Rather Be Healthy

Did You Know… …that diet sodas (and other diet foods) have been clinically proven to cause weight gain?

Diet sodas may be calorie-free, but they aren’t without health consequences—including fattening you up. A 10-year study by the University of Texas (UT), San Antonio found that diet sodas can cause you to gain weight, especially in the stomach area. According to Professor of Medicine, Helen Hazuda, of the University’s Health Science Center, artificially sweetened diet sodas may also increase a craving for sweets, distort appetite, and even damage brain cells. Waistlines Expanded 70% – 500%! The UT study involved nearly 500 men and women, and the negative effects of diet soda were observed even among those who consumed very small amounts. The waistlines of those who consumed diet drinks expanded 70% faster than those who quenched their thirst with other beverages, including regular soda! Even more alarming was that those who drank 2 or more cans of diet soda a day saw a whopping 500% greater increase in their girth (i.e., the measurement of a person’s stomach or waistline), Hazuda told the American Diabetes Association. Along with greater girth, diet soda sets off diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions. The study results were not altered by other factors including: ==> Exercise ==> Social class ==> Education ==> Smoking How Diet Soda Triggers Weight Gain Researchers theorize that diet-soda induced weight gain might stem from artificial sweeteners distorting appetite and making people crave extra-sweet foods. Additionally, artificial sweeteners may damage the brain cells involved in helping us feel full. Obesity researcher Sharon Fowler, coauthor of the UT study, explained in an interview with the Daily Mail, “Artificial sweeteners could have the effect of triggering appetite but unlike regular sugars they don’t deliver something that will squelch the appetite.” Dr. Hazuda recommends that people stop consuming diet sodas altogether, as she herself has done, saying, “They may be free of calories, but not of consequences. I think prudence would dictate drinking water.” Humans Aren’t Meant to Ingest “Nasty Chemicals” Mike Geary, certified nutrition specialist, calls artificial sweeteners “nasty chemicals that the human body is simply not meant to ingest.” Geary points out that in addition to the serious problems acknowledged by the UT studies, artificial sweeteners have also been linked to: Negative effects on the liver, kidneys, and other organs Gastrointestinal problems Developmental problems in children and fetuses Headaches “I don’t know about you,” says Geary, “but I’d rather protect myself and my family and steer clear of these possibly dangerous artificial chemicals.” The Single Most Important Change for Better Health Dr. Joseph Mercola is a highly respected integrative physician who concurs that it’s extremely important to avoid diet sodas. He says that the No. 1 action a person who is new to natural medicine can take to dramatically improve overall health is … to immediately stop drinking soda and diet soda, and choose pure, healthful water instead. = = = = = = = = = = = Featured Topic: Sugar Shocker: How a “Sacrificial” Sugar Ends Digestive Disorders … Lifts Fatigue … Boosts Immunity … Breaks the “Fat Signal” … and Even Stops Digestive Cancers Escape the Epidemic that Silently Threatens Your Health If you’re suffering from fatigue, skin rashes, digestive upsets such as bloating and gas, insomnia, joint pain, blood sugar imbalance or diabetes, weight gain, or chronic infections … the culprit may very well be a single protein molecule attacking you from within your own body. Nearly 40% of older Americans (and more each year) suffer from gastric disorders—persistent bloating and discomfort … debilitating pain … and dangerous diseases such as leaky gut syndrome, Crohn’s, and diverticulitis. Conditions once considered rare are now epidemic. For instance, celiac disease—a health-destroying disorder caused by wheat gluten—went barely noticed a decade ago. Now it affects 1 of every 133 people. Gluten intolerance or sensitivity is far more common than celiac disease, and its destructive symptoms are even more difficult to identify. Given this, many doctors simply suggest cutting out wheat and dairy to see if you feel better. The problem with this approach is that gluten and other food culprits are pervasive throughout the Standard American Diet (SAD). Thus, cutting out wheat and dairy may bring no relief even if these foods are severely undermining your health. This is why digestive disorders go undiagnosed for years, unleashing much larger problems down the road, such as muscle and joint dysfunction, heart disease, and cancer. But recently, scientists made a breakthrough discovery. They identified a dietary invader proven to cause countless gastric problems. Pinpointing the cause led quickly to the cure—a completely natural remedy that captures this digestive invader and knocks it out—with no harmful side effects. After just a few shorts weeks of therapy, people—even those with the most chronic conditions—experienced outstanding benefits against… Digestive problems, bloating, gas, and persistent pain Food sensitivities—from gluten and grains to nuts and dairy Diabetes and blood sugar balance Skin rashes and acne outbreaks Inexplicable weight gain and cravings Low energy, especially after eating Arthritis, joint discomfort and muscle stiffness Compromised immune function Blood pressure and heart health Mystery Exposed The root cause of these persistent health problems is a single molecule present in nearly every food we eat. Ironically, this molecule was once thought totally harmless! It was even used medicinally as a blood coagulant. But now science has confirmed a surprising link between this molecule and major digestive trouble. The molecule is called lectin. “The term ‘lectin’ was introduced in 1954 by scientists William C. Boyd and Elizabeth Shapleigh,” says John A. Casey, M.D., C.C.N. “Researchers have shown that some lectins are blood type specific… However, very few of us made the connection between using lectins in the lab to agglutinate blood and going home to have them for dinner.” Lectins are found in fruits, vegetables, seafood, grains, beans, and seeds. Gluten is a huge source of lectin—which means lectin is jam-packed into foods such as breads, cereals, and many other processed foods. Other major lectin sources are corn, milk, soy, and peanuts. It’s no wonder allergies, digestive chaos, and chronic diseases are skyrocketing! The American diet is almost completely dependent on gluten and corn-based processed foods, all loaded with lectin. Referring to celiac disease, one expert gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic told the New York Times, “It’s not just that we’re better at finding it. It truly has become more common.” The problem is lectin! Setting off a Cascade of Trouble Within Lectins start trouble as they enter our intestinal tract. That’s because these molecules attach themselves to the sugars found naturally in healthy cells. It works like this: Most cells have membranes that contain carbohydrates. And as food passes through our digestive system, lectins latch onto cells that line our intestines and colon. Unfortunately, once latched on, lectins disrupt and damage cells. In response to the damage, your immune system kicks in, sending white blood cells rushing in to deal with the problem. In other words, lectins attack your body … and your body attacks back. These attacks can lead to cell destruction. Even worse, your immune system can become overloaded, leading to autoimmune dysfunction. A cascade of problems is now unleashed throughout your entire digestive system, spreading out to your skin, muscles, joints, and even your heart. A Simple Disguise can Trick a Complex Invader To solve the problem of lectin—which is found in almost every food you eat—researchers tried a simple experiment. What if the lectin could be diverted by a flood of “decoy sugars?” Could the “decoy sugars” get between lectin and the body’s own cells? The answer was yes, and the secret is “sacrificial” sugars. When a supplement containing a combination of 5 “sacrificial sugars” is taken with meals, lectin is disabled. Instead of attacking your intestine and colon walls, the lectin hitches a ride on the sacrificial sugars and passes harmlessly through your body. For patients, the effect of these sacrificial sugars was almost immediate. With just a few doses incorporated into meals, lectin was vastly eliminated from the digestive tract. Break the Lectin Fat Signal Sacrificial sugars can also break lectin’s ability to stimulate fat cell production. That’s right, unfortunately, lectin also makes you fat. According to a report in the peer-reviewed journal Neuropeptides, lectin from wheat, corn, peas, potatoes, and lentils binds to insulin hormone receptors, and triggers them to stimulate fat production. That’s why so many of us with gastric problems also suffer from inexplicable cravings and sudden weight gain. It’s paradoxical but true: by introducing these 5 decoy sugars, you can break the weight gain signal right at its source. Flush out Lectins and Even Neutralize Nasty Gluten Since gluten is also a lectin, the sacrificial sugars that flush out lectin also protect you from “hidden gluten” in processed foods, sauces, medicines, and even cosmetics. Protecting yourself from the lectin-soaked American diet comes with long-term health benefits, because eliminating lectin helps to … Promote weight loss through improved metabolism and energy Restore proper water balance in your body Soothe those occasionally achy joints, muscles and organs Balance inflammation and improve immune function Repair your digestive tract and keep it healthy Facilitate healthy detoxification in your liver and gut A “Lectin Force Field” Between You and Lectins Everywhere You could try to follow a diet that severely limits your intake of lectins. But lectins are everywhere—not just in foods, but in the environment, too. Since lectins are prevalent in the plant world, you can be exposed to them just by walking on the grass… inhaling pollen in the air… or spending time in your garden. Lectins even lurk in medicines… cosmetics… vitamins… and nutritional supplements. But you don’t have to live in a bubble to stay away from lectins. Scientific research shows you can create a virtual lectin force field to help protect your gut. Since 70% of your immune system is located in your gut, this lectin force field can enhance your total immune health, long-term. Renowned integrative physician Dr. Michael Cutler—with 18 years of experience in chronic degenerative diseases, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue—says the discovery of lectin protection deserves nothing short of a Nobel Prize! Get the details on this natural breakthrough here, so you can protect yourself and your family from the molecule that attacks from within.

