I received this in e-mail form today and wanted to pass it along. I thought the Blog would be an efficient way! The author credits are at the bottom of the posting. This is definitely one line you want to be at the back of.
Let's not beat around the bush on this issue: The swine flu vaccines now being prepared for mass injection into infants, children, teens and adults have never been tested and won't be tested before the injections begin. In Europe, where flu vaccines are typically tested on hundreds (or thousands) of people before being unleashed on the masses, the European Medicines Agency is allowing companies to skip the testing process entirely.
And yet, amazingly, people are lining up to take the vaccine, absent any safety testing whatsoever. When the National Institutes of Health in the U.S. announced a swine flu vaccine trial beginning in early August, it was inundated with phone calls and emails from people desperate to play the role of human guinea pigs. The power of fear to herd sheeple into vaccine injections is simply amazing...Back in Europe, of course, everybody gets to be a guinea pig since no testing will be done on the vaccine at all. Even worse, the European vaccines will be using adjuvants -- chemicals used to multiply the potency of the active ingredients in vaccines.
Notably, there is absolutely no safety data on the use of adjuvants in infants and expectant mothers -- the two groups being most aggressively targeted by the swine flu vaccine pushers. The leads us to the disturbing conclusion that the swine flu vaccine could be a modern medical disaster. It's untested and un-tried. Its ingredients are potentially quite dangerous, and the adjuvants being used in the European vaccines are suspected of causing neurological disorders.
Paralyzed by vaccines
I probably don't need to remind you that in 1976, a failed swine flu vaccine caused irreparable damage to the nervous systems of hundreds of people, paralyzing many. Medical doctors gave the problem a name, of course, to make it sound like they knew what they were talking about: Guillain-Barre syndrome. (Notably, they never called it "Toxic Vaccine Syndrome" because that would be too informative. )
But the fact remains that doctors never knew how the vaccines caused these severe problems, and if the same event played out today, all the doctors and vaccine pushers would undoubtedly deny any link between the vaccines and paralysis altogether. (That's what's happening today with the debate over vaccines and autism: Complete denial.)
In fact, there are a whole lot of things you'll never be told by health authorities about the upcoming swine flu vaccine. For your amusement, I've written down the ten most obvious ones and published them below.
Ten things you're not supposed to know about the swine flu vaccine
(At least, not by anyone in authority... )
#1 - The vaccine production was "rushed" and the vaccine has never been tested on humans. Do you like to play guinea pig for Big Pharma? If so, line up for your swine flu vaccine this fall...
#2 - Swine flu vaccines contain dangerous adjuvants that cause an inflammatory response in the body. This is why they are suspected of causing autism and other neurological disorders.
#3 - The swine flu vaccine could actually increase your risk of death from swine flu by altering (or suppressing) your immune system response. There is zero evidence that even seasonal flu shots offer any meaningful protection for people who take the jabs. Vaccines are the snake oil of modern medicine.
#4 - Doctors still don't know why the 1976 swine flu vaccines paralyzed so many people. And that means they really have no clue whether the upcoming vaccine might cause the same devastating side effects. (And they're not testing it, either...)
#5 - Even if the swine flu vaccine kills you, the drug companies aren't responsible. The U.S. government has granted drug companies complete immunity against vaccine product liability. Thanks to that blanket immunity, drug companies have no incentive to make safe vaccines, because they only get paid based on quantity, not safety (zero liability).
#6 - No swine flu vaccine works as well as vitamin D to protect you from influenza. That's an inconvenient scientific fact that the U.S. government, the FDA and Big Pharma hope the people never realize.
#7 - Even if the swine flu vaccine actually works, mathematically speaking if everyone else around you gets the vaccine, you don't need one! (Because it can't spread through the population you hang with.) So even if you believe in the vaccine, all you need to do is encourage your friends to go get vaccinated.. .
#8 - Drug companies are making billions of dollars from the production of swine flu vaccines. That money comes out of your pocket -- even if you don't get the jab -- because it's all paid by the taxpayers.
#9 - When people start dying in larger numbers from the swine flu, rest assured that many of them will be the very people who got the swine flu vaccine. Doctors will explain this away with their typical Big Pharma logic: "The number saved is far greater than the number lost." Of course, the number "saved" is entirely fictional... imaginary... and exists only in their own warped heads.
#10 - The swine flu vaccine centers that will crop up all over the world in the coming months aren't completely useless: They will provide an easy way to identify large groups of really stupid people. (Too bad there isn't some sort of blue dye that we could tag 'em with for future reference... )
The lottery, they say, is a tax on people who can't do math. Similarly, flu vaccines are a tax on people who don't understand health.
