2011-07-19 15:08
HOLT Health News
Dr. Stephen Holt, M.D.
Thu. July 7th, 2011
Vol. 1, Issue 1
Colon Cleansing
In the past, colon cleansing may have been the "butt" of many jokes, but this process offers real and important benefits for your health and well-being. Read on to find out more about this hot topic.
Although you may not consciously be aware of it, your colon is actually "hard wired" to your brain and there is a highly complex pathway of intercommunication between the bowel and the mind. This is part of the "gutmind" or "mindgut." When one thinks about the colon, one most often thinks about its contents. The contents of the colon come and go, but the overall time (duration) that these contents reside in the colon may be an important factor in general health and well-being. "Friendly" bacterial inhabitants of the colon are also responsible for general health and well-being. For many years, the colon and its contents were viewed as a source of potential toxins to which the body was exposed, especially in the presence of constipation. These days, conventional medicine often rejects these ideas. (Holt S, Natural Ways to Digestive Health, M. Evans and Co. Inc, 2000, available at www.stephenholtmd.com)
There is no doubt that these thoughts of "colon toxins" led to the common belief that everyone should open their bowel, at least on a daily basis. However, it is recognized that a healthy bowel habit generally involves opening one's bowel less than three times daily, but more than once in three days. That said, many people suffer from uncomfortable changes in their bowel habit, most often in the form of temporary constipation due to lifestyle or environmental changes. Constipation makes many people feel lousy.
Conventional medicine has been rather unwilling to acknowledge any benefit of intermittent colon cleansing and colon hydrotherapy. While there is surprisingly little research on the benefits of colon cleansing, there are thousands of people who claim they derive an improved sense of well-being by restoring the regularity of their bowel habit. Achieving a regular bowel habit involves a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise, adequate fluid intake and good nutrition (especially adequate dietary fiber intake).
An important aspect of regular bowel habit depends on the amount of unabsorbed fiber that is taken in the diet. There have been many studies that show the benefits of insoluble types of dietary fiber (and combined soluble fiber intake) on the promotion of healthy bowel function. Dieters should consider ways of supplementing fiber in their diet because fiber provides a feeling of fullness that may benefit weight loss. Dietary fiber is not absorbed, but it is subject to fermentation by the healthy bacterial inhabitants of the colon (prebiotic effects). Furthermore, dietary fiber may provide added benefits, due to its ability to cleanse the colon and assist in detoxification of the body. Fiber can help to mop up "toxic" forms of bile acids and other toxicants that are present in colonic contents.
While regularity of bowel habit must involve positive lifestyle principles, a large proportion of the population requires temporary help in overcoming constipation. There are many over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives available, but some laxatives can be quite dangerous for some people. Laxatives that cause excessive purgation can actually damage the function of the bowel. There is a disease entity that is well described among people who use powerful, stimulant laxatives on a regular basis. This is called "cathartic colon," which means forced exit of stool from the bowel.
Strong laxatives are unpleasant to take because they can cause griping abdominal pain and they may stimulate imbalances of body fluids or chemistry and cause excessive discharge of sticky mucus in the colon. Continuing to purge the bowel causes a "lazy bowel" that will only respond to the continuous use of strong laxatives. Over a period of time, strong laxatives can damage the nerve supply to the colon and the bowel cannot engage in normal movements that cause easy evacuation of stool. There is a common type of constipation that seems to be related to lack of coordination of muscles around the back passage (anus and rectum). This lack of coordination can be overcome to some degree by increasing the dietary intake of insoluble dietary fiber. Fiber helps to treat hemorrhoids and it lowers pressure inside the colon.
Many people have experienced an unpleasant initial reaction to increasing fiber in their diet. Delivering large amounts of fiber to the "untrained" colon often results in increased frequency of bowel habit and gas. This situation is fortunately short-lived. Some experimentation is always required when extra fiber is increased in the diet; and I advise people not to "give up" on fiber supplements prematurely. I advise individuals to keep adjusting the amount of fiber that they take in supplement form until their colon becomes agreeable and accepting of its new healthy contents.
As a gastroenterologist with a major interest in alternative medicine, I believe in the need for simple, natural and gentle ways to engage in the healthy habit of colon cleansing. There are complicated but effective ways of intermittent colon cleansing with colon hydrotherapy. Colon hydrotherapists can improve the outcome of their treatments by the correct use of well-formulated dietary supplements for digestive health. However, I stress that the supplements they use should have a clear evidence-base for an effect on digestive function.
Certain nutrients can effectively support regular bowel function in a simple, gentle and natural way. A complex nutrient-botanical formula is shown in Table 1. This formulation is quite versatile and it has detoxification implications.
Artichoke Leaf Ashwagandha Root
Beet Leaf Burdock Root
Chlorella Corn Silk
Dandelion Root Arabinogalactans
Milk Thistle 80% Mullein Leaf
Red Clover Flowers Turmeric Root
Aloe Vera 200: 1 Concentrate Rhubarb Root
Slippery Elm Bark Marshmallow Root
Fennel Seed Ginger Root
Triphala Magnesium (Hydroxide)
L-Glutamine Fish Oil 50% Powder
Table 1: Ingredients of an effective colon cleansing formula.
This complex formulation is designed to support the principal function of the colon in the act of evacuation of stool. The formula draws upon several traditional medical systems that have focused their attention on the colon as a source of health and well-being. The formula uses an Ayurvedic herbal system for body cleansing (Triphala) and utilizes recommendations from master herbalists on a variety of different botanicals that can support or modify colon function. Some ingredients do provide gentle purgative actions (Fennel seed, Rhubarb root), but other ingredients are designed to support the lining of the colon or provide a mild astringent effect (Aloe Vera, Slippery Elm Bark). Fish oil and L-glutamine offer nutritive support for the colon's lining, while Mullein leaf and Ginger root provide a "soothing" effect. One principal mechanism of action of this formula is to hold water in the bowel to make the stool softer and easier to pass (known as the osmotic laxative effect).
Colon cleansing was once called "the royal pathway to health" because of its popularity among kings, queens and the aristocracy of the Victorian era. Members of the French aristocracy were the strongest proponents of stool evacuation for health. For a while, this activity was considered to be an "embarrassing joke." These days, individuals are more willing to talk about normal body functions in an open and constructive manner.
Medical practitioners continue to argue about the benefits of colon cleansing. Once relegated to the world of quackery, the act of colon cleansing as a part of detoxification of the body is emerging as an increasingly valuable process in the promotion of well-being.
Be Healthy!
Dr. Stephen Holt, M.D.
Dr. Stephen Holt, M.D. is a Distinguished Professor of Medicine (Emerite) and a medical practitioner in New York State. He has published many peer-review papers in medicine and he is a best-selling author with more than twenty books in national and international distribution. He has received many awards for teaching and research. Dr. Holt is a frequent lecturer at scientific meetings and healthcare facilities throughout the world. He is the founder of the Holt Institute of Medicine (www.hiom.org) and www.stephenholtmd.com
Showing posts with label constipation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label constipation. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Dairy: 6 Reasons You Should Avoid It at All Costs or Why Following the USDA Food Pyramid Guidelines is Bad for Your Health
Got milk?
These days, it seems like almost everybody does. Celebrities, athletes, and even former president Clinton's head of Health and Human Services, Donna Shalala, are all proud to wear the white "milk mustache." After all, everyone knows that you need milk to be healthy ...
Dairy is nature's perfect food -- but only if you're a calf.
If that sounds shocking to you, it's because very few people are willing to tell the truth about dairy. In fact, criticizing milk in America is like taking on motherhood, apple pie, or baseball. But that's just what I'm about to do.
Based on the research and my experience practicing medicine, I typically advise most of my patients to avoid dairy products completely. I like ice cream just as much as the next person, but as a scientist I have to look honestly at what we know. In today's blog I will explore many of the documented ill-effects of dairy, and give you six reasons you should avoid dairy at all costs.
The Reason I Have Problems with the USDA Food Pyramid
I'm aware that my advice to avoid dairy flies in the face of the new, "up-to-date" food pyramid from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA's pyramid recommends drinking 3 glasses of milk a day. What's wrong with that? Well, for one thing, it's not a recommendation that's based on strict science.
Some of the "experts" who helped create the pyramid actually work for the dairy industry, which makes the US Department of agriculture's recommendations reflect industry interests, not science or our best interests.
In fact, Walter Willett, M.D., Ph.D -- the second-most-cited scientist in all of clinical medicine and the head of nutrition at Harvard's School of Public Health -- is one of the pyramid's most vocal critics. He's even called its guidelines "udderly ridiculous." That's not something a Harvard scientist says lightly.
But Dr. Willett is right. The pyramid just isn't based on key scientific findings about health. In a moment we will take a look at some of the pyramid's recommendations and why I disagree with them.
But before I dissect why the current food pyramid is harmful to your health, I want to offer a bit of hope. I recently attended a medical conference put on by Harvard Medical School and the Culinary Institute of America called Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Lives and met Eric Rimm, who works closely with Walter Willett at Harvard School of Public Health and is a member of the 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans Committee.