If you like what you read, please consider donating to help support my blog.

I’ve been using the Citrus Zinger for a few days now and I have nothing but good things to say.

Not only is it very easy to use it is extremely good at providing a refreshing nutritious drink. I think water is underestimated by 99.9% of people. Water when analysed makes up more than 75% of the human body so when we ignore the signs of dehydration by simply drinking a sugary soda, a coffee or alcohol we are not just satisfying the immeciate call for a drink, we are actually doing some harm.

That’s why I am firmly behind this product, by just using a half of your chosen citrus fruit you are making a really tastful nutritious drink.

http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=4880&awinaffid=164818&clickref=&p=

Enjoy.

Stefan

Unlike the greasy oils that have been heated to insane temperatures and have very little or no nutritional benefit whatsoever. Coconut oil is primarily a medium chain fatty acid (MCFA) that not only does the job of the greasy bad for you oils but it does it so much better and is actually good for you.

Coconut oil is a popular nutritional oil derived from the meat of matured coconuts. Coconut has long been a primary source of food throughout the tropics. Its various industrial and cosmetic applications have made it a very viable commodity. Coconut oil is heat stable, making it suitable for cooking at high temperatures. It is slow to oxidize, resists rancidity and has a shelf life of approximately two years or more; virgin coco creme created through a wet-milling process has an indefinite shelf life.

The composition of coconut oil
The coconut possesses a wide variety of health benefits due to its fiber and nutritional content, but it is the oil that makes it a remarkable source of food and medicine. It has definitely earned its reputation as the healthiest oil in the world despite the fact that its high saturated fat content was once falsely claimed to be unhealthy.

What makes coconut oil different?

Oils and fats are composed of molecules known as fatty acids. They are classified either according to saturation or based on molecular length and size of the carbon chain within each fatty acid. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are an example of the first class.

The second classification is based on molecular size or length of the fatty acid’s carbon chain. Long chains of carbon atoms consist of each fatty acid with an attached hydrogen atom. There are short chain fatty acids known as SCFA, medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) such as coconut oil and long chain fatty acids (LCFA). Whether unsaturated or saturated, the majority of fats and oils in our diet are composed of long chain fatty acids. In fact, a majority of the fatty acids commonly consumed are LCFA.

