"The difficult things you are going through now can
help you gain experience for the future. If you can't
get rid of them, get all the value you can from them."
-Joyce Meyer
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Revisiting Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Omegasizing our kids.
Are our children suffering from a Ritalin or Adderall deficiency? Judging by the number of prescriptions for both meds, you would certainly think so (1.9 million for Ritalin in 2005, 8.2 for Adderall 1). While Ritalin is historically the best known and best-selling drug prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), by 1999, Adderall had surpassed it as the ADHD drug of choice: More new prescriptions were written for it than for any other ADHD medication. 2 These two drugs were responsible for 7,873 visits to the emergency room in 2005 due to their many side effects. 3 Both medications are categorized by the Drug Enforcement Agency as “Schedule II” (along with such drugs as cocaine and morphine), meaning they have a high potential for abuse.
Why do we continue to drug our children when nutritional approaches to ADHD management work remarkably well? I don’t think it is by accident that clinical signs of EFA deficiency match symptom to symptom those for ADHD. These include:
• Inability to focus
• Short attention span
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Panic attacks
Studies at Purdue University have reported that about 40% of boys with ADHD had more symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency and had significantly lower levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids than controls with normal behavior. The reason for the lower levels is not known but could include lower dietary intake or a metabolic block in the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid pathway. 4
Decosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a major Omega-3 fatty acid found abundantly in fish oil, is critical for brain development, for it is the major structural fatty acid in the central nervous system (brain and spine). A study reported in March 2005 in the Indian Journal of Pediatrics found that infants who received EFA supplements including DHA, scored higher on tasks involving mental processing, psychomotor development and eye-hand coordination at 4 years of age than infants not receiving these supplements. These findings lead the researchers to conclude that EFA and DHA supplementation during preschool years “may also have a beneficial role in the prevention of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and enhancing learning capability and academic performance.” 5
A 15-week Australian study of 104 ADHD children in 2007 looked at the effects of supplementing their diet with EFAs. The study drew its conclusions from parent responses to questionnaires about their children’s behavior. “Medium to strong positive effects” were found on core ADHD symptoms compared with placebo group. 6
A 2009 study reported in the Journal of Attention Disorders, found that a “subgroup of children and adolescents with ADHD, characterized by inattention and associated neurodevelopmental disorders, treated with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for 6 months responded with meaningful reduction of ADHD symptoms.” 7
The evidence is clear that to cultivate calmness and good health in our kids, the right kind of fats are absolutely essential. While both Omega-3s and the “good” Omega-6s, found in gamma linolenic acid (GLA), play a vital role in normal brain function, the brain is especially high in omega-3 fatty acids, found abundantly in fish oil and flaxseed oils.
Omega-3-rich flaxseed oil has a particularly dramatic effect on children. Paul Stitt, Wisconsin biochemist turned baker, demonstrated this in the 1997, when he put flaxseed oil in his bread and gave loaves to public schools. Both parents and teachers reported a huge improvement in the children’s behavior. This is no coincidence. Anytime there are changes to the brain cell membranes – which are nourished and fortified with Omega oils – you’re bound to see a positive change in behavior.
Where oil supplements are concerned, the rule of thumb is about 1 tablespoon of fish or flaxseed oil per 100 pounds of body weight. When used to dribble into morning cereals, smoothies, or atop a baked potato, either fish or flax will work well in no-heat recipes. Try this yummy Presto Pesto recipe to add more Omega-3 oil to your child’s diet:
Presto Pesto (makes ½ cup)
1 garlic clove
1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
4 tablespoons flax or fish oil
6 tablespoons walnuts
4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Step 1. Place all ingredients in food processor
Step 2. Process until paste is formed, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
Refrigerate and enjoy!
-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman
Are our children suffering from a Ritalin or Adderall deficiency? Judging by the number of prescriptions for both meds, you would certainly think so (1.9 million for Ritalin in 2005, 8.2 for Adderall 1). While Ritalin is historically the best known and best-selling drug prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), by 1999, Adderall had surpassed it as the ADHD drug of choice: More new prescriptions were written for it than for any other ADHD medication. 2 These two drugs were responsible for 7,873 visits to the emergency room in 2005 due to their many side effects. 3 Both medications are categorized by the Drug Enforcement Agency as “Schedule II” (along with such drugs as cocaine and morphine), meaning they have a high potential for abuse.
Why do we continue to drug our children when nutritional approaches to ADHD management work remarkably well? I don’t think it is by accident that clinical signs of EFA deficiency match symptom to symptom those for ADHD. These include:
• Inability to focus
• Short attention span
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Panic attacks
Studies at Purdue University have reported that about 40% of boys with ADHD had more symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency and had significantly lower levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids than controls with normal behavior. The reason for the lower levels is not known but could include lower dietary intake or a metabolic block in the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid pathway. 4
Decosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a major Omega-3 fatty acid found abundantly in fish oil, is critical for brain development, for it is the major structural fatty acid in the central nervous system (brain and spine). A study reported in March 2005 in the Indian Journal of Pediatrics found that infants who received EFA supplements including DHA, scored higher on tasks involving mental processing, psychomotor development and eye-hand coordination at 4 years of age than infants not receiving these supplements. These findings lead the researchers to conclude that EFA and DHA supplementation during preschool years “may also have a beneficial role in the prevention of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and enhancing learning capability and academic performance.” 5
A 15-week Australian study of 104 ADHD children in 2007 looked at the effects of supplementing their diet with EFAs. The study drew its conclusions from parent responses to questionnaires about their children’s behavior. “Medium to strong positive effects” were found on core ADHD symptoms compared with placebo group. 6
A 2009 study reported in the Journal of Attention Disorders, found that a “subgroup of children and adolescents with ADHD, characterized by inattention and associated neurodevelopmental disorders, treated with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for 6 months responded with meaningful reduction of ADHD symptoms.” 7
The evidence is clear that to cultivate calmness and good health in our kids, the right kind of fats are absolutely essential. While both Omega-3s and the “good” Omega-6s, found in gamma linolenic acid (GLA), play a vital role in normal brain function, the brain is especially high in omega-3 fatty acids, found abundantly in fish oil and flaxseed oils.
Omega-3-rich flaxseed oil has a particularly dramatic effect on children. Paul Stitt, Wisconsin biochemist turned baker, demonstrated this in the 1997, when he put flaxseed oil in his bread and gave loaves to public schools. Both parents and teachers reported a huge improvement in the children’s behavior. This is no coincidence. Anytime there are changes to the brain cell membranes – which are nourished and fortified with Omega oils – you’re bound to see a positive change in behavior.
Where oil supplements are concerned, the rule of thumb is about 1 tablespoon of fish or flaxseed oil per 100 pounds of body weight. When used to dribble into morning cereals, smoothies, or atop a baked potato, either fish or flax will work well in no-heat recipes. Try this yummy Presto Pesto recipe to add more Omega-3 oil to your child’s diet:
Presto Pesto (makes ½ cup)
1 garlic clove
1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
4 tablespoons flax or fish oil
6 tablespoons walnuts
4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Step 1. Place all ingredients in food processor
Step 2. Process until paste is formed, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
Refrigerate and enjoy!
-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Wise Words
"Remember that happiness is a way of travel - not a destination."
- Roy M. Goodman
"Within your heart keep one still, secret spot where dreams may go,
may thrive and grow where doubt and fear are not. Oh, keep a place
within your heart, for little dreams to go."
- Louise Driscoll
- Roy M. Goodman
"Within your heart keep one still, secret spot where dreams may go,
may thrive and grow where doubt and fear are not. Oh, keep a place
within your heart, for little dreams to go."
- Louise Driscoll
Thursday, August 25, 2011
How Safe Is Your Drinking Water?
H20 can equate to amoeba, pesticides, birth control pills, and rocket fuel.
I couldn’t help but notice August’s Reader’s Digest cover article and exposé on America’s drinking water. I wasn’t totally surprised that there may be more than 60,000 different chemicals in our water—like thyroid-impairing chlorine, fluoride, brominated byproducts, perchlorate (an ingredient found in rocket fuel), and heavy metals like iron, lead, mercury, cadmium, copper, and aluminum. But the EPA only protects us from about 100 of these contaminants!
According to the National Resource Defense Council, approximately 2/3 of all the bottled water on the market is sourced from contaminated water. So, bottled water is not a viable solution by any means.
What has really caught me off guard is the three deaths attributed to the brain-devouring amoeba that killed two children in Florida and Virginia who were swimming in a lake (which in many areas of the country is the source of drinking water for which antiquated treatment plants are ill equipped to purify for parasite removal). Chlorination is virtually useless against some of the most prevalent water-born parasites like cryptosporidium, for example.
