List Of Low Cholesterol Foods

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People who are over 25 years of age should pay more attention to their cholesterol levels. This is because as the body ages, its ability to fight off bad cholesterol decreases. Experts say that in order to avoid having too much bad cholesterol in the body, people should always have a ready list of low cholesterol foods and create a balance diet menu out of it.

The following is a list of low cholesterol foods that can be mix and match to create a low cholesterol diet:

1. LEAN MEATS. Lean red meats or lean chicken/turkey meats and fish should always be included in the list of low cholesterol menu because these are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients that are excellent for a person’s metabolism as well as in fighting off bad cholesterol.

2. VEGETABLES. This food group is considered as the healthiest among other groups in the food pyramid primarily because they are low in calorie-content. Aside from that, these are also high in dietary fiber and dietary nutrients that aids not only regulated metabolism but also balances cholesterol levels. Vegetables are also perfect low cholesterol foods because these are excellent sources of minerals and vitamins such as vitamins C, E and K, vitamin B-complex, and other micronutrients that reduce vitamin deficiency. Aside from lowering high cholesterol levels, other benefits of eating vegetables also include the reduction of heart diseases and cancer as well as high blood pressure.

3. GRAINS. Because these are in high-energy content and dietary fiber content, grains are effective foods to lower cholesterol level. Whole grains are also known as effective in controlling weight. Aside from whole grains, breads, beans, potatoes, pasta, and cereals can also help lower cholesterol levels.

4. NUTS AND SEEDS. Since these contain large amounts of vitamins and minerals, nuts and seeds are included among the list of low cholesterol foods. These foods also are also high in dietary fiber that is excellent for great metabolism and low in calorie-content that is effective for weight management.

5. FRUITS. Just like vegetables, fruits are also among the top food groups that lower cholesterol because they are very low in calorie content. These also contain large amounts of significant vitamins and nutrients that help prevent of vitamin deficiency as well as other illnesses.

See Also : Vitamin Store

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Antibiotic Alternatives - Strep Throat

Strep throat, according to webMD,  is a bacterial infection in the throat and the tonsils. The throat gets irritated and inflamed, causing a sudden, severe sore throat.

What causes strep throat?

Strep throat is caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria. There are many different types of strep bacteria. Some cause more serious illness than others.

Although some people are quick to think that any painful sore throat is strep, sore throats are usually caused by a viral infection and not strep bacteria. A sore throat caused by a virus can be just as painful as strep throat. But if you have cold symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or a runny or stuffy nose, you probably do not have strep throat.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of strep throat are:

* A sudden, severe sore throat.

* Pain when you swallow.

* Fever over 101F.

* Swollen tonsils and lymph nodes.

* White or yellow spots on the back of a bright red throat.

You may also have a headache and belly pain. Less common symptoms are a red skin rash, vomiting, not feeling hungry, and body aches.

Strep throat can be passed from person to person. When a person who has strep throat breathes, coughs, or sneezes, tiny droplets with the strep bacteria go into the air. These droplets can be breathed in by other people. If you come into contact with strep, it will take 2 to 5 days before you start to have symptoms.

How is strep throat diagnosed?

Your doctor will do a physical exam, ask you about your symptoms and past health, and do a rapid strep test to diagnose strep throat. Sometimes another test, called a throat culture, is also needed.

If the rapid strep test says that you don’t have strep (the test is negative) but your symptoms suggest that you do, your doctor may want to do a throat culture to be sure. This is because rapid strep tests are not always accurate. To do a throat culture, the doctor will swab a sample of cells from the back of your throat. The sample will go into a special cup (culture) where the strep bacteria can grow over time. If strep bacteria grow, the doctor knows that you have strep.

If the rapid strep test is positive and says that you do have strep, there’s no need to do the throat culture.

Know more about the cause of strep throat on this site http://www.ifoundthecure.com

How is it treated?

Strep throat will go away in 3 to 7 days with or without treatment. Doctors usually treat strep throat with antibiotics even though they may not make you well faster. Antibiotics shorten the time you are able to spread the disease to others (are contagious) and lower the risk of spreading the infection to other parts of your body.

There are natural ways to fight the bacterial infection of strep throat!

Gargle with bitter orange essential oil and salt water.

Orange Bitter Essential Oils – 4 oz., (Starwest Botanicals)

Dissolve 1 drop bitter orange essential oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt in 1/2 cup warm water. Gargle twice daily. Do not swallow.

Both, orange bitter essential oil and salt are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory

Echinacea With Goldenseal 100 Caps

Both of these herbs prepare the body to fight a throat infection.

Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat, Organic – 1 box (Pack of 2)

Reduces inflammation that makes it easier for bacteria to infect tissues like those in the throat

Vitamin C W/Rose Hips 1,000 mg 250 Tabs Plum Flower – 3313 – Clear Wind Heat – Sang Ju Yin Wan – 200 Teapills

Please check with your doctor before taking any supplements, and also read the warning labels on each product, especially if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Also read the labels carefully when giving your child any natural supplement, to ensure that it is safe to give a child.

Take all of these and fight streap throat naturally!

If you want to know more aside from these treatments, don’t hesitate to visit this site http://www.ifoundthecure.com

[Via http://healthandyoutoday.wordpress.com]

Studies Prove

Back at the dawn of time, when you could smoke in the lunch room, I worked in a factory that–I’m not joking–retouched high school yearbook photos.

It was 10:30am in the year 1973 and time for first break. (Our job provided deadly monotony and exposure to chemicals for eight hours minus two fifteen-minute breaks and a half hour for lunch unpaid. Oh, you worked there too? Eight to Four-thirty? Eh, Paisan!)

Anyway, we were enjoying our brief respite and eating plastic-wrapped muffins. There was nothing to look at but yesterday’s Evening Bulletin. In the ‘Women’s Section’ was the latest health scare. Saccharin causes cancer.

For the younger generation, let me clarify that Saccharin was the great white powdery hope for women who wanted to be slim while still eating food. But now it was proved deadly.

Andrea was having none of it. She waved her coffee cup.

“Everything causes cancer!” she cried. This cup causes cancer!” She’s shaking the paper cup with the Greek key pattern around the rim.

Well yeah, Bunky, no one gets out of here alive. And you can’t go nuts about the latest headlines. The news reporters have no more memory than a gerbil. This week’s panic leads.

It helps to take the long view. Reporters, bless their little Journalism Degree hearts, don’t know squat about Science. They would probably like to actually report some news, but real life is 8:00-4:30 with lunch not included.

Well, I could go on. My topic today is a recent medical study that is both disappointing and counter-intuitive..

A decade ago, the federal government launched the three-part study to see whether intensely lowering blood sugar, blood pressure, or fats in the blood would reduce heart attacks and strokes in diabetics. The first piece of the study — about blood sugar — was stopped two years ago, when researchers saw more instead of less risk with that approach. Now, the other two parts of the study are in.

The later news don’t look good.

The drugs used in the study to manage hypertension and cholesterol did not improve health or longevity in the people enrolled in the study.

This is disappointing because Diabetes is punching the time card on the shift that Tuberculosis used to work. He’s got a different M.O. He reaps the fatter and the older instead of the younger and the thinner. But he’s got greedy and is taking out so many that society might have to recognize a non-contagious epidemic.

What can we conclude from early study results that indicate that drug treatment for hypoglycemia, and high cholesterol does not improve health for people with type II diabetes?

We could conclude that having good blood sugar control doesn’t improve your health, but that doesn’t make sense. If your pancreas is doing its job you can eat cotton candy for breakfast and feel just fine. And it’s better to have clear coronary arteries than not, I think we would agree.

I would examine this study and question whether the drugs that were used on the volunteers were effective in promoting health. That’s not the same as promoting optimal lab test results.

Your individual concern is to find what works. A drug that totally sucked for the woman sitting beside you in the waiting room might work miracles for you.

Taking the long and cynical view of this recent study, I first would like to know how much influence the drug companies had in the design of the research. Context is everything. Ask an artist if you don’t believe that.

And the conclusion I draw from this study is not that controlling your blood sugar and cholesterol is useless. Rather, I question whether the drugs tested were the best ones. And whether drug therapy is the best approach. Maybe diet and exercise would work better. But there’s no lobby for that.

And these studies, comprising a few thousand people for a few years can’t answer the most important question–What should I do to stay healthy?

Taking the long view, I would say to use the old wisdom of eating right and exercising. If that doesn’t fix things, ask a doctor you trust to prescribe the drugs that seem like the best choice. Ask your doctor to track the effectiveness and explain the lab test results to you. Some people really need to take prescription drugs, and they are healthier when they do. I really mean that. Be reality-based. If a pharmaceutical helps you then for goodness sake, take the pill.

We unfortunately don’t have a science press to educate the public. We have a cage of gerbils chasing headlines.

Science seems wimpy sometimes. Studies don’t ‘prove’ anything. They support a hypothesis. How dry and dull.

