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Will You Beat The Flu?

November 2, 2012 by 1 Comment

Have you had your flu shot?  Do you know for sure, if the flu shot will provide all the protection you need?

In a prior post, I discussed a study published in the journal The Lancet.  The study found that among people ages 18 -65, traditional flu shots were only 59 percent effective in preventing flu.  So, it would appear that you’ll be out of luck if you fall in the other 41 percent.  Is there another way to protect yourself?

Robert Scott Bell, a homeopathic medicine practioner, believes our exposure to flu has been increased by weakened immune systems and liver congestion.  His primary focus is on the impact of a congested liver on your overall health.

In the following video, Dr. Bell explains why he believes better liver health will increase your chances of avoiding the flu this season.  This video is courtesy of ihealthtube.com.

iHealthTube.com – Flu Shot? There’s a Better Defense

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never heard the term liver congestion.  So, I decided to find out more.

What Is Liver Congestion?

I found an excellent article on the topic at the healthguidance.org site.  The article was written by Johnathan Pitts. He decribes liver congestion as follows:

“The main function of the liver is to remove toxins from the body, which includes varied chemical as well as physiological substances.  When the liver is overloaded with work then it can face problems in clearing toxins from your body, which results in congested liver or liver congestion.”

Mr. Pitts goes on to say:

“For getting rid of this it is advised that you follow a detoxification program.”

You can read his complete article by clicking this link to healthguidance.org.

How Do You Cleanse Your Liver?

In his article, Mr. Pitts provides a simple process for detoxing your liver.  He states:

“The best way to get rid of congested liver is to follow a liver cleanse or a detoxification process.  There are a number of natural therapies available for cleaning of the liver, one of these is having stewed tomatoes and tomato juice for a period of two days.  You can replace tomatoes with apple and apple juice.  There are a number of supplements in the market that can help you revive the normal functioning of your liver.”

Folks, it doesn’t get much easier than this.  Also, his suggestion is very inexpensive.  Why not give it a try?

The Bottom Line: I can’t remember the last time I had the flu.  However, that doesn’t mean I’m not at risk this flu season.  I’m going to get my flu shot.  But, I’m also going to do the liver cleansing suggested above.  I personally want to improve my chances of avoiding the flu.  What are you going to do?

It’s your life. live well!

twitt Will You Beat The Flu?

Related posts:

  1. Should You Skip The Flu Shot?
  2. How To Get Rid Of A Cold!
  3. How To Fight Cancer By Eating Right!
  4. Don’t Take Acai Without Reading This!
Filed Under: Mens Health, Natural/Organic, Womens Health Tagged With: , ,

Are Hidden Dangers Lurking In GMO Foods? (Part 2)

August 15, 2012 by 2 Comments

In the previous post, we looked at the increasing presence of genetically modified products (GMOs) in our food supply.  The primary concerns are the lack of clinical studies of long-term effects in humans, and the resistance of food companies to label these products.

This post will examine efforts to get food companies to label products, so that consumers can make an informed decisions about consuming GMO foods.  Also, you’ll get three easy ways to avoid your exposure to GMO foods.

Why Should GMO Labeling Be Required In America?

I believe consumers have a fundamental right to know what’s in the food they’re eating.  There are already extensive labeling requirements for ingredients present in food products, and their nutritional values.  But, the lobbyists for the food industry are fighting any required labeling regarding the presence of GMOs.  What are they trying to hide?

Senator Bernie Sanders stated in a recent Huffingtonpost blog post:

“In 49 countries around the world, including all of Europe, people have the opportunity of knowing whether or not they are eating food which contains genetically engineered ingredients.  In the United States, we don’t.”

Senator Sanders goes on further stating:

“Poll after poll during the past decade showed that nine out of 10 Americans agree that food with genetically engineered ingredients ingredients should say so on the label.”