John Miksa ND, Co-Owner
The Natural Path LLC
2910 S Delaware AveMilwaukee, WI, 53207
414-483-9402
www.naturalpath- online.com
www.thecompasssyste m.com/af/ link.aspx? a=thenaturalpath
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Don't Get Tricked at the Grocery Store
One of my pet peeves in the world of nutrition is all the false claims and misleading marketing that we are subject to each day. Everybody (including me, although of course I am right!) is telling you what to eat and what not to eat. Often times the information is conflicting and/or confusing. As a result two things can happen. Either you will begin to ignore the information and give up on your attempt to eat healthier or even worse you will be misled into believing something is healthy when in fact it is not.
On top of the list comes the “low fat” craze. I’ve written before that we need fat. It is an essential nutrient for a healthy body. However, we’ve become scared of fat. We believe that eating fat makes us fat. While that is true to a certain extent when we consume large amounts of bad fats, for most people the true culprit making us fat is eating too much processed flour and sugar. Here’s a classic example. We buy the low-fat version of our favorite cracker. The label claims “33% less fat than the original.” Sounds great. But here’s what it really means. The original version has 3 grams of fat per serving, while the low-fat version has 2 grams. That’s your 33% - one gram! Now here’s the problem. In order to make the cracker taste like anything you’ll want to eat the manufacturer adds more refined flour and sugar. So guess what – in your body this will create more fat!
Another problem with “low fat” foods is that they often contain either more sugar, or for “low calorie” they contain artificial sweeteners. Let’s look at our human biology again. It is fat that is satiating. It is fat that tastes good. It is fat that fills us. When they take out the fat, in order to make the “food” palatable, that’s where the sugar and artificial sweeteners come into play. I’ve written several past columns about sugar and artificial sweeteners so I won’t go into that here. The point being, neither the sugar nor the artificial sweetener will satisfy our hunger and we will want to eat again soon and consume more of these empty and non-satiating calories. Recent studies have shown that these “diet” foods actually cause us to eat more!
Ever notice all the different logos on products claiming various health attributes. Did you know that those are bought? Did you know that the instant oatmeals with the American Heart Association health seal actually have more sugar per serving than the perceived “sugary” cereals such as Froot Loops? All the logo means is that it meets the AHA’s “food criteria for saturated fat and cholesterol.” The irony of course is that sugar is one of the contributors to stress and ultimately the cholesterol our body is making to deal with the stress!
Another favorite of mine is the “good source” claim. If a serving has 10% of the recommended daily value of a specific nutrient is qualifies as a “good source.” On that criteria a good source of calcium is honey teddy grahams. The only problem is that they also contain 23 grams of carbohydrate or almost 6 teaspoons of sugar to your body. And here’s the list of ingredients: Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Riboflavin [Vitamin B2], Folic Acid), Sugar, Graham Flour (Whole Grain Wheat Flour), Soybean Oil, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Partially Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Honey, Maltodextrin, Calcium Carbonate (Source of Calcium), Baking Soda, Salt, Soy Lecithin (Emulsifier) – sounds real healthy! By the way the calcium you’ll note is from calcium carbonate – not the most absorbable form of calcium; or better known as chalk, limestone, or marble. Now that sounds yummy!
So, as you can see there is quite a bit of deception going on with food labeling. It is all legal and within regulatory requirements. Unfortunately it does not protect you – the consumer. If you are going to buy boxed food it is in your best interest to read the label very carefully. Know what you are buying and putting in to your body. And, if you need more help, please give me a call or e-mail me.
Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. His office is in Thiensville. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, e-mail at bernie@brwellness.com, call (262) 389-9907 or go to www.brwellness.com.
On top of the list comes the “low fat” craze. I’ve written before that we need fat. It is an essential nutrient for a healthy body. However, we’ve become scared of fat. We believe that eating fat makes us fat. While that is true to a certain extent when we consume large amounts of bad fats, for most people the true culprit making us fat is eating too much processed flour and sugar. Here’s a classic example. We buy the low-fat version of our favorite cracker. The label claims “33% less fat than the original.” Sounds great. But here’s what it really means. The original version has 3 grams of fat per serving, while the low-fat version has 2 grams. That’s your 33% - one gram! Now here’s the problem. In order to make the cracker taste like anything you’ll want to eat the manufacturer adds more refined flour and sugar. So guess what – in your body this will create more fat!