Coconut oil is predominantly medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) and the effects of the MCFA in coconut oil are distinctly different from the LCFA found in other foods. In fact, the saturated and unsaturated fat in milk, eggs,meat and even in plants and most vegetable oils are made of LCFA. Why is this relevant? It is important because our bodies respond and metabolize each fatty acid differently. It is the MCFA found in coconut oil that makes it special because these fatty acids do not have a negative effect on cholesterol. In fact, they are known to lower the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis. There are only few dietary sources of MCFA, and one of the best sources by far is coconut oil.

Theliver and gall bladder do not need to digest and emulsify MCFA, resulting in instant energy, increased metabolic rate and subsequently more heat production as well as increased circulation. Anyone with an impaired fat digestion or removed gallbladder will benefit from coconut oil as this oil is easily digested. (http://www.naturalnews.com/022313_fat_oil_coconut.html)

Lauric Acid
Coconut oil has many health benefits which are attributed to the presence of lauric acid. When it is present in the body, lauric acid is converted into monolaurin, a compound that is highly toxic to viruses, bacteria, funguses and other microorganisms because of its ability to disrupt their lipid membranes and virtually destroy them.

Monolaurin is effective for treating candida albicans, fungal infections and athlete’s foot. It also targets bacterial infections and viruses like measles, influenza, hepatitis C and even HIV. In fact, researchers from the Philippines are studying the effectiveness of lauric acid against HIV/AIDS due to its strong anti-viral properties. Moreover, lauric acid is non-toxic, making it a better alternative to modern drugs that are typically prescribed for viruses as well as fungal and bacterial infections.

Without lauric acid, monolaurin cannot be produced by the body. Breast milk is the only other source of lauric acid, which must explain the lesser incidents of infections with breast-fed infants. It has also been observed that regular consumption of coconut oil boosts immunity and reduces incidences of sickness.
(http://www.naturalnews.com)

The health benefits of coconut oil
Hair care – The unique fatty acids in coconut oil have a small molecular structure and pass freely into the hair’s cell membrane, allowing for the oil to penetrate the hair’s shaft; thisliterally brings out the deep conditioning from within compared to other conditioners that work from the outside in.

Massaging the oil into the scalp can offer relief from dandruff. Dandruff is caused by dry skin or an internal fungal condition that reached the scalp. With regular use, coconut oil can kill the fungus and eliminate dandruff issues. For deep hair conditioning, a teaspoon or two on damp hair left for as long as possible can give an ultra-nice shine. Leave it on overnight and see startling results. (http://www.naturalnews.com/029120_coconut_oil_hair_conditioner.html)

Skin care – Coconut oil is an excellent skin conditioner containing medium-chain triglycerides, naturally occurring fats which deeply penetrate, moisturize and acts as a protective barrier against environmental and free radical damage. The oil also provides sun protection by screening 20 percent of ultraviolet exposure.

Coconut oil is rich in anti-oxidants and bursting with the natural microbial and antibacterial agents caphrylic and capric acids. . Its ability to smooth the skin while infusing with anti-oxidants makes it a perfect anti-aging moisturizer. Moreover, it contains vitamin E, another antioxidant popular for hastening the recovery of skin abrasions, burns and other trauma. (http://www.naturalnews.com)

Weight loss – Medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil can speed up metabolism faster than long-chain fatty acids because they are easily digested and converted into energy. In fact, a study reported medium-chain fatty acids to be three times more effective in raising metabolism than long-chain fatty acids, leading researchers to conclude that effective weight loss can be achieved by replacing long-chain fatty acids with medium- chain fatty acids. (http://www.naturalnews.com/026808_oil_coconut.html)

Natural remedy for pneumonia – In a study presented before The American College of Chest Physicians on October 29, 2008, coconut oil was found to offer pneumonia patients faster and more complete relief from symptoms. This could be a welcome development for many as this means a reduced stay in the hospital, lower medical expenses and lower exposure for the patient to a hospital environment. Moreover, it is an inexpensive addition to traditional antibiotics and has no known side effects. (http://www.naturalnews.com/025038_coconut_child_oil.html)

Lowers risk of diabetes, heart disease and improves cholesterol levels – In a study made on women subjects ranging from 20 to 40 years old, half of the subjects were instructed to take a 30 ml soybean oil supplement while the other half were instructed to take a 30ml coconut oil supplement while maintaining moderate exercise routine over a 12-week period. Results of the study showed that although both group of women had a decrease in body mass index (BMI), only the women who were taking coconut oil showed a notable decease in waist circumference significantly lowering the risk of conditions like type II diabetes and heart disease.

Furthermore, the study also showed that the subjects who experienced an improvement in their cholesterol profile along with higher HDL levels and higher HDL: LDL ratio were the ones taking coconut oil. Those taking soybean oil did not receive the same benefits but reflected a higher total cholesterol as well as higher LDL cholesterol lower, lower HDL cholesterol and a lower HDL: LDL ratio. (http://www.naturalnews.com/026547_oil_coconut.html)

Assists in bone health and chronic fatigue – Research has found coconut oil to help prevent osteoporosis because it helps in the nutrient absorption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium – important minerals that fight osteoporosis.

