The Healing Power of Shiatsu

Have you ever experienced Shiatsu? This form of health care was first mentioned in the book Shiatsu Ho (Shiatsu Method) by Tenpaku Tamai's published in 1919. The practice of Shiatsu is a massage technique that differs from traditional western massage. A Shiatsu practitioner becomes aware of and responds to the chi flow on existing energy pathways known as meridians in the body. When circulation is blocked through the chi counterparts, health can be compromised.

Acupressure points, similar to those used in acupuncture, are identified and targeted during a treatment to affect the flow of chi. Because Shiatsu is founded in the principles that disconnects existing between internal organs, imbalances in yin and yang, and blockages of chi can adversely affect well-being, the application of pressure upon these points releases energy and allows it to flow as needed for restoring and maintenance of proper bodily functions.

Shiatsu uses bodywork employed by by thumbs, fingers, palms and elbows, feet and knees. The practitioner also engages in a type of meditative state which is intended to detect responses in the body to treatment. This action affects the subsequent treatment step by step and allows the practitioner to note how the body is affected by what is being done.

When you go to a Shiatsu session, you will lie on a futon on the floor. Wear comfortable, loose clothing. Prior to your first session, you may be interviewed and requested to fill out an intake form. Some of the questions might be as follows: What is your favorite season? What is your preferred time of year? What type of sleep disturbances, if any, do you experience?

After you have completed the form and the practitioner has gained some information about how you interact with your own body and nature, the session begins. You will lie down, possibly face up, and take some deep breaths. The practitioner will do all of the work, using crawling movements, contact penetration (rather than direct pressure) and movement, and some palpation. The idea is to treat the entire body as one vessel to alleviate or eliminate problems the client may be experiencing.

Shiatsu is effective for many ailments including the following: neck, back, joint, and shoulder pain, digestive issues, headaches, blood pressure, poor circulation, anxiety, and PMS. This type of massage is also quite useful for stress, grief, shock, fear, and other emotional problems.

For more information on Zen Shiatsu, visit the Institute for Traditional Medicine.

Power Breakfast When on the Go

Want a quick breakfast that is nutritious and delicious? Here is a great recipe for a fantastic smoothie that is quick and provides the nutrients and energy to start your day:

• 1 quart of Organic Pastures Dairy raw Qephor (also spelled kefir), or similar quality product (unpastuerized)
• 1 cup Organic Pastures raw Colostrum (optional)
• 1/2 cup Organic Pastures raw cream (optional)
• Whey protein (homemade or purchased at your health food store (good brands are Biochem or Mercola's Pro Optimal Whey)
• Raw organic, pasture-raised eggs or an organic banana are nutritious but optional ingredients
• 1/2 cup frozen or fresh organic fruits - strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, blackberries,
• For a bit of sweetner, add a small amount of Stevia (optional)
• Other ingredients you might want to add would be coconut oil, cod liver oil, or ground flaxseeds
  

Instructions:

1. Add Qephor (kefir), whey (optional), raw Colostrum (optional), raw cream (optional), flaxseed or oils (optional), berries or other fruits into a blender.
2. Blend ingredients together. You may use ice if desired. You may need to stop your blender and mix your ingredients up a bit in the beginning with a spoon or butter knife.
3. Pour smoothie into a glass and enjoy!

Energy-Dense Foods and Type 2 Diabetes

Do you eat a lot of fatty and processed foods? If so, you are increasing your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Many medical professionals tell patients that if they have a family history of Diabetes they need to be careful, but studies show that anyone who regularly consumes processed foods and foods where the fats have been altered such as fatty foods like hamburgers, hot dogs, breakfast sandwiches, fried foods, and foods with refined carbohydrates are at high risk for becoming diabetic.

Many people have a tendency to count calories, and it's true that high calorie amounts can add to health issues. But if you are eating healthy, whole foods from nature you should have no problem with your caloric intake. When health professionals tell people to count calories, they are doing their patients a disservice because they are failing to make a distinction between processed foods which are higher in calories and contain less nutrients versus whole, natural foods which contain the correct amount of calories needed for optimal health and are nutrient-dense by their very nature.

The following foods are not optimal for health and can lead to Type 2 Diabetes as well as other issues like high-blood pressure, weight gain, and heart disease:

• crackers
• most breads (try Ezekiel brand) including many "homemade" breads
• pastas
• rice cakes
• french fries, tater tots
• chips - soy, potato, corn (including the baked varieties)
  
• boxed cereals
• desserts, cookies, candies, cakes, pies, etc.
  
• bagels
• muffins
• scones
• packaged dairy products including many cheeses, yogurts, some kefir, butter, milk, sour cream, cottage cheese, ice cream, frozen yogurt, and cream cheese
• commercial and factory farmed meats, and even "family" raised meats which come from animals that are confined, administered antibiotics/hormones/chemcials, and are fed grains, soy, or corn instead of alfalfa or grass
• packaged fruit and nut products such as many dried fruits, fruit rollups, yogurt covered raisins, and roasted nuts
• many packaged beverages such as energy drinks, soda or carbonated pops or juices, juice drinks, alcohol, and coffee
  

Try the following for optimal health and weight:

• fresh or frozen fresh fruits and vegetables (organic and in season is a plus)
• grass-fed, organic meats and poultry (including pork, mutton, lamb, and game animals)
• wild-caught, safe choice fish
• raw, organic dairy (milk, cheese, cream, butter) from reputable sources
• raw, organic nuts
• healthy oils such as grapeseed, coconut, and olive oil (flax is good if consumed raw only)
• moderate amounts of whole (grains not ground up into flour, which causes grain to go rancid quickly and raises the glycemic index), sprouted, organic grains (soaked if for cereal and other types of preparations)
• moderate amounts of organic, soaked beans and legumes
• organic brown and wild rices
• purified or filtered water (with minerals is a plus)
  

Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

Do you get sick a great deal in the fall and winter months? Many people believe that merely washing your hands more often should do the trick to keep illnesses at bay. But actually, there are many other factors which come into play toward keeping healthy. If you are a person who tends to catch every cold or flu that comes along, here are some tips that really work for avoiding viruses:

• Avoid eating processed foods and refined sugars. Fall and Winter months are times when people tend to eat more sugary and processed foods due to holiday activities and gatherings. Sugar is a poison to your body and lowers immune system function. This includes foods such as crackers, chips, most breads, bagels, pastas, cookies, desserts, candy juice, soda pop, and other related items. All of these items contribute to lowered immune system and poor health. A good rule of thumb to follow - if it is not a whole food, avoid eating it regularly. Load up on real, raw, whole foods for snacks and meals alike.
  
• Continue to eat plenty of fresh fruits in vegetables -- especially those in season in your local area. Vegetables and fruits are high in nutrients and antioxidants which help thwart the development of disease and illness.
• Drink plenty of filtered water (mineral water is a plus). Keep a glass container with you throughout the day and sip frequently rather than trying to gulp down many ounces at a time spread farther apart. Avoid plastic containers, tap water, and bottled water. Tap water contains toxins and plastic contains pthalates - both of which supress immune system and health.
  
• Make sure you are taking good-quality supplements to fill in the holes where your diet leaves off. Whole-food based, organically produced vitamins and nutrients are the best variety. Don't skimp on this important component of your health and purchase cheap varieties of these items. Ask a qualified health care practitioner to recommend something for your individual needs.
  
• Be certain to take a good probiotic each day. Good brands include PB8, Biotics Research, Jarrow, Nature's Life liquid probiotics (great for kids), and Prescript-Assist for especially low immune function.
  
• Be certain to take fiber each day. Good brands include Sonne's, Fiber Fusion by Enzymatic Therapy, and Colon Plus by Biotics Research. Digestive enzymes are a plus as well as they provide digestive enzymes to make certain your food is properly digested and absorbed. A good brand is Digest Gold by Enzymedica. Remember -- health begins and ends in the digestive tract. If you are not eating healthy foods, your health will suffer.
  
• Be certain to take essential fatty acids each day. Good brands include SIBU, Nordic Naturals, and Solgar. Read this FAQ about why people need good essential fatty acid support.
  
• Watch intake of alcoholic beverages, which tend to increase during holiday months. Drinking excess alcohol can have adverse affects on appetite, blood sugar, blood pressure and cardiovascular function, metabolic processes, and weight. If you are a binge drinker during special occasions, cut yourself off after two drinks and make certain you are eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water at the same time.
  
