The waist should be no more than half the length of your height. This measurement was actually found to be more accurate than the body mass index (BMI) used by physicians. Researchers found that those whose waistlines measureed 80 percent of their height lived 16.7 years less than the average lifespan.
A six foot man should have a waistline smaller than 36 inches while a woman who is 5 foot 4 inches should have a waist size no larger than 32 inches for optimal lifespan.
The research was conducted at Oxford Brookes University by Dr. Margaret Ashwell. Ashwell followed people for twenty years to see the effects of her measurements.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10054519/Waist-to-height-ratio-more-accurate-than-BMI.html
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Tuesday, April 09, 2013
Intestinal Microbes and Heart Disease
The significance of the study I will discuss is not completely clear other than to show that the microbes in one's digestive tract can have quite an impact on health. It should be pointed out before I discuss this bit of reasearch that the Mayo Clinic reviewed 13 controlled trials involving 3, 629 patients and found that L-carnitine reduced all-cause mortality by 27%, reduced ventricular arrhythmias by 65%, reduced angina by 40% and reduced infarct size.
A recent study found that feeding mice acetyl carnitine as 1.3% of the diet resulted in alteration of the bacteria in the digestive tract of the animals. These bacteria converted the L-carnitine into TMAO (trimethylamine-N-oxide). The L-carnitine was not a problem unless the bacteria were present. Diets high in red meat tend to produce increased populations of these bacteria compared to diets containing other meats or vegetarian diets. TMAO was shown to cause or accelerate the development of heart disease in mice. The researchers found little evidence that cholesterol was a causative factor in heart disease.
Scientists are focusing increasing attention on what is called the microbiome, the population of bacteria which inhabit the digestive tract. It appears that these bacteria can create all kinds of health problems. Healthy bacterial populations in the digestive tract are promoted by fiber intake and by supplementing with acidophilus and other beneficial organisms. Vegetarians did not produce TMAO when they consumed red meat suggesting that it takes consistent consumption of red meat to promote the growth of the bacteria which contribute to TMAO accumulation in the body.
This study suggests that cholesterol is not a primary reason why red meat intake increases the risk of heart disease. Heart disease may be more closely associated with bacterial populations in the digestive tract.
Koeth, Robert A., et al., Intestinal microbiota metabolism of L-carnitine, a nutrient in red meat, promotes atherosclerosis, Nature Medicine, April 7, 2013; doi:10.1038/nm.3145
DiNicolantonio, James J., et al., L-Carnitine in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease systematic review and meta-analysis, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, June 2013; 88(6), DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2013.02.007
http://www.elsevier.com/about/press-releases/research-and-journals/l-carnitine-significantly-improves-patient-outcomes-following-heart-attack
A recent study found that feeding mice acetyl carnitine as 1.3% of the diet resulted in alteration of the bacteria in the digestive tract of the animals. These bacteria converted the L-carnitine into TMAO (trimethylamine-N-oxide). The L-carnitine was not a problem unless the bacteria were present. Diets high in red meat tend to produce increased populations of these bacteria compared to diets containing other meats or vegetarian diets. TMAO was shown to cause or accelerate the development of heart disease in mice. The researchers found little evidence that cholesterol was a causative factor in heart disease.
Scientists are focusing increasing attention on what is called the microbiome, the population of bacteria which inhabit the digestive tract. It appears that these bacteria can create all kinds of health problems. Healthy bacterial populations in the digestive tract are promoted by fiber intake and by supplementing with acidophilus and other beneficial organisms. Vegetarians did not produce TMAO when they consumed red meat suggesting that it takes consistent consumption of red meat to promote the growth of the bacteria which contribute to TMAO accumulation in the body.
This study suggests that cholesterol is not a primary reason why red meat intake increases the risk of heart disease. Heart disease may be more closely associated with bacterial populations in the digestive tract.
Koeth, Robert A., et al., Intestinal microbiota metabolism of L-carnitine, a nutrient in red meat, promotes atherosclerosis, Nature Medicine, April 7, 2013; doi:10.1038/nm.3145
DiNicolantonio, James J., et al., L-Carnitine in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease systematic review and meta-analysis, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, June 2013; 88(6), DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2013.02.007
http://www.elsevier.com/about/press-releases/research-and-journals/l-carnitine-significantly-improves-patient-outcomes-following-heart-attack
Monday, April 08, 2013
Autism and Nutrition
Modification of the diet and supplementation of the diet of autistic individuals carries little risk and offers considerable benefit. A diet free of gluten and dairy resulted in improvement of 69% of those who tried th diet. Over half of those wth the condition improve on a diet free of sugar and food additives. Food allergy treatment resulted in improvement of 67% of the patient population. A wide range of nutrients tried individually resulted in improvement in one-third to one-half of autistic children. Nutrients tested included vitamin A, folic acid, vitamins B6, B12, vitamin C, calcium, mangnesium, and zinc. High dose vitami B6 with magnesium is often beneficial. Omega-3 fatty acids improved 59% of the children it was given to. Digestive enzymes improved almost two-thirds of children. A diet free of disaccharides (this includes grains) which promote growth of potentilly harmful bacteria in the digestive tract improved 71% of patients. These nutritional approaches did not have a worsening effect in most instances.
