Best of Mother Earth

Community Mourns Loss Of A Hero.

Karen Hanrahan — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:50:00 GMT

A friend on facebook shared:

Together we mourn the loss of one of our own Heroes Army SPC. Jared StankerArmy SPC. Jared Stanker of Evergreen Park was killed in Afganistan by a roadside bomb. In support of the family and the troops the community is encouraged to pack 103rd St. from Cicero Ave. to Central Park at 9a.m. on Saturday. Please bring your family and your flag to show your support and respect.

I shared with a friend, a vietnam vet, knowing he'd want to take his son.

He emailed me this amazing photo taken this morning, shared below w/ his permission:

11/07/09 South Side

This gathering of community spirit and support just takes my breath away.

Ten Things Your Hospital Won't Tell You

Karen Hanrahan — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:53:00 GMT

10 Things Your Hospital Won't Tell You
By Reshma Kapadia of Smart Money
this was shared a few years back via email, from a large Chicago hospital employee - i found it interesting

1. "Oops, wrong kidney."
In recent years errors in treatment have become a serious problem for hospitals, ranging from operating on the wrong body part to medication mix-ups. According to a report from the Institute of Medicine, at least 1.5 million patients are harmed every year from being given the wrong drugs -- that's an average of one person per U.S. hospital per day. One reason these mistakes persist: Only 10% of hospitals are fully computerized, with a central database to track allergies and diagnoses, says Robert Wachter, chief of the medical service at UC San Francisco Medical Center. But signs of change are emerging. More than 3,000 U.S. hospitals, or 75% of the country's beds, have signed on for a campaign by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement implementing new prevention measures such as multiple checks on drugs. As of June these hospitals had prevented an estimated 122,300 avoidable deaths over 18 months. While the system is improving, it still staff at their side to take notes and make sure the right meds are being dispensed.
2. "You may leave sicker than when you came in."
A week after Leandra Wiese had surgery to remove a benign tumor, the high school senior felt well enough to host a sleepover. But later that weekend she was throwing up and running a fever. Thinking it was the flu, her parents took her to the hospital. Wiese never came home. It wasn't the flu, but a deadly surgical infection. About 2 million people a year contract hospital-related infections, and about 90,000 die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The recent increase in antibiotic-resistant bugs and the mounting cost of health care -- to which infections add about $4.5 billion annually -- have mobilized the medical community to implement processes designed to decrease infections. These include using clippers rather than a razor to shave surgical sites and administering antibiotics before surgery but stopping them soon after to prevent drug resistance. For all of modern medicine's advances, the best way to minimize infection risk is low-tech: Make sure anyone who touches you washes his hands. Tubes and catheters are also a source of bugs, and patients should ask daily if they are necessary.
3. "Good luck finding the person in charge."
Helen Haskell repeatedly told nurses something didn't seem right with her son Lewis, who was recovering from surgery to repair a defect in his chest wall. For nearly two days she kept asking for a veteran -- or "attending" -- doctor when the first-year resident's assessment seemed off. But Haskell couldn't convince the right people that her son was deteriorating. "It was like an alternate reality," she says. "I had no idea where to go." Thirty hours after her son first complained of intense pain, the South Carolina teen died of a perforated ulcer. In a sea of blue scrubs, getting the attention of the right person can be difficult. Who's in charge? Nurses don't report to doctors, but rather to a nurse supervisor. And your personal doctor has little say over radiology or the labs running your tests, which are managed by the hospital. Some facilities employ "hospitalists" -- doctors who act as a point person to conduct the flow of information. Haskell urges patients to know the hospital hierarchy, read name tags, get the attending physician's phone number and, if all else fails, demand a nurse supervisor -- likely the highest-ranking person who is accessible quickly.
4. "Everything is negotiable, even your hospital bill."
When it comes to getting paid, hospitals have their work cut out for them. Medical bills are a major cause of bankruptcy in the U.S., and when collectors are put on the case, they take up to 25% of what is reclaimed,according to Mark Friedman, founder of billing consultant Premium Healthcare Services. That leaves room for some bargaining. Take Logan Roberts. The 26-year-old had started work as a business analyst near Atlanta but had no insurance when he was rushed to the ER for an appendectomy. The uninsured can pay three times more for procedures, says Nora Johnson, senior director of Medical Billing Advocates of America; Roberts was billed $21,000. "I was like, holy cow!" he says. "That's four times my net worth." After advice from advocacy group The Access Project, Roberts spoke with hospital administrators, telling them he couldn't pay in full. Hospitals frequently work with patients, offering payment plans or discounts. But to get it, you have to knock on the right door: Look for the office of patient accounts or the financial assistance office. It paid off for Roberts, whose bill was sliced to $4,100 -- 20% of the original.
5. "Yes, we take your insurance -- but we're not sure about the anesthesiologist."
The last thing on your mind before surgery is making sure every doctor involved is in your network. But since the answer is often no for anesthesiologists, pathologists and radiologists, what's a patient to do?Los Angeles-based entertainment lawyer and patient advocate Michael A. Weiss repeatedly turned away out-of-network pain-management doctors on arecent visit to the hospital. We're not suggesting you go as far as Weiss did to save money, but do ask for someone in your network if you're alert enough. If it's an emergency and you're stuck with an out-of-network doctor, call your insurance company to help resolve the issue. If it's elective surgery, ask a scheduling nurse in the surgeon's office to find specialists in your plan, says South Bend, Ind.-based billing sleuth Mary Jane Stull. And if you know your procedure will be out-of-network, call the hospital billing department to negotiate. It will likely point you to a patient representative or the director of billing. Once you've dealt with the hospital, then try the surgeon or other specialists involved -- some hospitals will back you in those discussions, Friedman says.
6. "Sometimes we bill you twice."
Crack the code of medical bills and you may find a few surprises: charges for services you never received, or for routine items such as gowns and gloves that should not be billed separately. Clerical errors are often the reason for mistakes; one transposed number in a billing code can result ina charge for placing a catheter in an artery versus a vein -- a difference of more than $3,900, Stull says.So how do you figure out if your bill has incorrect codes or duplicate charges? Start by asking for an itemized bill with "miscellaneous" items clearly defined. Some telltale mistakes: charging for three days when you stayed in the hospital overnight, a circumcision for your newborn girl or drugs you never received. Ask the hospital's billing office for a key to decipher the charges, or hire an expert to spot problems and deal with the nsurance company and doctors (you can find one at www.billadvocates.com). Their expertise typically will cost up to $65 an hour, a percentage of the savings or some combination of the two. If you want to be your own billing sleuth, talk to the highest-ranking administrator you can find in the hospital finance or accounts office to begin untangling any mistaken codes.
7. "All hospitals are not created equal."
How do you tell a good hospital from a bad one? For one thing, nurses. When it comes to their own families, medical workers favor institutions that attract nurses. But they're harder to find as the country's nursing shortage intensifies -- by 2020, 44 states could be facing a serious deficit. Low nurse staffing directly affected patient outcomes, resulting in more problems such as urinary tract infections, shock and gastrointestinal bleeding, according to a 2001 study by Harvard and Vanderbilt University professors. Another thing to consider: Your local hospital may have been great for welcoming your child into the world, but that doesn't mean it's the best place to undergo open-heart surgery. Find the facility with the longest track record, best survival rate and highest volume in the procedure; you don't want to be the team's third hip replacement, says Samantha Collier,vice president of medical affairs at HealthGrades, which rates hospitals. The American Nurses Association's Web site lists "magnet" hospitals --those most attractive to nurses -- and a call to a hospital's nurse supervisor should yield the nurse-to-patient ratio, says Gail Van Kanegan, an R.N. and author of How to Survive Your Hospital Stay. She also suggests calling the hospital's quality-control or risk-management office to get infection statistics and asking your doctor how frequently the hospital has done a certain procedure. While reporting these statistics is still voluntary, more hospitals are doing so on sites like www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov, which compares hospitals against national averages in certain areas, including how well they follow recommended steps to treat common conditions, says Carmela Coyle, senior vice president for policy at the American Hospital Association.
8. "Most ERs are in need of some urgent care themselves."
A new study from the Institute of Medicine found that hospital emergency departments are overburdened, underfunded and ill prepared to handle disasters as the number of people turning to ERs for primary care keeps rising. An ambulance is turned away from an ER once every minute due to overcrowding, according to the study; the situation is exacerbated by shortages in many of the "on call" backup services for cardiologists, orthopedists and neurosurgeons. And it's getting worse. Currently, 73% of ER directors eport inadequate coverage by on-call specialists, versus 67% in 2004, according to a survey conducted by the American College of Emergency Physicians. If you can, avoid the ER between 3PM and 1AM -- the busiest shift. For the shortest wait, early morning -- anywhere from 4AM to 9AM -- is your best bet. If you are having severe symptoms, such as the worst headache of your life or chest pains, alert the triage nurse manager, not just the person checking you in, so that you get seen sooner, says David Sherer, an anesthesiologist and author of Dr. David Sherer's Hospital Survival Guide. Triage nurses are the traffic cops of the ER and your ticket to getting seen as quickly as possible. While reporting these statistics is still voluntary, more hospitals are doing so on sites like www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov, which compares hospitals against national averages in certain areas, including how well they follow recommended steps to treat common conditions, says Carmela Coyle, senior vice president for policy at the American Hospital Association.
9. "Avoid hospitals in July like the plague."
If you can, stay out of the hospital during the summer -- especially July. That's the month when medical students become interns, interns become residents, and residents become fellows and full-fledged doctors. In other words, a good portion of the staff at any given teaching hospital are new on the job. Summer hospital horror stories aren't just medical lore: The adjusted mortality rate rises 4% in July and August for the average major teaching hospital, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research. That means eight to 14 more deaths occur at major teaching hospitals than would normally without the turnover. Another scheduling tip: Try to book surgeries first thing in the morning, and preferably early in the week, when doctors are at their best and before schedules get backed up, Sherer says.
10. "Sometimes we don't keep our mouths zipped."
Contrary to what you might think, sharing patient information with a third party is often perfectly legal. In certain cases, the law allows your medical records to be disclosed without asking or even notifying you. For example, hospitals will hand over information regarding your treatment to other doctors, and it will readily share those details with insurance companies for payment purposes. That means roughly 600,000 entities that are loosely involved in the health care system have access to that information. These parties may even pass on the data to their business partners, says Deborah Peel, the founder of Austin, Tex.-based Patient Privacy Rights Foundation. If you want to access your medical records, you don't have to steal them like Elaine did on 'Seinfeld' after she learned a doctor had marked her as a difficult patient. You are legally entitled to see, copy and ask for corrections to your medical records.