I asked him if he felt that science not industry would be shaping the new guidelines and he said there was only now one industry scientist on the new panel and he was objective and agreeable to make changes when presented the data. I am anxious to see how the science matches policy but feel a ray of hope that for the first time in the history of our dietary guidelines we will see science predominate, not industry interests and that the language will be direct, clear and simple to understand for all Americans. The guidelines from the early 1990's promoting the consumption of 6-11 servings of bread and cereals daily led to the pasta, carb, sugar generation and led to the largest epidemic of obesity in the history of our species.
Let's hope the new guidelines for 2010 will guide us toward greater health, not an increasing burden of obesity, diabetes and chronic disease. The USDA food policy guidelines form the basis of the school lunch program and it has contributed to a tripling of obesity in children. Let's hope we can serve up a different lunch menu for our children and our nation.
The simple idea that science should become policy is unfortunately one that has found little traction in Washington. But that seems to be shifting a little now.
Now back to why the last government guidelines from 2005 are harmful to your health!
1. Consume a variety of foods within and among the basic food groups while staying within your body's energy needs.
Sounds sensible -- but which food groups? If you choose dairy, meat, fats, and carbohydrates, the "perfect" meal could be a cheeseburger, milkshake, and fries with ketchup (potatoes and tomatoes are the two top vegetables consumed in America). Generic advice like that is pretty meaningless and potentially harmful.
2. Control your caloric intake to manage body weight.
Again, that sounds good, but as I wrote in my book UltraMetabolism, even the best-trained nutritionists and dietitians can't come close to correctly estimating their own caloric intake in a day. Also consider this: Is it okay to consume all of your calories from cola or ice cream as long as you stay within my caloric needs? Of course not. So this is more useless advice.
3. Increase intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nonfat or low-fat milk products.
Well, fruits, veggies, and whole grains are great. Milk -- not so much. I'll get back to that in a minute.
4. Choose carbohydrates wisely.
Who could argue with that? But how do they define "wisely"? The real advice here should be to cut down sugar intake from 185 pounds per person per year (what we currently consume) to less than a pound, avoid flour products (except as a treat), and stick to whole-food carbohydrates like vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds.
5. Choose to prepare food with little salt.
That's not bad advice. But it doesn't make sense if most of what you eat is packaged or processed foods that you don't actually prepare. For most Americans who eat half of their meals outside their homes, this isn't helpful. A better recommendation would be to avoid packaged, processed, canned, prepared, and fast foods (unless you know exactly how they are made).
6. If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation.
Sounds good -- but if you're usually drinking two bottles of wine a night, then one seems like moderation! I think a better suggestion is to limit your alcohol consumption to half a drink a day or 3 glasses a week (the amount that seems to have the most health benefit).
7. Don't eat unsafe foods.
Of course you shouldn't leave your egg salad out in the hot sun or toss your salad with hands that just handled raw chicken coated with salmonella. But the food pyramid guidelines don't mention pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, or genetically modified foods, despite scientific evidence of their harm. Shame on the USDA!
You can see now why I have big problems with the food pyramid! Its guidelines try to sound sensible -- while still protecting the interests of the food industry, the agriculture industry, and all of the lobbyists paying for the elections of the Congress. That way everybody's happy ...
But I'm not, and you shouldn't be either. The public just isn't served by this watered down, confusing, and useless pyramid. The next guidelines, I hope will be better, especially with independent scientists like Eric Rimm involved. Worse, some of the recommendations are downright harmful --like the one to drink more milk and dairy products.
The Truth about Dairy
According to Dr. Willett, who has done many studies and reviewed the research on this topic, there are many reasons to pass up milk, including:
1. Milk doesn't reduce fractures.(i) Contrary to popular belief, eating dairy products has never been shown to reduce fracture risk. In fact, according to the Nurses' Health Study dairy may increase risk of fractures by 50 percent!
2. Less dairy, better bones. Countries with lowest rates of dairy and calcium consumption (like those in Africa and Asia) have the lowest rates of osteoporosis.
3. Calcium isn't as bone-protective as we thought.(ii) Studies of calcium supplementation have shown no benefit in reducing fracture risk. Vitamin D appears to be much more important than calcium in preventing fractures.
4. Calcium may raise cancer risk. Research shows that higher intakes of both calcium and dairy products may increase a man's risk of prostate cancer by 30 to 50 percent.(iii) Plus, dairy consumption increases the body's level of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) -- a known cancer promoter.
5. Calcium has benefits that dairy doesn't. Calcium supplements, but not dairy products, may reduce the risk of colon cancer.(iv)
6. Not everyone can stomach dairy.(v) About 75 percent of the world's population is genetically unable to properly digest milk and other dairy products -- a problem called lactose intolerance.
Based on such findings, Dr. Willet has come to some important conclusions:
• Everybody needs calcium -- but probably not as much as our government's recommended daily allowance (RDA) and calcium from diet, including greens and beans is better utilized by the body with less risk than calcium supplements.
• Calcium probably doesn't prevent broken bones. Few people in this country are likely to reduce their fracture risk by getting more calcium.
• Men may not want to take calcium supplements. Supplements of calcium and vitamin D may be reasonable for women.
• Dairy may be unhealthy. Advocating dairy consumption may have negative effects on health.
If all that isn't enough to swear you off milk, there are a few other scientific findings worth noting. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently asked the UDSA to look into the scientific basis of the claims made in the "milk mustache" ads. Their panel of scientists stated the truth clearly:
• Milk doesn't benefit sports performance.
• There's no evidence that dairy is good for your bones or prevents osteoporosis -- in fact, the animal protein it contains may help cause bone loss!
• Dairy is linked to prostate cancer.
• It's full of saturated fat and is linked to heart disease.
• Dairy causes digestive problems for the 75 percent of people with lactose intolerance.
• Dairy aggravates irritable bowel syndrome.
Simply put, the FTC asked the dairy industry, "Got Proof?" -- and the answer was NO!
Plus, dairy may contribute to even more health problems, like:
• Allergies (vi)
• Sinus problems
• Ear infections
• Type 1 diabetes (vii)
• Chronic constipation (viii)
• Anemia (in children)
Due to these concerns, many have begun to consider raw milk an alternative. But that isn't really a healthy form of dairy either ...
Yes, raw, whole, organic milk eliminates concerns like pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and the effects of homogenization and pasteurization -- but to me, these benefits don't outweigh dairy's potential risks.
From an evolutionary point of view, milk is a strange food for humans. Until 10,000 years ago we didn't domesticate animals and weren't able to drink milk (unless some brave hunter-gather milked a wild tiger or buffalo!).
If you don't believe that, consider this: The majority of humans naturally stop producing significant amounts of lactase - the enzyme needed to properly metabolize lactose, the sugar in milk -- sometime between the ages of two and five. In fact, for most mammals, the normal condition is to stop producing the enzymes needed to properly digest and metabolize milk after they have been weaned.
Our bodies just weren't made to digest milk on a regular basis. Instead, most scientists agree that it's better for us to get calcium, potassium, protein, and fats from other food sources, like whole plant foods -- vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and seaweed.
So here is my advice for dealing with dairy.
6 Tips for Dealing with Dairy
• Take your Cow for a Walk. It will do you much more good than drinking milk.
• Don't rely on dairy for healthy bones. If you want healthy bones, get plenty of exercise and supplement with 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily.
• Get your calcium from food. These include dark green leafy vegetables, sesame tahini, sea vegetables, and sardines or salmon with the bones.
• Try giving up all dairy. That means eliminate milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream for two weeks and see if you feel better. You should notice improvements with your sinuses, post-nasal drip, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, energy, and weight. Then start eating dairy again and see how you feel. If you feel worse, you should try to give it up for life.
• If you can tolerate dairy, use only raw, organic dairy products. I suggest focusing on fermented products like unsweetened yogurt and kefir, occasionally.
• If you have to feed your child formula from milk, don't worry. The milk in infant formula is hydrolyzed or broken down and easier to digest (although it can still cause allergies). Once your child is a year old, switch him or her to real food and almond milk.
Still got milk? I hope not! Remember, dairy is not crucial for good health. I encourage you to go dairy-free and see what it does for you.
Now I'd like to hear from you ...
Do you agree or disagree that dairy is bad for you?
Have you experienced any problems consuming dairy?
What changes -- for better or worse -- have you experienced if you've tried eliminating dairy?
Please let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below...
To your good health,
Mark Hyman, MD
References
(i) Feskanich D, Willett WC, Stampfer MJ, Colditz GA. Milk, dietary calcium, and bone fractures in women: a 12-year prospective study. Am J Public Health. 1997 Jun;87(6):992-7.
(ii) Feskanich D, Willett WC, Colditz GA. Calcium, vitamin D, milk consumption, and hip fractures: a prospective study among postmenopausal women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Feb;77(2):504-11.
(iii) Tseng M, Breslow RA, Graubard BI, Ziegler RG. Dairy, calcium, and vitamin D intakes and prostate cancer risk in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Epidemiologic Follow-up Study cohort. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 May;81(5):1147-54.
(iv) Huncharek M, Muscat J, Kupelnick B. Colorectal cancer risk and dietary intake of calcium, vitamin D, and dairy products: a meta-analysis of 26,335 cases from 60 observational studies. Nutr Cancer. 2009;61(1):47-69.