Another problem with “low fat” foods is that they often contain either more sugar, or for “low calorie” they contain artificial sweeteners. Let’s look at our human biology again. It is fat that is satiating. It is fat that tastes good. It is fat that fills us. When they take out the fat, in order to make the “food” palatable, that’s where the sugar and artificial sweeteners come into play. I’ve written several past columns about sugar and artificial sweeteners so I won’t go into that here. The point being, neither the sugar nor the artificial sweetener will satisfy our hunger and we will want to eat again soon and consume more of these empty and non-satiating calories. Recent studies have shown that these “diet” foods actually cause us to eat more!
Ever notice all the different logos on products claiming various health attributes. Did you know that those are bought? Did you know that the instant oatmeals with the American Heart Association health seal actually have more sugar per serving than the perceived “sugary” cereals such as Froot Loops? All the logo means is that it meets the AHA’s “food criteria for saturated fat and cholesterol.” The irony of course is that sugar is one of the contributors to stress and ultimately the cholesterol our body is making to deal with the stress!
Another favorite of mine is the “good source” claim. If a serving has 10% of the recommended daily value of a specific nutrient is qualifies as a “good source.” On that criteria a good source of calcium is honey teddy grahams. The only problem is that they also contain 23 grams of carbohydrate or almost 6 teaspoons of sugar to your body. And here’s the list of ingredients: Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Riboflavin [Vitamin B2], Folic Acid), Sugar, Graham Flour (Whole Grain Wheat Flour), Soybean Oil, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Partially Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Honey, Maltodextrin, Calcium Carbonate (Source of Calcium), Baking Soda, Salt, Soy Lecithin (Emulsifier) – sounds real healthy! By the way the calcium you’ll note is from calcium carbonate – not the most absorbable form of calcium; or better known as chalk, limestone, or marble. Now that sounds yummy!
So, as you can see there is quite a bit of deception going on with food labeling. It is all legal and within regulatory requirements. Unfortunately it does not protect you – the consumer. If you are going to buy boxed food it is in your best interest to read the label very carefully. Know what you are buying and putting in to your body. And, if you need more help, please give me a call or e-mail me.
Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. His office is in Thiensville. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, e-mail at bernie@brwellness.com, call (262) 389-9907 or go to www.brwellness.com.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Common Cents to Save Dollars
On many of our minds is the current debate over whether or not to nationalize health care. From my own perspective I’ve often said that what we need is a national health plan, not a national health care plan. Note the subtle difference. If we encourage people to live a healthier lifestyle (a “health plan”) their need for future health care will be likely reduced. My purpose in writing this column is to share my knowledge with you in the hope it encourages you to make healthier choices. Nothing gets me going more than all the misleading advertising and promotion under the guise of something being “healthy” when in fact it is not. Past articles have discussed a few of my favorites - artificial sweeteners and soy.
That being said and whatever your political view on this issue is, I think we can all agree that a reasonable objective is to stay away as best we can from doctors and hospitals. Certainly they serve a needed function, but we usually enter “disease management” because we have become sick. A healthy lifestyle encourages health and discourages disease. I’ve seen a variety of statistics quoting a range of sources including the Surgeon General of the United States, with the common thread that 75-80% of chronic disease (heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and stroke) is lifestyle related – primarily poor diet and lack of exercise.
So, what can you do? I’m going to make it real simple and straight forward.
1. The number one thing that almost everyone can do is to cut back on the amount of sugar you consume. Sugar comes in many forms and is often hidden in our packaged and processed foods. The bottom line is that the human body was not designed to process the amount of sugar we put into it. And when I say sugar I’m not just talking about candy and cake. I’m talking about white flour that is used in bread and cereals and many other “foods”. To our body it is sugar. It creates havoc in our blood stream and is a major cause in the development of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer. This is something that all health professionals agree on. Unfortunately, no one is really willing to do anything to change the habits and sweet tooth of the population. This is something you have to decide to do for yourself.
2. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Yes, you’ve heard that a million times. Why are these foods so important? They contain valuable vitamins and minerals that our body needs to function properly. They contain antioxidants which neutralize the free radicals that cause damage to our cells and tissues. They contain fiber which aids all aspects of our digestion process. How many of you suffer from acid reflux, gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea? These are all signs of poor and neglected digestion. Without good digestion your body does not get all the nutrients it needs from the food. Here’s the simple equation: less nutrients equals greater likelihood of disease.
3. Eat healthy fats – omega 3 fatty acids from cold water wild fish, olive oil in salad dressings, coconut oil in cooking, butter (yes butter – organic is best). Do not eat margarine or anything else in a tub that is not butter. Despite what the low fat crowd is telling you these are not healthy foods. The processing of these “foods” utilizes high heat which oxidizes the fats. When you consume them they create free radicals. Among the worst foods you can eat are most of the salad dressings you see in the stores. They are loaded with sugar and unhealthy oils.