Wash Your Hands. Natural Flu Prevention

Karen Hanrahan — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:07:00 GMT

I worked once with a group of seniors and was sharing with them how important it was for them to drink water and stay hydrated.

One of the men said, " wanna know why we don't drink water?" WHY? "cuz drinking water makes us pee!" And going to the bathroom is a problem? Jokingly he said, "well, when you've been doing it for 80 years, it gets to be a bother!"

I had to laugh.

Yet the reality of his comments spoke to how issues of health and well being for some can sometimes be a bother.

Take for instance the CDC recommending us to wash our hands more frequently to help stop the spread of the flu.

In recent days I have heard many folks complain about how they hate washing their hands more because the soap they are using is wreaking havoc with their skin!

Ever see some folks hands? Raw, red, and chapped from the changing weather and too much hand and dish washing?

Well, not all soaps are created equal.

As a matter of fact my favorite recommendation is a NON-soap bar, that is positively delicious to use. Very emollient and lightly fragrant with oatmeal, vitamin E, and wheat germ oil. PH balanced ( non-stripping) and biodegradable.

I also recommend a liquid hand wash. I dilute this by 50% making it very economical. Or better yet I use a foamer. Something that I can pump and not rinse. Very quick . Natural botanical formula, biodegradable surfactants, non-toxic and also PH balanced.

What's with PH Balanced?

If a personal care product is too acidic or high in PH it's strips the acid mantle. Your acid mantle is what protects your skin, your largest body organ.

How about what you use to hand wash your dishes ? Is your product sourced from natural, sustainable plant sources? Mild on your hands, lightly fragrant, have long lasting suds and leave your dishes sparkling?? ( this product is 32% more effective than Clorox Green and 92% more effective then the Seventh Generation brand) This product was also awarded the 2008 PTPA Media Award

May your hands survive your preventative washing and squeaky clean dishes!!

P.S. I am not a fan of anything anti-bacterial. Triclosan, a very common ingrediant in those types of products, ends up in our water source and is acutely and chronically toxic to aquatic life. Not to mention a host of other horrific concerns. It's beyond me that this is so widely recommended

funny didn't wash cartoon flickr image credit

Flu Shot Or Not

Karen Hanrahan — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:40:00 GMT

Flu Vaccination versus Building Your Immunity Naturally
*sourced from an older newsletter

We are approaching the dreaded "Flu Season" again, and manufacturers are gearing up to collect more record profits. Their usual dis-information campaigns are in full swing.