(v) Brannon PM, Carpenter TO, Fernandez JR, Gilsanz V, Gould JB, Hall KE, Hui SL, Lupton JR, Mennella J, Miller NJ, Osganian SK, Sellmeyer DE, Suchy FJ, Wolf MA. NIH Consensus Development Conference Statement: Lactose Intolerance and Health. NIH Consens State Sci Statements. 2010 Feb 24;27(2).
(vi) Bartley J, McGlashan SR. Does milk increase mucus production? Med Hypotheses. 2010 Apr;74(4):732-4.
(vii) Luopajärvi K, Savilahti E, Virtanen SM, Ilonen J, Knip M, Akerblom HK, Vaarala O. Enhanced levels of cow's milk antibodies in infancy in children who develop type 1 diabetes later in childhood. Pediatr Diabetes. 2008 Oct;9(5):434-41.
(viii) El-Hodhod MA, Younis NT, Zaitoun YA, Daoud SD. Cow's milk allergy related pediatric constipation: Appropriate time of milk tolerance. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2009 Jun 25.
Mark Hyman, M.D. practicing physician and founder of The UltraWellness Center is a pioneer in functional medicine. Dr. Hyman is now sharing the 7 ways to tap into your body's natural ability to heal itself. You can follow him on Twitter, connect with him on LinkedIn, watch his videos on Youtube and become a fan on Facebook.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/dairy-free-dairy-6-reason_b_558876.html
These days, it seems like almost everybody does. Celebrities, athletes, and even former president Clinton's head of Health and Human Services, Donna Shalala, are all proud to wear the white "milk mustache." After all, everyone knows that you need milk to be healthy ...
Dairy is nature's perfect food -- but only if you're a calf.
If that sounds shocking to you, it's because very few people are willing to tell the truth about dairy. In fact, criticizing milk in America is like taking on motherhood, apple pie, or baseball. But that's just what I'm about to do.
Based on the research and my experience practicing medicine, I typically advise most of my patients to avoid dairy products completely. I like ice cream just as much as the next person, but as a scientist I have to look honestly at what we know. In today's blog I will explore many of the documented ill-effects of dairy, and give you six reasons you should avoid dairy at all costs.
The Reason I Have Problems with the USDA Food Pyramid
I'm aware that my advice to avoid dairy flies in the face of the new, "up-to-date" food pyramid from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA's pyramid recommends drinking 3 glasses of milk a day. What's wrong with that? Well, for one thing, it's not a recommendation that's based on strict science.
Some of the "experts" who helped create the pyramid actually work for the dairy industry, which makes the US Department of agriculture's recommendations reflect industry interests, not science or our best interests.
In fact, Walter Willett, M.D., Ph.D -- the second-most-cited scientist in all of clinical medicine and the head of nutrition at Harvard's School of Public Health -- is one of the pyramid's most vocal critics. He's even called its guidelines "udderly ridiculous." That's not something a Harvard scientist says lightly.
But Dr. Willett is right. The pyramid just isn't based on key scientific findings about health. In a moment we will take a look at some of the pyramid's recommendations and why I disagree with them.
But before I dissect why the current food pyramid is harmful to your health, I want to offer a bit of hope. I recently attended a medical conference put on by Harvard Medical School and the Culinary Institute of America called Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Lives and met Eric Rimm, who works closely with Walter Willett at Harvard School of Public Health and is a member of the 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans Committee.
I asked him if he felt that science not industry would be shaping the new guidelines and he said there was only now one industry scientist on the new panel and he was objective and agreeable to make changes when presented the data. I am anxious to see how the science matches policy but feel a ray of hope that for the first time in the history of our dietary guidelines we will see science predominate, not industry interests and that the language will be direct, clear and simple to understand for all Americans. The guidelines from the early 1990's promoting the consumption of 6-11 servings of bread and cereals daily led to the pasta, carb, sugar generation and led to the largest epidemic of obesity in the history of our species.
Let's hope the new guidelines for 2010 will guide us toward greater health, not an increasing burden of obesity, diabetes and chronic disease. The USDA food policy guidelines form the basis of the school lunch program and it has contributed to a tripling of obesity in children. Let's hope we can serve up a different lunch menu for our children and our nation.
The simple idea that science should become policy is unfortunately one that has found little traction in Washington. But that seems to be shifting a little now.
Now back to why the last government guidelines from 2005 are harmful to your health!
1. Consume a variety of foods within and among the basic food groups while staying within your body's energy needs.
Sounds sensible -- but which food groups? If you choose dairy, meat, fats, and carbohydrates, the "perfect" meal could be a cheeseburger, milkshake, and fries with ketchup (potatoes and tomatoes are the two top vegetables consumed in America). Generic advice like that is pretty meaningless and potentially harmful.
2. Control your caloric intake to manage body weight.
Again, that sounds good, but as I wrote in my book UltraMetabolism, even the best-trained nutritionists and dietitians can't come close to correctly estimating their own caloric intake in a day. Also consider this: Is it okay to consume all of your calories from cola or ice cream as long as you stay within my caloric needs? Of course not. So this is more useless advice.
3. Increase intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nonfat or low-fat milk products.
Well, fruits, veggies, and whole grains are great. Milk -- not so much. I'll get back to that in a minute.
4. Choose carbohydrates wisely.
Who could argue with that? But how do they define "wisely"? The real advice here should be to cut down sugar intake from 185 pounds per person per year (what we currently consume) to less than a pound, avoid flour products (except as a treat), and stick to whole-food carbohydrates like vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds.
5. Choose to prepare food with little salt.
That's not bad advice. But it doesn't make sense if most of what you eat is packaged or processed foods that you don't actually prepare. For most Americans who eat half of their meals outside their homes, this isn't helpful. A better recommendation would be to avoid packaged, processed, canned, prepared, and fast foods (unless you know exactly how they are made).
6. If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation.
Sounds good -- but if you're usually drinking two bottles of wine a night, then one seems like moderation! I think a better suggestion is to limit your alcohol consumption to half a drink a day or 3 glasses a week (the amount that seems to have the most health benefit).
7. Don't eat unsafe foods.
Of course you shouldn't leave your egg salad out in the hot sun or toss your salad with hands that just handled raw chicken coated with salmonella. But the food pyramid guidelines don't mention pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, or genetically modified foods, despite scientific evidence of their harm. Shame on the USDA!
You can see now why I have big problems with the food pyramid! Its guidelines try to sound sensible -- while still protecting the interests of the food industry, the agriculture industry, and all of the lobbyists paying for the elections of the Congress. That way everybody's happy ...
But I'm not, and you shouldn't be either. The public just isn't served by this watered down, confusing, and useless pyramid. The next guidelines, I hope will be better, especially with independent scientists like Eric Rimm involved. Worse, some of the recommendations are downright harmful --like the one to drink more milk and dairy products.
The Truth about Dairy
According to Dr. Willett, who has done many studies and reviewed the research on this topic, there are many reasons to pass up milk, including:
1. Milk doesn't reduce fractures.(i) Contrary to popular belief, eating dairy products has never been shown to reduce fracture risk. In fact, according to the Nurses' Health Study dairy may increase risk of fractures by 50 percent!
2. Less dairy, better bones. Countries with lowest rates of dairy and calcium consumption (like those in Africa and Asia) have the lowest rates of osteoporosis.
3. Calcium isn't as bone-protective as we thought.(ii) Studies of calcium supplementation have shown no benefit in reducing fracture risk. Vitamin D appears to be much more important than calcium in preventing fractures.
4. Calcium may raise cancer risk. Research shows that higher intakes of both calcium and dairy products may increase a man's risk of prostate cancer by 30 to 50 percent.(iii) Plus, dairy consumption increases the body's level of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) -- a known cancer promoter.
5. Calcium has benefits that dairy doesn't. Calcium supplements, but not dairy products, may reduce the risk of colon cancer.(iv)
6. Not everyone can stomach dairy.(v) About 75 percent of the world's population is genetically unable to properly digest milk and other dairy products -- a problem called lactose intolerance.
Based on such findings, Dr. Willet has come to some important conclusions:
• Everybody needs calcium -- but probably not as much as our government's recommended daily allowance (RDA) and calcium from diet, including greens and beans is better utilized by the body with less risk than calcium supplements.
• Calcium probably doesn't prevent broken bones. Few people in this country are likely to reduce their fracture risk by getting more calcium.
• Men may not want to take calcium supplements. Supplements of calcium and vitamin D may be reasonable for women.
• Dairy may be unhealthy. Advocating dairy consumption may have negative effects on health.
If all that isn't enough to swear you off milk, there are a few other scientific findings worth noting. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently asked the UDSA to look into the scientific basis of the claims made in the "milk mustache" ads. Their panel of scientists stated the truth clearly:
• Milk doesn't benefit sports performance.
• There's no evidence that dairy is good for your bones or prevents osteoporosis -- in fact, the animal protein it contains may help cause bone loss!
• Dairy is linked to prostate cancer.
• It's full of saturated fat and is linked to heart disease.
• Dairy causes digestive problems for the 75 percent of people with lactose intolerance.
