The Dangers of Soy

Greetings, All!

I am taking a break from my studies to share an interesting article with you about the effects that unfermented soybeans have on our health. The soybean is widely used in packaged foods from breads and cereals to salad dressings and meat alternatives. It is listed in the ingredients as soybean oil, soybean flour, soy lecithin, soy protein isolate, etc. Consumption of soy-laden products is toxic to humans of all ages. Read the reprint and comments on Dr. Joseph Mercola's website:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/12/04/soy-dangers-summarized.aspx

To add insult to injury, according to the Weston A. Price Foundation, the majority of the soybeans grown in the United States are genetically modified (GMO). There are eight GM food crops: corn, soybeans, canola, cottonseed, sugar beets, most Hawaiian papaya, and a small amount of zucchini and yellow squash.

"On May 19th, 2009, the The American Academy Of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) sent out a press advisory calling for Immediate Moratorium On Genetically Modified Foods and for physicians to 'educate their patients, the medical community, and the public to avoid GM (genetically modified) foods when possible, and provide educational materials concerning GM foods and health risks.'

"They also advised that physicians should 'consider the role of GM foods in their patients' disease processes.'

"In their position paper, the AAEM states that several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with GM foods, including:

*Infertility
*Immune problems
*Accelerated aging
*Insulin regulation
*Changes in major organs
*Gastrointestinal changes and problems

"The AAEM concludes,'There is more than a casual association between GM foods and adverse health effects. There is causation, as defined by recognized scientific criteria. The strength of association and consistency between GM foods and disease is confirmed in several animal studies.'"


Read the full article here:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/01/14/Everything-you-MUST-KNOW-About-Dangerous-Genetically-Modified-Foods.aspx

What should we do?

Buy products that are certified organic. Also, look for the Non-GMO Project Verified Seal (Visit http://www.NonGMOProject.org). To remove all doubt, secure heirloom seeds and grow them yourself. Isn't your health worth it?

Be good to yourself! More next time...

Detoxing the Body with Pomegranate Juice

Here is an excerpt from an article I wrote for Workout Healthy Blog entitled, "Detoxing the Body with Pomegranate Juice". In researching this subject, I learned that pomegranate juice is great for the heart, too. Check it out!

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To detox the body means to remove toxins and waste from the bodily systems. Because the small intestine absorbs needed nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from foods and releases them into the bloodstream, it is sometimes beneficial to drink juices when nourishing and/or detoxing the body. Pomegranate juice contains high amounts of vitamin C, antioxidants, and healing properties which make it ideal for cleansing the body.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly known as the American Dietetic Association) defines an “antioxidant” as:

“…dietary substances including some nutrients such as beta carotene, vitamins C and E and selenium, that can prevent damage to your body cells or repair damage that has been done.

“Antioxidants work by significantly slowing or preventing the oxidative – or damage from oxygen – process caused by substances called free radicals that can lead to cell dysfunction and the onset of problems like heart disease and diabetes. Antioxidants may also improve immune function and perhaps lower your risk for infection and cancer.” (Team, 2006)

Read the entire post.

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*Re-Post* What Is "False" Fat?

According to Dr. Susan Lark on www.drlark.com, chemical imbalances are the root cause of weight gain in women over 40. These imbalances include a sluggish metabolism which accompanies aging, food allergies that trigger an inflammatory response, and mood swings that intensify food cravings. "False fat" is the accumulation of inflammatory fluids in body tissue caused by food allergies. Where excess fat is stored when we either eat too many calories or can't burn those calories efficiently, "false fat" is due to the accumulation of excess fluids, which we experience as bloating and swelling. It is, therefore, critical that allergens be identified and eliminated from the diet. Failure to do so will cause weight gain and undue stress on the vital organs.

So, what causes "false fat"?

The inflammatory response is caused by damage to the digestive tract, allergic reactions, processed dairy, red meat, and poultry skin. The two most common allergic responses come from consumption of wheat (gluten) and pasteurized dairy.

What kinds of foods remove inflammation from the body?

Increasing consumption of omega-3 essential fatty acids like those found in cold water fish and flaxseed is a great place to start. Natural anti-inflammatories like bromelain are found in fresh pineapple. Onions and apples contain another called quercetin.

What should my diet consist of going forward?

Consult with your doctor to identify your specific food allergies and eliminate them from your diet. Caloric intake and adequate proportions of vitamins and minerals should be determined by your overall health condition, activity levels, weight loss/gain goals, age, and gender. In general, you may utilize the food pyramid at www.mypyramid.gov to ensure a balanced diet. Opt for more fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, beans, raw milk, and whole grains (if you tolerate them). Avoid refined sugar and flour products. Be sure to drink plenty of water (1/2 your body weight in ounces).

