tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47623763490923576562024-03-13T12:21:22.720-07:00On Being Well..."The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease." -Thomas EdisonNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490732794848162302noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762376349092357656.post-13386127965079802062011-03-01T03:53:00.000-08:002011-03-19T19:53:00.093-07:00Spring Clean Yourself!<div class="asset-content"><div class="asset-body preview-links"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Digestion and elimination are the most important functions of our body. When these are not functioning properly, disease can easily overtake our system. When you feel heavy, bloated, irritable, mentally foggy and stiff in the joints; your elimination is slow and slight; you retain fluid around your abdomen and your skin is breaking out, it is time to cleanse your system and get a fresh start.</span> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">I have created an herbal formula that can help to cleanse your whole digestive system.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">A key component in a cleanse is to assist the liver in detoxifying. One of the most important organs in the digestive process is the liver. This is not only the toxin processing hub, but it regulates your bile production and in so doing, is key to breaking down your fats and keeping your cholesterol in check. When the liver gets bogged down, or is affected by toxins from pesticides, preservatives, excessive alcohol and red meat, or diseases like hepatitis, your digestion, assimilation and elimination suffer.</span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Artichoke leaves are one of the best natural sources for detoxifying the liver. The main properties of artichoke are: hepatic, biliary fluidifying, cholagogic, diuretic and antirheumatic. It is also an anticholesterol and fat reducer (Tierra, 1998, p. 88). These properties can aid the body in addressing ailments like sluggish bowels, elevated cholesterol, bloating and joint stiffness. Artichoke leaves are a primary ingredient in my formula.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Dandelion root is a close second in its ability to detoxify the liver. However, it also is one of nature’s best diuretics and also detoxifies and clears build-up in the spleen, pancreas, gallbladder, kidneys, stomach and intestines. The properties of dandelion are: alterative, cholagogue, diuretic, stomachic, aperient, and tonic (Tierra, 1998, p. 127). These properties make dandelion a must have ingredient for a general cleanse, detoxifying many organs and tonifying the system. It is also a primary ingredient in my formula.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Cleavers is a fantastic blood and lymph cleanser and widely used for skin problems. It is a powerful herb and has many other common uses, particularly for urinary and reproductive organ inflammations. But as a blood cleanser, it is great for clearing the skin of breakouts and eruptions, and as a diuretic, it helps release fluid retention. The properties of cleavers include: alterative, diuretic and astringent (Tierra, 1998, p. 119). Cleavers can be quite strong to the system. Although it is a primary herb in my formula, the amount is less than the other two.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Chamomile is a very well known herb for its calming and stomach soothing effects. It is also effective at relieving irritability, menstrual cramps and back pain. The main properties of chamomile are: calmative, nervine, antispasmodic, diaphoretic and carminative (Tierra, 1998, p. 110). This herb can be beneficial for relieving gas, aiding digestion, and improves bad mood and snappiness. As an antispasmodic, chamomile is an important secondary ingredient in my formula to balance the strong effects of the previous herbs.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Ginger is famous for it digestive abilities and nausea relief, but it is useful for so much more. It is a stimulating herb that can jump start your stomach, intestines and circulation. Another great aspect of ginger is that it enhances the effectiveness of other herbs without interfering with them. Its properties include: antispasmodic, carminative, stimulant, and digestive. Aside from its use in my formula, ginger can be eaten fresh, cooked with or enjoyed as a candy for any stomach upset, cramps and even morning sickness.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Aniseed is a great digestive aid that expels gas, relieves belching, abdominal pains and warms the abdomen. Anise is also sweet and tastes good, which helps to make formulas more palatable. The properties of Aniseed are: stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic and diaphoretic (Tierra, 1998, p. 87). Chewing on the seeds themselves can be a good reliever of gas and the tea can soothe children with colic. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">The synergy of all these herbs in a formula is an important aspect. The primary herbs in this formula are cooling and bitter (artichoke especially). It is important to balance this with the spicy and warming ginger and anise. It not only improves the flavor and palatability of the formula, but also protects the body from too many cooling agents, and throwing it into imbalance. Anise is chosen over licorice, another warming, good tasting digestive aid often used in formulas for this reason. However, licorice encourages a tendency toward retaining fluid, so I do not recommended it for this formula (Tierra, 1998, p. 231). </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">General Cleanse Formula</span></u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Artichoke leaves- 3 parts</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Dandelion root- 3 parts</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Cleavers- 2 parts</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Chamomile- 2 parts</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Ginger- 1 part</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Anise- 1 part</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">The above formula is most easily consumed internally as a tea. The dried herbs and crushed seeds should be prepared as an infusion, steeping in boiling water for thirty to sixty minutes. Because the dandelion root is harder than the leaves and flowers, I recommend the powdered root over dried pieces to extract the full properties in an infusion. Taking the tea just before meals will have a digestive affect, but taking it away from meals will have a more potent detoxifying affect on your liver. Generally, making one ounce of herbs per quart of water, or one tablespoon of herbs per cup of water, and taking three to four cups per day is recommended (Gladstar, 2008, p. 381). </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">When the main processing and filtering organs are cleansed, they are freed up to function optimally, restoring good digestion and assimilation of your food. However, no herbal formula, cleanse, or pill can replace the importance of a healthy, balanced diet. Food should be unprocessed and organic whenever possible, and fresh vegetables and legumes should make up the major portion of your diet.</span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Happy cleansing!</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -27pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Resources</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -27pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -27pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Gladstar, Rosemary. (2008). <i>Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health</i>. “North Adams”: Storey Publishing.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tierra, Michael. (1998). <i>The Way of Herbs</i>. “New York”: Pocket Books.</span></span></span></div></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490732794848162302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762376349092357656.post-25604749357364654652010-10-17T17:53:00.000-07:002010-10-18T05:59:57.651-07:00Shocking video about our foodI was reluctant to post this video due to the strong conspiracy theory tone, but the information on food additives, FDA approvals, Monsanto cross-breedings and the research is all true. Shockingly and disappointingly true. Please watch this video and learn from it. If you have ever wondered what the big deal is about buying organic and non-GMO, here are a bunch of reasons. And people can't seem to figure out why our infertility, autism, diabetes, IBS and cancer rates are higher than they have ever been.<br />
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Please do your grocery shopping at health-food stores, farmer's markets, Trader Joe's and/or Whole Foods. And even then, you still need to be vigilant with reading the ingredient lists. <br />
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Avoid the following ingredients at all costs: aspartame (really difficult to avoid as it is in nearly every sugar-free item, including most chewing gum and soda), monosodium glutamate (MSG), hydrogenated oils-especially cottonseed oil, Splenda and anything that takes more than a minute to try to pronounce. Yes, it takes extra time and effort when shopping, but this is your health and your future. So do whatever it takes to protect yourself.<br />
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This is hope out there. There is now more organic and non-GMO foods available than ever before. Farmer's markets are in nearly every city and there are watch-dog groups and certifying bodies to make sure you can find healthy foods. <br />
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Here are some links to informative sources:<br />
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The Non-GMO Project is a wealth of information on avoiding genetically modified foods and has a PDF shopping guide to help you at the store. There is even a free downloadable app. <br />
http://www.nongmoproject.org/<br />
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The Organic Consumers Association has info on all things organic.<br />
http://www.organicconsumers.org/<br />
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The Center for Food Safety keeps updated information of what is going on in the news and in courts about our food. <br />
