Healthy Sleeping Tips

Healthy Sleeping Tips

hipLatina

Healthy sleep habits can make a big difference in your quality of life. Having healthy sleep habits is often referred to as having good “ sleep hygiene .”

Try to keep the following sleep practices on a consistent basis:

Stick to the same bedtime and wake up time, even on the weekends. 
This helps to regulate your body’s clock and could help you fall asleep and stay asleep for the night.

Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual. 
A relaxing, routine activity right before bedtime conducted away from bright lights helps separate your sleep time from activities that can cause excitement, stress or anxiety which can make it more difficult to fall asleep, get sound and deep sleep or remain asleep.

Avoid naps , especially in the afternoon. 
Power napping may help you get through the day, but if you find that you can’t fall asleep at bedtime, eliminating even short catnaps may help.

Exercise daily. 
Vigorous exercise is best, but even light exercise is better than no activity. Exercise at any time of day, but not at the expense of your sleep.

Evaluate your room. 
Design your sleep environment to establish the conditions you need for sleep. Your bedroom should be cool  – between 60 and 67 degrees. Your bedroom should also be free from any noise that can disturb your sleep. Finally, your bedroom should be free from any light. Check your room for noises or other distractions. This includes a bed partner’s sleep disruptions such as snoring. Consider using blackout curtains, eye shades, ear plugs, “white noise” machines, humidifiers, fans and other devices.

Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows. 
Make sure your mattress is comfortable and supportive. The one you have been using for years may have exceeded its life expectancy – about 9 or 10 years for most good quality mattresses. Have comfortable pillows and make the room attractive and inviting for sleep but also free of allergens that might affect you and objects that might cause you to slip or fall if you have to get up during the night.

Use bright light to help manage your circadian rhythms .
Avoid bright light in the evening and expose yourself to sunlight in the morning. This will keep your circadian rhythms in check.

Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and heavy meals in the evening. 
Alcohol, cigarettes and caffeinecan disrupt sleep. Eating big or spicy meals can cause discomfort from indigestion that can make it hard to sleep. It is good to finish eating at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.

Wind down. Your body needs time to shift into sleep mode, so spend the last hour before bed doing a calming activity such as reading. 
For some people, using an electronic device such as a laptop can make it hard to fall asleep, because the particular type of light emanating from the screens of these devices is activating to the brain. If you have trouble sleeping, avoid electronics before bed or in the middle of the night.

If you can’t sleep, go into another room and do something relaxing until you feel tired. 
It is best to take work materials, computers and televisions out of the sleeping environment. Use your bed only for sleep and sex to strengthen the association between bed and sleep. If you associate a particular activity or item with anxiety about sleeping, omit it from your bedtime routine.

Do your best – sleep is very precious and we all need it! Take care of you and get some sleep!

source

Indian spices that prevent cancer

Indian spices that prevent cancer

Ipshita Mitra, TNN

TimesOfIndia

When the opposition in question is an adamant disease like cancer, our armoury should be packed with a lifestyle of regular health check-ups and a diet including foods that double as anti-cancer agents.

When actress Lisa Ray was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a relatively rare cancer of the bone marrow, all she said was, “I’ll beat cancer”. Carrying this spirit of defeating a disease often labelled ‘incurable’, we try to find out diet methods, especially in the selection of spices that can avert the multiplying of malignant cells in the body that gradually mature into insurmountable cancer cells.

Our grandmothers would in no time prepare us a glass of warm milk with saffron sprinkled on top when we went crying to her with bruise on our knee or wound on the elbow. The herbal turmeric paste soothed minor cuts and healed all skin rashes. These age-old kitchen tricks are little more than mere quick-fix tactics. Spices like turmeric and saffron are inherent with medicinal properties that, when incorporated to our diet from an early stage strengthens our bodies against invasion of toxins, bacteria and virus.

Senior consultant surgical oncologist Dr. B. Niranjan Naik and senior clinical nutritionist, Fortis La Femme, Shipra Saklani Mishra, inform us about the goodness of Indian spices with cancer-fighting properties and the necessity of their inclusion to our eating habits.

Turmeric/Curcumin: This is the king of spices when it comes to dealing with cancer diseases, besides it adding a zesty colour to our food on the platter. Turmeric contains the powerful polyphenol Curcumin that has been clinically proven to retard the growth of cancer cells causing prostrate cancer, melanoma, breast cancer, brain tumour, pancreatic cancer and leukemia amongst a host of others. Curcumin promotes ‘Apoptosis’- (programmed cell death/cell suicide) that safely eliminates cancer breeding cells without posing a threat to the development of other healthy cells. In cases of conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the surrounding cells too become a target in addition to the cancer cells. Therefore, the side-effects are imminent.

Fennel: Armed with phyto-nutrients and antioxidants, cancer cells have nothing but to accept defeat when the spice is fennel. ‘Anethole’, a major constituent of fennel resists and restricts the adhesive and invasive activities of cancer cells. It suppresses the enzymatic regulated activities behind cancer cell multiplication. A tomato-fennel soup with garlic or fresh salads with fennel bulbs make for an ideal entree prior to an elaborate course meal. Roasted fennel with parmesan can be another star pick.

Saffron: A natural carotenoid dicarboxylic acid called ‘Crocetin’ is the primary cancer-fighting element that saffron contains. It not only inhibits the progression of the disease but also decreases the size of the tumour by half, guaranteeing a complete goodbye to cancer. Though it is the most expensive spice in the world for it is derived from around 250,000 flower stigmas (saffron crocus) that make just about half a kilo, a few saffron threads come loaded with benefits you won’t regret paying for. Saffron threads can be used in various ways:

Cumin: Yes, it aids digestion and probably that is why we like chewing a handful of cumin seeds at the end of every meal. However, its health benefits go beyond. A portent herb with anti-oxidant characteristics, cumin seeds contain a compound called ‘Thymoquinone’ that checks proliferation of cells responsible for prostate cancer. So, instead of loading your usual snack options with calories and oil, add this seasoning to your bread, fried beans or sauce and make the dish rich in flavour and high on health. You can rediscover the magic of cumin in your regular bowl of tadka dal and rice too!

Cinnamon: It takes not more than a half teaspoon of cinnamon powder every day to keep cancer risk away. A natural food preservative, cinnamon is a source of iron and calcium. Useful in reducing tumour growth, it blocks the formation of new vessels in the human body. Some of the effective ways of including cinnamon in your diet are:

-Start your day with a cup of cinnamon tea (in leaf or sachet)
-Make your breakfast meal a super healthy one; just add this wonder spice to your
morning oatmeal and you are going well!
-A fruity delight comprising chopped apples, a few walnuts and your magic potion cinnamon
-Honey and cinnamon in your glass of milk before going to bed; no cancer nightmares assured!

Oregano: More than a pizza or pasta topping, oregano confirms its worth as a potential agent against prostate cancer. Consisting of anti-microbial compounds, just one teaspoon of oregano has the power of two cups of red grapes! Phyto-chemical ‘Quercetin’ present in oregano restricts growth of malignant cells in the body and acts like a drug against cancer-centric diseases.

