Drink Up!

Check out this great article in Yahoo! Health.

It explores some great beverages– besides water– that help you stay healthy, keep in shape and even fend off cancer. Sure, we’ve all heard that cranberry juice has great antioxidants and that OJ is a great source of Vitamin C…. But Black Tea to prevent skin cancer? Chocolate Milk to fight off belly fat? It’s worth the quick read.

One thing that the article does not mention is the high sugar content in some these drinks. The benefits are there, but opt for low-sugar or all natural whenever possible!

Don’t Vaccinate Your Chickens Before They Hatch.

In response to the recent salmonella crisis, which sickened 1300 people and forced a recall of over half a BILLION eggs, people starting pointing fingers. They pointed at the hens, of course, but also to those roosting in the White House…. the U.S. government.

Nearly a decade ago, Britain faced a similar crisis and was compelled to both recall and restructure. To avoid a repeat of their situation, they made the legal decision to vaccinate their hens against the salmonella bacteria.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, when faced with the same risk, chose NOT to vaccinate their hens… an interesting decision considering that it would only cost them about a penny per dozen eggs. They are now facing harsh criticism from consumers and industry experts who say that an investment then could have prevented the issues now.

Well, I’m pointing fingers too. And it’s not at the hens or the FDA… it’s the commercial-based chicken farms who mass produce eggs. Instead of vaccinating our poultry and ignoring this true root of this problem, why don’t we look to the source? This entire issue could have been PREVENTED by demanding better conditions at these chicken farms. Specifically, that means fewer chickens per square foot and better living conditions for the chickens.

I understand that can sounds ridiculous demanding “better living conditions” for chickens. I’m not saying that they need to lay on chaise lounges and be fed corn de creme… but the general practice right now is to stuff them into ridiculously small cages so that they are forced to sit in their own bacteria-ridden feces. How do we expect a superior product when this in the environment of cultivation?

Furthermore, do we really need more chemicals and medication going into our animal products? We’ve all heard the speculations that vaccines can be linked to cancer and autism and, although it might be a coincidence, Britain has startlingly high rates of both.

The Morals of the Story: 

1. There is no reason (aside from $$) to resort to chemicals when there are healthier alternatives. The conditions of commercial poultry farms have to change and this should be the catalyst.
2. Local organic is the safest  bet when you’re dealing with animal products.

The Exinction of Antibiotics?

Scientists give it about ten years until antibiotics are deemed entirely ineffective.

This is a scary thought when you consider the number of bacterial inefections and diseases antibiotics have combatted since introduced 67 years ago. In those couple generations, we abused antibiotics enough to create resistant genes that scoff at even the most powerful forms of the medication.

Most recently, scientists discovered a gene called NDM 1 that causes resistance in bacteria like E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae (both responsible for many human infections). The gene is already widespread in India and could spread through global travel. Currently, there are no known medications to treat NDM-produced infections.

So what does this mean for you?

Most obviously, the ‘extinction’ of antibiotics means few resources for combatting potentially-fatal infection. This could be devastating in cases of medical surgery, wherein cavities of the body are exposed to numerous bacteria.

Consider these statistics from the Health Protection Agency:   the chances of dying from hospital pneumonia or septicaemia (blood poisoning) are TWICE as high if the bacteria are drug-resistant. In the case of pneumonia, your odds of death could be as high as 60%.

So what do we do?

• PRIORITIZE. As I’ve always stressed, responsible antibiotic use is CRITICAL right now. In a society where doctors dole out meds like hot cakes, we need to tone it down and prioritize. Antibiotics should be used exclusively for surgery and serious infection.

 

• RESEARCH…OUT OF THE BOX.  Scientists also need to put money into exploring alternatives for antibiotics. And, no, I’m not necessarily saying stronger antibiotics; I would encourage them to consider herbs and natural remedies that contain antibiotic properties. Garlic, Goldenseal, Echinacea…, don’t rule these out entirely. Even derivatives of these herbs could prove beneficial.

 

• PREVENT. Perhaps above all, we should start to invest in illness prevention. Preventative medicine could be our most effective means of combatting the less severe conditions that currently warrant an antibiotic Rx. This could mean promoting probiotics and other natural remedies that bolster the immune system.