Research Report on Autism
Dr. James Adams, a professor at Arizona State University and co-chair of Autism Research Institute's Scientific Advisoy Committee, has published a comprehensive review paper on dietary, nutritional, and medical treatments for autism. The review is based on 150 published references.
Link to review paper on autism.
Link to review paper on autism.
Autism and the Gut
It has been known or a long time that people with autism tend to have intestinal problems. These digestive problems are associted with unbalanced populations of microbes in the lower digestive tract. The population of bacteria in the digestive tract is known as the microbiome.
Those with autism are prone to overgrowth of a species of bacteria called Clostridia. Clostridia produce toxic compounds called phenols which kill other bacteria which compete with them for space in the digestive tract.
Phenols are poisonous to human cells unless they can be neutralized by sulfur. Overgrowth of Clostridia can deplete the body's reserves of sulfur which is also essential for brain development. Many autistic individuals evidence a defect in sulfur metabolism which could increase susceptibility to damage from the toxins prodced by Clostridia. Research is ongoing to see if abnormal sulfur metabolism and Clostridia overgrowth may play a role in the abnormal brain development characteristic of autism.
Reference:
Me, myself, us, The Economist, Augst 18, 2012, 69-72.
Those with autism are prone to overgrowth of a species of bacteria called Clostridia. Clostridia produce toxic compounds called phenols which kill other bacteria which compete with them for space in the digestive tract.
Phenols are poisonous to human cells unless they can be neutralized by sulfur. Overgrowth of Clostridia can deplete the body's reserves of sulfur which is also essential for brain development. Many autistic individuals evidence a defect in sulfur metabolism which could increase susceptibility to damage from the toxins prodced by Clostridia. Research is ongoing to see if abnormal sulfur metabolism and Clostridia overgrowth may play a role in the abnormal brain development characteristic of autism.
Reference:
Me, myself, us, The Economist, Augst 18, 2012, 69-72.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Iron: A Fine Line
As seen by the comments
above, iron deficiency can increase the reactivity of the immune system
triggering asthmatic symptoms and hair loss in mice. The inflammatory response
does limit bacterial growth and boost antibacterial defenses.
The goal should be to normalize iron status rather than load the body with excess iron. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency world-wide according to some investigators. Frequency of mild iron deficiency is difficult to determine.
Excess iron intake can be as much of a problem as iron deficiency. As many as one in 200 people may carry a single gene for a disorder called hemachromatosis which is associated with increased tendency to absorb and store iron. There may be over one million people with a double copy of this gene in the United States. Iron overload in these people can aggravate arthritis, heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
Many physicians and lay people associate anemia immediately with iron deficiency. Deficiency of other nutrients such as folic acid, B12, and vitamin E may also be involved. If anemia fails to resolve with modest iron supplementation, this does not necessarily mean that more iron is required.
The goal should be to normalize iron status rather than load the body with excess iron. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency world-wide according to some investigators. Frequency of mild iron deficiency is difficult to determine.
Excess iron intake can be as much of a problem as iron deficiency. As many as one in 200 people may carry a single gene for a disorder called hemachromatosis which is associated with increased tendency to absorb and store iron. There may be over one million people with a double copy of this gene in the United States. Iron overload in these people can aggravate arthritis, heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
Many physicians and lay people associate anemia immediately with iron deficiency. Deficiency of other nutrients such as folic acid, B12, and vitamin E may also be involved. If anemia fails to resolve with modest iron supplementation, this does not necessarily mean that more iron is required.
GNLD Chelated Iron is a relatively safe way to obtain additional iron. The iron
is double-wrapped with amino acids to prevent the iron from behaving as a free
radical in the digestive tract. Chelation also makes iron less available to
pathogens in the digestive tract which have a particular fondness for this
mineral.
References:
Clark SF
(2008) Iron deficiency anemia. Nutr Clin Pract 23: 128-141.
Crawford,
Roberta, The Iron Elephant, Glyndon, MD: Vida Publishing 1993.
Iron, Allergic Asthma, & Hair Loss
Allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma accounting for 60% of the 20 million asthma sufferers. This condition is characterized by inflammatio an airway obstruction caused by exposure to an allergen.