Despite the efforts of Senator Sanders to present legislation on the GMO labeling issue, the GMO food producers are fighting hard to prevent labeling.

However, this coming November there will be an proposal on the ballot in California, to require labeling of GMO foods sold in the state.  Over 1 million Californians signed a petition to get the GMO labeling proposal on the ballot.

Additionally, there’s similar legislation regarding GMO labeling pending in the State of Vermont.  So, may be there’s hope  after all.

Here’s a link for more information on the Just Label It Project.

How Can You Protect Yourself From GMO Foods?

Lisa Gosslin, Editorial Director at Eating Well Magazine, has the following suggestions for avoiding food produced with GMOs:

  1. Buy Organic, look for the “USDA certified organic” label.
  2. Buy food with the Non-GMO label.  While this certification provides assurance that the food is free of GMOs, it’s not an indicator that the food is organic.
  3. Purchase only rBST or rBGH free milk.  This will help you to avoid milk from cows injected with growth hormones.

These are your tools until GMO labeling is required.

Here’s an entertaining video from the Mike Adams, AKA the Health Ranger.  The video is courtesy of Natural News.

Very funny video, thats’ also very true.

The Bottom Line: You already have enough to think about in your efforts to stay healthy.  If you’re not worried about eating GMO foods, good for you.  However, don’t you believe at the very least, you should have the right to know what’s in the food you’re eating?  Let’s see what happens in this GMO debate.

It’s your life, live well!

 

twitt Are Hidden Dangers Lurking In GMO Foods? (Part 2)

Related posts:

  1. Are Hidden Dangers Lurking In GMO Foods? (Part 1)
  2. Watch Out For Food Label Tricks!
  3. Are Your Supplements Safe?
  4. What Happened To The Blueberries?
Filed Under: Mens Health, Natural/Organic, Quality & Safety, Womens Health Tagged With: , , ,

Are Hidden Dangers Lurking In GMO Foods? (Part 1)

July 30, 2012 by 2 Comments

Could an ear of corn be dangerous for your health?  The sad truth is at this moment, there’s no way to know for sure.

In fact, the majority of corn grown in America has been produced from genetically modified organisms (GMO) seeds.  However, after 20 years in our food supply, there have yet to be any clinical trials on humans, attesting to the long-term safety of consuming these foods.

If… it doesn’t concern you what’s in the food products you’re eating, good for you.  You’re an adult, and have the freedom to make your own choices regarding your life.

However, if you believe it’s to your benefit to know if your food has been genetically engineered, I suggest you read further.

What Are GMO foods? 

The best definition I’ve found for explaining GMO foods, comes courtesy of an article from ScienceDaily.com. Here’s a quote from that article:

“A genetically modified food is a food product derived in whole or part from a genetically modified organism (GMO) such as a crop plant, animal or microbe such as yeast.”

“A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using techniques in genetics generally known as recombinant DNA technology.”

In other words, the existing DNA of corn is altered to introduce a new DNA structure to accomplish a particular purpose.  For the big business of corporate agriculture, the primary purposes are:

  • Crops with greater resistance to pests;
  • Greater resistance in crops to herbicides;
  • Larger crop yields, leading to increased food production.

This sounds perfectly reasonable on the surface.  With Earth’s rapidly growing population, there’s a lot more people who need food to eat. But, as the old saying goes, you are what you eat!

Here’s an interesting video, featuring Dr. Robert DeMaria, expressing his views on why you should avoid GMO foods.  The video is courtesy of ihealthtube.com.

Health Videos – Main Reasons to Avoid GMO

Dr. DeMaria has a compelling argument.  We don’t know the long-term effects of genetically altered DNA in plant crop seeds, will have on the DNA of people consuming GMO foods.  To which, big agribusiness tells us not to worry.  Do you trust their words?

Purge These GMOs From Your Diet!