Cayenne Pepper/Capsaicin (Chilli peppers): A promising spice with anti-cancer properties, an overdose of chilli peppers however should be restrained. Capsaicin induces the process of apoptosis that destroys potential cancer cells and reduces the size of leukemia tumour cells considerably. It can be concluded that apart from setting our tongues on fire, chilli peppers can scare cancer pathogens off too.

Ginger: This humble spice boasts of medicinal qualities that help lowering cholesterol, boost metabolism and kill cancer cells. Easily added to vegetable dishes, fish preparations and salads,ginger enhances the flavour in cooking. Chew on fresh parsley if the odour bothers you.

Others: Cloves, anise, basil, garlic, caraway, fenugreek, mustard, mint leaves, rosemary, Limonin (fresh lemon), virgin olive, vinegar and avocado are other cancer-fighting diet components.

Dr. K Medhi, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology informs us on other diet habits that can keep cancer risk at bay:

1. A plant-based diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and beans is the best organic way to fight cancer.
2. Add fibre: Replace white rice with brown rice in meals
3. Substitute whole-grain bread for white bread; choose a bran muffin over a pastry
4. Snack on popcorn instead of potato chips.
5. Eat fresh fruits with skin.
6. Omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation.
7. Cook with olive oil instead of regular vegetable oil
8. Avoid packaged or fried foods that are high in trans-fats
9. Avoid processed salt. Celtic sea salt/Himalayan salt can be consumed sparingly.
10. Cancer patients: Do not load your diet with turmeric or Curcumin supplements without doctor’s consult or prescribed dosage.  (source)

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Health Benefits of Turmeric 

Turmeric is a culinary spice widely used in India and Southeast Asia. Recent research reveals why this herb is such a powerful healer due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. The health benefits of Turmeric have been recognized by Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years. It has been used to treat everyday problems such as indigestion and flatulence, as well as more serious problems such as arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, high cholesterol, heartburn, jaundice, liver disorders, and menstrual disorders. Turmeric can also be applied topically in poultices to reduce inflammation and to relieve wounds, cuts, and bruises.

Alzheimer’s Disease  Inflammation inside of the brain has been suspected to be one of the contributing factors in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity. Therefore, regular daily consumption of Turmeric capsules may be an effective way to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s.

Arthritis Due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, it is not surprising that Turmeric is now being used as an effective natural remedy for Arthritis pain. Therefore, taking Turmeric capsules three times per day may provide significant relief from osteoarthritis pain.

Asthma  Since turmeric is an anti-inflammatory, it can help reduce the inflammation associated with asthma. Add 1/8 teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk, and drink this mixture as an effective asthma home remedy.

Cancer Several recent studies have found that Turmeric can induce apoptosis, a process that triggers the self-destruction and elimination of damaged (cancerous) cells. Further research is still required before the full effects of Turmeric on cancer cells can be determined. However, existing studies suggest that daily Turmeric powder or supplements combined with a balanced, nutritious diet may help prevent or even destroy cancer cells.

Colds and Flu Turmeric’s anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal agents can help our body fight against colds, cough and flu. Therefore, when symptoms of these infections are present, simply mix 1/8 teaspoon of Turmeric powder into a glass of warm milk once per day. Also drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Diabetes  Recent studies have shown that the antioxidant agents in Turmeric help reduce insulin resistance, which may prevent the onset of Type-2 Diabetes. Therefore, a simple preventive remedy is to take 1/8 teaspoon of turmeric powder twice a day with meals. Curcumin extracts or capsules can also be used as an alternative to the powder.

Inflammation Turmeric’s key ingredient Curcumin is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, Turmeric powder can help in healing cuts, wounds, and other skin infections including boils.

Heat one cup of Flax Seed Oil in a small saucepan on the stove. Thinly slice a small onion and add it to the hot oil. Fry the onions until they are dark brown and crunchy. Remove the brown onions and mix 2 tablespoons of Turmeric powder into the oil. Turn off the stove and let the oil cool down to a temperature that is comfortable to touch. Using a cotton swab, apply a small amount of the oil onto the injured or infected skin area. Apply this three times per day until the wound or infection is cured. Save the remaining oil into an airtight container for future use.

For internal injuries, fractures, sprains, and herniated disks, dip a piece of unbleached cotton fabric into the warm Turmeric oil. The fabric or cotton pad should be large enough to cover the outer skin of the affected area. Secure it in place and leave this cotton pad on overnight.

You can also add 1/8 teaspoon of turmeric powder into a warm glass of milk and drink it before going to bed to prevent internal inflammation and infections.

Weight Loss Curcumin in Turmeric powder has been found to help increase the flow of bile, an important component in the breakdown of dietary fat. Therefore, taking 1/8 teaspoon of Turmeric powder with every meal may be an effective weight loss aid when combined with a healthy diet and exercise program.

What are the Side Effects of Turmeric?  Moderate use of Turmeric powder as part of regular diet is fairly safe, and recent studies have found that a dosage of 500mg capsules of Turmeric three times per day is safe. However, prolonged consumption of high doses of Turmeric extract may cause stomach or liver distress, as well as dehydration and constipation. Therefore, it should be avoided by people with gallstones or bile obstructions. If you are currently taking blood thinners (including Aspirin), you should consult your doctor before taking Turmeric since it is an anti-platelet (prevents blood clots).

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A growing number of studies have concluded that it compares favorably to a variety of conventional medications, including:

• Lipitor/Atorvastatin(cholesterol medication): A 2008 study published in the journalDrugs in R & D found that a standardized preparation of curcuminoids from Turmeric compared favorably to the drug atorvastatin (trade name Lipitor) on endothelial dysfunction, the underlying pathology of the blood vessels that drives atherosclerosis, in association with reductions in inflammation and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic patients. [i]  [For addition curcumin and ‘high cholesterol’ research – 8 abstracts]
• Corticosteroids (steroid medications): A 1999 study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that the primary polyphenol in turmeric, the saffron colored pigment known as curcumin, compared favorably to steroids in the management of chronic anterior uveitis, an inflammatory eye disease.[ii]  A 2008 study published in Critical Care Medicine found that curcumin compared favorably to the corticosteroid drug dexamethasone in the animal model as an alternative therapy for protecting lung transplantation-associated injury by down-regulating inflammatory genes.[iii] An earlier 2003 study published in Cancer Letters found the same drug also compared favorably to dexamethasone in a lung ischaemia-repurfusion injury model.[iv]  [for additional curcumin and inflammation research – 52 abstracts]
• Prozac/Fluoxetine & Imipramine  (antidepressants): A 2011 study published in the journal Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica found that curcumin compared favorably to both drugs in reducing depressive behavior in an animal model.[v] [for additional curcumin and depression research – 5 abstracts]
• Aspirin (blood thinner): A 1986 in vitro and ex vivo study published in the journalArzneimittelforschung found that curcumin has anti-platelet and prostacyclin modulating effects compared to aspirin, indicating it may have value in patients prone to vascular thrombosis and requiring anti-arthritis therapy.[vi]  [for additional curcumin and anti-platelet research]
• Anti-inflammatory Drugs: A 2004 study published in the journal Oncogene found that curcumin (as well as resveratrol) were effective alternatives to the drugs aspirin, ibuprofen, sulindac, phenylbutazone, naproxen, indomethacin, diclofenac, dexamethasone, celecoxib, and tamoxifen in exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activity against tumor cells.[vii] [for additional curcumin and anti-proliferative research – 15 abstracts]
• Oxaliplatin (chemotherapy drug): A 2007 study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that curcumin compares favorably with oxaliplatin as an antiproliferative agenet in colorectal cell lines.[viii] [for additional curcumin and colorectal cancer research – 52 abstracts]
• Metformin (diabetes drug): A 2009 study published in the journal Biochemitry and Biophysical Research Community explored how curcumin might be valuable in treating diabetes, finding that it activates AMPK (which increases glucose uptake) and suppresses gluconeogenic gene expression  (which suppresses glucose production in the liver) in hepatoma cells. Interestingly, they found curcumin to be 500 times to 100,000 times (in the form known as tetrahydrocurcuminoids(THC)) more potent than metformin in activating AMPK and its downstream target acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). [ix]                                                                 Considering how strong a track record turmeric (curcumin) has, having been used as both food and medicine in a wide range of cultures, for thousands of years, a strong argument can be made for using curcumin as a drug alternative or adjuvant in cancer treatment.  

