Grain of Truth

Stay healthy and trim, the wheat-free way

By Vera Tweed

Wheat is the world’s most popular grain but it’s also the most dangerous, triggering overeating and obesity, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and many other ills, according to cardiologist William Davis, MD, author of the best-selling Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health. What about whole or sprouted wheat? They’re just as bad, he says. Here’s why:

Safe Shopping: How to Avoid GMOs

By Melissa Diane Smith, Illustration by Dave Klug

More and more consumers are looking for ways to avoid genetically modified foods (GMOs).

Here's why — and how you can join them

What’s the quickest, easiest way to avoid buying foods that contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs)? Look for the Non-GMO Project Verified seal and the USDA Organic seal on the label.

Increasing numbers of consumers are doing just that. The Non-GMO Project Verified label is the fastest growing label claim in the natural foods industry, and sales of organic food products in the United States continue to grow each year. The Non GMO Project is North America’s only independent verification program for products made according to the best practices for GMO avoidance, and USDA certified organic products cannot intentionally include any GMO ingredients.

So, why the growing trend to seek out and buy non-GMO foods?

Here are a few reasons:

Hang on to Your Hair

By Vera Tweed

Genes, toxins, hormones, and age all affect our hair, but nutrition also plays a key role. In fact, hair is especially likely to suffer from nutritional shortfalls.

To survive, the human body naturally assigns a pecking order to how nutrients are used, says Alan Christianson, NMD, medical director of Integrative Health Care in Scottsdale, Ariz. and author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Thyroid Disease. Essential internal organs such as the heart and brain get first priority, followed by muscles, bones, and connective tissue, and then skin and nails. “Hair is at the very bottom,” says Christianson.

Those priorities make good survival sense. Hair loss isn’t deadly or debilitating, but it isn’t usually desirable, either. To get a handle on what you can do to keep a healthy head of hair, it helps to understand what influences its growth.

Historic Vote Coming on GMO Labeling

On November 6th, California will hold an historic public vote on the issue of mandatory labeling of foods that contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

If passed, the California measure (Proposition 37) would be the first law of its kind in the United States. It could start a wave of GMO labeling laws and might even automatically leads to labeling throughout the country, experts say, because it's unlikely that companies selling products nationwide will develop two separate labels - one for California, which has the eighth largest economy in the world, and one for the rest of the country.

Labeling is important not just because it gives consumers the information they need to make informed choices, but also because labeling is a critical tool to help health professionals track the effects of eating genetically modified (GM) foods. It will also make it easier to hold corporations that make GM foods accountable for any ill effects, says Andrew Kimbrell, a lawyer and author of Your Right to Know.

For more information about the California Right to Know campaign, see www.CARighttoKnow.org 

via Better Nutrition

Allergy and Sinus SOS

By Issac Eliaz, MD, LAC

Get to the real cause of allergies and sinus infections. Find lasting relief with a combination of therapies, including herbs, supplements, and homeopathic remedies.

Chronic sinusitis is a common health condition that affects 14 out of every 100 people in the United States. While these problems may not seem serious, they can be an expression of imbalances within the immune or digestive systems. In addition to the typical sneezing and runny nose, sinus infections may cause headaches, abdominal pain, and even menstrual problems. Because there is only a thin plate of bone between the sinuses and brain, sinus infections can cause mental fogginess and a lack of concentration.

About NOW Foods

Founded in 1968 by Elwood Richard, NOW Foods’ values and mission are very much aligned with those of its main customers, the independent health food retailer. Although the company, founded in 1968 by Elwood Richard, has grown to become one of the industry’s largest manufacturers, NOW is still owned and run by the Richard family. They ensure the company fulfills its original mission: to provide value in products and services that empower people to lead healthier lives.

Elwood Richard’s core belief that high-quality health products should not be a luxury available only to the wealthy still shapes the company’s policies today. People often ask how NOW can produce quality products at such reasonable prices, and the answer is surprisingly simple: commitment. GMP certified since 2000, every phase of the manufacturing process, from the purchase and delivery of raw materials, to the packaging and shipping of products, follows strict procedures overseen by an educated, experienced team of Quality Control & Quality Assurance experts. NOW’s modern, 250,000-sq ft facility, one of the industry’s most admired, houses six fully-functional laboratories running the most current and advanced testing equipment. Thorough testing and meticulous quality assurance ensures that NOW products are screened for contaminants, labeled accurately and of the highest possible quality.

NOW’s dedication to the customers who have made their success possible is illustrated by the company’s stellar customer service and enduring commitment to the health food channel.

via Whole Foods Magazine

Weighing in on Childhood Obesity

There are many ideas about good nutrition for parents helping children combat obesity—supplementing their diets is also recommended.