4. Drink water - our body is 65-70% water. Many people are walking around dehydrated and do not even realize it. Simply drinking more water has been known to reduce a variety of symptoms. But a caution – water is not fruit juice or coffee – water is water.
5. Exercise – move your body. Our body was designed to move. That is what makes the lymphatic system work. That is how the cellular waste ultimately gets out of your body. Start with walking or bouncing (or being bounced) on a rebounder – a mini trampoline. Start slow and work your way up.
See, it really is not all that difficult. A few simple changes and you are on your way to a healthier life style. But it is up to you. Do you want to feel better and enjoy life? Plus you get an added bonus. By being healthy you won’t have expensive doctor and hospital bills and you’ll be able to use your money to do the activities you enjoy!
Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. His office is in Thiensville. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, e-mail at bernie@brwellness.com, call (262) 389-9907 or go to www.brwellness.com.
That being said and whatever your political view on this issue is, I think we can all agree that a reasonable objective is to stay away as best we can from doctors and hospitals. Certainly they serve a needed function, but we usually enter “disease management” because we have become sick. A healthy lifestyle encourages health and discourages disease. I’ve seen a variety of statistics quoting a range of sources including the Surgeon General of the United States, with the common thread that 75-80% of chronic disease (heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and stroke) is lifestyle related – primarily poor diet and lack of exercise.
So, what can you do? I’m going to make it real simple and straight forward.
1. The number one thing that almost everyone can do is to cut back on the amount of sugar you consume. Sugar comes in many forms and is often hidden in our packaged and processed foods. The bottom line is that the human body was not designed to process the amount of sugar we put into it. And when I say sugar I’m not just talking about candy and cake. I’m talking about white flour that is used in bread and cereals and many other “foods”. To our body it is sugar. It creates havoc in our blood stream and is a major cause in the development of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer. This is something that all health professionals agree on. Unfortunately, no one is really willing to do anything to change the habits and sweet tooth of the population. This is something you have to decide to do for yourself.
2. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Yes, you’ve heard that a million times. Why are these foods so important? They contain valuable vitamins and minerals that our body needs to function properly. They contain antioxidants which neutralize the free radicals that cause damage to our cells and tissues. They contain fiber which aids all aspects of our digestion process. How many of you suffer from acid reflux, gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea? These are all signs of poor and neglected digestion. Without good digestion your body does not get all the nutrients it needs from the food. Here’s the simple equation: less nutrients equals greater likelihood of disease.
3. Eat healthy fats – omega 3 fatty acids from cold water wild fish, olive oil in salad dressings, coconut oil in cooking, butter (yes butter – organic is best). Do not eat margarine or anything else in a tub that is not butter. Despite what the low fat crowd is telling you these are not healthy foods. The processing of these “foods” utilizes high heat which oxidizes the fats. When you consume them they create free radicals. Among the worst foods you can eat are most of the salad dressings you see in the stores. They are loaded with sugar and unhealthy oils.
4. Drink water - our body is 65-70% water. Many people are walking around dehydrated and do not even realize it. Simply drinking more water has been known to reduce a variety of symptoms. But a caution – water is not fruit juice or coffee – water is water.
5. Exercise – move your body. Our body was designed to move. That is what makes the lymphatic system work. That is how the cellular waste ultimately gets out of your body. Start with walking or bouncing (or being bounced) on a rebounder – a mini trampoline. Start slow and work your way up.
See, it really is not all that difficult. A few simple changes and you are on your way to a healthier life style. But it is up to you. Do you want to feel better and enjoy life? Plus you get an added bonus. By being healthy you won’t have expensive doctor and hospital bills and you’ll be able to use your money to do the activities you enjoy!
Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. His office is in Thiensville. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, e-mail at bernie@brwellness.com, call (262) 389-9907 or go to www.brwellness.com.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Truth about Soy
Where to start? We’ve all heard that soy is a health food – a great source of protein, a substitute for meat and milk. It is the backbone of a vegetarian diet and has launched a whole new wave of “health foods”. Unfortunately most of these new creations are not healthy and in many cases one could argue if they are even food! The truth is that soy consumption is hazardous to your health. The soy industry spends millions of dollars creating new products and marketing them. Studies are cited to “support” the health claims. Of course the more the study is investigated, the more the inconsistencies and inaccuracies become apparent. For an excellent expose on the soy industry I highly recommend the book The Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side of America’s Favorite Health Food by Kaayla Daniel, PhD. Or, on the web visit The Weston A. Price Foundation at www.westonaprice.org. For this article I’m going to focus on three key reasons why soy is not good for you. For a more complete list and more details I refer you to the book and the web site.