• Make sure you are getting adequate rest and not overextending yourself. If necessary, say no to extra tasks that you know you really won't have time or energy to accomplish. Stay home on a night where you might normally go out and rest, relax, catch up, and go to bed early. Go to bed by 10 p.m.
• Set aside time for some regular exercise, preferably outdoors. In the colder months people tend to go to health clubs more. Many more germs and toxins lurk indoors during colder months, so bundle up and go for a walk, hike, or bike ride. You'll be pleased with how exhilarated you feel afterward. If you are a winter sport enthusiast, get out on the slopes and go skiing, snowshoeing, or snowboarding. If you are an equine enthusiast, make time to get out on your horse or a friend's mount during weather that is not icy.
• Set aside time for contemplation, stress reduction, and relaxation. Whether that is a hot bath, a massage, tai chi, yoga, stretching, meditation or some other method you prefer, make sure you give yourself this time to recharge.
• If you do get sick, load up on probiotics, vegetables, fruits, and other raw foods. Take time to pamper yourself, rest and put off things that aren't necessary so you can get back to a state of health quicker and easier.
  
• Avoid going to a doctor who will prescribe pharmaceutical drugs and antibiotics. These substances rarely help your body to get better sooner, and actually cause nutrient depletion and lowered immune system function by wiping out friendly bacteria that is vital to health. For information on nutrient depletion caused by drugs, read Supplement Your Prescription: What Your Doctor Doesn't Know About Nutrition by Dr. Hyla Cass, M.D.
• If you cannot shake a cold, flu, or illness, consider visiting an alternative health care practitioner such as a chiropractor, naturopathic physician, or other qualified individual. These practitioners are often very successful in alleviating health issues and perform treatment based on the cause of the problem rather than just treating symptoms.

If you maintain a good schedule of eating healthy, avoiding processed foods and beverages, take proper supplementation, obtain moderate activity, exercise, rest, and relaxation, you will notice an enormous improvement in the way your health responds. You will have more energy, feel more productive, and avoid catching flus and colds.

Safe Vaccines?

Do you follow current recommendations regarding vaccinations for your child? If so, you could be putting your child in danger. Vaccinations contain dangerous chemicals and preservatives that have been suspected of causing various health issues including digestive disorders, allergies, rashes, and autism.

On June 4th at the Capital Grounds in Washington D.C., actors Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy led a march and rally with national advocacy organizations for health to eliminate toxic substances and green our vaccines. Watch the video here. Over 8,500 parents marched, picketed, and chanted the words "too many too soon". Jim Carrey reported that the amount of vaccinations required by doctors has gone from 10 to 36. He made certain to state that they are not against all vaccines, but that the amount of vaccinations required are simply too many. Requests are being made that CDC and AAP reduce the amount of required vaccinations and clean up the ingredients included in these drugs.

Vaccines contain (among others) the following ingredients: mercury, aluminum antifreeze, aborted human fetus cells, formaldehyde, monkey kidney cells, chick embryos, and fetal bovine serum. Numerous scientific studies exist which link vaccines to autism, and the subject has become one of the most controversial in medical and health circles.

Autism is becoming more and more prevalent, and is more common than childhood cancer. It is estimated that two to six children in every 1000 will be diagnosed with the disorder. Parents feel overwelmed and trapped with little options available from traditional medical treatments other than pharmaceutical intervention. TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) helps families realize the potential to help their children with combinations between biomedical, alternative, and dietary therapies. Some of the problems families have had success in treating include the following: lack of sleep or severe sleep disturbances; extreme digestive disorders (often including alternating diarrhea and constipation); rare parasites, viruses, yeast overgrowth or bacteria; extreme allergies to foods or substances in the environment; unexplained rashes; sallow complexions; dark eye circles; and behaviors that ebb and flow in patterns that may coincide with physical symptoms.

It is important to locate a health care practitioner who is willing to go the distance in an alternative type program which embraces methods not commonly used by allopathic or traditional doctors. Traditional doctors tend to treat the symptoms and prescribe medications which mask the problem and can make symptoms more acute. Be wary of any medical professional who puts symptoms aside and claims that these are just part of the syndrome. Finding a health care practitioner whom you trust and is willing to get to the heart of the issues and find out what exactly is causing your child's health care issues takes some doing, but is well worth the results for your child.

To get the answers you need, conduct research, interview practitioners, and read books on the subject. Here is some recommended reading:

• Unraveling The Mystery of Autism, by Karyn Seroussi
• Evidence of Harm, by David Kirby
• Is This Your Child?: Discovering and Treating Unrecognized Allergies in Children and Adults, by Dr. Doris J. Rapp
• Children with Starving Brains: A Medical Treatment Guide for Autism Spectrum Disorders, 2007 Edition, by Dr. Jacquelyn McCandless
• Autism: Have We Done Everything We Can for this Child? Effective Biomedical Treatments, by Dr. Sidney Baker and Dr. Jon Pangborn
• What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children’s Vaccinations, by Dr. Stephanie Cave

For more information about greening vaccines and making a difference in the way we treat illnesses and disease, and making a better future for your child, visit the following web sites:

ICDRC
Autism Today
Adventures in Autism

Toxins in Pork

Do you eat pork? Recently, public health officials discovered a deadly bacteria that is now associated with pork called MRSA. MRSA stands for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. This is a fatal, flesh-eating bacteria that can kill. Federal Food Safety and Public Health Officials are being instructed to check meats sold all over the nation. Researchers have confirmed the presence of this toxic bacteria in both pigs and farm workers in the United States.

Already the cause of more deaths than AIDS, what makes this drug-resistant bacteria potentially dangerous is the fact that a person can become infected just by topical exposure.
"MRSA is a very different kind of bacteria," said Goldburg. A few months ago, a virulent strain of MRSA was discovered in pigs in a University of Iowa study. Despite this alarming finding, the USDA has made no plans to mandate testing or checking of regulations about how this meat is produced and sold. "As far as I'm concerned," said Goldburg, "USDA and FDA are kind of asleep at the wheel on this one."

What is most ironic about all these bacteria and toxins found in meats that are reported on a regular basis to the mainstream news media is the fact that seldom does anyone mention how these toxins are normally not found in meats produced in healthy, organic environments - that is, farmers and food producers who use sustainable and safe farming practices in their everyday activities. Of course, not all bacteria can be avoided. However, if farmers were required to maintain healthy and humane practices of animal keeping and slaughtering, we would see a dramatic decrease in the prevalence of these types of bacteria.

MRSA can be killed if cooked thoroughly. However, unlike E. coli or salmonella, MRSA causes skin infections. Simply touching uncooked meat harboring the toxin could be a problem, according to both Dr. Mansour Samadpour, an expert bacterial microbiologist with IEH Laboratories and Dr. Rebecca Goldburg, a biologist with Keep Antibiotics Working. Ask the question -- even though cooking the meat will theoretically kill harmful bacteria such as MRSA, would you really still want to consume it?

Healthy-raised meats do not support harmful bacteria such as MRSA, E. coli, and others. If you have to cook something "thoroughly" just to kill any harmful bacteria to make it edible, something about that scenario just doesn't seem right. Healthy-raised meats are safe to consume when cooked medium-rare or medium-well, and actually deliver more nutrient value because vitamins, minerals, fats, and proteins are not completely denatured in the cooking process. The same cannot be said for unhealthy, factory-farmed meats which represent the bulk of meat available to consumers.

The overuse of antibiotics has long been the known cause for many of these unstoppable diseases and bacteria. Indeed, the discovery of the usefulness of antibiotics to save human life over 60 years ago changed the face of modern medicine. But antibiotics are now used for everyday ailments and illnesses, and have become the rule rather than the exception in treating health issues. In many farm environments, they are used liberally to compensate for overcrowding and unsanitary conditions.

According to the Soil Association, "Farm-animal MRSA is spreading like wildfire on intensive farms in continental Europe. In the Netherlands it already affects 39% of pigs and almost 50% of pig farmers. In Dutch hospitals 25% of all MRSA cases are now caused by the farm-animal strain, and farmers are no longer permitted in general wards without prior screening. It has been found in chickens, dairy cows and calves and in 20% of pork, 21% of chicken and 3% of beef. It has also been found in farm animals and people in Germany and Denmark from which we import large quantities of pork."

Because the government does not require farmers and farm owners to be accountable and responsible with animal management practices, these super-bacteria will continue to appear and will become more and more prevalent as time goes on.

The bottom line is, if people are going to eat meat, why cannot we have the simple assurance that our meat is raised in the most humane, sanitary, sustainable conditions possible? These assurances are for the sake of health and humane regard for animals, which should be of paramount consideration to everyone. Many farmers have been and are starting to use these preferred practices, and have been made aware of the dangers of producing meat in any other manner.

For more information, visit the UK's Soil Association web site.

The Pew Charitable Trusts has an interesting article on the subject of factory-farming and what it is doing to our health.

Also, check out Ethics and Animals for information on how animals are raised on the typical farm.