Then, there was the headline about another young man who used tap water—later found to be contaminated with amoeba—to cleanse his sinuses with a neti pot. Sure, I have written about amoeba and parasites for years, but this is getting downright scary.
Pardon me, but there’s no “delicate” way around this. Parasites in the water supply either come from animals “pooping” in the water or from agricultural runoff from animal waste getting into the source water. (This was indeed the case in Milwaukee—which made national news in 1993—when the cryptosporidium parasite killed over 100 people and made 400,000 sick.) With so many individuals today with compromised immune systems—not to mention the elderly and developing young children who are more susceptible to infection —getting the right water filter in your own home is simply not negotiable when it comes to health and protecting your family.
For the very best health protection on the home front, I recommend point-of-use filtration, which can easily be installed on top of your sink counter by attaching the filter to your standard faucet or can be installed by a plumber under the sink and supplied with a separate dispenser. The CWR Crown Water Filters feature unique parasite blocking 3-stage ceramic filtration (ceramic pre-filtration with an inner activated carbon block, and heavy metal-removing filter material). It is the only filter that is cleanable on the outside to remove excess dirt to restore the flow rate.
The most important feature of all is the sub-micron particulate filtration of 0.9 microns absolute—which, unlike carbon block filters—is tested and certified to remove amoeba, giardia, and cryptosporidium. I honestly don’t know of any other filter which can boast a 0.9 micron filtration block. This is so important when you consider that crypto—the smallest of the parasites (about 3 microns to be exact)—can compress and squeeze through most carbon block filters.
This tiny parasite is not only one of the most difficult to get rid of but can leave a wake of misdiagnosed symptoms in its destructive path like chronic malabsorption of nutrients and increased gut permeability resulting in food and environmental allergies as well as intermittent colitis and blood in the stool.
Thankfully, the CWR Water Filters are crypto-proof.
The Shower and Bathtub Products filter chlorine, lead, and iron. Don’t overlook shower and bath filtration—you absorb 6 to 20 times more chlorine in the shower than you do when drinking the same water. And chlorine and its byproducts are suspected carcinogens as well as xenoestrogens. Chlorine also kills beneficial bacteria, discolors hair, and irritates the skin and eyes. Chlorine outgassing can aggravate respiratory conditions.
These filtration systems have been designed for lifetime use and feature affordable replacement filters, As a special offer to my blog readers, UNI KEY is offering free ground shipping on all water filtration systems within the Continental US. Simply select “Free Ship” at checkout and enter the promo code “SHIP824”—don’t wait, this special offer ends 8/28/2011.
-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman
I couldn’t help but notice August’s Reader’s Digest cover article and exposé on America’s drinking water. I wasn’t totally surprised that there may be more than 60,000 different chemicals in our water—like thyroid-impairing chlorine, fluoride, brominated byproducts, perchlorate (an ingredient found in rocket fuel), and heavy metals like iron, lead, mercury, cadmium, copper, and aluminum. But the EPA only protects us from about 100 of these contaminants!
According to the National Resource Defense Council, approximately 2/3 of all the bottled water on the market is sourced from contaminated water. So, bottled water is not a viable solution by any means.
What has really caught me off guard is the three deaths attributed to the brain-devouring amoeba that killed two children in Florida and Virginia who were swimming in a lake (which in many areas of the country is the source of drinking water for which antiquated treatment plants are ill equipped to purify for parasite removal). Chlorination is virtually useless against some of the most prevalent water-born parasites like cryptosporidium, for example.
Then, there was the headline about another young man who used tap water—later found to be contaminated with amoeba—to cleanse his sinuses with a neti pot. Sure, I have written about amoeba and parasites for years, but this is getting downright scary.
Pardon me, but there’s no “delicate” way around this. Parasites in the water supply either come from animals “pooping” in the water or from agricultural runoff from animal waste getting into the source water. (This was indeed the case in Milwaukee—which made national news in 1993—when the cryptosporidium parasite killed over 100 people and made 400,000 sick.) With so many individuals today with compromised immune systems—not to mention the elderly and developing young children who are more susceptible to infection —getting the right water filter in your own home is simply not negotiable when it comes to health and protecting your family.
For the very best health protection on the home front, I recommend point-of-use filtration, which can easily be installed on top of your sink counter by attaching the filter to your standard faucet or can be installed by a plumber under the sink and supplied with a separate dispenser. The CWR Crown Water Filters feature unique parasite blocking 3-stage ceramic filtration (ceramic pre-filtration with an inner activated carbon block, and heavy metal-removing filter material). It is the only filter that is cleanable on the outside to remove excess dirt to restore the flow rate.
The most important feature of all is the sub-micron particulate filtration of 0.9 microns absolute—which, unlike carbon block filters—is tested and certified to remove amoeba, giardia, and cryptosporidium. I honestly don’t know of any other filter which can boast a 0.9 micron filtration block. This is so important when you consider that crypto—the smallest of the parasites (about 3 microns to be exact)—can compress and squeeze through most carbon block filters.
This tiny parasite is not only one of the most difficult to get rid of but can leave a wake of misdiagnosed symptoms in its destructive path like chronic malabsorption of nutrients and increased gut permeability resulting in food and environmental allergies as well as intermittent colitis and blood in the stool.
Thankfully, the CWR Water Filters are crypto-proof.
The Shower and Bathtub Products filter chlorine, lead, and iron. Don’t overlook shower and bath filtration—you absorb 6 to 20 times more chlorine in the shower than you do when drinking the same water. And chlorine and its byproducts are suspected carcinogens as well as xenoestrogens. Chlorine also kills beneficial bacteria, discolors hair, and irritates the skin and eyes. Chlorine outgassing can aggravate respiratory conditions.
These filtration systems have been designed for lifetime use and feature affordable replacement filters, As a special offer to my blog readers, UNI KEY is offering free ground shipping on all water filtration systems within the Continental US. Simply select “Free Ship” at checkout and enter the promo code “SHIP824”—don’t wait, this special offer ends 8/28/2011.
-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Don't Kill Your Food
"To get the most out of the good things in your foods, treat
them gently. High heat cooks away many important nutrients. Boiling,
for instance, can destroy half of the vitamins found in vegetables.
Deep-frying yields fatty foods and produces the worst kind of fat."
-Dr. Maoshing Ni, Secrets Of Longevity
them gently. High heat cooks away many important nutrients. Boiling,
for instance, can destroy half of the vitamins found in vegetables.
Deep-frying yields fatty foods and produces the worst kind of fat."
-Dr. Maoshing Ni, Secrets Of Longevity
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Pancakes!
Don't forget about the GIG Pancake Breakfast...
This Saturday, August 20th from 8am-10am
In front of Lingonberries Market
Adults are $5.00, children 5 and under are free
$12.00 max per family
See you there!
This Saturday, August 20th from 8am-10am
In front of Lingonberries Market
Adults are $5.00, children 5 and under are free
$12.00 max per family
See you there!
The Flax Of Life
Are flaxseeds the next breast cancer cure?
What makes flaxseeds so special can be spelled out in one word and that’s L-I-G-N-A-N-S.
Lignans—which are 800 times more concentrated in flaxseeds than in any other plant—are well recognized as mini miracle workers. They not only kill viruses but they also help to knock out type 2 diabetes, lower LDL cholesterol, and help to reverse atherosclerosis. But their real claim to fame is in the arena of cancer where recent studies featured in the Health Sciences Institute Newsletter ( August, 2011, volume 16, number 2) have shown that flax hull lignans prove to be major players in halting the spread of breast, prostate, and lung cancer.
According to the Health Sciences Institute, researchers have found an 82% decrease in the spread of metastatic lung tumors, a 71% reduction in the protein that causes aggressive cancer growth, and a 31% increase in cancer cell death in just 30 days among people regularly consuming concentrated flax hull lignans.
While there are many different types of lignans, the most researched is an enterolactone type lignan that is also known as SDG (secoisolariciresinol diglucoside). SDG helps to inhibit the formation of blood vessels that tumors form in order to keep the cancer alive. In two heaping tablespoons of Cold Milled Flaxseeds from Omega Nutrition, you will be getting 350 mg of this super potent SDG lignan. In addition, you will be benefiting from 10 grams of soluble fiber to stabilize your blood sugar and reduce the amount of carbohydrates absorbed by our bodies for effortless weight loss. When cold milled flaxseeds come in contact with liquid, they become soft and jellylike, making them highly useful as an intestinal cleanser and bowel regulator.