By Janet Poveromo

According to the Institute of Medicine, over the past three decades, the childhood obesity rate has more than doubled for preschool children aged two to five years and adolescents aged 12-19 years, and it has more than tripled for children aged six to 11 years. When the institute released its most recent fact sheet dated September of 2004, approximately nine million children over age six were considered obese.

The rate of childhood obesity has increased at such an alarming rate that last year the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) concluded there was enough indirect evidence to suggest that starting pharmacological treatment early makes sense in children with very high levels of cholesterol.

About Ecover

Ecover stands for careful enterprise. This means that they produce their washing and cleaning products in an ecological, economic and socially responsible way in a unique ecological factory. Honest and open, they respect people and the environment. In their view, this is the only way to guarantee a sustainable future.

Fiber Fix for IBS

By Jini Patel Thompson
The secret to healing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may not be how much fiber but what kind you're consuming. Also: The best probiotic strains for IBS

Top food sources

Want to get more natural fiber in your diet? Here are some of the best sources.

Soluble (best for people with IBS)
Apples, Avocados, Carrots, Chia seed, Flaxseed, Oats, Papaya, Psyllium, Pumpkin, Squash, Yams

Insoluble
Barley, Beans, Brown rice, Celery, Corn bran, Root vegetables, Strawberries, Sunflower seeds, Wheat bran, Whole wheat, Zucchini

If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)—or a similar condition such as Crohn's disease, colitis, or diverticulitis—you've no doubt been told to add more fiber to your diet. In fact, if you look at the shelves in your local health food store, you'll likely see many "healthy" breakfast cereals touting the amount of bran or other fiber they contain.

Close Calls

by Jack Challam

12 Ways to Protect Yourself from Cell Phone Radiation

Cell phones emit radiation—technically known as low-level radio-frequency (RF) radiation—which is close to the frequency of microwaves. Although it’s not the same type of radiation found at nuclear power plants, it can disrupt normal cell activity. You wouldn’t stick your head in a microwave oven, but millions of people place their RF transmitters right next to their brain, often for hours at a time.

Is there a danger? The research linking cell phone use to brain cancer has been conflicting, but in 2011 the World Health Organization declared cell phone radiation to be a potential carcinogen. While the final word is still out on cancer risk, studies have shown changes in brain activity and brain glucose levels after someone holds a cell phone against their ear.

In fact, several studies have found that excessive cell phone use may disrupt sleep, cause headaches, and result in depression. The same may also be true of tablets that emit RF radiation. Furthermore, the younger you are, the greater the likely effect on the brain and other tissues, so children are especially at risk.

“We are bioelectric creatures,” says Shannon Kennedy, PhD, chief executive officer of Pong Research, based in Leesburg, Va. After all, our hearts and brains run on electrical impulses. “When people use cell phones, they’re bringing in an outside source of electrical signals. In today’s world, people are being bombarded with electrical fields,” says Kennedy.

So with cell phones now such a big part of most people’s lives, how you do minimize any potential risk from the radiation they emit? Here are 12 tips for using your phone safely.

Conquering Colds

By Emily A. Kane

Q: Cold and flu season is almost here. What should I do to avoid getting sick?

—Edith K., New York, NY

The first thing to remember is that colds are viral—so antibiotics do not help. Viruses get inside our cells and reproduce; bacterial infections, on the other hand, typically occur outside our cells and draw lots of white blood cells onto the mucous membranes (the sources of all that lovely phlegm). In contrast, our natural anti-viral defense is fever. So if you feel feverish at the beginning of your cold or flu—that’s great. Your body is doing exactly the right thing.

Kyolic Curcumin

What is Kyolic Curcumin?
Kyolic Curcumin is specifically formulated to supports a healthy inflammation response. Inflammation is critical to the healing process. However, recent studies suggest that chronic, low-level inflammation may contribute to premature aging and less-than-optimal health. The ingredients in Kyolic Curcumin work synergistically to help prevent potentially damaging inflammation while encouraging the body's ability to heal itself.

What makes Kyolic Curcumin unique?
Kyolic Curcumin is the only product on the market that combines Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract with Curcumin. This unique combination specifically targets the inflammatory response to safely and effectively support healthy tissues and organs throughout the body.

These proprietary ingredients have been studied extensively and found to benefit a healthy and robust inflammatory response during illness and injury while helping to keep chronic low-level inflammation in check. By combining these potent antiinflammatory ingredients, Kyolic Curcumin provides a powerful and natural way to discourage ongoing, systemic inflammation.

Tapping the Sap

Coconut palms are one of the oldest flowering trees in the world. Containers used to collect the sap are made out of hollow bamboo tubes that are fastened onto the thick fleshy stems covered in small flowers. The freshly gathered sap is exceedingly nutrient-rich, and comes right out of the tree naturally sweet and abundant in Minerals, 17 Amino acids, Broad-Spectrum B Vitamins, Vitamin C, and has a nearly neutral pH.