The Economy and Stress

During times of economic hardship, we undergo a great deal of stress. The body needs extra support during stressful times in order to maintain optimal health. Studies have consistently shown that the first things to be eliminated from the budget are health club memberships, family vacations, and healthy eating. As of late, sales for prescription drugs are on the increase such as Cymbalta - up 26%, Effexor up 8%, and Lexapro up 6%. Prescription drugs cause nutrient loss in the body.

It is ironic that as times become tougher, prescription sales climb given the financial burden we are currently under. Someone has to pay for those drugs, so insurance companies respond by increasing monthly policy premiums. As more people continue to eat poorly and don't live a healthy lifestyle, the entire system feels this weight and costs rise in every aspect of healthcare.

Without proper support, we lose many vitamins and nutrients during stressful situations. Two of the vitamins we become most commonly deficient in are Vitamin B and Vitamin D. According to last month's issue of Annals of Rhematic Diseases, Vitamin D is involved with bone and immune system health. It promotes normal bone development. There is evidence that getting enough vitamin D helps protect against MS, type 1 diabetes, and certain cancers. Vitamin B is essential in regulating metabolic function, and are a support nutrient for stress, depression, and anxiety. In today's society where we are under monumental amounts of stress daily, stress can actually be exacerbated or caused by an improper diet.

Foods that can help with Vitamin B deficiencies include :

• oats
• grass-fed meats and dairy
• leafy green vegetables
  
• barley
• wheat bran
• salmon
• avocado
• Brazil nuts

Foods to eat for Vitamin D deficiency include:

• grass-fed meats and dairy
• fish
• whole, sprouted grains
• obtain some natural sunlight each day or 20 minutes three times a week

Air Fresheners

Are store-bought air fresheners safe? According to researchers, being exposed to air freshener chemicals just once a week can increase your risk of developing asthma by 71 percent. People with high blood levels of the chemical 1,4 dichlorobenzene (commonly found in air freshener products) were at higher risk of developing lung deficiencies.

Additional studies indicate a connection to cancer. When used in small rooms with poor ventilation, many air fresheners emit toxins containing significant levels of formaldehyde. This chemical has been proven to cause cancer in animals and respiratory decline in humans. In 2007, The Natural Resources Defense Council conducted studies on 14 air fresheners. Twelve were found to contain phthalates which are chemicals found to affect fertility, increase the risk of cancer, and cause developmental problems in infants.

Good alternatives to artificial air fresheners are making sure to keep your home clean by using a natural cleaner such as a diluted solution of water and vinegar and/or baking soda. Hydrogen peroxide also makes an excellent cleaner and keeps unpleasant odors away. Elimination of odors is the key to keeping your air fresh and clean - don't merely mask the source of the problem with artificial air fresheners. Open your windows periodically, dust, vacuum, and use few rugs or carpets. Replace carpet with wood or tile. Keep aromatic plants in your home such as lavender, fresh flowers, and herbs.

Choosing Meat

Do you eat meat? If so, you may be interested to know that the health communities at large do not disseminate truthful information about meat to consumers. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, you should keep the following in mind regarding which meats are healthy to consume:

• Select for low-fat meats and chicken, and avoid eating high-fat ground beef or chicken with the skin.
• Don't forget to count the fat and calories in cooking additives. For example, if you cook chicken in shortening, add the extra calories to your count.
• Include fish in your diet, especially those high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, trout and herring.
• Avoid organ meats such as liver, which are high in cholesterol.
• Also avoid processed meats such as hot dogs, ham, sausage and lunch meats, which can be very high in sodium and other additives.

Even with our nation's health condition in the crisis it is, there still exists a great deal of misinformation from major news outlets, doctors, and other health sources about which meats are healthy to consume. In general, most meat you will find in grocery stores should be avoided. Why is this? Most grocery store meat is from factory farms, which neither maintains the integrity of the animal's health nor the environment. Maintaining the guidelines above can can actually cause more health problems to occur.

The following outlines correct ideologies in selecting healthy meats:

• No matter how low-fat meat is, it will be unhealthy to consume if that meat is not naturally raised, organically produced, and fed proper types of feed.
• Animals must live in a relatively stress-free environment with room to roam and grass and/or alfalfa to eat as their primary feed.
• Meats must not contain antibiotics.
• Meats must not contain steroids or growth hormones.
• Meats from factory farms (which represents the majority of meat available) contain dangerous chemicals and additives including the above mentioned substances.
• If the meat is from a healthy source, skin is not unhealthy to eat. The skin contains vitamins and other nutrients necessary for health. The same goes for other meat parts from the body such as the liver.
• Meats like bacon and hot dogs are fine to eat occasionally as long as you know the source of the meat - i.e., the meat is pasture-raised, organic, not administered hormones, steroids, or antibiotics. Of course, use common sense. Avoid processed meats that are full of nitrates, chemicals, erythorbates, preservatives, hormones, and antibiotics. A good rule of thumb is, if the package does not read "organic", "hormone", "antibiotic-free", or "no hormones used", it's probably not safe to consume.
• Do eat safe fish to include in your diet essential fatty acids such as Omega 3s.
  

For more information about eating healthy meats, visit Agriculture Society and read "Why Meat Gets The Heat" featured in the March 2008 issue of Healthy Beginnings.

Plant a School Garden

Does the school your child attend have a garden? School gardens are becoming more and more prevalent. Why? Because gardens placed in the school environment help to foster both environmental and nutritional literacy in children. Children learn to appreciate naturally-grown food, eat healthier, and become part of a community that works together to produce food. It is a powerful tool to both teach and raise awareness about health and nutrition. When children grow food and eat healthy, they begin to understand the connection between food and well-being, and realize the importance of creating something that can build relationships, stewardship, and health.

How can you make a difference?

• Encourage your child to eat more fruits and vegetables.
• Ask your child's teacher about activities, lessons, and field trips in which the children in your child's class can participate in and become educated about community agriculture.
• Talk to your principal and other school officials about starting a garden at your child's school.
• Get involved locally and build relationships with other parents who care about children's health. Find out if other schools in your community have already planted gardens and can lend some advise or resource information.
  

For more information about school gardens, visit Better School Food and School Garden Wizard.

ADHD and Essential Fatty Acids

Is your child hyperactive? Unable to focus? Having trouble in school? If so, your child may be suffering from a nutritional deficiency in essential fatty acids. Children need these important substances for brain health and development. Without them, children become irritable, frustrated, and unable to focus. Long-term effects of these deficiencies can mean a lifetime of health disorders and degenerative diseases.

Many behavioral problems such as these are typically treated with drugs. But drugs such as Ritalin only mask the symptoms and don't get to the heart of the problem. They also deplete the body of nutrients. In honor of National School Lunch-in Week, we urge you to pay attention to what your child is eating at home and go to school with your child and see what they are eating each and every day. Are the foods your child eating healthy, fresh, and free of chemicals? If not, get involved locally and start asking your legislative body and school board important questions, and make movements for change to get healthy food for your children.

Be especially aware of ingredients in your child's food - don't just assume by looking at the food that it's healthy. Read labels on packages in your child's food. You can do this by asking to tour the warehouse where your child's food is stored. Be assured that if you tour a warehouse full of food for school children, you are in for an eye-opening experience.

Children should receive good, natural fats and proteins each day, as well as a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. If they are not receiving these basic building blocks of nutrition, that can spell trouble for your child's development, growth, and success in school and life.

Every day, make sure your child eats some of the following:

• Healthy, organic proteins from grass-fed meats and dairy products (raw is a bonus). Grass-fed meats and dairy contain high levels of protein, lower levels of carbohydrates, and Omega 3 essential fatty acids necessary for brain development and maintenance than the grain-fed varieties.
  
• Fresh, organic fruits and vegetables
• Raw nuts
• Moderate amounts of grains - make sure your grains are truly whole (not made from flour) such as Ezekiel sprouted grain products and/or soaked grains for cereals. Anything that has been ground up into flour, combined with other ingredients, and is baked (such as many breads, bagels, tortillas, crackers, cold cereals, and pastas) is going to have a higher glycemic index, contain the wrong amounts of Omega 6s and 9s, is processed, and will contribute to health issues such as ADHD, depression, and other related disorders. Many of these products also contain cheaper, unhealthy vegetable oils which also contain too many Omega 6s and 9s.
• Healthy fats from oils such as fish oil from deep-sea sources, olive oil, grapeseed oil, and unrefined, virgin coconut oil. All of these oils are best when eaten raw (such as on salads and vegetables), but grapeseed and coconut oils are the best oils for cooking as they have a higher smoke point and can tolerate heat better without breaking down.
• Limit processed foods, drinks, and refined sugars. All of these products contribute to degenerative health diseases such as ADHD, mood disorders, depression, fatigue, irritability, lack of ability to concentrate and study, and over time can escalate to other problems such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's Disease.
  