http://truefoodnow.org/Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490732794848162302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762376349092357656.post-78792093654066911182010-10-16T07:04:00.000-07:002010-10-16T07:07:34.616-07:00The Fountain of Youth<style>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">What are Antioxidants?</span></u><br />
<div class="Section1"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -1pt;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are hundreds of antioxidants found in most fruits and vegetables and also produced in the body. They protect your cells from the damage caused by free radicals and not only keep us healthy, but they also keep us young, energetic, mentally alert, prevent disease and prolong our life. Dr. Packer, the leading scientist in the study of antioxidants, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">describes them best: “Their role in the human body is nothing less than miraculous” (Packer, 1999, p. 8). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">What Are Free Radicals?</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -1pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Free radicals are constantly being produced by your body. Everyday activities and environmental factors like UV light, chemicals, cigarette smoke and pollution all produce free radicals. Traveling around our body, free radicals oxidize our cells (like what happens when you leave food out), weakening our defenses and destroying our DNA. When kept under control, they can do important things like controlling blood flow--but when antioxidants can’t keep levels of free radicals under control, it causes rapid aging. That includes all aspects of aging, such as wrinkles, mental fog, poor eyesight, loss of memory, delayed reactions and many degenerative diseases.</span></div><blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -1pt;"><i>"Scientists now believe that free radicals are causal factors in nearly every known disease, from heart disease to arthritis to cancer to cataracts." (Packer, 1999, p.8)</i></div></blockquote></div><div class="Section2"><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">The Antioxidant Network</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following are the five antioxidants that make up the Antioxidant Network. These special antioxidants work together in the body to enhance, strengthen and even recycle one another. When an antioxidant neutralizes a free radical, it becomes useless. The other antioxidants in the network, when kept in balance, recycle each other back to functioning antioxidants. This complex system works nonstop with every breath to neutralize the harmful free radicals in your body. Dr. Packer (1999) describes the antioxidant network as “a shield that protects the body against the forces that age us before our time and rob years from our lives” (p. 9). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -1pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -1pt;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Co-enzyme Q10- </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Found in every cell in our body and it is essential for the production of energy. CoQ10 is very important for heart health. Studies have found people with heart disease have very low levels of this antioxidant and because it enables energy production, it is vital to a heart that works harder to pump. Japan has been successfully using CoQ10 to treat heart patients and also gum disease since 1965 (Packer, 1999, p. 95). In addition to its benefits for heart disease, CoQ10 has also shown the ability to rejuvenate brain tissue, help prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and has increased the life span of breast cancer patients. Being a fat-soluble antioxidant, CoQ10 recycles vitamin E in the network.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -1pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -1pt;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lipoic Acid-</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Referred to as “the antioxidant’s antioxidant” (Packer, 1999, p. 32), it is the strongest working and most amazing of all the network antioxidants. What makes lipoic acid different from the others is that it can recycle all the other antioxidants in the network and can even regenerate itself. It is incredibly powerful in protecting your body from cellular damage, especially following stroke and heart attack. It can also rejuvenate the liver, helping to treat all liver diseases like Hepatitis C and can reverse mushroom poisoning, which is often fatal. Lipoic acid is also effective in preventing and treating diabetes, used successfully in Europe for the last 20 years. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Glutathione- </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">One of the most important antioxidants, it is vitally important for maintaining a strong immune system, proper protein production and detoxifying the liver from everything you put in your body. Glutathione is necessary for healthy lungs, protecting lung tissue from damage and inflammation. It can also help prevent cancer by regulating your genes. As we age, glutathione levels decline and since low glutathione levels are associated with poor health, illness and death, it is very important to keep your levels high. It is not absorbed well from supplements, but fortunately, lipoic acid supplements increase your glutathione levels. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -1pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -1pt;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vitamin E- </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The ultimate antioxidant for anti-aging, it protects you from wrinkles, sun spots, heart attack, stroke, arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin E was originally used as a preservative because it would prevent food from oxidizing (turning rancid). It also does the same in your body, especially protecting lipids (fats) from oxidizing—the main cause of heart disease. Being fat soluble, it can travel to all the fatty cells and clean up where the other antioxidants cannot. Vitamin E improves quality and elasticity inside and out, working to protect your veins, arteries and skin. It can be regenerated by vitamin C and lipoic acid.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -1pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -1pt;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vitamin C- </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Unlike most animals, humans are not able to produce vitamin C. Therefore, it is very important to ensure that we get it from our diet and supplements. Popular for preventing and shortening colds and flu and for its ability to produce collagen, vitamin C has many more potent abilities. In the network, vitamin C is the most effective at regenerating vitamin E, which plays a large role in helping with heart disease. It has also proven effective in preventing cancer by strengthening the immune system, fortifying connective tissues, preventing damage to DNA and protecting genes from going haywire. Cancers shown to respond best to vitamin C are cancers of the esophagus, stomach, mouth and pancreas (Packer, 1999, p. 84). Vitamin C is crucial for men’s fertility, as it protects the DNA in sperm, preventing transmission of defective genes to the child. New research shows that vitamin C can also prevent cataracts.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -1pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -1pt;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">Network Boosters- </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following support, or boost the functions of your antioxidant network.</span></div></div><div class="Section3"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -1pt;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Flavonoids- </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Antioxidants found in the pigments of plants. Also known as plant phenols, the richest sources are tea, berries and wine. Flavonoids scavenge free radicals, regenerate vitamin C, lower high blood pressure and prevent blood clots. They can also improve concentration, memory and sexual function in men. Two of the best sources are ginko biloba and Pycnogenol.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Carotenoids- </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables, they can protect you from macular degeneration, cataracts, many types of cancer and heart disease. Well known carotenoids include alpha and beta carotene, producing vitamin A in your body, which heals and protects your skin; lycopene which has proven effective in preventing prostate cancer; and lutein, which helps your vision. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Selenium- </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">A trace mineral found in broccoli, egg yolks, garlic, red grapes, onions, wheat germ and in some areas, drinking water. Selenium assists several enzymes in detoxification and is important for producing glutathione and supporting vitamin E. It may also help prevent heart disease, blood clots and cancer. </span></div></div><div class="Section4"></div><div class="Section5"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">Antioxidant Cocktail for Longevity</span></u></div></div><div class="Section7"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -1pt;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Packer Plan- </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dr. Packer insists on the importance of 7 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Eating a wide variety of colors is the best way to ensure a wide variety of nutrients. For your network antioxidants, follow this basic regime, plus any of the boosters below:</span></div></div><div class="Section8"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -1pt;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Supplements in the A.M.</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vitamin E: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 100mg tocotrienols</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 200 mg mixed tocopherols</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">30 mg CoQ10</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">50 mg lipoic acid</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">250 mg ester vitamin C</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">400 mcg folic acid</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">300 mcg biotin</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 mg vitamin B<sub>6</sub></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -1pt;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Supplements in the P.M.</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vitamin E:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 200 mg natural alpha tocopherol</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">50 mg lipoic acid</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">250 mg ester vitamin C</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">30 mg ginko biloba</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">200 mcg selenium</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 17pt;"><br />