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20 Health Benefits of Turmeric

1. Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.

4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.

6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.

7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.

11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.

13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.

16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.

17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.

18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. Once you start using turmeric on a regular basis, it’s fun to find new ways to use it in recipes.

Contra-indications: Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.

RELATED ARTICLES/VIDEOS BELOW:

We Become Silent @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yur51GMv_lo

Cure All Illnesses @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufVjdvRw4LM

Forbidden Cures: Cancer @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTGye7kA6rM

Baking Soda and Cancer Cure @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiattaZRRqk

How to Make Alkaline water @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKpEt4JAGus

Indian Yellow Milk  @ http://www.indiacurrents.com/articles/2009/09/22/indian-yellow-milk

Can Turmeric Relieve Pain? @ http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1910028,00.html

 

Prevention of CANCER

The Real Cause of Cancer 

Dr Otto Warburg discovered the real cause of cancer in 1923 and he received the Nobel Prize for doing so in 1931. Dr Warburg was director of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute (now Max Planck Institute) for cell physiology at Berlin. He investigated the metabolism of tumors and the respiration of cells, particularly cancer cells.

“Cancerous tissues are acidic, whereas healthy tissues are alkaline. Water splits into H+ and OH- ions, if there is an access of H+, it is acidic; if there is an access of OH- ions, then it is alkaline.”

In his work The Metabolism of Tumours he demonstrated that all forms of cancer are characterized by two basic conditions: acidosis and hypoxia (lack of oxygen). Lack of oxygen and acidosis are two sides of the same coin: where you have one, you have the other. “All normal cells have an absolute requirement for oxygen, but cancer cells can live without oxygen – a rule without exception.” “Deprive a cell 35% of its oxygen for 48 hours and it may become cancerous.” – Dr. Otto Warburg

Warburg also studied the metabolism of cancerous cells and in 1923 discovered that malignant cells use far less oxygen than normal cells and can in fact live anaerobically. This extremely interesting observation led him to speculate that cancer is caused by a malfunction of the cellular respiratory system. He advocated that cancer might be prevented by avoiding foods and additives that impair cellular activity and by ensuring a high level of respiratory enzyme in the body by taking plenty of iron and vitamin B.

“There are prime and secondary causes of disease. For example, the prime cause of the plague is the plague bacillus, but the secondary causes of the plague are filth, rats, and the fleas that transfer the plague bacillus from rats to man. By a prime cause of a disease I mean one that is found in every case of the disease.

Cancer, above all other diseases, has countless secondary causes. But, even for cancer, there is only one prime cause. Summarized in a few words, the prime cause of cancer  is the replacement of the respiration of oxygen in normal body cells by a fermentation of sugar.  All normal body cells meet their energy needs by respiration of oxygen, whereas cancer cells meet their energy needs in great part by fermentation. —Otto H. Warburg

• Oxygen gas, the donor of energy in plants and animals is dethroned in the cancer cells and replaced by an energy yielding reaction of the lowest living forms; namely, a fermentation of glucose.

• As emphasized, it is the first precondition of the proposed treatment that all growing body cells be saturated with oxygen.

• It is the second precondition that exogenous carcinogens be kept away, at least during the treatment.

Common sense would dictate that a prime cause should be dealt with first and foremost. Therefore, the prime counter to the prime cause of cancer would be to increase cellular oxygen. Of course, that isn’t what is happening in today’s cancer treatments. Instead, endless number of secondary causes are being explored while the prime cause is of little interest to most cancer researchers.

In regard to Dr. Otto Warburg’s cancer research back in the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s – there is this paragraph in regard to lactic acid production and cancerous cells which have an acidic pH.

The crux of his (Dr. Otto Warburg) Nobel thesis was that malignant tumors frequently exhibit an increase in anaerobic glycolysis — a process whereby glucose is used as a fuel by cancer cells with lactic acid as an anaerobic by-product — compared to normal tissues. The large amount of lactic acid produced by this fermentation of glucose from cancerous cells is then transported to the liver.This conversion of glucose to lactate generates a lower, more acidic pH in cancerous tissues as well as overall physical fatigue from lactic acid buildup. Thus, larger tumors tend to exhibit a more acidic pH.

He was awarded a 1931 Nobel Prize for his research. He was the first to observe that the growth of cancer cells requires much less oxygen than that of normal cells. For his contributions to biochemistry, Warburg was nominated three times for the Nobel Prize for physiology or medicine, in 1926, 1931, and 1944, although he only actually received the award in 1931.

This is how the information can be used by you to  PREVENT CANCER and to prevent the recurrence of cancer. 

1. It turns out that cancer cells cannot survive in the presence of high levels of oxygen and this has given rise to a variety of successful treatments based on oxygenating the tissues. As a preventive and self-treatment, breathing exercises (such as pranayama) and an abundance of fresh air provide a starting point. Most people do not breathe deeply, so they lose the benefit of much of their lung capacity. Most indoor air is ten times more polluted than outdoor air, yet we spend up to 90% of our time indoors. Indoor air in every room needs to be constantly refreshed from the outside. Need we mention the importance of non-smoking? Aerobic exercise is useful to both oxygenate the tissues and move the lymph around. 