Recently, Elizabeth Renter wrote an article for NaturalSociety.com, in which she listed her Top 10 Worst GMO Foods.  Her list doesn’t include all GMOs, but you can start eliminating these from your diet.  The list has these offenders:

  1. Corn;
  2. Soy;
  3. Sugar beets;
  4. Aspartame;
  5. Papayas;
  6. Canola;
  7. Cotton oil;
  8. Dairy products;
  9. Zucchini; and
  10. Yellow squash.

Unless these foods are Certified Organic, they have a higher probability of GMOs to resist herbicides, viruses, pests and the presence of substantial chemical alteration.  In other words, they’re probably bad news for people eating them on a regular basis.

How can you protect yourself?  In the next post, we’ll look at initiatives in America to have mandatory labeling of foods produced with GMOs.  Also, we’ll look at 3 simple ways you can use to ensure your foods are free from these pesky products.

Until then, always remember this!

It’s your life, live well.

twitt Are Hidden Dangers Lurking In GMO Foods? (Part 1)

Related posts:

  1. Are Hidden Dangers Lurking In GMO Foods? (Part 2)
  2. The 10 Worst Additives In Your Food!
  3. Watch Out For Food Label Tricks!
  4. Are You Being Duped By Food Names?
Filed Under: Mens Health, Natural/Organic, Quality & Safety, Womens Health Tagged With: , ,

Could Gluten Sensitivity Be Wrecking Your Life?

July 16, 2012 by 1 Comment

You’ve decided to stop by the food market on the way home from work.  You get a few items you need, including a loaf of wheat bread.  Is it possible, that same wheat bread could be harmful to your health?

The answer according the Dr. Mark Hyman is…YES!

It appears that this staple of the American diet, may have hidden dangers for some of us.  Gluten is a protein, found in food products we commonly take for granted.  This includes foods made from barley, rye, wheat, and oats.  Also, most processed foods in the marketplace contain gluten.  Just some examples of foods containing hidden gluten include:

  • Pizza crust
  • Pasta
  • Rolls
  • Soup mixes
  • Breads
  • Salad dressings, and
  • Sauces

The above information is courtesy of Dr. Hyman.

What’ s shocking to me is Dr. Hyman’s assertion that: “99% of people who have a problem with eating gluten don’t even know it”.

What Is Gluten Sensitivity?

Dr. Hyman states:

“Gluten sensitivity is actually an autoimmune disease that creates inflammation throughout the whole body with a wide ranging set of effects, including effects on your brain, heart, joints, digestive tract and more”.

In the following video, you’ll find more about this intriguing disease process.  The video is provided courtesy of ihealthtube.com.

Health Videos – Gluten and Chronic Diseases

I never thought wheat bread, one of my favorite foods, could cause such problems for other people.

Glutenfreenetwork.com has a list of symptoms commonly associated with gluten sensitivity or intolerance.  Some of the primary symptoms include:

  • Weight loss or gain
  • Nutritional deficiencies, such as low iron levels
  • Gastro-intestinal problems, like bloating or diarrhea
  • Aching joints
  • Headaches
  • Exhaustion, and
  • Decline in dental health.

The most severe form of gluten sensitivity is called Celiac disease.  According to the glutenfreenetwork.com, because celiac disease is often undiagnosed, long-term the disease could lead to malnutrition.

Do You Have A Problem With Gluten?

First, Dr. Hyman suggests you eliminate all gluten from your diet for 2 -4 weeks, then try eating foods containing gluten again to see how you feel.  Should begin to feel poorly, your diet must become 100% gluten-free.

Second, he suggests being tested for celiac disease and gluten antibodies by your doctor or a medical testing company.

I believe rather than trying to self-diagnose yourself, you should consult your doctor with your concerns.  This allows your doctor to rule out other possible illnesses through testing.

The Bottom Line:  You’ve probably heard all the ruckus about the gluten-free diet.  However, gluten sensitivity is an issue for many Americans.  That being said, don’t switch to this diet, until you and your doctor have ruled out other causes.

