ADHD Guidelines Pulled as Drug Company Payment Scandal

Controversial guidelines on ADHD have been pulled by the Federal Government following claims drug company payments to a doctor cast doubt over the draft's validity after one of the psychiatrists, whose research into anti-psychotic drugs helped form the guidelines, was accused of failing to reveal payments from drug companies. US-based child psychiatrist Dr Joseph Biederman is under investigation in America by authorities who have uncovered $1.6 million in payments. The US Congress investigation has found Dr Biederman failed to declare where all the money came from & has breached federal and Harvard University research laws.

Dangers of Canned Foods

The food processing world is reeling after a shocking new series of tests released by Consumer Reports revealed that many leading brands of canned foods contain Bisphenol A (BPA)—a toxic chemical linked to health risks including reproductive abnormalities, neurological effects, heightened risk of breast and prostate cancers, diabetes, heart disease and other serious health problems. BPA is used in the lining of cans and the toxin leaches from the lining into the food. According to Consumer Reports just a couple of servings of canned food can exceed scientific limits on daily exposure for children.

Dangers of Bisphenol A (BPA)

Research by the University of Rochester, published in the Journal of Andrology, found that males exposed to phthalates (found in dental sealants, composite fillings, soft plastic water bottles, baby bottles, vinyl flooring & PVC shower curtains) found a reduction in testosterone, feminizing their behavior. Male babies exposed to high levels of these chemicals, used to soften plastic, are much less likely to play typical boys’ games as they mature. A study funded by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health found that Chinese factory workers exposed to BPA had four times the risk of erectile dysfunction and seven times the risk of ejaculation difficulty. BPA leaches into food in nearly all metal containers (these cans are lined in soft plastic), even those cans marked “BPA-free” or “Organic.”

High Rate of Osteoporosis

25% of 65 year old women in the United States are diagnosed with osteoporosis which means a loss of 50- 75% of the bone from the skeleton. Today, more deaths are caused by osteoporosis than cancer of the breast and cervix combined. Unfortunately, the loss of calcium & other minerals from the bones is a gradual process which goes on steadily for a long time before it becomes evident until signs like loose teeth, receding gums, a fractured hip or rib. Contrary to popular belief, it is not only about the amount of calcium in the diet but the acidity or pH of the body that leeches calcium out of the bones. African Bantu women consume 350 mg of calcium per day, bear nine children during their lifetime & breast feed them for two years. They never have calcium deficiency, seldom break a bone, rarely lose a tooth... How can they do that on 350 mg of calcium a day when the National Dairy Council recommendation is 1200 mg? Contrary to popular belief, it is not only about the amount of calcium in the diet but the acidity or pH of the body that leeches calcium out of the bones. It is essential to also look at vitamin D, magnesium & trace minerals as well as reducing acidic sugars, alcohol, refined white flour products while increasing vegetables and fruit to provide these minerals.

Effect of Bite Size & Meal Duration on Food Intake

Research shows that significantly more is consumed when bite sizes are large (about 15 g) than when they are small (about 5 g). More is also consumed when oral processing time is short
(3 seconds) rather than long (9 seconds). Eating slowly and taking small bites may help reduce food
intake. To read more, Zijlstra N, de Wijk RA, Mars M et al. Am J Clin Nutr 2009; 90(2): 269-275.

A Mobile Phone on Your Hip Weakens Your Bones

The researchers found that bone mineral density was lowered on the side of the pelvis where the mobile phones were carried. The findings raise the possibility that bone density could be adversely affected by electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones. To read more, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19816295?itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum&ordinalpos=1

Bran or Psyllium husks improves IBS?

New trial shows that soluble fibre (that absorbs water and softens becoming mucilaginous) like psyllium husks improves IBS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, more than insoluble fibre eg, bran. To read more, Bijkerk CJ, de Wit NJ, Muris JW et al. BMJ 2009; 339(7721): 613-615.

Improvements in Insulin Response Decreased by Low Thyroid

A low thyroid function could explain why some individuals do not respond to changes in diet and exercise in order to lower their insulin resistance. To read more, Amati F, Dubé JJ, Stefanovic-Racic M et al. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2009; 41(2): 265-269.

Oral Contraceptive Pill and Cancers other than Female Reproductive Organs

Current, but not past, oral contraceptive use is associated with substantially increased risk of benign liver tumours & modestly increased risk of liver cancer. The association with liver cancer was smaller for recent, low-dose oral contraceptive use. There was no evidence of an association between oral contraceptive use & lung cancer, thyroid cancer, cutaneous malignant melanoma, other digestive neoplasms, renal cell carcinoma, neuroblastoma or Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. To read more, La Vecchia C, Bosetti C. Eur J Cancer Prev 2009; 18(5): 407-411.