2. To understand why some tissues in the body are deficient in oxygen and therefore prone to cancer, it is helpful to understand the nature of acidity and alkalinity. Cancerous tissues are acidic, whereas healthy tissues are alkaline. Water (H2O) decomposes into H+ and OH-. When a solution contains more H+ than OH- then it is said to be acid. When it contains more OH- than H+ then it is said to be alkaline.Oxygen helps to neutralize the acid, while at the same time the acid prevents oxygen from reaching the tissues that need it. Acidic tissues are devoid of free oxygen.The pH scale goes from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Below 7 is acid and above 7 is alkaline. The blood, lymph and cerebral spinal fluid in the human body are designed to be slightly alkaline at a pH of 7.4.At a pH slightly above 7.4 cancer cells become dormant and at pH 8.5 cancer cells will die while healthy cells will live.This has given rise to a variety of treatments based on increasing the alkalinity of the tissues such as vegetarian diet, the drinking of fresh fruit and vegetable juices, and dietary supplementation with alkaline minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, cesium and rubidium. Top 5 alkaline foods are:  LEMONS, APPLES, CAYENNE PEPPERS, WATER MELONS & LEAFY GREENS. Lemon is effective in killing cancer cells because it is allegedly 10,000 stronger than chemotherapy. And there is also a saying about cabbage: “A Cabbage a Day Keeps the Oncologist Away”

3. Much has been written about free radicals and cancer : the free radical attracts electrons from other molecules, thereby damaging them. Sources of free radicals include farm chemicals (fertilizers and pesticides), many prescription drugs, processed foods, cigarette smoke, environmental pollution, alcohol, electromagnetic radiation, and stress. In 1973, a study conducted by the Department of Occupational Health at Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School in Jerusalem found that when cancerous breast tissue is compared with non-cancerous tissue from elsewhere in the same woman’s body, the concentration of toxic chemicals such as DDT and PCBs was “much increased in the malignant tissue compared to the normal breast and adjacent adipose tissue.

4. From an Ayurvedic perspective, accumulated waste material in the body is called ama. Ama is described as a sticky substance that clogs the myriads of tiny tubes that make up the body. There are many Ayurvedic procedures to remove ama from the body. Some of these procedures are done daily, others seasonally, and they are part of the normal routine of life. For Ayurveda, maintaining a body free from ama helps provide the foundation for disease prevention and health promotion. To help prevent the damage, it is useful to take antioxidants.Antioxidants include  Earthing, selenium, glutathione, iodine/iodide, resveratrol, vitamins A, C and E, bioflavonoids, carotenoids, and coenzyme Q10. Selenium is found in brazil nuts and oatmeal. Many foods, particularly those of the cabbage family, are found to increase  glutathione  levels in the body. Selenium and glutathione work together to protect fatty tissues such as breast, liver and prostate. Glutathione protects and regulates the p53 tumor suppression gene that could potentially prevent half of all cancers. Vitamin C maintains the effectiveness of vitamin E as an antioxidant. Daily consumption of 300 to400mg of coenzyme Q10 has been shown to produce a partial or complete regression of breast tumors. Bioflavonoids are provided by green/blue/purple colored foods (fruits, vegetables, berries, beans, spices, etc.).

5. Carotenoids come from yellow/orange/red colored foods.Many individual bioflavonoids and carotenoidshave been shown to inhibit cancer growth, and when you eat a variety of foods containing bioflavonoids and carotenoids, they work together to produce a very powerful effect on cancer. Other antioxidants and antioxidant sources include resveratrol (found in grape skins), propolis, zinc, green tea, turmeric, L-carnosine, and organic germanium.

6. Oxidized (rancid) vegetable oils(corn oil, soy oil, etc) look the same as non-oxidized vegetable oils, but the oxidized oils produce masses of free radicals in your body. This is one reason why we recommend replacing all vegetable oils in your cooking with coconut oil. For good health, be sure to eat at least 3 or 4 tablespoons of coconut oil every day. Start with teaspoon amounts and work up. Coconut oil is very easy to digest and provides an ideal source of energy for sick people and healthy people.  

7. Purification Techniques:  Many doctors feel that “death begins in the colon”. Colon problems  primarily affect “westernized” people and, surprisingly, these colon problems turn out to be mostly due to faulty toilet design. Two thirds of the population of the world use squat toilets. Squatting provides the optimal position for complete evacuation of the colon. Complete evacuation of the colon is simply not possible using the western toilet, and results in a filthy internal condition similar to a sewage backup in a home. Your body cannot be healthy so long as this condition continues. Restricting the quantity of food consumed gives the system an opportunity to cleanse itself. It is not always necessary to eat. The digestive system requires a rest periodically, even if just one day each week. The consumption of fresh juices made from organically grown fruits and vegetables during this time of reduced food consumption provides alkalinity to neutralize the acid wastes released from the tissues. It is important to understand that we are not recommending “fasting” in the sense that you consume nothing but water. Rather they are recommending a liquid diet of fresh juices for a brief period
   

How can you tell if you are not well? The very first thing that goes off is the breath. The breath becomes shallow, heavy, and irregular. You will know it right away. In Yoga, we believe that If you are not breathing proper, you are not living to your potential!

The simplest of all the yogic breaths is just long deep breathing, but it is a habit that we, as a culture, do not have. Our normal tendency is to breath irregularly and shallowly. This leads to a total emotional approach to life, chronic tension and weak nerves. The lungs are the largest organs of the human body. The average lungs can enlarge to a volume of almost 6,000 cubic centimeters. Besides supplying oxygen to and removing carbon dioxide from the body, the respiratory systems helps regulator body pH (acidity – alkalinity) and helps excrete water vapor, hydrogen and small amounts of methane. Normally we may use only 600 or 700 cubic centimeters of that capacity.

If you do not expand the lungs to their full capacity, the small air sacks in the lungs, called alveoli, cannot clean their mucous lining properly. Therefore you do not get enough oxygen, and toxic irritants build up that lead to infections and disease.

Many studies over recent years have shown a positive response between exercise and the prevention of cancer.How do we best oxygenate the blood to make the body’s environment hostile to disease? The best way, of course, is to maintain a steady aerobic exercise program while feeding our bodies nutrition packed foods – to promote strong red blood cells that transport oxygen throughout the body.Twenty to thirty minutes of walking, cycling, dancing, jogging, golf or whatever gets you going, is recommended daily to start.

In fact over-exercise can be harmful too because, according the NIH (National Institutes of Health) can decrease white blood cells that fight the body’s invaders and can set up an inflammatory response .

Disease of any kind along with treatment often robs the body of the exertion/energy necessary to exercise. One idea that I found useful is the breath-work  or aka (PRANAYAMA) recommended and described by Dr. Andrew Weil, of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine.

Dr. Weil offers excellent techniques for improving the effectiveness of breath – did you know that most of us exhale about one-third as much time as we inhale? If we increase exhalation, we can improve inhalation too. The more we empty our lungs, the greater the amount of air we can inhale and the more even and relaxed our breathing becomes, in turn increasing the amount of oxygen supplied to our bodies. So – get up and take a deep breath and know that you are one breath closer to a healthier you.

While cancer eats up sugar, it also rejects oxygen as its primary source of energy and respiration. The major difference between healthy cells and malignant cells is that cancerous cells have mutated so that their primary energy supply is the fermentation of sugar. (There’s that sugar connection again.) Yet our bodies still need an adequate supply of glucose for healthy cells to thrive. What we want to stop is the spiking of glucose levels and increased insulin response. Exercise helps here too along with detection of hidden sugars in convenience foods so balance can be maintained in our bodies.

And Lastly: Baking soda is another one that works as a general alkalinizing as well as pH balancing agent within the body. If the body is overly acidic, baking soda can actually provide a short term remedy to putting it back into an acid/alkaline balance. Health problems, disease and sickness typically abound when your body is overly acidic so it is important to keep it within a healthy pH range.

