Kellogg's Froot Loops

This cereal contains 23 ingredients including:

Butylated hydroxytoluene: A common food preservative, BHT is also used as an antioxidant additive in jet fuel, rubber & electrical transformer oil. There has been some controversy surrounding its use in foods and it is prohibited as a food additive in Britain. The US Food and Drug Administration has stated that there needs to be further research into the possibility that BHT could react with other ingested substances and become toxic.

Red No. 40: Allura red, a popular colouring agent, is not just used in foods but also in cosmetics & drugs. Artificial colours have been widely blamed for causing hyperactivity in children. Last year, Britain banned Allura red and five other food colours.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald (Oct 30-31, 2010, p. 24)

Dangers of Commercial Sunscreen and How To Protect Ourselves Naturally

Organizations like The Environmental Working Group have identified the following common sunscreen ingredients as being potentially harmful to human health:

• Octocrylene
• PABA
• Octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC)
• Benzophenone-3
• 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor (4-MBC)
• Homosalate

The vast majority of synthetic chemicals found in sunscreen lotions can potentially damage your skin by increasing the number of free radicals that are generated throughout the many layers of your skin & those substances then have the potential to damage the DNA in your cells, and if allowed to create ongoing damage, can contribute to the development of skin cancer.

Use clothing and a hat that provide protection against UV rays. Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors on extremely hot days and when the sun feels hottest - usually between 10am - 4 pm. Use a natural sunscreen that relies on natural physical (not chemical) blockers and other all-natural ingredients to protect your skin against sun damage. Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide are both mineral compounds that act as physical blockers that prevent UV-A & UV-B rays, but are not nano-fine enough to potentially get absorbed into your bloodstream.

GE Wheat in Australia - Coming To a Store Near You!

Australia is at risk of becoming the first country in the world to Allow GE wheat, creating a major threat to farmers, consumers and to Australia’s future food security.

Wheat is Australia’s most important crop, bringing $5 billion into our economy each year. Monsanto and other chemical companies failed to commercialize GE wheat in North America. Now they have a stranglehold over Australia’s wheat infrastructure.

In June and July this year, the federal government approved over 1,300 different types of GE wheat for trials across the country. If GE wheat is commercialized, farmers face legal and financial risks of cross-contamination, either in the field or in grain silos.

We know that GE plants operate differently in the field than they do in the lab, with unpredictable impacts on our environment. We also know GE consumption by animals is linked with allergic reactions, organ damage and reduced fertility. But the real problem is there has been no testing on humans. We are all in the dark about the safety of GE food.

Bill Clinton's Heart Disease & Weight Loss Diet

Bill Clinton recently made news headlines, not with his politics but with his shrunken waistline. On diet made up of beans, legumes, vegetables and fruit, he said he lost 24 pounds in time for his daughter Chelsea’s wedding. But he was most impressed in how his whole metabolism has changed. He understood his previous by-pass operations did not give him the security of his heart disease not returning.

Chelsea who allegedly had a wedding cake free of gluten & sugar must have inspired her father who used to love fast food (& was public about it) to make this change.

The doctors he referred to are Dr. Dean Ornish & Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn.

Wholesome plant based diet and healthy lifestyle is a lot more effective, not just for reversing heart diseases, but most other chronic diseases. These doctors also said how this kind of diet promotes a better sex life which I am sure gets people’s attention! (Remember Morgan Spurlock from Supersize Me who became impotent half way through his McDonald’s experience?)

Source: www.integrative-living.com & www.edition.cnn.com

One of the Worst Parenting Mistakes You Can Make

No matter how physically active a child is, time spent in front of the computer or television screen is associated with psychological problems.

The study found that > 2 hours a day in front of a TV or computer was associated with more emotional and behavioral difficulties.

Source: Pediatrics (Oct 11, 2010)

Quinoa and Its Benefits for Health

Quinoa is a grain which has been cultivated for thousands of years in the mountains of the Andes. Its nutritional value is superior to the other grains. It protects cell membranes and it has positive results in brain neuronal functions in particular.

Source: Nutrition facts and functional potential of quinoa (Sept 2, 2010), Department of Food Engineering, Universidad de La Serena, Chile

“Folate-Fortified” Babies Are Less Hyperactive…

A study carried out over 10 years showed that low folate levels in early pregnancy were associated with a higher prevalence of behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and inattention in children and other peer problems.

Source: www.fondation-louisbonduelle.org

Monsanto Finally Reaping Its Just Desserts

Monsanto, the giant biotechnology agriculture company that created genetically modified corn, soybeans and herbicides, isn’t riding so high this year in the stocks department, as news comes in that its products aren’t working like they’d hoped.

According to the New York Times

• Monsanto’s newest genetically modified product, SmartStax corn, provides no greater yields than older products, despite being more expensive
• Weeds are growing resistant to Monsanto’s Roundup
• The Justice Department is investigating Monsanto for possible antitrust violations

Already, shares of Monsanto’s stock have fallen 42 % since January, and earnings for the fiscal year are expected to be well under projections.

This company represents one of the biggest threats to your future health, and that of the planet.

Canada Declares BPA Toxic

Last week, the government of Canada formally declared bisphenol A (BPA) to be a toxic substance. The USA & Australia still denies it.

This comes after Canada’s first national physical study on BPA revealed that 91 % of Canadians have the chemical in their bodies, with teenagers having the highest concentrations.

There are serious health risks from exposure to the endocrine-disrupting chemical BPA. As a result, there have been nationwide efforts to ban it from food and beverage containers as well as in children’s dental products.

Animal tests show that BPA, a plastics hardener that is also a synthetic oestrogen, can cause reproductive and behavioral abnormalities and lower intellectual ability, and sets the stage for cancers, obesity, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease.

About Breakfast Psychology...

It seems that our own estimation of the calories we ingest can highly influence our mood and body-image satisfaction. In the study the cereal breakfast was perceived to be lower in calories and that it allowed the participants to be more satiated, happier, more relaxed and more satisfied about weight and body compared to the muffin breakfast. Moreover, fibre and micronutrient daily intakes were superior in women having the cereal breakfast.
Source: School of Natural Sciences & Psychology, UK, 13 Oct 2010

Heart Attack Risk Affected by Type of Carbohydrates

A Danish study showed that the risk of myocardial infarction was reduced by 22 % for a replacement of saturated fatty acids by low GI carbohydrates (most fresh fruit and green vegetables, legumes, cereals...) but increased by 33 % for a replacement by high GI carbohydrates (white bread, white rice, chips, crisps or baked potato, confectionery, chocolate bars, watermelon).
Source: Am J Clin Nutr, 2010, vol. 91, No 6, pp. 1764-1768

Magnesium Reduces Diabetes Risk

A new study out of the University of North Carolina found the people with the highest magnesium intake were 50 % less likely to develop diabetes.

The study also revealed that as magnesium intake increased, inflammation levels decreased, as did insulin resistance.
Source: Reuters, September 24, 2010
Diabetes Care, August 31, 2010

1/2 tsp of Cinnamon Daily Helps Diabetes & High Blood Pressure

A 12-week London study was recently conducted involving 58 type 2 diabetics with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels over 7 %. Hemoglobin A1c is a marker for long-term glycemic control in diabetics.

After 12 weeks on 2g of cinnamon per day, study subjects had significantly lower HbA1c levels, as well as significantly reduced blood pressures (systolic & diastolic).
Source: Diabetic Medicine: A Journal of the British Diabetic Association, October 2010

Genetically Modified Food in Baby Formula

Greenpeace testing has discovered untested GM, including DNA from antibiotic resistant genes, in leading brands of formula for infants in Australia.

The brands are S-26 Soy, made by the giant pharma company Pfizer and Karicare Food Thickener, marketed at babies with reflux.

Genetically modified products have never been proven safe for babies to eat. Neither of the infant food products that tested positive for GM carry a GM warning label. This means that parents are currently feeding their babies GM, including DNA from antibiotic resistant marker genes, without knowing it.