Moreover, the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil produce energy rather than body fat, thereby improving metabolism and preventing fatigue. The oil has also been shown to destroy organisms in the body that sap its strength and contribute to the condition of fatigue. (http://www.naturalnews.com/033718_food_miracles.html)

Alzheimer’s Disease – Dr. Mary Newport, after failing to get treatment for her husband’s dementia, discovered that coconut oil contained natural medium-chain triglyceride (MCT). The same substance was used in a drug trial her husband failed to qualify for. So, she gave her husband 1 tbsp. of coconut oil twice a day for a month and a half and saw him almost completely recovered. (http://www.naturalnews.com)

Others – aside from the health benefits mentioned earlier the following health benefits have been attributed to the beneficial use of coconut oil:

• Protects against cancer and HIV and other infectious diseases
• Kills bacteria and parasites like tape worm and liver flukes
• Eases acid reflux, aids in proper bowel function
• Lowers incidence of hemorrhoids
• Heals and relieves intestinal problems
• Soothes earaches
• Deals with symptoms connected with prostate enlargement
• Strengthens the liver and protects against degeneration
• Reduces incidence of epileptic seizures
• Reduces joint and muscle inflammation
• Eases neuropathies and itching from diabetes.
(http://www.naturalnews.com/036028_coconu_oil_health_solutions.html)

How much oil should be taken in to enjoy its benefits?
According to researchers, an adult should consume around 3 1/2 tbsp. of coconut oil daily: an amount equal to the MCFA a nursing infant would receive in one day. The benefits of coconut oil are derived from the nutritional value of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA’s), and the best comparison in nature as to the percentage of MCFA consumed in a diet is in human breast milk. For those who are not used to having coconut oil in their diet, it is best to start out with a lesser amount and see how the body reacts before following the recommended amount.

Does coconut oil have any adverse side effects?
Coconut oil has no known side effects. However, if you are used to a low-fat diet, a common adverse reaction would be diarrhea. It is probably not advisable to start with a large amount right away. Spreading the recommended amount over the course of one day and building up to a larger dosecan help to avoid unwanted effects.

In coconut-producing countries, it is considered beneficial for pregnant and lactating women to enjoy coconut oil;Westerners used to a low-fat diet, however, are cautioned not to experiment with coconut oil while pregnant if the body is not used to it. If you have been consuming coconut oil regularly with no adverse reactions, there is no reason to discontinue consumption.

If you like what you read, please consider donating to help support my blog.

While reading today’s article, remember that heart disease is the #1 KILLER of people in today’s modern world, with even higher death rates than cancer! For some reason, most people don’t seem to care about this topic until it’s too late and they have a heart attack even as early as their 30’s or 40’s.

It’s time people started taking heart health seriously before it’s too late. Unfortunately, most people don’t think about something they can’t readily see or feel… after all, you can’t “see” your artery health every day like you can see how much body fat you have.

This means that most people ignore their heart health until they actually have a heart attack or even die. Even worse, I see so many people make jokes about clogged arteries while eating junk food, saying things like “I’d rather enjoy life than worry about clogged arteries”. Uh, sorry dude, but you can’t enjoy life if you’re DEAD!

And do donuts and fried chicken REALLY equate to “enjoying life”? Not for me! Enjoying life for me is skiing deep powder in the winter, hiking beautiful mountains and enjoying nature in the summer, barreling down a mountain biking trail on my bike, playing games and having laughs with friends, and of course, enjoying some good aged cheese with a great red wine (both of which by the way, can help to protect your arteries – even the cheese as explained in this article)

One thing that sometimes wakes people up is to actually get an artery calcification test and see how clogged their arteries already are. This is a wake up call to many people and will spur them into finally caring about their heart health before it’s too late.

I mentioned donuts and fried chicken above, which as you know, are obvious heart cloggers due to the trans fats and refined inflammatory vegetable oils used in making these…

But what about so-called “healthy” foods such as whole grains in relation to your heart health? Well…

Here’s an excerpt from a great book I’ve been reading lately called The Great Cholesterol Myth by Dr. Stephen Sinatra and Dr Jonny Bowden…

“A 2010 study in the Archives of Internal Medicine demonstrated that women who ate the highest amount of carbohydrates had a significantly greater risk of coronary heart disease than those who ate the lowest amount, and that carbohydrates from high-glycemic carbs were particularly assiciated with significantly greater risk for heart disease”

As you can see, they’re seeing direct relationships between carbohydrate consumption and heart disease. And as you know already from past issues of this newsletter, natural saturated fat and dietary cholesterol basically has NOTHING to do with heart disease at all. It’s sugar, overall high GI carbs, stress levels, and trans fats that appear to be the MAIN culprits responsible for heart disease.

What about immediate effects on your heart from eating a high-carb meal?

In the book, Dr Sinatra also discusses another research study done (at Tel Aviv University’s Sackler School of Medicine and the Heart Institute of Sheba Medical Center) on the function of the endothelial walls of the arteries before and after eating a dose of high GI carbs…

They used something called brachial reactive testing to measure artery functioning and gave groups high GI carbs such as corn flakes and sugar (very much like the typical American breakfast) … Dr Sinatra explains, “Enormous peaks indicating arterial stress were found in the high GI groups: the cornflakes and sugar groups.”

We’re not talking about artery damage here from saturated fat and cholesterol like you’ve been led to believe… as you can see, this study is showing direct damage to arteries from grains and sugar. Isn’t it sad that those cornflakes are advertised by the food conglomerates as being a “wholesome and healthy” breakfast.

Dr Sinatra continues, “As researchers from Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health noted, quickly digested and absorbed carbs (i.e., those with a high glycemic load) are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.”

Dr Sinatra and Dr Bowden also point out studies that directly show that people who eat a higher glycemic load of carbohydrates in their diets experienced higher CRP levels (C-reactive protein), which is an indicator of overall inflammation in your body. Higher CRP generally means higher risk for heart disease.

Check out the CRP differences they noted — “…those whose diets were lowest in glycemic load had an average CRP reading of 1.6, but those whose diets were highest in glycemic load had a CRP reading more than 3x that amount (average measurement: 5.0 mg/L).

To give some perspective on CRP if you eat a truly healthy diet focusing on healthy proteins, lots of veggies, spices, teas, red wine, and other antioxidants, and relatively low in overall carbohydrates… I’ve had my CRP tested twice, and my results came in at 0.1 and 0.4, indicating a VERY LOW amount of inflammation in my body as a whole.