A recent headline on the American College of Physicians Online website states that "Influenza is the sixth leading cause of death for older Americans and infects 5% to 10% of elderly Americans every year. The flu leads to 300,000 hospitalizations and kills 30,000 to 40,000 Americans every year." [1]

This is an outright lie. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) compile yearly death rates, and categorize those deaths by cause. For the year 2002, the ACTUAL number of deaths attributed to influenza was only 753 [2]

The author of the APC review may have mistakenly reported the number of deaths associated with pneumonia for that year. That's a typical rationalization, stating that those who get flu may then succumb to pneumonia. That does not justify the claim that all pneumonia-related deaths were caused by the flu!

Many of these deaths occur in people with pre-existing conditions AND weakened immune systems among the elderly. In 2001, when only 257 people died from the flu, 59% nine percent of these deaths occurred in people 75 years or older. To put these numbers in perspective, 3,454 Americans died from malnutrition in 2001 — 13 times more than the number of reported flu deaths! It's a shame we aren't immunizing the poor for malnutrition. [3]

Even more significant, a study out last year from Lone Simonsen, Ph.D., and his team at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease concluded that the shots had no impact on the death rate from flu complications in people over 65 from 1980, when 20 million people got shots, to recent years when around 80 million did. So flu shots appear to be failing to achieve their major objective of lowering the death rate. [4]

The average person has the flu (fever, chills, runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and decreased appetite) for about 3 days. Certain "high risk" groups may have complications, such as pneumonia. However, these "high risk" groups are at risk because they suffer from immune deficiency and nutritional compromise. Have you looked at the food they serve in Nursing Homes lately?

Lastly, the adverse events associated with flu vaccines are usually worse than the flu itself. And now, under the guise of Homeland Security, the Bush Administration has made it almost impossible to file lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers for injuries sustained by those who receive the vaccine.

There is a term that describes an illness or injury you receive from medical care…it is called an iatrogenic (or adverse) event. You may want to explore the risks associated with relying on the "silver bullet" of medical care [5] [6] It makes a lot more sense to build health than to fight disease.

There is significant research now available, demonstrating improved immunity in older individuals who start simple supplement programs. [7]

Take charge of your health!

REFERENCES:

[1] Should Vaccinations be Required for Health Care Workers?

[2] Actual Flu Death Statistics compiled by the CDC

2002: 753 deaths from Flu p.16

2001: 267 deaths from Flu p.16

2000: 2,175 deaths from Flu p.15

1999:1,685 deaths from Flu p.28

[3] Annual Flu Deaths: The Big Lie ( Think Twice ~ Global Vaccine Institute )

[4] From a Report on Vaccines by MNNBC News

[5] The Iatrogenic Injury Page

[6] Death by Medicine

[7] The Nutrition and Immunity Page

It's nice to know that there are plenty of referenced commentary that do not agree with this "get the flu shot" mainstream thinking. It helps to get a different perspective, don't you think? It's also wonderful to know that given a few good tools, like quality nutritional supplements to fill in the gaps missing from your every day american diet, your body with its infinite wisdom can build health.

The decision of which nutrients to take and why is my area of expertise. Build your immunity today.

flu shots available at Target? does that make sense to you? Flickr image credit

Is It A Cold Or Is It The Flu?

Karen Hanrahan — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:18:00 GMT

The Difference Between Cold And Swine Flu Symptoms

( thank you to nutritionist Barbara Lagoni for sharing this email )

I did take creative license with a bit of this info for readability purposes. The email it came in had a table and mixed fonts etc. Turns out Dr Vinay, the person who wrote this information appears to be nothing more than an urban legend. Errrrrrr.

I don't care. I liked the descriptive details that compare the flu to a cold, and none of the suggestions in my opinion can cause any harm.

So there.

My point is to take it on, washing your hands and taking your vitamins can't hurt you!! Gargling and rinsing your nostrils ? Maybe that's over the top! Maybe not!!

If you have the flu, specifically swine flu

you will have a fever - 80% of all flu cases have a fever,often above 100 degrees and for several days
you will have a dry, non-mucous producing cough
you will have the chills - 60% of those who have the flu have the chills
you will experience moderate to severe tiredness
you will have a headache - 80% of all flu cases experience headaches
you will have chest discomfort, often severe
flu onset is rapid within 3-6 hours, the symptoms high fever, aches and pains are sudden

Where as with a cold...

no fever is present
those with a cold often have a hacking productive cough
you can be slightly body achy with a cold
a stuffy nose is very common with a cold
no chills when you have a cold
you may feel slightly tired
cold symptoms develop over days
a sore throat is common with a cold

The above information was sourced from: Dr. Vinay Goyal who is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).

He further states:

The only portals of entry of the HiNi virus are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock some flu medication ):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications). This is not a Joke. Make it a ritual habit... Make it part of your daily routine... DO NOT BE LAZY...!!!

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).

3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use a mouth wash if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that a flu medication has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water*. Not everybody may be good at using a neti pot , but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*

5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C. Or better yet supplement your C and your zinc!!

6.* Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

too cool flickr image credit

Pumpkin Sunshine

Karen Hanrahan — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:23:00 GMT

Taken by Karen ... The sun landed on it just right....

Nutritional Supplements And Candida

Karen Hanrahan — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Nutrition Supplementation For Yeast Control

Below is a list of nutrients and herbs that are part of a candida cleanse and rebuilding. Note that there are phases.

Not all nutritional supplements are created equal. Results will vary if using a brand of lesser quality.

Cleansing Phase - First Week

Alfalfa - provides essential trace minerals, digestive enzymes and chlorophyll, all of which help cleanse the body. Also improves joint pain and allergy symptoms.

Fiber - helps get yeast and other toxins out of the body.

Laxative - a natural herbal laxative which helps gently cleanse the intestine, remove toxins and promote regularity.

Friendly Bacteria (acidophilus - bifidus ) - recreates proper balance of intestinal flora - pearls only.

Purified Water - pure water gets toxins out of the blood stream.

Then Add:

Initial Rebuilding Phase - Three Weeks

Multi-Vitamin - nutritional insurance provides nutrients and minerals on a daily basis in proper balance.

Vitamin C-helps with immunity, allergies, and environmental sensitivities.

Immune System Support - proprietary blend of nutrients that support immune function.

Calcium/Magnesium-helps with nervousness, distractability, anxiety attacks, muscle cramps and insomnia.

Omega 3's (essential fatty acids derived from fishoil ) - helps with muscle and joint pain, cold hands and feet and skin eruptions.

GLA (essential fatty acid derived from borage seed - helps with hormonal imbalances, mood swings, concentration, libido, depression and anxiety.

