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Are You Healthier than Dr. Oz?

Dr Oz just discovered a precancerous colon polyp that was surgically removed. He appears to be astounded and abashed about the cause of the condition, although he credits a colon screening helping to save his life.

Dr Oz even seems to think he has a perfect health record, saying, “I have done everything right. I don’t have any family history, and yet I’m high risk now.” His personal physician, meanwhile, is implying that even though Dr Oz’s “healthy” diet was perfect, it wasn’t enough to prevent colon polyps, and therefore you might get them too. (And therefore everybody should get screened…)

Dr Jonathan Lapook, went on to say “…no matter what you do, you can’t totally eliminate your risk of developing this disease, which is expected to strike 143,000 Americans and kill over 51,000 in 2010.” (http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_…)

Colon polyps, in other words, appear without any cause! Mainstream medicine, you see, believes in the theory of “spontaneous disease” that “strikes” people at random.

Sort of like disease voodoo.

No matter what you do, they say, you can’t be totally sure that you’re disease free. Therefore, you need all their disease screening protocols, mammograms, and CT scans (which irradiate your body and can actually cause cancer, by the way).

What a bunch of nonsense. As any real scientist knows, everything that happens in our universe has a cause. It’s a cause-effect universe, and unless you’re God or can magically change the laws of the universe, you can’t alter the laws of cause and effect.

So if you develop colon polyps, there is a cause for it, and that cause is without question related to the foods you’re consuming, because that’s what is in contact with your small intestine, large intestine and colon. (It’s not the only factor, but it’s the primary factor.)

And the more you eat meats, cooked foods, cheese, dairy products, fried foods and dead foods, the more likely you are to develop colon polyps.

The things that prevent colon polyps are raw foods, plant foods, superfoods, aloe vera and even water.

Source . . . Natural News.com

Genetically Modified foods are slowly killing you

Stay away from Genetically Modified (GM) foods.

Companies such as Monsanto and Bayer are NOT looking out for YOUR best interest.  Only their profits in their bank account.

There are currently eight major GM food crops on the market, so memorizing this list will help you avoid any and all food products that might contain GMO’s:

1. Soy
2. Corn
3. Cottonseed (used in vegetable cooking oils)
4. Canola (canola oil)
5. Sugar from sugar beets
6. Hawaiian papaya
7. Some varieties of zucchini
8. Crookneck squash

You’ll also want to avoid any kind of derivative of these, such as high fructose corn syrup, for example.

Depending on where you live within the European Union, you may also have to contend with the recently approved AmFlora potato, designed by BASF, which contains a gene that produces an enzyme which can confer resistance to several antibiotics. The European Commission approved the commercial growing of the GM potato in early March of this year, despite widespread protests, and concerns raised by the EU’s pharmaceutical regulator.

Part of the potato is also allowed to be used in cattle feed, and the meat will not need to be labeled as GM.

Your best bet to avoid genetically modified foods is to take advantage of local sources of organic foods as often as you can. Remember, some 75 percent of processed foods contain GM ingredients, so you’ll want to avoid as many processed foods as possible.

Source – Dr. Mercola – Genetically Modified Foods

Why GM Crops are a Threat to Your Health

I believe that aside from common sense, which says it might not be such a good idea to consume toxins in every bite of food (which is what you’re doing when you eat a food that contains built-in pesticide or herbicide), there’s compelling scientific evidence demonstrating that GM foods can cause a number of health problems, and that these health problems may get more and more critical with each passing generation.

I recently interviewed GMO expert Jeffrey Smith on this topic. In that interview, he discussed a recent Russian animal study that illustrates the generational health hazards of a GM diet.

In the second generation, GM soy-fed hamsters had a five-fold higher infant mortality rate, compared the controls.

But it got worse, because nearly all of the third generation hamsters fed GM soy were sterile…

As you may know, genetically modified crops weren’t released until 1996, starting with GM soy, corn and cotton. Modified canola came about a year later.

Humans have much longer life spans than hamsters and other lab animals, so we have not even begun to see the health effects of GM foods on our FIRST generation yet!

We’re still nowhere near seeing the full effects of these potential ramifications in humans, as we’re only about 15 years into it. But if the effects are anything like the effects on numerous types of animals, we could be looking at significant health problems, including sterility on a grand scale as our great-grandchildren grow up…

The fact that the US is completely unwilling to implement the precautionary principle with regards to GM foods is incomprehensible in light of the findings we already have from animal studies.

