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Recognizing Unhealthy Foods and Additives 101

By Kristine Miele

            When choosing foods to feed your family, you have but two choices, whole, fresh, nutrient rich food or processed, chemical rich, nutrient deficient food.  Processed foods do not occur naturally in the environment. Some are extracted from whole foods through the use of harsh chemicals transforming them into harmful substances and some are man-made. Whole organic foods grown in the environment without the use of toxic chemicals, such as pesticides, are what our bodies are designed to thrive on. A balanced diet should consist of primarily whole fresh foods with as little consumption of processed foods as possible.  Food labels can be deceptive so when choosing a product that contains a label, be sure to read carefully and keep in mind some of the information provided below.
Hydrogenated oils:  The process of hydrogenation is the conversion of an unsaturated fatty acid to a saturated fatty acid by the addition of hydrogen atoms. When this process is not fully completed, the fat is known as a partially hydrogenated fatty acid. The result is the conversion of liquid oil to a semi-sold fat which serves food manufacturers well since these fats are cheap, don’t spoil and result in a longer shelf life of the food products containing them. These hydrogenated oils are known as trans-fats and are associated with such health risks as increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, decreased immune function, childhood asthma, obesity, cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol, hormonal imbalance and liver disease to name just a few. We certainly don’t want to exclude the fact that consumption of these fats replaces the presence of essential fatty acids (healthy fats) in the body which reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, contribute to proper brain function, blood circulation and immunity. Healthy essential fatty acids (Omega 3 and Omega 6) can be found in walnuts, flax seeds, hemp seeds, avocados and fresh fatty fish such as salmon and sardines. Trans fats have a negative impact on human health, especially the health of our children, and should be avoided at all times. Almost all prepared food contains these unhealthy fats unless the label specifically states “expeller pressed”, “unrefined oil” or “no trans fat”. The best way to avoid these fats is to consume fresh whole foods and use a first cold pressed, extra virgin olive oil for cooking.
Refined Sugar: The metabolic difference between fructose (the natural sugar found in fruit) and refined white sugar is that the body converts fructose to glucose (the body’s primary energy source) at a much slower and healthier pace than the un-natural refined sugar that is converted immediately, rapidly spiking insulin levels. This can contribute to the body’s inability to properly control insulin leading to such diseases as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, weakened immune system, candida and cancer. Otto Warburg won two Nobel prizes for his research that states that the primary cause of cancer is “ the replacement of the respiration of oxygen in normal body cells by the fermentation of sugar”.  Replacing refined sugars, which are often hidden in food labels but are almost always present, with fresh fruits and whole food snacks such as nuts and seeds, soy, rice or whole wheat crackers is a much better healthier option. When reading labels, there are a multitude of references for refined sugar such as: high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, corn syrup solids, brown sugar, evaporated cane juice, white sugar, invert sugar, juice concentrates, hydrolyzed starch, fructose, dextrose, sucrose, lactose, maltose and glucose. Remember that ingredients are listed in order of their proportion in the food and manufacturers may use a mixture of these ingredients so that there appears to be less “sugar” in the preparation than there actually is. Again, the only way to be certain that you are avoiding added and hidden sugars is to buy, prepare and serve fresh, whole foods for yourself and your family.
Aspartame: Found in many diet snack foods and beverages such as soda, gum and low –carb food products, aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener. It is well documented that aspartame is a neurotoxin or excitotoxin, that causes permanent damage in the body by the over excitement of nerve cells. Research shows that aspartame can cause brain lesions, reproductive disorders, migraine headaches, Alzheimer’s disease, obesity and nerve disorders.  By breaking down into harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, aspartame is highly toxic and dangerous to humans although this matter is highly debated. The use of artificial sweeteners of this kind also contributes to obesity by replacing the natural sweetness of fruit and vegetables with the taste of refined carbohydrates. There are much safer herbal sweeteners available in health food stores such as Stevia, which can be used in baking or to simply sweeten your tea and has no side effects.
High Fructose Corn Syrup: Another highly refined sugar, made from refining corn and extracting the sugars, is high fructose corn syrup. This is no longer a healthful whole grain corn, as it is taken out of its natural form and processed into an unnatural ingredient that is detrimental to human health. The consumption of high fructose corn syrup (and similar refined sugars) promotes obesity by replacing healthy fibrous foods with processed nutrient deficient foods that are high in these refined sugars, trans fats and food additives. This behavior leads to the deterioration of the endocrine system resulting in diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, digestive problems, weakened immune system and cancer. Children are especially susceptible to the marketing of these foods. It is invaluable that parents limit or avoid all foods that contain refined sugars, like high fructose corn syrup, and replace them with low sugar, nutrient rich whole foods that will insure maximum physical, mental and social development and provide them with the energy needed for interactive learning and play.