Scientists used a clsic model of IgE-mediated allergy in mice to test the effect of low or high iron levels on the severity of the allergic response. They found that iron supplementation markedly decreased allergen-induced airway hyper-reactivity and the underlying immune mediated mechnisms involved in creating the hyper-reactivity.
The researchers concluded, "Taken together, these studies show that iron supplementation can decrease the severity of allergic inflammation in the lung, potentially via multiple mechanisms that affect mast cell activity. Further studies are indicated to determine the potential of iron supplementation to modulate the clinical severity of allergic diseases in humans."
Why did the researchers decide to try iron? Iron is well-known to affect the ability to oxygenate tissues and generate energy. A study conducted in 2010 found that iron deficiency acted as a trigger increasing mast cell activation. Mast cells are the key players in IgE-mediated allergic reactions.
The consequence of the iron deficiency and immune activation in the original study resulted in hair loss. This little study was of interest to me because in my book Your Body's Sign Language (page 31) I reported that Dr. Janet Roberts found iron deficiency to be the main determinant of hair loss in 72% of premenopausal women. Premenopausal women are susceptible to iron deficiency due to the blood loss associated with the menstrual period.
The level of iron deficiency in the asthma study was mild. Tissue stores of iron were low but blood levels of iron and red blood cell formation were not abnormal. The researchers note, "Our in vivo studies also clearly show that iron supplementation can decrease the severity of inflammation in an in vivo model of allergic asthma in mice with mild iron deficiency." Human beings with a similar degree of iron deficiency to these mice would not typically be classified as iron deficient. Detection of this degree of deficiency would require expensive and invasive testing.
References:
Hale LP, Kant EP, Greer PK, Foster WM (2012) Iron Supplementation Decreases Severity of Allergic Inflammation in Murine Lung. PLoS ONE 7(9): e45667. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0045667
Vanderford DA, Greer PK, Sharp JM, Finberg KA, Chichlowski M, et al. (2010) Alopecia in IL-10-deficient mouse pups is c-Kit-dependent and can be triggered by iron deficiency. Exp Dermatol 19: 518-526.
Scientists used a clsic model of IgE-mediated allergy in mice to test the effect of low or high iron levels on the severity of the allergic response. They found that iron supplementation markedly decreased allergen-induced airway hyper-reactivity and the underlying immune mediated mechnisms involved in creating the hyper-reactivity.
The researchers concluded, "Taken together, these studies show that iron supplementation can decrease the severity of allergic inflammation in the lung, potentially via multiple mechanisms that affect mast cell activity. Further studies are indicated to determine the potential of iron supplementation to modulate the clinical severity of allergic diseases in humans."
Why did the researchers decide to try iron? Iron is well-known to affect the ability to oxygenate tissues and generate energy. A study conducted in 2010 found that iron deficiency acted as a trigger increasing mast cell activation. Mast cells are the key players in IgE-mediated allergic reactions.
The consequence of the iron deficiency and immune activation in the original study resulted in hair loss. This little study was of interest to me because in my book Your Body's Sign Language (page 31) I reported that Dr. Janet Roberts found iron deficiency to be the main determinant of hair loss in 72% of premenopausal women. Premenopausal women are susceptible to iron deficiency due to the blood loss associated with the menstrual period.
The level of iron deficiency in the asthma study was mild. Tissue stores of iron were low but blood levels of iron and red blood cell formation were not abnormal. The researchers note, "Our in vivo studies also clearly show that iron supplementation can decrease the severity of inflammation in an in vivo model of allergic asthma in mice with mild iron deficiency." Human beings with a similar degree of iron deficiency to these mice would not typically be classified as iron deficient. Detection of this degree of deficiency would require expensive and invasive testing.
References:
Hale LP, Kant EP, Greer PK, Foster WM (2012) Iron Supplementation Decreases Severity of Allergic Inflammation in Murine Lung. PLoS ONE 7(9): e45667. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0045667
Vanderford DA, Greer PK, Sharp JM, Finberg KA, Chichlowski M, et al. (2010) Alopecia in IL-10-deficient mouse pups is c-Kit-dependent and can be triggered by iron deficiency. Exp Dermatol 19: 518-526.
Male Issues
One of th frequent questions athletes and older men have is how to increase testosterone levels naturally. A recent study found that supplementation with 10 mg of magnesium for every 2.2 pounds of body weight increased testosterone levels in men who were both sedentary and exercising. The increases were higher in men who exercised.
GNLD produces masculine and feminine herbal formulas. These are designed to support optimal hormone production and functioning. Saw Palmetto, found in the masculine herbal formula, has been shown in scientific studies to benefit prostatic hypertrophy. Dr. Jonathan Wright suggests that the benefits result from a number of actions including increasing testosterone and inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone which creates problems. The herb also inhibits the growth stimulating effects of estrogen on the prostate. Clinical trials comparing saw palmetto and the drug Proscar found "that both treatments were equally effective in reducing symptoms of BPH."