 

• CUT IT OUT! And last, but certainly not least…. GET THE ANTIBIOTICS OUT OF OUR FOOD. This responsibility lies with both the consumer and those in charge of regulating U.S. agriculture. I would venture to say that this is one of the leading causes of antibiotic resistance in our country.  

By hitting these points, we could buy ourselves a few more years of responsible antibiotic use. If the future of our health depends on it, we can’t act soon enough. Check out the entire article at http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/aug/12/the-end-of-antibiotics-health-infections.

High-Tech Tools for Staying Healthy

We usually revert to nature when in pursuit of wellness, but the New Age has no shortage of solutions for keeping yourself healthy. With the long-awaited debut of the iPhone 4 came a salvo of new web apps to address the user’s every need. When Apple claimed the iPhone would “change everything,” they meant everything; their applications can help you find a restaurant, track your finances, translate languages and, of course, maintain your health. Here’s a list of some of the most useful apps for staying healthy in a fast-paced, high-tech world.

• Yoga Stretch – This is a great app for those seeking physical and mental balance on a tight schedule. Yoga Stretch lets you choose your own soothing soundtrack to create a peaceful ambiance for your routine. You then follow voice prompts and instructional images that guide you through a set of yoga poses. You can customize your own session according to your personal preferences or you can try out one of their preloaded routines. So skip the yoga studio after work and channel your chi from the comfort of your own home!
• Quick Health Calculator – Diabetes is a growing epidemic in our society and awareness is often the best prevention. This app allows you to quickly and easily calculate your level of risk for type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. By inputting height, weight, and waist measurements, you can also determine your Body Mass Index, another indicator of potential health concerns. If the Calculator determines that you are at risk, you can seek the help of a professional.
• Be Happy Now with GBM – This app claims to take you from Bummerville to Happytown in 30 seconds using unique meditation technology. GBM stands for Gratitude-Bliss Meditation, which aims to increase your sense of happiness through the art of peaceful reflection. In addition to making your day a little brighter, happiness is linked to many additional physical and mental health benefits. What’s more, a daily dose of Be Happy Now could quash your need for a daily dose of medication.
• MyNetDiary – Food and Exercise Log – Based on the popular MyNetDiary.com, this app gives you easy access to your own digital food and exercise diary, as well as your own custom weight loss program. You can use it to plan and analyze your diet, set nutritional guidelines, keep track of your meals and workouts, and view updates from your nutritionist. You can also use this app to calculate body fat, bone weight, and water and lean muscle percentages.
• Calorie Counter – To supplement your diet and exercise regimen, the Calorie Counter is an easy way to keep your diet on track and your weight in check. Use it in addition to your Food and Exercise Log to check the calorie content of your food or use it by itself when you’re looking for a reasonable meal at a restaurant.
• Quitter – For all those struggling smokers out there, the iPhone has you covered. This great app offers support and incentive to stay smoke-free by telling you how many days you’ve been without a cigarette and how much money you’ve saved by quitting. You just need to type in the price of your packs, how much you had smoked previously and when you stopped. It will do the rest of the work. Sometimes, this gentle reminder is all you need to beat the habit.
• SymptomMD – Even when you’re taking care of yourself, sometimes things come up that make you question your health. Whether you’re suffering from a bad cough or a nasty rash, this app will help you get to bottom of your ailment. Just type in your symptoms and you will get back descriptions of a few potential causes. This can be a huge help, but never diagnose or prescribe to yourself. If your symptoms are bad, make sure you consult your medical physician or Naturopathic doctor.
• Men’s Health Workouts  – Men’s Health Magazine sponsors its own app for their gentleman crowd, but ladies can also benefit from this body-building tool. The app features 23 workout options and over 150 step-by-step exercises that target the lower and upper body. Turn your iPhone into your trainer, without the cost or the sweaty spotter.

With all these capabilities at your fingertips, there’s no excuse to shortchange yourself. New technologies, like the iPhone, make it easy for you to stay healthy, even in this hectic culture. Wellness for the twenty-first century? Yes, there’s an app for that.

Posture Pointers from Planet Yoga

Leeann Carey and the team at Planet Yoga sent me this great yoga tutorial to supplement the section about alignment in my Driving Yourself Unhealthy  post. What do you have to lose but your back pain? Channel your inner-Yogi and give it a go!

