patients.

Further biochemical research has isolated several active alkaloids from the bark of the Oregon grape that appear to be responsible for the beneficial functions that help fight psoriasis, including: inhibition of abnormal proliferation of skin cells, reduction of inflammation and histamine release, and strong antibacterial and antifungal properties.

There are a number of products based on mahonia aquifolium, marketed under the brand name of M-Folia. These products include ointment and cream preparations, shampoo, sunscreen, and bath oil, which can provide relief from eczema as well as psoriasis.

For more information, HSI members can view the article titled "Incurable No Longer" in the December 1999 Members Alert, available on our web site at hsibaltimore.com. M-folia can be easily ordered through sources on the Internet, but talk to your doctor before using M-folia.

Non-drug treatment for psoriasis is a common topic in the HSI Healthier Talk community forums. Here are a few suggestions posted by HSI members:

A member named George has a case of psoriasis that was treated unexpectedly. He began taking two grams per day of inositol (niacin) to address a cognitive condition. But to his surprise, "My psoriasis has reduced to something barely noticeable - even through the cold winter with the dry heat and little sunshine."

Mary: "A friend of mine noticed a big difference, when she was going to the beach daily. Something about the sea water helped her a lot. It was almost cleared up, until she had to stop going to the beach. Just a thought, wouldn't that be a great prescription, daily dose of beach time."

Rick: "The real cure is free - Just takes your time and effort! Sunlight is the ultimate healer!"

Bob: "Vitamin D I think is a big factor. Dr. Douglass has been talking about lack of Vit. D and sun, and psoriasis was one thing he mentioned."

Kathy: "The following herbs are specific for psoriasis: Nettle Leaves, Silymarin and sarsaparilla." Terry: "Many sources will tell you that the Essential Fatty Acids in fish oil and flax seed oil will help psoriasis. It has helped mine a lot."

Tressa: "I read in Adelle Davis that lecithin could cure it. Started eating lecithin, several tablespoons a day, and it disappeared."

-HSI

Excitotoxins (MSG and Aspartame)

Blaylock states, "Diets high in excitotoxins can cause learning disabilities, nervous disorders, seizures and hormonal imbalances in children." At any age, MSG and aspartame may cause headaches, seizures and allergic reactions in those who are sensitive.

Biotin Deficiency

Eating the raw whites of eggs can cause a biotin deficiency. Signs of biotin deficiency are red around the eyes, mouth, and nose and brittle fingernails, thinning hair and or loss of color. Take biotin for a few weeks if you are deficient. Sally Fallon recommends eating raw yolks in smoothies. The best way to eat cooked eggs are over-easy or soft boiled. I have raw eggs in my egg-nog. This is fine just don't eat too many raw egg whites or save the whites and use in a cooking recipe. The whites are good for you they just need to be cooked. There is a long article on this at mercola.com.

Spiritual Direction

You should try to make it regular, generally no less than monthly and often weekly or biweekly. Although needs are varied, normally a well prepared session of spiritual direction need not last for more than half an hour. It is good to jot down concrete resolutions drawn from the normally few words of advice given. These resolutions should be brought to prayer and action and then spoken about if possible in the next meeting. Try never to leave your meeting without setting up the next appointment. Certainly the quality and quantity of your prayer and spiritual reading and sacramental life should always be touched on. Your struggle to live as a Christian in marriage and family, work, friendship, and social life should normally be addressed -- specifically. There should be an effort to address a very particular area of life which needs improvement, that defect or fault that keeps you from making more rapid progress towards holiness. With time your efforts to share your faith in a natural way with those around can also be a topic of discussion. These efforts may well result in God's grace in reconciliations, conversions, and vocations. And, oh yes, from time to time you may simply need to unburden yourself of unexpected joys and sorrows that come on your pilgrimage to the house of God, the Father. If you are seeing a priest for direction, you may also want to avail yourself of the Sacrament of Penance, adding the sacramental grace to the actual graces received from being open and docile in the conversation with your spiritual director.