</div></div><div class="Section9"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -1pt;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Recommended Boosters for Special Needs</span></u>-If you fit into one of these categories, add the listed supplements to the basic AM or PM regime.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -1pt;"><br />
</div></div><div class="Section10"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -1pt;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Smokers </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">With each breath of smoke, smokers and second hand smokers are exposed to an incredibly high amount of toxins. This can overload the system with free radicals and quickly deplete the body of antioxidants. Add the following to the above plan:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">100 mg lipoic acid</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">100 mg tocotrienols</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">50 mg CoQ10</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">20 mg Pycnogenol</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">*Caution: Smokers should not take supplemental carotenoids, as they could react with cigarette smoke.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Diabetics</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Diabetics lack an enzyme that produces gamma linolenic acid (GLA). USDA studies show the mineral chromium improves glucose tolerance by helping the body use sugar and metabolize fat (Packer, 1999, p. 190).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">100 mg lipoic acid</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">1,000 mg GLA</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">200 mcg chromium</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Menopausal Women</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Calcium is an important supplement for women of advanced age and tocotrienols can protect against breast cancer.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">1,200 mg calcium</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">100 mg tocotrienols</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">High Risk of Cancer</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Having a close relative die before age 60 puts you at an increased risk of developing cancer. In addition to regular check-ups, taking additional supplements can provide your body with extra help in fighting carcinogens. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">100 mg lipoic acid</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">100 mg tocotrienols</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">50 mg Co Q10</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">20 mg Pycnogenol</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">High Risk of Cardiovascular Disease</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">High blood pressure, cholesterol or having a parent that died early of heart disease or stroke puts you at high risk. Get regular check-ups and tell your doctor you’re taking antioxidants as they are naturally anticoagulants (blood thinners).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">50 mg Co Q10</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">100 mg tocotrienols (p.m.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">100 mg lipoic acid</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">20 mg Pycnogenol</span></div></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><br clear="ALL" style="page-break-before: always;" /> </span> <br />
<div class="APAHeadingCenter" style="margin-left: -13.5pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">Reference</div><div class="APAReference"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=4762376349092357656&postID=7879209365406691118" name="R401257919907407I91200">Packer, L., & Colman, C. (1999). <i>The antioxidant miracle</i>. “Published simultaneously in Canada”: John Wiley & Sons.</a></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490732794848162302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762376349092357656.post-8109893640473087732010-09-21T17:09:00.000-07:002010-09-21T17:13:30.361-07:00Dangers of Bottled Water<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">Do you constantly carry a bottle of water with you throughout the day? Well, you should be, right? That’s what healthy people do, right? After all, there has been unrelenting advertisements about switching to water and in the last ten years we have made an unbelievable shift in drink consumption from soda to water. We have been educated, trained, warned and informed. And it is great that so many of us stay hydrated throughout the day. But there’s a problem. A big problem. A problem so huge and expansive that most of us can’t even fathom. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We have been hearing lately of the massive overload on our environment from tossed plastic bottles ending up in streams, lakes and oceans. That is a huge problem. We are polluting our environment, overwhelming our landfills and poisoning marine life. But this still isn’t the worst part…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Plastic bottles are manufactured with styrene, which is made from refined crude oil, and through a very toxic process forms the small, thin bottles which will slowly leach out proven neuro-toxins into your water. Independent tests have been made on water in plastic bottles and shows significant levels of these chemicals and phthalates, which are estrogen like compounds that act in your body just like estrogen. Natural water sources where grey water is deposited consistently have fish with hormonal abnormalities due to phthalates from plastic and other sources being poured back into our streams and lakes. Bottles exposed to heat or sun, like those left in your car or out in flats on a loading dock, have much higher levels of these chemicals.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The larger, thicker plastic bottles, like those for water coolers are even worse. This type of plastic is proven to leach Bisphenol-A (BPA) into the water. The FDA maintains that low doses of this chemical is not toxic, but they base that off of two studies carried out by the industry that manufactures BPA! Conflict of interest anyone? Meanwhile, over 200 other independent studies have scientists very alarmed about the affects on our bodies. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">At low doses, BPA interferes with natural estrogen getting into cells, and with increased exposure, can completely shut-off male reproductive systems. At high doses, it can shut down you body’s production of thyroid hormone. Vom Saal, a scientist interviewed for the documentary film <i>Tapped</i> says that BPA is: “one of the most toxic chemicals known to man”.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The <i>Tapped</i> website states that of these 200 independent scientific studies on BPA, they find it “relates to obesity, prostate cancer, breast cancer, diabetes, brain disorders like ADHD, liver disease, ovarian disease, disease of the uterus, low sperm count in men—the list is endless.” (accessed 9/21/2010)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bottled water companies also have MONDO marketing budgets to make sure we think we are drinking superior, natural mineral water. The problem is, most companies are just selling minimally filtered tap water. Now, there are brands that do bottle water at the source, providing in clean, spring water. But the percentage is sooooo small. Plus, it turns out that any regulation that we might assume exists on bottled water standards—don’t really exist. Thanks to a nifty interstate loop-hole, the FDA only regulates product that crosses state lines. The majority of bottled water companies, like Coca Cola and Pepsi, sell bottled water that was bottled in that state. Therefore, there is zero regulation or inspection on the water quality. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Are you mad yet? I am. So what can we do about all this? The first, and most important thing is to stop drinking out of plastic bottles!!! But what about the water? In the film <i>Tapped</i>, they make a strong argument for how safe tap water is and how often and rigorously the quality is checked and that it is not only perfectly safe to drink it, but you can’t tell the difference anyway. Personally, I just can’t agree with that. I think that the water quality completely depends on the city, how the water treatment plant works, and the surrounding environmental factors. The constant safety tests done on municipal water is only include the specific things they check for. But pollutants like pesticide run-off and industrial pollution deep in the ground water are not on their tests. There is also the new discovery of pharmaceutical pollution from all the antibiotics used in farming and the runoff from human excretion (like the synthetic estrogens in urine from birth control pill use—my MD told me about that one). These things are not checked for. Plus, some treatment centers use more natural means of filtration, and others, like Phoenix, just dump tons of chlorine in the water. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Personally, I can taste the difference. I can’t stand the taste of most tap water. Even here, in Norway, where the tap water is as pure as the melted snow pouring down the mountain behind me, the water that comes out of our faucet tastes like tap water. But at my parents’ previous house, it tasted just fine and I liked it. So, the pipes in your home will also affect your water. Tap water may be just fine at the testing site, but it has to travel a very long way through all sorts of pipes to get to your faucet.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Luckily for you, dear reader, one of my first textbooks, <i>Staying Healthy with Nutrition</i>, had a very long and specific section of the book devoted to water treatment and filtration. According to Dr. Elson Haas, the best filtration system that is widely available to the public is reverse-osmosis. Having one of these little tanks under your sink will provide you with a very thorough filtration of your water. RO units filter out almost everything from chemicals like chlorine to organic materials and some bacteria. It will even filter out the minerals. However, these units are quite expensive and they take a while to do their work. The second best is a compressed charcoal filter, which even include the faucet mounting Brita and Pur systems. While these filters are not the best for removing all the bad stuff, they are pretty effective. Dr. Haas actually recommends using both systems together, first the RO, then the charcoal, but I don’t think that’s really realistic in a normal household. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So stop buying plastic bottled water and start carrying your own filtered water in a glass or stainless steel bottle. There are many of these new, stainless steel water bottles popping up all over the place now. I haven’t tried one, and I’m a little suspicious that my water would taste like metal. Personally, I prefer glass; but as it can be impractical to travel with, these other bottles seem to be fine. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Happy hydration!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Resources:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<i>Staying Healthy with Nutrition</i>, By Elson Haas, MD 2008. (see Amazon link at right)<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Tapped</i>, a behind the scenes documentary on the bottled water industry.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.tappedthemovie.com/">www.tappedthemovie.com/</a> </div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490732794848162302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762376349092357656.post-41205222280851224572010-05-10T13:37:00.000-07:002010-09-17T16:54:13.760-07:00The Wonders of VinegarI came across a great article on Yahoo! about cleaning with vinegar and I thought I would share it. Here is an excerpt of the article "25 Ways to Clean with Vinegar" by Emily Hsieh:<br />
<br />
"The cleaning aisle at just about any grocery store is stocked with a dizzying array of options—and when it comes down to it, there are a lot of expensive, toxic, superfluous products crowding the market. Chances are, you already have one of the best, all-purpose cleaning agents in your pantry: white vinegar. As noted earlier, <a href="http://shine.yahoo.com/event/haven/5-tricks-to-keep-towels-soft-and-fluffy-1362287/"> vinegar actually works as a great laundry booster</a>, stripping away the chemical build-up that detergent leaves behind (and gets rid of clingy odors in the process). And beyond that, there are tons of other applications for the stuff around your home..." For the complete article: <a href="http://shine.yahoo.com/event/haven/25-ways-to-clean-with-vinegar-1371277/">http://shine.yahoo.com/event/haven/25-ways-to-clean-with-vinegar-1371277/</a><br />
<br />
The article also lists a great website for 1001 cleaning tips with vinegar. Here are some of the tips I like from <a href="http://www.vinegartips.com/Scripts/pageViewSec.asp?id=7">www.vinegartips.com</a>:<br />
<ul><li>Avoid the bad smell when you heat up a newly cleaned oven by using a sponge soaked in diluted white distilled vinegar for the final rinse. </li>
<li>To clean a grease splattered oven door window, saturate it with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Keep the door open for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping with a sponge.</li>
<li>Remove soap buildup and odors from the dishwasher by pouring a cup of white distilled vinegar inside the empty machine and running it through a whole cycle. Do monthly.</li>
<li>To prevent good glassware from getting etched by minerals, wash then spray with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Give the glasses a hot water rinse before letting them dry or drying them with a towel.</li>
<li>Remove white water rings from wood with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and vegetable oil. Rub with the grain.</li>
<li>Remove perspiration odor and stains on clothing, as well as those left by deodorants, by spraying full-strength white distilled vinegar on underarm and collar areas before tossing them into the washing machine.</li>
<li>Forgot that you left wet laundry in the machine and it now smells moldy? Pour a few cups of white distilled vinegar in the machine and wash the clothes in hot water. Then run a normal cycle with detergent.</li>
<li>Get cleaner laundry! Add about 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar to the last rinse. The acid in white distilled vinegar is too mild to harm fabrics, yet strong enough to dissolve the alkalies in soaps and detergents. Besides removing soap, white distilled vinegar prevents yellowing, acts as a fabric softener and static cling reducer, and attacks mold and mildew.</li>
<li>Eliminate manufacturing chemicals from new clothes by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the water.</li>
<li>Give acid-loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas and gardenias a little help by watering them with a white distilled vinegar solution now and again. A cup of white distilled vinegar to a gallon of tap water is a good mixture.</li>
<li>Stop ants from congregating by pouring white distilled vinegar on the area.</li>
<li>Discourage cats from getting into the kids’ sandbox with white distilled vinegar.</li>
<li>Preserve cut flowers and liven droopy ones by adding 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar to a quart of water in a vase.</li>
<li>Kill weeds and grass growing in unwanted places by pouring full-strength white distilled vinegar on them. This works especially well in crevices and cracks of walkways and driveways.</li>
<li>Create an all-purpose window cleaner with a few ounces of white distilled vinegar in a quart of water.</li>
<li>Give leather upholstery an extra shine by cleaning it with hot white distilled vinegar and rinsing with soapy water.</li>
<li>Make your car extra shiny by adding a few drops of white distilled vinegar to your bucket of water.</li>
</ul>There are so many more great tips on the website, so check it out!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490732794848162302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762376349092357656.post-37318869398958264432010-04-27T13:31:00.000-07:002010-09-17T16:53:22.241-07:00How Toxic Is Your Shampoo?<div class="asset-content"><div class="asset-body preview-links"><div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Beauty products are everywhere we look, in magazines, newspapers, billboards and on the shelves of every drug, grocery and department store. As one of the highest </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">grossing</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> industries worldwide, cosmetics are a part of everyday life. Unfortunately, with all our modern science, new chemicals and bulk availability, these products have become tubs of chemicals, often </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">using potentially </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">toxic ingredients to obtain a silky feel, good lather </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">and a</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">pleasant</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> scent. </span></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Shampoos are used just about daily by every person in </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">America</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">. The most common main ingredients in an average shampoo are sodium lauryl sulfate and ethyl parabens. Sodium lauryl sulfate</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> (SLS)</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> has received a lot of attention in last few years as it is a known skin irritant. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">According to David Steinman of Healthy Living, </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“s</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">hampoos rank among the products most often reported to the Food and Drug Administration for association with scalp irritation, stinging eyes, and tangled, split, and fuzzy hair</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">”</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">. He goes on to say that “</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">studies have indicated that sodium lauryl sulfate enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, liver, lu</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">ngs and brain from skin contact”</span></span></span> <span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">as cited in Jason Cosmetics, 2008</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">)</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span></span> <span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">In the recent organic, non-toxic health movement, many products advertise to be free of these potentially toxic ingredients. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">However, products that claim to be free of SLS often contain derivatives of it like ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate and cocamide DEA. These chemical detergents </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">are less irritating</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> to the </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">skin;</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> however, th</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">ey are potentially carcinogenic.