Fish Oil Prevents Breast Cancer

An article on www.foodconsumer.org reports that eating oily fish or taking fish oil supplements often may help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

The article cites a study published in the July 2010 issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. The study led by Brasky T.M. and colleagues from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle, Washington, found that consumption of fish oil was correlated with a 32% reduced risk of breast cancer.

It is essential, however, that your fish oil is sourced only from the finest raw materials, that are screened for heavy metals, dioxins, PCBs, and contain therapeutic amounts of the active ingredients, EPA & DHA.

Risk of Fatal Bowel Problem With Rotavirus Vaccine

The Food and Drug Administration said preliminary results from a study in Mexico involving GlaxoSmithKline's Rotarix vaccine suggest an increased risk of a serious bowel problem that could be fatal.

The safety of Rotarix and RotaTeq, a similar vaccine made by Merck, have carefully been tracked by regulators since another vaccine by then drug-maker Wyeth was pulled off the market in 1999 after it was linked to an increased rate of intussusception. Intussusception is a twisting or obstruction of the intestine that can be fatal.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, September 22, 2010

Diabetes Drug Banned in Europe for Causing 83,000 Heart Attacks

Avandia, the Type 2 Diabetes drug, hit the market in 1999 and quickly became a blockbuster drug. By 2006 its annual revenue in USA was $3.2 billion. By 2009, sales had dropped to $1.2 billion following a damning study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) in 2007, which linked Avandia to a 43% increased risk of heart attack and a 64% higher risk of cardiovascular death than patients treated with other methods.

A September 23, 2010 article in the NEJM announced that, finally, the US FDA has stepped forward and decided on regulatory action for Avandia, a diabetes drug that last year claimed 1,354 lives as a result of cardiac-associated problems in USA.

British regulators have ruled that GlaxoSmithKline’s diabetes drug Avandia could lead to heart attacks or strokes, and benefits no longer outweigh the risks and removed it from the market. However, it is still available in Australia!!

Evidence linking Avandia to an increased risk of a heart attack or stroke has been building since 2007, and GSK has agreed to pay $460 million in damages to settle about 10,000 lawsuits in USA linking its use to patients suffering serious medical setbacks.

The drug in question here, rosiglitazone, is sold under the names of Avandia, Avandamet and Avaglim. Avandia alone is used by 2 million people worldwide.

The only thing rosiglitazone drugs like Avandia do is to help lower blood glucose, which has virtually no influence on the long-term damage due to Type 2 Diabetes. Most of the damage is caused by elevated insulin levels, which can be remedied with an optimal diet and exercise program.

GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Avandia, hid damaging information about the drug for over ten years, as it would adversely affect their sales. Between 1999 and 2007, Avandia is estimated to have caused 83,000 unnecessary heart attacks. This is 20,000 more deaths than Merck caused when they sold Vioxx which has now been recalled worldwide.

If you, or anyone you know, is still taking this drug, warn them of this danger.

Book Review: The Brain that Changes Itself by Norman Doidge

The discovery of neuroplasticity, that our thoughts can change the structure and function of our brains, even into old age, is the most important breakthrough in our understanding of the brain in 400 years. Dr. Norman Doidge introduces principles we can all use to overcome brain limitations and explores the profound brain implications of the changing brain in an immensely moving book that will permanently alter the way we look at human possibility and human nature.

Book Review: Knockout by Suzanne Somers

In KNOCKOUT, Suzanne Somers has interviewed doctors and medical professionals using everything from alternative to integrative to conventional methods to combat cancer. Whichever path you choose, this is a must-have resource to navigate the life and death world of cancer and increase your odds of survival, plus vital information on how to prevent what will soon become the world's No.1 killer. Suzanne Somers was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001 and now wants to share her cancer story to help others.

Economic Report Finds Complementary Medicine Could Ease Health Budget

A study into the cost effectiveness of complementary medicine in Australia has found the nation could potentially save millions of dollars in healthcare costs without compromising patient outcomes if complementary medicine is more widely used.

The research conducted by Access Economics for the National Institute of Complementary Medicine at the University of Western Sydney examined the cost effectiveness of selected complementary medicine treatments.

The study found taking fish oil supplements was a highly cost effective intervention to prevent heart disease for those who already had a myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Clinical trials have shown St John’s wort is an effective as standard drug treatments for mild-moderate depression.

Acupuncture for chronic non-specific low back pain as a complement to standard care resulted in significantly better pain outcomes compared to standard care alone.

Several clinical trials have shown Phytodolor, a herbal treatment for osteoarthritis, can help some osteoarthritis patients manage pain and control inflammation.

Complementary medicines could defray the high costs of modern health care by offering better disease prevention and more effective management of chronic conditions.

Dangers of Non-stick (Teflon) Cookware

The dangers of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are becoming increasingly evident. The most common sources of these chemicals include:

• non-stick cookware
• microwave popcorn bags
• packaging for greasy foods
• stain-proof clothing
• carpet and fabric protectors
• flame retardants, and products that contain them

Although it may be quite difficult to eliminate all sources of these toxins since they are so pervasive, at least ged rid of your non-stick cookware, considering you use your pots and pans to cook almost every day of the week.

Studies have shown that PFC's can cause:

• infertility (Human Reproduction Journal, 2009)
• Thyroid disease (Environmental Health Perspectives Journal, May 2010)
• cancer (liver, pancreas, testicles and mammary glands in rats) and has been associated with increases in prostate cancer in PFOA plant workers
• immune system problems - several studies by scientists in Sweden indicate that PFC's have an adverse effect on your immune system
• increased LDL cholesterol levels (Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Sept 2010)

Children and teens who have high blood levels of chemicals used in the production of non-stick cookware may be more likely to have elevated LDL cholesterol levels and have been associated with cancer.
Source: Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine (September 2010)

Coconut Oil Reduces Alzheimer's Disease

With Alzheimer's disease, certain brain cells may have difficulty utilizing glucose (made from the carbohydrates we eat), the brain's principal source of energy. Without fuel, these precious neurons may begin to die. There is an alternative energy source for brain cells - fats known as ketones. If deprived of carbohydrates, the body produces ketones naturally.

Another way to produce ketones is by consuming oils that have medium-chain triglycerides. When MCT oil is digested, the liver converts it into ketones. In the first few weeks of life, ketones provide about 25 % of the energy newborn babies need to survive.

MCT oil derived from coconut oil at a dose of 20 grams (about 20 ml or 4 teaspoons), according to the latest research, not only protects against the incidence of Alzheimer's, but may actually reverse it. Moreover, this is also a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease), drug-resistant epilepsy, brittle type I diabetes, and type II (insulin-resistant) diabetes.

Make sure you buy non-hydrogenated (no trans-fat) virgin organic coconut oil available from health food stores.
Source: ANH-USA (October 5, 2010)

Chemicals in Indoor Swimming Pools Increase Cancer Risk

A new study is the first to provide a comprehensive characterization of the effects of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in an indoor pool environment. It found that swimming in indoor chlorinated pools for 40 minutes may induce DNA damage that can lead to cancer.

Previous studies have found an association between DBPs in drinking water and bladder cancer.
Source: Environmental Health Perspectives (September 12,2010)

Toxic Moisturisers

Most of the beauty industry moisturisers contain chemicals that are toxic to your skin and actually leave your pores clogged. Some of the misnomers include:

• "For Professional Use Only" -- This phrase allows cosmetic companies to remove harmful chemicals from their labels.

• "Hypoallergenic" -- No actual testing is necessary to claim that a product is "hypoallergenic", "allergy-free" or "safe for sensitive skin".

• Harmful Chemicals -- Unless they are intentionally placed in the product, harmful chemicals are not required to be listed.