Important Note: my personal readings of total cholesterol are also always very high for typical medical standards (total cholesterol usually in the low-mid 200’s). Any normal doctor would immediately want try to be a drug pusher and put me on statins, despite my very high and protective levels of HDL (in the 60’s), despite the fact that total cholesterol means NOTHING to your overall heart disease risk, despite the fact that my triglycerides are very low, and also despite the fact that my inflammation levels are extremely low based on my CRP tests.

I know this because one doctor tried to put me on statins 10 years ago based solely on total cholesterol, but ignoring all of the other more important tests such as HDL, triglycerides, and CRP levels. Obviously, since I was more educated than he was on this topic, I chose to ignore him, and follow people such as Dr Sinatra and Dr Bowden who clearly are the top experts on heart health.

Speaking of triglycerides (and also the different LDL particle types to pay attention to), I explain all about both of those in this article:

How bread and cereal can CAUSE heart disease

What about the so-called “deadly” red meat in relation to heart disease?

I get so sick of seeing groups with an agenda against eating animal products trying to always lay the blame on red meat. Let’s see what true researchers such as Dr Sinatra and Dr Bowden have to say about the research…

Keep in mind that most previous studies had never separated processed meat (such as hot dogs, bologna, lunch meats with chemical additives, etc) vs unprocessed meats (such as a healthy grass-fed steak, pasture-raised pork tenderloin, grass-fed burger, etc) in investigating the relationship between meat eating and heart disease.

But Dr Sinatra and Dr Bowden reported on a Harvard study where researchers analyzed 20 studies including over 1.2 million people in 10 countries and they found… “each 1.8 oz daily serving of processed meat (about one hot dog or a couple slices of deli meat) was associated with a 42% higher risk of developing heart disease. In contrast, no relationship was found between heart disease and nonprocessed red meat.”

Also remember that healthy grass-fed beef contains the unique fat called CLA that has been shown to be a cancer-fighter as well as helping to aid fat loss.

On this topic, watch this short video about the #1 food for a flat belly

Lastly, remember that maintaining healthy blood pressure levels is also very important for overall heart health. Sadly, there are many potential dangers of blood pressure medications… watch this video below to see some of the hazards of blood pressure drugs and alternative natural remedies:

Possible DANGERS of blood pressure drugs (plus natural remedies for lowering blood pressure)

Mike Geary
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer

Dry skin can feel tight, itchy and generally uncomfortable, but for many the symptoms they despise the most are the aesthetic ones.

Flaking, scaling, peeling, redness, roughness and even the appearance of fine lines and cracks can make dry skin rather unsightly, especially during the summer months when you probably want to bare more skin than usual.

If you have problem skin such as dry skin or eczema, you’ll likely find that the best solutions tackle the problem from the inside out.

Dry Skin Is Often a Sign That You Need More Omega-3 Fats

You can often determine a person’s omega-3 needs just by touching their hands. Are they smooth and soft… like a baby’s behind? If not, or if other areas of your skin are dry, flaking or cracked, there is a good chance they are not getting enough beneficial omega-3 fats.

Omega-3 fats help to normalize your skin fats and prevent dehydration in your cells. This keeps your skin cells strong and full of moisture, which can help to decrease the appearance of fine lines.

Fatty-acid deficiency can manifest in a variety of ways, but skin problems such as eczema, thick patches of skin, and cracked heels are common. Plus, omega-3 fats may have an anti-inflammatory effect that can help to calm irritated skin, giving you a clearer, smoother complexion.

Omega-3 fat deficiency is actually quite common in the US (it’s been called the sixth biggest killer of Americans). Fish has always been the best source for the animal-based omega-3 fats EPA and DHA, but as levels of pollution have increased, this treasure of a food has become less and less viable as a primary source of these healthful fats.

I’ve previously shared tips on the best and worst types of fish to consume in terms of omega-3 fats and environmental toxins, but a general guideline is that the closer to the bottom of the food chain the fish is, the less contamination it will have accumulated. This includes:
•Sardines
•Anchovies
•Herring

That said, if you’re suffering from dry skin, an omega-3 fat supplement, such as krill oil, may be highly beneficial.

Eczema Is More Than Skin Deep

If your skin is frequently itchy with thick red, scaly patches or small bumps that may leak fluid and crust over when scratched, it’s likely eczema, not just dry skin. Atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema, is more than just a skin problem, as it is an indication that there is a problem with your immune system and also has inflammatory and allergenic components. For instance, it’s been found that in people with eczema:
•The skin barrier is altered so that water escapes while environmental allergens are allowed to enter, resulting in itchy, dry patches1
•The skin lacks normal amounts of cathelicidin, a natural antimicrobial that helps protect skin from infections as virulent as MRSA
•A protein called claudin-1 is weakened, allowing the skin cells to become leaky and permeable to environmental allergens and infectious agents2

Natural Options for Tackling Eczema

Steroids are often recommended for treating the inflammation that may underlie eczema flare-ups, but omega-3 fats, as mentioned above, can be effective in this regard without side effects. Further, the latest research suggests that limiting sugar and supplementing with fermented foods or beneficial probiotic bacteria can cut the risk of developing eczema in half.3

The beneficial bacteria in your gut has actually been found to help prevent allergies by helping your immune system to distinguish between pathogens and non-harmful antigens and respond appropriately – and this may be one reason why they also appear so beneficial for eczema.