The latest studies may show that drug treatment is not effective, or maybe that other drugs would work better, or we need better drugs, or maybe that diet and exercise is the only effective treatment.

Like Gilda Radner said, ‘It’s always something.’

We can’t panic on cue every time studies ‘prove’ something. It’s good to be skeptical, and take the long view, and ask who’s signing the checks. That’s something that reporters don’t usually dig deep enough to investigate. When they do, it gets buried on the back pages.

I think that taking care of yourself is a good idea. If you have a chronic disease like diabetes you should watch the research for new developments while doing the old-fashioned stuff to take care of yourself. A cure may be a long ways off, meanwhile we have to live in the world we’re in and make the best of it.

[Via http://kmareka.com]

Medical Myths, Dispelled

Myth #1: People who eat less fat, live longer.

Facts: After over 50 years and hundreds of studies, researchers remain unable to prove that a low-fat diet is good for your health. A few years ago, researchers at the Cochrane Collaboration decided to review the medical literature and see what it said. They looked at the results of the 26 best studies and found that low-fat diets didn’t help people live longer. The researchers found that people on low-fat diets were 2% more likely to die than those in the comparison groups.1 More recently, the Journal of the American Medical Association published their results of three huge studies attempting to show the benefits of a low-fat diet on breast cancer, colorectal cancer and coronary heart disease. Again, the studies failed to show significant benefit.2 In light of such findings, the British Medical Journal editorialized:

“Despite decades of effort and many thousands of people…there is still only…inconclusive evidence of the effects of modification of total, saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated fats on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.”3

My opinion: The low-fat diet has never been proven to be good for your health, and it probably doesn’t provide much benefit for most people. In fact, low-fat diets may be the main cause for skyrocketing obesity and diabetes over the last 30 years. The increase in obesity rates began in the 1970s, about the same time that the original food pyramid was introduced. This starch-based pyramid was designed to help Americans avoid animal fats. Unfortunately, high intake of starch and other carbohydrates increases blood sugar and insulin levels. These increases can, in turn, lead to the production of more body fat. So, a low-fat, high carbohydrate diet could actually make you fatter and less healthy.

Myth #2: Salt is bad for your health.

Facts: Salt has been widely used by many people for thousands of years without any obvious harm. On the other hand, salt is considered harmful because it contains lots of sodium which is supposed to raise blood pressure, leading to heart disease. It is true that cutting salt can lower blood pressure slightly, but we still don’t know if cutting back on salt is actually good for your health. In fact, the British Medical Journal recently reported that overall, “data on the effect of dietary sodium intake on subsequent morbidity and mortality are limited and inconclusive.”4 Many studies even suggest that low-salt diets could be bad for you. In particular, two of the biggest studies found that people with the lowest salt intake had the shortest life spans.5, 6 Yes, the people who ate the least salt, died the soonest, on average. But, how could cutting back on salt be harmful? Well, studies show that restricting salt can cause potentially harmful changes in metabolism, including increases in blood sugar, insulin and adrenalin levels.7, 8

My opinion: It is possible that some people can improve their health by consuming less salt, but is very unlikely that salt restriction is good for most people’s long-term health. Until someone can prove that cutting back on salt actually improves most people’s health, I believe that we’ve got more important things to worry about then getting everybody to restrict their salt intake.

Myth #3: Everyone with high cholesterol should take medicine to lower it.

Facts: Cholesterol is a natural substance in the human body. It is a component of every cell and a building block for many of our hormones. The “statin” drugs that are most commonly used to lower cholesterol work by disrupting normal cholesterol production. It is not surprising to learn then, that they have significant side effects including damage to muscle, the liver, and kidneys.

On the other hand, according to some of the best sources, statin drugs are only proven to help only one specific group of people live longer—men with heart disease. Researchers at the University of British Columbia concluded that “statins have not been shown to provide an overall health benefit in…prevention trials.”9 European researchers came to virtually the same conclusion, noting, “prevention with statins provides only a small and…hardly relevant improvement of cardiovascular morbidity/mortality.”10 And according to the Journal of the American Medical Association, taking medications for high cholesterol does not improve life expectancy for any group of women—even women with heart disease 11

My opinion: Cholesterol-lowering medications have many side effects and should be used with caution. I believe that these medications should be reserved for people who are likely to improve their lifespan by taking them. Basically, that means men who already have heart disease. For all the others with high cholesterol, I believe that addressing the underlying causes of their problem is more important. In most such cases, identifying and treating conditions such as hypothyroidism, insulin resistance and excess body weight is a better approach.

References:

1. Reduced or modified dietary fat for preventing cardiovascular disease.
   
   Hooper L, Summerbell CD, Higgins JPT, Thompson RL, Clements G,
   
   Capps N, Davey Smith G, Riemersma RA, Ebrahim S.
   
   The Cochrane Library 2004, Issue 1. p9.
2. JAMA. 2006 Feb 8; 295 (6): 629-642, 643-654, 655-666.
3. http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/322/7289/757?ck=nck
4. BMJ, doi:10.1136/bmj.39147.604896.55 (published 20 April 2007)
5. Am J Med. 2006 Mar;119(3):275.e7-14.
6. Lancet. 1998 Mar 14;351(9105):781-5.
7. Clin Sci(Lond). 2007 Aug;113(3):141-8.
8. Klin Wochenschr.1991;69 Suppl 2:51-7.
9. http://www.ti.ubc.ca/PDF/48.pdf
10. Int J Pharmacol Ther. 2003 Dec:41(12): 567-77.
11. JAMA. 2004 May 12;291(18):2243-52.

[Via http://drdoyle.wordpress.com]

Lower Cholesterol - Get a Grip on Fatty Acids

Unless you have been living under a rock, you have probably heard the term fatty acids. But, do you understand what they are and how the right ratio will improve your heart health? I intend to clear up the confusion.

Types of Fatty Acids

There are numerous types of fatty acids. I am focusing on omega 3 and omega 6.

Unsaturated Fats

Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are both unsaturated fats. To improve cholesterol levels, you want to replace the saturated fats (i.e. lard, shortening, ice cream, cheese) in your diet with unsaturated fats.

What does “omega” mean?

Most of you are familiar with the saying “alpha to omega“, in other words, beginning to end. The “omega” indicates which carbon has the first double bond on the carbon chain when you start counting from the omega end. For omega 3, the first double bond is on the third carbon from the omega end of the carbon chain. I know you were wanting to review a little biochemistry today!

Essential Fatty Acids

Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are also essential fatty acids.

Essential fatty acids are necessary for cardiovascular health, but our body cannot synthesize them and can only be obtained through the foods you eat.

Omega 3 (Linolenic Acid)

To keep things simple, I am going to use the acronyms ALA, EPA, and DHA. These are all types of omega 3 fatty acids. If we consume a food containing the omega 3 fatty acid ALA, our body will convert it to EPA and DHA. Studies have shown a link between EPA, DHA, and heart disease. More studies are needed to understand ALA’s relationship.

Sources:

Oils — Canola oil, Soybean oil, Flaxseed oil (good source of ALA)

Seeds and nuts — flaxseeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, sesame seeds

Vegetables — avocados, some dark leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, mustard greens, collards)

Fish (good source of EPA and DHA) — salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, albacore tuna, lake trout, herring

Omega 6 (Linoleic Acid)

I am going to throw in more acronym’s — GLA and AA — omega 6 fatty acids. Linoleic acid is converted to GLA and on into AA by the body. Researchers are finding indications of a link between GLA and EPA, in relation to heart health and reduced blood pressure. High intake of sugars, alcohol, trans fats, and various other factors can inhibit the conversion from linoleic acid to GLA.

Sources:

Oils — Sunflower oil, corn oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, flaxseed oil

Seeds and nuts — flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, pistachio nuts, sunflower seeds, pine nuts

Meat — chicken, beef

For optimum heart health, the ratio between omega 6 fatty acids and omega 3 should be between 1:1 and 4:1. A practical example of what a 1:1 ratio means, for every 3 ounces of beef you eat, you would need to eat 3 ounces of tuna. (I do not mean in the same meal!) The ratio for the typical American diet is 11:1 to 30:1. This poor ratio is linked with heart disease, among several other health issues.

Bottom Line:

For heart health, increase your intake of foods containing omega-3’s, while cutting back on omega-6 sources. For example, switch from corn oil to canola oil, increase the number of meals you eat that contain fish each week, and grab walnuts instead of pistachios.