Of course you do have to be cognizant of the sodium content if you have any issues with high blood pressure. Usually a dosage of no more than a teaspoon at a time diluted in a glass of water is recommended.

ALWAYS, remember that these are complementary healing ideas. No diet or exercise program should ever be considered a replacement for the therapies your doctor recommends, and if any ‘expert’ tells you that his/her ‘treatments’ must exclude standard medical protocols, do not walk, RUN away from them ASAP. 

***** Also Read/Watch Below:

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2012/04/21/cancer-industry-exposed-as-fraud-the-science-is-false/

http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/burzynski-the-movie-cancer-is-serious-business/

http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/cancer-forbidden-cures/

http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/we-become-silent

10 most unhealthy, cancer-causing foods

Turmeric @ http://www.bri.ucla.edu/bri_weekly/news_060206.asp

*****

http://health-inspiration.com/html/dr__warburg.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otto_Heinrich_Warburg

http://www.hopeforcancer.com/studies.htm

http://www.answers.com/topic/otto-heinrich-warburg

http://eco-manity.com/pdf/DrOttoWarburg.pdf

http://www.helpyourownhealing.com/?p=151
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Ei2wUzrXRyU (video)

Dying Gracefully

Dying Gracefully

Isha.Org

Death is inevitable, but only a few people have the fortune of a graceful death. Sadhguru tells us about how to ensure a graceful exit for a dying person, and the importance of taking away the “choppiness” of death.

Everywhere in the world, people talk about dying peacefully. All they are talking about is they do not want to die in a choppy manner; they want to recede gently. To take away the choppiness of death, one simple thing you can do is to have  a lamp – preferably with ghee but you can also use butter – burning constantly, 24 hours of the day next to that person. This creates a certain aura so that the choppy nature of withdrawal can be regulated to some extent. Another thing you can do is to set up some kind of a universal chant – – at a very mild volume. A consecrated sound like this in the background will also make sure that choppy withdrawal can be avoided.

Having a lamp and a simple chant going should continue up to 14 days after one has been certified dead, because he may be medically dead but not existentially dead; he is not completely dead. Death happens slowly. The withdrawal of the life process from this lump of earth – the body – happens step-by-step. For all practical purposes, the activity of the lungs, heart and brain has stopped so they are declared dead, but it is not yet so. Even if the person’s body is burnt, he is still not dead because his movement into the other realm has not started.

It is based on this that there are various kinds of rituals in India up to 14 days after somebody dies. Unfortunately, the knowledge and power behind these rituals have mostly been lost and people are just doing things for their livelihood. Very few people truly understand the significance of what it is. Unless one leaves absolutely consciously that he is instantly off, for such a person we do not do anything, but for all others, these things are done because you have to show them the way.

So the first thing that is done when somebody dies is, anything that has been intimately in touch with their body, such as underclothes, is burnt. Other clothes, jewelry, everything is distributed – not just to one person – but among many people within three days. Everything is distributed as quickly as possible so that they get confused. They will not know where to hang around anymore. If you were to give a bundle of their belongings to someone, they would go there because the energy of their own body still exists in the clothes. These things were done not only to settle the dead but also to settle the family and relatives, so that they understand that it is over. It doesn’t matter how involved and attached you were to somebody, when it is done, it is done – the game is up.

Generally, everywhere in the world irrespective of which culture, it is said, “even if it is your enemy who is dying right now, you must create a peaceful atmosphere for him, you don’t do ugly things.” Maybe you shot him in battle, but you take off your hat when he is leaving or you say, “Ram Ram,” or whatever you know. When somebody is dying, at that moment the whistle has already been blown and the game is over. There is no point kicking now.

That is the reason why, when you see that even the dead are not treated with respect, something within you shakes. Not because you have to treat a body with respect but because he is exiting slowly. It doesn’t matter how he lived, at least that must happen well. Every human being must have that much intention.

Canola Oil and GMOs

GMOs and why you should never use Canola oil

Vanessa Runs

 

Olive oil comes from olives. Sesame seed oil comes from sesame seeds.

But what is a canola? Canola is actually a made-up word for a genetically modified product.

Canola stands for “Canadian oil low acid.” It’s (sadly) a Canadian invention and subsidized by the government. The subsidies make it very cheap to use, so almost all processed or packaged foods contain canola oil. Be sure to read the ingredients. Here’s why you should:

THE SCOOP ON CANOLA

Canola oil is developed from the rapeseed plant, which is part of the mustard family of plants. These oils have long been used for industrial purposes (in candles, lipsticks, soaps, inks, lubricants, and biofuels). It’s an industrial oil, not a food.

Rapeseed oil is the source behind mustard gas, and on its own it causes emphysema, respiratory distress, anemia, constipation, irritability, and blindness. But through the beauty of genetic modification, we now sell it as an edible oil.

The claim is that canola is safe to use because through modification it is no longer rapeseed but “canola.” Except… canola is just genetically modified rapeseed. It has been marketed as a wonder oil that is low in saturated fats with a beneficial omega-3 fatty acid profile. It is recognized by the American Dietetic Association and the American Heart Association based on the belief that the absence of saturated fats alone makes it healthy.

It is now believed that rapeseed has a cumulative effect, taking almost 10 years before symptoms begin to manifest. One possible effect of long-term use is the destruction of the protective coating surrounding nerves called the myelin sheath. This is like having raw, open wires in the body. Some symptoms include:

• tremors and shaking
• uncoordination when walking or writing
• slurred speech
• deterioration of memory and thinking processes
• fuzzy or low audio levels
• difficulty urinating/incontinence
• breathing problems/short of breath
• nervous breakdown
• numbness and tingling in extremities
• heart problems/arrhythmia

From a nutritional perspective, canola oil has been found to deplete Vitamin E. It has a tendency to inhibit proper metabolism of foods and normal enzyme function. It also depresses the immune system.

THE SCOOP ON GMOS

Today, 72% of all products from the United States are genetically modified. The top 3 genetically modified foods are:

1. canola
2. corn
3. soy

Not too far behind them are potatoes, tomatoes, sweet peppers, peanuts, and sunflower.

Companies that commonly use genetic modification are:

• Kellogg’s
• Kraft
• Miss Vickie’s
• Hershey’s
• Coke
• Gatorade
• General Mills
• Labatt beer
• McCain
• No Name
• President’s Choice
• Quaker Oats
• Ragu

When an attempt was made for new legislation to force the labeling of genetically modified products in grocery stores, the three companies of Kellogg’s, Monsanto, and DuPont spent $55 millions to fight it and eventually won. It is not mandatory for companies to let the consumers know when they have used genetic modification. Which is why today I refuse to use a Kellogg’s product (very corn-based). Produce that is genetically modified is sometimes identified by a 5-digit number on its sticker that starts with an 8. But not always.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF GMOS ON HUMANS

1. Toxicity

Apparently they have GMO Christmas trees that glow in the dark. Slightly cool, but kind of disturbing. They can also make pigs glow in the dark by injecting them with jellyfish.

2. Allergic reactions

Our bodies were not built to recognize and consume GMOs. They are foreign substances in our digestive system and in our bloodstream.

3. Antibiotic resistance

Many plants are engineered to become resistant. We consume those same toxins and may in turn develop resistances.