There was one difference, however. Proscar-treated men complained substantially more about decreased libido, impotence, and ejaculatory disorders.
References:
Cinar, Vedat, et al., Effects o magnesium supplementation on testosterone levels of athletes and sedentary subjects at rest and after exhaustion, Biological Trace Element Research, April 2011; 140(1): 18-23.
Wright, Jonathan, Maximize Your Vitality & Potency, Petaluma, CA.: Smart Publications, 1999, 180.
GNLD produces masculine and feminine herbal formulas. These are designed to support optimal hormone production and functioning. Saw Palmetto, found in the masculine herbal formula, has been shown in scientific studies to benefit prostatic hypertrophy. Dr. Jonathan Wright suggests that the benefits result from a number of actions including increasing testosterone and inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone which creates problems. The herb also inhibits the growth stimulating effects of estrogen on the prostate. Clinical trials comparing saw palmetto and the drug Proscar found "that both treatments were equally effective in reducing symptoms of BPH."
There was one difference, however. Proscar-treated men complained substantially more about decreased libido, impotence, and ejaculatory disorders.
References:
Cinar, Vedat, et al., Effects o magnesium supplementation on testosterone levels of athletes and sedentary subjects at rest and after exhaustion, Biological Trace Element Research, April 2011; 140(1): 18-23.
Wright, Jonathan, Maximize Your Vitality & Potency, Petaluma, CA.: Smart Publications, 1999, 180.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Stupidity on the Rise
Stanford University researcher and geneticist Dr. Gerald Crabtree believes that we are seeing a decline in the intelligence of the human race. The researcher began his article, "I would wager that if an average citizen from Athens of 1000 BC were to appear suddenly among us, he or she would be among the brightest and most intellectually alive of our colleagues and companions, with a good memory, a broad range of ideas, and a clear-sighted view of important issues. Furthermore, I would guess that he or she would be among the most emotionally stable of our friends and colleagues." Crabtree believes that this degeneration is associated with genetic damage.
Nutrition pioneer Weston Price wrote Nutrition and Physical Degeneration to make the point that modern foods, with their poor nutritional value, caused a decline in both physical and intellectual vigour.
Since the day of Price we have exposed ourselves to not only refined foods, but also fluoride, pesticides, and high fructose corn syrup. All of these have been shown to weaken both mind and body. UCLA researcher Fernando Gomez-Pinilla found that a diet high in fructose made rats stupid. The effect could be prevented by omega-3 supplementation. See the link below for more details.
With regard to fluoride, Harvard researchers wrote, "...children in high fluoride areas had significantly lower IQ scores than those who lived in low fluoride areas..." Phyllis Mullenix who published one of the earliest papers on the brain-damaging effects of fluoride lost her research position 3 days after her paper was accepted for publication.
Prenatal exposure to the common pesticide chlorpyrifos was shown to result in lower IQ in children at 7 years of age.
Roger Williams found that the IQ difference between children on a "good" diet versus a "poor" diet amounted to over 22.6 IQ points. Sadly, we are doing a lot to ruin the brains of the human population and neglecting the sound nutrition which could improve the situation.
References:
http://bmi205.stanford.edu/_media/crabtree-2.pdf
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Prevent Stupidity from Fructose
Fluoride and IQ
Review of 36 Studies on Fluoride
Phyllis J. Mullenix, Pamela K. Denbesten, Ann Schunior, William J. Kernan, Neurotoxicity of sodium fluoride in rats, Neurotoxicology and Teratology, Volume 17, Issue 2, March-April 1995, Pages 169-177, DOI: 10.1016/0892-0362(94)00070-T
Pesticides and IQ
Williams, Roger, Nutrition Against Disease, New York: Pitman Publishing, 1971, 65.
Nutrition pioneer Weston Price wrote Nutrition and Physical Degeneration to make the point that modern foods, with their poor nutritional value, caused a decline in both physical and intellectual vigour.
Since the day of Price we have exposed ourselves to not only refined foods, but also fluoride, pesticides, and high fructose corn syrup. All of these have been shown to weaken both mind and body. UCLA researcher Fernando Gomez-Pinilla found that a diet high in fructose made rats stupid. The effect could be prevented by omega-3 supplementation. See the link below for more details.
With regard to fluoride, Harvard researchers wrote, "...children in high fluoride areas had significantly lower IQ scores than those who lived in low fluoride areas..." Phyllis Mullenix who published one of the earliest papers on the brain-damaging effects of fluoride lost her research position 3 days after her paper was accepted for publication.
Prenatal exposure to the common pesticide chlorpyrifos was shown to result in lower IQ in children at 7 years of age.