Then Add:

Final Rebuilding Phase – Last Eight Weeks

Soy Protein - helps stabilize blood sugar, improves concentration and provides consistant energy

B Complex -helps with mood swings, stress, cravings, anxiety, digestive problems and irritability

sourced affectionately from a brochure by Gemma Gorham 1997, a document I have referenced to assist those who feel they may have candida.

Control Candida Yeast With Diet

Karen Hanrahan — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:55:00 GMT

Yeast Reduction – yeast control diet

The second step in controlling a yeast overgrowth is to stop feeding the yeast. There are many variations of a yeast control diet but this one works the best! Optimal results will be achieved by following this diet strictly for 8-12 weeks at the same time as you take the antifungal preparations. If you cheat, it just takes longer for you to get well!

The following foods should be avoided completely during the course of the diet:

Sugar, honey, maple syrup,mollasses, corn syrup and all other concentrated sweets.

Vinegar, including mayonaise, mustard, ketchup and prepared salad dressings.

Aged or fermented products e.g. cheeses, soy, pickles, miso, tempeh, etc.

Alchohol, especially beer and wine

Peanuts and peanut butter

Mushrooms

Dairy Products

Fruit juices and dried fruits

Commercial nuts

Margarines, heated oils and fried foods

Chemical additives, preservatives and dyes

Some people also need to avoid foods that contain yeast, including breads made with yeast as they have become “allergic” to all forms of yeast.

For the first three weeks of the diet eat the following foods freely:

Protein - foods including lean meats, fish, chicken, turkey and eggs

Low-carbohydrate vegetables including: all kinds of green leafy vegetables including asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, brussel sprouts, bell peppers, okra, green beans, zucchini and summer squash, spinach

Butter and olive oil as needed

For the remainder of the diet gradually add several of the following complex carbohydrate and vegetables and foods including:

potatoes, yams, beets, eggplant, dry beans and peas, millet, oats, corn, wheat, quinoa, pasta, couscous, sweet potato, carrots, artichokes, avocado, rice, buckwheat, barley, rye, amaranth, rice cakes, cereals and tortillas

sourced affectionately from a brochure by Gemma Gorham 1997, a document I have used to assist those who feel they may have candida.

How To Correct Candida Yeast Overgrowth

Karen Hanrahan — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:03:00 GMT

Four Steps to Correct Yeast OverGrowth

1. Decrease the amount of yeast in the body by using antifungal preparations
2. Stop feeding the existing yeast by limiting the foods and drugs that cause the yeast to multiply.
3. Rebuild the immune system through a nutritional supplementation program
4. Create a non – toxic environment in your home to decrease candida - related symptoms.

Yeast reduction – anti fungal preparations

The first step in resolving a yeast overgrowth in your body is to destroy the excessive yeast. There are several different products that have been used successfully to kill the yeast including:

Nystatin
A drug available by prescription only, that when taken orally coats the membranes of the gastrointestinal tract and kills the yeast with which it comes in contact with. Powdered nystatin is preferable to tablets because the pills don’t dissolve in time to coat the areas in the sinus, mouth throat, esophagus and stomach which also may be affected. However, the powder does need to remain refrigerated.

Caprylic Acid
Many physicians, especially naturopathic doctors use caprylic acid products as the main antifungal agent in a yeast control program. Caprylic acid is a long-chain fatty acid naturally occurring in coconut that is toxic to yeast. Most health food stores stock a variety of caprylic acid products

Homeopathic Remedies
There are a variety of homeopathic Candida remedies which kill yeast. Some are available directly from Homeopathic Physicians; others are available from health food stores

Garlic
Garlic, a medicinal herb, contains two potent antifungal agents - allin. A precursor to allicin and haeoni, the stronger of the two. Most commercially available garlic tablets or capsules do not contain adequate quantities of the antifungal agents because they are destroyed by cooking or processing. However, this corporation does make a garlic tablet in which the antifungal agents are still potent. It works best if you take one or two tablets at the same time you use one of the other antifungal preparations.

sourced affectionately from a brochure by Gemma Gorham 1997, a document I have used to assist those who feel they may have candida.

What Are The Symptoms Of Candida?

Karen Hanrahan — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:56:00 GMT

Symptoms Suggestive of Yeast Overgrowth

History of:

Antibiotic usage , especially broad spectrum drugs

Birth control pills or steroids

Mood swings or irritability

Cravings for sweets, breads and alchohol

Problems in moldy areas or on muggy days

Sensitivity to perfumes, chemical odors, etc.

Being really bothered by tobacco smoke

Athletes foot, fungus infections of nails and skin

Repeated pregnancies

In Infants:

Diaper rash that is worse in the skin folds

Thrush or white patches on the inner cheeks of the mouth

A white coated tongue

Excessive genital touching

Frequent ear infections

In Children:

Thickly – coated or patchy, white tongue

Red ring around anus or rectal area

Itchy genital area leading to frequent touching

A chronic hair or foot odor

Bloated abdomen and bowel complaints

Frequent infections particularly of the ears and tonsils

Muscle aches and weaknesses

In adolescents and adults:

Frequent fatigue, lethargy and drowsiness

Frequent infections

Frequent feelings of “spaciness”

Poor memory

Inability to make decisions

Bloating, belching, or intestinal gas

Muscle aches and weakness

Recurrent skin problems

Pain and or swelling in joints

Depression

Abdominal pain

Loss of interest in sex

Endometriosis or infertility

Prostatis or impotance

Anxiety attacks or frequent crying

PMS

Mucus in stools

Rectal itching

Constipation and /or diarrhea

Excessive vaginal discharge or itching

Pelvic pain

Burning or white coated tongue

Rash or blisters in mouth

Dizziness/loss of balance /incoordination

Pain or tightness in your chest

Spots in front of your eyes

Blurred vision

sourced affectionately from a brochure by Gemma Gorham 1997, a document I have used to assist those who feel they may have candida.

What is Candida?

Karen Hanrahan — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:26:00 GMT

Commonly Asked Quest ions about Candida

How does yeast overgrowth affect your health ?

Yeasts occur naturally on or in the skin, ears and nails and they flourish in moist, mucous areas such as the mouth, intestines or rectum.

We all have microorganisms or “friendly bacteria” called lacobacilli in our intestines that live along with the yeast.

They co – exist in harmony unless the natural balance is upset by eating too much of certain foods or by taking drugs such as antibiotics, hormones, and steroids.

These drugs destroy the friendly bacteria allowing the yeasts ( Candida albicans ) to multiply.

Toxins, excreted by an overgrowth of yeast, travel through the blood stream to many sites on the body.

These toxins cause a variety of respiratory, digestive, and emotional symptoms & weaken the immune system.

Many people also develop adverse reactions to a wide variety of foods, chemicals and scents.

How do I know have Candida ?