[I forgot where I copied this from]

Appendicitis

In England and Wales, a study was performed to review whether low intake of fiber and high intake of sugar and meat may influence the development of acute appendicitis. The study evaluated the dietary habits of 49,690 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Although no specific correlation was found with sugar or meat, the analysis did suggest that the more fresh and frozen green vegetables and fresh and processed tomatoes people ate, the less likely they were to develop appendicitis. The researchers concluded that eating green vegetables—particularly cabbages, cauliflowers, peas, beans, and Brussels sprouts—and possibly tomatoes may protect against appendicitis.

Constipation should be avoided. Eating Veggies helps keep you regular.

Dangerous Antibiotic

The drug company is Sanofi-Aventis and the drug is telithromycin, better known by its brand name: Ketek.

Ketek is an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections associated with sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. After the safety concerns and outright fraud described above, was it approved by the FDA? Of course it was! And now - two years after approval - some ugly chickens have come home to roost.

Here's the latest box score for Ketek adverse effects, according to a 6/29/06 Reuters report:
The FDA has received 12 reports of acute liver failure linked to Ketek
Four of those patients died
One patient required a liver transplant
The Times states that liver failure has occurred in 14 patients, and 23 others experienced serious liver injury. The Times also notes that Ketek may cause blurred vision and loss of consciousness. So it's no surprise really that SOMEONE at the FDA is up in arms about this drug.

Sunlight

A little more than 50 years ago, doctors in Europe and North America were using sunlight to treat potentially fatal diseases on a routine basis, and a number of hospitals were built specifically for sunlight treatment. In fact, sunlight not only increases your energy and general well being, but it can also help:

Lower your cholesterol
Treat multiple sclerosis and osteoporosis
Prevent and treat cancer
Lower your blood pressure
Increase the value of exercise
Improve your body's ability to detoxify

(From Mercola)

Got an Ant Problem? Use Aspartame

Ant Poison: For all the dire health problems associated with aspartame -- the worst of them being cancer -- the original "anything-but-sugar" substitute may have an ideal purpose to exist, not as a food additive, but as an ant poison

Already aware of aspartame's origins as a toxic chemical, a health-conscious consumer with an ant problem emptied one packet of aspartame in the corner of each of her bathrooms two years ago. The "sweet" solution worked brilliantly, as she's seen no signs of carpenter ants crawling around for the past year.

Aspartame may be just the thing for getting rid of fire ants (impervious to many poisons) too, although this solution takes a bit more effort. Initially, fire ants ignored their aspartame treat until a light rain moistened it. After the rain, however, the fire ants came back with a vengeance, taking the aspartame back to the mound by the hundreds. Within two days, any evidence that fire ants existed at all, save for an empty mound, vanished.

No mystery aspartame works like a pesticide, as the asparctic acid contained in this toxic product is a well-documented excitotoxin that causes specific brain cells to become excessively excited to the point they quickly die, just as both kinds of ants did.

Makes you wonder if aspartame is a far safer, better alternative to getting rid of lawn and home pests than the average toxic pesticides found at your neighborhood hardware store ...

If you ever wanted a painless way to find out all the dangers of aspartame you will certainly want to view Sweet Misery. If you are a natural health care practitioner you might want to consider showing this in your reception area.

Idaho Observer June 2006 (I copied and pasted this from Mercola.com)

Gossip

To make sure you do not gossip, ask yourself three questions regarding what you want to say. The answer has to be "yes" to all three questions.
1. Is it true?
2. Is it charitable?
3. Does the person I want to tell it to need to know?

Remember the sin of detraction is when you say something that is true, but it is not charitable to repeat as it may ruin the subjects reputation as they may have repented of what they had done or been ignorant.

Five Major Causes of Success in Life

by Napoleon Hill
1. Having a definite purpose, an aim, a goal
2. Consistent Self-discipline
3. Positive mental attitude
4. A commitment to excellence
5. Perseverance, never giving up

Five Major Causes of Failure in Life

This is by Napoleon Hill:
1. Drifting without aim or purpose
2. Lack of self-discipline
3. A negative mental attitude
4. An acceptance of mediocrity
5. Lack of persistence

Love

By St. Peter Julian Eymard, The Real Presence

What are the proofs of a genuine love? There is only one, its sacrifices: the sacrifices it prompts us to do and those it accepts with joy.
Love without sacrifice is but an empty name, a self-love in disguise.