• Some ingredients to avoid:
  

• Ingredient	Use	Dangers
  Parabens	Heavily used preservatives in the cosmetic industry; used in an estimated 13,200 cosmetic and skin care products.	Studies implicate their connection with cancer because their hormone-disrupting qualities mimic estrogen and could disrupt your body’s endocrine system.
  Mineral Oil, Paraffin, and Petrolatum		These petroleum products coat the skin like plastic – clogging pores and creating a build-up of toxins. They can slow cellular development, creating earlier signs of aging. They’re implicated as a suspected cause of cancer. Plus, they can disrupt hormonal activity. When you think about black oil pumped from deep underground, ask yourself why you’d want to put that kind of stuff on your skin…
  Sodium laurel or lauryl sulfate (SLS), also known as sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)	Found in over 90% of personal care products! They break down your skin’s moisture barrier, potentially leading to dry skin with premature aging. And because they easily penetrate your skin, they can allow other chemicals easy access.	SLS combined with other chemicals may become a "nitrosamine" – a potent carcinogen.
  Acrylamide	Found in many facial creams.	Linked to mammary tumors.
  Propylene glycol	Common cosmetic moisturizer and carrier for fragrance oils.	May cause dermatitis and skin irritation. May inhibit skin cell growth. Linked to kidney and liver problems.
  Phenol carbolic acid	Found in many lotions and skin creams.	Can cause circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma, and even death from respiratory failure.
  Dioxane	Hidden in ingredients such as PEG, polysorbates, laureth, ethoxylated alcohols. Very common in personal care products.	These chemicals are often contaminated with high concentrations of highly volatile 1,4-dioxane that’s easily absorbed through the skin. Its carcinogenicity was first reported in 1965, and later confirmed in studies including one from the National Cancer Institute in 1978. Nasal passages are considered extremely vulnerable, making it, in my opinion, a really bad idea to use these things on your face.
  Toluene	May be very poisonous! Made from petroleum and coal tar… found in most synthetic fragrances.	Chronic exposure linked to anemia, lowered blood cell count, liver or kidney damage…May affect a developing fetus.

4 tips for healthy clear youthful skin:

1. Hydrate your entire system with lots of water.
   
2. Eat a healthy diet of mostly raw foods (salads, vegetables, fruit) foods high in omega-3 fatty acids which produce a hydrating effect from the inside out, and antioxidants which help fight signs of aging.
   
3. Take a revitalizing bath – in warm water, not hot! Himalayan salt baths are rejuvenating, and help dry skin to slough off. Hot water is damaging to your skin, so stick with warm water.
4. Moisturize daily and every evening with non-clogging organic moisturizers. There are many brands available now eg. Akin, Dr Hauschka, jojoba oil, coconut oil. These nourish your skin instead of clogging it, as many toxin-impaired moisturizers do.

Study Links Voltaren and Neurofen to Strokes

Commonly sold as Voltaren, but available in a number of brands, it is one of a class of drugs all found to increase the risk of stroke, an extensive Danish study found.

Diclofenac, the key ingredient in Voltaren, is as dangerous as the arthritis drug Vioxx, said an international expert. Vioxx was withdrawn in Australia in 2004 because it was found to increase the risk of heart attack.

A spokeswoman from Novartis Australia, which makes Voltaren, said it should be used at the lowest possible dose for the shortest duration of time.

Last financial year almost 656,000 prescriptions for higher strength Voltaren and 246,000 prescriptions of high-dose Ibuprofen were covered under the pharmaceutical benefits scheme. The study co-author and senior cardiologist at Gentofte University Hospital, Gunnar Gislason, told the Herald ibuprofen should be prescription-only and diclofenac should be banned.

Ric Day, a professor of clinical pharmacology at the University of NSW and St Vincent's Hospital, said that while the study analysed healthy people it was particularly relevant for people at risk of heart attack and stroke, such as those with diabetes or high blood pressure.
Source: SMH, September 14, 2010

Detox Heavy Metals with Chlorella

Chlorella, a single-celled fresh water algae, is perhaps most well known for its ability to detox your body by binding to toxins, such as mercury and carrying them out of your system.

Chlorella is about 60 % protein, and is considered to be a "complete protein" source because it contains all the essential amino acids.

Spirulina is another algae that is frequently confused with chlorella, as it has many of the same characteristics. One major difference is that spirulina does not have the ability to draw out heavy metal toxins like chlorella does.

Type 2 Diabetics have a 65% Higher Risk of Alzheimer's

Insulin resistant people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop plaques in their brains which are associated with Alzheimer's disease.

According to the University of Michigan, dementia strikes about 50% of people who reach the age of 85. Of those, about 60% go on to develop Alzheimer's disease.

The major culprits causing Alzheimer's or nerve damage in the brain:
1. Insulin resistance/diabetes
2. Insufficient omega-3 fats
3. Aluminum toxicity
4. Mercury toxicity
5. Lack of mental/brain stimulation
6. Anticholinergic drugs

Anticholinergic drugs is one class of drugs that have been linded to increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Available both over-the-counter and by prescription, anticholinergic drugs include night-time pain relievers, antihistamines, and other sleep aids.

Anticholinergic drugs block a nervous system neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Those suffering from Alzheimer's disease typically have a marked shortage of acetylcholine.
Source: Reuters, August 25, 2010
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, June 11, 2010

Music Makes You Excerise Harder

In a recent study, researchers asked students to ride stationary bicycles while listening to music. They were given a selection of six songs with a range of tempos.

When the tempo was slowed, their pedaling diminished in rate, their heart rates fell, and their mileage dropped. When the tempo was increased, they produced more power with each pedal stroke and increased their pedaling rate, and their heart rates rose.

Just how music impacts the body during exercise, however, is only slowly being teased out by scientists.
Souces: New York Times, August 25, 2010
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, August 2010

Mould Allergies Prevented With Vitamin D

Research has discovered that vitamin D may be an effective therapeutic agent to treat or prevent allergy to a common mould.

Aspergillus fumigatus, is one of the most prevalent fungal organisms inhaled by people. In asthmatics and in patients with Cystic Fibrosis, it can cause significant allergic symptoms.
Source: Journal of Clinical Investigation, August 16, 2010

Researchers Link Low Vitamin D to Schizophrenia

Babies born with low vitamin D levels are twice as likely to develop schizophrenia later in life, researchers from the Queensland Brain Institute have found. But the reserachers say the good news from the study is that it suggests it may be possible to prevent schizophrenia, which affects almost 200,000 Australians.

Vitamin B Could Delay Onset of Alzheimer's

Large daily doses of B vitamins could delay, or even halt, the onset of Alzheimer's disease, a study suggests. The study found supplementing the diet with B vitamins: folate, B6 and B12 could halve the rate of brain shrinkage in elderly people with warning signs of the disease.
Source: ABC News, Thursday, November 9, 2010

Advantages of Interval Cardio Exercise

There is increasing amounts of evidence supporting the notion that you can cut your workout time significantly while reaping better benefits with interval training.

• You burn extra calories for up to 8 hours after your interval session. With jogging you stop burning extra calories when you stop exercising.
  
• Your heart and lungs become bigger, stronger & able to take on sudden intense challenges more easily and recover quickly.
  
• Your body changes the way you store your carbohydrates in the future. To help fuel future intense interval challenges your body will become more efficient at converting carbs into glucose and glycogen.
  
• Glucose and glycogen is anabolic. It burns energy just sitting there. Fat does not.
  
• With low-intensity jogging-type cardio your body becomes more efficient at converting carbs to body fat in order to get ready for future low intensity long/endurance jogging sessions. Fat is your body's preferred source of fuel for jogging, whereas glycogen is the preferred source of fuel for interval-type cardio, e. g. 60 second power walk followed by a 30 second jog, & then a 15 second sprint.
  

Plastics, Fertility, Pregnancy, Babies

Bisphenos A is an endocrine disruptor, which can mimic the body's own hormones and may lead to negative health effects. The negative health effects of BPA are seen in many body systems and include: increased breast cancer risk; reproductive and fertility problems, increased miscarriage risk; neurological issues; thyroid disturbance; heart disease and diabetes.

People wishing to lower their exposure to bisphenol A should avoid canned food and polycarbonate plastic containers #7. The other dangerous plastic is PET #2. Disposable coffee cups are a common - and daily - source of BPA for many people. The danger is increased due to leaching of the compoud from the heat of the coffee.