Chances are that if you experience many of the symptoms listed in this pamphlet ( see below ), you have a level of yeast overgrowth. There are several diagnostic tests available called the Candida antigen titer test and the yeast P/N allergy test. However, both these tests are costly and not always conclusive. In my opinion, the best diagnosis is the combination of a symptoms analysis in conjunction with a non-invasive saliva test, especially where children are concerned. The diagnosis is confirmed by a positive response to treatment.

Why do people sometimes feel worse before they feel better ?

As the yeast in your body is killed by the antifungal preparations, they may temporarily release more toxins into the bloodstream, causing you to feel worse. Common symptoms of this “die – off” reaction include fatigue, headaches, flu-like aches and pains, itching, diarrhea – basically any of the symptoms that the yeast overgrowth itself may cause. You may or may not experience any of these symptoms. If you do, they usually only last a couple of days. Taking 500 mgs of Vitamin C along with the antifungal preparation often minimizes the effects of “die – off” reaction. Be sure to drink lots of purified water during this period to help flush out the toxins out of your body.

Do I really have to follow this diet so strictly ?

No, you can do whatever you want. However, my attitude towards yeast overgrowth is that it is an annoying and debilitating syndrome and best dealt with quickly and completely. If you do it right for the initial two to three month period, you won’t be battling this condition for the rest of your life. I have worked with too many individuals who have cheated on the diet of tried to make it easier and they are still dealing with the same problems today. Just decide that you can overcome this problem, make a firm commitment to follow the program and you’ll feel dramatically better in a couple of months. The less you adhere to the diet, the longer it will take for your health to improve.

sourced affectionately from a brochure by Gemma Gorham 1997, a document I have used to assist those who feel they may have Candida.

Cookies And 350 International Day Of Climate Change

Karen Hanrahan — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:57:00 GMT

IWU students, including my daughter, baked cookies and sold them on the quad

Some of the cookies were baked to perfection in an oven of 350 degrees for just the right amount of time.

Others were burnt or completely over cooked in a 400 degree oven to example global warming

The cause ?

International Day of Climate Change sponsored by the org 350

Why ?

350 is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for parts per million carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. 350 is the number humanity needs to get below as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change. Most immediately, 350 is the number world leaders need to lead with as they prepare to meet in Copenhagen this December to draft a new global climate treaty.

and so...

folks are coming together in small ways ...hometown college campus bake sale ways - clever burnt cookie ways to say in their own voice hey this makes a difference to us

actions of expression like this are happening around the world today

how cool is that?

flickr image credit

You Can Break Your Suger Habit

Karen Hanrahan — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:22:00 GMT

Breaking the Sugar Habit
a huge thank you for nutritionist Barb Lagoni for this wonderful information

One of the biggest challenges of eating healthy is removing simple carbohydrates,sugars and empty-calorie snacks from our diet. Sweets, snacks, chips, pasta, crackers, pretzels, potatoes, rice, soda pop and juices are just not good for us.

These foods are high-glycemic. That means they spike your blood sugar...only to see it plummet an hour or so later thus creating fluctuating blood sugars that lead to cravings and bingeing and no room for healthy choices.

Such cravings are not about will power. They are about metabolic imbalance that creates cravings for fast sugar and carbohydrate snacks.

The following are ways many people have successfully kicked that sugar habit and enjoyed good healthy food again.

The Ideal Diet - The ideal diet emphasizes fresh raw vegetables, some fresh fruit and fish and poultry.

Breakfast - include high protein foods... eggs, turkey sausages, or a smoothie made with a high quality Soy Protein or a meal in a bar- ours has 10 grams of protein!

Fresh fruit (avoid high glycemic fruits such as pineapple, banana and grapes)

Swiss oatmeal ( rolled oats softened overnight in milk or plain yogurt and fresh fruit.. blueberries, strawberries, etc and almonds) Yum!

Lunch is a great place for a main dish salad

Be sure to include lots of vegetables whether in salad or with a plate of fresh veggies, maybe with a dip.

Ideas for salads
try a variety of at least 6 different ingredients to create crunch, color, and flavor…

Veggies, veggies, veggies... try lightly steamed green beans or asparagus, a variety of greens ( except no iceberg lettuce .. no nutritional value there),sprouts, red cabbage, green cabbage, peas, shredded carrots, chopped broccoli, cauliflower, fresh white mushrooms, green onions, baby bok choi, spinach, assorted peppers, grated beet, cubed roasted squash etc

Add a little sweetness occasionally with dried cranberries or dried cherries, 1 fresh orange, rind removed and chopped, sliced apples, pears, grapes,

Add crunch with sliced almonds, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds…or Shaklee Fiber Plan Daily Crunch

Add flavor with sundried tomatoes, fresh herbs ( water cress, parsley, cilantro, ),pesto, artichoke hearts

For protein …chopped, cooked chicken, turkey, tuna, garbanzo beans, chopped hard-cooked eggs, etc

Don't forget to make your own salad dressing.

Mid afternoon snacks... snack bars, energizing tea, vegetables and dip, fresh fruit, nuts, peanut butter fudge ( 1 cup organic peanut butter, Soy Protein - 1 cup, 1/3 cup honey)

Dinner – avoid high glycemic starches like potatoes, pasta and rice, avoid fried foods… Include, LOTS of vegetables... fresh or lightly steamed, meat, poultry and fish

Beverages… filtered water in a glass pitcher with cinnamon sticks, ginger root slices, or fresh mint for flavor

Evening snack – no popcorn... (high glycemic carb) nuts, veggies and dip, fruit,

Basic Supplements...to stop cravings for sweets and carbohydrates

High Quality Multi-Vitamin

A Complete B Complex (consider one with each meal)

Glucose Regulating Product

Fiber Tablets

Friendly Bacteria

Advanced Supplements - a daily all in one strip - great for on the go people!

sugar cube flickr image

K a r e n H a n r a h a n
Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant
Mentoring YOU to Health Success
708.482.0678

Sugar Destroys Your Health

Karen Hanrahan — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:17:00 GMT

What is the history of sugar consumption?

1900 - 10 lbs per capita

1985 - 124 lbs

2000 - 160 lbs

What happens to our immune systems at the holidays? Like from Halloween through Christmas? These are candy - centric holidays? Here's how it works. Lots of sugar = lots of colds and flu. This is immune dysfunction. Lendon Smith Author of Feed Your Kids Right distinquished sugar, white flour and all that snicky snacky stuff as "anti-nutrients" Why? Because sugar and white flour deplete nutrients to metabolize them, specifically they deplete nutrients needed for immune function. Sugar slows down the white blood cells swimming through the blood stream needed to devour germs, viruses, bacteria, parasites, cancer. Pretty dangerous stuff that sugar.