</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">The comparison I chose </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">is shampoo for tendency toward oily hair. This will be between</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> a common drug-store brand, Garnier Fructis Naturals, which claims to be made from natural ingredient</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">s and real herbal exctracts, and Rosemary Gladstar’s Make-it-Yourself Herbal Shampoo recipe. Below is a side by side comparison of the ingredients:</span></span></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Garnier Fructis Ingredients</span></u></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Water, ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium chloride, kaolin, CI 19140/Yellow 5, CI 42090/Blue 1, sodium benzoate, Ethy</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">lparaben, salicylic acid, limone</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">ne, pimpinella anisum/anise fruit extract, Linalool, benzyl salicylate, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, alpha-isomethyl ionone, acrylates copolymer, methylparaben, butylparaben, butylphenyl methylproprional, butylene glycol, hexyl cinnamal, fragrance (FIL C22508/1)</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Rosemary Gladstar </span></u></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Herbal Shampoo</span></u></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Distilled water, liquid castile soap, Rapunzel’s Locks Infusion (rosemary leaf, witch hazel bark, yarrow leaf), rosemary essential oil, lavender essential oil</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> (Gladstar, 2008, p. 149)</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Most of the ingredients in the Garnier shampoo are tested on animals. All of the sulfates, colors, and parabens have been tested on laboratory rats or guinea pigs. Ethylparaben, limonene, linalool, benzyl salicylate</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">, propylparaben, alpha-isomethyl ionone, methylpa</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">raben, </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">butylparaben, butylphenyl methylproprional, and hexyl cinnamal are all listed as known allergens</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">,</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> and parabens have shown to be hormonally affective and mutagenic in mice </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">(“Environmental Working Group,” n.d.). </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">The </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">container </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">boldly</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> displays a seal stating “100% Natural Extracts”</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">but the </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">only ingredients </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">of natural origin are water, sodium chloride, k</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">aolin and </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">anise extract; all other ingredients are synthetic.</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Synthetic </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">colorant</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">s are </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">controversial ingredient</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">s</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">. Although </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">yellow 5</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> is approved </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">by the FDA </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">for limited use in food and cosmetics, several animal tests have shown it to be not only a neurotoxin, but the RTECS Journal of Toxicology and Mutation Report found it to be bioaccumalitve (meaining it builds up in tissue), cause developmental effects and is mutagenic on mammalian cells (meaning it can cause cells in mammals to mutate). </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Blue 1 is also listed as safe for c</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">ommon use by the FDA, but </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">it is listed as a known neuro</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> and respiratory toxin</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">(“Environmental Working Group,” n.d.).</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">The National Library of Medicine HazMap lists Limonene as a known immune system toxicant and the European Union Classification and Labeling committee reports limonene to have occupational hazards in handling and to be a wildlife and environmental toxin (</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Environmental Working Group,” n.d.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">). Imagining how many people are using these common chemicals on a daily basis and rinsing them down the drain to ground water supplies and into our oceans is alarming. The long-term effects on our bodies and our environment are still unknown.</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">The</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> incredibly long list of synthetic </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">ingredients</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> in the Garnier shampoo</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> is in sharp contrast to the short, simple and natural ingredient list of Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Shampoo.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Her formula is devoid of any</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> synthetic</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> ingredients</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">, ingredients that are</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> tested on animals, environmentally toxic</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">,</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">or toxic </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">to humans.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">The detergent she uses, liquid castile soap, is naturally derived from coconut. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">R</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">osemary </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">essential oil </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">is used for oily hair and treats dandruff while also promoting hair growth. In her recipe, she calls for 25 drops of an essential oil of choice, and I chose lavender because I love the scent and it goes well with rosemary. In addition, lavender is also good for dandruff and itchy scalp as well.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">With such </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">straight-forward ingredients and the knowledge she has of herbs, I</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> s</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">trongly believe that her shampoo</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> is</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> safe</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">r and healthier to use and</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">more effective </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">for</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> oil</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">y hair than the Garnier formula.</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 27pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Resources</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 27pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 27pt;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. (n.d.). Retrieved from: </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 27pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 27pt;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Gladstar, Rosemary. (2008). </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Herbal recipes for vibrant h</span></i></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">ealth</span></i></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">. “</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">North Adams</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">”: Storey Publishing.</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 27pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 28.05pt;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Steinman, David. (2008, June 9). Sodium laurel sulfate. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Healthy Living</span></i></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Retrieved from: </span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">http://www.jasoncosmetic</span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=4762376349092357656&postID=3731886939895826443" id="_Hlt256611561" name="_Hlt256611561"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=4762376349092357656&postID=3731886939895826443" id="_Hlt256611562" name="_Hlt256611562"></a><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">s.com/sodium_lauryl_sulfate.htm</span></span></div></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490732794848162302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762376349092357656.post-42426099314849903542010-04-07T13:28:00.000-07:002010-09-17T16:58:13.941-07:00Herbs For Healthy Digestion<div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Keeping Your Digestion Healthy</span></i></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">We all know what it feels like when our digestion isn’t working properly. For some, this is an occasional occurrence brought on by a heavy meal or excessive stress. For others, it can be a constant problem, where each meal causes discomfort, bloati</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">ng, acid indigestion or worse. </span></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">What causes digestion problems?