• Dairy aggravates irritable bowel syndrome.
Simply put, the FTC asked the dairy industry, "Got Proof?" -- and the answer was NO!
Plus, dairy may contribute to even more health problems, like:
• Allergies (vi)
• Sinus problems
• Ear infections
• Type 1 diabetes (vii)
• Chronic constipation (viii)
• Anemia (in children)
Due to these concerns, many have begun to consider raw milk an alternative. But that isn't really a healthy form of dairy either ...
Yes, raw, whole, organic milk eliminates concerns like pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and the effects of homogenization and pasteurization -- but to me, these benefits don't outweigh dairy's potential risks.
From an evolutionary point of view, milk is a strange food for humans. Until 10,000 years ago we didn't domesticate animals and weren't able to drink milk (unless some brave hunter-gather milked a wild tiger or buffalo!).
If you don't believe that, consider this: The majority of humans naturally stop producing significant amounts of lactase - the enzyme needed to properly metabolize lactose, the sugar in milk -- sometime between the ages of two and five. In fact, for most mammals, the normal condition is to stop producing the enzymes needed to properly digest and metabolize milk after they have been weaned.
Our bodies just weren't made to digest milk on a regular basis. Instead, most scientists agree that it's better for us to get calcium, potassium, protein, and fats from other food sources, like whole plant foods -- vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and seaweed.
So here is my advice for dealing with dairy.
6 Tips for Dealing with Dairy
• Take your Cow for a Walk. It will do you much more good than drinking milk.
• Don't rely on dairy for healthy bones. If you want healthy bones, get plenty of exercise and supplement with 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily.
• Get your calcium from food. These include dark green leafy vegetables, sesame tahini, sea vegetables, and sardines or salmon with the bones.
• Try giving up all dairy. That means eliminate milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream for two weeks and see if you feel better. You should notice improvements with your sinuses, post-nasal drip, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, energy, and weight. Then start eating dairy again and see how you feel. If you feel worse, you should try to give it up for life.
• If you can tolerate dairy, use only raw, organic dairy products. I suggest focusing on fermented products like unsweetened yogurt and kefir, occasionally.
• If you have to feed your child formula from milk, don't worry. The milk in infant formula is hydrolyzed or broken down and easier to digest (although it can still cause allergies). Once your child is a year old, switch him or her to real food and almond milk.
Still got milk? I hope not! Remember, dairy is not crucial for good health. I encourage you to go dairy-free and see what it does for you.
Now I'd like to hear from you ...
Do you agree or disagree that dairy is bad for you?
Have you experienced any problems consuming dairy?
What changes -- for better or worse -- have you experienced if you've tried eliminating dairy?
Please let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below...
To your good health,
Mark Hyman, MD
References
(i) Feskanich D, Willett WC, Stampfer MJ, Colditz GA. Milk, dietary calcium, and bone fractures in women: a 12-year prospective study. Am J Public Health. 1997 Jun;87(6):992-7.
(ii) Feskanich D, Willett WC, Colditz GA. Calcium, vitamin D, milk consumption, and hip fractures: a prospective study among postmenopausal women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Feb;77(2):504-11.
(iii) Tseng M, Breslow RA, Graubard BI, Ziegler RG. Dairy, calcium, and vitamin D intakes and prostate cancer risk in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Epidemiologic Follow-up Study cohort. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 May;81(5):1147-54.
(iv) Huncharek M, Muscat J, Kupelnick B. Colorectal cancer risk and dietary intake of calcium, vitamin D, and dairy products: a meta-analysis of 26,335 cases from 60 observational studies. Nutr Cancer. 2009;61(1):47-69.
(v) Brannon PM, Carpenter TO, Fernandez JR, Gilsanz V, Gould JB, Hall KE, Hui SL, Lupton JR, Mennella J, Miller NJ, Osganian SK, Sellmeyer DE, Suchy FJ, Wolf MA. NIH Consensus Development Conference Statement: Lactose Intolerance and Health. NIH Consens State Sci Statements. 2010 Feb 24;27(2).
(vi) Bartley J, McGlashan SR. Does milk increase mucus production? Med Hypotheses. 2010 Apr;74(4):732-4.
(vii) Luopajärvi K, Savilahti E, Virtanen SM, Ilonen J, Knip M, Akerblom HK, Vaarala O. Enhanced levels of cow's milk antibodies in infancy in children who develop type 1 diabetes later in childhood. Pediatr Diabetes. 2008 Oct;9(5):434-41.
(viii) El-Hodhod MA, Younis NT, Zaitoun YA, Daoud SD. Cow's milk allergy related pediatric constipation: Appropriate time of milk tolerance. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2009 Jun 25.
Mark Hyman, M.D. practicing physician and founder of The UltraWellness Center is a pioneer in functional medicine. Dr. Hyman is now sharing the 7 ways to tap into your body's natural ability to heal itself. You can follow him on Twitter, connect with him on LinkedIn, watch his videos on Youtube and become a fan on Facebook.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/dairy-free-dairy-6-reason_b_558876.html
What is COLON HYDROTHERAPY?
What is COLON HYDROTHERAPY? (Colonics)
COLON HYDROTHERAPY is an internal bath used to wash away old toxic waste accumulated along the walls of the colon. Colon Hydrotherapy is a safe, and a gentle infusion of purified water into the colon. By introducing temperature regulated water into the colon, waste is softened and loosened, resulting in evacuation though muscular action of the large intestine. One colonic irrigation is the equivant of approximately four to six enemas. Colonics are recommend for ailments such as constipation, psoriasis, acne, allergies, and are used for general health balance.
There are many reasons why people receive Colon Hydrotherapy:
Relieves symptoms of intestinal distress; constipation (Caused by some prescription drugs),carbohydrate indigestion, diarrhea, gas, bloating,hemorrhoids, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diverticulitis, Colitis, parasites, skin conditions such as itching, Psoriasis, Shingles, and Eczema, inability to lose weight, and scar tissue and adhesions from surgery. Continuous headaches and migraines, back or shoulder pain, aching joints, gout.
Immune-compromised with Lupus, MS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Cancer, chronic fatigue, Epstein-Barr, candida, infections, colds or influenza.
For people who have undergone chemotherapy,Colon Hydrotherapy can assist in the removal of toxins after chemo or radiation.
Medical reasons: pre- and post-surgery or barium x-ray, stool samples, and geriatric.
Assist in a fast or a cleansing program, a raw food diet, a liver and /or gallbladder flush.
The “Slo-fill” method can assist in the reintegration of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the fight or flight response.
Why consider a Colonics?
The role of the colon is to hold digested food until it is time to eliminate (bowel movement). While this waste material is held the colon, if the body is dehydrated, waste may harden and lead to constipation; if elimination is slowed, a build-up of waste results, exposing your system to accumulated waste longer than optimal.
Lymph nodes near the colon drain and detoxify its waste and support the body’s overall detoxification and immune response. Waste accumulated in the colon, can overload the nearby lymph tissue, reduce immunity and lead to health conditions including diverticulitis and candidiasis, as well as loss of colon muscle tone and strength, chronic irritations and abnormal tissue growth.
Also, the colon-in association with the liver, kidneys, skin and lungs-is one of the main eliminatory channels for the entire body. If the colon is not eliminating properly, extra waste is accumulated, overloading the body’s other channels of elimination and triggering discomfort and disease. When receiving colonic therapy clean water facilitates the colon’s cleansing and peristalsis, leading to greater colon strength and health. Upon release, the water also removes waste that may be lodged in the colon.
More Reasons to Getting a Colonic
Cleanse the Colon Thoroughly: Assists in absorption, and elimination through breaking down the fecal debris. Rejuvanates the colon.
Exercise the Colon Muscles: The build up of toxins weakens the colon and impairs its functioning. Having Colonics provides the exercise to the colon while increasing the tone of the muscle.
Reshape the Colon: Problem conditions can lead to an altered shape of the colon. That in turn causes many more problems. The gentle action of the water, coupled with massage techniques of the colon hydrotherapist, enables the colon over time to get back to its natural state.
Hydration of the Whole Body: One of the three ingredients that the colon absorbs is water. The absorption of water increases the volume of blood in the body. Increased blood volume improves circulation, resulting in greater bathing of the cells. This dillutes the toxins in the body while flushing them out. Which relieves toxemia, increases kidney, bowel and skin elimination while assisting circulatory and cardiovascular efficiency.
Not everyone will be open to getting a colonic. For those people there are some great products to maintain colon health. Jim Foley’s Colon Pills and Colon Cleanse. 100% Herbal capsules garanteed to maintain a healthy colon. We also Surgest adding Living Streams Liquid Probiotic and Mullzyme Mucus Dissolver.
Living Streams Probiotic is all natural and made from naturally occurring lactic acid flora found in many foods such as vegetables, cheese, and other dairy products. Living Streams Probiotic contains the beneficial flora, along with a high concentration of various by-products of these friendly bacteria, such as “B” vitamins, enzymes, natural fighters against the bad bacterias (bactericins) and other yeast and fungal inhibitors and other substances necessary for homeostasis.