Roger Williams found that the IQ difference between children on a "good" diet versus a "poor" diet amounted to over 22.6 IQ points. Sadly, we are doing a lot to ruin the brains of the human population and neglecting the sound nutrition which could improve the situation.
References:
http://bmi205.stanford.edu/_media/crabtree-2.pdf
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Prevent Stupidity from Fructose
Fluoride and IQ
Review of 36 Studies on Fluoride
Phyllis J. Mullenix, Pamela K. Denbesten, Ann Schunior, William J. Kernan, Neurotoxicity of sodium fluoride in rats, Neurotoxicology and Teratology, Volume 17, Issue 2, March-April 1995, Pages 169-177, DOI: 10.1016/0892-0362(94)00070-T
Pesticides and IQ
Williams, Roger, Nutrition Against Disease, New York: Pitman Publishing, 1971, 65.
Why Quality and Toxic Exposures Matter
A recent study found that farmed Atlantic salmon were often contaminated with pollutants. Feeding mice these salmon resulted in insulin resistance and obesity. Mice fed farmed Atlantic salmon without pollutant residues did not develop these health problems. The researchers who conducted this study wrote, "Our data indicate that intake of farmed salmon fillet contributes to several metabolic disorders linked to type 2 diabetes and obesity, and suggest a role of POP's (Persistent Organic Pollutants) in these deleterious effects. Overall, these findings may participate to improve nutritional strategies for the prevention and therapy of insulin resistance."
This study reveals why GNLD tests their Salmon Oil Plus product for over 250 pollutants with a standard of none detectable. I do not know of another company which does such thorough testing to make sure that their omega-3 product is toxin free. Attention to toxicological issues such as pesticides and GMO's makes a difference!
Reference:
Ibrahim, Mohammad, et al., Chronic consumption of farmed salmon containing persistent organic pollutants causes insulin resistance and obesity in mice, PLOS, September 23, 2011.
This study reveals why GNLD tests their Salmon Oil Plus product for over 250 pollutants with a standard of none detectable. I do not know of another company which does such thorough testing to make sure that their omega-3 product is toxin free. Attention to toxicological issues such as pesticides and GMO's makes a difference!
Reference:
Ibrahim, Mohammad, et al., Chronic consumption of farmed salmon containing persistent organic pollutants causes insulin resistance and obesity in mice, PLOS, September 23, 2011.
BPA and the FDA
March 30, 2012: The FDA refused to ban BPA (bisphenol-A). This is an industrial chemical used to harden plastics. It is found in most plastic bottles (including milk containers), cash register receipts, and the linings of canned food. It leaches into foods and acts as a synthetic estrogen in very tiny quantities and has been shown to feminize males. BPA has also been associated with induction of obesity and damage to the heart, brain and nervous system.
The FDA position is that the dose makes the poison so they are trying to the total exposure down. The FDA also wants to see more human studies which is difficult because the chemical is so common that it is found in over 90% of the population. Animal studies have clearly shown the damaging effects of BPA.
Some feel that the refusal to ban this toxic substance has more to do with the financial investment manufacturers have in products containing BPA.
Plastic containers with the numbers 3, 7 and PC are likely to contain the estrogenic compounds BPA or polycarbonate. The FDA will most likely ban BPA eventually, but how many people will be damaged by this chemical because of a government policy based upon the concept that new chemicals are "innocent until proven guilty."
References:
Time Magazine Article
Newsmax Article
The FDA position is that the dose makes the poison so they are trying to the total exposure down. The FDA also wants to see more human studies which is difficult because the chemical is so common that it is found in over 90% of the population. Animal studies have clearly shown the damaging effects of BPA.
Some feel that the refusal to ban this toxic substance has more to do with the financial investment manufacturers have in products containing BPA.
Plastic containers with the numbers 3, 7 and PC are likely to contain the estrogenic compounds BPA or polycarbonate. The FDA will most likely ban BPA eventually, but how many people will be damaged by this chemical because of a government policy based upon the concept that new chemicals are "innocent until proven guilty."
References:
Time Magazine Article
Newsmax Article
Junk Food, Asthma, and Eczema
A research study recently found that eating junk food just three times a week increased risk of developing asthma and eczema. The study involving more than 50 countries found that teenagers consuming junk food three or more times a week were 39% more likely to develop asthma. Younger children had a 27% increased risk. There was also increased risk of inflammation of the sinuses and eyes and eczema.
By contrast, the researchers found that three servings of fruit and vegetables reduced risk of asthma in the younger group by 14% and in teens by 11%.
References:
Junk Food Linked to Asthma
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9799864/Junk-food-linked-to-asthma-and-eczema-in-children.html
By contrast, the researchers found that three servings of fruit and vegetables reduced risk of asthma in the younger group by 14% and in teens by 11%.