Ginkgo Effective for PMS

The efficacy of 120 mg/day of Ginkgo biloba standardised extract for the amelioration of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) was assessed in a randomised, single blind, placebo controlled clinical trial. There was a significant decrease in the overall severity of symptoms & both
physical & psychological symptoms, especially of breast soreness & congestion. To read more, Ozgoli G, Selselei EA, Mojab F et al. J Alt Comp Med 2009; 15(8):845-851

Ginkgo as Effective as Donepezil in Alzheimer’s Disease

A randomised, double blind clinical trial was undertaken to compare a Ginkgo biloba standardised extract (GBSE) against donepezil in patients with confirmed Alzheimer’s disease (AD) also exhibiting neuropsychiatric symptoms. The true potential of this study is the suggestion that combining Ginkgo with donepezil might improve treatment outcomes and lower side
effects as the majority of patients given Ginkgo in the real world are already taking donepezil. To read more, Yancheva S, Ihl R, Nikolova G et al. Aging Ment Health 2009;
13(2): 183-190.

The Dangers of Antiperspirant Deodorants

Sweating is your body’s mechanism to cool down. Sweat has no odor; the familiar unpleasant odor is caused by bacteria that live on our skin. These bacteria metabolize the proteins and fatty acids from our sweat, causing body odor. Deodorants deal with the smell by neutralizing it and by killing the bacteria that metabolize the proteins and fatty acids. Antiperspirants on the other hand, try to prevent sweating by blocking the pores using aluminum. Without sweat, the bacteria cannot metabolize proteins and fatty acids that cause body odor. However, Aluminium is absorbed by the skin and is a well-known toxic heavy metal or neurotoxin. These antiperspirants were only invented in the last 50 years which corresponds with the dramatic increase in breast cancer. Obviously this is not the only cause of breast cancer but could well be a major contributing factor as it is usually women who shave or wax their armpits, exposing themselves to increased aluminium absorption. To read more, http://www.foodmatters.tv/_webapp_265459/Deodorant_and_Antiperspirants_-_Why_You_Should_Be_Choosing_A_Natural_One

Gammaretrovirus Thought To Be Important Cause of Chronic Fatigue

Called XMRV, it has been discovered in people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. The new study provided overwhelming evidence that XMRV is a human gammaretrovirus — the third human retrovirus (after H.I.V. & human lymphotropic viruses, which cause leukemia & lymphoma). Infection is permanent & it can spread from person to person (though it is not yet known how the virus is transmitted). However, not everyone infected with XMRV will necessarily get chronic fatigue syndrome — in the same way that not all people infected with HIV will get AIDS. To read more, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/21/opinion/21johnson.html?_r=4

Mammograms now at 50, not 40 in USA

Most women should start regular breast cancer screening at age 50, not 40, according to new guidelines released Monday. The new recommendations reverse longstanding guidelines and are aimed at reducing harm from radiation overtreatment. It also says women age 50 to 74 should have mammograms less frequently -- every 2 years, rather than every year. To read more, http://www.nytimes.com?emc=na

Kelloggs & Uncle Tobys Cereals Full of Sugar

New research confirms what consumers have long known -- most breakfast cereals advertised to children are full of sugar. Cereals marketed to kids have 85 percent more sugar, 65 percent less fiber and 60 percent more sodium than those aimed at adults. In fact, the least nutritious cereals are often the most heavily marketed to children with leading brands like Kelloggs and Uncle Tobys topping the list. Avoid any cereal made by these global brands where qualityof food and health are certainly not a priority. Interesting to note, even Special K came up on the top 10 worst cereals list!
To read more, http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-10-25-kids-cereals_N.htm?csp=34 and http://www.cerealfacts.org/cereal_nutrition_advanced_search.aspx?l=b

Teflon Cookware Toxicity

Clearly the most popular choice in cookware and bakeware today is Teflon™ and other nonstick pans. But Teflon is made from perfluorooctanoic acid(PFOA), a synthetic chemical which has been shown in research to cause toxic changes to many of your body's organs & stimulate tumor growth. Toxic fumes from Teflon™ release into the air at relatively low cooking temperatures, adding yet another entry point of this dangerous chemical into your body. All gourmet cooks & chefs know this & certainly do not use it. It is best to use Stainless steel, glass cookware or ceramic. Avoid cast iron & aluminium due to heavy metal toxicity leeching into your food as well.

Orange Juice Scam

One of the great scams of the industrial food cartel is the so-called "fresh" orange juice sold in supermarkets. Some reality checks:

1. There is more vitamin c in a single orange than in a full glass of bottled orange juice.
2. Bottled juices have been pasteurised so that it is exposed to high temperatures which destroy any vitamin C, leaving a sugary drink that is high glycaemic.
   
3. Truly fresh orange juice only lasts a few days. Bottled orange juice contains preservatives so that it lasts for weeks (or months), that are synthetic chemicals & difficult for your liver to break down & to which people often have allergies to eg. 220.
   
4. Until orange growers launched a campaign in the early 20th century to deal with their surplus crop, people did not drink orange juice regularly. There is nothing particularly healthy or natural about drinking orange juice.