Be sure to sign up for the free e-course How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps at http://www.lowercholesterolwithlisa.com

[Via http://antionettristanant.wordpress.com]

High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure

Blood pressure (strictly speaking: vascular pressure) refers to the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, and constitutes one of the principal vital signs. The pressure of the circulating blood decreases as blood moves through arteries, arterioles, capillaries, and veins; the term blood pressure generally refers to arterial pressure, i.e., the pressure in the larger arteries, arteries being the blood vessels which take blood away from the heart. Arterial pressure is most commonly measured via a sphygmomanometer, which uses the height of a column of mercury to reflect the circulating pressure (see Non-invasive measurement). Although many modern vascular pressure devices no longer use mercury, vascular pressure values are still universally reported in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).The systolic arterial pressure is defined as the peak pressure in the arteries, which occurs near the beginning of the cardiac cycle; the diastolic arterial pressure is the lowest pressure (at the resting phase of the cardiac cycle). The average pressure throughout the cardiac cycle is reported as mean arterial pressure; the pulse pressure reflects the difference between the maximum and minimum pressures measured.Typical values for a resting, healthy adult human are approximately 120 mmHg (16 kPa) systolic and 80 mmHg (11 kPa) diastolic (written as 120/80 mmHg, and spoken as “one twenty over eighty”) with large individual variations. These measures of arterial pressure are not static, but undergo natural variations from one heartbeat to another and throughout the day (in a circadian rhythm); they also change in response to stress, nutritional factors, drugs, or disease. Hypertension refers to arterial pressure being abnormally high, as opposed to hypotension, when it is abnormally low. Along with body temperature, blood pressure measurements are the most commonly measured physiological parameters.For more information visit: http://www.hypercet.com/?aid=207200

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CASSAVA: GOOD SOURCE FOR STARCH

Cassava is under the family of Dioscoreaceae. It grows to 8 feet. It has rough skin difficult to peel. It can only be done easily by heating to soften the skin. Has a different color of dark brown or light pink.

Cassava is a perennial woody shrub. It has an edible root. It is mostly grown in tropical areas. Its other name is yuca or manioc. It can be grown even in an infertile land. It can withstand a dry season. Inadequate processing of cassava causes chronic toxicity. Various processing method used by grating, sun-drying and fermenting to reduce cyanide toxicity. Generally, it is used as food. Can be consumed freshly boiled. The leaves used as green vegetables full of vitamin B and A. Roots can be harvested after 6 months. It can be grown by using stem cuttings.

Properties: cyanogenic glucosides, oxalate crystal (skin), dehydroepiandrosterone, saponin, diosgenin, dioscin, alkaloid, tannin

It provides daily requirements of dietary energy. High in vitamin C, dietary fiber, vitamin B6, potassium, manganese. Low in saturated fat. It has the ability to protect against osteoporosis and heart disease due to its potassium-sodium content.

It gives better protection against obesity and diabetes. Due to chemical content of dehydroepiandrosterone, it acts as an aid to hormonal deficiency (progesterone, estrogen). Its plant extracts can treat painful menstruation, hot flashes and headache due to menopause.

Can reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the gut. It lowers total cholesterol level in the blood. It is an effective remedy in colic and other gastro-intestinal problem. It has anti-spasmodic chemical for relieving spasm. It soothes diverticulitis. Good in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis because of its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. For women, it eases dysmenorrhea, ovarian and uterine pain. It supply nutrients for glandular function. It has the capacity to give good nutrition that will benefit the respiratory, nervous and urinary system. Considered as nutritional support for fibroid and breast cancer.

Good for fluid retention, control of weight gain. It has benefit on controlling stress. It has anti-inflammatory benefits. It normalizes the production of the adrenal cortex hormones. It eases indigestion by dilating the vessels.  Useful in the treatment of muscle cramps and muscular pain.

It has benefits in the treatment of digestive disorders and gallbladder problem. It has diuretic capacity for urinary tract infection. It can protect cardiovascular disease due to its vitamin B6 content. It breakdown homocysteine, a threat to the blood vessel walls. It was associated in the incidence of stroke and heart attack. Vitamin B6 can prevent these things to happen. Good source of potassium that reduces blood pressure to safety level.

Used as folk remedy for the treatment of impotence due to vitamin E content. It increases the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Has anti-oxidant properties believed to reduce the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women. It has anti-fungal, anti-viral content. It serves as a carminative that prevent gas. Decrease perspiration, good expectorant for cough. Good in liver protection, or any pelvic cramp and uterus contraction.

Uses: As food ( baked, boiled, fried). Made into granules, paste, flour, binding agent, materials in the production of paper and textiles. Served as monosodium glutaminate, a flavoring agent. It can be made into pounded yam and vegetable soups because of its starch. Manufactured into yam chips and paste.

Side Effects:

-Stomach discomfort or rashes to those having allergic reaction (food allergy).

-It lowers blood sugar or with diabetes.

-Not advisable for pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers due to toxicity content.

-Not recommended for those person with the bout of strokes and blood clot.

-Not to be taken by women under birth control pills medication.

-Causes uterine contraction.

-Tincture of wild yam contain alcohol that will lead to vomiting if taken with the medication called metronidazole.

[Via http://ihealunow.wordpress.com]

Some important news about high fats in your Supermarket

Fat Shockers: Surprisingly High-Fat Foods

 

This is an interesting article I recently read online. If you like the prepared meals because they save you time, well guess what. The time you save in preparing these quick meals is costing you your Health!

Check out this list of fatty foods lurking in your grocery store. By Elaine Magee, MPH, RD

WebMD Expert Column

Thirty-eight grams of fat and 14 grams of saturated per serving —  now, that’s a high-fat food! I’ve been reading food labels and writing about health for at least two decades, but even I am sometimes shocked to discover how much fat, saturated fat, or trans fat a food actually contains.

One of the first things I look for when eyeing the nutrition information label on a food is how many grams of fat the item has. Right under that, I find the grams of saturated fat and, for some products, trans fat. I also check out the serving size. That’s important because some companies — often the ones selling especially high-fat foods — list a serving size as half of a muffin, half a chicken pot pie, or half a candy bar. So if you’re eating the whole muffin, pot pie, or candy bar, you’ll need to double the numbers.

Case in point: Claim Jumper’s Chicken Pot Pie. The serving size on the box is 1/2 of a pot pie. So if you eat the entire pie, you’re getting 74 grams of fat (not 37) and 18 grams of saturated fat (not 9). Even the numbers for half the pot pie are quite shocking, as far as I’m concerned.

Why should you be concerned about high-fat foods? It’s true that there are health benefits to consuming “smart fats” like monounsaturated fat and omega-3s. And certain higher-fat foods, like nuts, avocado, salmon, and olive oil, do contribute to health. But the total amount of fat is important because it can be a red flag for foods high in potentially health-damaging fats — saturated fat and trans fat. Also, compared to carbohydrate and protein, each gram of fat has twice as many calories.

Of course, you need to be aware of saturated fat and trans fat in foods. Saturated fats are known to raise cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. They may also increase the risk of certain cancers. Trans fats hit you with a double whammy; in addition to raising levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol, they also decrease your HDL “good” cholesterol. Many researchers also suspect that trans fats increase the risk not only for heart disease, but also for type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, and breast cancer.

How Much Is Too Much?

So just how much saturated and trans fat is OK to eat? Here’s what the experts say:

• Saturated fat: Experts with the National Cholesterol Education Program recommend that less than 7% of total calories come from saturated fat. That’s 16 grams per day for a person eating 2,000 calories. Some of these products listed below get you most of the way there with one serving.
• Trans fat: Experts advise consuming as few trans fats as possible. The American Heart Association advises Americans to limit trans fats to less than 1% of total daily calories. If you need 2,000 calories a day, this computes to less than 2 daily grams of trans fats. Some of the products listed below get you past this daily recommendation with one serving.
• For more info and some of the worst food items you can read the entire article here:http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/fat-schockers-surprisingly-high-fat-foods?ecd=wnl_din_022210

[Via http://betterhealth4you.wordpress.com]

When stents are needed

When plaque builds up inside artery walls, the body’s natural response to injury can become its worst enemy. I attended a lecture this week to hear Dr. James Park, an interventional cardiologist with Cardiology and Interventional Vascular Associates in Dallas, explain how plaque build up in arteries can lead to a heart attack and the need for stents.

Perils of plaque:

Like me, many people attending the lecture assumed the only threat from plaque build-up was the gradual narrowing of arteries until, one day, the blockage was simply too great. Dr. Park explained that pieces of plaque inside artery walls breaks away, the body’s natural response to injury kicks in. Blood begins to clot over the site where plaque broke loose in an attempt to repair the injured area. The clot either further narrows the artery or completely blocks the flow of blood through the artery and causes a heart attack.

Dr. Park presented visuals to demonstrate procedures used to locate and repair blocked arteries:

• Angiogram: a procedure that inserts dye into arteries so an image can be taken to determine where the blockage has occurred.
• Angioplasty: a procedure that inserts a balloon into the area where to clot has formed to expand the artery so the clot can be broken into smaller pieces and removed by suction.
• Stent: A support inserted into the artery so it will remain open to allow blood to flow through.

The procedures in action:

Video produced by Nucleus Medical Art from The Baltimore Sun’s Web site demonstrates these procedures.

[Via http://foodwellness.wordpress.com]

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes

These are easy, delicious, and have great texture!

