1
February
2008
Saccharomyces boulardii (try saying that 3 times fast!). is a beneficial, all natural yeast discovered in France and used widely in Europe as a supplement. It is particularly effective for controlling diarrhea associated with antibiotic use, the consumption of unfamiliar foods while traveling, and Crohn’s disease. It is also taken to treat Candida overgrowth as it is believed that saccharomyces boulardii is more efficient than Candida and other unwanted organisms and thus more successfully competes for space in the intestines. Saccharomyces boulardii may be taken periodically or to specifically address the negative effects of antibiotics. Certain antifungal medications and alcohol can reduce its effectiveness. It may be taken together with other probiotics or alone. So you may not be able to pronounce it but your gut will love it!
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30
January
2008
Consuming excessive sugar triggers the browning reaction, creating internally dangerous caramel which appear as age spots on the skin and internally, making us rigid, more like tanned leather Eating foods that have been browned, baked, crisped, caramelized, toasted, crusted or burnt confuses information pathways in the body and can lead to premature aging and cancer. Look for safe natural sugar alternatives like stevia and xylitol. Avoid chemical sugar replacements like aspartame and Splenda as they have been linked with even more severe health issues!
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28
January
2008
Scientific research is increasing its support of the power of food as medicine. Turmeric is one such food. Turmeric, especially the curcumin component, has rich stores of antioxidants. These important disease fighting substances mop up unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals, which can otherwise damage cells and cause diseases such as cancer. Antioxidants are also powerful preservatives, which helps to explain why turmeric has long been sprinkled on food to help retain its freshness.
If you read Dr. Christine Horner’s book “Waking The Warrior Goddess” you’ll find more medical research supporting turmeric as a powerful cancer preventive and fighter. Personally, I haven’t figured out enough creative ways to get this into meals as it does tend to turn everything bright gold, so I take the supplement she created, Protective Breast Formula.
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25
January
2008
Researchers have found that concentrations of omega-3 fats were associated with positive bone mineral densities. They evaluated bone health and then measured concentrations of fatty acids in a group of men between the ages of 16 and 22 over 8 years. They found that DHA contributed to better total bone densities as well as positive changes in the spine. DHA is available in supplement form if you do not get enough in your diet. We like the Nordic Naturals brand for its purity. Carlson’s is quite good as well.
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17
January
2008
More than two thirds of Americans are starving themselves of necessary nutrients, according to a study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. The study was conducted by Johns Hopkins University on almost 9000 Americans over 4 years and found that less than a third of the participants ate the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, even when bad foods like trans-fat laded French fries were counted as a vegetables.
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2
January
2008
Happy New Year everyone! Today’s organic tip is on a substance that comes from the heart of the earth, volcanic clay. Volcanic clay stimulates repair and rebuilding of tissues by providing a highly concentrated amount of organic minerals and negative ions that stimulate healing communication pathways in the body. It heals wounds and ulcers and acts as a natural dressing that remains in the wounded area until fully healed, at which time it discards itself. It has been shown to clear 90% of acne within the first 2 weeks and is quite helpful on skin conditions such as nail fungus and injured tissues. Renowned integrative medical doctor, Dr. Victor Marcial-Vega MD tested this substance in his practice with great results. We have personally used it here as spot treatment for acne and it is awesome! Tough to find as it isn’t in most health food stores but well worth the search.
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20
December
2007
Flax seeds are great for you, but how to use them is a dilemma. All seeds contain enzyme inhibitors, and if you eat them whole they will pass through your body undigested. You can grind them, but unless you use them right away, they begin to oxidize and go rancid. Buying ground seeds is a waste of money. Flax seed oil isn’t good either, unless you use it on your skin. And cooking destroys the enzymes. So here’s an easy and inexpensive way to use flax seed and get all the excellent benefits. Soak a tablespoon of seeds in a small glass of spring water overnight. In the morning, add the seeds to oatmeal or a smoothie. Anyone else have yummy flax seed recipes to share?
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20
December
2007
There is a great deal of scientific evidence that soy formula can be damaging to newborns. High levels of manganese found in soy are toxic to babies because they lack the blood-brain barrier that develops later in childhood. Manganese overdose is associated with brain damage leading to violent behavior. Furthermore, soy lacks many factors that are essential to normal brain development, including essential fatty acids, DHA brain growth factor and cholesterol. A New Zealand toxicologist estimates that an infant exclusively fed soy formula receives the estrogenic equivalent of at least 5 birth control pills per day, which may contribute to early maturation. The best milk for baby is always breast milk, but if a mother is unable to nurse, then organic goats milk is the next best choice.
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15
December
2007
Most of our readers are already convinced that organic foods are one of the keys to good health, but for our newcomers, a primer (and for the rest of us a little reminder doesn’t hurt). Organic foods help us to avoid exposure to toxic pesticides. Organic foods are also produced without antibiotics, synthetic growth hormones, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms and other dubious substances. Fortunately, eating organic foods helps lower our toxic burden, especially for infants and children who are highly susceptible to damage from these chemicals. A growing body of research even suggests that organically produced foods are higher in a variety of nutrients as well, thus giving you more nutrition for your dollar. Local organic foods usually offer the freshest flavor, but to protect your family, stock up your pantry as well.
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13
December
2007
You know that headache that many people get from drinking red wine? Well organic wineries will tell you that many people who typically get headaches from drinking red wine do not experience the same discomfort with organic red wine. Hurrah! Organic wines are produced using organically grown grapes. No pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers, or synthetic chemicals of any kind are allowed on the vines or in the soil. Strict rules govern the winemaking process and storage conditions of all imported and domestic wines that acquire certification. Moreover, organic winemakers often avoid many of the chemical substances used to stabilize conventional wines. So raise a glass of healthy antioxidants this holiday season! If you’re looking for a great source to buy organic wines check out The Organic Wine Company. Organic Wine Company
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12
December
2007
A new study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology indicates that low income farmers in developing nations who adopt sustainable organic farming practices increase crop yields by an average of 79%. In addition, the healthier soil allows the crops to better withstand drought. Sustainable farmers save additional money by using less water, eliminating pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and by avoiding high-priced genetically engineered seeds. Support the growth of organic farming, it’s better for your health and is proving to make good economic sense too.
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12
December
2007
The skin is one of the organs of elimination and it is very important to your health that it function properly. If the skin is working properly it takes the stress off other organs, allowing them to work better. For healthy skin, avoid greasy foods and sugar. Drink five to six glasses of water a day. Use natural and organic skin care products to avoid absorbing harmful chemicals into your body. There is an article on http://www.allnaturallibrary.com/ under Skin Care which list specific dangerous ingredients which according to the Environmental Working Group are commonly found in non-organic skin care products.
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10
December
2007
Carrots, onions, asparagus and mushrooms are great heart foods. To strengthen the heart, eliminate all bleached flour products from your diet. Make sure your digestion is working well as poor digestion can stress the heart. Starches slow the heartbeat. Proteins increase the heartbeat. If lying down causes a pounding feeling in your head this could be caused by poor protein digestion. It would be wise to check with a licensed professional.
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10
December
2007
While not specifically an organic topic I wanted to alert our readers to the dangers of electro magnetic frequencies, particularly for children using cell phones. It has been reported in scientific papers that EMFs such as those emitted from mobile phones may significantly increase the risk of conditions such as cancer, blood clots and autism. Younger people are more vulnerable to EMF waves due to skull-thickness, which is maturing and growing. If you’d like to read more check out the articles at this link: EMF Dangers
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9
June
2007
Got a tip to share on how natural & organic food, supplements or habits have had a positive impact on your health? Post it here!
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