Whatever you do, don’t make the mistake of applying unnatural moisturizers that likely contain chemical ingredients that will further irritate your skin. Pure emu oil, coconut oil or our organic body butter are alternatives that can provide moisture without chemical additives. Other simple tips for helping to minimize eczema flare-ups include:
•Minimize stress in your life, which can further promote inflammation and eczema
•Shower shortly after heavy sweating, as sweat can trigger eczema outbreaks
•Check for unrecognized food allergies, which can sometimes manifest as eczema
•Avoid exposure to irritating detergents, soaps and other substances, which can cause contact eczema

Two Top Food Groups That Prematurely Age Your Skin

When talking about skin appearance, factors like excessive sun exposure, smog and cigarette smoking are often blamed, but what you eat plays a major role as well. The following foods are among the worst for your skin, and avoiding them may help you minimize wrinkles and promote youthful-looking skin.
1.Sugar, Fructose and Grains

This is probably the single most important step you can take to improve your skin health. If you eliminate all sugars, fructose and grains from your diet for a few weeks there is a major likelihood you will notice rapid improvement in your complexion. This is largely because sugar feeds pathogenic bacteria, fungi and yeast and will disrupt your optimal gut flora, which is one of the primary keys to healthy skin.

Fructose in particular is an extremely potent pro-inflammatory agent that creates advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are a complex group of compounds formed when sugar reacts with amino acids. It’s a fitting acronym because – along with oxidation – it’s one of the major molecular mechanisms whereby damage accrues in your body, which leads to disease, aging, and eventually, death. Sugar/fructose also increases your insulin and leptin levels and decreases receptor sensitivity for both of these vital hormones, and this is another major factor of premature aging body-wide, including of your skin.
2.Fried, Grilled and Broiled Foods

When food is cooked at high temperatures—including when it is pasteurized or sterilized—it increases the formation of AGEs in your food. AGEs build up in your body over time leading to oxidative stress, inflammation and an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease. Eating your food raw, lightly cooked or using cooking methods that involve lots of water, such as steaming or poaching, can help reduce the AGE-creation process.

The Natural Plan to Healthier, Moisturized Skin

Eating a healthy diet as described in my nutrition plan, which focuses on whole, bioavailable organic foods, is your number one strategy for helping your body detox naturally while supplying the necessary nutrients your skin needs to thrive. That said, as mentioned some foods are particularly effective at promoting beautiful, clear, healthy skin, including:
•Animal-based omega-3 fats
•Vegetables: Ideally fresh, organic and locally grown. Fresh vegetable juice is also wonderful for your skin, as are carotenoids, which give red, orange and yellow fruits their color, and also occur in green vegetables. Studies have shown that eating foods with these deeply colored pigments can make your face actually look healthier than being tanned.
•Fermented vegetables are even better as they can start with the same vegetables but are converted by bacteria to superfoods, which help promote the growth of friendly intestinal bacteria and aid in immune balance and digestion.
•Astaxanthin—a potent antioxidant—has been found to offer effective protection against sun damage when taken as a daily supplement. Some sunscreens are also starting to use astaxanthin as an ingredient to protect your skin from damage.

Why You Should Avoid Mineral Oil for Your Skin

When you need some extra moisture from the outside, keep in mind that most of the personal care products in supermarkets and even high-end department stores contain toxic ingredients that can harm your health. For instance, one study found that commonly used moisturizing creams containing mineral oil are tumorigenic when applied topically to mice.4 What this means is that these creams and lotions can increase the rate at which skin tumors form. The study tested four common skin lotions:
•Dermabase
•Dermovan
•Eucerin Original Moisturizing Cream
•Vanicream

Mineral oil has actually been linked to no less than 23 different diseases and health problems, including autoimmune diseases and a number of different cancers,5 and it has countless different names (including baby oil). So one of the easiest ways to ensure that you’re not being exposed to potentially hazardous agents is to simply make your own personal care products, using simple all-natural ingredients that many of you may already have in your home.

Two great all-natural moisturizers are pure emu oil and pure coconut oil. Both can be used for facial and body moisturizers and lotions. Coconut oil has been used to moisturize skin for ages, and is also a potent source of the beneficial fat lauric acid.

A 4-Step Shower Routine for Tackling Dry Skin

Once you’ve addressed the dietary changes above, you may find that your dry skin clears up. If not, you might want to have your thyroid checked out, or you may just need a bit of extra help. The following routine can help you to remove excess flakes to reveal the glowing skin underneath:
1.Use a body brush to get rid of flakes (do this on your dry skin, before getting wet)
2.Avoid using soap or use the least amount possible, especially in the winter or in dry climates, as that will tend to worsen your dry skin
3.Instead, apply a natural body scrub to exfoliate your skin (also apply this to your skin before getting wet, and choose one that also contains oil to moisturize)
4.After your shower, apply a heavy natural body butter or natural moisturizing oil (not mineral oil or baby oil) to help seal in moisture

This is one of the most horrible things that could happen to your child, while working for Dr Huggins I regularly came across people telling me about the problems with their kids after they had had stainless steel crowns put over baby teeth.
Firstly even though it’s called stainless steel it essentially is Nickel, yes nickel and nickel is the most carcinogenic substance on earth, now read that again, the most carcinogenic substance on earth meaning cancer causing. Do you really want that in your child, do you want to start your child’s life like that, no, I don’t think so.
In addition, the dentist is likely to do a baby root canal, as I pointed out in an earlier article, root canals are horrendous for anyone. They will fill the tooth with a filling material that is very likely to contain mercury, the most toxic non radioactive substance on earth. This will seep through the tooth and into the bone marrow where it will cause many problems. On top of that your child is likely to have a significant drop in their IQ, probable personality changes, I’d talk with clients telling me that the child they took to the dentist is not the child they brought home. Often they had transitioned into totally different kids from a personality perspective.
I talked with a Dr Marilyn Medina who has a practice in Texas, she saw numerous kids that had had stainless steel crowns which created significant problems with their health, personality changes were obvious but disfigurement of gums and mouth were a little harder to deal with for the parent.
My suggestion is do not have stainless steel crowns put into your child’s mouth and seek a Huggins trained dentist, this is your child’s life, it’s precious.
A list of Huggins trained dentist’s can be found on this site.