Driving Yourself Unhealthy?

Driving your car every day might not be natural but, often, it’s necessary. If you live out in the backwoods like me, where the grocery store is a 30 minute ride and the only public transport is a haywagon, sometimes you just need to gas up and go.

As you could imagine, daily driving does pose some health concerns. Think about it: sitting in stressful traffic jams, stuffed in a confined space, surrounded by plastic and gas fumes…. no matter where you’re headed, illness may be just around the corner. But if you recognize some of these common bad driving behaviors and cut them out of your cruise, you can make driving a little less hard on your health.

Dining While Driving

 Mobile meals are notoriously bad for you. If it comes in a package or bag, it should bear a big red flag…it’s probably loaded with extra fat and calories. What’s more, munching while driving promotes mindless eating habits; you’ll be more likely to down a medium fry when you’re not focused on your food or your full stomach.

But it’s not a losing battle. If you must eat on the run, stick to snacks that will fill you up with some good-for-you ingredients. Stock your glove compartment with a few portioned baggies of almonds and Craisins for a snack full of protein and antioxidants. Blend a power shake of fruit, yogurt and wheat germ and bring it on the road in your to-go mug. Munch an apple to keep you full on fiber and more alert while driving. And, as always, forgo anything fried on the drive-thru menus… stick to lean meat sandwiches and egg white options whenever you can.

The Sit-and-Slouch

I give these new cars credit for trying to be posture-friendly, but the fact of the matter is, driving puts strain on the back no matter how the seat is designed.

When you sit for long periods of time, you put significant stress on the vertebrae and discs. Already in a state of discomfort, the back is then subjected to jolting and vibrations that can jiggle the alignment of the spine. Because car seats must be tilted back to allow leg room, the neck must be held at an awkward angle in order to look straight ahead. The only way to prevent this is to slouch forward and damage the natural curvature of your lumbar.

To cut down on back pain and long term injury, make sure you scatter long car trips with frequent stretching breaks. Get out, stand up, arch your back, swing your arms… release the tension from your body before it gets too comfortable and decides to stay! If you have the means, invest in a lumbar support pillow for your car seat that will keep your posture in proper alignment for the whole ride.

Cranking the AC

This has been a heavily debated theory, but new studies indicate that cars emit enough toxic fumes to cause concern. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization revealed that new cars may give off benzene, formaldehyde and other dangerous gases as a byproduct of the plastics and adhesives used in the automobile.

By blasting your air conditioning, or heat, in an unventilated car, you may be stirring up the fumes and increasing your level of exposure. It is suggested that you should keep a window cracked for several minutes after you turn on your heating and cooling system to allow fresh air to circulate.

Signs of too much exposure include headache, nausea, dizziness or drowsiness. Long-term exposure to these gases could potentially result in cancer or birth defects.

Bumping Beats

I’m of the Millenial generation and, as such, I’m rarely unplugged from my iPod. The car is no exception; in fact, it’s one of my top spots to enjoy music. Cranking your favorite tunes can make a monotonous ride more bearable and a tired driver more alert. Still, this loud habit can have a lasting effect on your hearing. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, listening to music regularly at over 85 decibels loud can lead to long-term hearing loss. The typical car stereo has a maximum volume of 110 to 170 decibels, so if you have a tendency to blast the radio, you could be creating a dangerous situation for your hearing.

The best solution to avoiding these risks is simply to turn it down. You can still enjoy great music without compromising your health and safety. 

Smoking

I don’t have to say much about this one. Smoking, especially in a confined car, is hazardous to you and those around you. The danger is so high that some states, such as Maine and New York, have pushed for or implemented a legal ban on smoking in cars. Some people claim that this is an invasion of privacy, but others don’t buy that excuse. Queens’ Environmental Protection Committee Chairman James Gennaro said it best, “Boo-hoo. You can’t subject kids to 43 carcinogens and 250 poisonous chemicals and claim privacy. Get over it. Their right to privacy doesn’t extend so far as to poisoning kids.”

Traffic Tension

We’ve all seen it. You’re sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic during rush hour and someone in the car next to you is laying on the horn, yelling profanities out the window. Or maybe you’re the one yelling. Either way, instances of “road rage” are a common occurrence on our streets.