Jim Foley’s Colon Pills help digest mucus, but a mucus dissolver can expedite removal of this hardened mucus lining. Digesting the mucus that is lining the colon walls takes time. Avoid the most mucus-producing foods, milk products, especially ice cream and yogurt. Mucus that comes out looks like mucus. For maintenance, it is advisable and recommended to take 1 Mullzyme daily to help keep the colon walls free of mucus buildup. My best surce for colon health products: www.thebreathoflife.net
http://thebreathoflife.net/healthblog/what-is-colon-hydrotherapy-colonics/
COLON HYDROTHERAPY is an internal bath used to wash away old toxic waste accumulated along the walls of the colon. Colon Hydrotherapy is a safe, and a gentle infusion of purified water into the colon. By introducing temperature regulated water into the colon, waste is softened and loosened, resulting in evacuation though muscular action of the large intestine. One colonic irrigation is the equivant of approximately four to six enemas. Colonics are recommend for ailments such as constipation, psoriasis, acne, allergies, and are used for general health balance.
There are many reasons why people receive Colon Hydrotherapy:
Relieves symptoms of intestinal distress; constipation (Caused by some prescription drugs),carbohydrate indigestion, diarrhea, gas, bloating,hemorrhoids, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diverticulitis, Colitis, parasites, skin conditions such as itching, Psoriasis, Shingles, and Eczema, inability to lose weight, and scar tissue and adhesions from surgery. Continuous headaches and migraines, back or shoulder pain, aching joints, gout.
Immune-compromised with Lupus, MS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Cancer, chronic fatigue, Epstein-Barr, candida, infections, colds or influenza.
For people who have undergone chemotherapy,Colon Hydrotherapy can assist in the removal of toxins after chemo or radiation.
Medical reasons: pre- and post-surgery or barium x-ray, stool samples, and geriatric.
Assist in a fast or a cleansing program, a raw food diet, a liver and /or gallbladder flush.
The “Slo-fill” method can assist in the reintegration of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the fight or flight response.
Why consider a Colonics?
The role of the colon is to hold digested food until it is time to eliminate (bowel movement). While this waste material is held the colon, if the body is dehydrated, waste may harden and lead to constipation; if elimination is slowed, a build-up of waste results, exposing your system to accumulated waste longer than optimal.
Lymph nodes near the colon drain and detoxify its waste and support the body’s overall detoxification and immune response. Waste accumulated in the colon, can overload the nearby lymph tissue, reduce immunity and lead to health conditions including diverticulitis and candidiasis, as well as loss of colon muscle tone and strength, chronic irritations and abnormal tissue growth.
Also, the colon-in association with the liver, kidneys, skin and lungs-is one of the main eliminatory channels for the entire body. If the colon is not eliminating properly, extra waste is accumulated, overloading the body’s other channels of elimination and triggering discomfort and disease. When receiving colonic therapy clean water facilitates the colon’s cleansing and peristalsis, leading to greater colon strength and health. Upon release, the water also removes waste that may be lodged in the colon.
More Reasons to Getting a Colonic
Cleanse the Colon Thoroughly: Assists in absorption, and elimination through breaking down the fecal debris. Rejuvanates the colon.
Exercise the Colon Muscles: The build up of toxins weakens the colon and impairs its functioning. Having Colonics provides the exercise to the colon while increasing the tone of the muscle.
Reshape the Colon: Problem conditions can lead to an altered shape of the colon. That in turn causes many more problems. The gentle action of the water, coupled with massage techniques of the colon hydrotherapist, enables the colon over time to get back to its natural state.
Hydration of the Whole Body: One of the three ingredients that the colon absorbs is water. The absorption of water increases the volume of blood in the body. Increased blood volume improves circulation, resulting in greater bathing of the cells. This dillutes the toxins in the body while flushing them out. Which relieves toxemia, increases kidney, bowel and skin elimination while assisting circulatory and cardiovascular efficiency.
Not everyone will be open to getting a colonic. For those people there are some great products to maintain colon health. Jim Foley’s Colon Pills and Colon Cleanse. 100% Herbal capsules garanteed to maintain a healthy colon. We also Surgest adding Living Streams Liquid Probiotic and Mullzyme Mucus Dissolver.
Living Streams Probiotic is all natural and made from naturally occurring lactic acid flora found in many foods such as vegetables, cheese, and other dairy products. Living Streams Probiotic contains the beneficial flora, along with a high concentration of various by-products of these friendly bacteria, such as “B” vitamins, enzymes, natural fighters against the bad bacterias (bactericins) and other yeast and fungal inhibitors and other substances necessary for homeostasis.
Jim Foley’s Colon Pills help digest mucus, but a mucus dissolver can expedite removal of this hardened mucus lining. Digesting the mucus that is lining the colon walls takes time. Avoid the most mucus-producing foods, milk products, especially ice cream and yogurt. Mucus that comes out looks like mucus. For maintenance, it is advisable and recommended to take 1 Mullzyme daily to help keep the colon walls free of mucus buildup. My best surce for colon health products: www.thebreathoflife.net
http://thebreathoflife.net/healthblog/what-is-colon-hydrotherapy-colonics/
How to Get Rid of a Pot Belly, and Prevent Disease
Miraculously Eliminate Health Problems and Feel Great!
THE CAUSE — A TOXIC, POLLUTED, DISTORTED COLON
The #1 health problem in America that doctors don’t tell you about, yet can easily be corrected resulting in miraculous healing and a flat stomach!
WE ALL NEED INTERNAL CLEANSING
A simple thing like cleansing and detoxifying the colon can produce miraculous benefits, eliminate so many health disorders, restore normal bowel movements, lose weight and shrink or eliminate a pot belly, producing a flat stomach!
A clean, unabused, nontoxic colon is essential towards a health life. Bowel movements, 2 to 3 a day are essential, yet so many barely go for days. A polluted colon practically invites cancer — in cancer, the colon is like a rotting sewer line.
Colon cleansing was an accepted medical practice 70 years ago, known to produce good health yet has been completely abandoned (no money in it) and replaced by drugs/surgery. Some therapists still effect true healing with colon detoxification.
THE MOST ABUSED ORGAN
In the 20th century we have introduced an avalanche of chemicals, pollutants and toxins into our food and body products that have disturbed the natural working order of the body and impaired functioning of vital organs!
We are born with a clean, unabused, uniform colon. But commercial processed food with foreign substances unnatural to the body cause abnormalities that result in a colon becoming abused, obstructed and distorted.
THE CAUSE OF A POT BELLY — A POLLUTED, SAGGING COLON
Americans are plagued with pot bellies because the transverse colon that supports the stomach is sagging. The colon walls can be lined with layers of fecal matter imbedded in toxic mucus often the consistency of hard rubber. Blockage can be so severe, feces can barely pass through. Documented cases show this accumulated trash weighing up to 40 lbs.!
There is a direct correlation between the condition of the intestinal tract and functioning of the body. When the bowel fails to release all its waste toxemia occurs. A toxic liquid enters the bloodstream, organs, tissue, arteries, veins, lymph and cells. This autointoxication is at the root of so many diseases, illnesses and afflictions. Colon blockage also prevents nutrient absorption; vitamins and minerals barely get through no matter how much one takes.
The need to detoxify and cleanse the colon has never been greater. So many are toxic-ridden and suffer from a host of problems of epic proportions.
THE MOST POWERFUL THING ONE MUST DO IS DETOXIFY AND CLEANSE THE COLON
By eliminating encrusted fecal matter accumulated over years and stripping the mucus that is lining the colon, you remove a major contributor to disease. Fecal matter retention causes the lymphatic system to become congested. A toxic lymph is usually present during acute illness preventing white blood cells from fighting disease. The dominant symptom in many illnesses indicates an origin in the colon.
Parasites, worms and bad bacteria remain in the colon; they thrive on pollution, filth, stagnant putrefactive matter.
The body can be like a walking garbage can carrying rotting matter in the colon for 5 years or more. But the bowel can again funtion efficiently for waste elimination and nutrient absorption, essential for good health and healing and allow friendly bacteria to return, safe from putrification. The solution is simple!
Thoroughly cleanse the colon to remove all toxic debris and stop eating junk and processed foods with unnatural substances. The body will respond with amazing reversal to restore balance, peace, harmony and a state of excellent health.
AMAZINGLY MANY LOSE 5 TO 25 LBS. AND POT BELLY SHRINKS
The saying “death begins in the colon” is true, then life begins again after colon cleansing. It’s actually frightening to see the poisons, junk, foreign substances and decaying fecal matter that the body has been holding onto for so many years.
http://thebreathoflife.net/healthblog/how-to-get-rid-of-a-pot-belly-prevent-disease/
THE CAUSE — A TOXIC, POLLUTED, DISTORTED COLON
The #1 health problem in America that doctors don’t tell you about, yet can easily be corrected resulting in miraculous healing and a flat stomach!
WE ALL NEED INTERNAL CLEANSING
A simple thing like cleansing and detoxifying the colon can produce miraculous benefits, eliminate so many health disorders, restore normal bowel movements, lose weight and shrink or eliminate a pot belly, producing a flat stomach!
A clean, unabused, nontoxic colon is essential towards a health life. Bowel movements, 2 to 3 a day are essential, yet so many barely go for days. A polluted colon practically invites cancer — in cancer, the colon is like a rotting sewer line.