Heating and cooling of these plastics magnify the harmful effects. The National Toxicology Panel recommends avoiding microwaving food in plastics containers, putting plastics in the dishwaher, or using harsh detergents, to avoid leaching. Using BPA free water bottels and coffee cups is an easy (and environmentally friendly) way to reduce you and your children's daily BPA exposure.
Source: Life Sci. 2009 Now 18;85(21-22):742-52. Epub 2009 Oct 21.

Probiotics Are Better Than Sit Ups

It has been found that toxins from the gut contribute to obesity risk. These endotoxins are known to block insulin signaling in cells, causing insulin resistance and contributing to Metabolic Syndrome, cardiovascular (heart disease) risk and fatty liver. This shows the importance of having good digestion and if neccessary, taking a probiotic to rebalance the beneficial bacteria in the gut.

India Halts HPV Vaccine Trial After 6 Girls Die

Merck & Co.'s Gardasil vaccine and GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK) Cervarix vaccine continue to be pushed in Australia as 6 young girls recently died from the shots during in India. The two human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines have been implicated in at least 67 deaths in the U.S., prompting no response from U.S. officials other than to keep issuing it to the public. However, the 6 deaths in India have prompted the government there to immediately stop all trials of the vaccines. These vaccines only guard against 2 strains of the HPV virus, although there are over 20 known strains.

Living Proof: Vitamin C cured Cancer

TV3's 60 Minutes aired a program called Living Proof. A King Country farmer defied death because his family insisted on administering intravenous Vitamin C. The medical fraternity refused saying "he's going to die, it won't work".

The family insisted on the treatment and reluctantly the doctors agreed to administer the treatment. As a result, the man survived. The doctors put his miraculous recovery down to the fact that they had turned the man on his stomach and refuse to admit that the Vitamin C had cured him. However, there is no proof that lying on one's stomach cures cancer.

You can watch the program on TV on demand at:

http://onemand.tv3.co.nz/living-proof/tabiod/59/articleID/923/MCat/22/Default.aspx

Russia Proves Genetically Modified Foods Are Harmful

Scientists have proved that Genetically Modified Organisms are harmful for mammals. Researchers discovered that animals that eat GM foods lose their ability to reproduce. The results of Russian scientists coincide with those of their colleagues from France and Austria.

7 Hours - The Magic Number for Sleep

Sleeping < 5 hours a day more than x2 your risk of being diagnosed with angina, coronary heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

How much recovery sleep you need to feel recharged depends on how much sleep you have lost.

In a study, volunteers deprived of 3 hours of sleep a night for 5 nights felt nearly, but not quite, back to normal after 10 hours of sleep.

To help you get the optimal amount of sleep each night, U.S. News & World Report suggests:

"Try removing all electronic media devices - BlackBerry, TV, computer - from your bedroom. These distractions are a prime reason why many of us turn out the lights an hour or two later than we originally intended".

Sources:
The Daily Telegraph, 3 August 2010
U.S News & World Report, 4 August 2010
Sleep 2010;33(8) : 1037-1042
Sleep 2010:33(8) 1013-1026

Dangers of Antacids Outweighs the Benefits

The prominent US medical journal, Archives of Internal Medicine highlights some alarming concerns over the long-term safety and appropriate use of the most commonly prescribed antacid drugs, namely the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Conclusions are that the benefits of PPIs probably do not justify the risks for many users.

The lower gastric acid resulting from PPI use facilitates the growth of clostridium difficile infection. Studies have associated PPI use and other gastric acid suppressants with a variety of gastrointestinal infections, including salmonella and campylobacter. PPIs have also been associated with increased incidence of pneumonia.

Cheapest Way to Prevent Illness Without Supplements or Drugs?

Dr. Larry Dossey is the former Chief of Staff of Medical City Dallas Hospital and has lectured in medical schools and hospitals throughout the USA. He talks of the healing benefits of spirituality and of the importance of mind - body - spirit. In 1988 he delivered the annual Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Lecture in New Delhi, India. He is the only physician ever invited to do so.

In 1993, only three of the United States' 125 medical schools offered any sort of course work exploring the area of spirituality and medicine. Today over 90 of these medical schools have formal courses where they explore randomized controlled studies and the effects of spiritual practices on longevity and health outcomes with very beneficial results.

Autoimmunity Increases The Farther Away From Equator

One of the strongest risk factors for autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is how far away from the equator you live. Prevalence of MS ranges from 1-2/10,000 near the equator and up to 200/10,000 at latitudes higher than 50 degrees. Studies show reductions in risk for MS:

• Higher sun exposure when aged 6 to 15 years in Tasmania
• Summer outdoor activities in childhood and adolescence in Norway
• Sun sensitive skin type 1 and 2 in the UK
• Higher oral vitamin D intake. Areas with diets rich in fish oil have lower incidence of MS

These studies suggest that greater sun exposure and/or greater dietary intake of vitamin D is protective against autoimmunity.

• A 30 year follow-up study in Finland found a marked reduction in the prevalence of type 1 diabetes (relative risk 0.12) in infants who received daily vitamin D supplementation in the 1960s.
• The presence of islet auto-antibodies in offspring was inversely correlated with maternal dietary vitamin D intake during pregnancy.

Vitamin D is not only beneficial for the prevention of autoimmunity, but if administered during the development of the disease it has the ability to block the progression of the disease.

Is this the Biggest Medical Breakthrough Since the Discovery of Antibiotics?

Harvard Researchers are saying Resveratrol which helps keep your blood pressure in the normal range, helps your heart health, and better controls the aging process could be the biggest medical breakthrough in 30 years. Researchers have been mystified for years about how the French can smoke cigarettes and eat high-fat foods, yet still have extremely low rates of cancer and heart disease. They call it the French paradox.

The biggest hurdle with Resveratrol is finding a way to consume the large concentrations required to provide you with a benefit without consuming large amounts of wine. Resveratrol is now contained in some health supplements, such as Poly C Powder and the women's multivitamin, Vital Woman.

Are Household Cleaners Linked to Breat Cancer?

A study has found a potential link between the use of household cleaners and air fresheners and breast cancer.

Breast-cancer risk was highest among women who reported the most use of cleaning products and air fresheners - it was twice the risk of those who reported low use of the products. The connection was drawn mostly between mold and mildew cleaners and air fresheners. Chemicals of concern include synthetic musks, phthalates, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, terpenes, benzene and styrene and some antimicrobial agents.

Sources:
The Columbus Dispatch July 20, 2010
Environmental Health July 20, 2010: 9(1):40

Honey Works Better Than Drugs For Herpes!

When a researcher treated patients with Acyclovir for one herpes outbreak and honey for another, overall healing time with honey was 43 percent better than with Acyclovir for sores on the lips and 59 percent better for genital sores. Raw honey (not heat treated), or even better Manuka honey, needs to be used. There were also fewer side effects for the honey group and it must be applied 4 times per day.

Source: Medical Science Monitor 10(8):MT94-98, August 2004

Which Infant Formulas Contain Hidden Toxic Chemicals?

Although artificial human milk is regulated, researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention USA found that a thyroid-affecting chemical used in rocket fuel contaminated 15 brands of powdered infant formula - including two that accounted for 87% market share in 2000 in USA. The top offenders included Similac and Enfamil.

And in China, 76 tons of melamine-tainted milk products were recently seized, just two yrs after melamine-adulterated formula killed 6 infants and hospitalised thousands more.

For all these reasons the American Academy of Pediatrics remains less than sanguine about infant formula, recommending exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued nursing 'until at least the baby's first birthday'. Indeed, they credit mother's milk with everything from breast cancer risk reduction to obesity prevention.

Source: Mother Jones July 12, 2010

Calcium and Heart Attack - What You Really Need to Know

You saw the sensational media headlines last week: Calcium supplements cause heart attacks! This was another example of bad research, poorly constructed, but it does contain an element of truth that we all need to understand. The conclusions are "dramatically overstated.....Seven of the 15 trials evaluated had no, or incomplete, data on cardiovascular outcomes....Further, the researchers chose to exclude any trials administering calcium plus vitamin D - including the Women's Health Initiative, which found calcium plus Vitamin D had no effect on the risk of coronary heart disease or stroke".