If you have a tendency to get angry behind the wheel, or get behind the wheel when angry, you could be putting yourself and others in an unhealthy or unsafe situation. Traffic-related tension can lead to high blood pressure, headaches, backaches and the other harmful effects of stress. It also makes you a liability on the road, as your emotions could be clouding your judgment. Those of us that are prone to road rage should practice a few key actions to avoid dangerous driving.

1. Cool down before you gas up. Don’t get into a car if you’re already in a state of anger. Take a minute to get yourself together so you’ll be less likely to act it out on other drivers.
2.  Create a mobile sanctuary. The yoga studio isn’t the only place to relax. The car is a great place to practice deep breathing and listen to some soothing music. A good nature soundtrack might keep your head clear and calm. Dab on some lemon or mint essential oil to revive your senses and enjoy that time.
3. Take your time. When you’re running late, even the slightest hold up is bound to get on your nerves. Make it a priority to plan out your day, including departure times, so your travels are less chaotic. And don’t be afraid to delegate. Arrange to have the neighbors pick up your kids from school every other day, and vice versa, so you’ll have extra time to do afternoon errands. Have the husband or wife pick up the dry-cleaning on their way home from work so you don’t have to rush there before it closes. You’re not a Superhero, so you shouldn’t try to fly around the world and back before dinnertime.

Sometimes, we have no choice but to drive through life, so you might as well make it a comfortable ride. Try to break away from these bad driving habits to keep yourself healthy and out of harm’s way. There are still a lot of miles left in you, so make them count!

Old Wives Knew Their Stuff…

We always hear about these age-old remedies that our grandparents and great grandparents and great great grandparents swore by: Drink this to cure that cold. / Eat this to grow big and strong. / Take this to get rid of that embarrassing condition that I’ll discuss openly at a large family gathering.

Yes, it’s easier to nod away their advice (and go hide out in the bathroom) but, more often than not, your elders do know best. Many of these seemingly antiquated suggestions are backed by substantial evidence.

My grandfather was just telling me how kids of his generation were forced to choke down cod liver oil to keep them healthy. Oil from the liver of a cod fish… it sounds like a punishment more than a precaution. He asked if their were any studies out their supporting its benefits, so I did a little research.

It turns out Granny was onto something.

Many current studies support the use of cod liver oil (as well as other oils) to reduce joint and muscle pain, prevent cancer, lower cholesterol, improve diabetes, and promote healthy skin and hair. Cod liver oil acts as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent to reduce irritation within the body. These anti-inflammatory properties are due to its high content of omega-3 essential fatty acids.

Nowadays, we tend to take in more pro-inflammatory omega-6s than anti-inflammatory omega-3s… what should be an equal ratio is now something like 30:1! By consuming more omega-3s (also found in flax seed, salmon and walnuts) you can balance out your body’s natural response system and save yourself from the MANY negative effects of inflammation.

It’s most effective if we get our omega-3s from fish oil in the summer and cod liver oil in the winter, as cod has a higher concentration of the sunshine vitamin D. It is also packed with Vitamin A and DHA, which promotes a healthy brain and nervous system.

So next time your nana is offering health advice, it might be in your best interest to listen up… After all, she’s still kickin’, isn’t she?

Here are more old remedies that have some scientific credibility:

• Drink Ginger Ale for a Stomachache– Ginger is a natural carminative  that has the power to calm a nervous stomach.

 

• Put Apple Cider Vinegar on a Cut– Cider vinegar is an antiseptic, so it will clean harmful bacteria out of a minor cut and promote the natural healing process. (It might sting, but you’ll probably get a cookie afterward…)

 

• Eat a Cup of Beans Every Day– This was one of my Little Nana’s favorites. Beans are an excellent source of fiber, which will ensure effective digestion and keep your body clear of toxins.

 

• Get 8 Hours a Sleep a Night- We are always undermining the importance of sleep. This is the body’s best opportunity to rest and rejuvenate its systems. It helps to reduce stress, lower cholesterol and improve heart function.

 

• Eat Carrots for Good Eyesight- Carrots contain a lot of beta-carotene, which is an essential nutrient for healthy eyes. Although carrots probably won’t correct bad eyesight, it’s a great preventative measure.