References:
Junk Food Linked to Asthma
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9799864/Junk-food-linked-to-asthma-and-eczema-in-children.html
Holiday Tips
Christmas is a great time to enjoy favorite foods and beverages, but it is also easy to overeat and develop digestive problems or gain weight. Here are some important tips:
Keep Water Handy: High calorie beverages like eggnog, hot chocolate and fruit juices are common during the holidays. Insufficient water consumption can increase the consumption of these high caloric beverages.
Keep Healthy Snacks Available: The tendency to consume cake, pie and cookies as snacks can lead to overindulgence during the holidays. Try and restrict these sweets to meals as desserts.
Eat Breakfast: Skipping breakfast and eating too much latter in the day is a sure prescription for weight gain. Calories consumed late in the day are not burned off like those consumed in the morning.
Share Healthy Food: The tendency is to take sweets to pot lucks and to prepare these foods for group meals. Share healthier dishes like fruit or vegetable salads. I like to share homemade sugar-free fruit sorbet and cookies composed of dehydrated fruit and nuts. We have a local pie shop that will make pies without sugar if an order is placed. These are wonderful served with a little ice cream or whipped cream.
Keep Water Handy: High calorie beverages like eggnog, hot chocolate and fruit juices are common during the holidays. Insufficient water consumption can increase the consumption of these high caloric beverages.
Keep Healthy Snacks Available: The tendency to consume cake, pie and cookies as snacks can lead to overindulgence during the holidays. Try and restrict these sweets to meals as desserts.
Eat Breakfast: Skipping breakfast and eating too much latter in the day is a sure prescription for weight gain. Calories consumed late in the day are not burned off like those consumed in the morning.
Share Healthy Food: The tendency is to take sweets to pot lucks and to prepare these foods for group meals. Share healthier dishes like fruit or vegetable salads. I like to share homemade sugar-free fruit sorbet and cookies composed of dehydrated fruit and nuts. We have a local pie shop that will make pies without sugar if an order is placed. These are wonderful served with a little ice cream or whipped cream.
Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal
Peter Breggin has been a leading figure in the attempt to warn the psychiatric profession of the dangers of psychiatric drugs like Ritalin and Prozac. His most recent book is one of the few available which discusses the details of how to withdraw from psychiatric medications without experiencing serious symptoms. The book is well worth reading just for Breggin's own story of how he came to realize the serious problems involved with these medications. Unfortunately, Breggin minimizes the role that nutrient supplementation can play in decreasing withdrawal symptoms. I have talked to several individuals over the years who found withdrawal from addictive drugs impossible until they improved their nutrient intake. You can click on this link to travel to the web site Dr. Breggin has created.
Breggin's web site contains the following warning:
Warning! Most psychiatric drugs can cause withdrawal reactions, sometimes including life-threatening emotional and physical withdrawal problems. In short, it is not only dangerous to start taking psychiatric drugs, it can also be dangerous to stop them. Withdrawal from psychiatric drugs should be done carefully under experienced clinical supervision. Methods for safely withdrawing from psychiatric drugs are discussed in Dr. Breggin's new book, Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal: A Guide for Prescribers, Therapists, Patients, and Their Families.
Breggin's web site contains the following warning:
Warning! Most psychiatric drugs can cause withdrawal reactions, sometimes including life-threatening emotional and physical withdrawal problems. In short, it is not only dangerous to start taking psychiatric drugs, it can also be dangerous to stop them. Withdrawal from psychiatric drugs should be done carefully under experienced clinical supervision. Methods for safely withdrawing from psychiatric drugs are discussed in Dr. Breggin's new book, Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal: A Guide for Prescribers, Therapists, Patients, and Their Families.
Cardiio and Pulse Testing
You might want to think about purchasing a new app called Cardiio developed for iPhone and iPad users by Harvard University and MIT researchers. The new application allows these devices to calculate heart rate merely by gazing at your face. It measures tiny changes in blood flow to the face which are invisible to he human eye and then calculates pulse rate to within 3 beats per minute. It is considered one of the top apps in the health and fitness area.
Pulse rate can be a valuable clue to the existence of allergies. This is discussed in a volume called The Pulse Test by Arthur Coca. Coca relieved his wife of a wide variety of conditions by identifying foods which increased pulse rate. You will find a summary of the pulse test criteria by clicking on this link to take you to the proper location on our web site.
Pulse rate can be a valuable clue to the existence of allergies. This is discussed in a volume called The Pulse Test by Arthur Coca. Coca relieved his wife of a wide variety of conditions by identifying foods which increased pulse rate. You will find a summary of the pulse test criteria by clicking on this link to take you to the proper location on our web site.