</span></i></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">There are many causes and factors to digestion problems, as each person’s body is unique. However, unhealthy digestion is one of the most common afflictions worldwide. The modern lifestyle, with </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">its</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> face pace, high stress and meals on the run is the biggest factor in digestive disorders. Eating fresh, local and simply prepared meals in a relaxed environment has been replaced by industrialized, processed meals that can be bought on the street corner, frozen and shipped thousands of miles to a microwave oven, picked up through the window of a car and all </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">gulped</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> down within minutes. All this has led to a diet of processed, sugar laden, nutritionally devoid foods that clog our organs and cause numerous digestive complaints. Thorough chewing, the first and major part of digestion, has also become a victim of this faced-paced lifestyle. </span></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">How do you know if you suffer from digestive difficulties? </span></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">The symptoms of poor digestion are numerous; from acid indigestion/heartburn to constipation; from bloating after eating to feeling sluggish and heavy; from flatulence and belching to loose stool or diarrhea. Weight gain and weight loss are signals that food is not getting processed correctly. Even skin eruptions, foul breath and mental fog can be signs that you’re not</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> digesting your food properly. </span></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Assimilation is the process of your body breaking down all the nutrients from your food and utilizing them. Vitamins, minerals, protein, and fats are all important nutrients that protect your cells and organs and give them the fuel they need to function. When your digestion is off, your assimilation is affected and that can prevent your cells from getting their nutrients. Balancing your intake of these nutrients is important. According to Michael Tierra (1998), a healthy diet should be made up of primarily whole grains and beans, secondarily fresh vegetables and thirdly, of dairy, eggs, fruits and oils (p. 47). </span></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Look in your spice rack for help...</span></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Did you know that many of the common spices in your kitchen can help with your digestive ailments? Many herbs and spices are carminative (gas relieving), like anise, caraway</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">, cardamon</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">, clove, cumin and fennel. Chewing on a mixture of anise, caraway, dill and fennel seeds can help digest a heavy meal, expel gas and soothe the stomach. Fennel can also stimulate digestion, neutralize excess acids in the stomach and intestines and regulate hunger. (Gladstar, 2008, p. 331) Ginger, a digestive superstar, is excellent for all types of</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> stomach and intestinal upset, including n</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">ausea, gas pains, cramps and indigestion. Thyme is fantastic for the intestines. As a natural parasiticide, it can comba</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">t intestinal worms, </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">treat diarrhea and chronic gastritis (Tierra, 1998, p. 80).</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">What supplements can help digestion?</span></i></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Probiotic supplements are important for maintaining healthy intestinal flora. Digestive enzymes are also very important to healthy digestion. Enzymes break down your food so your body is able to assimilate the nutrients. Enzymes are easily available as supplements, and some are also found in fruits. Proteolytic enzyme supplements containing papain and bromelain are usually derived from papaya and pineapple</span>.</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">What herbs</span></i></span> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">can help digestion</span></i></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">?</span></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Herbs can provide the most effective treatment for many digestive ailments. Artichoke is a common digestive bitter in </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Europe</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">, as it is also a diuretic, fat reducer and blocks cholesterol (Tierra, 1998, p. 88). One of the safest natural laxatives is cascara sagrada, which stimulates the entire digestive system and is also beneficial for colitis. Psyllium husk is a</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">nother laxative that works as a</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> bulking aid for dry constipation. Chamomile, a well known herb for stomach aches, is also good for most digestive problems, even diarrhea.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">How are herbs supposed to be taken?</span></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">There are several ways to prepare herbs. The simplest way is to just eat the herb or seeds as needed, like with the anise and fennel seeds. But with other herbs, the most common preparation is as an infusion, where dried herbs are steeped in boiling water for several minutes. This way is good for any herb that is in a leaf form or finely </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">ground</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">. For whole pieces and harder roots, a decoction is recommended, which involves simmering the herbs for twenty to sixty minutes. Both of these methods </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">involve</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> drinking one to four cups of liquid to get an appropriate dose. In contrast, a tincture can be made with either an alcohol or vinegar base. This is then taken in a few drops and can be stored much longer than dried herbs, and is helpful when the taste of an herb is difficult to palate. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lastly, when herbs are very bitter, or just taste terrible, the finely ground powder can be put into gelatin capsules and taken with water.</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 27pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 27pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Resources</span></span></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Gladstar, Rosemary. (2008). </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health</span></i></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">. “</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">North Adams</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">”: Storey Publishing.</span></span><br />
<div at:align="left" at:enclosure="asset" at:format="small" at:xid="6a00fa968a4a8500030123f1c11046860f" class="enclosure enclosure-left enclosure-small book-enclosure"><div class="enclosure-inner"><div class="enclosure-list"><div class="enclosure-item book-asset last"><div class="enclosure-meta"></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 27pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tierra, Michael. (1998). </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">The</span></i></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"> Way of Herbs</span></i></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">. “</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">New York</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">”: Pocket Books</span></span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490732794848162302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762376349092357656.post-61830132498277936872009-11-07T13:26:00.000-08:002010-09-17T16:56:42.512-07:00My Top 10 Best Foods<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Nearly all fruits and vegetables are good for the body, and research has proven that the more servings of fresh fruits and vegetables per day, the lower the risk for cardiovascular disease. One of the largest studies done on nutrition in health was Harvard’s Nurses’ Health Study. After following 110,000 people for 14 years, the study found “those who averaged eight or more servings per day were 30 percent less likely to have had a heart attack or stroke” (Bowden, 2007, p. 255). While any whole, live food is recommended, some foods stand out as especially nutrient rich and anti-carcinogenic.</span><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">The Top 10 lists of the nutritional experts in Jonny Bowden’s “The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth” had many similar entries. Some foods, such as blueberries, broccoli, and spinach were almost unanimously chosen by all. The other common denominator amongst most choices are foods common in the diet and widely known to be healthy. In choosing my own top ten list, I had two main criteria that differed from those of the experts: First, foods that are convenient to snack on; second, to shed light on the unusual foods that people may never think to eat. It is well known that broccoli and spinach are extremely healthy foods--but how many know that dandelion greens are “nature’s richest green-vegetable source of beta carotene” (Bowden, 2007, p. 37); or that a medium jicama has three times the amount of fiber that most Americans eat in a day (Bowden, 2007, p. 45). Instead of listing foods common to people’s shopping lists, I wanted to pick out the nutritional powerhouses that are often overlooked at the grocery store.