The alpha linolenic acid (ALA) content of flaxseeds also provides stand-alone benefits of its own. In several studies of breast cancer risk, the higher the concentration of ALA in breast tissue, the lower the risk of manifesting breast cancer. Moreover, if the breast cancer arises, the higher the breast tissue concentration of ALA, the lower the risk of cancer spreading to other parts of the body.
Flaxseeds have been a staple of my Fat Flush programs for decades—from two to four tablespoons daily. For those in perimenopause and menopause, the lignans in flaxseeds can have a positive effect on eradicating symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, as well as reducing ovarian dysfunction, balancing menstrual cycle changes, and helping to reduce the risk of osteoporosis by increasing bone density. The benefits of lignans match those of Tamoxifen, the anti-cancer drug used for breast cancer.
As an added bonus, Fat Flushers who faithfully adopt the flax habit consistently remark about having glowing skin, luster-rich hair, and strong nails.
-Edge On health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman
What makes flaxseeds so special can be spelled out in one word and that’s L-I-G-N-A-N-S.
Lignans—which are 800 times more concentrated in flaxseeds than in any other plant—are well recognized as mini miracle workers. They not only kill viruses but they also help to knock out type 2 diabetes, lower LDL cholesterol, and help to reverse atherosclerosis. But their real claim to fame is in the arena of cancer where recent studies featured in the Health Sciences Institute Newsletter ( August, 2011, volume 16, number 2) have shown that flax hull lignans prove to be major players in halting the spread of breast, prostate, and lung cancer.
According to the Health Sciences Institute, researchers have found an 82% decrease in the spread of metastatic lung tumors, a 71% reduction in the protein that causes aggressive cancer growth, and a 31% increase in cancer cell death in just 30 days among people regularly consuming concentrated flax hull lignans.
While there are many different types of lignans, the most researched is an enterolactone type lignan that is also known as SDG (secoisolariciresinol diglucoside). SDG helps to inhibit the formation of blood vessels that tumors form in order to keep the cancer alive. In two heaping tablespoons of Cold Milled Flaxseeds from Omega Nutrition, you will be getting 350 mg of this super potent SDG lignan. In addition, you will be benefiting from 10 grams of soluble fiber to stabilize your blood sugar and reduce the amount of carbohydrates absorbed by our bodies for effortless weight loss. When cold milled flaxseeds come in contact with liquid, they become soft and jellylike, making them highly useful as an intestinal cleanser and bowel regulator.
The alpha linolenic acid (ALA) content of flaxseeds also provides stand-alone benefits of its own. In several studies of breast cancer risk, the higher the concentration of ALA in breast tissue, the lower the risk of manifesting breast cancer. Moreover, if the breast cancer arises, the higher the breast tissue concentration of ALA, the lower the risk of cancer spreading to other parts of the body.
Flaxseeds have been a staple of my Fat Flush programs for decades—from two to four tablespoons daily. For those in perimenopause and menopause, the lignans in flaxseeds can have a positive effect on eradicating symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, as well as reducing ovarian dysfunction, balancing menstrual cycle changes, and helping to reduce the risk of osteoporosis by increasing bone density. The benefits of lignans match those of Tamoxifen, the anti-cancer drug used for breast cancer.
As an added bonus, Fat Flushers who faithfully adopt the flax habit consistently remark about having glowing skin, luster-rich hair, and strong nails.
-Edge On health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Nuts & Seeds Keep You Young
"Just a handful of nuts and seeds everyday can help improve circulation
and muscle tone. Arginine is an amino acid found in soy and other beans,
seafood, whole grains, eggs, dairy, brewers yeast, and especially abundant
in nuts and seeds. It's anti-aging properties may lie in it's stimulant
effect on the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. The pituitary
releases growth hormone, which declines rapidly in humans after age
thirty-five. Lower levels of growth hormone contribute to symptoms of
aging."
-Dr. Maoshing Ni, Secrets Of Longevity
Chew It Up
"To live longer, be kind to your insides. How? Each time you take a bite
of food, chew at least thirty times before swallowing. When you do, your food
is predigested in the mouth by the enzyme ptyalin, found in your saliva. As a
result, the stomach doesn't have to work as hard, and absorption of important
vitamins and nutrients occurs more readily."
-Dr. Maoshing Ni, Secrets Of Longevity
of food, chew at least thirty times before swallowing. When you do, your food
is predigested in the mouth by the enzyme ptyalin, found in your saliva. As a
result, the stomach doesn't have to work as hard, and absorption of important
vitamins and nutrients occurs more readily."
-Dr. Maoshing Ni, Secrets Of Longevity
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Whole Foods
Whole Foods on Mill Plain will be having an event called,
Gluten Free For Me: A Celebration, on Saturday, September 24th,
from 12pm-3pm, with many food items, classes, and resources to educate
shoppers about a gluten free lifestyle. They would like GIG to join them with
an informational booth as well. We need volunteers that would be interested
in assisting us. It is a total of 3 hours, but we are flexible and can
do a split shift if preferred. We would greatly appreciate any and all help
in order to be able to participate.
Please contact: Kristi Curtis at (360)-695-0862 by September 6, 2011.
Thank you very much for all your support!
Gluten Free For Me: A Celebration, on Saturday, September 24th,
from 12pm-3pm, with many food items, classes, and resources to educate
shoppers about a gluten free lifestyle. They would like GIG to join them with
an informational booth as well. We need volunteers that would be interested
in assisting us. It is a total of 3 hours, but we are flexible and can
do a split shift if preferred. We would greatly appreciate any and all help
in order to be able to participate.
Please contact: Kristi Curtis at (360)-695-0862 by September 6, 2011.
Thank you very much for all your support!
Beauty By Nature
Create radiant inner and outer beauty naturally.
When you are feeling your best, you look your best.
In fact, unless you are nutritionally supported from within, it is virtually impossible to look really good because real beauty isn’t just skin deep. When you look in the mirror and notice dull skin, brittle hair, and thin, splitting nails you’re actually seeing outward reflections of inner imbalance. Beauty thieves manifest themselves throughout the different ages and stages of our lives and are heightened by everyday stress and natural hormonal shifts.
Let’s take a closer look at how you can achieve true beauty by turning things inside out. So, let’s do just that as we uncover some beauty fundamentals.
Q: Why is fat such an essential beauty nutrient in all of your programs?
A: Certain kinds of essential fat (like flaxseed oil, fish oil, and black currant seed oil) are absolutely critical for good looks. They give you dewy skin, shining hair, and healthy looking nails by aiding in the absorption of the beautifying vitamins A, D, E, and K by producing hormones and by helping to transport oxygen throughout your body. They are the gatekeepers of your appearance by helping to ward off eczema, dandruff, psoriasis, and hair loss. These oils help keep cell membranes lubricated and ensure that they function properly to battle viruses and bacteria. A little known fact is that essential fatty acids help prevent osteoporosis by delivering calcium to the bones. One tablespoon of liquid oil for each 100 pounds of body weight is your beauti-full recipe, while 360-720 mg of black currant seed oil will fortify cell membranes.
Q: You’ve often discussed how taking birth control pills can negatively impact a woman’s looks. Can you explain?
A: The pill can cause a number of nutrient deficiencies that result in a host of beauty and hormonal imbalances. Among them are a deficiency in vitamin B6, causing dandruff, hair loss, thinning hair, dermatitis, stretch marks, and PMS. Women can also become deficient in vitamin B12 resulting in that rundown, tired look and anemia. Low levels of biotin can occur, which manifest as hair loss, dry hair, eczema, and brittle nails. Folic acid levels become depressed resulting in a sallow complexion, premature graying, and poor skin color. In addition, vitamin C is affected, weakening collagen production and increasing wrinkles and lines. These are just to name a few. And this rings true even for “low dose” pills like “Loestrin” and “Yaz.”
Q: What are some general pointers for avoiding wrinkles for women of all ages and stages of life?
A: No matter what our age, we can blame the sun for most skin damage—including wrinkles. But there are other factors to consider as well, such as repeated facial expressions, smoking, alcohol, caffeine, drugs, poor dental work, a low-protein and fat-free diet, lack of exercise, and environmental stress. Topical vitamin C skin creams—at the right potency—can dramatically reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The amino acid proline in amounts of 500 mg is a potent wrinkle buster. The super antioxidants pine bark and grape seed extract are also helpful in smoothing out wrinkles.
Q: What are your top ten beauty tips for women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s?