It’s your life, live well!

 

twitt Could Gluten Sensitivity Be Wrecking Your Life?

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Filed Under: Mens Health, Womens Health Tagged With: , ,

Dental Toxins Plus Low Vitamin C Equals Trouble! (Part 2)

June 27, 2012 by 1 Comment

In the prior post, Dr. Thomas E. Levy discussed  his opinion that  people with low vitamin C levels may experience health problems after some common dental procedures.

In this post, we’ll look at obtaining vitamin C from food sources and the intake of additional vitamin C through supplementation.  The goal being for you to develop a plan that’s right for you and your health objectives.

Have You Had Your Fruits and Vegetables Today?

According to the website The World’s Healthiest Foods, there are a variety of fruits and vegetables containing significant amounts of vitamin C.  Here’s a few of top fruits and vegetables featuring this important vitamin:

  • Bell Peppers;
  • Broccoli;
  • Lemons and Limes;
  • Strawberries;
  • Mustard Greens;
  • Papaya; and
  • Kale.

Their article regarding food sources of vitamin C, also has a “Nutrient Rating Chart” with information for various nutrient values for many of your favorite fruits and vegetables.  I’ll provide a link later in this post.

There’s general agreement among health experts, that it’s impossible to obtain a toxic effect from eating these natural sources of vitamin C.

However, the major issue is that the vast majority of Americans don’t come close to eating the minimum recommended 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.  Survey after survey has borne out this tragic fact.

So, when I hear a health expert say all you need to do is eat a “balanced diet”, I shake my head in disbelief.  The sad fact is most Americans don’t even come close to this minimum intake.

What’s The Role of Vitamin C Supplements?

The National Academy of Sciences established Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) for the many vitamins and minerals required for your body to properly function.  The current RDA for vitamin C are:

  • Females 19 years of age and older:  75mg daily;
  • Males 19 years of age and older:   90mg daily; and
  • A Tolerable Upper Intake Level for all Adults 19+ of:  2000mg daily.

Sounds simple enough doesn’t it?  The problem is that these RDA amounts were established in 1943 and haven’t been updated in many years.  How do figure out the right amount of daily vitamin C intake for you?

In the following video, Dr Levy discusses his experiences with patients receiving larger doses of vitamin C, both before and after dental procedures.  This video is provided courtesy of ihealthtube.com:

Health Videos – Supplementation Fights Disease

An important consideration of Dr. Levy’s opinion, is that he’s in favor of mega-doses of vitamin C.  For example, he advocates a daily dosage of 6 grams, which far exceeds the daily needs of health adults.  Remember the UL intake of 2000 mg mentioned earlier?  His higher amount may be acceptable for some people, with specific medical conditions under a doctor’s care.  However, don’t exceed the UL unless your doctor approves it.

My current daily intake of vitamin C is approximately 70 – 110 mg from food sources, and 180 mg from a multivitamin.

For more information on food sources of vitamin C, check this link to WH Foods.com.  Additional information on vitamin C supplements can be found at this link to the Linus Pauling Institute.

The Bottom Line:  It’s very easy to assume a glass of orange juice or consuming foods fortified with vitamin C, are enough to meet your daily requirement.  But are you sure?  Take a look at the sources I’ve provided you.  Talk it over with your doctor or other health professional.  Then develop your course of action.

It’s your life, live well!

(Affiliate Link)

twitt Dental Toxins Plus Low Vitamin C Equals Trouble! (Part 2)

Related posts:

  1. Dental Toxins Plus Low Vitamin C Equals Trouble! (Part 1)
  2. The New Secret Of Vitamin C!
  3. Don’t take vitamin D without reading this! (Part 3)
  4. Is Inflammation A Threat To Your Health? (Part 2)
Filed Under: Antioxidants, Dietary Supplements, Mens Health, Vitamins, Womens Health Tagged With: , ,
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