Supplemental calcium should never be taken alone. It needs additional magnesium, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin K. Calcium plays an important role in building and maintaining bone mass.

The World Health Organisation was urging world governments to put extra calcium in everyone's water supply. So, in effect, one conventional medicine authority is saying the opposite.

Source: Alliance for Natural Health - US

Is Magnesium the Answer to Treatment-Resistant Depression?

Researchers report that"there is more than sufficient evidence to implicate inadequate dietary magnesium as the main cause of TRD [treatment-resistant depression]. Since inadequate brain magnesium appears to reduce serotonin levels, and since antidepressants have been shown to have the action of raising brain magnesium, we further hypothesise that magnesium treatment will be beneficial for nearly all depressives, not only TRD."
A 2008 randomised clinical trial supports the use of magnesium in depression, with results showing it to be as effective as the tricyclic antidepressant Imipramine in treating depression in magnesium-deficient diabetics, without any of the side effects of Imipramine. Magnesium is low in processed foods, potentially harming the brain, while calcium, glutamate and aspartate - all common food additives - may worsen affective disorders.
Source: Eby GA 3rd, Eby KL. Magnesium for treatment-resistant depression: a review and hypothesis. Med Hypotheses 2010 Apr 2010;74(4):649-660.

Vitamin D Reduces Risk of Pelvic Floor Disorders

Pelvic floor disorders, including urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and faecal incontinence, affect many women, with frequency increasing with age. Vitamin D insufficiency has been linked with poor muscle strength. The analysis showed approximately 82% of women had vitamin D levels below the normal range. Consistent with the researchers' hypothesis, higher vitamin D levels were associated with a decreased risk of any pelvic floor disorder in all women.
Source: Obstet Gynaecol 2010 Apr;115(4):795-803.

Babies Need Daily Vitamin D Supplement

In November 2008, the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) doubled the recommended daily intake of vitamin D for infants and children, from 200IU to 400IU. The study revealed that the use of oral vitamin D supplements was low (1-13%) and only 11-25% of American infants met the recommended level of 400IU per day. Both breastfed and formula-fed babies younger than six months of age are at risk of low vitamin D intake.
Source: Pediatrics 2010 Apr;125(4):627-632.

Vitamin D Prevents Influenza in Children

A recent study found that vitamin D supplements reduced the incidence of influenza A in schoolchildren. The multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial studied 430 schoolchildren aged 6-15 years, over the Japanese winter between December 2008 and March 2009. The children were assigned a total of 1200IU of vitamin D3 daily (3 x 200IU tablets twice daily) or placebo. Asthma attacks were also prevented by vitamin D3 supplementation.
Source: Am J Clin Nutr 2010 May;91(5):1255-1260.

Green Tea Reduces Glaucoma Risk

Catechins in green tea could help protect against glaucoma and other eye diseases.
Source: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry February 10, 2010;58(3):1523-34

Can Being Sleep Deprived Actually Kill You Early?

People who suffer from a rare form of insomnia can die from lack of sleep. Scientists have long known, for instance, that lack of sleep is associated with weight gain. Another study also found that subjects ate significantly more snacks and carbohydrates after a night of only five and a half hours of sleep. We get about 25% less sleep than they did a century ago - and this isn't just a matter of having less energy. As ABC News reported, staying awake for just one night is enough to make you act as though you're legally intoxicated if you get behind the wheel. This shows just how crucial sleep is to your health. It is no less vital than food, water and air.
Source: New York Times April 26, 2010

Mercury in Tuna Sushi Higher at Restaurants

A new study using fish DNA suggests that some species of tuna, particularly those used by restaurants, have higher mercury levels. Restaurants tend to favour certain species of tuna, such as Bluefin, Akami and Bigeye tuna. Unfortunately, mercury tends to accumulate to a greater degree in muscle than in fat, rendering these highly prized, leaner species of tuna more susceptible to high contamination. Restaurants tend to buy larger sized fish, which in turn contain larger concentrations of mercury due to their size.
Source: Biology Letters April 21, 2010 [Epub ahead of print]

Drug Company to Pay Half a Billion Dollar Fine for ILLEGAL Marketing

Drugmaker AstraZeneca has agreed to pay $520 million to settle federal investigations into marketing practices for its schizophrenia drug Seroquel. This makes AstraZeneca the 4th big drug company in the last three years to admit to federal charges of illegal marketing of antipsychotic drugs. The company was accused of misleading doctors and patients by spotlighting favourable research, while failing to adequately disclose studies showing that Seroquel increases the risk of diabetes.
Source: New York Times April 26, 2010; The United States Department of Justice April 27, 2010.

Brushing Teeth Prevents Heart Disease

People who fail to brush their teeth twice a day may be putting themselves at risk of heart disease. A study of more than 11,000 adults backs previous research linking gum disease with heart problems.
Source: British Medical Journal May 28, 2010; 340:c2451

Spices Play Role in Reduced Cancer Risk

Adding certain spices to your meat before tossing it on the grill can also cut the risk of cancer long associated with beef cooked at high temperatures. Rosemary and tumeric are the most effective in preventing the formation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs). HCAs are cancer-causing compounds that are produced when meat is barbecued, grilled, broiled or fried. Other spices are beneficial for cooking: cloves, cinnamon, oregano, rosemary, ginger, black pepper, paprika and garlic powder.
Source: New York Times May 27, 2010

High Dose DHA Decreases Tumour Growth By 2/3

Swedish scientists recently published the positive impact of omega-3 fatty acids (which are found mainly in fish oil) on a certain type of childhood cancer called neuroblastoma (Gleissman 2010). These Karolinska Institute scientists had previously shown that DHA (the most unsaturated form of fatty acid in fish oil) could cause apoptosis (i.e., programmed cell death) in cancer cells. They have now extended their work to experimental animals, showing that fish oil supplementation caused either stabilisation or actual regression of tumours in these animals.
Source: www.panaxea.com

Over 30,000 People Signed Petition For GE Food Labelling

Before the public consultations, the Federal Government had GE marked as only a minor issue for their expert panel to consider as part of this year's review of Australia's food labelling laws. By the time the public submissions had closed, the panel had received around 6,000 submissions and the majority were on GE. Add to this over 30,000 signatures from consumers and a GM-Free charter signed by 200 of Australia's leading chefs, and it would be fair to say that demand for GE labelling emerged as one of the major issues of the food labelling review.
Source: www.truefood.org.au/newsandevents/?news=94

Exercise Critical to Cancer Treatment

Cancer patients should not avoid exercise; they can and should find ways to be physically active both during and after treatment, according to U.S. guidelines. Exercise improves cancer survival.
Source: Science Daily June 1, 2010

British Medical Journal Exposes Lies About Cholesterol Drugs

To hear pharmaceutical companies tell it, statin drugs are "miracle" medicines that have prevented millions of heart attacks and strokes. But a recent study published in the British Medical Journal tells a completely different story: For every heart attack prevented by the drug, 2 or > people suffered liver damage, kidney failure, cataracts or extreme muscle weakness as a result of taking the drug. Statin drugs, in other words, harm far more people than they help. Highly deceptive advertising implies that statin drugs help everyone who takes them. However, statin drugs only "work" on about 2.7% of those who take them. Yet they cause serious damage in about 4.4% of those who take them. From the point of view of pharmaceutical companies, they have the added benefit of causing other diseases that often result in yet more drugs or medical procedures being prescribed. Kidney dialysis is a multi-billion-dollar business all by itself.

Reduce Your Diabetes Risk by 20% with Vitamin K Foods

People who get vitamin K from food may have a lower risk of developing type 2 Diabetes. Both vitamins K1 and K2 were related to a lower Diabetes risk, but the relationship was stronger with vitamin K2, which people get mainly from meat, cheese and eggs. Vitamin K is well known for the important role it plays in blood clotting but it also helps fight cancer, improve bone density, prevent heart disease, stave off varicose veins and lower your risk of Diabetes. K1 is found in dark green leafy vegetables and makes up about 90% of the vitamin K in a typical Western diet, eg. collard greens, spinach, salad greens, kale, broccoli and Brussel sprouts. The best natural source of vitamin K2 is derived from an ancient Japanese food called Natto which is made from fermented soybeans.
Sources: Reuters May 27, 2010; Diabetes Care April 27, 2010.