1. Soy is bad for your thyroid. Soy contains goitrogens – substances that suppress thyroid function by inhibiting your body’s ability to make thyroid hormones and may cause hypothyroidism (low thyroid function). The thyroid is responsible for metabolism. Impaired metabolism can result in weight gain, fatigue and diminished sex drive. Soy consumption has also been linked to thyroid cancer in adults and autoimmune thyroid disease in infants.
2. Soy is hard to digest. Soy contains one of the highest levels of phytates of any grain or legume. Phytic acid reduces the assimilation of key minerals that your body needs including calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. Unlike other grains and legumes the phytic acid in soy is not neutralized by soaking, sprouting, or cooking. The only form in which the phytates are broken down is fermented. Fermented soy products include tempeh, miso, and natto. These are the only soy products I’d recommend eating.
Soy also contains trypsin and protease (enzyme) inhibitors which interfere with protein digestion. So, go figure, we are told to eat soy as a protein, yet its very essence does not allow us to digest it!
High phytate diets have caused growth problems in children and test animals fed soy exhibited stunted growth. Perhaps you might want to reconsider using soy baby formula. The Israeli Health Ministry issued an advisory for young children and adults to use soy sparingly and for infants to avoid it completely!
3. Soy is disruptive to endocrine gland function for both men and women. In women soy phytoestrogens have been linked to infertility and breast cancer. What about the old story that Japanese women eat lots of soy in Japan and do not get breast cancer until they come to the United States? Another great story. They do not eat lots of soy. The soy they do eat is mostly fermented. And, they eat lots of other healthy foods like more wild fish and sea vegetables.
For men the story is not much better. Remember the Seinfeld episode about the “Mansiere” or the “Bro” – Cramer’s invention for male breasts? Well, that’s what can happen from too much soy. There is a great story in the recent issue of Men’s Health about a man who was drinking three quarts of soy milk a day and developed breasts. Soy also has been linked with sperm count reductions. A study found men consuming soy on a daily basis have 32% less sperm per milliliter of ejaculate.
Unfortunately there is more, but I’m out of space in this column. I haven’t even mentioned what happens when soy is processed to make veggie burgers, veggie chili, soy cheese, etc and what they add to it to make it palatable.
I sincerely hope you have found this article informative. Unfortunately the nutrition industry is full of hype and misinformation. It takes time and research to discover the truths. When something is repeated and repeated we start to believe it is true, just because everyone is saying it. As I like to tell my clients – I was a vegetarian before I studied nutrition!
Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. His office is in Thiensville, WI. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, e-mail at bernie@brwellness.com, call (262) 389-9907 or go to www.brwellness.com.
1. Soy is bad for your thyroid. Soy contains goitrogens – substances that suppress thyroid function by inhibiting your body’s ability to make thyroid hormones and may cause hypothyroidism (low thyroid function). The thyroid is responsible for metabolism. Impaired metabolism can result in weight gain, fatigue and diminished sex drive. Soy consumption has also been linked to thyroid cancer in adults and autoimmune thyroid disease in infants.
2. Soy is hard to digest. Soy contains one of the highest levels of phytates of any grain or legume. Phytic acid reduces the assimilation of key minerals that your body needs including calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. Unlike other grains and legumes the phytic acid in soy is not neutralized by soaking, sprouting, or cooking. The only form in which the phytates are broken down is fermented. Fermented soy products include tempeh, miso, and natto. These are the only soy products I’d recommend eating.
Soy also contains trypsin and protease (enzyme) inhibitors which interfere with protein digestion. So, go figure, we are told to eat soy as a protein, yet its very essence does not allow us to digest it!
High phytate diets have caused growth problems in children and test animals fed soy exhibited stunted growth. Perhaps you might want to reconsider using soy baby formula. The Israeli Health Ministry issued an advisory for young children and adults to use soy sparingly and for infants to avoid it completely!
3. Soy is disruptive to endocrine gland function for both men and women. In women soy phytoestrogens have been linked to infertility and breast cancer. What about the old story that Japanese women eat lots of soy in Japan and do not get breast cancer until they come to the United States? Another great story. They do not eat lots of soy. The soy they do eat is mostly fermented. And, they eat lots of other healthy foods like more wild fish and sea vegetables.
For men the story is not much better. Remember the Seinfeld episode about the “Mansiere” or the “Bro” – Cramer’s invention for male breasts? Well, that’s what can happen from too much soy. There is a great story in the recent issue of Men’s Health about a man who was drinking three quarts of soy milk a day and developed breasts. Soy also has been linked with sperm count reductions. A study found men consuming soy on a daily basis have 32% less sperm per milliliter of ejaculate.