Colon cleansing was an accepted medical practice 70 years ago, known to produce good health yet has been completely abandoned (no money in it) and replaced by drugs/surgery. Some therapists still effect true healing with colon detoxification.
THE MOST ABUSED ORGAN
In the 20th century we have introduced an avalanche of chemicals, pollutants and toxins into our food and body products that have disturbed the natural working order of the body and impaired functioning of vital organs!
We are born with a clean, unabused, uniform colon. But commercial processed food with foreign substances unnatural to the body cause abnormalities that result in a colon becoming abused, obstructed and distorted.
THE CAUSE OF A POT BELLY — A POLLUTED, SAGGING COLON
Americans are plagued with pot bellies because the transverse colon that supports the stomach is sagging. The colon walls can be lined with layers of fecal matter imbedded in toxic mucus often the consistency of hard rubber. Blockage can be so severe, feces can barely pass through. Documented cases show this accumulated trash weighing up to 40 lbs.!
There is a direct correlation between the condition of the intestinal tract and functioning of the body. When the bowel fails to release all its waste toxemia occurs. A toxic liquid enters the bloodstream, organs, tissue, arteries, veins, lymph and cells. This autointoxication is at the root of so many diseases, illnesses and afflictions. Colon blockage also prevents nutrient absorption; vitamins and minerals barely get through no matter how much one takes.
The need to detoxify and cleanse the colon has never been greater. So many are toxic-ridden and suffer from a host of problems of epic proportions.
THE MOST POWERFUL THING ONE MUST DO IS DETOXIFY AND CLEANSE THE COLON
By eliminating encrusted fecal matter accumulated over years and stripping the mucus that is lining the colon, you remove a major contributor to disease. Fecal matter retention causes the lymphatic system to become congested. A toxic lymph is usually present during acute illness preventing white blood cells from fighting disease. The dominant symptom in many illnesses indicates an origin in the colon.
Parasites, worms and bad bacteria remain in the colon; they thrive on pollution, filth, stagnant putrefactive matter.
The body can be like a walking garbage can carrying rotting matter in the colon for 5 years or more. But the bowel can again funtion efficiently for waste elimination and nutrient absorption, essential for good health and healing and allow friendly bacteria to return, safe from putrification. The solution is simple!
Thoroughly cleanse the colon to remove all toxic debris and stop eating junk and processed foods with unnatural substances. The body will respond with amazing reversal to restore balance, peace, harmony and a state of excellent health.
AMAZINGLY MANY LOSE 5 TO 25 LBS. AND POT BELLY SHRINKS
The saying “death begins in the colon” is true, then life begins again after colon cleansing. It’s actually frightening to see the poisons, junk, foreign substances and decaying fecal matter that the body has been holding onto for so many years.
http://thebreathoflife.net/healthblog/how-to-get-rid-of-a-pot-belly-prevent-disease/
Nutritional and Best Foods Selection for a Proper Diet
Nutritional and Best Foods Selection for a Proper Diet
There are different food types that we can add to our diet, their effects and how do they function :
1. Wholegrain Foods :
Whole grain is a great brain stimulator because it contains high percentage of folate. Make sure you’re eating a diet rich in whole grain breads, cereals, barley, popcorn, etc., because they can boost your blood flow to the brain. Every organ in the body is dependent on blood flow especially the brain.
Wholegrain breads and cereals are rich in Vitamin B6, an important brain vitamin. Wheat germ additionally contains memory-improving thiamine.
2a. Nuts :
Everything from the most common nuts — such as walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews and almonds — to the more exotic seeds and nuts can clear up that “brain fog” and enable you to think clearer and are positive mood enhancers.
Walnuts are made up of 15 to 20 percent protein and contain linoleic (omega-6 fatty acids) and alpha-linoleic acids (omega-3 fatty acids), vitamin E and vitamin B6, making them an excellent source of nourishment for your nervous system.
Walnuts may also help correct the human brain’s seratonin levels. Seratonin is an important brain chemical that controls both our moods and appetite. Walnuts may be able to relieve disorders like insomnia, depression, overeating and other compulsive behavior
2b. Cashews
Each nut can enhance your mental health in its own way. Cashews are high in magnesium, known to open up the blood vessels in your body. More oxygen-rich blood = better brain function.
2c. Almonds
Phenylalanine, found in almonds, can do wonders for your mental and neurological health. Phenylalanine has the rare ability to cross the blood-brain barrier where it stimulates the brain to generate natural mood-boosting neurotransmitters called dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline. Additionally, almonds are high in riboflavin which is known to boost memory.
2d. Pecans
Pecans and peanuts provide choline, another important nutrient for optimal brain function. Choline aids in both memory and brain development.
3. Blueberries
Eating blueberries and a diet rich in deep pigment from fruits and vegetables helps preserve the brain machinery and boost the potency of neuron signals. Blueberries literally strengthen the brain. They have compounds that turn on key systems in the brain enable other proteins to help with memory or other cognitive skills.
In one recent study, subjects who ate one cup of blueberries a day for two weeks showed an increased birth rate of brain cells in the hippocampus (region responsible for memory), and scored significantly higher in classroom tests than those subjects who did not.
Blueberries are also known to protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. In addition, blueberries also contain ellagic acid, another phytochemical that has been shown to prevent cell damage.
4. Strawberries
Antioxidant-rich strawberries can prevent age-related neurological declines by improving brain cell abilities to send and receive the ’signaling’ molecules. The brain uses these signaling molecules to communicate.
Remarkably, these same studies showed that the powerful antioxidants in strawberries, spinach and blueberries can improve the ability to communicate even among brain cells already showing signs of age-related damage.
5. Blackberries
Blackberries contain an amazing class of nutrients called anthocyanins. Our brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage but anthocyanins help protect our brain from oxidation stress, which in turn fights degenerative brain diseases.
6. Sunflower Seeds
Like nuts, many seeds and nuts can boost your mood and brainpower. Sunflower seeds contain tryptophan, an important amino acid that the brain converts to seratonin, which is a natural way to relieve mild depression and insomnia. Additionally, sunflower seeds are high in thiamine, an important B vitamin, which increases memory and cognitive function.
8. Pumpkin Seeds
Amazingly, the most powerful part of the pumpkin lies in its least used part. The seeds of the pumpkin are a power food, rich in many nutrients including: Zinc, Vitamin A and E, and the precious Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. The Zinc found in pumpkin seeds plays a vital role in enhancing memory and thinking skills.
9. Green Tea
Green tea is a wonderful beverage, and when freshly brewed, it enhances memory and focus and fights mental fatigue. Green tea contains catechines, which help you relax mentally, yet also keeps your wits sharpened. Green teas are the freshest and least processed because they are not at all fermented. Steep tea for about 3 minutes; this time allotment enables the health promoting compounds to be released; steeping for much longer turns the tea bitter and releases too much tannin, which can irritate the digestive tract, cause constipation, and decrease iron absorption.
A few cups of tea a day may help keep the heart doctor and dentist away, as well as cancer and Alzheimer's disease at bay. Green Tea also helps maintain positive mood states and fights against many brain disorders. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants found in green tea that can boost the availability of the important signaling brain substance dopamine in brain circuits. Dopamine is vital in creating positive mood states. Polyphenols also help the brain and body run smoothly by maintaining a steady supply of our body’s primary fuel: glucose. These powerful polyphenols also help prevent cancer and heart attacks. Bottled teas, iced tea, and teas made from mixes are also all rich in polyphenols. However, keep iced tea fresh, the polyphenol content starts to deteriorate after a few days. Make sure to finish it within a few days before the antioxidant content starts to decline.
Black tea is simply green tea that has been fermented for around 6 hours. Fermentation turns the green leaves black and alters the polyphenol content, though it is still very high in antioxidants.
Note: If you are worried about the caffeine content of tea, opt for the decaffeinated varieties.
10. Eggs
Eggs indeed offer a very impressive nutritional profile for their 70 calories. They are a precious source of high-quality proteins and rich in vitamins and minerals. But there’s more.
Nutrient called choline, found in eggs, can help boost the memory center in the brain. Researchers have found choline to increase the size of neurons, which helps them fire electrical signals more strongly and rebound faster between firings.
Two antioxidants found in egg yolk called lutein and zeaxanthin help prevent the risk of age-related cataracts and macular degeneration, two of the most prevalent age-related eye conditions.
Remember Egg is not holistic and for many people its a strict No-No and neither is Egg a Vegetarian so many people would like to keep it out of their daily diet routines.
11. Avocados
For brain health, avocados are nearly as good as blueberries. Avocados contain mono-unsaturated fats, which contribute to healthy blood flow, the main requirement for a healthy brain.
12. Tomatoes
Lycopene, an amazing antioxidant found in tomatoes, could help protect against free-radical damage to cells, which is believed to be a primary factor in cases of Dementia, and particularly, Alzheimer’s disease.
13. Broccoli
Broccoli is labeled as superfood due to its high overall nutrient content. It is a great source of vitamin K, which enhances cognitive function and improves brainpower.