Heartburn Drugs Can Increase Your Fracture Risk

The Food & Drug Administration in the USA has mandated that proton pump inhibitor heartburn medications must carry a label warning of increased fracture risk of the hip, wrist and spine. This group of drugs include Prevacid, Prilosec and Nexium. The FDA suggests those taking these drugs should consult with their doctors & those using such drugs over-the-counter, limit their use to no more that three 14-day periods a year.
Alternatives include: restore your gastric balance and function with probiotics (good bacteria); test for Helicobacter pylori infection; modify your diet to eliminate hot spices & curries, carbonated drinks, caffeine, alcohol, all nicotine products, processed foods & sugars; slow your eating down, chew your food more, relax and reduce your stress, seek help with herbal medicines.
Source: FDA May 25, 2010.

Low Iodine Puts Baby Brains at Risk

Health experts are urging pregnant women in Tasmania to take iodine supplements to lessen the chances of their children developing low IQ's because of poor brain and nervous system development. The Director of Public Health, Dr Roscoe Taylor, says most Tasmanians are iodine deficient because of low levels in soil and water. He has written to all health practitioners around the state asking them to encourage expectant mothers to take an iodine supplement of 150mcg every day. This is also important for all women wanting to conceive or suring pregnancy in Australia as well so ensure your pregnancy multivitamin is adequate.
Source: ABC News 15/06/2010.

Mandatory Radiation Warnings for Mobiles in San Fransisco

San Fransisco is set to require mobile phone makers to warn customers that mobiles are bathing them in radiation. The law requires makers of mobile phones to display in stores details of the levels of radiation emitted by different handsets in the same way that restaurants show the number of calories in food and drinks. Failure to comply will incur a $US300 ($347) fine. In particular, shoppers must be shown estimates of how much of the radio wave radiation from each mobile phone model is absorbed into the body of the person using it.
Source: SMH Wednesday, 16 June, 2010.

Being Fat Illegal in Japan

Fat in Japan? You're not just unhealthy, you're breaking the law. In Japan, already the slimmest industrialised nation, people are fighting fat to ward off dreaded metabolic syndrome and comply with a government-imposed waist-line standard. Metabolic syndrome is a combination of health risks, including stomach flab, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, that can lead to cardiovascular (heart) disease and diabetes. Concerned about rising rates of both in a greying nation, Japanese legislators last year set a maximum waistline size for anyone age 40 and older: 85 cms for men and 90 cms for women.
Source: SMH Friday, June 18, 2010.

Harvard Research Links Pesticides & ADHD

The Harvard-based research published recently in the Journal of Paediatrics demonstrates a link between Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and organophosphate pesticides. Those children with more pesticide exposure measured in their urine were more likely to have ADHD. "These findings support the hypothesis that organophosphate exposure, at levels common among US children, may contribute to ADHD prevalence. Prospective studies are needed to establish whether this association is causal." Organophosphate pesticides act by interfering with the transmission of signals in the nervous system, hence the effects on brain development, cognition & mood. Obviously the importance of eating organic fruits and vegetables cannot be underestimated.

Omega-3 Improves Chronic Heart Failure Prognosis

A recent randomised, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of omega-3 oils (n-3 PUFA) in patients with diagnosed chronic heart failure. Results showed Omega 3 oils provide protection for patients with CHF by reducing inflammatory responses.
Source: Zhao YT, et al. Effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid therapy on plasma inflammatory markers and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in elderly patients with chronic heart failure. J Int Med Res 2009 Nov-Dec;37(6):1831-1841.

Glucosamine's Anti-Inflammatory Actions Benefit Lungs

Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory glucose derivative known for its benefits in arthritis. In this study, researchers investigated whether its anti-inflammatory action could be of use in the treatment of harmful inflammation in the pulmonary system (lungs). They found it does have a therapeutic role in respiratory inflammatory disorders.
Source: Wu YL, et al. Glucosamine regulation of LPS-mediated inflammation in human bronchial epithelial cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2010 Jun 10;635(1-3):219-226.

Broad Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is known to have a beneficial effect on cartilage, synovial membrane and subchondral bone. However, new research is proving it to have a broader therapeutic range, with favourable results observed in other diseases where inflammation is an essential marker, such as psoriasis and atherosclerosis.
Source: du Souich P, et al. Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of chondroitin sulphate. J Cell Mol Med 2009 Aug;13(8A):1451-1463

WHO Scandal Exposed: Advisors Received Kickbacks from H1N1 Vaccine Manufacturers

A stunning new report published in the British Medical Journal, reveals that top scientists who convinced the World Health Organisation (WHO) to declare H1N1 a global pandemic, held close financial ties to the drug companies that profited from the sale of those vaccines. It exposes the hidden ties that drove WHO to declare a pandemic, resulting in billions of dollars in profits for vaccine manufacturers.
During all of this, WHO refused to disclose any conflicts of interests between its top advisors and the drug companies who would financially benefit from its decisions. All the kickbacks were swept under the table and kept silent.

The BMJ isn't the only medical publication criticising WHO for its poor handling of conflicts of interest. Another report from the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly also criticised WHO, saying: "Parliamentary Assembly is alarmed about the way in which the H1N1 influenza pandemic has been handled, not only by the World Health Organisation (WHO), but also by the competent health authorities at the level of the European Union and at national level." It went on to explain that WHO's actions led to "a waste of large sums of public money, and also unjustified scares and fears about health risks faced by the European public at large."

Vitamin D has been scientifically proven to be 5 x times more effective than vaccines at preventing influenza infections, but WHO never recommended vitamin D to anyone. The entire focus was pushing more high-profit vaccines. And yet there has never been a single scientific study ever published showing that H1N1 vaccines worked.

Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/SwineFlu/swine-flu-pandemic-world-health-organization-scientists-linked/story?id=10829940
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/04/AR2010060403034.html

GM Crops Make Minor Pests a Major Problem

Cotton that has been genetically modified "Bt cotton" to poison an insect pest, boilworm, is causing a massive increase in the number of other insects. More than 4 million hectares of Bt cotton are now grown in China & the numbers of of mirid bugs have increased 12-fold since its introduction.

Roundup Creating Superweeds for Farmers

As reported in the New York Times, farmers' widespread use of Roundup weedkiller is creating Roundup-resistant superweeds, like the overuse of antibiotics. There are now 10 different species of superweeds resistant to Roundup, spread over 22 states in USA & millions of acres of crops.

Paediatrics: Most Babies Need More Vitamin D

Most babies should take a daily vitamin D supplement, available in inexpensive drops, a new study shows. That will be a big change for most parents -- and even many pediatricians. Those drops are needed, the study published online in Paediatrics says, because only 5% to 37% of American infants met the standard for vitamin D set by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2008: 400 international units a day.

Air Pollution Harming IVF Success

Scientists have revealed that air pollutants, particularly those emitted by power stations, are causing IVF treatments to fail. A study led by doctors from the Penn State College of Medicine in Pennsylvania showed fertility treatment success rates were slashed in contaminated areas. The most damaging pollutants are emitted by power stations burning fossil fuel & diesel exhaust.

Vaginal Births Best for Bubs

According to a recent story in the Sydney Morning Herald May 30, natural births are better for babies. Babies born by caesarean section are more vulnerable to asthma, allergies & infection as they miss out on receiving their mothers' good bacteria during birth, says Professor Patricia Conway from University of NSW. However, emergency caesareans performed after labour had begun & if the waters had broken, meant babies did receive a small amount of the beneficial bacteria. Elective caesareans were "sterile" & did not receive this but babies had other chances to receive their mother's bacteria with skin-to-skin contact directly after birth & if they were breastfed.