Additionally, some 800 genetically engineered food applications have been submitted to the USDA, but not one single environmental impact statement has been prepared!

So not only are human health ramifications ignored, but the entire eco system is being jeopardized.

MUST HAVE Copy of Non-GMO Shopping Guide

The easiest way to avoid ending up with GM foods in your shopping cart is to do some pre-planning using this free non-GMO shopping guide. The Institute for Responsible Technology has also created a free iPhone application that is available in the iTunes store. You can find it by searching for ShopNoGMO in the applications.

The shopping guide lists the various derivatives of each crop to be avoided, and even better, it lists hundreds of brand products in 22 food categories that are non-GMO, so if you’re still buying processed foods, at least you can easily select a brand that does not use genetically modified ingredients.

Are Sugar Substitutes Safe?

For Your Health: The Truth about Sugar Substitutes

Cutting excess sugar from your diet can be extremely beneficial, as sugar overload has been linked to health problems such as diabetes and obesity. But if you’re turning to a sugar substitute to get your fix, you may be in for a not-so-sweet surprise – some sugar-free substances may negatively affect your health.  Consider the following pros and cons of five popular sweeteners:

Aspartame
Better known by the brand names Equal® and NutraSweet, aspartame is an artificial sweetener found in many foods and beverages. It’s roughly 200 times sweeter than sugar, low in calories and does not promote tooth decay.

Aspartame has generated a great deal of controversy since its initial approval in 1974. Some claim the ingredients (specifically the amino acids aspartate and glutamate) may act as an “excitotoxin,” overstimulating and potentially damaging neurons in the brain.

While there is very limited conclusive research regarding specific risks, there are certain individuals who should avoid aspartame, including those with phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) and advanced liver disease, as well as pregnant women (because their bodies cannot metabolize phenylalanine, a compound found in aspartame). Others may experience aspartame sensitivity, which can trigger headaches, dizziness and nausea.

Sucralose
Delivering up to six times the sweetness of sugar with no calories, sucralose is now found in many “diet” beverages and foods in the form of Splenda®. Although it’s made from sugar molecules, sucralose is not natural – it’s actually the result of several chemical modifications. These modifications prevent your body from metabolizing sucralose, keeping the caloric content at zero.

Although the long-term effects of sucralose consumption in humans is still unknown, several short-term effects have been observed in rats. One study in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health involved male rats who were fed Splenda® for 12 weeks¹. After 12 weeks, researchers discovered a significant reduction in beneficial bacteria within the gut, as well as an increased level of P-glycoprotein, a substance that can interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of medication.

Stevia
Natural stevia sweeteners are generally derived from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana, a plant native to south and central America. The extract of this plant produces a unique taste that is up to 300 times sweeter than sugar, although some products may have a slightly bitter flavor.

Stevia may be especially beneficial for those with blood sugar concerns. A study recently published in Appetite concluded that, when compared with sucrose and aspartame, those who ate meals sweetened with stevia experienced a significant decrease in post-meal insulin levels².

Xylitol
Found naturally in some fruits and vegetables, xylitol is a sugar alcohol commonly used in sugar-free gum and candies. Xylitol tastes very similar to sugar and can be used to sweeten beverages, baked goods and other foods.

Dentists are particularly impressed with xylitol due to its ability to reduce the prevalence of cavity-causing bacteria within the mouth. A recent study showed that chewing gum with xylitol significantly reduced levels of mutans streptococci (a strain of bacteria linked to tooth decay) in the mouth³. Researchers also noted that this affect was still measurable up to 30 days after consumption of xylitol.

Be advised, however, that xylitol can be extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.

Honey
This naturally sweet substance is produced by bees using the nectar from flowering plants. Although raw honey contains calories, it also provides beneficial nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. Honey also possesses anti-bacterial properties, and may have a soothing effect on the stomach.

Due to its caloric content and potential to contribute to cavity formation, honey should be used sparingly. However, just a small amount of this viscous and flavorful substance may be more than enough to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Conclusion
Stevia appears to be one of the best sweeteners available today; however, more research is needed to clarify its safety.