Sugar Feeds Candida Yeast. Candida are those nasty yeast organisms that grow rampant when given anti-biotics, steroids, or when the balance of the gut is disturbed even by a bout of diarrhea. These yeasty things attach themselves to the lining of the intestines and over time often poke holes in the lining leading to a syndrome known as leaky gut. Those with leaky gut develop all kinds of odd health challenges; everything from environmental sensitivities, food allergies, or headaches. Many conditions of illness and discomfort stem from an unhealthy gut. Guess what candida's favorite food is ?? Sugar and white flour.

Sugar depletes B Vitamins. B's are essential for the brain,the nervous system, behavior and balanced hormones.

Sugar causes the body to become more acidic. Some say this promotes inflammatory illnesses. We are an inflammed society. Sugar and it's empty calories contributes to excessive weight gain, dental decay, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, osteoporisis, arthritis

Sugar is just terrible for the digestive track. It literally depletes minerals. ( calcium, chromium, magnesium and zinc ). Reduces the production of digestive enzymes, leads to allergies and immune system issues.

Sugar makes you old. Sugar sticks to proteins, changes their properties and interferes with their ability to function. AGE's damaging componds aka advanced glycation end products promote ate dmaging compounds heart disease, high blood pressure, cataracts, arthritis and artherosclerosis

above info sourced from nutritionist barb lagoni's notes

don't you want to roll in it candy mosaic flickr image?

K a r e n H a n r a h a n
Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant
Mentoring YOU to Health Success
708.482.0678

146 Reasons Why Sugar Is Ruining Your Health

Karen Hanrahan — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:09:00 GMT

Tis the beginning of the season of sugar-centric holidays. I personally believe sugar is an addiction. Try this experiment. Stop having sugar for 30days. It's actually harder than you might think to quit. What's worse is when you discover how many sugars are hidden in your every day foods.  You think you've gotten through an entire day without obvious sugary foods only to find your salad dressing has sugar in it or your toothpaste or worse yet - your frozen peas!!!

Once you have completely stopped eating sugar - stay off of it for several weeks straight

Then as part of the experiment re-introduce it.

You will literally find yourself not able to think about anything else.

Observe how you feel once you start eating it again.

146 Reasons Why Sugar is Ruining Your Health
Just a "short list" of ways sugar can affect your well being.
Sugar can suppress the immune system.
Sugar can upset the body's mineral balance.
Sugar can contribute to hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, concentration difficulties, and crankiness in children.
Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.
Sugar can cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children.
Sugar can reduce helpful high density cholesterol (HDLs).
Sugar can promote an elevation of harmful cholesterol (LDLs).
Sugar can cause hypoglycemia.
Sugar contributes to a weakened defense against bacterial infection.
Sugar can cause kidney damage.
Sugar can increase the risk of coronary heart disease.
Sugar may lead to chromium deficiency.
Sugar can cause copper deficiency.
Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.
Sugar can increase fasting levels of blood glucose.
Sugar can promote tooth decay.
Sugar can produce an acidic stomach.
Sugar can raise adrenaline levels in children.
Sugar can lead to periodontal disease.
Sugar can speed the aging process, causing wrinkles and grey hair.
Sugar can increase total cholesterol.
Sugar can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
High intake of sugar increases the risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Sugar can contribute to diabetes.
Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis.
Sugar can cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity.
Sugar leads to decreased glucose tolerance.
Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease.
Sugar can increase systolic blood pressure.
Sugar causes food allergies.
Sugar can cause free radical formation in the bloodstream.
Sugar can cause toxemia during pregnancy.
Sugar can contribute to eczema in children.
Sugar can overstress the pancreas, causing damage.
Sugar can cause atherosclerosis.
Sugar can compromise the lining of the capillaries.
Sugar can cause liver cells to divide, increasing the size of the liver.
Sugar can increase the amount of fat in the liver.
Sugar can increase kidney size and produce pathological changes in the kidney.
Sugar can cause depression.
Sugar can increase the body's fluid retention.
Sugar can cause hormonal imbalance.
Sugar can cause hypertension.
Sugar can cause headaches, including migraines.
Sugar can cause an increase in delta, alpha and theta brain waves, which can alter the mind's ability to think clearly.
Sugar can increase blood platelet adhesiveness which increases risk of blood clots and strokes.
Sugar can increase insulin responses in those consuming high-sugar diets compared to low sugar diets.
Sugar increases bacterial fermentation in the colon.

Thank you Dr. Nancy Appleton for sharing this list and thank you even more for the impressive list of resources ( wow!)

The book Lick the Sugar Habit by Dr Appleton offers further commentary, an " are you a sugar addict" quiz and much much more.

Did you know that the nutrient B Complex can help curb cravings for sweets?
Should you be pre-diabetic this product can actually help reassimalate glucose back into the cell.

brown sugar flickr image credit

K a r e n     H a n r a h a n
Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant
Mentoring YOU to Health Success
708.482.0678

My Dog The Truffle Pig

Karen Hanrahan — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 03:25:00 GMT

Why do dogs bury their bones? Mine buries hers in my couch.

Why do dogs scuffle their front and back feet after they "go"? Is that the "I did it" dance?

Why is it when she has to go she spins like the cartoon character tasmanian devil?

A trainer taught me to keep my dog on a very short leash when walking her. If I didn't I'd have no shoulder sockets left with the twists and turns she takes. Apparently it's the ultimate to loose leash your dog - I really can't until the end of a walk when she's a little less ADD.

There is currently a wonderful very long stretch of parkway that I let her loose leash along that is covered with a ton of autumn leaves. I adore shuffling my feet through it all.

She gets her super duper sniffing powers in action and is no longer a dog, but a truffle pig. She snorts her way from one end of the parkway to the other.
I often wonder what she smells along the way. Her "truffling" nose is hyper focused and very VERY intense.

Too bad we couldn't find some truffles along the way - aren't they like $300 per ounce or something ridiculous like that? Not to mention truffles are positively delicious.

What’s a truffle pig? A pig whose nose leads him to truffles, a rare and expensive underground mushroom.

Or in my dog eat dog world....

It's my dog who leads me to nowhere, but down the parkway...with her nose.

my dog the truffle pig - pic taken by karen hanrahan

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Karen Hanrahan — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:47:00 GMT

Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Almost all of my soup recipes are from the William Sonoma series of cookbooks.

This one of course being titled SOUP.

I recently shared this recipe only to find parts of the recipe missing ---ooops!!

Here it is again with all of it's parts.