14. Red Cabbage
Red cabbage is full of an antioxidant called polyphenol. Polyphenols reduce brain cell damage and is especially helpful in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimers’ disease.
15. Eggplant
Eggplant skin contains a nutrient called nasunin which keeps our brain sharp by enhancing communication between our brain cells and messenger molecules. Remembering to use the skin pays tremendous benefits in vastly improved focus.
16. Spinach
Spinach slows down the effects of age-related declines in brain function and helps protect the brain from oxidative stress. Researchers suggest that a diet rich in spinach can significantly improve learning capacity and motor skills.
17. Yogurt
Calcium rich foods such as yogurt, milk and cheese improve nerve function. Yogurt contains an amino acid called tyrosine which is responsible for producing the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenalin. In short, yogurt helps improve alertness and memory.
18. Chocolate!!!
What better to end with? It’s hard to believe that anything as incredibly delicious as chocolate can actually be incredibly good for you as well. Dark chocolate has powerful antioxidant properties and contains several natural stimulants which increase the production of endorphins while enhancing focus and concentration. The stimulants found in dark chocolate also improve mood. It has high content of flavanols that facilitate blood supply to the brain and enhance cognitive skills.
Milk chocolate jump starts impulse control and reaction time. It has also been known to improve visual and verbal memory.
REMEMBER: This is, unfortunately, one superfood that you have to indulge in in moderation.
Conclusion: Our brain is the greediest organ in the body, but its proper nourishment is vital to creative thought, positive mood, memory, and good overall health. It’s no surprise that what you eat affects how you think, feel, remember, and potentially even increase intelligence.
There are different food types that we can add to our diet, their effects and how do they function :
1. Wholegrain Foods :
Whole grain is a great brain stimulator because it contains high percentage of folate. Make sure you’re eating a diet rich in whole grain breads, cereals, barley, popcorn, etc., because they can boost your blood flow to the brain. Every organ in the body is dependent on blood flow especially the brain.
Wholegrain breads and cereals are rich in Vitamin B6, an important brain vitamin. Wheat germ additionally contains memory-improving thiamine.
2a. Nuts :
Everything from the most common nuts — such as walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews and almonds — to the more exotic seeds and nuts can clear up that “brain fog” and enable you to think clearer and are positive mood enhancers.
Walnuts are made up of 15 to 20 percent protein and contain linoleic (omega-6 fatty acids) and alpha-linoleic acids (omega-3 fatty acids), vitamin E and vitamin B6, making them an excellent source of nourishment for your nervous system.
Walnuts may also help correct the human brain’s seratonin levels. Seratonin is an important brain chemical that controls both our moods and appetite. Walnuts may be able to relieve disorders like insomnia, depression, overeating and other compulsive behavior
2b. Cashews
Each nut can enhance your mental health in its own way. Cashews are high in magnesium, known to open up the blood vessels in your body. More oxygen-rich blood = better brain function.
2c. Almonds
Phenylalanine, found in almonds, can do wonders for your mental and neurological health. Phenylalanine has the rare ability to cross the blood-brain barrier where it stimulates the brain to generate natural mood-boosting neurotransmitters called dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline. Additionally, almonds are high in riboflavin which is known to boost memory.
2d. Pecans
Pecans and peanuts provide choline, another important nutrient for optimal brain function. Choline aids in both memory and brain development.
3. Blueberries
Eating blueberries and a diet rich in deep pigment from fruits and vegetables helps preserve the brain machinery and boost the potency of neuron signals. Blueberries literally strengthen the brain. They have compounds that turn on key systems in the brain enable other proteins to help with memory or other cognitive skills.
In one recent study, subjects who ate one cup of blueberries a day for two weeks showed an increased birth rate of brain cells in the hippocampus (region responsible for memory), and scored significantly higher in classroom tests than those subjects who did not.
Blueberries are also known to protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. In addition, blueberries also contain ellagic acid, another phytochemical that has been shown to prevent cell damage.
4. Strawberries
Antioxidant-rich strawberries can prevent age-related neurological declines by improving brain cell abilities to send and receive the ’signaling’ molecules. The brain uses these signaling molecules to communicate.
Remarkably, these same studies showed that the powerful antioxidants in strawberries, spinach and blueberries can improve the ability to communicate even among brain cells already showing signs of age-related damage.
5. Blackberries
Blackberries contain an amazing class of nutrients called anthocyanins. Our brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage but anthocyanins help protect our brain from oxidation stress, which in turn fights degenerative brain diseases.
6. Sunflower Seeds
Like nuts, many seeds and nuts can boost your mood and brainpower. Sunflower seeds contain tryptophan, an important amino acid that the brain converts to seratonin, which is a natural way to relieve mild depression and insomnia. Additionally, sunflower seeds are high in thiamine, an important B vitamin, which increases memory and cognitive function.
8. Pumpkin Seeds
Amazingly, the most powerful part of the pumpkin lies in its least used part. The seeds of the pumpkin are a power food, rich in many nutrients including: Zinc, Vitamin A and E, and the precious Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. The Zinc found in pumpkin seeds plays a vital role in enhancing memory and thinking skills.
9. Green Tea
Green tea is a wonderful beverage, and when freshly brewed, it enhances memory and focus and fights mental fatigue. Green tea contains catechines, which help you relax mentally, yet also keeps your wits sharpened. Green teas are the freshest and least processed because they are not at all fermented. Steep tea for about 3 minutes; this time allotment enables the health promoting compounds to be released; steeping for much longer turns the tea bitter and releases too much tannin, which can irritate the digestive tract, cause constipation, and decrease iron absorption.
A few cups of tea a day may help keep the heart doctor and dentist away, as well as cancer and Alzheimer's disease at bay. Green Tea also helps maintain positive mood states and fights against many brain disorders. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants found in green tea that can boost the availability of the important signaling brain substance dopamine in brain circuits. Dopamine is vital in creating positive mood states. Polyphenols also help the brain and body run smoothly by maintaining a steady supply of our body’s primary fuel: glucose. These powerful polyphenols also help prevent cancer and heart attacks. Bottled teas, iced tea, and teas made from mixes are also all rich in polyphenols. However, keep iced tea fresh, the polyphenol content starts to deteriorate after a few days. Make sure to finish it within a few days before the antioxidant content starts to decline.
Black tea is simply green tea that has been fermented for around 6 hours. Fermentation turns the green leaves black and alters the polyphenol content, though it is still very high in antioxidants.
Note: If you are worried about the caffeine content of tea, opt for the decaffeinated varieties.
10. Eggs
Eggs indeed offer a very impressive nutritional profile for their 70 calories. They are a precious source of high-quality proteins and rich in vitamins and minerals. But there’s more.
Nutrient called choline, found in eggs, can help boost the memory center in the brain. Researchers have found choline to increase the size of neurons, which helps them fire electrical signals more strongly and rebound faster between firings.
Two antioxidants found in egg yolk called lutein and zeaxanthin help prevent the risk of age-related cataracts and macular degeneration, two of the most prevalent age-related eye conditions.
Remember Egg is not holistic and for many people its a strict No-No and neither is Egg a Vegetarian so many people would like to keep it out of their daily diet routines.
11. Avocados
For brain health, avocados are nearly as good as blueberries. Avocados contain mono-unsaturated fats, which contribute to healthy blood flow, the main requirement for a healthy brain.
12. Tomatoes
Lycopene, an amazing antioxidant found in tomatoes, could help protect against free-radical damage to cells, which is believed to be a primary factor in cases of Dementia, and particularly, Alzheimer’s disease.
13. Broccoli
Broccoli is labeled as superfood due to its high overall nutrient content. It is a great source of vitamin K, which enhances cognitive function and improves brainpower.
14. Red Cabbage
Red cabbage is full of an antioxidant called polyphenol. Polyphenols reduce brain cell damage and is especially helpful in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimers’ disease.
15. Eggplant
Eggplant skin contains a nutrient called nasunin which keeps our brain sharp by enhancing communication between our brain cells and messenger molecules. Remembering to use the skin pays tremendous benefits in vastly improved focus.
16. Spinach
Spinach slows down the effects of age-related declines in brain function and helps protect the brain from oxidative stress. Researchers suggest that a diet rich in spinach can significantly improve learning capacity and motor skills.
17. Yogurt
Calcium rich foods such as yogurt, milk and cheese improve nerve function. Yogurt contains an amino acid called tyrosine which is responsible for producing the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenalin. In short, yogurt helps improve alertness and memory.
18. Chocolate!!!
What better to end with? It’s hard to believe that anything as incredibly delicious as chocolate can actually be incredibly good for you as well. Dark chocolate has powerful antioxidant properties and contains several natural stimulants which increase the production of endorphins while enhancing focus and concentration. The stimulants found in dark chocolate also improve mood. It has high content of flavanols that facilitate blood supply to the brain and enhance cognitive skills.
Milk chocolate jump starts impulse control and reaction time. It has also been known to improve visual and verbal memory.
REMEMBER: This is, unfortunately, one superfood that you have to indulge in in moderation.
Conclusion: Our brain is the greediest organ in the body, but its proper nourishment is vital to creative thought, positive mood, memory, and good overall health. It’s no surprise that what you eat affects how you think, feel, remember, and potentially even increase intelligence.