For more information on how deficiencies in essential fatty acids can contribute to ADHD and related disorders, visit Healing With Nutrition.

To become involved in changing what your child eats at school, join the revolution - Two Angry Moms. Check out what the folks in Boise, Idaho are doing - we are hosting a Two Angry Moms film event on October 15th in our fair city.

Your Vote Counts!

This election season, make your vote count. Educate yourself on the issues and learn which candidates support important platforms such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.

It's true that the way our leaders think about these topics will have a profound impact on how the youth of our nation views these things for generations to come. Foundations of eating healthy and respecting the earth and environment start at a young age. If our leaders (i.e., the president), show our youth that eating a truly healthy diet and leading a healthy lifestyle are meaningful, those individuals who are vocal about eating slow and homegrown foods will inspire many others to follow suit. If our next president follows The WhoFarm petition's request to invite students in the public and private schools to help garden at The White House, this could have a notable effect on the edible landscape in our school rooms and America.

Here are some other things you can do to bring awareness to your community about living and eating healthy:

• Get involved locally wherever you can to make a difference in the way people live and eat.
• Start a local garden.
• Find out what your children are eating in school and strive to make changes. Visit the Two Angry Moms web site and find out how you can affect your community locally.
• Form wellness groups in schools, places of business, and other arenas to help educate people and bring about change.
• Plan events that are centered around slow food and sustainable living such as cooking and educational events. Organize events at private homes, schools, health clubs, libraries, or places of business.
  

Please take a look at and sign this nonpartisan petition to request our next president to plant a garden in the lawn of The White House. And, don't forget to go to the polls and make your vote count!

Keep Up the Laughter

Have you ever heard that laughter can cure what ails you? It's true. Laughter is a great mood lifter and can cause positive changes in the body in many different ways. Here are just a few:

• Relieve stress - A drop in the stress hormone cortisol occurs when your mood improves in response to laughter.
• Improve your outlook - Looking on the bright side and embracing positive thoughts helps relieve physical and emotional tension associated with negative ways of thinking. Laughing, smiling, and focusing on something positive pushes out the bad feelings created by mental stress and strain more quickly than you would imagine.
• Positive self-talk - people who practice positive talk tend to have better outcomes in their lives, regardless of whether things always work out exactly as you believe they should.
• Reduce aches, stiffness, and pains - Humor has been found to increase pain tolerance
• Give your immune system a boost - During laughter, T-cell antibodies (those that fight infection in the body) are found to increase and have a positive effect on the immune system.
  

Along with moderate, regular exercise and a healthy diet, the ability to laugh and engage in stress-releasing activities are two of the best friends your health can have.

More Ways to Save?

Recently, Prevention Magazine featured an article about savy ways to watch your money and still stay healthy. It's important to be able to recognize information that may or may not be useful. Here is our cautionary warnings about some of those tips:

• Beware of generic Although nearly every mainstream supermarket now carries organic store-brand options, including Safeway's O Organics line, H-E-B's Central Market Organic Selections, Wal-Mart's Great Value private label, Stop & Shop's Nature's Promise, and Supervalu's Wild Harvest. Organics are also available within Kroger, Publix, and Wegman's store brands. Because generic brands are cheaper, the likelihood of organic standards not being adhered to is much higher. Avoid "cheaper" brands that may be trying to capitalize on the organic buzz word to market a product, as your health may suffer.
  
• Think before joining a price club Organic options can be found at Costco, BJ's, and Sam's Club. Actually, purchasing food from big, corporate stores like these may not be a good idea because some of these stores sell compromised quality, genetically modified, and irradiated foods. Remember -- in many cases, if something is being sold at a cheaper price, there is likely a reason why.
  
• Use caution when replacing meat with beans Replacing meat with beans may not be advisable. As meat is considered a complete protein, finding a substitute is difficult. This is especially true when eating canned beans, which are typically higher on the glycemic index than fresh or dried beans. Canned products also contain plastic lining which leaches into the food in the container.
  

Keep in mind that if you are paying less for something, it may in some cases mean you are compromising health. The best rule of thumb to keep in mind is that purchasing organic may be expensive up front, but the costs it saves in your long-term health care expenses could be substantial if your lifestyle consistently reflects that of healthy choices. You decide - is it worth it to pay expensive prices in the grocery line now, or get yourself in substantial debt later because of big medical expenses such as hospitalization, drugs, and surgery?

Is Irradiated Food Safe?

Are you eating irradiated foods? At a time when there has been over two years of incidence in chronic food-borne illnesses in everything from meat to tomatoes, the stakes are growing higher for health in the fight to keep irradiated food off the shelves in supermarkets by consumers. The FDA, the CDC, and the government claim irradiation is safe and effective. Many other organizations, doctors, and others refute that is a dangerous practice that can cause the development of diseases like cancer and genetic damage. Who's right? Let's look at the facts.

What is irradiation?

Irradiation is ionizing radiation, applied to food as gamma rays from radioisotopes, or electron beams or X-rays from machines. It penetrates into food to kill germs, and also kills insects on the surface of foods. Irradiation extends a product’s shelf life. Irradiation is intended to make foods safer to eat, but it cannot stop mad cow diseases such as hepatitis and E. coli. It also kills all bacteria -- both the good and the bad, rendering the nutrient value of the article effectively dead.

What is being said about irradiation?

“It’s the latest in a series of PR moves designed to mislead the public from the fact that the government is asleep at the wheel here,” commented the national director of the Organic Consumers Association, Ronnie Cummins. The OCA is an organic food watchdog group."Food irradiation is a pseudo fix,” said Bill Freese, a science policy analyst with the Center for Food Safety in Washington. “It’s a way to try to come in and clean up problems that are created in the middle of the food production chain. I think it’s clearly a disincentive to clean up the problems at the source.”

Mainstream food growers and producers place high priority on production and profit, meaning that less care is given to sanitation and the manner in which food is produced. Because in the conventional industry quantity is valued over quality, practices have been used for years that are considered unsafe and unhealthy such as the use of genetic engineering, pesticide and herbicides, chemicals, steroids and antibiotics, unnatural feeds for cattle and poultry such as corn, soy, and grains, and now irradiation to take care of problems caused by the aforementioned practices. Accountability has not been made a priority for many years in the farming industry, and each time something negative occurs as a result, a new unnatural process must be designed to come and clean up the mess which reflects in that lack of responsibility.

Those not in favor of this harmful process maintain that irradiation kills vitamins and nutrients, and also changes the chemical composition of foods. The have also issued warning that irradiation will provide license to food manufacturers for cutting corners on other required food safety requirements, since irradiation might be viewed as a more effective food safety measure.

FDA's responds to negligence in farm systems

The 2006 outbreak of E. coli in bagged spinach grown in California was the impetus behind the FDA’s latest decision regarding irradiation. Investigations by the FDA revealed that the most likely culprit of E. coli was the close distance of cattle operations to produce fields, and the likelihood that cattle feces tainted the local water supply. E. coli is a deadly bacteria located in intestinal tracts of cattle - but is generally not found in organically-produced meat. E. coli is more typically found in the factory farm environments where meats are produced due to array of unnatural methods used in farming such as the feeding of corn, soy, and grains, which causes the necessity of using antibiotics and the subsequent overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

The FDA was requested by the Grocery Manufacturers Association of America to approve irradiation of leafy greens several years ago. This legislation was opposed by various consumer groups, and the FDA was requested to requre more stringent farm-to-table safety standards.

Although food that is irradiated must be labeled as such, the industry is in the process of trying to change this requirement.

In the end, the consistency of safe food growing and producing practices required by the FDA and government laws would ensure that harmful bacteria such as E. coli and others would not be able to take over in the way they have in recent years. Accountability and the use of healthy methods to farm is the best defense against these issues, which is why avoiding irradiated food sources and growers that use this process is certainly better for health.

For more information on irradiated foods, visit Mindfully.org, Sustainable Table, and True Health.

Take action! Write to your congressman or woman today and let them know how you feel about this unsafe practice and take a stand for democracy and health.

Natural Pain Relievers

Do you take over-the-counter pain relief medications? How about prescription drugs? Here are some alternatives recommended by MDs and Naturopathic practitioners that might be worth a try:

For arthritis:

• Capsaicin (an active component of chile pepper) ointment - one to three times daily & Boswellia - a tree herb (60% concentration, 250 mg 3x daily), & curcumin (400 to 600 mg 3x daily)
• or Capsaicin (2 - 3 x daily) & acupuncture (1-2x weekly) & fish oil (1,000 to 8,000 mg daily) & magnesium (500 to 1,000 mg daily) & Vitamin D (1,000 to 5,000 IU daily)
• or Inflathera (must be ordered by a doctor) or Zyflamed brands (contains ginger, turmeric, and holy basil - all are anti-inflammatories; 2 - 3x capsules daily) & fish oil (1,000 to 3,000 mg daily) & acupuncture (1 - 2x weekly) for one month.
  