 

The Infertility Crisis…What’s to Blame?

‘Crisis’ is a term that should not be taken lightly. Whether it is in reference to our economy, our environment or our health, it usually indicates some level of emergency. So when scientists say that humans are in the midst of an infertility crisis, we had best take note… or, better yet, take action.

Two decades ago, Danish scientists concluded that sperm levels in Western men were rapidly declining at a rate of about 10% every ten years. Recent studies reveal that this trend has continued: now 20% of men between the ages of 18 and 25 produce abnormally low sperm counts. Of those few sperm, only 5 to 15% are healthy enough for reproduction.

With this biological shortcoming and our tendency to only produce one offspring at a time, we are already hard-pressed to keep our species going strong; but with sperm levels now at an all-time low, it’s a miracle humans can even reproduce at all. According to the National Infertility Association, infertility is already affecting 10% of the American population, and we can expect that number to rise as levels continue to drop.

So here we are in crisis mode, chugging along toward certain human extinction. Our prospects may look bleak, but this problem isn’t without remedy. While there could be a number of things affecting sperm levels, scientists think these are the big offenders:

1. Environmental toxins,
2. Synthetic chemicals and additives in food and water
3. Estrogenic substances in food (ie. hormones in meats and milk)

This type of chemical exposure can lead to a host of reproductive disorders, like testicular cancer and cryptorchidism.

But these male deficiencies don’t mean women are off the hook; many of these reproductive problems start in the womb with the mother’s own diet and environment. For example, if she consumes chemical-dense meat or is exposed to toxins during pregnancy, her son is likely to be born with a lower sperm count. Ultimately, men and women have an equal role in the infertility crisis, with male and female reproductive issues each accounting for one-third of all cases of infertility. 

Fortunately for the human race, it seems that a change in lifestyle may be just what the doctor ordered. By cutting out pesticides and hormones from our diets, eliminating exposure to household chemicals and performing regular detoxification to flush out environmental pollutants, we stand a chance at bucking the trend.

Check out this great list of tips from Puristat to combat infertility.

 Think of it as a lasting contribution to your posterity; a little organic living could mean the difference between you and T-Rex…

Health Risk: ELF finds Lead in Children’s Snacks

Although it won’t come as a surprise, the packaged food industry has let us down again… but this time, your child’s health could be at risk.

The Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) recently confirmed the presence of lead in a number of children’s snacks and drinks. This toxic chemical has a nasty track record of making its way into consumer products, from paint to toys, but this could be one of the most alarming instances of contamination ever exposed.

 ELF tested 400 samples from 150 branded products, including a variety of juice boxes, packaged fruits and even baby foods. A startling 85% of the products tested positive for lead, and in large enough amounts to cause legitimate health and legal concern. 

Scientists confirm that children are more at risk when it comes to lead exposure because their bodies absorb the chemical at a higher rate than adults. Even minimal exposure can stunt mental development and lead to a low I.Q. As with most carcinogens, the greatest threat is that the chemical may cause cancer.

What’s even more disturbing about these test results is that some of the accused companies were Certified Organic brands; Earth’s Best Organic, 365 Every Day Value Organic, Trader Joe’s and Walnut Acres all had products that tested positive for lead. These are names that had been approved by the USDA, bearing the seal that consumers have come to trust as a symbol of health and safety. We might look upon these cases as a few bad apples in an otherwise decent batch, but this also could be an indication that the USDA needs to tighten up their federal regulations in regards to organic labeling.

Certainly, these companies deserve a hefty fine for their gross oversight, but will an expensive ‘slap on the wrist’ really deter these industry giants? It seems like a small price to pay for such a dangerous violation. What’s more, shouldn’t we be discomforted by the fact that a little paper warning label is the only thing that has to stand between us and toxic food? Carcinogenic chemicals should have no place in our food products, label or not, and federal regulations should support this standard.

This is just another strong reminder that we must be conscious consumers and advocates of our own health. For the full list of affected products, view the case on the Environmental Law Foundation’s website.

See my full story on Insider’s Health!