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes

Whisk together:

1 1/2 c. soy or almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)

1/2 c. canned pumpkin

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/8 tsp. ground cloves

1/8 tsp. ground ginger

1 tbsp. canola oil

Stir in:

1 1/4 c. whole wheat flour

3 Tbsp. maple syrup or agave

1 Tbsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

Heat griddle or frying pan, spray with cooking spray.  Make pancakes!!!

[Via http://healthyisnormal.wordpress.com]

Cholesterol and Heart Disease- A phony issue....

“The Soft Science of Dietary Fats,” by Gary Taubes, in the March 30, 2001 issue of Science,1 exposes the shenanigans of the 1970s McGovern Senate Committee staff and the follow-on by various government agencies that gave us the anti-fat, anti-cholesterol dietary goals and guidelines. This exposé adds to the material in “The Oiling of America”2 by Enig and Fallon and The Cholesterol Myths3 by Ravnskov. Taken together, these works provide substantial food for thought.

Blood cholesterol levels between 200 and 240 mg/dl are normal. These levels have always been normal. In older women, serum cholesterol levels greatly above these numbers are also quite normal, and in fact they have been shown to be associated with longevity. Since 1984, however, in the United States and other parts of the western world, these normal numbers have been treated as if they were an indication of a disease in progress or a potential for disease in the future.

As a result of some of this misinformation, which was purposefully planted by the leadership of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in 1984, many hundreds of thousands of people are treated with expensive medications to prevent the development of a non-existent illness. If the medications were only expensive and not life threatening, their use could no doubt be shrugged off as a harmless snake oil pharmaceutical scam; but, in fact, these are thoroughly dangerous medications for both physical and emotional reasons—for physical reasons because their use can lead to serious untreatable diseases such as liver cancer, and for emotional reasons because their use perpetuates the myth that cholesterol is dangerous and evil.

In his book The Cholesterol Myths, Dr. Uffe Ravnskov tells us what happens to an older woman who has normal high serum cholesterol levels. When her blood is tested in a forced cholesterol checkup, the cholesterol myth is used to justify treatment of her nonexistent disease state and she loses her vibrant state of good health.

The official advice to lower serum cholesterol levels has brought about numerous supplements with the attached claim that consuming them will lower cholesterol. This further supports the myth of cholesterol as an undesirable component of body and diet. In fact, the body uses cholesterol to repair and to protect. When improvement to the health of the body brought about by good changes in lifestyle or diet results in a lowering of serum cholesterol, it can be counted as an example of the body no longer needing the extra circulating cholesterol. The repair has been accomplished.

A month after the exposé in Science, the NHLBI responded by lowering its recommended “at risk” cholesterol level and increasing the number of people it wants to put on cholesterol lowering drugs. But there may be hope that the truth will win. Independent thoughtful researchers have continued to point out that there is a real need for correcting the wrong advice given to the public regarding the consumption of dietary fats. New research continues to show that the saturated fats are not a problem, that the trans fatty acids found in partially hydrogenated vegetable fats and oils really are a problem, and that the lack of appropriate balance in the diet of the polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is also a problem. Even the mono-unsaturates have been taken to task by some of the recent research. And lowfat diets are being shown to be counterproductive.

The lesson to be learned from all of this is that the old-fashioned, more saturated fats form the healthy basis of a good quality diet. And a good quality diet can help to produce a state of vibrant good health. Meanwhile, there is no need to worry about your cholesterol levels. This is a phony issue.

References

1. Gary Taubes, “The Soft Science of Dietary Fat,”Science, March 30, 2001.
2. Mary Enig, PhD and Sally Fallon, “The Oiling of America.”
3. Uffe Ravnskov, MD, PhD, The Cholesterol Myths: Exposing the Fallacy that Cholesterol and Saturated Fat Cause Heart Disease, NewTrends Publishing, Washington, DC, 2000. More info online at:www.ravnskov.nu/cholesterol.htm.

This article appeared in Wise Traditions in Food, Farming and the Healing Arts, the quarterly magazine of the Weston A. Price Foundation, Summer 2001.

About the Author

Mary G. Enig, PhD is an expert of international renown in the field of lipid biochemistry. She has headed a number of studies on the content and effects oftrans fatty acids in America and Israel, and has successfully challenged government assertions that dietary animal fat causes cancer and heart disease. Recent scientific and media attention on the possible adverse health effects of trans fatty acids has brought increased attention to her work. She is a licensed nutritionist, certified by the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists, a qualified expert witness, nutrition consultant to individuals, industry and state and federal governments, contributing editor to a number of scientific publications, Fellow of the American College of Nutrition and President of the Maryland Nutritionists Association. She is the author of over 60 technical papers and presentations, as well as a popular lecturer. Dr. Enig is currently working on the exploratory development of an adjunct therapy for AIDS using complete medium chain saturated fatty acids from whole foods. She is Vice-President of the Weston A Price Foundation and Scientific Editor of Wise Traditions as well as the author ofKnow Your Fats: The Complete Primer for Understanding the Nutrition of Fats, Oils, and Cholesterol, Bethesda Press, May 2000. She is the mother of three healthy children brought up on whole foods including butter, cream, eggs and meat.

[Via http://suppsupply.wordpress.com]

Traditional Diets Prevent You from Cancer, Processed Foods Not.

Once a rare disease, cancer is now widespread, affecting as much as one-third of the population. The rise in cancer in the West and other indrustial countries in East has paralleled the rise in factory farming and the use of processed foods containing vegetable oils and additives. Orthodox methods for treating cancer (radiation and chemotherapy) do not prolong life. The best approach to cancer is prevention. Traditional diets, containing animal and plant foods farmed by nontoxic methods, are rich in factors that protect against cancer. Many of these protective factors are in the animal fats.

In this concern, I see the facts that some people carrying out vegetarian diets have died due to cancer, such as a case of Linda McCartney, Paul McCartney’s wife. Vegetarianism does not protect against cancer. In fact, vegetarians are particularly prone to cancers of the nervous system and reproductive organs.

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Nutrients in Whole Foods that Protect Against Cancer

Vitamin A: Strengthens the immune system. Essential for mineral metabolism and endocrine function. Helps detoxify. True vitamin A is found only in animal foods such as cod liver oil; fish and shellfish; and liver, butter and egg yolks from pasture-fed animals. Traditional diets contained ten times more vitamin A than the typical modern American diet.

Vitamin C: An important antioxidant that prevents damage by free radicals. Found in many fruits and vegetables but also in certain organ meats valued by primitive peoples.

Vitamin B6: Deficiencies are associated with cancer. Contributes to the function of over 100 enzymes. Most available from animal foods. Vitamin B12: Deficiencies are associated with cancer. Found only in animal foods. Vitamin B17: Protects against cancer. Found in a variety of organically grown grains, legumes, nuts and berries.

Vitamin D: Required for mineral absorption. Strongly protective against breast and colon cancer. Found only in animal foods such as cod liver oil, lard, shellfish and butterfat, organ meats and egg yolks from grass-fed animals. Traditional diets contained ten times more vitamin D than the typical modern American diet. Vitamin E: Works as an antioxidant at the cellular level. Found in unprocessed oils as well as in animal fats like butter and egg yolks.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Strongly protective against breast cancer. Found in the butterfat and meat fat of grass-fed ruminant animals.

Cholesterol: A potent antioxidant that protects against free radicals in cell membranes. Found only in animal foods.

Minerals: The body needs generous amounts of a wide variety of minerals to protect itself against cancer. Minerals like zinc, magnesium and selenium are vital components of enzymes that help the body fight carcinogens. Minerals are more easily absorbed from animal foods.

Lactic Acid and Friendly Bacteria: Contribute to the health of the digestive tract. Found in old fashioned lacto-fermented foods.

Saturated Fats: Strengthen the immune system. Needed for proper use of the essential fatty acids. The lungs cannot function without saturated fats. Found mostly in animal foods.

Long-Chain Fatty Acids: Arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) help fight cancer on the cellular level. They are found mostly in animal foods such as butter, organ meats, cod liver oil and seafood. Co-enzyme Q10: Highly protective against cancer. Found only in animal foods.

Compounds in Processed Foods that Can Cause Cancer

Trans Fatty Acids: Imitation fats in shortenings, margarines and most commercial baked goods and snack foods. Strongly associated with cancer of the lungs and reproductive organs.

Rancid fats: Industrial processing creates rancidity (free radicals) in commercial vegetable oils.

Omega-6 fatty acids: Although needed in small amounts, an excess can contribute to cancer. Dangerously high levels of omega-6 fatty acids are due to the overuse of vegetable oils in modern diets.

MSG: Associated with brain cancer. Found in almost all processed foods, even when “MSG” does not appear on the label. Flavorings, spice mixes and hydrolyzed protein contain MSG.

Aspartame: Imitation sweetener in diet foods and beverages. Associated with brain cancer.