For arthritis or fibromyalgia:

• Fish oil (1,000 to 8,000 mg daily) & Vitamin D (1,000 to 5,000 IU daily) & magnesium (500 - 1,000 mg daily) make sure you are also taking calcium to ensure proper use and absorption of magnesium in the body. Ratio should be either 2:1 or 1:1 - ask your health care practitioner.
• or SAM-e (400 to 1,500 mg daily) & curcumin (500 mg 3 - 4x daily) & fish oil (1,000 - 3,000 mg daily).
• or Curcumin (1,000 - 2,000 mg daily) & fish oil (1,000 - 8,000 mg daily).

Of course, a healthy lifestyle is always beneficial toward reducing the need for any types of treatments for health issues - whether it be natural or pharmaceutical. But these treatments are good alternatives to drugs for when your health isn't what it should be. Always check with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting a new regimen of supplements.

Soaking Grains

Have you ever soaked grains before eating them? It has only been in the recent past that people have stopped using this ancient, traditional practice. What's the reason to soak grains before eating them? All whole grains contain enzyme inhibitors which greatly reduce your body's ability to digest vital nutrients. Soaking the grains releases enzymes into a form your body can absorb more readily. Many people who have digestive issues and would normally have issues with eating grains (and in particular, wheat) such as irritable bowel, Crohn's disease and related ailments find they can consume soaked grains without the problems associated with grains and flour that is not soaked.

We are repeatedly told by "health experts" that whole grains are healthier than grain flour, which is true. Unfortunately, there also exists a large amount of confusion over what really is a whole grain. Companies selling grain products commonly use marketing language on packaging such as "whole grains" to convince the consumer that what they are buying is healthy. Beware! Most of the time what you are buying is actually some type of flour as the main ingredient and not a whole grain. This is where label reading is of the utmost importance.

Back to the importance of soaking grains. If you are going to consume grains, the best variety to eat are those that are sprouted and/or whole. The great news is that there are a variety of healthy grains to consume - in moderation of course, as many people have allergies and/or intolerances to wheat. Good choices include:

• Spelt
• Kamut
• Buckwheat
• Amaranth
• Quinoa
• Rice
• Millet
  

The process is simple, it's just a matter of remembering to do it ahead of time. Soak grains like rice, millet, or quinoa at room temperature in water overnight. Add 1-2 tablespoons of whey, lemon juice, vinegar, buttermilk, yogurt, or kefir -- this provides an acidic environment in which to produce fermentation. Fermentation is important for health because it allows the foods to develop good bacteria which is beneficial for your digestive tract and immune system.

Water by itself is fine to use as some grains begin sprouting in simple water (which means enzymes and phytic acid become neutral). If you do use one of the other methods besides just water, you will acheive a somewhat sour taste due to the acidic additive. Nutritionally speaking however, this is the best method to use. After you are finished soaking your grains you can add fruits, nuts, honey, real maple syrup, and healthy fats such as raw milk, butter, kefir, or cream.

If baking, soak flour in buttermilk, yogurt, or kefir overnight. Add remaining ingredients to flour the following morning. When your grains or flour has finished soaking, simply drain water and other ingredients out and move on to your next step of cooking or heating.

Suggested reading on the subject of soaking grains can be found in Sally Fallon's Nourishing Traditions and on the Weston A. Price Foundation web site.

Toxic Chemicals in Antibacterial Soaps, Toothpaste

Do you use a lot of personal care products? A dangerous chemical called triclosan, contained in many products including toothpastes and antibacterial soaps has been found to promote cancer. The ingredient is not only unhealthy for humans, it's also unhealthy for the environment. Careful reading of ingredients shown on labels of all products will enable you to avoid this toxic chemical.

According to Natural News, "When tap water meets toothpaste, the triclosan reacts freely with the chlorine in the tap water to become chloroform (a chlorinated aromatic) and is similar to the dioxins found in the compound Agent Orange. It's a chemical reaction occurring right in your mouth while you brush your teeth." Once you rinse it out you are still at risk. Studies reveal this chemical remains in the mouth for up to 12 hours and is easily absorbed into skin on the tongue and through mucus membrane areas in the body. At greatest risk are children who are more likely to swallow toothpaste during teethbrushing.

Best alternatives are environmentally-friendly brands such as Logona or Mint-T-Fresh. Also, try using baking soda and food grade hydrogen peroxide. For soaps, natural bar soaps are best; avoid pump soaps in plastic containers as most of those contain chemicals and emulsifiers. A good pump soap brand is Dr. Bronner's (check out their other products as well).

Do Away With Dryer Sheets

Do you use dryer sheets in your dryer? While this practice may cause your clothing to have a "pleasant" smell or even diminish static cling, there are serious health risks to using these products. Like most detergents, dryer sheets come from non-renewable, petroleum-based products.

Dryer sheets contain phthalates, a common industrial chemical used in PVC, plastics, solvents, and synthetic fragrances. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors which are linked to problems of the reproductive system, including decreased sperm motility and concentration in men and genital abnormalities in baby boys. (As a side note, the average sperm count of a man has decreased significantly since the 1940's.) More recently they've also been linked to asthma and allergies.

It may seem like an impossible thing to do, but try drying your clothes without dryer sheets. Another alternative is to hang your clothing and other articles to dry outside in your yard and let the solar power of the sun dry them. I've personally washed my family's clothing in safe, non-toxic laundry detergent and used no dryer sheets for almost ten years. Our clothes never contain static and have a genuine "clean" smell that is free of chemicals and perfumes. Our culture is so used to having products around to solve all our problems, but what actually ends up occurring is that often these products cause a great deal of problems which outweigh the benefits of using them in the first place.

For more information about phthalates, visit the Environmental Working Group.

Health Benefits of Organic

Do you eat organic foods? Purchase organic products? Much controversy exists over whether organic is really better for health or not. But consider this:

• Conventional products and foods receive exposure to toxins that organic varieties do not such as pesticides, herbicides, added chemicals, hormones, antibiotics, and other unwanted substances that adversely affect health. Even if the argument stands that organic foods contain no more nutrients than conventional, avoiding these other substances is important for health.
• Organic farming is a sustainable activity in that it replenishes the soil of lost nutrients and minerals. Feeding the soil with organic matter instead of ammonia and other synthetic fertilizers has proven to increase nutrients in produce, with higher levels of vitamins and minerals found in organic food, according to the 2005 study, “Elevating Antioxidant levels in food through organic farming and food processing,” Organic Center State of Science Review (1.05).
• Many conventional crops come from seeds that are genetically modified. Just over a decade ago, no genetically modified foods were part of our food supply; today more than 30 percent of our cropland is planted in GMOs.
• Purchasing organic products helps ensure the success of smaller, more sustainable family farms. Certified-organic family farms provide twice the benefit to the economy: they are profitable and farm in harmony with nature. This is true whether the farm is a 3-acre orchard or a 4,000-acre wheat farm -- organic is a beneficial practice that is genuinely family and earth-friendly.
• Eating organic promotes the reduction of farmland pollution (i.e., waste produced from factory farms, which makes an incredible impact on the environment)
• Certified organic and sustainable farming practices favor humane treatment of animals on their premises, whereas factory farm environments sole purpose is to maximize profits.

Using caution when purchasing "organic" is advised however, because many large corporations are now capitalizing on using the term "organic" in their marketing to sell products. Large corporate "organic" outfits can claim to use organic farming practices in their methods, but may or may not be consistent with what is really considered organic. Do research and read labels. Smaller, sustainable operations are more likely to practice in accordance with rigid standards of what it means to farm in harmony with nature and land stewardship than larger companies.

For more information on organic and sustainable farming practices, visit Sustainable Table.

Information You May Not Know About Soy

Do you consume soy regularly? If so, you should be aware that in 2002, two U.S. senior government scientists, Drs. Daniel Doerge and Daniel Sheehan, discovered that chemicals in soy could increase the risk of breast cancer in women, brain damage in both men and women, and abnormalities in infants. Here are the findings and outcomes from their research:

• The scientists chose to go against FDA colleagues and oppose its decision to approve a health claim that soy lowered the risk of heart disease.

• They wrote an internal protest letter warning of 28 studies revealing toxic effects of soy, mostly focusing on chemicals in soy known as isoflavones, which have effects similar to the female hormone estrogen.

• These doctors discovered research which clearly reveals a connection between soy and the ability to cause health problems in human beings.