When Fruit Makes You Fat: A look into the Chemical Calorie

Calorie: a little word with a big stigma. Often, we don’t know whether to eat it or banish it to the list of unmentionable evils. These days, we are increasingly aware the calorie’s presence because—well—it is everywhere, in everything and in astoundingly greater quantities than ever before. We live in the land of the Double Decker Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger, for chewing out loud… a day’s worth of calories in a convenient paper sack.

But we realize that most everything that passes through a drive-up window is bad for us. We get that we should up the fruits and veggies. We understand the calorie plight… or at least we thought we did. Then Dr. Paula Baillie-Hamilton introduced a whole new genre of evil that might be messing with metabolism and contributing to American obesity: the Chemical Calorie™.

What IS it?

The Chemical Calorie is the unit used to measure the fattening effect of foods based on the amount of toxic chemicals they contain. Unlike conventional calories, Chemical Calories have no energy value and inhibit the body’s ability to effectively process and utilize foods.

Baille-Hamilton was able to write an entire book on the topic, but the concept is relatively simple.  Many foods in today’s consumer market have been pumped with chemicals to increase their quantity and “quality.” Greater output and a seemingly superior product mean more money for the agricultural industries. Vegetables are sprayed with pesticides and fungicides to yield larger crops, animals are given growth hormones and antibiotics to yield more meat, and humans are consuming these toxins with every tainted bite we take. It’s an alarming thought, but what does it really mean for us?

You Are What You Eat… Unfortunately.

Logical, our mouth is the most direct conduit between chemical contaminants and our bodies. Studies indicate that the same hormones used to fatten up commercial cattle is having the same affect on those who consume the meat. These chemicals are fat soluble so, when consumed, they have a natural tendency to gravitate toward the fattiest organs in our bodies.  Coincidentally, these organs play a key part in our metabolic function and what Baille-Hamilton refers to as our Slimming System. The toxins damage the brain and interfere with the sex hormones that facilitate our fat-burning processes. In addition, they rob our bodies of critical nutrients needed for effective metabolism. These hormonal and metabolic imbalances suppress our energy, so we’re less inclined to exercise and maintain an active lifestyle; thus, the cycle is perpetuated.

Because toxicity occurs through gradual accumulation, it’s easy to brush off the dangers of consuming chemical-treated foods. But with even the American Health Foundation acknowledging evidence that links toxins and weight gain, we can’t ignore the significance of the Chemical Calorie to the obesity epidemic. By understanding the effects of chemical contamination on human metabolism, we might be able to regain control of the American weight problem.

 Detoxify Your Diet.

While the USDA and federal organizations tackle the big agricultural issues, there are things you can do to decrease your exposure to chemicals. The first step is identifying the foods with the highest levels of Chemical Calories and then avoiding them. Some of these foods are healthy by conventional standards but frequently fall victim to chemical treatments during cultivation or processing. In her book, Baille-Hamilton identifies the “Dirty Dozen” of contaminated foods:

1. Butter, regular salted
2. Salmon, steaks or fillets, fresh or frozen
3. Spinach, fresh or frozen
4. Strawberries, raw
5. Cream cheese
6. Raisins
7. Apples, red, raw with skin
8. Dill pickles
9. Summer squash, fresh or frozen
10. Processed American cheese

It’s never a good idea to cut out fruits and vegetables, so going Organic is a good option, even if it is just with the biggest offenders. Veggies like bean sprouts, carrots and cauliflower generally have low levels of Chemical Calories, as do most berries. Most grains and pastas are low in chemicals as well, but always watch portion sizes.

Particularly with meats, look for products marked as “Hormone-Free” to ensure you won’t be taking in the pudge-promoting chemicals. The Double Decker Cheeseburger can be a caloric ‘double whammy’ if you’re also eating highly toxic red meat. It may cost you a little bit more in the short-term, but you could be saving yourself from a host of weight-related diseases. Compare the cost of organic chicken with the cost of heart medication and a dozen pairs of elastic-waist pants… it seems like a pretty good trade-off.

When in doubt, upping your intake of soluble fiber and filtered water can be a great defense against toxicity. Both help to flush out your system and counter the effects of chemicals, especially in regards to weight gain.

Meanwhile, you can encourage more stringent agricultural practices through legislature or your own consumerism. If you refuse to buy tainted products, companies will be more inclined to cut back on their chemical use.