Saute in a stock pot; 1 large sweet onion, 2 cloves garlic, and 3 T chopped cilantro until onion is wilted. Toss into a blender with a large can of crushed Tomato's and one raw serrano pepper. If you like hot include the seeds. Otherwise remove them ( be careful and wash your hands afterwards!)

Return to stock pot and add 1/2 - 1 teas cumin. Simmer until the color deepens - about 10 minutes. Add 4 cups chicken stock. Add chicken strips - 2 large breasts is enough for 3 people. I have also pre-grilled chicken tenderloins and added those. Nice additional depth of flavor. I also add green beans - not called for in this recipe, but I like the veggie addition. Simmer for 30 minutes

What I think makes this soup the most fun is it's toppings. I provided chopped cilantro, lime, guacamole,salsa, sour cream and corn tortilla chips. All of which tossed on top complete the meal.

The recipe calls for cheese - which at times I have completely forgot and truthfully didn't miss.

Often I eat up this soup, the chicken and the green beans etc and have leftover spicy tomato soup broth which I freeze and save to reheat for a grill cheese moment.

flickr image credit

Blog Action Day :: Will Steger Climate Change Agent

Karen Hanrahan — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:01:00 GMT

Today is Blog Action Day 2009. The Theme is Climate Change

Blog Action Day is an annual event that unites the world's bloggers in posting about the same issue on the same day on their own blogs with the aim of sparking discussion around an issue of global importance. Blog Action Day 2009 will be the largest-ever social change event on the web. One day. One issue. Thousands of voices.

I'd like to share with you the efforts of one particular and remarkable Climate Change Agent.

Will Steger is the world's most respected and honored; polar explorer, adventurer and environmental leader.

His current climate change efforts are to educate future generations about their role in what he classically defined as "their problem" Truth is, they will be the ones dealing with OUR mistakes and lack of respect of this planet.

I first met Will in 1996, he graciously let me rest my head on his shoulder at my very first convention. It's not like he knows me or anything, but I am in total awe of him.
A groupie you might say.

At that time he was sharing the adventures of a particular arctic exploration. They had brought technology with them. Each night after a day that compared to the running of 3 marathon's they would set up tents, warm computers and talk with kids from around the world. This just blew me away. I have heard him speak many times, read his book, followed his career - it's an understatement that the man walks his talk

Flickr Image credit - geeez a mere 4,000 arctic miles - see you on the other side

Will is the recipient of the Lowell Thomas Award. This award is their version of the Nobel Peace Prize for Exploration. This is on top of the National Geographic, John La Gorce Gold Medal (one of just a few bestowed in the history of the 150 year old National Geographic) and the Charles H. Lindbergh award. Will Steger is the Jacque Cousteau of the Poles.

There is only one Will Steger in the world. He's truly a remarkable individual. I absolutely love that he appreciates and respects the wellness company I represent. In a world that is experiencing record heat, and serious climate change with floods, storms, droughts, hurricanes and melting polar ice caps, it is a wonderful opportunity for me to champion our 50 plus year old company and to proudly say that we have the world's most respected,adventurer,global warming leader and friend as one of our long time partners and real life heroes.

What's next for Will ? It's pretty cool that there is always a what's next for this man. He plans to turn on all the colleges and universities of the world to the environmental awareness that is needed to help save this planet we call home.

WOW! Isn't that just awesome?

Visit or donate to Will Steger's Climate Change efforts at his website

Thanks to Mr. Lamoureux's email for sharing the above details about Will.

K a r e n H a n r a h a n
Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant
Mentoring YOU to Health Success
708.482.0678

Aspartame Poisoning

Karen Hanrahan — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:49:00 GMT

Ever meet someone addicted to soda? Someone who has to have it daily? Drinks it with meals?

I grew up pop restricted, when it was around it was a REALLY big deal. It was bought bottled, never canned, and we always poured it into a glass over ice. I loved it. I remember summering with my Indiana cousins. They had a local establishment that had a syrupy fountain soda place in town. I'd beg and beg and beg for my driving cousins to bring me one when they were out running their errands. If I was lucky, I'd beg my way to two in one day.

For a brief period in my life we kept pop in the house, and really cheap beer, for that matter, by the case. I remember actually looking for pop on sale by the case - getting it cheaper somehow seemed important. One day I watched myself hefting the stuff up the stairs and I thought my goodness why the heck are you buying this stuff by the case?

I knew better.

When I tried to quit I found myself thinking about pop all the time. I'd concede and have one on the weekend, only to find myself consumed during the week, pining for my next when can I have a pop day.

Eventually I stopped 100% and today I might have a few sips of one at the movie theater. I still adore it's fizzy, syrupy sweetness. Who doesn't?

When Diet Pop came into fashion I didn't get it...it tasted horrible. I mean really... diet soda tastes horrific.

Remember TAB ? Those of you who were devoted TAB drinkers will recall the NEED for it. The insane I MUST have my TAB. In high school one of my employers was a tab-aholic.

I think it was an addiction

What else would you call it ??

Most folks choose to drink a diet pop because of less calories. Marketing blah blah educating the masses.

Why would someone order a double cheeseburger and ask for a diet pop? Is the calorie savings really making a difference here ??

Has Americans consumption of Diet Soda reduced obesity?

I had my own personal health journey in the late 80's. Cleaned up my diet, cleaned up my pantry, stopped stocking cases of liquid refreshment, drank water instead, began cooking scratch, started paying attention and educating myself

One of the books that fostered much change for me was Diet for a Poisoned Planet by David Steinman.

In it he says avoid Aspartame aka Equal and NutraSweet. He shares....

Aspartame was created by a scientist working on a ulcer medication, his experiment ran over the top of a beaker and he absentmindedly licked some of the foaming goo off his finger and said ooooohh this is sweet...

I kid you not.

Aspartame replaced saccharin which was banned from the market in 1971 for causing bladder cancer. Saccharin is now readily available again with warning signs that it causes cancer.

Seriously ...does this make sense to you ??

The chemistry of Aspartame....

bear with me ... art major here ( ha!)

Aspartame is a synthetic compound of two amino acids. Phenylalanine and Aspartate...these two compounds are held in a chemical bond by Methanol - Methanol is also known as wood alcohol.

Aspartame presents itself as a minuscule molecule that the body doesn't metabolize slowly. Instead Aspartame goes straight into the blood stream. When Aspartame hits the blood stream it divides into its 3 parts: Phenylaline, Aspartate and Methanol.

Methanol alone is poisonous.

Normally when we eat methanol foods there is ethyl alcohol present which neutralizes the methanol

Guess what?? Aspartame doesn't have ethyl alcohol as part of it's parts.

When you ingesting diet anything you are consuming poison.