4. Cancer

GMOs are an offense to our cells. They depress our immune system and may allow for the onset of cancer.

5. Immuno-suppresion

Our immune system doesn’t recognize GMOs. It works to expel them from our bodies as soon as possible, and has less time to work towards our general well being.

Besides the above, GMOs have a negative effect on nature. It upsets the balance of the earth, harms wild plants, and disturbs the life cycle of wild animals.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Since learning the above, I’ve made some changes. They’re small, but I feel good about them.

1. I don’t buy or use anything that contains canola.
2. I don’t buy or use any Kellogg’s products.
3. I look at the produce stickers on my fruits and vegetables. Just in case.
4. I stay away from processed foods, as they are most likely GMO.

GMOs are a big scary topic. But even without labeling, most of us can incorporate small changes to eat more naturally. source

Harmful Food Additives

10 Harmful Food Additives to Avoid

Cassie Goldring

Takepart.com

1) Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Commonly found in Chinese food, MSG is used as a flavor enhancer in soups, salad dressings, chips and frozen foods. MSG overexcites cells, causing them to die, and research has shown a correlation between the overconsumption of foods containing MSG and medical conditions such as depression, disorientation, eye damage, fatigue, headaches, and obesity. 

2) Artificial Sweeteners (Aspartame/Saccharine/Mannitol)

Although these artificial sweeteners will allow you to indulge in a tasty drink without the extra calories, they are also packed with chemicals that can be extremely harmful to your body in the long run. Almost all of these sweeteners contain the chemical Aspartame, a neurotoxin and carcinogen. Studies have linked the consumption of Aspartame to brain tumors, diabetes, lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and emotional disorders like depression and anxiety. It has also been known to cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, mental confusion, seizures, and affect short-term memory and intelligence. 

3) High-Fructose Corn Syrup

Found in almost all processed foods, this ingredient has become the number one source of calories in America. But beware! High-fructose corn syrup, which provides zero nutritional benefit, is found in the healthy foods we eat as well. Be sure to check the labels of your yogurts, cereals, and granola bars for this harmful additive. 

4) Artificial Food Coloring

That pink-and-red-flowered cupcake you just ate may have looked pretty, but the artificial coloring used to make it can have a very negative effect on your health. Artificial color enhancers can be found in many of the food products we consume, including macaroni, ice cream, cereal, chips, candy, sodas, lemonade, jams and more! Food dye has been known to contribute to thyroid cancer, kidney and adrenal tumors, and causes serious chromosome deterioration. 

5) Sodium Nitrate/Nitrite

Sodium nitrate is used to preserve meats and enhance flavor in processed food products such as bacon, hamburgers, corn beef, and hot dogs. This ingredient is a carcinogen and is extremely destructive to the internal organs, particularly the pancreas and the liver. 

6) Sodium Sulfite

Sodium sulfite is frequently used during wine production and can be found in dried fruit. It can cause extremely dangerous reactions in people sensitive to it, and has been linked to asthma, rashes, headaches, and breathing problems. 

7) Sulfur Dioxide

This toxic additive, commonly found in beer, dried fruits such as apricots, chips and soft drinks, has been said to cause diseases such as conjuctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, and cardiovascular disease. 

8) BHA And BHT

Although these additives may prevent your food from changing color, losing flavor, or becoming rancid, they may potentially increase your chances of getting cancer. Found in gum, jello, cereal, and even certain rices.

9) Trans Fat

Trans fat, which is found in most fast food and processed food products, is considered one of the most dangerous substances to consume. Used to extend the shelf life of many food products, the consumption of trans fat has been linked to serious medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and can even cause heart attacks, strokes and heart disease.

10) Potassium Bromate

Used to increase the volume of bread products, this additive has been proven to cause cancer in animals. Even small amounts can negatively impact the health of humans.

Attention Shoppers! Read the labels, then steer clear of these additives.   source

Dangers of Fructose @ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2145141/Does-sugar-make-stupid-Study-suggests-sabotages-learning-memory.html

Meat & Masculinity @ http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/05/18/men-meat-and-masculinity-linked

Sugar Affects Brain @ http://www.volunteertv.com/news/national/headlines/Sugar_may_make_you_stupid_but_omega-3_might_mitigate_the_effect_rat_study_suggests_152052095.html

HFCS & Dangers @ http://www.infowars.com/common-ingredient-in-soft-drinks-causes-damage-to-brain-function

Fluoride & Brain Damage @ http://www.infowars.com/study-proves-fluoride-brain-damage/

HFCS is equal to Corn Sugar @ http://www.infowars.com/high-fructose-corn-syrup-getting-rebranded-as-corn-sugar/

Junk Food affects Brain @ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2081079/Junk-food-really-DOES-mess-brain-Research-shows-trans-fats-causes-brain-damage.html

 

Saffron:Healing Powers

Ancient Saffron: Magical Healing

Powers are Confirmed by Science

Greenmedinfo.com

By Sayerji 

 

Clearly there is something magical about the Crocus sativus flower, from which the spice saffron is derived.  If its striking beauty does not immediately cast a spell on its beholder, often it simply takes experiencing the spice to fall into full enchantment with it.  While saffron is exceptionally expensive, because it takes approximately 150 flowers to yield just 1,000 mg (0.035 oz) of dry saffron threads, and costs approximately $1,000 a pound, it does not take much to have an effect. Its uniqueness is also illustrated by the fact that it shuns mechanization, requiring of its would-be possessors that it be painstakingly harvested by hand , as no doubt has been done for tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of years. Because each Crocus sativus flower bears no more than four flowers, each with three vivid crimson stigmas from which the spice is derived, at most only 12 stigma are produced by each, which yields the equivalent of 30 mg (0.011 oz) of fresh saffron or 7 mg (0.00025 oz) dried.

Saffron has been documented to have been used as a versatile medicine since ancient times. In 2004 researchers studying 3,500 year old frescoes at Thera, a Greek island in the Aegean, found depictions of a goddess presiding over the manufacturer and use of a drug from the saffron flower. [i]   Perhaps even more amazing is the fact that 50,000 year-old depictions of prehistoric places in northwest Iran contained saffron-based pigments, indicating the human relationship with saffron is as old as time itself.[ii]

Saffron’s chemistry expresses otherworldly complexity. It contains over 150 volatile and aroma-yielding compounds – a biochemical symphony that ensures its mystery will never fully be plumbed, at least insofar as it great medicinal power remains refractory to the reductionist gaze of modern pharmacology. What power might that be?

While recent mainstream coverage of saffron weight loss promoting properties (via appetite suppression) on the Dr. Oz show has caused quite a surge of renewed interest in this exotic spice, saffron has far more to offer than that. It may, in fact, hold promise for serious neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease…

A 22-week multicenter, randomized, double-blind controlled trial of saffron in the management of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease published in 2010, showed 15 mg twice a day was as effective as donepezil (Aricept) at 5 mg twice a day, with significantly less vomiting as a side effect. Another 16-week, randomized and placebo-controlled trial also published in 2010, showed that 15 mg of saffron twice per day was both safe and effective in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

The petals of the Crocus sativus plant have also been shown nearly equipotent to Prozac (fluoxetine) as a treatment for depression.  According to a study published in the journal Progress in Neuropsychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry in 2007, 15 mg of Crocus sativus petals were as effective as 10 mg of Prozac in treating mild to moderate depression, putting 25% of the participants into full remission. Another depression study published 2004 showed that saffron, at 30 mg a day, was as effective as the drug imipramine, at 100 mg a day, in the treatment of mild to moderate depression.