I suggest limiting your intake of sugar (including honey), as well as limiting your overall intake of sugar-free sweeteners.  Try to consume unprocessed food as much as possible; processed food and beverages often contain added sugars and many other unhealthy ingredients. To satisfy your occasional craving for a sweet sensation, I recommend eating more fresh fruit.

As always, to your health,
David N. Ilfeld, M.D.

1. Abou-Donia MB, El-Masry EM, Abdel-Rahman AA, McLendon RE, Schiffman SS. Splenda alters gut microflora and increases intestinal p-glycoprotein and cytochrome p-450 in male rats. J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2008;71(21):1415-29.

2. Anton SD, Martin CK, Han H, Coulon S, Cefalu WT, Geiselman P, Williamson DA. Effects of stevia, aspartame, and sucrose on food intake, satiety, and postprandial glucose and insulin levels. Appetite. 2010 Aug;55(1):37-43. Epub 2010 Mar 18.

3. Fraga CP, Mayer MP, Rodrigues CR. Use of chewing gum containing 15% of xylitol and reduction in mutans streptococci salivary levels. Braz Oral Res. 2010 Jun;24(2):142-6.

Source – VitaCost.com

Ginger has been used as a medicine for thousands of years

Ginger has been used as a medicine for thousands of years to treat a wide range of ailments from diarrhea to arthritis. Besides it medicinal use, this tuber has been used as culinary cooking spice for nearly 4500 years. Ginger products, like candy, are made from fresh or dried ginger root and the herb is available in many different forms. Fresh ginger root can also be prepared as a tea. Read on to learn more about this powerful herb that can be found in any grocery store across the country.

1. Highly valued as a spice, ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been used medicinally for thousands of years by Chinese physicians. Ginger acts as an antioxidant and has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting and pain-killing properties. It also improves liver function and lowers cholesterol as well as having beneficial effects on the heart. Ginger has anti-ulcer activity and improves the function of the muscles in the gut while helping to relieve spasm. Ginger is also valued for its warming properties.

- Nicola Reavley, The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs

2. Ginger helps the body to sweat, so toxins are drawn to the skin’s surface. To prepare the ginger bath, place half-inch slices of fresh ginger in boiling water over a stove; turn off the heat, and steep for thirty minutes. Remove the ginger, and add that water into a tub already filled with hot water.

- Brenda Watson and Leonard Smith, The Detox Strategy: Vibrant Health in 5 Easy Steps

3. Try some ginger ale — ginger is a known stomach soother. It’s best to drink flat ginger ale at room temperature (cold beverages will irritate an upset stomach). Take tiny sips, especially if you have already vomited. If you can keep that down, sip a bit more. If you’re out of ginger ale, you can try making a cup of ginger tea (with grated gingerroot). Some people even find relief by nibbling on a gingersnap.

- Carol Turkington, The Hypericum Handbook: Nature’s Antidepressant

4. Ginger juice produces better recovery from symptoms of nausea than ondansetron, a commonly prescribed drug during chemotherapy.

- Andreas Moritz, Cancer Is Not A Disease – It’s A Survival Mechanism

5. Ginger has been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors in the colon in animal studies.

- Andreas Moritz, Cancer Is Not A Disease – It’s A Survival Mechanism

www.HealthBookSummaries.com

Drug companies accused of ‘conning’ the public

Drug companies have been accused of conning the public in a report that claimed more than four fifths of new medicines offer few benefits.

“The evidence here indicates that the two-tier market for prescription drugs is the largest and most dangerous market for lemons in modern society. Neither wars nor used car injuries come close.”

“The study includes data gathered from independent reviewers which suggest that 85 per cent of new drugs provide few, if any, new benefits.”

“…the ”risk proliferation syndrome” involved in drug marketing. This is said to arise from maximizing the number of patients exposed to the side effects of new drugs of dubious efficacy. ”

“Physicians inadvertently became ”double agents” – promoters of the new drug, yet trusted stewards of patients’ health. When patients complain of adverse reactions, studies show that doctors are likely to discount or dismiss them…”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7950243/Drug-companies-accused-of-conning-the-public.html

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The more reliant you become on medicine, the more acidic and ill you become.  There isn’t a medicine that cures, it only masks the symptoms.  What are you doing to cure your DIS-EASE?  Your life and health are in your hands and you can change it.  There are solutions to help and I’d love to help you.