Aussies Don't Rug Up Enough During Winter

According to a Sydney Morning Herald article May 26, researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have warned that Australians fail to dress appropriately or properly insulate their homes during the colder months which places extra strain on the body, sometimes fatal! When the temperature falls below 19C in Australia, the death rate from heart & circulatory problems goes up & at a higher rate than compared with the effects of frigid winters on people in countries like Finland & Sweden. Heart-erlated deaths & complications could be prevented by simple solutions like wearing thermals, hats, gloves, slippers, not by turning up indoor heaters as people tend to heat just one room & then get cold when they move to other non-heated rooms.

Rats on Junk Food Pass Cancer Down the Generations

Recent research shows that what you eat, especially while pregnant, can affect not only your children but also your grandchildren. When pregnant rats were fed a fatty diet, both their daughters and granddaughters proved to be at greater risk of breast cancer. In fact, even if the daughters of the first generation of rats ate healthily, their offspring - the 3rd generation - were still at greater risk of disease.
Your diet also influences genetic expression. Even though you may be genetically predisposed to a health problem, you're not necessarily destined to express those genes - unless your current diet and lifestyle turns them on.
Source: New Scientist April 20, 2010

Mushrooms & The Vitamin D Link

For one of the sunniest, most temperate countries in the world, Australia has an increasingly high rate of Vitamin D deficiency. A shortage of this important fat soluble vitamin has been linked to a number of health issues such as diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, depression and certain cancers. While the warnings of excess sunshine have been well and truly heeded, many Australians are going so far to slip, slop, slap that we are actually blocking benefits of regular time spent outdoors. According to research, 41% of people in SE Qld, 67% of Tasmanian women & 58% of aged care residents in Melbourne were Vitamin D deficient, not to mention 83% of dermatologists in the winter time!
Surveyed Australians consume around 25% of the recommended 10mcg of Vitamin D per day but at age 70 the body needs 15 mcg/day. Very few foods naturally contain Vitamin D, mainly oily fish, egg yolks & some fortified foods. Research has shown that mushrooms growing naturally in the wild contain Vitamin D. Commercially grown mushrooms, however, have little Vitamin D. The Australian Mushroom Industry began a small trial in Dubbo in 2007 "to test the effect of UV lights during the growing stage". We look forward to new and improved mushrooms in the future!
Source: www.mushroomsforlife.net

Granddaughters of Hamsters Sterilized by GM Soy

The most obvious clues about the danger of genetically modified (GMO) foods are that just about EVERY species of animal that is offered a GMO food vs a non-GMO food will avoid the GMO one. Many times they will do this to the point of starvation, as they have an intuitive sense of the danger of this food. It has been well reported the effects of GMO foods on potential problems with fertility, birth weight of offspring & infant mortality. Now the latest research from Russia provides shocking confirmation of genetically modified foods causing sterility in future generations. Anything containing soy or soy derivatives should be avoided, as well as anything containing corn, the most obvious ingredient being high fructose corn syrup.
Sources: Institute for Responsible Technology, "Genetically Modified Soy Linked to Sterility, Infant Mortality"; The Voice of Russia April 16, 2010; Grist April 20, 2010

Avoid Foie Gras

Foie gras, translated literally from French means "fatty liver" and is considered a delicacy by many. French cuisine, certainly, wouldn't be what it is without it. But it's also a highly controversial food, considered by many to be cruel to animals, due to the force-feeding of ducks and geese. However, the other concern is the nutritional value of liver that has been fattened up with a mash of oil and genetically modified poor quality corn. This is certainly a food to avoid for your health.
Source: Times Online April 22, 2010; Telegraph.co.uk April 16, 2010

Bored to death?

It was found that those who report a great deal of boredom are more likely to be younger, to be women, to rate their health worse, to be in low employment grades and to report lower physical activity levels. They were also more likely to die from a cardiovascular (CVD) fatal event. Whilst some aspects of life may not be so easily modified (e.g. disease status or position in society), proneness to boredom, particularly in younger populations, could be indicative of harmful behaviours such as excessive drinking, smoking, taking drugs and low psychological profiles.
Source: Britton, A. & Shipley, M.J. Bored to death? International Journal of Epidemiology 2010;1-2 doi:10.1093/lje/dyp404

Pesticides Damage Your Thyroid

Your thyroid gland plays an important role in regulating your metabolism and energy use. There is growing evidence linking pesticides to thyroid problems. One study examines 16,500 women living in the US who were married to men seeking certification to use restricted pesticides. They found that 12.5% women had thyroid disease with 7% having underactive thyroids (hypothyroidism). In the general population, the rate of diagnosed thyroid disease ranges from 1 to 8%. The study found that organochlorine pesticide use was associated with a 1.2x > risk of hypothyroidism. Exposure to fungus killers 3x the chances of hypothyroidism. Maneb/mancozeb also 2x the women's risk of hyperthyroidism. The herbicide paraquat almost 2x the likelihood of hypothyroidism. Yet another example of how your environment can impact on your health.

Source: American Journal of Epidemiology.

Radiation Terror

With fears regarding terrorism rising, full-body scanners may soon be in airports all over the world. What then, about your exposure to radiation? At this stage, depending on the machine used, estimates are that you will be exposed to around 10 microRem of radiation per scan; equivalent to flying for two minutes at 30,000 feet.

Source: Wellbeing Magazine Vol 126

Blue Memories

Aside from their general health benefits, animal studies have suggested that blueberries increase neuron-to-neuron communication in the brain, improve glucose use in the brain & are involved in memory function. So researchers tested the effects in humans: participants in their 70s who were showing early signs of memory loss had to drink 2 1/2 cups of blueberry juice daily for 12 weeks compared with placebo. Those who had drunk the blueberry juice showed improved paired associate learning & improved word list recall. There was also a trend toward reduced depressive symptoms & lower glucose levels. The results suggest that blueberries may be a way to ward off memory loss - if you can remember to take them.

Source: Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry

Sydney Food Connect

Fresh organic inexpensive food direct from farmers - Sign up now!

Louis Bonduelle Foundation

Nutritional website on vegetables from France - excellent resource articles, nutritional content of vegetables, article on how to encourage children to eat vegetables etc.

Nanotechnology Concerns

Nanotechnology involves the use of tiny particles which can penetrate through a membrane that normally would not allow it to enter. Many cosmetics and skincare products are now using this technology to their advantage eg. to reduce a white film left on the skin surface or enhance aborption of certain ingredients. However, the concern is that there can be a build up of these chemicals in the body as the skin's previous protective barrier is constantly overrided. The effect of these chemicals or of other unwanted or toxic ingredients in the product can have damaging effects. Some specialists view them as so dangerous in fact, that they are becoming known as "universal asbestos".

The toxic cosmetic & skincare ingredients include known carcinogens such as:
- Ethylene oxide
- Dioxane
- Nitrosamines
- Formaldehyde
- Acrylamide

Check all your products that they do not contain these chemicals and avoid skincare products that use nanotechnology.

Being Fat Degrades Your Brain

A long-term study of > 6,500 people in northern California found that those who wre overweight at age 40 were more likely to succumb to dementia in their 70s. A long-term study in Sweden found that, compared to thinner people, those who were overweight in their 40s experienced a more rapid, and more pronounced, decline in brain function over the next several decades. Consistent with this, the brains of obese people often show signs of damage. The obvious question is: can obesity-associated brain damage be reversed? No one knows the answer but a healthful diet and plenty of exercise, have repeatedly been shown to protect the brain.

Source: Panaxea - World Medicine www.panaxea.com

CT Scan Radiation Causes Cancers too

Computerised tomography (CT) medical scans cause at least 29,000 cases of cancer & 14,500 deaths in the United States every year, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

The researchers estimated that 3 yr old female receiving an abdominal CT scan has a 1/500 risk of developing cancer as a direct result. The risk decreases to 1/1000 by age 30 & 3/10 000 by age 70.

Rosaleen Parsons of the Fox-Chase Cancer Centre suggests that patients keep their medical records to avoid unnecessary repetition of tests & ask their doctor about alternatives to radiation-based scans.

Source: NaturalNews.com, Wed, April 21, 2010 by: David Guitierrez.