A: The top ten beautifiers are: vitamin C to fight wrinkles and support collagen; magnesium for beautiful bones and strong teeth; vitamin B-complex for calm nerves and a stress-less facial expression; vitamin E to prevent sagging facial muscles, age spots, and provide skin lubrication; iron for a rosy complexion; zinc for wound healing and strong hair; hormone-like vitamin D that acts like an antioxidant to aid in preventing premature skin-aging; vitamin A for beautiful soft skin; sulfur to heal and prevent scars; and essential fatty acids to prevent nails from splitting, skin from breaking out and hair from falling out.
In addition to a separate vitamin B-complex and extra vitamin D supplementation, the Female Multiple is a treasure chest of essential beauty-promoting nutrients. It provides capillary-strengthening hesperidin, the unique biological antioxidant—alpha lipoic acid—to recharge vitamins C, E and glutathione by providing missing electrons stolen by free-radicals, and horse chesnut extract to strengthen veins and help prevent varicosities.
Take your beauty quest to deeper levels so you can uncover your entire beauty potential. As the great sculptor Rodin once said, “Beauty is but the spirit breaking through the flesh.” Rediscover that unique, sparkling essence deep inside you and allow it to manifest for the entire world to see.
-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman
When you are feeling your best, you look your best.
In fact, unless you are nutritionally supported from within, it is virtually impossible to look really good because real beauty isn’t just skin deep. When you look in the mirror and notice dull skin, brittle hair, and thin, splitting nails you’re actually seeing outward reflections of inner imbalance. Beauty thieves manifest themselves throughout the different ages and stages of our lives and are heightened by everyday stress and natural hormonal shifts.
Let’s take a closer look at how you can achieve true beauty by turning things inside out. So, let’s do just that as we uncover some beauty fundamentals.
Q: Why is fat such an essential beauty nutrient in all of your programs?
A: Certain kinds of essential fat (like flaxseed oil, fish oil, and black currant seed oil) are absolutely critical for good looks. They give you dewy skin, shining hair, and healthy looking nails by aiding in the absorption of the beautifying vitamins A, D, E, and K by producing hormones and by helping to transport oxygen throughout your body. They are the gatekeepers of your appearance by helping to ward off eczema, dandruff, psoriasis, and hair loss. These oils help keep cell membranes lubricated and ensure that they function properly to battle viruses and bacteria. A little known fact is that essential fatty acids help prevent osteoporosis by delivering calcium to the bones. One tablespoon of liquid oil for each 100 pounds of body weight is your beauti-full recipe, while 360-720 mg of black currant seed oil will fortify cell membranes.
Q: You’ve often discussed how taking birth control pills can negatively impact a woman’s looks. Can you explain?
A: The pill can cause a number of nutrient deficiencies that result in a host of beauty and hormonal imbalances. Among them are a deficiency in vitamin B6, causing dandruff, hair loss, thinning hair, dermatitis, stretch marks, and PMS. Women can also become deficient in vitamin B12 resulting in that rundown, tired look and anemia. Low levels of biotin can occur, which manifest as hair loss, dry hair, eczema, and brittle nails. Folic acid levels become depressed resulting in a sallow complexion, premature graying, and poor skin color. In addition, vitamin C is affected, weakening collagen production and increasing wrinkles and lines. These are just to name a few. And this rings true even for “low dose” pills like “Loestrin” and “Yaz.”
Q: What are some general pointers for avoiding wrinkles for women of all ages and stages of life?
A: No matter what our age, we can blame the sun for most skin damage—including wrinkles. But there are other factors to consider as well, such as repeated facial expressions, smoking, alcohol, caffeine, drugs, poor dental work, a low-protein and fat-free diet, lack of exercise, and environmental stress. Topical vitamin C skin creams—at the right potency—can dramatically reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The amino acid proline in amounts of 500 mg is a potent wrinkle buster. The super antioxidants pine bark and grape seed extract are also helpful in smoothing out wrinkles.
Q: What are your top ten beauty tips for women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s?
A: The top ten beautifiers are: vitamin C to fight wrinkles and support collagen; magnesium for beautiful bones and strong teeth; vitamin B-complex for calm nerves and a stress-less facial expression; vitamin E to prevent sagging facial muscles, age spots, and provide skin lubrication; iron for a rosy complexion; zinc for wound healing and strong hair; hormone-like vitamin D that acts like an antioxidant to aid in preventing premature skin-aging; vitamin A for beautiful soft skin; sulfur to heal and prevent scars; and essential fatty acids to prevent nails from splitting, skin from breaking out and hair from falling out.
In addition to a separate vitamin B-complex and extra vitamin D supplementation, the Female Multiple is a treasure chest of essential beauty-promoting nutrients. It provides capillary-strengthening hesperidin, the unique biological antioxidant—alpha lipoic acid—to recharge vitamins C, E and glutathione by providing missing electrons stolen by free-radicals, and horse chesnut extract to strengthen veins and help prevent varicosities.
Take your beauty quest to deeper levels so you can uncover your entire beauty potential. As the great sculptor Rodin once said, “Beauty is but the spirit breaking through the flesh.” Rediscover that unique, sparkling essence deep inside you and allow it to manifest for the entire world to see.
-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Pancakes!
Don't forget to save the date...
GIG Fundraiser Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, August 20th from 8am-10am
In front of Lingonberries Market
$5 per adult, children 5 and under are free
$12.00 max per family
Rain or shine, see you there!
GIG Fundraiser Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, August 20th from 8am-10am
In front of Lingonberries Market
$5 per adult, children 5 and under are free
$12.00 max per family
Rain or shine, see you there!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Six Sensational Super Foods
Eat your way to living beauty.
Many of the veggies and fruits you already have in your fridge provide a whole foods pharmacy of phytochemicals, minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. They also help prepare your body for daily cleansing and flush out toxins by supporting your liver—the grand central station which controls hormonal balance.
Here are of my favorites when it comes to eating your way to beautiful.
1. The Crucifers – cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, broccoli sprouts (½ cup cooked or 1 cup raw, about the size of a small fist)
Crucifers of all types contain vital phytonutrients such as indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane, which aid the liver in neutralizing chemicals and drugs. For extra sulforaphane, try a few servings of broccoli sprouts on your salads. They are available in most supermarkets and add a zesty, peppery kick to those fresh green leaves. Consuming at least two daily crucifers also helps to prevent those telltale under eye circles and vertical lines between your brows—all red flags of a tired and toxic liver.
2. Green Leafy Vegetables and Herbs – parsley, arugula, kale, watercress, chard, cilantro, beet greens, collards, escarole, dandelion greens, mustard greens (1/2 cup cooked or raw)
The bitter taste of greens like arugula, chard, kale, and escarole stimulates digestive secretions. In Asian medicine, bitter-tasting foods are considered to be especially healthy for the liver. Chlorophyll rich greens like kale and parsley are rich in magnesium, which bears the same relationship to the chlorophyll molecule as iron to hemoglobin. As a powerful alkalizer and blood purifier, chlorophyll really helps put a rosy glow on your complexion, even without blush.
Cilantro is a savory herb known in alternative medicine circles for its heavy-metal chelating properties. Use cilantro instead of basil for homemade pesto. Blend about 2 cups of cilantro, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/2 tsp of seaweed gomasio, 1/4 cup of toasted walnuts, and 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil. Pulse the cilantro in a food processor until well chopped and then add the garlic, seaweed gomasio, and walnuts. Mix in the olive oil last to make a thick and yummy paste. A couple of teaspoons per day are great on crucifers and leafy greens.
3. Citrus – 1 orange or the juice of ½ of a lemon or lime
Oranges, lemons, and limes are full of vitamin C, perhaps the most liver-loving vitamin of them all. Vitamin C stimulates the production of glutathione—the liver’s premier antioxidant—which is crucial for a successful progression through the two-phase detox process. It also stimulates fresh collagen production for tight and youthful skin.
4. Sulfur-Rich Foods – garlic (at least one clove, minced), onions (1/2 cup cooked), eggs (2), daikon radish (1/4 cup sliced, either raw or cooked)
The daikon radish is really special—it aids in the digestion and metabolism of fats. That’s why in Asian cuisine, you’re always served a bit of daikon radish. With its crisp texture and somewhat pungent taste, it acts as a diuretic and decongestant.
Eggs are rich in the beautifying sulfur-bearing amino acids. Your liver needs these aminos (also found in whey) to successfully complete phase 2 of its detox process. And eggs offer the lecithin your liver needs to thin out bile and keep cholesterol in balance. Eat about two egg yolks a day (no jokes, just the yolks) because the yolks are so high in lutein and zeaxanthin—the two key carotenoids found in the eye to keep them clear and bright. They’re terrific for preventing cataracts and Alzheimer’s. (I think that there is such an increase in Alzheimer’s because egg consumption over the past two decades has plummeted so drastically.)