Proposition 37 Defeated, Implications
California's Proposition 37 was defeated at the ballot box. The proposition would have required that foods containing genetically modified ingredients be labelled as such. Similar laws exist in 40 countries. An assortment of powerful industrial giants spend one million dollars a day to defeat the initiative. Major opponents of the measure in order of expenditure included Monsanto (over 7 million), E.I. Dupont de Nemours & Co. (about 5 million), Pepsico, Inc. (over 2 million), Basf Plant Science, Bayer Cropscience, Dow Agrosciences, Syngenta Corporation (2 million), Kraft Foods, Coca-Cola North America, Nestle USA, Inc., Conagra Foods, General Mills (over 1 million) and Kellogg Company, Smithfield Foods, Inc., Campbell Soup, H.J. Heinz, and Del Monte Foods (over 500,000. Other contributors included Hershey, Smucker, Ocean Spray Cranberries, Mars, Hormel and Unilever. Total expenditures were probably over 50 million dollars. Supporters of the proposition spent about one tenth as much.
The defeat of this measure assures that California citizens will remain blissfully unaware of the GMO laden foods they are consuming. A survey of the food and beverage vendors listed above should provide a clue to how widespread GMO ingredients are in the food supply.
The GMO industry has been quick to follow up on their victory. Organic growers and food safety advocates on November 20 condemned an advisory report to the Agriculture Department which would require farmers of conventional and organic crops to bear the cost of preventing contamination from GMO varieties by purchasing insurance. The proposal allows producers of genetically modified crops to abdicate responsibililty for any contamination resulting from their farming practices.
The defeat of this measure assures that California citizens will remain blissfully unaware of the GMO laden foods they are consuming. A survey of the food and beverage vendors listed above should provide a clue to how widespread GMO ingredients are in the food supply.
The GMO industry has been quick to follow up on their victory. Organic growers and food safety advocates on November 20 condemned an advisory report to the Agriculture Department which would require farmers of conventional and organic crops to bear the cost of preventing contamination from GMO varieties by purchasing insurance. The proposal allows producers of genetically modified crops to abdicate responsibililty for any contamination resulting from their farming practices.
GMO's and Tumor Formation
Long term testing on Genetically Modified Foods and Roundup are almost impossible to find. September 2012 may go down in the history books due to the publication of testing on Roundup and GMO corn. Animals were exposed to 1 part per billion Roundup in their drinking water or to a diet which consisted of 11%, 22% or 33% GMO corn. All treated groups died 2-3 times more than control animals given pure water and corn which had not been genetically modified.
Tumor incidence soared in animals exposed to GMO's and Roundup. In female animals no tumors appeared in control groups for 14 months. Tumors appeared in 10-30% of the animals in treated groups. By the 24th month 50-80% of females in all treated groups had up to 3 tumors per animal. Only 30% of the control grouip had cancers. The most common tumor in female animals was breast cancer.
Male animals developed massive tumors. Most tumors were in the skin. Other organs affected by the test substances were the kidney, liver and digestive tract.
The authors of the study commented, "The first large detectable tumors occurred at 4 and 7 months into the study in males and females respectively, underlining the inadequacy of the standard 90 day feeding trials for evaluati8ng GM crop and food toxicity."
Any GMO study of this nature is going to be highly controversial because Monsanto, the key player behind GMO foods, is one of American's most successful and profitable companies.
Russia suspended the import and use of American GM corn the day after the announcement of the European study discussed above. The European Food Safety Authority ordered its own review of the research. GM corn is not fed to people in Europe but it is used to feed animals. Pro-GM scientists have been lining up to undermire the French experiments and criticize the way they were conducted. Monsanto, manufacturer of the GM corn, said it did not think the French study would affect its license to export the corn to Europe.
References:
Mail Online Response to GM Study
Reuters Article
Washington Post Article
Seralini, Gilles-Eric, Clair, Emillie, et al., Long term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize, Chem. Toxicol. (2012).
Click here for the study including photographs of the tumors on animals fed GMO corn or water with Roundup.
Tumor incidence soared in animals exposed to GMO's and Roundup. In female animals no tumors appeared in control groups for 14 months. Tumors appeared in 10-30% of the animals in treated groups. By the 24th month 50-80% of females in all treated groups had up to 3 tumors per animal. Only 30% of the control grouip had cancers. The most common tumor in female animals was breast cancer.
Male animals developed massive tumors. Most tumors were in the skin. Other organs affected by the test substances were the kidney, liver and digestive tract.
The authors of the study commented, "The first large detectable tumors occurred at 4 and 7 months into the study in males and females respectively, underlining the inadequacy of the standard 90 day feeding trials for evaluati8ng GM crop and food toxicity."
Any GMO study of this nature is going to be highly controversial because Monsanto, the key player behind GMO foods, is one of American's most successful and profitable companies.