Unfortunately there is more, but I’m out of space in this column. I haven’t even mentioned what happens when soy is processed to make veggie burgers, veggie chili, soy cheese, etc and what they add to it to make it palatable.
I sincerely hope you have found this article informative. Unfortunately the nutrition industry is full of hype and misinformation. It takes time and research to discover the truths. When something is repeated and repeated we start to believe it is true, just because everyone is saying it. As I like to tell my clients – I was a vegetarian before I studied nutrition!
Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. His office is in Thiensville, WI. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, e-mail at bernie@brwellness.com, call (262) 389-9907 or go to www.brwellness.com.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Salmon Update – More Reasons to Avoid Farm Raised Fish
Here's some more reasons to avoid farmed fish, particularly salmon. This information comes from an article in the May 2009 issue of BestLife magazine. I have previously described how one of the best sources of Omega 3 fatty acids is fish from cold water, particularly salmon. However, this salmon has to be wild, not farm raised. When raised on a farm, the fish do not eat the same diet as in the wild, they are often fed grains. While you will find statements that farm raised salmon is a good source of Omega 3’s, which is true, it also contains a significant amount of Omega 6’s from the food it is fed. Therefore, when we eat it, we are not doing anything to improve our Omega 3 to Omega 6 ratio which is the reason we are eating these foods. In addition, farm raised salmon (branded as Atlantic Salmon) is naturally grey in color. How come it looks pink in the store? It is injected with a pink food dye. And, that is on the label!
Here’s the new information. The salmon farms are often placed near natural outlets for the wild salmon. The farms have many bright lights which attract young wild salmon. These are eaten by the larger Atlantic farmed salmon which see them as a different species. As a result the natural populations of wild salmon are being greatly reduced and in some places disappearing entirely. With millions of salmon in a central, yet still accessible location natural predators such as eagles and whales, as well as seals and sea lions are attracted to the site. Farmers are given permits to kill the seals and sea lions, obviously negatively impacting those populations. And, with all these salmon in one place there is also an issue with waste disposal. The salmon feces mix with the uneaten food pellets to make the ocean floor uninhabitable for shrimp and other small fish. Last but not least – sea lice. Salmon farms attract sea lice which infect both the farmed and the nearby wild ones who just happen to be passing through! The farmed ones are treated with antibiotics to kill the sea lice. Guess where the traces of the antibiotics, as well as the fungicides, pesticides, and all the other chemicals used in raising the salmon and the manufacturing the pellets winds up? I think you know that answer.
In summary, not only are the farmed raised salmon not healthy for you, they are also unhealthy to the environment and to wild salmon. The wild salmon population is under threat as is your right to healthy and nourishing foods. So, when you are eating out and think you are getting something healthy when you order salmon, ask to make sure it is wild salmon, and make sure it is cooked thoroughly to avoid potential parasites.
Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. He is an expert in the field of Nutrition and Erectile Dysfunction. His office is in Thiensville, WI. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, e-mail at bernie@brwellness.com, call (262) 389-9907 or go to www.brwellness.com.
Here’s the new information. The salmon farms are often placed near natural outlets for the wild salmon. The farms have many bright lights which attract young wild salmon. These are eaten by the larger Atlantic farmed salmon which see them as a different species. As a result the natural populations of wild salmon are being greatly reduced and in some places disappearing entirely. With millions of salmon in a central, yet still accessible location natural predators such as eagles and whales, as well as seals and sea lions are attracted to the site. Farmers are given permits to kill the seals and sea lions, obviously negatively impacting those populations. And, with all these salmon in one place there is also an issue with waste disposal. The salmon feces mix with the uneaten food pellets to make the ocean floor uninhabitable for shrimp and other small fish. Last but not least – sea lice. Salmon farms attract sea lice which infect both the farmed and the nearby wild ones who just happen to be passing through! The farmed ones are treated with antibiotics to kill the sea lice. Guess where the traces of the antibiotics, as well as the fungicides, pesticides, and all the other chemicals used in raising the salmon and the manufacturing the pellets winds up? I think you know that answer.
In summary, not only are the farmed raised salmon not healthy for you, they are also unhealthy to the environment and to wild salmon. The wild salmon population is under threat as is your right to healthy and nourishing foods. So, when you are eating out and think you are getting something healthy when you order salmon, ask to make sure it is wild salmon, and make sure it is cooked thoroughly to avoid potential parasites.
Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. He is an expert in the field of Nutrition and Erectile Dysfunction. His office is in Thiensville, WI. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, e-mail at bernie@brwellness.com, call (262) 389-9907 or go to www.brwellness.com.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Diabetes (Type 2) Rant - Part 2
I'm sorry, but I have to do it again. The current issue of Diabetes Forecast was so loaded that I need to vent.