If you like what you read, please consider donating to help support my blog, even as little as $5 will help.

I want to talk about calcium, not calcium that you are
constantly encouraged to take in an inorganic form but calcium in an organic
form that is helpful, actually, very necessary for a healthy body to function.

Firstly let’s look at the tissue in your body; there are two
types of tissue, healthy and unhealthy. I know which type is more desirable if
given the choice, however, we as 21^st century humans are constantly
bombarded by the media to consume a form of calcium that doesn’t have a
positive effect in the body, in fact it has the opposite effect.

The correct form of calcium is a direct supplier of
electrons to the energy factories in our body which are mitochondria, mitochondria
then manufacture the ATP which is then converted into ADP, the necessary
energy, or fuel for the body.

The incorrect calcium, the inorganic or non-biological calcium,
comes in the form of dolomite (rock), bone meal, oyster shell or coral calcium.
This form does not transport electrons so, if anything will work against your
own body and undermine its ability to heal itself

If you watch TV or read magazines, which I suppose 95% of
the population do, you will have seen commercials or advertisements for calcium
in one form or another. In the main, these commercials and ads promote calcium
in a contaminated form. This cannot carry electrons as they have been altered
by the food industry, I’m not saying they have done this to harm you, but it’s
been done to enable their product to have a longer shelf life or has been
diluted of its active nutritional benefits.

When working for Dr Huggins, I regularly talked with clients
boasting of how many supplements they consumed every day. Most would tell me
about the calcium they took but also complained because they were still very
unhealthy. This only emphasized that just taking supplements, without knowing
specifically what your body needs is not the right thing to do. There is only
one way of knowing this, in my humble opinion, and that is to have your blood
tested and the results interpreted by someone who understands body chemistry.
That being said my recommendation is to call Huggins Applied Healing and use
the Assist program, this way your chemistry’s would be analyzed. You will
receive a 120 page document detailing the imbalance in your chemistry’s and
most importantly, how to address this imbalance.

I must point out that at this time I have no connection
physically or financially to Huggins Applied Healing: The above is purely my
opinion based on the more than three years of working for Dr Huggins.

For many years I’ve become more and more dependant upon copious amounts of water every day. So my daily routine starts with half a litre of warm lemon water followed by apple cider vinegar water. No it’s not nice or tasteful but it’s a must for me, during the day I will drink another two litre’s of water.

That being said I definitely notice a big difference if I ignore the need to drink pure water so when I heard about the Citrus Zinger I certainly had optimistic thoughts.

The product requires squeezing a lemon or lime or orange which maybe combined with other fruits to make a very refreshing drink.

Bearing in mind that almost three litres of water must be consumed each day by me I’m sure you can imagine how boring this can be, knowing that it’s quite easy to forget to drink until the physical symptoms remind me.

The Citrus Zinger has certainly made a difference, drinking flavoured water is not only refreshing but beneficial to my health, on saying that everyone would benefit from plenty of water every day.

Using the Citrus Zinger initially seemed a little confusing but after a few minutes the enclosed instructions made sense.

I’ll keep you updated on the user friendliness of the product, if you are interested in trying it which even after a day or two of using it I would certainly suggest it’s good value for money.

http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=4880&awinaffid=164818&clickref=&p=

If the above link doesn’t show as html then I suggest copy and paste it into your browser.

I’m sure the thought of dentures to a lot of people is quite worrying, having teeth removed and then having a lump of plastic in your mouth strikes fear into your heart. Well, you have to consider the long term implications, rather than the narrow minded short term view of “how you look” or “what will others think”.
Options like Implants or Root canals may look nicer to an observer but will create long term problems for you, remember those people looking at you, do not live in your body, they do not have to cope with the pain and heartache of disease and illness. So many people contract a serious and often life threatening disease when they have had those artificial things permanently placed into their body.
Your body doesn’t want artificial things permanently placed into it, your immune system will do the job it’s meant to and that is to find unnatural or non self cells and attack them, try to eliminate them and remove them from the temple it calls your body.
So a denture, be it partial or full is definitely a better option, it’s healthier in so many ways, you can take it out of you mouth daily and clean it, clean under it and remove bacteria.
When I was working for Dr Huggins I regularly spoke with people asking a question about dentures, I would do my best to reassure them that dentures are a good option. However please read the article on cavitation’s and how to avoid them before having teeth removed.
You will often be told that the denture will be made to look a similar color to your gums, less offensive and less obvious, actually that is a load of BS so don’t let them do that.
The denture should have the minimal coloring as possible, when it’s colored pink, it is very obvious but there is a bigger factor involved, and that is the coloring agent’s used.
When it is colored pink, the color is made from either mercury or cadmium or both, I’ve said this many times before and I’m sure I’ll say it hundreds of times more. Mercury is the most toxic non radioactive substance on earth, Cadmium is not far behind. So steering clear of both is a good option.
The denture should be made from Clear Acrylic, nearly three years ago I had to have a 6 tooth partial because I had my front six teeth removed. Yes, I was really worried about having it done, but I was lucky to be able to see one of the best dentist’s in the country and probably the best in terms of Huggins trained dentists, Dr Blanche Grube who I honestly believe I owe my life to.
Rest assured, an implant or root canal is a horrible long term thing to have in your mouth, millions of people have contracted a disease or illness since having them, do they realize that this is the reason they became sick? no they don’t understand that. This is because there are billion and trillion dollar organizations spending millions of dollars on advertising to persuade, confuse, brainwash then reassure the public that these artificial things are friendly to the human body.
I ask you this question which I’d like you to spend a little time thinking about: why is this nation, the most powerful nation in the world, in the bottom half of the sickest nations in the world. Look at statistic’s compiled by the World Health Organization, the last time I looked the USA was number 90 in the list of 174 countries.
Our health is only important to ourselves and our loved ones, big pharma and the other five organizations that make up the group of six that control this country, do not give a hoot. They know that in their long term plan of reducing the population of the world and becoming more and more wealthy in the process is all that matters.