Russia suspended the import and use of American GM corn the day after the announcement of the European study discussed above. The European Food Safety Authority ordered its own review of the research. GM corn is not fed to people in Europe but it is used to feed animals. Pro-GM scientists have been lining up to undermire the French experiments and criticize the way they were conducted. Monsanto, manufacturer of the GM corn, said it did not think the French study would affect its license to export the corn to Europe.
References:
Mail Online Response to GM Study
Reuters Article
Washington Post Article
Seralini, Gilles-Eric, Clair, Emillie, et al., Long term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize, Chem. Toxicol. (2012).
Click here for the study including photographs of the tumors on animals fed GMO corn or water with Roundup.
Adolescents & Carotenoids
A recent study found that low intake of carotenoids and vitamin C by adolescents was inversely associated with risk of developing metabolic syndrome. This is a prediabetic condition associated with eratic blood sugars and excessive inflammation in the tissues. It is no secret that most adolescents eat few foods containing carotenoids. The most commonly consumed vegetable among young people is potatoes in the form of French fries. Potatoes do not contain a significant quantity of carotenoids.
Reference:
Beydoun MA, Canas JA, et al, Serum Antioxidant Concentrations and Metabolic Syndrome Are Associated among U.S. Adolescents in Recent National Surveys, J Nutr, 2012 Jul 18.
Reference:
Beydoun MA, Canas JA, et al, Serum Antioxidant Concentrations and Metabolic Syndrome Are Associated among U.S. Adolescents in Recent National Surveys, J Nutr, 2012 Jul 18.
Vitamin D, Diabetes, and Blood Pressure
An analysis of 6 studies found a strong association between blood levels of vitamin D and the development of gestational diabetes. Five of the studies showed a clear inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and blood sugar stability. The sixth study found a relationship between higher vitamin D levels and lower blood sugar and insulin levels.
Gestational diabetes may increase the likelihood for children to develop obesity and diabetes later in life. A little vitamin D supplementation is a cheap price to pay for healthier children. GNLD provides a substantial amount of vitamin D in the Chelated Cal-Mag tablets.
A study in Denmark recently demonstrated that an intake of 3,000 IU of vitamin D for 20 weeks significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The investigators suggested further research on their finding. High blood pressure can cause stroke and damage to the circulatory system.
Reference:
Senti J, Thiele DK, et al, Maternal vitamin d status as a critical determinant in gestational diabetes, J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs, 2012 May; [Epub ahead of print].
Larsen T, Mose FH, et al, Effect of Cholecalciferol Supplementation During Winter Months in Patients With Hypertension: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial, Am J Hypertension, 2012 Aug 2; [Epub ahead of print].
Gestational diabetes may increase the likelihood for children to develop obesity and diabetes later in life. A little vitamin D supplementation is a cheap price to pay for healthier children. GNLD provides a substantial amount of vitamin D in the Chelated Cal-Mag tablets.
A study in Denmark recently demonstrated that an intake of 3,000 IU of vitamin D for 20 weeks significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The investigators suggested further research on their finding. High blood pressure can cause stroke and damage to the circulatory system.
Reference:
Senti J, Thiele DK, et al, Maternal vitamin d status as a critical determinant in gestational diabetes, J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs, 2012 May; [Epub ahead of print].
Larsen T, Mose FH, et al, Effect of Cholecalciferol Supplementation During Winter Months in Patients With Hypertension: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial, Am J Hypertension, 2012 Aug 2; [Epub ahead of print].
Blood Clots in the Veins
Traveling long distances during the summer or fall? Long flights or auto trips are known to increase the likelihood of blood clots in the veins which can result in death.
A recent study found the B Complex vitamins protect against venous thrombosis. Vitamin B6 was most protective, but vitamin B12 and folic acid also appeared to be protective. These particular nutrients work to prevent the accumulation of homocysteine in the blood. This compound is a powerful free radical and has been associated with increased risk for heart disease. GNLD developed the Lipotropic Adjunct to aid the body in the utilization of fat, but also to reduce risk of accumulation of homocysteine.
Reference:
Zhou K, Zhao R, et al, Association between B-group vitamins and venous thrombosis: systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies, J Thromb Thrombolysis, 2012 Jun 29; [Epub ahead of print].
A recent study found the B Complex vitamins protect against venous thrombosis. Vitamin B6 was most protective, but vitamin B12 and folic acid also appeared to be protective. These particular nutrients work to prevent the accumulation of homocysteine in the blood. This compound is a powerful free radical and has been associated with increased risk for heart disease. GNLD developed the Lipotropic Adjunct to aid the body in the utilization of fat, but also to reduce risk of accumulation of homocysteine.
Reference:
Zhou K, Zhao R, et al, Association between B-group vitamins and venous thrombosis: systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies, J Thromb Thrombolysis, 2012 Jun 29; [Epub ahead of print].
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