Pesticides: Associated with many types of cancer. Found in most commercial vegetable oils, fruit juices, vegetables and fruits.

Hormones: Found in animals raised in confinement on soy and grains. Plant-based hormones are plentiful in soy foods.

Artificial Flavorings and Colors: Associated with various types of cancers, especially when consumed in large amounts in a diet of junk food.

Refined Carbohydrates: Sugar, high fructose corn syrup and white flour are devoid of nutrients. The body uses up nutrients from other foods to process refined carbohydrates. Tumor growth is associated with sugar consumption.

More deep explanations concerning foods to preventing cancer could be found in great articles in 1001HealthSecret.com as follow:

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• Cancer Inhibitors in Food
• The Right Vitamin A to Prevent Cancer
• Vitamin C and Cancer

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[Via http://pilihsehat.wordpress.com]

The Next Great Advance of Medicine - Gastric Bypass for Kids!

Gastric bypass, a procedure by which the stomach is stapled into the size of an egg, is becoming more and more popular for children.  An alternate procedure using a band is also available.  Regardless of the procedure used, this is a terrible idea.  No one could possibly know the consequences this surgery will have on the developing digestive tracts of young adults.

There is no doubt that there is an obesity problem in this country and that children are becoming heavier and heavier.  Adult diseases and related problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are all on the rise in children.  In fact, 1 in 5 teens now has high cholesterol.  According to The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) comparing 1976-1980 and 200-2003, the prevalence of obesity has increased: for children aged 2–5 years, prevalence increased from 5.0% to 12.4%; for those aged 6–11 years, prevalence increased from 6.5% to 17.0%; and for those aged 12–19 years, prevalence increased from 5.0% to 17.6%.

The numbers are real and the problems are real, but we did not get here overnight and it certainly wasn’t a deficiency in gastric bypass surgeries that led our youth to be overweight.  The problem is the availability of cheap, nutrient empty food and the choices these children are being taught to make.  Combine this with the ever increasing inactivity in this country and it is a recipe for disaster.  Research has highlighted that kids younger than 8 spend an average of 2.5 hours watching TV or playing video games, and kids 8 and above spend 4.5 hours slumped before a TV or wriggling a joystick of some kind! Children who watch more than 4 hours a day are more likely to be overweight compared with those who watch 2 hours or less.  Also consider that some studies show that kids get 10% of their calories from fast food alone!  This doesn’t take into account the terrible snacks and meals they are being fed by their parents.  This also poses a problem for the health care system down the road as well.  Studies show that 80% of overweight children go on to be overweight adults.

Gastric bypass, however, is not the answer.  For one, getting a bypass done keeps you from absorbing enough food.  While this lowers the caloric intake of the individual, it also means you cannot absorb enough vitamins and nutrients.  Over time, this may lead to deficiencies of crucial nutrients and eventually lead to problems as serious as cancer.  It may not develop immediately, but does anyone know how the body reacts to sub par levels of a variety of antioxidants over, say 40 years?  I think not.  Secondly, this has not been proven to be any more effective then appropriate dietary advice.  These children need to be taught how to eat, not given a quick fix because they will have a lifetime ahead of them to eat incorrectly if this is the case.

The fix for fat in this country is a massive educational program.  It needs to be on the scale of the anti-smoking campaign or the D.A.R.E campaign to eliminate drugs.  It cannot be taught by physicians and dieticians who continue to teach the low fat method of dieting.  Research and physiology says that is the least effective way to lose weight and, most importantly, get healthy.  They have been preaching low fat, low fat and more low fat for 60 years!  And we are fatter than ever!  They still recommend your largest servings be of grains.  This is so wrong for human physiology it’s unbelievable.

What kids need to do is totally eliminate processed foods from their diet.  This means chips, pasta, soda, candy and breads to name a few.  Sure they can have it once in a while, but they should be a treat not a staple.  What they should be eating is protein, vegetables and fruits and healthy fats.  This would solve the obesity problem in this country OVER NIGHT!  It must be taught this way, however.  Deviations from this would result in failure and put us right back in the position we’re in.

Radical, dangerous and unnecessary surgery for children is a bad idea.  It becomes even worse when it is for a problem that can be fixed conservatively.  I am going to leave you with this thought.  Gastric bypass may make you thin, but it does not make you healthy.  The only way to do that is diet and exercise.

[Via http://thevreelandclinic.wordpress.com]

LIVE WITH CHOLESTEROL, NOT ME!

 

I was devastated when I went along to my Doctors last year suffering from headaches, after chatting with her and going through the usual rigmarole, she arranged for me to have some blood tests done, “we will see what the result find she said, but for now, take two Ibuprofen tablets and two paracetomol, this will help until we find out if there is anything causing them?

Well, guess what, like everyone does I didn’t ring for the result! I went on Holiday instead, that’s more like it huh, yeah, holidaying in Lanzarote is more important.

Three weeks after returning from my wonderful holiday I decided I should ring and find out the results of my blood test, Just in case! “Oh yes Mrs Best the Doctor wants to see you can you come along 9:30am Monday morning”, “Yes, I can do that”, I said.

I am now sitting in the waiting room apprehensive and wondering what they have found in my blood! What could it be, I’m never ill, why now? I feel great, I feel normal, can’t be much?

“Come in”, the Doc called, I sat down while she fiddled on the computer. “Mmm, you have High Cholesterol” she told me, High Cholesterol, what does that mean?

“It means you have and increased chance of having a heart attack, or stroke”.

She then took my blood pressure and did some figures and came to the conclusion that I had a 13% chance of having a heart attack or stroke in the next ten years!

Me, little me, there’s nothing of me how can I have high cholesterol? how did I get it? How long have I had it? I can’t have it I eat healthy, I hardly eat meat, I don’t eat many cream cakes, well, rarely, I enjoy a beer or drop of wine but not excessively! I exercise, my god! I can’t have high cholesterol, I was devastated, I had never until now, had any health issues, and now here I was facing up to maybe popping pills for the rest of my life.

 We then went through my weekly diet, my alcohol intake and exercise.

 The doc then decided after adding my blood pressure to the volume of HDL and LDL, (Low Density Cholesterol, and High Density Cholesterol) and being a non smoker and considering my blood pressure was absolutely spot on, she was not going to prescribe statin tablets, as she thought I could try to bring it down on my own! Well, at least that’s a start for me to get on the right road again, I felt like I’d been given a second chance, at what though, living longer of course, Oh yeah, of course.

She gave me a piece of A4 paper with foods listed in three columns stating, once a week, twice a week and rarely, she said she would see me in a year’s time. I thanked her and left the surgery.

I was depressed, angry, frustrated and bewildered, how was I supposed to manage this cholesterol on my own, I didn’t know anything about it I had heard of it but never really knew the ins and outs of it. This sort of thing happened to others not to me, me, I’m still having problems coming to terms with the fact that I have high cholesterol.

Has anyone else been told they have high cholesterol? Are you or were you as bewildered and in the dark as I was? How I would like to hear from you!

When I got home I sat down with a cup of tea hubby made me and thought hard about my predicament, then I decided I needed to find out more about this medical setback.

A few days later I went into boots for some other items I needed and while I was waiting in the queue I noticed a book on cholesterol, I picked up and bought it, I came home and read it through from start to finish, by this time I was beginning to have a better idea of what cholesterol was.

The one sheet of paper the Doctor gave me had various foods I should not eat and listed foods I should eat, like polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, why these? What was the difference, how would I know, I just cook it and eat it I don’t look at the labels what’s in it why would I? Do you?

So, after buying this little book I was a bit wiser, not a lot but a bit. And to my shock and horror!!! I read in this book that if you eat a healthy diet and exercise fairly regularly you may have an inherited gene of cholesterol known as Familial Hypercholesterolemia, known as FH. Meaning its past down from your parents to the siblings a gift from mum or dad that I never knew about, bless them, which means however much you exercise or eat healthy you will suffer with cholesterol and may have to take drugs to regulate it, and one way of telling if you have Familial Cholesterol is by looking at the eye, it causes a white ring around the outside right on the edge of your coloured part of the eye be it blue, brown or green, if you have this then you need to get a check up believe me I have it so I know. If you want to fight it or avoid it like I have follow my blogs.

[Via http://linnybe.wordpress.com]

Whole Wheat Cinnamon Berry Pancakes

Great texture, great taste, super easy and great for you!!!!

Whole Wheat Cinnamon Berry Pancakes

2 tbsp ground flaxseed

1/4 cup water

Whisk these together well;  they’ll serve as the binding.

To that, whisk in:

1 1/3 cup of non dairy milk (I like soy or vanilla almond)

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp salt (I use kosher for all my cooking)

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp ground cinnamon (or more…)

2 tbsp agave (found in natural foods section) or real maple syrup

1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (King Arthur flours are excellent)

Fold in:

1/2 – 3/4 cup berries – I pull my frozen wild blueberries right out of the freezer and throw them in.