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">My first choice is dandelion greens. Not only are they delicious, versatile greens that can be eaten raw in salads or sauteed with garlic and olive oil, but they are also highly nutritious. Due to it’s cleansing and tonifying affect on the liver, dandelion is often used in cases of Hepatitis C. The inulin in dandelion, which helps balance blood sugar levels, can aid diabetics. Being a soluble fiber, inulin also assists in the absorption of calcium and magnesium which can help prevent osteoporosis. Nutritionally, dandelion is impressive; it is even listed on the USDA Bulletin #8 as one of the top four green vegetables (Bowden, 2007, p. 37). According to Bowden (2007), one cup of cooked dandelion greens contains 147 mg of calcium, 244 mg of potassium, 203 mg of vitamin K, 3 g of fiber, 10,000 IUs of vitamin A, and 4,944 mcg of lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that prevent macular degeneration and cataracts (p. 37). The only precaution for dandelion is for people with gallstones, as dandelion increases production of bile and could aggravate the problem.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Another often overlooked vegetable is Jicama. It is an excellent source of fiber, extremely hydrating and a very low calorie food, making it an ideal snack for people with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. Fiber has been shown to lower cholesterol, slow the absorption of sugar in the blood stream, and Bowden (2007) believes fiber is “the number-one supplement for weight loss” (p. 11). Jicama is refreshing and convenient to chop into spears and eat raw as a snack. Compared to high-fat, high calorie chips, jicama is 90% water, low calorie (49 calories per cup) and filling. Snacking on one medium jicama will provide you with vitamins, minerals and 32g of fiber (Bowden, 2007, p. 45).</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Although commonly selected for making jack-o-lanterns instead of food, pumpkins are tremendously high in potassium and carotenoids. Potassium is great for controlling hypertension because it helps maintain the body’s water balance, keeps sodium levels in check and is alkalizing. Studies have shown that it can also decrease your risk of stroke and maintain healthy bone density (Bowden, 2007, p. 57). One cup of mashed pumpkin contains high levels of alpha and beta-carotenes (853 and 5,000 mcg), vitamin A (12,000 IU), lutein and zeaxanthin (2,400 mcg) and fiber (2.5 g). Pumpkin also contains beta-cryptoxanthin, a potent cartenoid, that studies have shown reduces the risk of lung cancer by 30 percent and rheumatoid arthritis by 41 percent (Bowden, 2007, p. 58). Pumpkin seeds are a great snack, rich in minerals and beta-sistoserol, which is beneficial for prostate hyperplasia.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Guava is a delicious, nutritious, antioxidant superstar. In a test of antioxidant power, guava outranked strawberries, spinach, and broccoli (Bowden, 2007, p. 118). Guavas are rich in lycopene, which protects against heart disease, prostate cancer, breast cancer and fights free radicals more than any other carotenoid (Bowden, 2007, p. 119). Guavas have more lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable, more potassium than bananas, more vitamin C than oranges and more fiber than apples. According to Bowden, one cup of guava provides 688 mg potassium, 376 mg of vitamin C, 9 g of fiber, 81 mcg of folate, 1,030 IUs of vitamin A and 617 mcg of beta-carotene (p. 120).</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Grains can be a great source of vitamin E and fiber, but are hard to digest and through the processing of the germ, many of the nutrients are lost. Quinoa, however, is not processed like other grains and is a great high protein substitute for rice and similar grains used for side dishes, breakfast cereal or salads. Quinoa contains more protein and minerals than other grain and has been found by the Food Agriculture Organization to be nutritionally equivalent to dry whole milk (Bowden, 2007, p. 78). One half of a cup of quinoa contains an impressive 8 mg of iron and 5 g of fiber.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Fats are extremely important for the body, without which we could not survive. The type of fat we ingest, however, is the most important aspect. Bowden overwhelmingly emphasizes the importance of omega-3 fatty acids, monounsaturated fats and the healthy medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in saturated fat. While most of the experts picked avocados as their source of healthy saturated fat, number six on my list is coconut oil. Aside from the fact that it is ideal for cooking due to it’s high smoke point, it is an incredibly beneficial oil, both internally and externally, with antimicrobial and antibacterial benefits. The MCTs in coconut oil, mainly lauric acid, are known to kill the viruses that cause pneumonia, sinusitis, UTI, meningistis, gonorrhea, PVD, and stomach ulcers (Bowden, 2007, p. 301). The important thing to remember when consuming coconut oil is to find unrefined, extra virgin coconut oil, and never hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated oil which contains dangerous trans fats.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">My next two choices have to do with thyroid support. To function properly, the thyroid needs selenium and iodine. Brazil nuts are one of the richest sources of selenium, which enables the thyroid to convert T4 (the inactive hormone) into T3 (the active hormone)(Bowden, 2007, p. 149). In addition to assisting the thyroid, selenium is also a potent antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, eliminates toxic metals from the body, and improves sperm quality. A handful of Brazil nuts can provide 544 mcg of selenium, some calcium, fiber and healthy monounsaturated fats (Bowden, 2007, p. 150). Make sure your nuts have white flesh, as the high fat content easily turns them rancid, causing yellow flesh. If you have any nut allergies, proceed with caution.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Sea vegetables are a great supplement to thyroid health. The kelp family, in particular, is rich in iodine, another component of thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Iodine is essential for a properly functioning thyroid and these sea vegetables contain 100-500 times the amount of iodine found in shellfish (Bowden, 2007, p. 236). In addition to iodine, sea vegetables contain an abundance of calcium, iron, protein and trace minerals that are essential for growth and cell health. They can detoxify the body and prevent the absorption of heavy metals and environmental toxins like radiation. Steven Schecter, N.D. is quoted as stating: “There is no family of foods more protective against radiation and environmental pollutants than sea vegetables” (Bowden, 2007, p. 236).</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Although unpopular in our culture, liver (calf or chicken) is one of the richest supplies of iron, protein and B vitamins than any other food. In fact, liver puree was used as the treatment for anemia and B12 deficiency before iron pills were manufactured. According to Bowden (2007), a 3 ounce portion of braised calf liver provides 100 percent of the RDA for vitamin A, B12, riboflavin, and copper; 93 percent of selenium; 55 percent of zinc; 50 percent of niacin and folate; 40 percent of thiamin and B6 and one third of the RDA for iron (p. 200). There are two precautions for ingesting liver. First, because the liver processes and stores toxins ingested by the animal, make sure you buy young, organic liver whenever possible. Secondly, pregnant women are advised to avoid liver due to it’s high content of vitamin A. However, Bowden (2007) points out that studies have shown dosages of 30,000 IUs per day posed no threat of birth defects (p. 200). One serving of liver provides slightly more vitamin A than two carrots (21,000 IUs). Therefore, an occasional serving of liver should be harmless for pregnant women, and is an excellent supplement for those with anemia.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">My final choice had to include a great snack food that can provide precious, beneficial bacteria to the intestines. Our entire immune system and overall health depends on properly functioning intestines. Yogurt is one of the few food sources of probiotics that can maintain healthy flora in the intestines. The organisms in probiotics include bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus acidopholis, two of the most common strains found in yorgurt. These bacteria keep the balance of good and bad bacteria in check and are extremely important for people battling Candida overgrowth and ulcers from Heliobacter Pylori (Bowden, 2007, p. 183). Probiotics also help control inflammation and increase antibodies and Natural Killer cells. Yogurt also provides a good amount of protein, potassium, calcium, B vitamins and selenium. When choosing yogurt, pick the ones that contain “Live and Active Cultures” (or the LAC seal), not just “made with active cultures”, as the bacteria can easily be destroyed during processing (Bowden, 2007, p. 183). Most commercial yogurt is heavily sweetened. If you are diabetic or have a sensitivity to sugar, choose plain yogurt or a more natural brand made without sugar.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">My selection of top ten foods covers a broad spectrum of essential nutrients while maintaining my prerequisites of convenience and uncommonality. I chose foods that provide well rounded nutrition from vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, protein, healthy fats and probiotics. I have also included foods that are anti-carcinogenic, anti-microbial and boost the immune system. If you were to incorporate all these foods into your diet at least once a week, your body would become healthier and more resilient.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">References</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></div><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Bowden, Johnny. (2007). <i>The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth</i>. Beverly: Fair Winds Press.</span></span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490732794848162302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762376349092357656.post-41537234206610653642008-08-15T13:22:00.000-07:002010-07-24T03:02:22.604-07:00California Raw Milk Act of 2008<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2rnllkqfKIc/S_g9nA5cRnI/AAAAAAAAF2Q/Cc6z2GKeaaE/s1600/6a00fa968a4a85000300fad6a3766a0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2rnllkqfKIc/S_g9nA5cRnI/AAAAAAAAF2Q/Cc6z2GKeaaE/s200/6a00fa968a4a85000300fad6a3766a0005.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">My friends and family know that I am not a fan of milk, nor do I think people should drink it on a daily basis. Thanks to the pasteurization process, the milk on today’s grocery shelves is devoid of any worthwhile vitamins, minerals, enzymes, or probiotics (with the exception of the synthetic Vitamin D that is added after processing). Plus, if your milk is not organic, it is filled with the residue of numerous antibiotics, pesticides, fertilizers and high amounts of synthetic estrogen (that your body recognizes as the real thing) from the growth hormones. In addition, the majority of people are lactose intolerant—for good reason, as adults are not supposed to be drinking milk—we got over that as a baby.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