Top 6 Benefits Of Colon Cleansing
Hydrotherapy colon cleansing, also known as colonic irrigation, is a great way to reinstate and maintain optimal colon health by using water. The remains left out after the digestion process are sent to the colon and from there they are driven out in the form of bowels. If the waste elimination process is not carried out aptly by the colon, then toxins can come back into the blood flow which can cause many harmful diseases. This method is used to ensure that the colon functions properly.
This kind of colon cleansing process is carried out by a trained colon hydro-therapist and involves the use of advanced machines. One session of such a colon cleanse generally lasts for around forty five minutes. This safe and painless treatment has a lot of advantages, that's why it's being increasingly used by so many people. Some of the benefits are noted below:
1. Not only your colon will be benefited from this cleansing technique but also your lungs and kidneys will function in a much improved manner.
2. This cleansing regime is efficient in removing even the toughest and hardest of waste. You will really feel healthy once you get this procedure done.
3. Constipation will vanish after you undergo this cleansing regime and your bowel movements will be regular.
4. The immune system of your body also will grow strong after you get this kind of colon cleansing done.
5. Your body will be able to absorb nutrients in a better way after hydrotherapy cleansing.
6. If you suffer from body odor then colon hydrotherapy is something that will help you smell good all day long.
Colon malfunctioning can cause a lot of harmful effects on your body and should be treated well in time. Some of its hazardous effects are mentioned below:
* A noxious colon will deteriorate and stress out your heart considerably.
* Colon malfunction can cause blotches and wrinkles on your skin.
* It also interferes with healthy functioning of lungs.
* You will experience a lot of pain and tautness in your joints if you are suffering from colon problem.
* Fatigue and muscle weakness is another detrimental effect.
* A colon malfunction can also affect your brain and also its mental functions.
If you want to keep all these effects at bay, this method may not be a bad way to go. Hydrotherapy colon cleansing definitely has its benefits and if you want to make sure that your colon stays as healthy as possible, you may want to take this route.
Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Learn-The-Top-6-Benefits-Of-Hydrotherapy-Colon-Cleansing-/1357186#ixzz0xR3yj94d
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives
This kind of colon cleansing process is carried out by a trained colon hydro-therapist and involves the use of advanced machines. One session of such a colon cleanse generally lasts for around forty five minutes. This safe and painless treatment has a lot of advantages, that's why it's being increasingly used by so many people. Some of the benefits are noted below:
1. Not only your colon will be benefited from this cleansing technique but also your lungs and kidneys will function in a much improved manner.
2. This cleansing regime is efficient in removing even the toughest and hardest of waste. You will really feel healthy once you get this procedure done.
3. Constipation will vanish after you undergo this cleansing regime and your bowel movements will be regular.
4. The immune system of your body also will grow strong after you get this kind of colon cleansing done.
5. Your body will be able to absorb nutrients in a better way after hydrotherapy cleansing.
6. If you suffer from body odor then colon hydrotherapy is something that will help you smell good all day long.
Colon malfunctioning can cause a lot of harmful effects on your body and should be treated well in time. Some of its hazardous effects are mentioned below:
* A noxious colon will deteriorate and stress out your heart considerably.
* Colon malfunction can cause blotches and wrinkles on your skin.
* It also interferes with healthy functioning of lungs.
* You will experience a lot of pain and tautness in your joints if you are suffering from colon problem.
* Fatigue and muscle weakness is another detrimental effect.
* A colon malfunction can also affect your brain and also its mental functions.
If you want to keep all these effects at bay, this method may not be a bad way to go. Hydrotherapy colon cleansing definitely has its benefits and if you want to make sure that your colon stays as healthy as possible, you may want to take this route.
Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Learn-The-Top-6-Benefits-Of-Hydrotherapy-Colon-Cleansing-/1357186#ixzz0xR3yj94d
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives
Thursday, December 9, 2010
My Bacterial Balance Is Off And I Can?t Get It Back
My Bacterial Balance Is Off And I Can’t Get It Back
by author on September 8, 2010
Bacterial equilibrium? What is bacterial balance and why should I care? Bacterial balance is really the key to good health.For us to remain healthy we have to be able to break down the foods that we eat and extract all of the essential nutritional value and vitaminsFungi, bacteria and other microbes in our gut make it possible to do this.An added plus is that these same little creatures in our stomach help break down toxins and allow us to manage low levels of contaminated substances. Humans can live all over the planet, in widely different climates, with different food souces, why? It’s the bacteria.
How do I know if I have lost my bacterial equilibrium? If you find you are getting sick easily, this is a good indicator of your bacteria balance off. One of the key functions of good intestinal bacteria is to contribute to the working of the immune system and protect us from various infections.
Bacterial balance is a natural thing or should be. That equilibrium is then adjusted and improved by the foods we eat. Unfortunately, in our world of highly prepared foods, many of the foods we eat essentially throw off our balance. Bad bacteria thrives, and good dies off, because of our food choices. Foods or chemicals in our environment that do this include chlorine, sodium fluoride, sugar, alcohol, antibiotics, birth control pills, and many prescription drugs. When you look at the list your first reaction might be, I don’t eat any of that stuff. But if you live in the US — you do period. That is why your bacterial balance is off.
What should we do to try and regain some of the balance? First, try to eat right. Avoid too many sweets, fats, fried food, meat, and alcohol. Eat lots of vegetables and fruit.
Probiotics are a great way to get that balance back.According to the Mayo Clinic website’s information on probiotics, there is encouraging evidence that probiotics may help treat diarrhea after a course of antibiotics, prevent and treat vaginal yeast and urinary tract infections, treat IBS, reduce the incidence of bladder cancer, shorten the length of intestinal infections, and prevent eczema in children. The website also noted that there was a small study done in Sweden to test the effects of probiotics on general health. Probiotics was given to a group of workers they missed fewer work days, and were affected with lower instances of cold and flu. (http/www.mayoclinic.com/health/probiotics/an00389).
What if you’re pregnant or have just had a baby and are breastfeeding. Probiotics are again a very good way to help your system handle or recover from the stress of pregnancy and the life style adjustments that come after having a baby. Struggling with a colicky baby and looking for colic remedies. Probiotics have been proven safe for a baby to injest and some studies have shown them to be one of the effective colic remedies to decrease colic symptoms.
Probiotics are not expensive, especially considering the positive side effects.But there are different kinds, and many of the types that you can obtain in the grocery store are just not that useful. Probiotics have to be stored and shipped carefully in order to prevent the good bacteria from failing off. So it is important to buy the right type, check with health care providers for recommendations..
by author on September 8, 2010
Bacterial equilibrium? What is bacterial balance and why should I care? Bacterial balance is really the key to good health.For us to remain healthy we have to be able to break down the foods that we eat and extract all of the essential nutritional value and vitaminsFungi, bacteria and other microbes in our gut make it possible to do this.An added plus is that these same little creatures in our stomach help break down toxins and allow us to manage low levels of contaminated substances. Humans can live all over the planet, in widely different climates, with different food souces, why? It’s the bacteria.
How do I know if I have lost my bacterial equilibrium? If you find you are getting sick easily, this is a good indicator of your bacteria balance off. One of the key functions of good intestinal bacteria is to contribute to the working of the immune system and protect us from various infections.
Bacterial balance is a natural thing or should be. That equilibrium is then adjusted and improved by the foods we eat. Unfortunately, in our world of highly prepared foods, many of the foods we eat essentially throw off our balance. Bad bacteria thrives, and good dies off, because of our food choices. Foods or chemicals in our environment that do this include chlorine, sodium fluoride, sugar, alcohol, antibiotics, birth control pills, and many prescription drugs. When you look at the list your first reaction might be, I don’t eat any of that stuff. But if you live in the US — you do period. That is why your bacterial balance is off.
What should we do to try and regain some of the balance? First, try to eat right. Avoid too many sweets, fats, fried food, meat, and alcohol. Eat lots of vegetables and fruit.
Probiotics are a great way to get that balance back.According to the Mayo Clinic website’s information on probiotics, there is encouraging evidence that probiotics may help treat diarrhea after a course of antibiotics, prevent and treat vaginal yeast and urinary tract infections, treat IBS, reduce the incidence of bladder cancer, shorten the length of intestinal infections, and prevent eczema in children. The website also noted that there was a small study done in Sweden to test the effects of probiotics on general health. Probiotics was given to a group of workers they missed fewer work days, and were affected with lower instances of cold and flu. (http/www.mayoclinic.com/health/probiotics/an00389).
What if you’re pregnant or have just had a baby and are breastfeeding. Probiotics are again a very good way to help your system handle or recover from the stress of pregnancy and the life style adjustments that come after having a baby. Struggling with a colicky baby and looking for colic remedies. Probiotics have been proven safe for a baby to injest and some studies have shown them to be one of the effective colic remedies to decrease colic symptoms.
Probiotics are not expensive, especially considering the positive side effects.But there are different kinds, and many of the types that you can obtain in the grocery store are just not that useful. Probiotics have to be stored and shipped carefully in order to prevent the good bacteria from failing off. So it is important to buy the right type, check with health care providers for recommendations..
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