Heat your pan or griddle, spray lightly with canola cooking spray.  And cook them the way you’d cook any pancakes! Serve with real maple syrup.

[Via http://healthyisnormal.wordpress.com]

Consider The Ant...

“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

Provideth her meat in the summer, [and] gathereth her food in the harvest.

How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.”

Proverbs 6:6-11

There be four [things which are] little upon the earth, but they [are] exceeding wise:

The ants [are] a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

The conies [are but] a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;

The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;

The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces.

Proverbs 30:24-28

In the battle over real food, there are some great truths to be considered, as we look to find principles we can count on. The wisdom of God’s word the Bible, is always trustworthy.

Artificial Food is Slow Poison

When we eat artificial food, food that is processed improperly or just a can of chemicals masquerading as food, we do not fall down and drop dead instantly. It would be better if we did drop dead immediately, then we wouldn’t;t continue eating artificial food.

When we ingest these food, often we don’t even feel sick, and we think that it is having no effect on us at all. We are lulled to sleep as the Sluggard.

Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.”

We reason, hey, I eat at McDonald’s and I feel OK, or I eat cereal every day, and don’t notice ill effects immediately. This is a insidious snare that comes on all who are tricked by the artificial food pied piper of pudendum! Then one day we awake and have Cancer, or a Heart Attack!

Artificial Food is Profitable

There is always a remarkable profit margin built into processed food, that empowers its successful reception in the stomachs of unwitting eaters. Their enormous profit margin allows for the product to be-

1. Packaged Beautifully
2. Marketed Effectively
3. Developed so it Tastes Good (Chemically Enhanced)
4. Has the Support of Government, Medical, and Media Outlets

Artificial Food is a Bully!

This mechanism and coordinated efforts from these various agencies keep people misinformed about the true dangers of processed foods, at the same time bullying real food so that the general understanding among Americans is fear and dought about the safety of real food, and no real concern about the alien food products they consume every day.

Artificial Food has Constructed an Artificial Hierarchy

Human beings by nature are all nutritionists! Dr. Weston Price discovered isolated people groups around the world that had excellent human health due to their wise choices about food. Many of these healthy people could not read nor write, but they were excellent nutritionists! In fact, Dr. Price, considered by many to be the greatest nutrition researcher of all time, was actually taught by the great wisdom developed by these often unlearned folk!

One of the problems in understanding artificial foods and real foods is that men by nature worship education. We are often fooled by Doctors and Government officials who are very learned and have high sounding titles and positions, so that many people conclude, well he must know what he’s talking about, after all, he’s a Doctor

Artificial Worship

Over the 20th century with many advances in technology, people began more and more to trust the so-called scientist, and conclude that ancient understanding was all wrong. Coupled with a concerted effort by those in academia to control that which could be known about food, they have effectively set up a religion, the religion of Fake Food!

We Are In Control of Your Television

Just as the church in the middle ages became very corrupt, and set up a hierarchy that stated that only the priests and bishops were allowed to interpret the bible, and peasants and average folks were not worthy to even read it, they even kept it in a dead language (Latin) so that even when they heard the Bible, they wouldn’t understand it!

Eventually there was great revolt against this tyranny, Martin Luther in Germany was the inspirational leader of what is now known as the Protestant Reformation. They had no established authority to lead them, because the authority had become corrupt! Nevertheless with great courage and God’s help, they successfully established a new religion that allowed truth to have free course!

Nothing New Under The Sun

Likewise in modern America men have created an artificial hierarchy to control the thoughts of the people who, according to them, are too stupid to make decisions for themselves! This can be seen in the medical systems, including Registered Dieticians as well as Doctors of all sorts, and organizations like the AMA and the FDA. These artificially exalted men are the only ones to interpret truth, and if any speaks differently, they are either unqualified, uninformed or stupid. They also move as the Spanish inquisition to purge any unbeliever from their church. The church of industrial food.

You Have No Scientific Evidence!

Part of the system of science falsely so-called is the term clinical trial. A term for a study that is almost always sponsored by someone who is looking for a specific result, and can only be paid for by those who have a highly profitable Fake Food. In fact, real food can for all practiical purposes never have a clinical study, because it never generates the large sums of money needed to pay for it, because real food has such a low profit margin.

Furthermore, when a study suggests some truth, it is quickly attacked as irrelevant for one reason or another. This system is effectively keeping America eating in the Dark Ages! Check out this recent study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Consider the Ant…

Just as ants have no ruler, but work together diligently to accomplish great feats of work, so the real food movement grows and its healthier, more zealous activists keep on working and teaching in the face of insurmountable odds! Without corporate sponsorship, government grants or help from any established medical organization.

Wisdom from the Bible

God laughs as the foolishness of man, and is glorified by using the small things of this world, to overturn the great! We who are part of this movement know that it is a good and right thing to do, and if we keep the course, we may soon see the liberation of real food, and the restoration of our nation’s health.

If you have a desire to get active in the fight, please go to www.westonaprice.com and become a member, begin to learn the truth about real food, and have courage, the ant wins in the end!

Please consider becoming a nutritionist, and learning how to be an effective messenger of eat food at www.LiberationWellness.com/certification

[Via http://liberationwellnessblog.com]

Another Drug Pales In Comparison To Dietary Changes

A recent study, entitled “10-Year Follow-up of Diabetes Incidence and Weight Loss in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study,” has concluded that changing dietary habits is much more effective for reducing the incidence of diabetes than taking Metformin.  The main use for metformin is in the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2, especially in overweight people.  Metformin improves high blood sugar primarily through its suppression of glucose production in the liver.

Here is the major finding of the study: (Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group

Lancet. 2009;374:1677-1686) “Diabetes incidence was reduced by 58% with intensive lifestyle change and by 31% with metformin compared with placebo.”

This clearly shows that changing lifestyle and dietary habits is much more effective for reducing the incidence of diabetes than taking a pharmaceutical. I cannot possibly understand why anyone would prefer to take a drug to reduce the risk of diabetes, when changing diet is a much more superior way to improve health.  To illustrate, I will compare the side effects of dietary changes with the side effects of Metformin.

Side Effects of Diet Change:

• Increased energy
• Better sleep
• Better mood
• Increased vitality
• Better productivity
• Weight loss
• Improving cholesterol numbers
• Reduction of cardiac risk

Side Effects of Metformin:

• Diarrhea — occurring in up to 53.2 percent of people
• Nausea or vomiting — in up to 25.5 percent
• Gas — in up to 12.1 percent
• Weakness — in up to 9.2 percent
• Indigestion — in up to 7.1 percent
• Abdominal discomfort (or stomach discomfort) — in up to 6.4 percent
• Headache — in up to 5.7 percent

The comparison is relatively clear.  Dietary changes are documented to have very little “side effect,” if any.  The changes usually only benefit the participant.  Pharmaceuticals are notorious for side effects as evidenced by the published rates I have quoted above.

This study is great news.  It confirms that the way to be healthy is through diet and nutrition, not synthetic drugs. If you are concerned about your risk for diabetes, talk to a health practitioner that will work with your diet and not just write you a quick prescription.  Pharmaceutical giants would have you believe their drugs are the only way, but it simply is not the truth.  Changing lifestyle habits is the only true way to get healthy.

[Via http://thevreelandclinic.wordpress.com]

Top 4 Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea has received an increasing amount of fanfare over the past few years and its popularity doesn’t seem likely to waver anytime soon.

So why is this particular type of tea regarded so greatly above the other varieties? There may be many reasons but the most likely is the almost magical effects this drink can have over our health.

Out of the many health benefits, I believe the top 4 are:

1) Green Tea is an Effective way to Lose Weight

Green tea is swimming with anti-oxidants one to note is epigallocatachen gallate (EGCG). EGCG help to accelerate energy expenditure, which means green tea simulates thermogenesis or fat metabolism. In a study of green tea dieting, the participants showed a 4% increase in metabolic rates.

2) Green Tea is a Cancer Fighter

The anti-oxidant levels in green tea are many times better than vitamin C and vitamin E at protecting our immune systems. Green tea reduces the amount of free radicals in our bodies which helps prevent and protect against cancer. The EGCG anti-oxidants have also been shown to slow down stop the growth of cancer cells.

3) Green Tea Protects Against Stokes & Heart Attacks

Green tea promotes blood circulation and has been found to have great benefits to our circulatory systems. The EGCG anti-oxidants, found in green tea, effectively stop blood clots from forming. Blood clots, or thrombosis, lead to strokes and heart attacks.

4) Green Tea Lowers Cholesterol

Another major health benefit of green tea is its ability to lower both total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. After 3 months in a study, participants that had moderate to high levels of cholesterol showed an average drop of 16% in their cholesterol levels.