MSG: Monosodium Glutamate is a food additive primarily used as a preservative and for taste enhancement. MSG is not only an allergen for many but an excitotoxin which overexcites nerves causing permanent nerve damage. The ingredient that causes many of the allergic reactions in people with MSG sensitivities is free glutamic acid which has been shown to kill brain cells and cause endocrine disorders in laboratory animals.  MSG is usually found in pre-packaged foods where there is also a tendency for high refined sugars and other preservatives.  It is often hidden on food labels as: glutamate, glutamic acid, calcium casienate, sodium casienate, textured protein, hydrolyzed corn gluten, hydrolyzed protein, yeast nutrient, natrium glutamate, yeast extract, autolyzed yeast extract, or hydrolyzed vegetable protein. There are also other ingredients that can further contain MSG and you can find these at: www.truthinlabeling.org
White Flour: Refined white flour is present in most baked goods such as cookies, crackers, pasta and pastries.  The danger of this refined white flour is that it strips the body of essential vitamins and minerals while at the same time promoting diseases such as diabetes, obesity and inflammatory disorders. Studies have also shown that the chemical alloxan that is used to make the flour appear more appealing actually destroys beta cells of the pancreas. Unfortunately, most children who are quite fond of the processed flour products are at increased risk since they are replacing the essential nutrients necessary for proper growth. Kids need nutrients in order to prosper physically, mentally and emotionally. It is as simple as that. By avoiding refined white flour products and replacing them with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, you will contribute to their proper development and help them to thwart disease later in life. When purchasing healthier bread and snack options be sure to read labels and look for whole grain products like whole grain wheat flour or unrefined whole grain oat, millet, barley and rice flours. Yeast free products are also widely available and a much better choice than products containing yeast which can contribute to an imbalance in intestinal flora.
Red Meats: Studies have found that there is an increased risk of colon cancer with the consumption of red meat and that the sodium and saturated fat content contributes to arteriosclerosis and heart disease. Also, red meat contains contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, antibiotics and hormones that are absorbed into the human body through consumption of the animal fat wreaking havoc with the endocrine system. Red Meat also contains arachidonic acid, which is an essential fatty acid that contributes to the production of inflammatory hormones. This can and will contribute to the proliferation of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, asthma, psoriasis, eczema, migraines headaches, etc). Much of the time, these animals are raised in an unhealthy environment, unable to roam free and graze on grass and are fed unhealthy feed that contains many unfavorable chemicals. Essentially, we eat what they eat! There are many healthy alternative sources of animal protein like wild fish and free range chicken that can also be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle. Also remember that in addition to animal source proteins there are delicious plant based and vegetable proteins like soy, spirulina and rice based proteins. If you are a red meat consumer, make sure that you choose a meat that is free of antibiotics and hormones. Free range organic meat, preferably leaner cuts such as flank, round or rump are healthier options than the fattier cuts like T-bone, porterhouse, rib, pork chops and ham. Limit your consumption to no more than one 4-5oz serving per week.
Sodium Nitrite: Sodium nitrite is primarily used to cure meats and is found in almost all packaged meats. It is present in deli meats such as: ham, bacon, bologna, hot dogs, corned beef, pepperoni, sausage, some smoked fish and meat spreads. It is even found in some of the meats in canned soups! It is a color fixative (used to create a red color) and also used to protect against the growth of the bacterium that causes botulism. It is the combination of salt that gives it a characteristic flavor and also helps promote shelf life. Sodium nitrite has many associated health problems and therefore it is favorable to stay away from these processed meats altogether. First, the high salt content is an unhealthy factor but it is also the presence of nitrosamines which are formed when the nitrites react with proteins in either the foods that are eaten or in the digestive tract. Nitrosamines are proven to be dangerous carcinogens (cancer causing agents) and are known to negatively affect a number of internal organs, increasing cancer in the liver, colon, lungs, and pancreas. When shopping for sandwich meat, look for the label to read “nitrite and nitrate free”. These healthier options can be found in health food stores and in some of the “natural” sections of supermarkets.
Our children are precious beings and in the earlier stages of life rely on their families to make appropriate decisions regarding their health and nutrition. Parents lay the nutritional foundation for their children essentially determining their health in adulthood. By creating a healthy lifestyle for themselves and their families, parents are teaching their children to foster good nutritional habits for years to come. Just as children are taught the essential tools needed throughout life like math, reading and writing, they need to be taught the most essential of all, the tools of holistic health; love, appreciation and care for their own physical, mental and emotional well being.
Kristine M. Miele , Nutritional Counselor, Santi Holistic Healing, Cohasset, MA 02025 781-383-3393