5. Liver Healers – artichoke (1 small artichoke or 4 cooked artichoke hearts), asparagus (1/2 cup cooked), beets (1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw), celery (2 medium stalks), dandelion root tea (1 to 2 cups), whey (1 to 2 scoops)
Artichokes, especially the hearts, contain powerful antioxidants known as flavonoids that protect the liver’s cells and tissues—they’re essential in fortifying cell membranes to renew and regenerate the integrity of your skin. Artichokes are also good for the secretion of bile, which helps the body better digest and assimilate fats. The artichoke is a close relative of milk thistle—queen of the liver protectors—which offers major defense against free radicals and is especially good for people with compromised immunity or alcohol-related liver problems.
6. GI Movers – chia seeds (1 to 2 tablespoons), milled or ground flaxseeds (2 to 3 tablespoons), carrot (1 small raw), apple (1 small raw with skin), pear (1 small raw with skin), berries (1 cup)
Flaxseeds are a two-for-one fiber source because they contain both soluble and insoluble fiber as well as lignans—estrogen-modulating substances that have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Because of their effect on estrogen, flaxseeds are especially helpful for women suffering from PMS, perimenopause, and menopausal challenges, helping to fortify the skin’s integrity and strengthen bones.
Fiber-high berries (especially blueberries) have another perk—they’re the premier memory food because they help the neurons in your brain communicate with each other more effectively. So, bring on the blues for a beautiful memory.
Eating these foods on a daily basis will help to bring out your best looks, and leave you looking as good on the outside and you’ll feel on the inside.
-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman
Many of the veggies and fruits you already have in your fridge provide a whole foods pharmacy of phytochemicals, minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. They also help prepare your body for daily cleansing and flush out toxins by supporting your liver—the grand central station which controls hormonal balance.
Here are of my favorites when it comes to eating your way to beautiful.
1. The Crucifers – cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, broccoli sprouts (½ cup cooked or 1 cup raw, about the size of a small fist)
Crucifers of all types contain vital phytonutrients such as indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane, which aid the liver in neutralizing chemicals and drugs. For extra sulforaphane, try a few servings of broccoli sprouts on your salads. They are available in most supermarkets and add a zesty, peppery kick to those fresh green leaves. Consuming at least two daily crucifers also helps to prevent those telltale under eye circles and vertical lines between your brows—all red flags of a tired and toxic liver.
2. Green Leafy Vegetables and Herbs – parsley, arugula, kale, watercress, chard, cilantro, beet greens, collards, escarole, dandelion greens, mustard greens (1/2 cup cooked or raw)
The bitter taste of greens like arugula, chard, kale, and escarole stimulates digestive secretions. In Asian medicine, bitter-tasting foods are considered to be especially healthy for the liver. Chlorophyll rich greens like kale and parsley are rich in magnesium, which bears the same relationship to the chlorophyll molecule as iron to hemoglobin. As a powerful alkalizer and blood purifier, chlorophyll really helps put a rosy glow on your complexion, even without blush.
Cilantro is a savory herb known in alternative medicine circles for its heavy-metal chelating properties. Use cilantro instead of basil for homemade pesto. Blend about 2 cups of cilantro, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/2 tsp of seaweed gomasio, 1/4 cup of toasted walnuts, and 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil. Pulse the cilantro in a food processor until well chopped and then add the garlic, seaweed gomasio, and walnuts. Mix in the olive oil last to make a thick and yummy paste. A couple of teaspoons per day are great on crucifers and leafy greens.
3. Citrus – 1 orange or the juice of ½ of a lemon or lime
Oranges, lemons, and limes are full of vitamin C, perhaps the most liver-loving vitamin of them all. Vitamin C stimulates the production of glutathione—the liver’s premier antioxidant—which is crucial for a successful progression through the two-phase detox process. It also stimulates fresh collagen production for tight and youthful skin.
4. Sulfur-Rich Foods – garlic (at least one clove, minced), onions (1/2 cup cooked), eggs (2), daikon radish (1/4 cup sliced, either raw or cooked)
The daikon radish is really special—it aids in the digestion and metabolism of fats. That’s why in Asian cuisine, you’re always served a bit of daikon radish. With its crisp texture and somewhat pungent taste, it acts as a diuretic and decongestant.
Eggs are rich in the beautifying sulfur-bearing amino acids. Your liver needs these aminos (also found in whey) to successfully complete phase 2 of its detox process. And eggs offer the lecithin your liver needs to thin out bile and keep cholesterol in balance. Eat about two egg yolks a day (no jokes, just the yolks) because the yolks are so high in lutein and zeaxanthin—the two key carotenoids found in the eye to keep them clear and bright. They’re terrific for preventing cataracts and Alzheimer’s. (I think that there is such an increase in Alzheimer’s because egg consumption over the past two decades has plummeted so drastically.)
5. Liver Healers – artichoke (1 small artichoke or 4 cooked artichoke hearts), asparagus (1/2 cup cooked), beets (1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw), celery (2 medium stalks), dandelion root tea (1 to 2 cups), whey (1 to 2 scoops)
Artichokes, especially the hearts, contain powerful antioxidants known as flavonoids that protect the liver’s cells and tissues—they’re essential in fortifying cell membranes to renew and regenerate the integrity of your skin. Artichokes are also good for the secretion of bile, which helps the body better digest and assimilate fats. The artichoke is a close relative of milk thistle—queen of the liver protectors—which offers major defense against free radicals and is especially good for people with compromised immunity or alcohol-related liver problems.
6. GI Movers – chia seeds (1 to 2 tablespoons), milled or ground flaxseeds (2 to 3 tablespoons), carrot (1 small raw), apple (1 small raw with skin), pear (1 small raw with skin), berries (1 cup)
Flaxseeds are a two-for-one fiber source because they contain both soluble and insoluble fiber as well as lignans—estrogen-modulating substances that have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Because of their effect on estrogen, flaxseeds are especially helpful for women suffering from PMS, perimenopause, and menopausal challenges, helping to fortify the skin’s integrity and strengthen bones.
Fiber-high berries (especially blueberries) have another perk—they’re the premier memory food because they help the neurons in your brain communicate with each other more effectively. So, bring on the blues for a beautiful memory.
Eating these foods on a daily basis will help to bring out your best looks, and leave you looking as good on the outside and you’ll feel on the inside.
-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Detox Detractors
Avoid the sinister eight saboteurs.
Excess fat, sugar, refined carbs, gluten, soy protein isolates, alcohol, mold, and dairy are big time detox detractors. They either lower enzyme activity—interrupting the liver’s efforts to transform toxins into nontoxic metabolites—or are linked to a decreased absorption of necessary detox nutrients. They can also create internal inflammation that inhibits your body’s ability to burn fat, where most toxins are stored. Avoid them while dieting and/or detoxing, or you’ll increase your toxic load.
Here’s the inside story.
Saboteur #1. Excess fat, especially trans fats from margarine and processed and fried foods.
Excess fat, especially trans fat, strains both your liver and your colon. You might even cut back on the “good fats” at this time—like peanut butter and almond butter, excessive nuts (such as almonds, peanuts, and cashews), avocados, and even salad dressings, which can be hard for the liver to break down.
Saboteur #2. Sugar and all its relatives, including high-fructose corn syrup, honey, molasses, maple syrup, sugar cane crystals, pure sugar cane juice, evaporated cane juice, dried cane juice, maltodextrin, and all products ending in “-ose” (such as sucrose, dextrose, fructose, and levulose) Also, artificial sweeteners, including aspartame, sucralose or Splenda, and sugar alcohols (such as maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol)
Sugar and other sweeteners, natural or artificial, stress both your liver and your colon. Moreover, both natural sugar and sugar alcohols have the potential to feed yeast—a known liver stressor—because of the aldehydes that are formed.
Saboteur #3. Refined carbohydrates, including white rice and products made from white flour
They are deadly to weight loss. Not only do they inhibit the liver’s detox pathways, but they create those roller-coaster highs and lows in blood sugar, insulin, hunger, and cravings.
Saboteur #4. Gluten, found in wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt, kamut, and all their products (including bread, pastas, crackers, and crusts), also found in many “low-carb” products (such as packaged cereals, macaroni and cheese, pizza dough mix, spaghetti, shells, tortillas, pancake/waffle mixes, and cookies) and in vegetable proteins, modified food starch, some soy sauces, and distilled vinegars
A highly reactive and allergy-producing substance, this unsuspected toxin can get into your bloodstream and slow your metabolism. Gluten creates a gluey substance that can bind with fat and mucus to cover the intestinal villi and clog your colon.