Some other notable health benefits include:

• Protecting skin from ultraviolet light radiation
• Regulates body temperature and blood sugar
• Helps stabilize diabetes
• Aids in digestion
• Improves mental processes

For more information check out these articles:

• Health benefits of drinking green tea
• The Complete Guide to Green Tea

[Via http://thebestcupoftea.wordpress.com]

Elizabeth says - HMMMMM......Not Hungry

Friday, January 29, 2010

I woke this morning … Like any other … had some coffee and cream – yum – and then a thought entered my head … I was not hungry … now, this may not seem so unusual to some of you but … for me it was noticeaby different. As in, “hmmm, not hungry” … not full, not feeling yucky, just not hungry … so I decided to ride that wave and see where it took me.

I got up at 5:00 and had to train a client at 6:45 so I convinced myself to eat a hard-boiled egg before leaving the house – ok, not a big deal – ate it, went and trained the client … came home, collected some stuff from a neighbor, and then at 8:30, was actually feeling kind of hungry … ate a little cheese, some nuts, a coconut-oil and cocoa “thing” that I had made (like a truffle?) … went to the gym, did the recumbent bike for 45 minutes, stretching and abs with a friend and had coffee … not until around 11:30 when I got home did I actually feel really hungry. Ate some steamed spinach with butter, cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes; some cream and cocoa powder with stevia ….

Weird … just weird …. Like I said, I am going to continue to ride this wave and see where it takes me

Posted by Elizabeth at Friday, January 29, 2010 Comment From Kevin Brown – Elizabeth didn’t need the egg in the morning, but thought it should be eaten. She is almost naturally down to 2 meals a day. A very normal, very healthy protocol.

[Via http://liberationwellnessblog.com]

Estranger Things Have Happened ... But This Time It's Happening To ME!!

There’s never a dull moment in a blending family.  Just when you think you have it waxed – well, everyone getting on a bit better than they did when you first threw in your lot together, at least – and you’re about to reward yourself with the first pat on the back you’ve allowed yourself in years, the rug zips from beneath your feet.

I was diagnosed with cancer last year (actually, one year ago today exactly), which although caused a bit of crisis didn’t create as much devastation as my 18 year old daughter’s sudden estrangement during my treatment.  I say ’sudden’, as one day she was here and the next day she was on the other side of the world trying out living with her father, but she had been becoming steadily more withdrawn prior to her moving out.  The venomous messages and accusations levelled at me and her stepdad knocked the remaining wind completely out of me.  Nothing hurts as much as losing your child, they say; I believe them.  I have no idea yet what caused it and need some answers, but more than that, I love her and miss her and want our relationship back.

I haven’t added a blog for months as I haven’t really known what to say.  My book “In The Blender” is supposed to be a helpful, funny, positive guide to blending stepfamily life, but I haven’t been feeling very helpful, funny or positive lately!  There’s little point in writing a blog if you’re not telling the truth, let’s face it – Life’s too short.  But the truth in this case hurts more than I wanted to write about.

I have been for counselling and have spent many hours talking with family and friends about it.  Everyone’s been supportive, but no-one can help of course, and it leaves me feeling desperate and clingy.  As with grief, the pain abates for a bit and then swamps you again when you least expect it.

So I started researching the whole ‘estrangement’ thing, and have finally found a fantastic forum for mums, dads and kids who are estranged.  If this is happening in your family, check this out:  http://estrangedstories.ning.com.   I have met others there who really CAN give me the sort of empathetic support I confess I really need, as they’re in it, too.  Family estrangement turns out to be a growing social phenomenon, apparently, yet few people really want to talk about theirs.  It feels shameful – as though you have to hide it.

Well, I’ve decided I’m not going to.  I won’t divulge stuff that’s private to my daughter or that will jeopardise a hoped for reconciliation, but I will write more about how things are moving.  Firstly, it might help me cope better with how I’m feeling, and secondly it might help you, if you’re in a similar situation.

If you are, do drop me a line – and visit the forum mentioned above.  And have a hug.

This, too, shall pass …

MY BOOK “IN THE BLENDER” IS NOW AVAILABLE AT AMAZON – CLICK ON THIS LINK:  http://www.amazon.com/Blender-Joanna-Danks/dp/1409294161/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264516747&sr=1-1

[Via http://intheblender.wordpress.com]

Greetings From NYC

While it is true I don’t get out much, I do get out now and then.  The MUD meeting was awesome.  If you get the opportunity to attend this underwriting meeting, don’t pass it up.

But do take a pass on room service.

I stayed in a midtown hotel of reasonably good quality.  The room service breakfast menu had a Build Your Own Omelete for $24.95.  If you wanted juice or coffee add another $7.00 apiece.  Once you add an 18% service charge, tax, and delivery fee it starts looking real expensive.

I’ve never had a omelete that cost over $50.00.

I’m going back to Oklahoma.

[Via http://underwritingsolutionsllc.com]

Q&A: Stevia, Crohn's, diabetes, and nut butters

THANK YOU for your well wishes for Miss Lily. She is our baby and it was a scary event, to say the least! Thanks for all the sweet comments!

I wasn’t planning on another Q&A so soon, but I was BLOWN AWAY by the questions I received since Tuesday’s Q&A…I just couldn’t resist. Plus, I’m not concise in my answers and there may be a 1 million word limit?

Marla of Family Fresh Cooking: I love the flavor of Stevia and that it is an all natural sweetener that ranks 0 on the glycemic index. Everything I have read says it’s healthy to use (unlike artificial sweeteners.) Do you know of anything that would suggest otherwise?

Prevention RD: Stevia – hot topic! Stevia use and advertising has spread like wild fire! Like you said, Stevia offers a “natural” non-nutritive (calorie-free) sweetener. Like most everything we eat, safety of use will come back to labeling and marketing. The FDA has administered GRAS status (Generally Recognized as Safe) for 95% of higher purified Rebaudioside A (Reb A or rebiana) Extract. Other steviol glycosides will also submit FDA petitions for GRAS status shortly. Reb A is one of two main steviol glycosides (the other is stevioside) and are all 200-300x sweeter than sugar. Reb A has been tested through peer-reviewed research, including metabolic and carcinogenicity testing. All have shown no adverse effects with Reb A doses of approximately 4-15 mg/kg body weight per day. The World Health Organization’s Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives concluded that high purity stevia compounds are safe for use as general purpose sweeteners set at a daily intake of 0-4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight as steviol glycosides. Take home message: Yes, they are safe at moderate intake levels. Source: American Dietetic Association, June 2009. Hot Topics: Stevia.

Courtney of Pink Cow Girl: I have Crohn’s disease….or at least that’s what one GI doctor said, except I don’t have ANY of the regular issues. I can eat nuts, popcorn, onions, etc. But I’m on medication for Crohn’s. I’m also starting to think that I may be slightly lactose intolerant? What is your opinion on managing these issues with diet? Do you think going vegan could help my stomach troubles???

Prevention RD: Crohn’s disease – not fun For those that aren’t familiar with Crohn’s, it is a condition of lesions that develop throughout the GI tract. Lesions can begin in the mouth and develop anywhere and everywhere, from the mouth to the anus. I brushed up on Crohn’s and found some interesting information (I learn from these Q&A’s, too!). Crohn’s may be correlated with cola beverage intake, chewing gum, chocolate, and increased sugar consumption. Other research shows that high animal protein and polyunsaturated fat intake along with low intake of omega-3 fattty acids may contribute to the development of Crohn’s. It is also more common in people of Jewish decent and the majority of cases peak between the ages of 15 and 30. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, anorexia (low appetite secondary to disease process), and weight loss. When Crohn’s is in remission, a high-fiber diet, as tolerated, is recommended to stimulate peristalsis (the rhythmic movement of the intestines) and to improve the tone of the intestinal muscles. Unnecessary restrictions should be avoided to maximize nutrient intake. During acute (active) Crohn’s outbreaks, a low-fiber diet and/or bowel rest is recommended to minimize symptoms and decrease the risk of bowel obstruction. Lactose intolerance is common in those suffering from Crohn’s disease. The restrictions you are describing, however, would align more so with a diverticulitis diet – avoidance of small food particles that can get stuck in small out-pouches of the intestine causing infection – nothing related to Crohn’s. If you were properly diagnosed with Crohn’s (typically you are scoped to look for lesions throughout the GI tract), I would advise against a vegan diet. Malnutrition is very common in Crohn’s patients and putting strict restrictions on the diet could further exacerbate any malnutrition. If you suspect you have lactose sensitivity, I would omit lactose and switch to lactose-free milk, cheese, yogurt, ice creams, etc. If your symptoms improve, you have your answer! Excellent question! I wish you all the luck in managing such a complicated, uncomfortable disease.

Courtney of Pink Cow Girl: My favorite employee at my school (the secretary) has diabetes (sugar diabetes…but I don’t know if that means type 1 or 2 or if it matters). She also will eat ANY and EVERY kind of candy she can get her hands on. I love to bake cookies, and I want to give her something HEALTHY but…not let her know it. Do you have any delicious diabetic recipes??? I’d love to hear what you suggest as far as the best sweet treat to trick a diabetic!!!