However, milk can be a very nutritious supplement to your diet if it has never gone through the damaging, high temperature pasteurization process. Raw milk is not only chock full of nutrients like calcium, but also the magnesium to support that calcium, and tons of very beneficial probiotics that help keep your intestines healthy and immune system strong. Numerous people have had health problems alleviated by switching to raw dairy. <br />
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Currently, raw milk is available in California in certain natural food stores or through dairy farm cooperatives, but it is expensive, obscure and there is no real standard of regulation. If purchasing raw dairy, it is very important that it comes from an impeccably clean facility with strict handling procedures. </div><blockquote>The Fresh Raw Milk Act of 2008, Senate Bill 201, creates a new system for the regulation of raw milk. It will pioneer regulations that will ensure the safety of the products on the market, and not only give the opportunity to other dairy farms to clean up their act and participate in raw dairy market, but also give us the right to choose raw milk. Show your support of this ground breaking bill by calling the Governor Schwarzenegger’s office at 916-445-2841, or fax to 916-558-3160. </blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">If you don’t live in California, but support the bill, call anyway! Remember, after a precedent is set, other states will follow suit. Let’s finally get some healthy milk on the shelves!</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490732794848162302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762376349092357656.post-48858879649559498552008-08-07T13:10:00.000-07:002010-07-24T03:02:22.615-07:00Holistic Moms Network<div at:align="left" at:enclosure="asset" at:format="small" at:xid="6a00fa968a4a85000300fa968ec3a60002" class="enclosure enclosure-left enclosure-small photo-enclosure"><div class="enclosure-inner"><div class="enclosure-list"><div class="enclosure-item photo-asset last"><div class="enclosure-image">I just came across a great article on a fairly new organization, Holistic Moms Network (HMN), designed to create a community of like-minded parents who want to learn more about raising their children naturally. There are currently about 100 local chapters across the US, where parents get together to discuss things like vegetable juicing, breast feeding, conflict resolution, herbal remedies, composting, and more. But the main emphasis is always on living a healthier lifestyle for the whole family.</div><div class="enclosure-image"></div></div></div></div></div>From the purpose statement on the HMN website: <span style="font-family: arial,geneva; font-size: medium;"><b></b></span><br />
<blockquote><i>We are dedicated to working with moms to create local chapters in their communities that will provide them with a happy, healthy forum for their mothering styles and that will bring them together in an environment that respects and honors their lifestyle and parenting choices.</i></blockquote>Membership is $45 a year for the entire family, and there are monthly meetings or events like organic potluck meals or field trips. Dads and kids are always welcome to every meeting. There is always an educational component, like guest speakers, demonstrations and discussions on current hot topics.<br />
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I am so pleased to see an organization like this take off. No matter how healthy each of us tries to be in our own life, real change won't happen unless we start raising our kids and teaching them healthy lifestyles. This is particularly important now, with the unbelievably high rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, and ADHD. I think it is also very important to create this "support group" for moms that know they want to do things differently, but might not have the support of friends and family. I know there are moms out there that are surrounded by soda drinking, candy, chip and pop tart eating families, and know it's not good for their child. But it's hard to break out be different; especially if they make fun of you for it. If you are one of those mothers, please look into the Holistic Mothers Network and get some support for what you already know is better. <br />
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If you are interested in more information, or would like to join or start a local chapter of HMN, please go to their website:<br />
<a href="http://www.holisticmoms.org/">http://www.holisticmoms.org/</a>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490732794848162302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762376349092357656.post-16232684610903106872008-08-06T13:04:00.000-07:002010-07-24T03:02:22.623-07:00You can't always believe the studies...<div class="asset-content"> <div class="asset-body preview-links"> <span style="font-size: 0.99em;">Unfortunately, I am fairly jaded when it comes to the American medical community and their "research". However, when I come across information like this, I am still shocked at the lengths they will go to discredit natural remedies. Below is an excerpt from an article on a recent study about the effects of treating children with ADHD and the herb St. John's Wort. To make matters worse, the study was actually led by a Bastyr (the top Naturopathic University in the US) graduate--and seems all for discrediting an herb "in the name of science" <em>and padded pockets</em>.</span><br />
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<blockquote><span style="font-size: 1.24em;"><strong>Flawed St. John's Wort Study on ADHD Failed to Use Active Form of Herbal Extract </strong></span><br />
On the heels of shocking revelations that top psychiatric research Dr. Joseph Biederman secretly took $1.6 million from drug companies while conducting psychotropic drug experiments on children, it has been learned that Dr. Biederman is now one of the key collaborators behind the latest efforts to discredit St. John's Wort. In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and widely reported in the mainstream media, Dr. Biederman and fellow cohorts "concluded" that the St. John's Wort herb is useless in treating ADHD in children.<br />
</blockquote>What's astonishing about this study, as you'll learn in this article, is that all the children used in the study were given inactive forms of the St. John's Wort herb where the active ingredients had been oxidized and rendered useless! In other words, this clinical trial, which was widely reported in the mainstream media with headlines like "St. John's Wort Found Useless!" didn't test the herb's active ingredients at all! It sort of makes you wonder about the agenda of the people running the study, doesn't it?<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: 1em;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It goes on to say:</span></span></strong><br />
<blockquote><span style="font-size: 1.25em;"><strong>A Disturbing Trend: Bastyr Naturopaths Partner with Dr. Biederman to Discredit Herbs</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.25em;"><strong></strong></span>There's another disturbing trend in all this. The St. John's Wort study was led by Wendy Weber, ND, a graduate of Bastyr University. Bastyr is an "integrative medicine" med school that teaches drug-based medicine combined with more natural modalities. It's one of the top three naturopathic schools in the U.S., and yet to learn that one of its graduates is now collaborating with a psychiatric drug pusher who has been paid $1.6 million by drug companies is more than a bit disturbing.</blockquote><br />
It indicates that this Bastyr graduate either has no idea about the true agenda of the people she's working with or that she doesn't mind that agenda. Either way, she sort of ends up looking rather silly with her name positioned above the scandalous Dr. Joseph Biederman, a widely-hated Big Pharma disease monger who will hopefully soon be arrested and prosecuted as a common criminal for conducting medical experiments on four-year old children.<br />
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In the world of naturopathy, by the way, there is quite a chasm between the more "conventional" N.D.s (like Bastyr graduates) and the holistic, natural, salt-of-the-Earth kind of naturopathic healers who have no sponsoring institution. The Bastyrs of the world are working hard to get naturopathic medical practice legalized in many states, but they're also disliked by the non-accredited naturopaths who end up being labeled criminals for practicing their own brand of natural medicine in those same states.<br />
Many non-accredited naturopaths insist that Bastyr is just a "green" replacement for organized medicine's tyranny. Without a doubt, when people see Bastyr graduates collaborating with top psychiatric drug pushers on a study that clearly seeks to discredit a valuable herb, it just fans the flames of dissent against Bastyr among more holistic practitioners.<br />
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<strong>If you would like to read the entire article, here is the link:</strong><a href="http://www.vitalisnews.com/are_you_an_early_bird_or_a_night_owl.htm">http://www.vitalisnews.com/are_you_an_early_bird_or_a_night_owl.htm</a><br />
</div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490732794848162302noreply@blogger.com0