Saboteur #5. Soy protein isolates, found in low-carb “energy” bars and soy protein powders, and processed soy foods (such as soy milk, soy cheese, soy ice cream, soy hot dogs, and soy burgers)
Soy protein isolates are incomplete proteins that lack the sulfur-bearing amino acids methionine and cysteine. The high-phytic acid is unfermented and processed soy products disrupt mineral absorption and can deplete your supply of zinc, magnesium, and calcium, which you need for liver detox. (Miso and tempeh, which are forms of fermented soy, are fine.)
Saboteur #6. Alcohol; over-the-counter drugs; and caffeine, including coffee, tea, sodas, and chocolate
Alcohol, drugs, and caffeine are liver stressors that tax the detox pathways big time. Definitely ax the alcohol, soft drinks, and colas—as well as both regular and decaffeinated coffee and black and green tea. Sadly, green tea is a no-no because an increasing body of studies has shown that it is contaminated with aluminum fluoride from pesticides and fertilizers. Fluoride cues your organs, including your liver and your brain, to stockpile aluminum, with sometimes disastrous results. Fluoride is also a known thyroid suppressor. With nearly 50 percent of the population suffering from hypothyroidism, and considering all the fluoride you’re consuming in your water, toothpaste, soft drinks, and foods processed with fluoridated water, do you really want to take a chance on “fluoridated” green tea?
Saboteur #7. Mold, found on overly ripe fruits (especially melons, bananas, and tropical fruits)
Mold can stress your liver, so avoid all sources of mold—especially moldy fruit because fruit molds produce mycotoxins that can cause severe liver damage, cancer, breathing problems, or allergic reactions.
Saboteur #8. Dairy
Similar to gluten, dairy-based milk and cheese are common food allergens. They contain casein, a milk protein that can cause irritation and inflammation in your body. Feel free to eat whey, butter, and cream as they are casein-free. Yogurt is also acceptable because the bacteria added to yogurt during the culturing process breaks down the casein, making it easier to digest and less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Taurine Therapy
Instead of consuming detox detractors, turn to taurine. Taurine is at the top of my list when it comes to counteracting the detox detractors by lightening up on your toxic load. Although found in animal foods, it is the most deficient amino acid when tested for in blood samples and is often lacking in vegetarians. Your body requires more taurine if you’ve been taking oral contraceptives, are under stress, suffer from epilepsy, or are a vegetarian. It’s the major amino that the liver requires to remove chemicals from the body and it uniquely detoxifies solvents, ammonia, chlorine, yeast-based aldehydes, and the by-products of drugs.
The best liver tonic I know that contains taurine is Lover-Lovin Formula. To help overcome chemical sensitivities and allergies, many of my patients take four Liver-Lovin in the morning and four in the evening for two weeks to obtain a loading healing dose of 1,000 mg of taurine. Then they cut back to the recommended dosage of two in the morning and two in the evening.
-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman
Excess fat, sugar, refined carbs, gluten, soy protein isolates, alcohol, mold, and dairy are big time detox detractors. They either lower enzyme activity—interrupting the liver’s efforts to transform toxins into nontoxic metabolites—or are linked to a decreased absorption of necessary detox nutrients. They can also create internal inflammation that inhibits your body’s ability to burn fat, where most toxins are stored. Avoid them while dieting and/or detoxing, or you’ll increase your toxic load.
Here’s the inside story.
Saboteur #1. Excess fat, especially trans fats from margarine and processed and fried foods.
Excess fat, especially trans fat, strains both your liver and your colon. You might even cut back on the “good fats” at this time—like peanut butter and almond butter, excessive nuts (such as almonds, peanuts, and cashews), avocados, and even salad dressings, which can be hard for the liver to break down.
Saboteur #2. Sugar and all its relatives, including high-fructose corn syrup, honey, molasses, maple syrup, sugar cane crystals, pure sugar cane juice, evaporated cane juice, dried cane juice, maltodextrin, and all products ending in “-ose” (such as sucrose, dextrose, fructose, and levulose) Also, artificial sweeteners, including aspartame, sucralose or Splenda, and sugar alcohols (such as maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol)
Sugar and other sweeteners, natural or artificial, stress both your liver and your colon. Moreover, both natural sugar and sugar alcohols have the potential to feed yeast—a known liver stressor—because of the aldehydes that are formed.
Saboteur #3. Refined carbohydrates, including white rice and products made from white flour
They are deadly to weight loss. Not only do they inhibit the liver’s detox pathways, but they create those roller-coaster highs and lows in blood sugar, insulin, hunger, and cravings.
Saboteur #4. Gluten, found in wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt, kamut, and all their products (including bread, pastas, crackers, and crusts), also found in many “low-carb” products (such as packaged cereals, macaroni and cheese, pizza dough mix, spaghetti, shells, tortillas, pancake/waffle mixes, and cookies) and in vegetable proteins, modified food starch, some soy sauces, and distilled vinegars
A highly reactive and allergy-producing substance, this unsuspected toxin can get into your bloodstream and slow your metabolism. Gluten creates a gluey substance that can bind with fat and mucus to cover the intestinal villi and clog your colon.
Saboteur #5. Soy protein isolates, found in low-carb “energy” bars and soy protein powders, and processed soy foods (such as soy milk, soy cheese, soy ice cream, soy hot dogs, and soy burgers)
Soy protein isolates are incomplete proteins that lack the sulfur-bearing amino acids methionine and cysteine. The high-phytic acid is unfermented and processed soy products disrupt mineral absorption and can deplete your supply of zinc, magnesium, and calcium, which you need for liver detox. (Miso and tempeh, which are forms of fermented soy, are fine.)
Saboteur #6. Alcohol; over-the-counter drugs; and caffeine, including coffee, tea, sodas, and chocolate
Alcohol, drugs, and caffeine are liver stressors that tax the detox pathways big time. Definitely ax the alcohol, soft drinks, and colas—as well as both regular and decaffeinated coffee and black and green tea. Sadly, green tea is a no-no because an increasing body of studies has shown that it is contaminated with aluminum fluoride from pesticides and fertilizers. Fluoride cues your organs, including your liver and your brain, to stockpile aluminum, with sometimes disastrous results. Fluoride is also a known thyroid suppressor. With nearly 50 percent of the population suffering from hypothyroidism, and considering all the fluoride you’re consuming in your water, toothpaste, soft drinks, and foods processed with fluoridated water, do you really want to take a chance on “fluoridated” green tea?
Saboteur #7. Mold, found on overly ripe fruits (especially melons, bananas, and tropical fruits)
Mold can stress your liver, so avoid all sources of mold—especially moldy fruit because fruit molds produce mycotoxins that can cause severe liver damage, cancer, breathing problems, or allergic reactions.
Saboteur #8. Dairy
Similar to gluten, dairy-based milk and cheese are common food allergens. They contain casein, a milk protein that can cause irritation and inflammation in your body. Feel free to eat whey, butter, and cream as they are casein-free. Yogurt is also acceptable because the bacteria added to yogurt during the culturing process breaks down the casein, making it easier to digest and less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Taurine Therapy
Instead of consuming detox detractors, turn to taurine. Taurine is at the top of my list when it comes to counteracting the detox detractors by lightening up on your toxic load. Although found in animal foods, it is the most deficient amino acid when tested for in blood samples and is often lacking in vegetarians. Your body requires more taurine if you’ve been taking oral contraceptives, are under stress, suffer from epilepsy, or are a vegetarian. It’s the major amino that the liver requires to remove chemicals from the body and it uniquely detoxifies solvents, ammonia, chlorine, yeast-based aldehydes, and the by-products of drugs.
The best liver tonic I know that contains taurine is Lover-Lovin Formula. To help overcome chemical sensitivities and allergies, many of my patients take four Liver-Lovin in the morning and four in the evening for two weeks to obtain a loading healing dose of 1,000 mg of taurine. Then they cut back to the recommended dosage of two in the morning and two in the evening.
-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Eggplant
"This veggie has a split personality. Grilled or sauteed briefly,
eggplant has a firm, almost meaty texture. But roast it awhile in the
oven and you'll be amazed at the creamy, silky result. Most varieties-
whether purple, white or striped- have a mild, earthy taste that melds
with other flavors. Before buying, gently squeeze eggplant (they should
give a little) and check for soft or brown spots. Store in a cool spot
outside the fridge for a couple of days. Eggplant sops up oil, so brush
or spray it on right before cooking. Eat the skin to get fiber and cancer-
fighting antioxidants."