If you like what you read, please consider donating to help support my blog, even as little as $5 will help.

How Can a Drug that Causes Leukemia, TB, and Listeria Remain on the Market?
August 6, 2013
Print This Post

FDA’s own employees are starting to question the agency’s reckless drug approval process.

In 1998, the FDA approved a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs called TNF-alpha blockers. The best-known drugs in this class are Enbrel and Humira, which are used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and other inflammatory diseases. Because TNF-alpha blockers are immunosuppressants, patients are at increased risk of developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death due to bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, viral, parasitic, and other opportunistic pathogens.

In 2008, 2009, and 2011, the FDA determined that these drugs increase the risk of different—but all potentially fatal—infections and cancers, including tuberculosis and childhood leukemia:

•In 2008, the FDA ordered makers of TNF-alpha blockers to carry black box warnings for the risk for histoplasmosis and other invasive fungal infections.
•In 2009, the FDA confirmed that TNF-alpha blockers cause cancer in adolescents and children. They required an additional black box warning.
•In 2011, TNF-alpha blockers received yet another black box warning for serious, and sometimes fatal, infections from two bacterial pathogens, legionella and listeria.
•Enbrel (which is genetically engineered in a process that involves the cells of Chinese hamsters) carries black box warnings for serious and sometimes fatal fungal infections; risk of serious and sometimes fatal TB infections; and risk of lymphoma and other cancers in children and teenagers.
•A child with Chrohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis is already in deep trouble. Giving these drugs just makes the situation infinitely worse, even threatening rapid death.
•Although the black box warnings refer to children and adolescents, the drugs are used for adults and have resulted in adult deaths as well.

Despite all their well-documented dangers, as of 2013, TNF blockers remain on the market. The FDA has simply asked manufacturers of TNF blockers to let them know when someone got cancer—essentially taking a “wait and see” approach to a drug that has caused at least thirty-five deaths from cancer, at least fourteen deaths from Legionnaire’s Disease, and at least seven deaths from listeria infections. Over fifty people have died, and the FDA is still at the “information-gathering” stage.

Moreover, there are reasons to believe the number of such deaths is greatly underreported. ANH-USA staff know of two such deaths among our own friends and doubt that these deaths were reported in this category.

In recent years, FDA has accelerated its rubber-stamping of dangerous drugs. This issue has become so serious it has caused internal strife at the agency. In particular, one FDA official, Thomas A. Marciniak, is seeking stronger warnings about a different class of drugs—angiotensin receptor blockers, or ARBs—in direct conflict with his bosses. The drugs, which are taken by millions of people (and generated $7.6 billion in US sales in 2012), have been linked to higher cancer rates, Dr. Marciniak argues. While this view is shared by other independent doctors, top FDA officials say the evidence is not yet clear.

Critics say the drug safety agency devotes so much attention to new drugs that it is ignoring the safety of long-marketed blockbusters. If a drug is profitable, the FDA seems to turn a blind eye to its dangers.

For example: the FDA recently approved a drug that cuts “bad” (LDL) cholesterol, even though it does nothing to reduce the risk of heart disease or death. The new drug takes Lipitor, which lost patent protection in 2011, and combines it with a new ingredient; this new combination is patentable (which is clearly an attempt by Pfizer to recapture Lipitor’s blockbuster sales). After initially rejecting the new drug last year, the FDA approved it because, as they put it, “LDL is a known risk factor for heart disease.” But again, this drug does nothing to reduce the risk of heart disease. Even cardiologists are questioning the logic of this approval.

Keep in in mind also, as we have pointed out, that so-called “bad” cholesterol is also a vital part of our body, one which we absolutely need. If it gets too low, it leads to numerous complications and even hasten death.

Why doesn’t the FDA pull deadly drugs like TNF blockers from the market? As illustrated by the FDA’s arbitrary hearings on Avandia that we told you about last month, they could just be trying to save face and avoid accountability.

At the same time, the US is experiencing a major drug shortage. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), which keeps a drug shortage database, tracked a total of 211 drug shortages in 2010 alone. (By comparison, they identified 224 drug shortages between January 1996 to June 2002—an average of only 34 per year.) The main reason for the shortages is that drug companies are more and more required to get FDA approval for any operating step, no matter how trivial or unrelated to health. The shortages, in turn, can be used as a specious excuse to put more and more pharmaceutical drugs, many of them dangerous, on the fast track to approval, despite the complete lack of connection.

What the FDA and conventional physicians never seem to consider is a more natural approach. In the case of systemic inflammation—which underlies a host of health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, asthma, and many other conditions—there are natural treatments that should be explored instead of TNF-alpha blockers, including:

•An abundance of Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly from fish oils;
•Optimized levels of vitamin D, either from direct sunlight or careful supplementation;
•A healthy diet full of anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, shiitake mushrooms, green tea, and rosemary, while avoiding pro-inflammatory items like trans fats, fried foods, and grains;
•Supplements like probiotics, boswellia, bromelein, resveratrol, the ursolic acid in Holy Basil (also called tulsi), and other substances targeted at bowel problems; and
•Stable insulin levels, regular exercise, and a normal waist size (see last week’s article on obesity).

Why, then, does the FDA continue to approve (and doctors continue to prescribe) drugs that can cause tuberculosis and leukemia, when herbs, natural treatments, and lifestyle modification will address patients’ health problems more effectively, more safely, and far less expensively?