• Soy can cause health issues in animals including the changing of sexual development of fetuses and causing thyroid issues.

• Some studies reveal that chemicals in soy can cause a rise in the development of estrogen-dependent breast cancer.

According to the letter they wrote:

• 'There is abundant evidence that some of the isoflavones found in soy demonstrate toxicity in estrogen sensitive tissues and in the thyroid.'

• 'During pregnancy in humans, isoflavones per se could be a risk factor for abnormal brain and reproductive tract development.'

According to one of the scientists, parents who allow their children to drink soy milk or formulas "are exposing their children to chemicals which we know have adverse effects in animals. It's like doing a large uncontrolled and unmonitored experiment on infants.'

The soy industry maintains that these findings shown in animals have no application to the health of human beings. Remember that the amounts of soy consumed by people in Asian countries is much less than those levels in the United States and other developed countries. It is also important to note that the type of soy consumed in Asia is generally from the whole soybean, whereas the soy we are consuming in the U.S. is more often than not a processed soy such as in soy cheese, soy milk, tofu, veggie burgers, and similar food products. Another consideration is the amount of soy consumed by cattle for feed in factory farm environments, which are slaughtered for food and is consumed by human beings.

For more information about soy and the dangers of its use, visit Soy Online Service.

Butter is Good for You

Do you eat butter or a butter replacement product? If you are eating butter replacement products, you should be aware of the effect these have on your health.

Margarines and other similar products are processed foods. They are created chemically from refined, polyunsaturated oils. The process which changes normally liquid oils into a spreadable form is called hydrogenation (also known as a trans-fat). Ironically, there is great movement on the market today to eradicate hydrogenated oils and trans fats from many products, yet natural saturated fats continue to be blamed for health issues.

Butter replacement products contain vegetable oils that have been modified to give the oil the same properties of a fat. This process is used to make shortenings, margarines, and a variety of butter substitute items. The process of modifying vegetable oil in this manner is referred to as interesterification. According to Natural News, this process "involves taking a batch of vegetable oil, to which we add an enzyme that acts as a catalyst. The catalyst causes the separation of a triglyceride molecule into a glycerol and 3 fatty acids.

After breaking the triglycerides molecule apart, the factory can re-configure the fatty acid molecules – combining any three Omega 3, Omega 6, Omega 9, or Saturated molecules, in whatever combination they seek.

Depending on this combination, ie. the percentage of lighter Omega 3 or 6 versus the heavier Omega 9 and Saturated molecules, the hardness of the fat will be determined. The interesterification process can produce any type of fat or oil. This includes heavy fats suitable for deep-frying, semi-solid fats to make margarine, or liquid oils for bottling; the end result is a product that has an indefinite shelf life, targeted at the unsuspecting consumer."

Consuming these processed substances can actually cause the very health problems for which butter is criticized. In general, it is best to avoid any foods containing butter replacement products. The natural Omega 3s occurring in organic butter are essential to health and help regulate cardiovascular function. Butter also contains Vitamin A which is important for thyroid and adrenal glands, and has been associated with heart and blood vessel deformation of the heart in infants born from mothers with Vitamin A deficiencies. Vitamin E is also found in butter, and both Vitamin A and Vitamin E are critical in antioxidant power to keep the body from developing disease.

Use care in selecting good quality butter. Organic is best, and raw butter is a bonus. Try Organic Pastures or U.S. Wellness Meats.

To learn more about the health benefits of eating real butter, visit the Weston A. Price Foundation.

Avocado and Coconut Oils - Super Oils for Health

Looking for good oils to improve health? Oil from avocado and coconut alike are extremely beneficial to consume. Eating whole avocados and using unrefined, extra virgin coconut oil for cooking needs are two great ways to get essential fatty acids necessary to maintain health.

Avocados contain a superior oil that is comprised of about 70 per cent monounsaturated fats. This oil is one of the most plentiful sources of beta-sitosterol -- clinically proven to reduce levels of unhealthy cholesterol. Avocados also contain lutein -- a nutrient that protects against cataracts. This delicious fruit is a a good source of Vitamin E and the mineral potassium, which helps maintain optimal blood pressure levels and protects against circulatory diseases. Eating avocados provides the correct type of Omega 6s - something we receive too much of in other forms from processed foods in the Western diet.

Although coconut oil falls into the category of saturated fat, this is the type of saturated fat which is actually healthy to consume. Too much saturated fat increases risk of health problems such as heart disease because it raises levels of unhealthy cholesterol. The difference between the saturated fat in coconut oil and that in processed foods such as desserts and breads is that it exists in an alternate chemical form and is processed easier and and sent directly to your liver to be converted to energy.

Approximately two-thirds of coconut oil consists of Medium Chain Triglycerides. These MCTs are comprised of lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid. These essential fatty acids and their corresponding monoglycerides are powerful antimicrobial agents and are effective against a wide range of pathologic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeasts.

Research has shown that the type of fat found in coconut oil speeds up metabolic function, and therefore is a calorie burner. As long as you eat the correct types of saturated fats in moderation, such as coconut oil (and avocado oil), your health will maintain its proper levels of calorie intake per day.

Calcium and Health

Are you getting enough calcium in your diet? Don't rely on pasteurized dairy as a reliable source for obtaining enough calcium. Pasteurized dairy actually causes current stores of calcium in the bone to be leeched out. Because pasteurized dairy has been heated up to destroy "bad" bacteria, beneficial nutrients, proteins, and enzymes are denatured and rendered harmful to the body and do not properly absorb. Good sources for calcium include:

• Almonds
• Green leafy vegetables like spinach, bok choy, kale and Chinese Mustard greens, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli
• Fish such as salmon (wild caught from Alaska) and deep-sea sources like sardines and anchovies
• Raw dairy products such as milk, cream, butter, and cheese

Most people do not receive adequate calcium in their daily diets and should consider taking a supplement. Use caution when taking calcium as it also must be accompanied by a magnesium component for proper balance and absorption. Selection of good products is important because many are inferior and won't provide the right type of calcium needed. Calcium citrate is the optimal chemical composition of calcium. Check labels on products.

Try Solaray or Lifetime liquid calcium supplements. Liquid is great for children and has a pleasant taste. Check with a qualified health care practitioner or at a health food store to find out which calcium supplement is ideal for you and your individual health. As always, when you are choosing supplements, the condition of your digestive system is critical to determine what you need to take. If your digestion is damaged, like most people in developed countries, you will need different type of supplementation than a person whose digestive tract is healthy. Always take calcium at night for maximum absorption, and before or after a meal is ideal.

Beware of "fortified" and processed foods claiming to contain high amounts of calcium. These "foods" are dangerous to consume and won't provide proper nutrients to your body. Watch out for the following:

• Pasteurized, low-fat and non-fat milks and dairy products (cheese, yogurt, etc.)
  
• Orange juice
• Soy milk

Some Facts About Milk

Do you wonder where your milk comes from? Why do dairies pasteurize milk? Here is an interesting story as found on the Organic Pastures web site:

"In the 1800s, many US dairies began commercially producing low quality raw milk in the inner cities of Boston and New York and others. These Brewery dairies would feed their cows very poor quality "brewer's mash." The resulting milk was very weak and nearly blue from lack of protein, mineral, and fat content. This occurred during the Jamaican rum embargo. During this same time period, the dairy industry did not use or have access to refrigeration, stainless steel, milking machines, rubber hoses, hot water, or chlorine as a sanitizer. TB and Brucellosis were rampant (not to mention horse manure on the streets, flies, and lack of public sanitation and sewage) and the cows were milked by hand without mechanical machines. The cows stood in manure and there was no access to pasture (sounds like some factory dairy farms of 2005). The resulting unhealthy milk from these sources literally killed millions. The heating of milk to high temperatures reduced this horrible blight. During this same time period, milk from the countryside taken from pasture grazed healthy and clean cows was the best medicine of the day. In fact, the Mayo Clinic used this high quality country raw milk as a basis for many disease curing therapies.

This was the untold story of raw milk. Because of pasteurization successes, commercial interests prevailed and all dairies (the good, bad, and the ugly) then began to pool their milk so that "nobody would die," even if milk quality was very poor. This was great news for milk mass marketing, and creameries created high profits. These pasteurization practices continue today with the chief benefit being extended shelf life. These modern dead milk products now cause allergies and lactose intolerance to huge sectors of the population. Current (PMO) Federal standards for pasteurized milk permit 100,000 bacteria per ml for milk going to be pasteurized with as many as 20,000 injured or living bacteria to be alive after pasteurization, and this may include pathogens (this is arguably the reason why milk is pasteurized). California standards for raw milk require that milk sold for raw consumption have fewer than 15,000 live bacteria per ml and no pathogens. Organic Pastures Dairy averages about 1500 beneficial living bacteria per ml (and never a human pathogen)."