Methanol Poisoning Symptoms: headaches, numbness of the extremities, vertigo, depression, blurred vision nausea and abdominal pain

Methanol has a particular affection for the blood vessels of the optic nerve, binding to them. If the levels are high enough Methanol will destroy the blood supply to the retina, causing blindness. High methanol levels during certain periods of pregnancy have resulted in lack of formation of their babies eyes.

If you heat aspartame, like to anything over 85 degrees...an actual more harmful freestanding methanol is created.

Gee -- do you think diet pop might ever be stored in a garage, or be delivered in a truck or sitting in a hot warehouse ?

There are actually people who can not metabolize the amino acid phenylaline. Those 20 million or so people suffer from PKU or phenyketouria. They have a huge intolerance to Aspartame

Aspartame Intoxication Symptoms: severe headaches, nausea, vertigo, insomnia, loss of control over their arms, legs, and hands. Blurred vision, blindness or other visual problems, memory loss, slurred speech, mild depression, hyperactivity, gastrointestinal disorders, seizures, skin lesions, rashes, anxiety attacks, muscular and joint pain, numbness, subtle mood changes, loss of energy, menstrual cramps, irregular or loss of menstrual cycle, symptoms mimicking heart attacks, hearing loss, ringing ears, loss or change of taste.

Pause for a moment here and read those symptoms again

How many doctors do you know ask if a patient presents themselves with any of the above symptoms if they are actively drinking diet soda?

I say this because a student of mine drank an alarming amount of soda daily and had 1/2 of the symptoms listed above.

When she weaned from pop ALL of her symptoms disappeared.

I have since shared her experience with many others.

Wouldn't you?

The remarkable resources for David Steinman's comments are appendixed in the back of his book page 376, too much for me to type here

Aspartame is listed as one of my top ten food additives to avoid

equal flickr image credit

not for the taste of it flickr image credit

K a r e n     H a n r a h a n
Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant
Mentoring YOU to Health Success
708.482.0678

Do NOT Eat Sugar Substitutes

Karen Hanrahan — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:38:00 GMT

Each October I am reminded of sugar, it’s prevalence in our lives and the health damage it can cause along the way.

Some might ask what's the big deal about sugar. Truthfully, if eaten in moderation absolutely nothing is wrong with it. Moderation. That means very occasionally. This is not the case for most Americans. An exploration of most folks pantries and freezers will unveil many hidden sugars. Obesity and diabetes are at epidemic proportions not only for adults, but for children as well.

When the weather shifts to cool and we start celebrating 'candy-centric holidays' we see significantly reduced immune function. It's even more prevelant with our elderly and youth.

This is classically when the flu, virus and ear infections begin

I have an even larger concern about sugar substitutes.

Dr. Weil, an internationally recognized expert on alternative health has these comments on Seven Substitutes for Sugar and why to stay away from them

(excerpted from his June 2006 newsletter. Thank you)

We are all born with an innate craving for sweetness, a desire that served our ancestors well in the form of fruit or honeycomb that offered a quick source of natural energy. Now hidden sugars in foods, drinks can cause problems; including obesity. Many turn to artificial sweeteners as weight loss aids.

84% of Americans use sugar substitutes. (This is SUCH a staggering percentage).

Dr Weil does not recommend them. He says there is little evidence that they help anyone slim down and some research says that artificial sweeteners may interfere with the body’s natural ability to judge a food’s caloric content by sweetness, making people more likely to over indulge in sweet foods and beverages.

Most artificial sweeteners have seemed safe at first, only to prove harmful later.

Dr. Weil says sugar in moderation, I tend to agree with this philosophy, and for those who can not tolerate sugar he recommends stevia or tagatose.

Here is a list of seven substitutes for sugar and which ones to stay away from :

Acesulfame potassium also known as "SweetOne" is 200 times sweeter than sugar, this is often paired with aspartame or sucralose. Known to cause breast tumors in rats. Stay away from this one.

Aspartame also known as NutraSweet or Equal and is 220 times sweeter than sugar and has a funny taste to it. Recent studies show rats had elevated rates of lymphomas, luekemia and other cancers. (environmental health perspectives, march 2006) . Many say aspartame makes them feel dizzy, gives them headaches or may affect central nervous system activity. Some woman comment that it aggravates their PMS.

Dr. Weil considers aspartame very dangerous and to stay away from it.

Click here for more on the negatives of aspartame

Saccharin also known as Sweet’NLow, is the oldest of the artificial sweeteners and is 300 –700 times sweeter than sugar, It has a bitter metalic taste to it. The National Cancer Institute found evidence of increased bladder cancer in people who heavily consumed saccharin. He suggests to avoid this one completely.

The label below is found on toothpaste, gum, and many other products that contain saccharin

"USE OF THIS PRODUCT MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH. THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS SACCHARIN WHICH HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO CAUSE CANCER IN LABORATORY ANIMALS."

Excuse me?

Sucralose also known as Splenda is now the best selling artifical sweetener and tastes 600 times more sweeter than sugar. Recently the FDA was petitioned to withdraw it’s approval of splenda until more research can be done on it’s safety. Consumers report stomach pains, other GI concerns, headaches and skin rashes. Dr Weil says while it’s unclear these concerns are related to the sweetener, why risk it – stay away from it.

More on the toxicity of Splenda can be found here.

Sugar alcohols; natural sweeteners also known as sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol and others are about 60 times sweeter than sugar – they do not promote tooth decay and they have little effect on blood sugar levels. Those with digestive disorders can sometimes find these sugar alcohols upsetting, but if tolerated Dr. Weil says these are OK to use in moderation.

Additional commentary on sugar alchohols can be found here

This is an alternative toothpaste made with xylitol and crushed egg shells, its flouride free too.

Tagatose also known as milk sugar ( lactose) is a natural sweetener that is 92 % as sweet as sugar yet with about 1/3 of the calories. Brands include Shugr, Sweet Fiber, and TheraSweet. Tagatose does not raise blood sugar levels, is often paired with sugar alcohols so those with digestive problems may not handle this one very well. However if tolerated well, he recommends this natural sweetener.

( I personally have mixed feelings about this one )

Stevia, a non - caloric natural sweetener that is 250-300 times more sweet than sugar, is derived from the leaves of a shrub native to South America. Available as a powder or a liquid it has a licorice-like taste. It is considered a supplement vs a food additive and not approved by the FDA. Stevia has a long history of use in humans with no side effects. Some brands are better than others and can be bitter. Above all Dr. Weil recommends this natural sweetener

(At home we use liquid Stevia by Sweet Leaf– it’s less bitter)

sugar coated yummy flickr image credit

K a r e n H a n r a h a n
Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant
Mentoring YOU to Health Success
708.482.0678