-Prevention Magazine, September 2011
eggplant has a firm, almost meaty texture. But roast it awhile in the
oven and you'll be amazed at the creamy, silky result. Most varieties-
whether purple, white or striped- have a mild, earthy taste that melds
with other flavors. Before buying, gently squeeze eggplant (they should
give a little) and check for soft or brown spots. Store in a cool spot
outside the fridge for a couple of days. Eggplant sops up oil, so brush
or spray it on right before cooking. Eat the skin to get fiber and cancer-
fighting antioxidants."
-Prevention Magazine, September 2011
Power Of A Smile
"Mona Lisa's coy smirk worth isn't the only smile worth a fortune.
A megawatt grin from a loved one can produce the same brain waves as
learning you won $40,000, according to researchers. What's even more
valuable? The longer life you may enjoy from wearing your own happy
face. One study found that those who smiled the most lived an extra
7 years, on average. So flex those facial muscles every chance you get."
-Prevention Magazine, September 2011
A megawatt grin from a loved one can produce the same brain waves as
learning you won $40,000, according to researchers. What's even more
valuable? The longer life you may enjoy from wearing your own happy
face. One study found that those who smiled the most lived an extra
7 years, on average. So flex those facial muscles every chance you get."
-Prevention Magazine, September 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Jensen's Bread
Jensen's Bread and Bakeries will be at Whole Foods in Tanasbourne this Saturday August 6th from 1pm-5pm. Stop by and sample some of our delcious GF loaf breads, hamburger and hot dog buns.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Gluten-Free Labeling
Dear GIG of SW Washington - Vancouver,
The FDA Requests comments on proposed gluten-free labeling and safety study.
The documents will be posted on the FDA regulations website (www.regulations.gov; search for docket 2005-N-0404) Wed, August 3rd. The comment period will be open until Nov 2nd.
Individuals are encouraged to send their comments to the FDA. Comments documented by scientific research are most valuable.
GIG will send the FDA comments. As a Group and Leader of GIG, we strongly encourage you to allow GIG to represent all of GIG branches. If you make comments, please do so as an individual, health professional, etc - but not as a GIG branch leader. It is important that GIG have a single voice and a single message to the FDA.
Thank you.
Cynthia Kupper, RD | Executive Director
t: +253 833 6655 ext 104 | m: +253 217 9973 | e: cynthia.kupper@gluten.net
The FDA Requests comments on proposed gluten-free labeling and safety study.
The documents will be posted on the FDA regulations website (www.regulations.gov; search for docket 2005-N-0404) Wed, August 3rd. The comment period will be open until Nov 2nd.
Individuals are encouraged to send their comments to the FDA. Comments documented by scientific research are most valuable.
GIG will send the FDA comments. As a Group and Leader of GIG, we strongly encourage you to allow GIG to represent all of GIG branches. If you make comments, please do so as an individual, health professional, etc - but not as a GIG branch leader. It is important that GIG have a single voice and a single message to the FDA.
Thank you.
Cynthia Kupper, RD | Executive Director
t: +253 833 6655 ext 104 | m: +253 217 9973 | e: cynthia.kupper@gluten.net
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
6 New Uses for Ice Cubes
Soup Skimmer
To skim excess fat from soup without refrigerating it, fill
a metal ladle with ice cubes and glide it along the surface a few
times, wiping the ladle as needed. Excess fat will cling to the ladle's
bottom (and not yours).
Soil Soaker
Water your plants without leaving them in the sink to drain by covering
the surface of the soil with ice cubes. They'll gradually hydrate your Hedera
(that's ivy)as they melt.
Caulk Smoother
As you squeeze a new caulk line around a bathtub, run the corner of a cube
behind it. The ice will create a clean edge without sticking.
Brow Soother
A few minutes before you tweeze, rub an ice cube over your brows to numb
the skin, then dry. Post-plucking, ice again to minimize redness.
Disposal Scrubber
Run a handful of ice cubes and a pinch of baking soda through your garbage
disposal. You'll get rid of the built-up grease on the blades and the leftover
smell of ...leftovers.
Handheld A/C
When the summer heat is stifling, hold a piece of ice on the underside of
your wrist. As blood flows through that chilly pulse point, your body temperature
will slowly drop.
-Real Simple Magazine, August 2011
To skim excess fat from soup without refrigerating it, fill
a metal ladle with ice cubes and glide it along the surface a few
times, wiping the ladle as needed. Excess fat will cling to the ladle's
bottom (and not yours).
Soil Soaker
Water your plants without leaving them in the sink to drain by covering
the surface of the soil with ice cubes. They'll gradually hydrate your Hedera
(that's ivy)as they melt.
Caulk Smoother
As you squeeze a new caulk line around a bathtub, run the corner of a cube
behind it. The ice will create a clean edge without sticking.
Brow Soother
A few minutes before you tweeze, rub an ice cube over your brows to numb
the skin, then dry. Post-plucking, ice again to minimize redness.
Disposal Scrubber
Run a handful of ice cubes and a pinch of baking soda through your garbage
disposal. You'll get rid of the built-up grease on the blades and the leftover
smell of ...leftovers.
Handheld A/C
When the summer heat is stifling, hold a piece of ice on the underside of
your wrist. As blood flows through that chilly pulse point, your body temperature
will slowly drop.
-Real Simple Magazine, August 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
1-2-3 Gluten Free
FDA Proposed Rule for Gluten Free
The FDA held a teleconference today on its proposed rule to define gluten free as less than 20 PPM. This is consistent with science as well as the laws in other countries. This does not affect our products as they test below 5 PPM. Therefore, if the proposed rule is enacted (currently expected for 3rd quarter 2012), our products would still be considered gluten free. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask us!
Kim Ullner
1-2-3 Gluten Free
The FDA held a teleconference today on its proposed rule to define gluten free as less than 20 PPM. This is consistent with science as well as the laws in other countries. This does not affect our products as they test below 5 PPM. Therefore, if the proposed rule is enacted (currently expected for 3rd quarter 2012), our products would still be considered gluten free. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask us!
Kim Ullner
1-2-3 Gluten Free
Monday, August 1, 2011
Gluten-Free Awareness Night
Greetings!
Gluten-Free Awareness Night
White Sox vs. Mariners
Friday, August 26, 2011 - 7:10 p.m.
Round up your friends and family members and join the Seattle Mariners and the Gluten Intolerance Group for Gluten-Free Awareness Night on Friday, August 26! Special discounted group seating has been reserved and is available for you to purchase online. More information regarding concessions coming soon. It's also Mariners Fleece Blanket Night for the first 15,000 fans (21 & over) through the gates, so be sure to arrive early!
The Gluten Intolerance Group will be at a table on the concourse outside Section 319 to answer any questions you may have. The Gluten Intolerance Group of North America is a 501c3 non-profit organization who is a leader in patient and professional support nationally through outreach programs and services. GIG fulfills its mission of supporting persons living with gluten intolerances through programs directed to consumers, health professionals and the public. GIG programs provide support and education, awareness and advocacy, research awareness and support.
* DEADLINE TO PURCHASE: Thursday, August 25 at NOON
* Game Date: Friday, August 26, 2011 - 7:10 p.m.
* Pricing:
* $15 View Reserved (normally $22)
* $4 from each ticket sold will benefit the Gluten Intolerance Group!
Please note: This special offer is online only and is not available at Team Stores or box office outlets. Please use the link below:
Purchase Tickets Here
Gluten-Free Awareness Night
White Sox vs. Mariners
Friday, August 26, 2011 - 7:10 p.m.
Round up your friends and family members and join the Seattle Mariners and the Gluten Intolerance Group for Gluten-Free Awareness Night on Friday, August 26! Special discounted group seating has been reserved and is available for you to purchase online. More information regarding concessions coming soon. It's also Mariners Fleece Blanket Night for the first 15,000 fans (21 & over) through the gates, so be sure to arrive early!
The Gluten Intolerance Group will be at a table on the concourse outside Section 319 to answer any questions you may have. The Gluten Intolerance Group of North America is a 501c3 non-profit organization who is a leader in patient and professional support nationally through outreach programs and services. GIG fulfills its mission of supporting persons living with gluten intolerances through programs directed to consumers, health professionals and the public. GIG programs provide support and education, awareness and advocacy, research awareness and support.
* DEADLINE TO PURCHASE: Thursday, August 25 at NOON
* Game Date: Friday, August 26, 2011 - 7:10 p.m.