To learn more about the amazing benefits to your family of raw milk and raw milk products, visit Organic Pastures.

Gallstones and Your Health

Do you suffer from gallbladder pain or gallstones? Many doctors suggest eating a so-called "low-fat" diet and if trouble persists, having the gallbladder removed (cholecystectomy). Doctors also tell patients that gallstones usually cannot be avoided, but actually, this is not the case. The gallbladder has long been thought to be an organ we can live without, but research shows that removal of this important organ can actually lead to health issues including diarreah from constant bile dripping into the small intestine which can lead to colon and bowel cancer.

It is true that gallstones develop over many years' time. Gallstones are a result of eating poorly and are caused by a buildup of unwanted substance and toxins from the diet. Lifestyle habits are the best deterrent against gallstone development as well as many other illnesses and diseases. Here are some tips if you are sufferer of chronic gallbladder episodes:

• Make an appointment to see a qualified health care practitioner that knows how to treat gallstones holistically. He or she can recommend the proper dietary supplements necessary to bring your gallbladder back to health. In many cases, a malfunctioning gallbladder is a result of improper diet and lack of necessary nutrients in the diet to keep the gallbladder functioning properly.
• Eat a healthy diet with healthy fats - whole dairy, natural, grass-fed meats and poultry that do not contain hormones, antibiotics, or chemicals, and safe choice fish.
• Eat plenty of organic vegetables, fruits, and raw foods.
• Make sure to maintain adequate levels of purified water daily.
• Maintain a consistent schedule of moderate exercise - such as walking briskly or cycling 4 to 5 times a week. Exercise helps maintain healthy insulin levels and benefits your pancreas, liver, and gallbladder by helping to regulate blood sugar levels and metabolic rates.
• Many gallbladder "cleanses" and flushes are useful in eliminating gallbladder issues. To learn more about these activities, visit Sensible Health. It is recommended to consult a knowledgeable health care practitioner to guide you through this process and to use the correct type of flush.
  
• Remember that low-fat and non-fat foods and dietary habits will cause failure of the gallbladder.
  

For more information about gallstone problems, visit Alternative Medicine and Health.

Spirituality and Health

Do you have some type of spirituality in your life? Evidence suggests that adhering to some type of spiritual belief system is beneficial to health. "Spirituality can affect the physical and emotional health of patients in quite significant ways," said Dr. Harold G. Koenig, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University Medical Center.

Spirituality is defined as the way you find meaning, hope, comfort and inner peace in your life. Many people find spirituality through religion. Some find it through music, art or a connection with nature. Others find it in their values and principles.

It is unknown how spirituality affects health, but many people believe the spirit, mind, and body are intimately connected. When you tap into that connection, you can be in tune with your body more effectively and alter your state of health merely through activities that are spiritual in nature such as prayer, meditation, and similar exercises.

You may or may not be able to cure an illness, but efforts spent improving spiritual health can actually help you feel better, prevent various health problems, and help you and family members or friends deal more positively with with death, disease, and stress.

Learn to identify and cultivate hings in life which promote comfort and peace for you individually. Make time each day to participate in a few minutes up to an hour or so of time spent engaged in one of these activities whether it be solitary or with a group. Here are some ideas:

• Nature walks
• Meditation
• Prayer
• Attending services
• Yoga
• Reading inspirational material
• Deep breathing

For more information on how you can explore your spirituality as related to health, visit Spirituality & Health

Improving Your Sleep Habits

Do you stay up late at night to try and get some personal time? Personal time is important, but so is a good night's sleep. If you are staying up all hours of the night and then dragging yourself out of bed the next day to get to work, school, or other obligations, perhaps it's time to change your habits.

Instead of going out late at night or watching television, try winding down quietly at home with some relaxing music and low lights. Read a book for fifteen minutes, have some herbal tea, and then settle into bed before it gets to be much past 10:00 p.m. Make certain your room is well-ventilated and completely dark. If you have trouble falling asleep try turning on your radio for five minutes to a station that plays classical music and lying quietly. Breathe deep and move all thoughts of things you have to accomplish tomorrow out of your mind. Relax your muscles and get into a comfortable position. Don't forget to turn off your radio before falling asleep. Nighty-night!

Reduce Your Grain Intake

The Food Pyramid recommends eating 5 - 11 servings of grains daily. But did you know that consuming this amount of grains on a regular basis can actually be harmful to your health? Here's why:

The consumption of grains in modern society is vastly different from how people in the historical past have eaten. Grains are not the same as they once were; grains have been bio-engineered to contain higher levels of gluten, and thus contain less protein. Gluten causes health reactions in many people, and because grains and grain products are so ubiquitous in our food supply stores and our culture as a whole, we are finding these intolerances to be more and more pervasive. The lower ratios of protein to carbs and the frequency with which we eat these substances has caused a fundamental shift in what our bodies are getting out of this food. Grains -- and in particular, the processed varieties that most of us eat on a daily basis -- are chock full of Omega 6 essential fatty acids - so much that we are overloaded on this EFA and the result has been heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and an array of other health issues. We are not getting enough of the the balancing Omega 3s in our diets because we are eating more grains, and less grass-fed meats which contain proper amounts of this EFA.

Another important health consideration is that grains are high on the glycemic index, which causes the digestive system and especially the pancreas to work harder. The more this continual strain is placed on the pancreas and liver to process these high amounts of carbohydrates, the greater the risk of developing insulin resistance and eventually Diabetes. Diets rich in complex carbohydrates such as fresh, organic produce, healthy, grass-fed meats and poultry, and small amounts of healthy, whole, sprouted grains are most beneficial to health.

To learn more about why eating grains can harm health, visit: Your Hub, Denver and Dr. Mercola.

Healthy Alternatives to Soda Pop?

How much soda pop do you drink? What about your children? Soda pop received the boot from school vending machines, but watch out because the beverage industry has only replaced the revenue they lost out on from eliminating soda with sports drinks such as Gatorade and “enhanced” VitaminWater. The companies who make these beverages, Pepsi and Coca-Cola, have spent a fortune billing them as “healthy.” However, advocates for informed public health argue that the content in these beverages of high fructose corn syrup, chemicals, and sodium should easily place them in the same category as the soda drinks and disqualify them from being stocked in vending machines.

Children will drink these beverages because they are sweet and are made popular by advertising and marketing. Children won't think twice about the fact that these drinks are not any healthier than their fizzy counterparts -- they'll just pop the coins in the machines and drink up. It's unfortunate that companies are not required to tell the truth on their products, or even worse, that they are allowed to sell such items in the first place. It is products like this and many others that are leading to the decline in our health -- and the worst part is that it is helping to set up our children for lifelong health problems including Diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

The human body needs water - and a lot of it. If you weigh 100 pounds, you should drink half of your weight in ounces each day -- so 50 ounces total. If you are currently not drinking enough water, you should work your way up gradually to avoid kidney trouble. Here are some ways to keep your child away from these dangerous drinks:

1. Help your children stay away from sugary, chemical-filled drinks by not purchasing these products to have in your home.
2. Limit as much as possible the amount of drinks like these your child has outside the home. If you can, pack your child's lunch. Send only water to school.
3. When your son or daughter goes to family or friend's houses and you are not together, let your friends and family members know that you don't want your child to consume sugary drinks (except on rare occasions).
4. Encourage your child to drink water when he or she is away from home and not under your supervision.
5. Have conversations with school staff about removing these drinks from vending machines if they are available in your child's school. Get involved locally to help change requirements about what's served at school.
   

For more information about sports drinks and sodas, visit the Doc Shop.

Children and Diesel Exhaust Exposure

Have you considered the risk to your child's health when exposed to diesel exhaust? Clean School Bus USA is a program designed to reduce exposure received by children to exhaust from diesel-fueled buses, and the amount of air pollution created by these vehicles buses. Consider this:

• 24 million American children ride school buses daily
• Students spend, on average, about an hour and-a- half each day in a school bus
• School buses drive more than 4 billion miles each year

The safest transportation method for children to get to and from school are school buses. But pollution emitted from older diesel vehicles has serious health risks for everyone, especially children. Children have smaller bodies and absorb greater amounts of the chemical as compared to adults. Reducing pollution from public school buses should be a priority, and if a concerted effort is made by all we can assure that school buses are also a clean way for children to travel to and from school. By aligning partners from from education, business, public-health, and transportation organizations, Clean School Bus USA is working toward the following goals:

• Encouraging policies and practices to eliminate unnecessary public school bus idling.
• Upgrading (“retrofitting”) buses that will remain in the fleet with better emission-control technologies and/or fueling them with cleaner fuels.
• Replacing the oldest buses in the fleet with newer technology buses that have lower pollution levels

Diesel exhaust can exacerbate health conditions such as asthma, allergies, and respiratory ailments such as bronchitis and sinusitus.
What can you do to help?