Source: www.usatoday.com

The FDA Shuts Down Common Infant Vaccine After Startling Discovery

"U.S federal authorities recommended...that doctors suspend using Rotarix, one of two vaccines licensed in the U.S. against rotavirus, saying the vaccine is contaminated with material from a pig virus," CNN reports.
The Rotarix vaccine, which is made by GlaxoSmithKline and was approved by the FDA in 2008, has already been given to about 1 million U.S children along with 30 million worldwide. The vaccine was found to contain DNA from porcine circovirus 1.

Source: CNN March 22, 2010

Disturbing Findings in Rotarix and Two Other Common Childhood Vaccines

Dr.Eric Delwart, the researcher, found nearly 40% of the vaccines they tested contained viral contaminants.

Why did the independent team of scientists, who found the contamination, notify the vaccine manufacturer first rather than also immediately reporting their finding directly to the FDA?

What about the significance of finding bird viral DNA in measles vaccine and the monkey viral DNA in RotaTeq vaccine?

Even without a potential contamination scare, there are serious risks to every vaccine. So before vaccinating you really need to be certain that the benefits will outweigh those risks.

The CDC estimates that, by age 3, almost every child has had a case of rotavirus.

According to NVIC:

"Today, even though almost all US infants receive vaccines for rotavirus, and despite efforts to improve the management of childhood rotavirus-associated diarrhea, hospitalisations of children in the U.S with the disease have not significantly declined in the past two decades."

Along with showing little benefit for a disease that is typically entirely treatable with fluids and rest, a recent drug review by the FDA found that Rotarix is associated with a significant increase in pneumonia-related deaths in children, compared to a placebo.

Source: Dr. Mercola - www.mercola.com

Time for the Truth about Gardasil

OpEd piece from the Washington Examiner, Barbara Hollingsworth sets the record straight about Gardasil:
"Cervical Cancer accounts for less than 1 percent of all cancer deaths - so it was somewhat suprising when the U.S Food and Drug Administration fast-tracked approval of Gardasil, a Merck vaccine targeting the human papilloma virus that causes the disease.

As of the end of January 2010, 49 unexplained death following Gardasil injections have been reported to the Centres of Disease Control and Prevention's Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. By contrast, 52 deaths are attributed to unintended acceleration in Toyotas, which triggered a $2 billion recall."

There has been no recall fro Gardasil, however.

Unfortunately, Merck denies any of the deaths are related to its vaccine, and the parents involved can't prove they were.

India has suspended Gardasil vaccination and DNA India reports the program was marred by controversy after 4 deaths and complications among 120 girls were reported after vaccination. The girls complained of stomach disorders, epilepsy, headaches and early menarche.

Sources:
Washington Examiner March 30, 2010
DNA India April 8, 2010

Further, at least 50% of sexually active men and women acquire HPV infection at some point in their lives - and 90% of the time the virus clears up on its own within 2 years, and does not lead to cancer.

Source:
Dr. Mercola - www.mercola.com

Soft Drinks & Liver/Kidney Damage

PepsiCo is ditching high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in Gatorade along with the results of a scathing new study from researchers at Princeton. For years, the Corn Refiners Association has been arguing that HFCS is a perfectly natural product that is equal to other forms of sugar. A Princeton research team has again demonstrated that all sweeteners are NOT equal when it comes to weight gain. Rats drinking HFCS gained significantly more weight than those with access to table sugar, even when their overall caloric intake was the same.

Long-term consumption of HFCS also led to abnormal increases in body fat, especially in the abdomen & a rise in circulating blood fats called triglycerides. Two other recent studies have also linked HFCS to liver disease, increased uric acid, decreased kidney function and the risk of chronic kidney disease increased > 150% in those who had >1 soda/day.

Sources:
News at Princeton March 22, 2010
Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior February 26, 2010
Kidney International April 2010; 77(7):609-16
Hepatology January 28, 2010

Osteoporosis Drug Found to CAUSE Leg Fractures

Women taking osteoporosis drugs called bisphosphonates to prevent broken bones were showing up with rare and serious fractures of their thigh bones. The fractures are highly unusual because they are occurring in the long bone of the thigh, when ordinarily thigh bone fractures occur near the hip socket. Further, because this area does not have a rich blood supply, the fractures are difficult to heal.

Annual sales of osteoporosis drugs have doubled to $8.3 billion since 2003, which is a solid indicator that many people are being kept in the dark about these serious risks. ABC News recently reported that the Food and Drug Administration asked Merck (the maker of Fosamax) to "add information about the report of femur fractures" to the medications' package insert back in 2008!

Fosamax also causes jawbone degeneration, a disease now known to oral surgeons as Bisphosphate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (BRONJ) or "Fossy Jaw" - a nasty side effect of Fosamax and related drugs that essentially causes your jawbone to rot and decay.

Bisphosphate drugs have been associated with:
- Serious eye inflammation and possible blindness
- Liver damage
- Atrial fibrillation
- Increased risk of ulcers
- Esophageal cancer
- Renal failure
- Skin reactions
- Hypocalcemia (blood calcium levels are too low)

A Safer Road to Bone Health...10 Steps
1. Increase your consumption of vegetables: try vegetable juicing.
2. Avoid processed foods.
3. Consume omega-3 fat and reduce or eliminate the amount of processed vegetable oils such as corn, canola, safflower, cotton seed oil that you consume.
4. Increase your calcium intake along with other related minerals
5. Avoid soft drinks and sugar.
6. Avoid steroids. Steroids increase your risk of osteoporosis.
7. Consider supplements with vitamin K2 if you are not getting enough from food alone eg. green leafy vegetables.
8. Optimize your vitamin D levels with sunshine, oily fish, egg yolks, fortified dairy
9. Exercise. Strength building exercises like weight training are especially helpful here.
10. Consider herbs to boost your hormones.

Source: New York Times March 24, 2010

Vit D Prevents Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria

Studies have found that vitamin D plays an important role in mediating immune function.
New research now shows that low serum vitamin D levels increase the risk of nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Source: Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases March 8, 2010

Is Breast Cancer Your Gene's Fault?

According to statistics only about 20-30% of women diagnosed with breast cancer actually have a family history.
So what thay have found is that it is NOT your genes that dictate your health but rather the expression of your genes. You have the ability to easily turn genes on and off with your diet, lifestyle and emotional state.

Source: Dr Mercola - www.mercola.com

At least 2/3 Breast Cancer Cases are Likely Avoidable

Up to 1/3 of breast cancer cases in Western countries could be avoided if women ate less and exercised more, researchers at a breast cancer conference said. Experts said the focus should shift to changing behaviours like diet and physical activity. Obese women are up to 60% more likely to develop any cancer that normal-weight women. Many breast cancers are fueled by oestrogen, a hormone produced in fat tissue. So experts suspect that the fatter a women is, the more oestrogen she's likely to produce, which could in turn spark breast cancer.

Source: 7th European Breast Cancer Conference March 24-27, 2010, Barcelona, Spain.

Satisfaction

Researchers from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, have found that women who are sexually satisfied score higher on wellbeing and vitality measures than women who are dissatisfied. This goes to show that sexuality is an important, but often overlooked, aspect of women's (and men's) health.

Source: Wellbeing Magazine Issue 124, page 12.

Diet and Exercise Beat Drugs for Diabetes Heart Risks

The New England Journal of Medicine has published a new study which found that using antihypertensive drugs to lower systolic blood pressure does nothing to lower the risk of heart complications; another found no benefit to adding a drug to raise HDL ("good") cholesterol. Also, 2 drugs given to lower high blood sugar levels showed no benefits.
However, losing excess weight, increasing activity levels, and improving nutritional habits lead to better control of diabetes and lower risks of heart disease.

Sources:US News World Report March 15, 2010
New England Journal of Medicine March 18, 2010

High Calcium Helps You to Live Longer!

Getting a bit more calcium in your diet could help you live longer, new research suggests. Researchers found that men who consume the most calcium in food were 25% less likely to die over the next decade. Men in the top 1/3 based on their calcium intake were getting nearly 2,000 milligrams a day, on average. Calcium could influence mortality risk in many ways, for example by reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar levels.

Sources: Reuters March 12, 2010
American Journal of Epidemiology February 19, 2010.