Prevention RD: Can I just say that I think it’s adorable when people refer to diabetes as “sugar diabetes”? It makes me smile every time! The majority of diabetics in the US are type 2, meaning they are non-insulin dependent diabetics (don’t have to take shots, or at least not initially for most). Type 2 diabetes used to be referred to as “adult onset diabetes” but that is no longer true – type 2 diabetes is being diagnosed in kids under the ago of 10 — compliments of the obesity epidemic here in America. Scary, isn’t it? Regardless, type 1 or 2, a diabetic diet is a carbohydrate-controlled diet. Carbohydrates break down to glucose (sugar) in the body, so the words “carbohydrate” and “sugar” are many times used interchangeably. A diabetic can control through the diet how much carbohydrate they intake, and thus controlling how high their blood sugars go. What’s important to understand is that a diabetic can eat “normal” foods, in moderation. Further, a diabetic diet is just like any other diet – the calories from carbohydrate should comprise 50% or more of the diet – not “low carb”. While there are lower-carbohydrate and sugar-free options available, one must remember that portion control is still crucial for blood sugar control (and sugar-free does NOT mean carb-free!). I’ve made several recipes as of late that would qualify as “low-to-moderate” in carbohydrate – Oatmeal Cranberry While Chocolate Chip Cookies (16.2 grams of carbohydrate = 1 carb choice), Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip, and Pecan Cookies (15.5 grams of carbohydrate = 1 carb choice), Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies (13.2 grams of carbohydrate = 1 carb choice), and Chocolate Chip Chickpea Cookies (13.6 grams of carbohydrate = 1 carb choice). P.S. 1 carb choice = approximately 15 grams of carbohydrate. I hope this helps! Thank you for 1) being an awesome, caring co-worker and 2) asking a great, diabetes-related question! Let me know how she likes them!

Ambre: I’m recently (thanks to watching Food, Inc.) pretty much not eating meat. On occasion I do eat fish (because I cannot give up sushi). I’m wondering if you can give me some ideas on how many grams of protein I need a day, and if I need to take any other supplements besides a multivitamin? I take a multivitamin supplement. I am also dieting, trying to lose 25 more lbs. I am currently 154lbs, 5′5″.

Prevention RD: Great movie, isn’t it? But, I couldn’t give up sushi either! Life just wouldn’t be worth living (half kidding!)! The average adult requires 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (2.2 pounds = 1 kilogram). Therefore, 56 grams of protein a day should meet your protein needs. I would advise seeing a medical provider to under-go simple blood testing to determine whether or not your iron or hemoglobin is low. If so, an iron supplement may be advisable. In the mean time, pair high-iron non-heme sources such as leafy greens with vitamin C-containing fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, citrus fruit, red bell peppers, and melon. For non-heme iron to be absorbed, vitamin C is required in the meal. As long as you are free of chronic disease and other co-morbidities, following a diet meeting the DRI’s + your multivitamin, you are likely meeting your nutritional needs. Thanks for the question, good luck in your weight loss!

Melanie: When I compared the nutrition facts for peanut butter and all-natural peanut better, the information was EXACTLY the same. The only difference that I could see was more sodium in my regular peanut butter, but I’m not really concerned about that. I chose to look next at the ingredients to see how they compared. The regular peanut butter ingredients are: Select Roasted Peanuts, Soy bean oil, Corn dextrin, Sugar, Hydrogenated vegetable oil, and salt. I know how bad hydrogenated oils are for us, but if these extra ingredients don’t make any difference in the nutritional information, are there really enough of them in the peanut butter to do any harm?

Prevention RD: Such a wonderful question and one that many people have concerns about. Hydrogenated oils and trans fats simply have NO place in the diet — they raise LDL-cholesterol (the “bad” kind) and lower HDL-cholesterol (the “good” kind) – double whammy! The US (I assume Canada is the same) does not require “trans fat” to be on the label unless the products contains more than 0.5 grams per serving. While this amount seems negligible, it is not. Trans fat should be eliminated from the diet whenever possible and purchasing all-natural peanut butter is a great way to decrease intake of hydrogenated oil. Shop around for brands that you enjoy, or consider using a 50/50 blend of your preferred peanut butter and an all-natural brand – it all adds up to make a positive change. Thanks for the great question!

Melanie: I noticed that comparing raw peanuts to raw almonds – they have roughly the same amount of calories but raw almonds have less saturated fats. Does that mean almond butter would be a healthier choice than peanut butter?

Prevention RD: You’re very label savvy! Yes, almonds have less saturated fat than peanuts; almonds are rich in mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids making them a very heart-healthy nut despite their relatively high caloric density. In comparing almond butter to peanut butter (all-natural brands of each), almond butter contains 0.5 grams of saturated fat while peanut butter contains 2.5 grams of saturated fat. I think this is one of the main reasons almond butter has been gaining spotlight attention in recent years. I would never deem all-natural peanut butter a poor source of nutrition but if you’re comparing it to almond butter…almond butter does take the cake! Great question!

Question: How many people do you know with diabetes (type 1 or 2)?

Any exciting weekend plans?

And on a completely unrelated topic (for Jersey Shore fans) — who would you date if you HAD to choose one? The Situation? Pauly D? Vinny? Ronnie?

Happy Friday! Cheers to a wonderful weekend!!!!

[Via http://preventionrd.com]

High-Fat Diet Cures Boy, 4, of Epilepsy

Liberation Wellness Diet Protocols in the News!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

A 4-year-old epileptic Minnesota boy, who used to suffer more than 100 seizures a day, has been cured — thanks to an extremely high-fat diet, wcco.com reported.

Medication wasn’t even touching Max Irvine’s condition, and his parents watched hopelessly as their son’s condition worsened.

But Dr. Elaine Wirrell, a pediatric neurologist at the Mayo Clinic, suggested Max try the Ketogenic diet, which is low in carbohydrates and very high in fats. Wirrell said research hints the high-fat diet stabilizes brain cells and alters neurotransmitters.

Max’s meals consisted of butter and bacon; he was drinking Canola oil as a beverage, and to his parents’ amazement, the diet worked.

“I just remember having tears, and thinking how can I be giving my child so much fat,” said Kristine Irvine, Max’s mother.

Wirrell said she monitors Max’s cholesterol, but that kids on this diet do not typically have cholesterol or lipid problems. Today, Max is not taking any medication and he is not suffering any seizures.

Click here to read more on this story from wcco.com.

This is similar to a client we had who had a dog with epilipsy, the ancient cure is a very lo-carb (low sugar) diet. It worked like a charm. Unfortunantly, the high fat cure is demonized and expensive treatments are promoted and suffering continues in the lives of thousands!

Kevin Brown

[Via http://liberationwellnessblog.com]

Are your medicines robbing you of essential nutrients?

The Physician’s Desk Reference along with the “Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook” are the sources for the following  information on nutrients that are blocked or reduced by some common medications.

Medication is often a logical and appropriate choice to treat many health conditions. However, opting for a nutritional or more holistic approach can also make very good sense. Either way, knowing how to offset these vitamin and essential nutrient deficiencies is empowering and practical information in re-establishing overall health.

ANTACIDS

Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, Zinc Prevacid, Prilosec Vitamin B12

ANTIBIOTICS

Amoxicillin, Erythromycin, Penicillin, Tetracycline “Friendly”/beneficial intestinal bacteria

ANTIDEPRESSANTS

Adapin, Aventyl, Elavil, Tofranil Vitamin B2, Co-enzyme Q10

ANTI-DIABETIC DRUGS

Dymelor Micronase, Tolinase Co-enzyme Q10 Glucophage Vitamin B12

ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES

Aspirin Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Iron, Potassium Advil, Aleve, Dolobid, Feldene, Indocin, Lodine, Motrin, Nalfon, Naprosyn, Orudis, Relafen, Voltaren Folic Acid Betamethasone, Budesonide, Cortisone, Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, Methylprednisolone, Prednisolone, Prednisone Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Folic Acid, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Selenium, Zinc

BLOOD PRESSURE-LOWERING DRUGS

Apresoline Vitamin B6, Co-enzyme Q10 Bumex, Edecrin, Lasix Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Zinc Aquatensen, Lozol, Zaroxolyn Co-enzyme Q10, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc Dyrenium Folic Acid, Calcium, Zinc Blocadren, Cartrol, Corguard, Inderal, Kerlone, Lopressor, Normodyne, Sectral, Tenormin, Viskin Co-enzyme Q10

CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING DRUGS

Baycol, Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Zocor Co-enzyme Q10 Colestid, Questran Vitamin A (beta-carotene), Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Folic Acid, Iron

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (HRT)

Evista, Prempro, Premarin, Estratab Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Zinc

ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES

Estrastep, Norinyl, Ortho-Novem, Triphasil Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Zinc

TRANQUILIZERS

Ormazine, Mellerail, Prolixin, Thorazine Vitamin B12, Co-enzyme Q10 Haldol Co-enzyme Q10

[Via http://engineeredforhealth.com]