Prayer

By St Claude

Occupy yourself with Him whom you love and bother very little about yourself.
The mere sense of the presence of God is an excellent prayer.
Go to God simply, with great confidence that His goodness will guide you.
Love and do what you will.

On Mortification

From The 12 Steps to Holiness by St. Alphonsus Liguori
'Except they do penance for their deeds' says Holy Scripture, 'they shall be in very great tribulation.'
'Souls that truly love God,' says St. Teresa, 'have no desire for bodily rest and indulgence.' ...by mortification may we attain great glory in Heaven.
Our present tribulations are momentary and light, but they 'work for us above measure exceedingly an eternal weight of glory.'
If you, Christian soul, desire to become holy and enjoy uninterrupted peace, strive as often as you can to mortify your will. Do nothing for your own satisfaction, but everything to please God.

Reprove with Meekness

From The 12 Steps to Holiness by St. Alphonsus Liguori

To correct emphatically is one thing; to reprove harshly is another.
But we must guard against using a angry tone which betrays an absence of self-control; this often does more harm than good.
Let meekness and gentleness predominate.
Meekness accomplishes far more than anger and bitterness.
You must endeavor to be mild and amiable to everyone, under all circumstances and at all times.
If we must answer one who offends us, let us do so with meekness. A mild answer breaketh wrath, says Holy Scripture.(Prov. 15:1)

factory farm milk as "organic"

ACTION ALERT: ORGANIC DAIRY REGULATION COMMENTS

WESTON A. PRICE FOUNDATION
ACTION ALRT
May 22, 2006

Organic Cattle Should Be Pasture Fed- Not Raised in Intensive Feedlots

Two of the largest organic dairy companies in the nation, Horizon Organic (a subsidiary of Dean Foods), a supplier to Wal-Mart and many health food stores; and Aurora Organic, a supplier of private brand name organic milk to Costco, Safeway, Giant, Wild Oats and others, are purchasing the majority of their milk from feedlot dairies where the cows have little or no access to pasture. Together, these corporations control up to 65% of the organic dairy market. A routine practice on these giant dairy feedlots, many with thousands of cows, is to continuously import calves from conventional farms, where animals have been weaned on blood, fed slaughterhouse waste and genetically engineered grains, and injected or dosed with antibiotics. Certifiers endorsing these factory farm organic products include QAI and the Colorado state department of agriculture.

Here's How Organic Consumers Can Help Put a Stop to This

The USDA has posted revisions to the National Organic Program and is seeking public comment until June 12, 2006. A portion of the revisions relate to the issue of dairy produced on factory farms being labeled as "organic." The National Organic Standards Board, which is made up of representatives of the organics industry, has proposed that organic dairy cows be required to spend at least 120 days each year on grass and that at least 30 percent of the cows' feed must come from pasture during the grazing season.

For many organic dairy farmers, having grazing standards that can be enforced are essential to protect the industry from the large corporate players in the West with large herds that offer their cows only token access to grass. The organic dairy farmers warn that by leveraging economy of scale, these large dairies can lowball prices, thus putting the livelihood of the smaller family dairies along with the more modest-sized companies and cooperatives that market their milk at risk.

Please send a message to the National Organic Program of the USDA to stop the labeling of ." To do so, please click on the following link:

http://tinyurl.com/mqvup

Food Sources of Vitamin E

Virgin (Red) Palm Oil
unrefined veg. oil (olive, etc)
Butter (organic, raw if possible)
organ meats (liver and such)
grains (whole organic)
nuts (almonds, etc)
seeds (pumpkin, sesame, etc)
cold pressed unrefined nut and seed oils
lugumes
dark green leafy vegetables
pastured
one list also included the following fruits: apple, apricot, nectarine, peaches and fish and fish oil.