Other experimentally confirmed, potential medicinal properties of Saffron are:

Anxiety Disorders	Asthenozoospermia (low sperm)	Cardiac Hypertrophy
Chemotherapy-Induced Liver Toxicity	Colorectal Cancer	Diabetic Neuropathy
Dysmenorrhea (irregular menstrual cycles)	Erectile Dysfunction	Hypertension
Inflammation	Liver Cancer	Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Multiple Sclerosis	Opiate Addiction/Withdrawal	Pancreatic Cancer
Psoriasis	Respiratory Disease	Wound Healing

Saffron has been shown to modulate at least 22 biological pathways through the following pharmacological actions:

Anti-anxiety	Anti-inflammatory	Anticarcinogenic
Antidepressive	Antimutagenic	Antioxidant
Antiproliferative	Aphrodisiac	Apoptotic
Bronchodilator	Calcium Channel Blocker	Cardioprotective
Chemopreventive	Chremotherapeutic	Cyclooxygenase inhibitor
Excitatory Amino Acid Agonist	Hypnotics and Sedatives	Hypotensive
Neuroprotective	Prostaglandin Antagonists	Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Inhibitor

A note of caution is due with saffron, as any plant with such a great many modes of action and high biological activity at exceedingly low quantities, should be used with caution. In very small amounts, an herb like saffron may nudge a system into balance, or in a direction that the user may experience as a positive shift — for example, as occurs when saffron is used in a dish as a spice, or consumed as a tea.  However, in higher “pharmacological dosages,” especially when mixed with over-the-counter and prescribed drugs, there is a risk of doing serious harm. Therefore please be careful, and consult a medical herbalist and/or physician whenever possible before using more than culinary doses of saffron.

To power through a slump, you need a healthy snack—not a sugar overdose: One 20-ounce bottle of VitaminWater contains more sugar than a Snickers bar. Too much of the sweet stuff suppresses white blood cells, reducing their ability to capture and destroy bacteria, says Christine Gerbstadt, M.D., a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. That said, don’t sweat the natural sugar in fruit, whole grains and vegetables. These foods contain fiber, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

Parabens is used in many cosmetics, mostly in deodrants/anti-perspirants. It is known however that Parabens are able to be absorbed through the skin and bind to the body’s estrogen-receptors, where they can encourage breast cancer cell growth. For example, a study published in 2004 (Darbre, in the Journal of Applied Toxicology) detected parabens in breast tumors.

Related articles below :

1)  Concentrations of Parabens in Human Breast Tumours  @ http://www.maxgreenalchemy.com/images/ParabenReportDarbre.pdf

2)  Cancer Cure:Sodium Bicarbonate @  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=00tE6U22sEw#!

3)  Forbidden Cures @  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7k-GlLhpp8&feature=related

4) Cancer Feeds on Fructose @  http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/cancer-feeds-fructose-america%E2%80%99s-1-source-calories

5) Fork over Knives:Review @ http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110511/REVIEWS/110519995/-1/RSS

————————————————————————————————————

[i] Honan, W. H. (2004), “Researchers Rewrite First Chapter for the History of Medicine“, The New York Times, 2 March 2004, retrieved 13 September 2011

[ii] Willard, P. (2002), Secrets of Saffron: The Vagabond Life of the World’s Most Seductive Spice, Beacon Press (published 11 April 2002), ISBN 978-0-8070-5009-5

Genetically Modified Foods

Genetically Modified Foods or GMO

Global Healing Center

Dr. Edward F. Group 

Scientists have been and are currently introducing genetic material into organisms to alter, create and affect changes in living plants and animals. These radical changes scientists are developing create specific, desirable traits that might never evolve naturally and in my opinion are extremely dangerous.

Collectively called recombinant DNA technology, this practice changes the core genetic make-up of organisms. This genetic manipulation gives scientists the ability to create any trait that they wish, or suppress natural traits they don’t want. There are several reasons this unnatural genetic manipulation may affect you.

1. It’s usually not clear which consumables have been genetically manipulated.
2. You don’t know the long term health effects of these genetically modified foods. Initial research has shown that short-term reactions can be severe.
3. Agro-chemical companies and the government are planning to charge farmers fees to grow their GMO crops, thereby negatively affecting the economy and environment.

Cultivated Genetically Modified Foods

From bacteria (E. coli) and fungus, fruits and vegetables to animals, genetic manipulation is becoming more and more common in our society. In the US market now, 60-70% of the processed foods are genetically modified. In 2006, United States GMO crops reached just shy of 135 million acres, with the total global area exceeding 250 million acres!¹

This is a short list of the genetically modified food crops that are grown in the US today:

• Corn
• Soy bean
• Sugar cane

• Tomatoes
• Potatoes
• Sweet peppers

• Bananas
• Strawberries
• Zucchini

• Pineapples
• Cocoa beans
• Yellow squash

And each week more are being created at an alarming rate!

Processed Consumer Goods Made With GMO Ingredients

The bio-chemical industry is fiercely going after two crops, corn and soy, because of their high demand for use throughout our processed goods and biofuel industries.

For companies to increase and control the yield of these crops, it would mean controlling a large part of the processed goods and biofuels markets. It would also mean considerable profit as they can patent these crops and technically OWN THEM!

For now, you won’t see GMO on the labels of foods in the US. Currently, producers are not required to tell you, because, believe it or not, the Federal government has declared it’s their choice to determine what is good for you and what foods are safe for your consumption — and we know how far that is gotten us.

Following is a short list of processed foods made with genetically modified organisms:

• Popcorn
• Canola Oil
• Cottonseed Oil

• Soy Sauce
• Frozen Pizza
• Frozen Dinners

• Dry Cereal
• Baby Formula
• Canned Soups

• Cookies
• Ice Cream
• Aspartame Sweetener

The list of GMO products on the market today is long and growing. So, I recommend doing your research because the USDA made the following determination: These products don’t need to be labeled with GMO content information unless the product presents the threat of causing allergic reactions in humans. Amazing, huh?

Several sites on the internet today are working hard to track and compile such information regarding these man-made foods. The items above are compiled from several lists including the 2003 food guide from The True Food Network².

The long-term dangers of Genetically Modified Foods are uncertain, but we have already seen severe short-term reactions

In 1989, a Japanese company paid out a $2 billion dollar settlement to several thousand American citizens who became ill from a genetically modified version of L-Tryptophan³. Several dozen Americans died from ingesting L-Tryptophan before it was taken off the market. Today, some health practitioners are returning to non-GMO L-Tryptophan for use in treating sleep disorders.

In 1996, animal tests, conducted after the danger was inflicted on humans, proved that there was a severe danger fromgenes spliced from Brazil nuts and soybeans. The danger: allergic reactions so severe that the individuals could suffer anaphylactic shock, possibly leading to death⁴.