* Pricing:
* $15 View Reserved (normally $22)
* $4 from each ticket sold will benefit the Gluten Intolerance Group!
Please note: This special offer is online only and is not available at Team Stores or box office outlets. Please use the link below:
Purchase Tickets Here
Product Of The Month
Everyone needs energy throughout the day. Our NEW Whenever Bars are the perfect snack bar to have on hand. Stock up at home or keep them in your car. Try all four tantalizing flavors, Oat Blueberry Lemon, Oat Cranberry Almond, Oat Chocolate Chip Coconut and Oat Raisin Walnut Spice. And, did you know that Pamela's Whenever Bars are high in omega 3 essential fatty acids, offer 9 grams of whole grains per serving and they're low in cholesterol and sodium!
Would you like to WIN a FREE sample of Pamela's Whenever Bars? We're giving 25 lucky winners a FREE box of Pamela's NEW Whenever Bars. To enter our random drawing simply answer this question... What would you like from Pamela's Products? Send your answers to newsletter@pamelasproducts.com with your shipping address (no PO boxes please) by August 7th to qualify. We'll pick 25 names at random from all qualified entries. Sorry, available for USA addresses only, one entry per person, per household, per email address. Due to the high volume of responses we are only able to notify the winners. If you do not hear from us by August 19th, you did not win, but we hope you will try again next month.
-Pamela's Products Newsletter, August 2011
Would you like to WIN a FREE sample of Pamela's Whenever Bars? We're giving 25 lucky winners a FREE box of Pamela's NEW Whenever Bars. To enter our random drawing simply answer this question... What would you like from Pamela's Products? Send your answers to newsletter@pamelasproducts.com with your shipping address (no PO boxes please) by August 7th to qualify. We'll pick 25 names at random from all qualified entries. Sorry, available for USA addresses only, one entry per person, per household, per email address. Due to the high volume of responses we are only able to notify the winners. If you do not hear from us by August 19th, you did not win, but we hope you will try again next month.
-Pamela's Products Newsletter, August 2011
Milk Maize
Getting the dairy-free calcium you need.
For over ten years, we have seen the infamous milk mustache on celebrities, supermodels, and star athletes. The Got Milk? campaign ads are probably the most successful advertising campaign in history. You’ve got to hand it to the dairy industry. The ads must be working because Americans still consume more dairy products than any other nation.
And we suffer from far more calcium-related degenerative diseases—like obesity, osteoporosis, arteriosclerosis, and cataracts—than the Asians or Africans where dairy intake is minimal or non-existent.
While milk may be rich in calcium (1200 mg per quart, to be exact—more than enough to satisfy a whole day’s requirement), it’s also equally high in phosphorus, which has a habit of interfering with calcium absorption. Infants drinking their mother’s milk—which contains only 300 mg of calcium per quart, but has a beneficial calcium-phosphorus ratio of 2:1—actually absorb more calcium than infants drinking cow’s milk with its ratio of 1.2 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus.
Milk and milk products also tend to neutralize germ-killing hydrochloric acid in the stomach and generate excessive mucus in the intestines.
Then there’s the magnesium issue. Magnesium helps calcium absorption, but too much calcium interferes with the absorption of magnesium. Magnesium reduces the body’s need for calcium, but calcium increases the body’s need for magnesium. Although this may sound confusing, humans evolved in a magnesium-rich, calcium-poor environment back in the Stone Age. Our caveman style bodies learned to conserve calcium but not magnesium some 40,000 years ago.
Then there’s the allergic issue. For the majority of the world’s adult population, most individuals between the ages of 18 months and 4 years stop producing the intestinal enzyme lactase needed to break down milk sugar or lactose. The result is severe bloating, gas, or even diarrhea. Coupled with the growing number of food intolerances to casein (the protein fraction of milk and dairy products) that seems to accompany gluten intolerance, dairy is highly reactive for the majority of the world’s population.
Sure, there are lots of foods high in calcium—like collards, turnip greens, almonds, and the seaweed hijiki—but we either don’t consume enough of these calcium-rich sources on a daily basis, or don’t eat enough to satisfy even a minimal 500 mg.
Calcium in its correct form is crucial to health for some surprising reasons, not generally well-know. It profoundly affects our resistance to viruses, bacteria, molds, fungi, and even cancer. It can help regulate insulin—thereby assisting in all weight loss efforts—, balance blood pressure, and even lower susceptibility (with essential fatty acids) to sunburn. It also protects your cellular membranes from coming unglued when you are on your cell or cordless phones.
Osteo-Key is the only calcium supplement I recommend. It contains hydroxyapatite, the most bioavailable source of calcium which innately matches the highly absorptive calcium/phosphorus ratio of mother’s milk. A bone building team of nutrients is contained in Osteo-Key including magnesium, manganese, boron, silica, Vitamin D-3, selenium, potassium, zinc, and microcrystalline hydroxyapatite, and the complete Vitamin K complex (vitamin K1 and two forms of K2) to target calcium absorption direction into the bone—not the joints or arteries where calcium can buildup resulting in arthritis and arterial plaque.
I always smile when I see those Got Milk? ads. Now you know why!
-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman, July 26, 2011
For over ten years, we have seen the infamous milk mustache on celebrities, supermodels, and star athletes. The Got Milk? campaign ads are probably the most successful advertising campaign in history. You’ve got to hand it to the dairy industry. The ads must be working because Americans still consume more dairy products than any other nation.
And we suffer from far more calcium-related degenerative diseases—like obesity, osteoporosis, arteriosclerosis, and cataracts—than the Asians or Africans where dairy intake is minimal or non-existent.
While milk may be rich in calcium (1200 mg per quart, to be exact—more than enough to satisfy a whole day’s requirement), it’s also equally high in phosphorus, which has a habit of interfering with calcium absorption. Infants drinking their mother’s milk—which contains only 300 mg of calcium per quart, but has a beneficial calcium-phosphorus ratio of 2:1—actually absorb more calcium than infants drinking cow’s milk with its ratio of 1.2 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus.
Milk and milk products also tend to neutralize germ-killing hydrochloric acid in the stomach and generate excessive mucus in the intestines.
Then there’s the magnesium issue. Magnesium helps calcium absorption, but too much calcium interferes with the absorption of magnesium. Magnesium reduces the body’s need for calcium, but calcium increases the body’s need for magnesium. Although this may sound confusing, humans evolved in a magnesium-rich, calcium-poor environment back in the Stone Age. Our caveman style bodies learned to conserve calcium but not magnesium some 40,000 years ago.
Then there’s the allergic issue. For the majority of the world’s adult population, most individuals between the ages of 18 months and 4 years stop producing the intestinal enzyme lactase needed to break down milk sugar or lactose. The result is severe bloating, gas, or even diarrhea. Coupled with the growing number of food intolerances to casein (the protein fraction of milk and dairy products) that seems to accompany gluten intolerance, dairy is highly reactive for the majority of the world’s population.
Sure, there are lots of foods high in calcium—like collards, turnip greens, almonds, and the seaweed hijiki—but we either don’t consume enough of these calcium-rich sources on a daily basis, or don’t eat enough to satisfy even a minimal 500 mg.
Calcium in its correct form is crucial to health for some surprising reasons, not generally well-know. It profoundly affects our resistance to viruses, bacteria, molds, fungi, and even cancer. It can help regulate insulin—thereby assisting in all weight loss efforts—, balance blood pressure, and even lower susceptibility (with essential fatty acids) to sunburn. It also protects your cellular membranes from coming unglued when you are on your cell or cordless phones.
Osteo-Key is the only calcium supplement I recommend. It contains hydroxyapatite, the most bioavailable source of calcium which innately matches the highly absorptive calcium/phosphorus ratio of mother’s milk. A bone building team of nutrients is contained in Osteo-Key including magnesium, manganese, boron, silica, Vitamin D-3, selenium, potassium, zinc, and microcrystalline hydroxyapatite, and the complete Vitamin K complex (vitamin K1 and two forms of K2) to target calcium absorption direction into the bone—not the joints or arteries where calcium can buildup resulting in arthritis and arterial plaque.
I always smile when I see those Got Milk? ads. Now you know why!
-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman, July 26, 2011
GIG Pancake Breakfast
The date for the Pancake Breakfast fundraiser has changed! It will now be the 20th of August, from 8:00AM-10:00AM. We also need volunteers to help make this event a success, and volunteering is sweet because you get to enjoy the pancakes for free! Please call Kristi Curtis 360-695-0862
Can't wait to see you there.
Can't wait to see you there.