• Limit the amount of time children are spent on buses and waiting for them outside of idling vehicles
• If your child must ride a bus, encourage he or she to sit toward the front of the bus, if possible. Less exposure to carcinogens occurs toward the front of the bus.
  
• Talk to bus driver and administrative staff at your school to encourage that vehicles are turned off while waiting for children to load.
• Request that your school district to replace diesel buses with alternative-fuel buses
• Write to your congressman or woman about these issues and get involved locally
• Ride your bike to school or walk with your child to save gas and cut down on air pollution

What are some good alternatives to diesel-powered buses? Vehicles using compressed natural gas and propane are much cleaner and just as reliable, and these are used pervasively for city transportation. More school districts everywhere are switching to these types of vehicles. As research on alternative fuels and technologies increases, additional alternatives -- including battery or fuel-cell-powered buses and vehicles using a mixture of batteries and fuel -- may be coming soon.

For more information, see the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Watercress and Lung Cancer

Watercress? Yes indeed! Consuming a bowl daily of this fantastic relative of the mustard green family could lower your risk of lung cancer according to John La Puma, MD, author of ChefMD's Big Book of Culinary Medicine.

Research reveals that among smokers and nonsmokers, those who regularly consumed approximately a cereal-bowl's worth of fresh watercress daily for 8 weeks showed lower levels of DNA damage to white blood cells. Smokers experienced the most marked change. According to La Puma, the isothiocyanates in watercress have a powerful effect of supressing a potent cancer-causing agent found in tobacco. And like many greens, watercress has extremely high nutritional content. This fabulous plant is loaded with vitamins and necessary minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and lutein, as well as mustard oil.

Best sources for watercress? Try your local food growers and merchants in places such as the farmer's markets. Also look for watercress in health food stores.

Here is a great recipe for Watercress Salad. Here is another for Avocado and Watercress Salad. Enjoy!

Avoid Excessive Drinking

Do you consume more than one alcoholic beverage a day? If so, you may be at risk for increasing your chances of developing liver or kidney disease or cancer. One a day is fine (two for men), but anything beyond that can cause health problems.

In addition, alcoholic binge drinking has been connected to sugar addiction. Alcoholic beverages contain high amounts of processed carbohydrates and studies show that children who consistently eat poor diets and are nutritionally deficient in younger years are more likely to develop alcoholic habits and tendencies during adolescence and young adult years.

For more information about alcohol and the sugar connection, visit Agriculture Society and read our article that was featured in the October 2007 issue of Healthy Beginnings magazine.

Best Bets for Eating Out

Eating out can be expensive, and is often unhealthy. There is never any way to control all the ingredients of food when eating out – simply because you are not the one selecting food for the meals. Now there are more and more restaurants who serve organic and natural foods. But by and large, most restaurant owners have a bottom line to consider – the cost of running their business. As such, most of the food they purchase for their restaurants will be the variety that is not as high quality as you would choose for meals at home. In fact, much of what you will eat at restaurants contains ingredients that are incredibly unhealthy to eat. The reason for this is that foods which have the longest shelf life will probably be staples in a restaurant for maximization of profits.

One of the things you will absolutely have to give up if you are going to eat a truly healthy diet is fast-food restaurants. Fast-food restaurants are the bottom of the barrel, no matter how much they try to convince you with clever marketing that they have changed many of their menu items to healthier choices. Fast food restaurants are infamous for using fillers, chemicals, hydrogenated oils and altered fats, and unnaturally high does of sugar and carbohydrates.

Many other restaurants serve plenty of fast-food type fare, so choosing menu items for those who are accustomed to eating these types of items may be difficult at first. Do not be fooled by media advertising used by fast-food chains to entice you to eat their food…they use all kinds of buzz words such as “healthy”, “fresh”, and “natural” when in reality, the ingredients they use are probably the worst possible selections you might come across and many of them are processed. Anything processed should be a red flag for health. Many of these foods contain toxic ingredients that can actually cause allergic reactions and a variety of health issues. Here are some unhealthy choices available at restaurants when eating out:

• Hamburger and hot dog buns (and often the meat inside those buns)
• Bagels
• Pita Breads
• French fries
• Pasta
• Focaccia breads
• Potato chips, tortilla chips (corn and flour)
• Flour and corn tortillas
• Tater Tots
• Many soups - as they can contain hydrogenated oils, damaged fats, flour, and chemicals
• Meats and/or poultry full of chemicals, steroids, nitrates, or hormones
• Salad dressings - most dressings are horribly unhealthy, but if you can get olive oil and vinegar you are good to go. It is very common for restaurants to use soybean oil or canola oil in vinagrette dressings.
• Dairy products
  

Of course, you don't often know the source of foods you eat in restaurants. Because finding this information out is time consuming and most people don't want to bother, you can avoid overloading your body with more toxins and chemicals than necessary by sticking to the following foods, when possible. Naturally raised meats are harder to come by, but are becoming more and more common:

• Beef, naturally raised(grass-fed)
• Potatoes and some rice (brown, basmati, and wild are the best)
• All Vegetables and fruits, either raw, baked, roasted, sauteed, or steamed - salads or cooked
• Meatloaf (without bread)
• Roasted chicken, naturally raised (pasture-raised)
  
• Healthy fish
• Roasted turkey, naturally raised (pasture-raised)
  
• Ham, bacon, or pork naturally raised with no nitrates
• Lamb (grass-fed)
  
• Wild game meats
• Raw Vegetables and cooked vegetables (salads and otherwise)
• Naturally produced dairy products
• Salad dressings that are oil and vinegar-based - if in doubt, ask about what type of oil they are using
  

If you are going to eat out, simply avoiding any fast-food selections at all is your best bet. There are plenty of other choices that are both healthier to consume and taste better.

Best choices at restaurants are always proteins such as meat, fish, and eggs. If meat is organic and grass-fed, that’s a plus. Fish selections that are wild are usually superior to farmed, although in some cases farmed can be acceptable. For a pocket-guide to safe fish choices, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium site. Although not always the case, local and independent establishments tend to use locally-produced foods more than chains. If you eat at a local restaurant, you are much more likely to find local foods on the menu than at restaurants such as Red Robin, Olive Garden, or Johnny Carino’s.

Nearly any type of vegetable besides french fries, hashbrowns, or tater tots is a good choice. Even a baked potato or mashed potatoes are fine in moderation. A good rule of thumb is to try and eat raw vegetables at every meal, but a variety of raw and cooked is good as well. This may seem like a limited selection, but there really are many choices you can make at restaurants that will allow you to stay within your lifestyle goals.

Unless noted (which is rare), most dairy is a bad idea to consume in restaurants because they use the cheapest variety they can find, which means the milk, cream, butter, cheese, sour cream, and other items are pasteurized, low or non-fat, and probably full of antibiotics, steroids, other chemicals, and hormones. The best type of dressing you can get on a salad is oil and vinegar, such as most types of vinaigrette (some may contain undesirable oils such as soybean, cottonseed, or canola; if in doubt, ask). Although some vinaigrettes contain unhealthy oils, Ranch, thousand island, blue cheese, and other similar dressings are also loaded with these oils, processed dairy, sugar, and chemicals that you’ll want to avoid.

A good way to have an impact over what foods restaurants serve where you eat is to make comments to the staff and even talk to the manager or owner. Tell them that you'd like to see healthier choices on their menu and would especially like to have offered healthy, local, and organic choices as well.

Read Labels!

Do you often see the word "organic" on products you purchase? Beware, that even when something states that it is "natural", "healthy", or "organic", often, these products may actually not be any healthier for you than their conventional counterparts.

Many products, such as crackers, cereals, fruit snacks, candies, desserts, breads, chips, and related items are just as unhealthy to consume as those manufactured with toxic ingredients. For example, a box of "organic" cereal can contain as much sugar, fillers or other ingredients such as soy, dairy, or nuts that have been processed in an unhealthy manner, and are not any healthier to eat. Read labels. If you are in doubt, don't purchase the item.

Eating "organic" cereal in place of Fruit Loops or Cocoa Puffs may very well not be better for your body because a majority of those cereals still contain processed ingredients that are unnatural, sugar, and allergens. Instead, try eating eggs with sprouted grain toast and real, raw butter and some fruit. Vegetables are a great and nutritious addition to eggs in the morning and are especially tasty with some salsa. Try switching from your normal breakfast of sugar, chemicals, and carbohydrates to a meal with real food and see what a difference it makes.