In 2006, Japan suspended long grain rice imports from the US after tests revealed that the rice contained trace amounts of GMO that were not approved for human consumption. In the US, we still accept variations of the banned genetic modification to the rice⁵.

It all started by the government giving blanket approval to the “Frankenstein” tomato. You see, by 1994, the government made a stunning decision, one that reeks of something foul. They decided that since the Flavr Savr® performed “so well in its tests” that its results would stand for any further GMO produce. Because of that, no further testing would be required before presenting it to consumers for consumption.⁶

Shocking Fact About Genetically Modified FoodsThe FDA suppressed a report that described lesions being created in the stomachs of mice that had eaten the Flavr Savr®. As a matter of fact, “Seven out of forty rats tested died within two weeks for unstated reasons.” ⁸

Are there fees that farmers will have to pay to grow GMO crops?

Genetically Modified Foods are now being marketed as the crops of the future. You can have everything you want in produce, meat and milk, and they can make it happen. Don’t doubt the economic gain that these agro-chemical companies are seeking.

The following two plans are under development by Monsanto of the US, and AstraZeneca of Britain. They fall under the trait-specific technology, called Genetic Use Restriction Technology (T-GURT).

“Technology Protection,” is how they sell it. “Terminator” technology makes plants that would produce sterile seedsafter one season. This means, farmers have to buy more seeds for the next harvest.

“Traitor” technology is a trait-specific technology that develops traits which would remain dormant in crops. Farmers can choose to activate this trait by spraying their crops with a proprietary chemical compound. This means, they’ll have tobuy the proprietary compound to treat their crops in order to activate it. There are even biochemical companies requiring farmers to sign agreements to not save any of their seeds for re-planting. This means that instead of using the seeds for the next planting season, they have to get rid of them and buy more seeds.

Why would business and the government do something like this?

The USDA, Monsanto and AstraZeneca, have contrived a way to make money on two fronts: First they make money on gene modification. Second, they make money because farmers have to pay them annually to continue to grow crops. It’s apparently dollars and cents all the way, no sense of human protection involved. The USDA is actually in business with Monsanto in owning some of the genetic engineering technology patents.

Did You Know?Margaret Wertheim, in a 2002 article in LA Weekly, expressed fears that “Quietly and stealthily, our fields are being turned into industrial factories. This is potentially the most dangerous technology since nuclear power, yet we have no way of finding out what is being done.”⁷

How Are GMO Foods Toxic?

Genetically modified foods affect the human physiology. A study of people in the Philippines reported that their bodies developed antibodies to Bt toxin. What this means is that, the human body processed these engineered traits into their guts and reacted to them. These same consumers of the GMO corn in the Philippines also developed a resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin.

This antibiotic resistance is something that science hadn’t foreseen-which is indicative of questionable experimentation and not enough testing. And it makes me wonder if there is a bigger picture at hand. Maybe to create more illness and sell you more pharmaceuticals?

How to Eliminate Toxins from Genetically Modified Foods

• Whenever possible, eat all natural foods. Shop at your local farmers market for fresh foods which supports your local economy.
• Use only organically grown fruit and vegetables. Organic crops are grown using no genetic modification or toxicpesticides and herbicides.
• Your zucchini and yellow squash may be genetically modified too. Use only locally grown or organic produce.
• Be careful to eat only organic varieties of popcorn and corn. They are very often genetically modified.
• Start your own organic garden. Growing your own fruit and vegetables is one of the best things you can do for your family. Be sure your location is not in close proximity to plants, industry or bioengineered farms.
• When you’re shopping for meat and dairy products, be sure to look for the hormone and antibiotic-free, organic, range fed information on the label.
• Avoid canola oil and cottonseed oil. Use instead, organic sources of grape seed oil, virgin coconut oil, hempseed oil and olive oil which are available at organic and whole foods markets.
• Check your condiments for organic labels. You can find organic fermented sources for soy like natto (fermented soybeans), tempeh, miso, tamari, and tofu.
• Aspartame is genetically modified and is very toxic, it’s best to avoid all products that contain this substance.
• Take action. Write your council members and grocery executives. Let them know that you want fresh foods in your stores. Ask them to stock organic and no GMO foods.

Recommended Readings Below:

• Genetically Modified Foods: Why You Should Avoid Them
• What is rBGH in your milk?
• What are Vegetarian Eggs?
• Facts you should know about Monsanto
• GMOs 101
• Dangers of Fructose
• Aluminum & Fluoride= Alzheimer’s
• ASPARTAME

How to Use Feng Shui

Feng Shui Tips for Better Health

Feng shui priorities for a home that will support vibrant health:

1. Fresh, good quality air. Easier said than done, I know. Very often ignored, good quality air is indeed the # 1 feng shui health priority. Work with feng shui air-purifying plants, open the window often to aerate the space, use essential oils to clear the air, use air-purifiers, etc. Do whatever it takes to find solutions for better air in your home; breathingclean air regularly is the feng shui foundation for your health and well-being.

1. Sufficient natural light. This also includes intelligent, smart indoor lighting. I know this feng shui step, again, is easier said than done. Once you focus on the quality of light, though, you will very quickly sense  a shift in your health and well-being. Light is our #1 nutrient, be wise and give your body enough light nutrition. This also includes the smart use of feng shui colors, as color is light.

1. A clutter-free space. Again, not easy to do, thus often the feng shui step of clutter clearing is ignored in favor of more “flashy” feng shui cures. Be serious and realize that no amount of wind chimes, good feng shui colors or feng shui plants will negate the low, depressing energy of clutter. You just have to deal with your clutter, as clutter constantly drains energy from you.

You might not have the energy to start clearing clutter or do major furniture rearranging, but you might still employ some easy feng shui solutions to help you out.

• Thoroughly cleanse your kitchen and let go of any unhealthy foods.
• Bring fresh herbs like basil, rosemary or mint (Wood feng shui element), ideally in clay pots (Earth feng shui element) and find a good place for them in your kitchen.
• Always have fresh water in site. A good idea is to place a row of spring water bottles (Water feng shui element) that you replenish as necessary.
• Have 9 oranges (Fire feng shui element) in a round metal bowl (Metal feng shui element.) Replenish them, too, as needed.
• Be sure to aerate your kitchen often and let natural light in.
  

  What makes the energy unhealthy?

  clutter – energy which has become stuck and stale around piles of stuff which we have not attended to for some time, can make us congested in our body, confused in our mind and stuck in our life.

  badly arranged furniture or rooms – bed facing the wrong direction, furniture out of balance in the room,  corners and edges of furniture aiming at people, long empty stretches of room or hall.

  harmful energy from outside – single trees or telegraph poles in line with the front door, heavy foliage in the front, weak foliage at the back, energy rushing around instead of meandering

  wrong colours – each colour has an energy vibration which affects us in different ways.

  badly placed objects – spiky plants,  the wrong picture for the room, poor lighting, uninspiring ornaments

  a negative attitude – which can affect you, your environment, other people and your life situation – but this is where feng shui can help.

  1) Wealth Tips      2) Wealth Feng Shui   3) Harmony at Home