It starts with page 9 and The Wake Up Call - What's Your Diagnosis Story? by the Editorial Director. And I quote, "If you're diagnosed relatively young, as I was, you've got a lot of years of disease management ahead of you, and a lot of years to worry about screwing up." How about, "If you're diagnosed young, you have a great opportunity to look at your life style, change it, and perhaps allow your body to heal itself." The attitude - I'm in disease management mold for the rest of my life. That's not going to get you better.
On page 11 we hear from "a dietician for more than 25 years" about feeling the pinch at the grocery store. So we get the great advice to "shop for canned or frozen foods to save money. Look for lower-sodium canned vegetables..Buy canned fruit that has no added sugar." Canned fruits and vegetables? Come on. Look for lower-sodium and no added sugar? Canned vegetables have very little nutritional value. How about look at the junk food you are buying and spend the money on the healthy food.
On page 20 we learn that "Gastric bypass surgery seems to be a powerful treatment for type 2 diabetes in some obese adults, and now a study suggests the procedure may work for teens, too." Great news. "Within a year, the blood glucose levels of all but one (of 11) teen who had surgery were normal without medication..." Well what about in two years or five years? What will that body be able to do without normal functioning of processing and absorbing nutrients? Perhaps there was/is a better answer than to "cure" type 2 diabetes with gastric bypass surgery?
On page 37 we learn then when you need to raise your blood glucose in a hurry, there are some sources suggested: glucose tablets, regular soda, orange juice, life savers, jelly beans (large), gum drops, sugar, honey, raisins, and SKIM MILK!!! Yes, skim milk. That food they tell you drink. Have low fat or non-fat products. Missing the connection? Skim milk causes a fast rise in blood glucose levels! So why drink it with your cereal in the morning??? UGH!!!
On page 44 begins the article titled "So, What Can I Eat?" It starts off great - "For most people who are new to diabetes, the one thing that seems clear is that sugar is off limits, right? Think again: It turns out that a diabetes diagnosis doesn't mean your sweet tooth has to go cold turkey. in fact, you can eat many of the foods you love - yes, even desserts..." Great advice. Don't change any habits. Permission to "cheat". A great way never to get better. There is the usual advice for "low-fat versions, such as skim milk". Isn't that the same skim milk that will raise your blood glucose levels in a hurry????? The ongoing lie that "both saturated fats and trans fat up your risk for heart disease and stroke...replace butter.." And "protein from lean meat, fish, or soy products like tofu." Guess they haven't read the latest about the dangers of soy either.
But the best is on page 48 where "free foods" are discussed. They contain fewer than 20 calories or 5 grams of carbs. Suppose they don't add up quickly - examples are "a quarter cup of salsa, a tablespoon of fat-free cream cheese...and as much as you'd like of sugar-free gelatin, sugar substitutes..." UGH, or did I already say that?
This advice is really sad and I feel bad for the honest people who want to live healthier and follow this advice. I guess that's why the magazine contains all the advertisements for medical equipment. Follow the advice and you will definitely need all the advertised products.
Want some good ideas about diabetes. Go to www.westonaprice.org and do a search on diabetes. Read the work of Dr. Thomas Cowan. He helps people to get blood sugar under control. He recommends that the diet contain 60 carbs per day. What is in this magazine - 60 carbs per meal. See the difference?
Well, I feel better. I hope you find this educational. Rant over.
It starts with page 9 and The Wake Up Call - What's Your Diagnosis Story? by the Editorial Director. And I quote, "If you're diagnosed relatively young, as I was, you've got a lot of years of disease management ahead of you, and a lot of years to worry about screwing up." How about, "If you're diagnosed young, you have a great opportunity to look at your life style, change it, and perhaps allow your body to heal itself." The attitude - I'm in disease management mold for the rest of my life. That's not going to get you better.
On page 11 we hear from "a dietician for more than 25 years" about feeling the pinch at the grocery store. So we get the great advice to "shop for canned or frozen foods to save money. Look for lower-sodium canned vegetables..Buy canned fruit that has no added sugar." Canned fruits and vegetables? Come on. Look for lower-sodium and no added sugar? Canned vegetables have very little nutritional value. How about look at the junk food you are buying and spend the money on the healthy food.
On page 20 we learn that "Gastric bypass surgery seems to be a powerful treatment for type 2 diabetes in some obese adults, and now a study suggests the procedure may work for teens, too." Great news. "Within a year, the blood glucose levels of all but one (of 11) teen who had surgery were normal without medication..." Well what about in two years or five years? What will that body be able to do without normal functioning of processing and absorbing nutrients? Perhaps there was/is a better answer than to "cure" type 2 diabetes with gastric bypass surgery?