Resources:
Adams, M. (July, 2004) Food manufacturers hide dangerous ingredients in everyday foods by using confusing terms on the label. www.naturalnews.com
Hidden Sources of processed free glutamic acid (MSG); Names of ingredients that contain enough MSG to serve as common MSG reaction triggers. (February, 2008) www.truthinlabeling.org
Haas, E.M. (1992) Staying healthy with nutrition; a complete guide to diet and nutritional medicine. California: Celestial Arts
Veracity, D. (June, 2005)White flour contains diabetes causing contaminant alloxan. www.naturalnews.com

 

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Are You Running On Acid?!?

By Suzanne E. Landry, MS, LDN 

Health Tips For All Athletes

Electrolytes like Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium provide the electricity that your body needs to function. When blood levels of these electrolytes are low, the availability of oxygen also becomes reduced and you will experience fatigue, have increased sugar cravings, and have a harder time making it through endurance training.  One major factor that contributes to low electrolyte levels is stress, which includes working out!  When your body is under stress it produces fight or flight hormones, such as epinephrine and adrenaline, which help you get through your workouts.  But these natural corticosteroids also burn through necessary electrolytes that buffer your blood.  Another consequence of this reaction is that your body’s pH level drops, creating an acidic internal environment.  The more acidic your body becomes, the more oxygen deprived your cells become.  However, if your body has an alkaline internal environment, your cells will be more oxygen rich.  This is why it is essential to have adequate electrolytes in your body to enhance athletic performance as well as aid in the prevention and management of disease. 
Quick Tips For Energy and a Better Workout

• Use pHydrion urine pH strips and check your first morning’s urine 3 times per week. If your average pH is below 6.4, it means that your blood is low in minerals or acidic and therefore you are “running on empty.” To correct this, take 1 tablespoon of liquid chlorophyll in 6 oz. of water, 3 times per day on an empty stomach.
• Increase vegetables, fruits, soy, and grains such as millet and buckwheat, which have more alkalizing minerals.
• Reduce your intake of highly processed sugary foods - high fructose corn syrup, sweetened juices, sodas, white flours, ice-cream, and foods with added sugars.
• Consume adequate fluid per day, a minimum of 40 oz - 60 oz, and an additional 8 oz for every 30 minutes of exercise
• Try meditation, yoga, massage, Tai Chi, Qi Gong and other stress reducing activities.
• Sleep for at least 7 hours each night (this is when your body naturally repairs itself.)
• Have your food sensitivities checked to increase your energy, support your organs, and increase your metabolism.  Food sensitivities/allergies contribute to inflammation in the body which can leave you feeling sluggish, slow your metabolism, and contribute to all types of symptoms and disease.