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Managing the Side Effects of Fasting

As-Salaam Alaikum! Ramadan Mubarak!

For many who are fasting and praying this month, a daily routine has been established and are enjoying the benefits of Ramadan on every level. However, some of us may be struggling for balance. We may have trouble staying hydrated in this heat. Our bodies are detoxifying and we may be experiencing a myriad of symptoms. The following excerpt from Making the Fast: How to Eat to Live During Ramadan addresses some remedies for common ailments that may arise during any fast:

"Fasting may present some side effects. Those who take the fast have reported headaches, dizziness, acne, flu-like symptoms, and fatigue. These symptoms are often attributed to detoxification. Toxins are stored in body fat. If fat is used for fuel during the day, these toxins are released into the bloodstream. Without fluid consumption, these toxins are slower to exit the body thus causing discomfort. Other health risks include: heartburn, poor control of diabetes, dehydration, constipation, stress and weight control. In this chapter, we will cover ways to alleviate these symptoms. Remember, listen to your body and follow your doctor’s orders. It is better to make up a like number of days rather (than) risk your health.

"Upon rising in the morning, squeeze the juice of a lemon into your water. The vitamin C will give your immune system a boost and help fight off disease. The acid from the lemon will reduce intestinal parasites which can cause some gastrointestinal distress. Be sure to ingest up to half of your required fluid intake for the day before sunrise. Hydration, proper diet, and adequate rest will help keep headaches at bay. Persistent flu-like symptoms, headaches, and dizziness should be reported to your physician. Additional rest may be needed during the day. The key is to listen to your body and give it what it needs. A little pampering goes a long way."

To read more about how to successfully manage the side effects of fasting, pick up Making the Fast: How to Eat to Live During Ramadan today! http://www.lulu.com/product/16509709

Use coupon code AUGUST305 and save 15% on your order.

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Deadly Flu and Detoxing by Dr. Roni

Dr. Roni DeLuz, a naturopathic doctor, registered nurse, and owner of the Martha's Vineyard Holistic Retreat, offers the following insights and tips on prevention as a deterrent to disease.

The facts

"The swine flu epidemic that stroked Mexico a few months ago has become a serious public health threat both in United Sates and the rest of the world. According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) there have been 300,000 laboratory confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus and almost 4000 deaths worldwide. Since this virus has been proven to be a mutation, the fear is that other mutations are still possible. Therefore, people and governments are taking all necessary measures to fight the virus and limit its damaging effects. Now we know that the 2009 strain of influenza is not really the swine flu as it was called in the beginning (April 09). It is rather a complex mutative arrangement between the swine flu, avian flu, bird flu and the human flu. This is the reason why it is being called a quadruple virus."

Prevention is the Key

"I think that the most beneficial action should be prevention. An active prevention plan boosts the immune system and renders the human organism more resistant, much less vulnerable to the H1N1 virus even when this microorganism, like all influenza viruses, chooses to shift and change. When the flu germs change and the fact that it is so versatile is what makes it such that medications like amantadine, oseltamvir, zanamivir, Tamiflu and Relenza, have no real beneficial effect in many patients. Pandemrix, the new vaccine, is highly toxic and is not expected to curb the ongoing pandemic. Prevention begins with a proper environment, proper nutrition such as “Maximum Nutrition in Small Doses’ with regular sessions of detoxification. We have a New York Times Bestseller out: 21 pounds in 21 days: The Martha’s Vineyard Diet Detox which helps all persons to detox and begin to nourish the body at the same time, We should also create around us a clean environment, emphasis on personal hygiene, less chemicals on our body, and all elements of the so-called universal precaution, including frequent hand washing."

Good Nutrition fights the flu

"Detoxification is a naturalistic process thru which we stimulate our liver, kidney, colon and lymph to get rid of toxic material and leave the body clean and healthy. We do this by eliminating toxic food and replacing with high quality supplements. The value of vitamins and other supplements is dominant in the multiple defense system we should build against H1N1. Vitamins A, C, D and zinc play a determinant role in making our body ready to face the flu virus. Equinacea is even more beneficial. Some of the best antiviral herbs include garlic, oregano, astragalus, schizandra, pycnogenol, mullein, elderberry, green tea, and licorice. Green drinks, Antioxidant drinks with Grape seed, blue berry, bilberry, broccoli, etc. are potent remedies against the swine flu. N-Acetyl cysteine has been used for several years as a good line of defense in every flu outbreak. Now its properties should be emphasized even more."

Read the entire article: http://mvdietdetox.com/archives/149

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