On page 37 we learn then when you need to raise your blood glucose in a hurry, there are some sources suggested: glucose tablets, regular soda, orange juice, life savers, jelly beans (large), gum drops, sugar, honey, raisins, and SKIM MILK!!! Yes, skim milk. That food they tell you drink. Have low fat or non-fat products. Missing the connection? Skim milk causes a fast rise in blood glucose levels! So why drink it with your cereal in the morning??? UGH!!!
On page 44 begins the article titled "So, What Can I Eat?" It starts off great - "For most people who are new to diabetes, the one thing that seems clear is that sugar is off limits, right? Think again: It turns out that a diabetes diagnosis doesn't mean your sweet tooth has to go cold turkey. in fact, you can eat many of the foods you love - yes, even desserts..." Great advice. Don't change any habits. Permission to "cheat". A great way never to get better. There is the usual advice for "low-fat versions, such as skim milk". Isn't that the same skim milk that will raise your blood glucose levels in a hurry????? The ongoing lie that "both saturated fats and trans fat up your risk for heart disease and stroke...replace butter.." And "protein from lean meat, fish, or soy products like tofu." Guess they haven't read the latest about the dangers of soy either.
But the best is on page 48 where "free foods" are discussed. They contain fewer than 20 calories or 5 grams of carbs. Suppose they don't add up quickly - examples are "a quarter cup of salsa, a tablespoon of fat-free cream cheese...and as much as you'd like of sugar-free gelatin, sugar substitutes..." UGH, or did I already say that?
This advice is really sad and I feel bad for the honest people who want to live healthier and follow this advice. I guess that's why the magazine contains all the advertisements for medical equipment. Follow the advice and you will definitely need all the advertised products.
Want some good ideas about diabetes. Go to www.westonaprice.org and do a search on diabetes. Read the work of Dr. Thomas Cowan. He helps people to get blood sugar under control. He recommends that the diet contain 60 carbs per day. What is in this magazine - 60 carbs per meal. See the difference?
Well, I feel better. I hope you find this educational. Rant over.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Agave Nectar Update
As I warn all my clients, there is a lot of hype around nutrition. The "health food industry" is in fact that - an industry. Unfortunately, that can mean it is concerned with profits and not necessarily providing truly healthy food.
The latest of these hypes to come to my attention is agave nectar. Given this new information, I have removed it from my list of acceptable sweeteners to use as alternatives to sugar. Like many of these nutrition hypes the agave nectar story begins with a basis of truth. We are told how native Mexicans used the "product" for thousands of years for a variety of purposes, including medicinal. Then we get the truth - the "nectar" is not produced as the ancients did. In fact, in the case of agave nectar, we have a process that is similar to how corn starch is converted into high fructose corn syrup! And we all now about the dangers of HFCS. Agave nectar is a manmade sweetener which through a complex chemical process converts fiber and starch into the unbound, manmade chemical fructose. High fructose agave doesn't spike blood glucose levels, but the fructose causes the same damages as that from high fructose corn syrup - mineral depletion, liver inflammation, hardening of the arteries, insulin resistance leading to diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and obesity.
A special thanks to the Weston A. Price Foundation and their excellent research. I urge all my readers to join the Foundation. Part of the membership includes the quarterly publication Wise Traditions. It contains many gems of knowledge, including the information I am passing along regarding agave nectar.
The latest of these hypes to come to my attention is agave nectar. Given this new information, I have removed it from my list of acceptable sweeteners to use as alternatives to sugar. Like many of these nutrition hypes the agave nectar story begins with a basis of truth. We are told how native Mexicans used the "product" for thousands of years for a variety of purposes, including medicinal. Then we get the truth - the "nectar" is not produced as the ancients did. In fact, in the case of agave nectar, we have a process that is similar to how corn starch is converted into high fructose corn syrup! And we all now about the dangers of HFCS. Agave nectar is a manmade sweetener which through a complex chemical process converts fiber and starch into the unbound, manmade chemical fructose. High fructose agave doesn't spike blood glucose levels, but the fructose causes the same damages as that from high fructose corn syrup - mineral depletion, liver inflammation, hardening of the arteries, insulin resistance leading to diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and obesity.
A special thanks to the Weston A. Price Foundation and their excellent research. I urge all my readers to join the Foundation. Part of the membership includes the quarterly publication Wise Traditions. It contains many gems of knowledge, including the information I am passing along regarding agave nectar.
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