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Do you know the POWER of Hypnosis?

By Mona Ceurvels

 

What is Hypnosis?
Some people only know about Hypnosis from what they have seen in stage shows. Don’t worry, it is nothing like that!
You will always be in control....and no one...at any time can make you do anything you don’t want to...... and another plus...one minute of Hypnosis is like 15 minutes of sleep!
Hypnosis is a state in which a person becomes highly responsive to suggestions.  It is focused concentration, otherwise known as “trance," when your consciousness is altered through the narrowing of attention. You are actually hyper-attentive in this state. Your imagination can be heightened and you are thoroughly relaxed.  You “tune out” the outside world...yet you are always in complete control.  If you are profoundly relaxed and have trust, you will accept your own beliefs without judgment.  It is not like sleep at all....more like daydreaming. 
Hypnosis uses the power of your subconscious mind to keep you on track and break all those unwanted habit patterns that are holding you back. Being in a state of deep relaxation we can create desired changes in behavior to encourage both physical and mental well-being.  Habits and stress reactions (like eating when you’re nervous) become subconscious behavior...and hypnosis can change or get rid of your habit at the subconscious level.
You are actually in a form of Hypnosis when you are driving, reading or watching a movie. 
What are the benefits of Hypnosis? 
Hypnosis was approved as a successful modality by Pope Pius XII in 1956 and by the American Medical Association in 1958.  Hypnosis aids in memory retention, helps manage pain and has been shown to be very effective in reducing, in some cases eliminating, blocks & habits.  It can help build self-confidence, overcome fears, speed-up healing after surgery, relieve stress & nervousness and improve sports performance.
Misconceptions

• Loss of Consciousness - Many people think that when you are Hypnotized you are unconscious. NEVER!  A Hypnotized person will be even more awake during Hypnosis than before it.

• Reveling Secrets - NO WAY!  Client is aware at all times - there is nothing you would say under hypnosis that you would not say out of Hypnosis.

 

• Fear of NOT coming out of Hypnosis - IT CAN’T HAPPEN!  You are the one creating your own experience.  You induce your trance and will revive yourself whenever you feel necessary.

When to use Hypnosis
Hypnosis can be used to maximize skills, break habits or enhance confidence.  Hypnosis can be used successfully for myriad applications: 

Weight Reduction
Smoking Cessation
Facilitate Public Speaking
Enhance Sports Performance
Detach from Bad Habits
Enhance Studies
Increase Focus & Concentration
Overcome Bereavement
Manage Situational Stress
Strengthen Confidence
Help Pain Management
Learn to relax

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Crystal Healing Bowls

By Nick Mincolla

 

Crystal healing bowls have been used since the begining of time by ancient healers to facilitate more profound healing. As we many of us are discovering these days, we are much more than just physiology and matter. Consequently, the healers of days gone past understood this concept quite well. The ancients understood the subtle energies that both animate and regulate the body. Moreover, they understood the sacred nature of tone, vibration and energy, as it related to the body and its internal environs.

The sounds and vibrations that come from the crystal bowls when they are played are felt by every cell of the body, every organ set, and organ system. As a result, there is a unique harmonization and integration process that goes on between the external and internal spheres.

Crystal healing bowls are a form of vibrational therapy that help to prevent build ups of emotion, various internal obstacles, stagnant energy blockages, and it allows energy to move and flow as it should.

To put it simply: sounds and vibration help to re-tune the body, and bring it back into balance and harmony.

Those who have experienced the power of the crystal healing bowls can't help but be moved in a highly positive manner. Clients often look forward to weekly sessions with great zeal. Comments like: "Boy have I been waiting for this," and the likes thereof are not uncommon to hear. I often see people of all ages smiling, gazing in childlike wonder and amazement. People are always eager to share their experiences after a session and describe to me, deep relaxation, balance, joy, a lifting of 'heaviness' from the body, and a greater capacity to give and receive love.

Weather you are getting a CES treatment, enjoying sitting meditation, yoga, body work, and so on, crystal healing bowls facilitate a greater sense of balance and harmony.

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