The most remarkable blessing about tapping a coconut tree, is that once it is tapped, it flows its sap continuously for the next 20 years.  From a sustainability viewpoint, the harvestable energy production from tapping coconut trees for their sap (which yields 5,000 liters per hectare), rather than allowing them to produce fruit, is 5-7 times higher per hectare than coconut oil production from mature coconuts.

Via coconutsecret.com

Rubinol

 DR. OZ RECOMMENDED
*NEW PRODUCT LINE AT THE HEALTHY WAY*

Raw, wild black raspberry extract cold-pressed, enzymes and nutrients intact.

Rubinol is the rarest of all nutritional supplements. There is no other supplement like this available, anywhere. That is because no other company takes the time and care that North American Herb & Spice does. Our own company workers (even our president) go out every year to hand pick these wild berries in remote-northern forests. There is a small window of only a few weeks to get out and harvest these natural gifts. During these few weeks, the berries are fresh and available, and that is when we must go find them and harvest them. After that, any berries left over simply dry up and go back to the earth. Even with picking for about two weeks straight, wild black raspberries are so rare that Rubinol is always a limited supply.

Chaganol

*NEW PRODUCT LINE AT THE HEALTHY WAY*

Wild chaga extract with wild birch tree syrup & wild blackberry extract .

Chaganol is the simple, tasty way to obtain the health and strength you need—every day—through the powers of wild chaga. This is wild, far northern chaga, which is concentrated through a special natural proce-dure to increase the density of its key active ingredients, superoxide dismutase (SOD), beta glucan, phenolic compounds, specialized sterols, melanin, and wild-source B vitamins. All of these chaga substances are extremely biologically active and rich in oxygen, which is critical for the health of cells. 

PureOmega

*NEW PRODUCT LINE AT THE HEALTHY WAY*

Organically grown sacha inchi oil—A top source of digestible omega-3 fatty acids

Sacha inchi, the so-called "Inca nut," is produced from the seeds of an Amazon plant found naturally in Peru. These seeds contain a highly nutritious oil, which is a top source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as omega-6s, amino acids, antioxidants, and omega-9s. It is a true whole food oil, the ideal fish oil alternative for vegans/vegetarians.

Compared to all other vegetable omega-3 oils, sacha inchi oil is superior. It contains a far wider variety of nutri-ents than flax, black currant, and primrose oils. PureOmega contains only oil from organically raised seeds. There are no chemical residues of any type in this oil. The organic certification is obtained through IMO Control under NOP and EU standards.

OregaBiotic

*New Product Line at the Healthy Way*

This unique formula is the ultimate synergistic blend of natural spice oils. OregaBiotic takes it a step further with a proprietary slow-release technology Taking a step back from modern technology, which uses plastics to achieve enteric coating, we look to the beehive to provide a natural slow-release product. Using the powerful multiple spice oil extracts of oregano, cumin, sage and bay leaf combined with natural beeswax and black seed oil creates the most advanced supplement on the market. These oils are harvested from remote mountain regions in the Mediterranean. This formula contains only wild-crafted, pesticide- and herbicide-free spices from completely non-GMO sources. No chemicals or solvents are ever used in the extraction process, giving you the purest, most unadulterated ingredients on the planet.

Seasonal Relief at Your Fingertips

Immune Balance Daily- Multidimensional immune support for year-round wellness.
Featuring EPICOR- Clinically Studied Fermented Yeast

• Supports the Body's Immune System
• Supports Optimum Respiratory Health
• Increases Secretory Immunoglobulin A - an Integral Part of the Body's Immune System
• Promotes and Maintains a Healthy Nose and Throat
• Supports Glutathione Production, the Body's Own Antioxidant
• Supports Gut-Related Immune System Function

Water World

An excerpt from an article by Allan Richter and Linda Melone

Drinking Water Safely

No wonder so many health advocates recommend that people drink eight glasses of water a day, or more when you exercise. Water helps flush out toxins, carry nutrients to cells, ease digestion, regulate body temperature and is important for blood flow. Identifying our cleanest water sources, however, can be difficult—some tap water has been found to contain traces of prescription drugs and chemicals, while bottled water can leech chemicals in plastic and the containers needlessly occupy space in landfills.

Best Foot Forward

Jumping into summertime fun is much easier when your feet don’t hurt.

An Article by Lisa James

It’s warm outside and people are jogging, hiking and playing sports. Yet here you sit on the sidelines, soaking your achy feet.

Millions of Americans are limping through life. “After 30 years in practice, I am still amazed at how many people are willing to tolerate foot pain,” says Robert Kornfeld, DPM, founder of The Institute for Integrative Podiatric Medicine and The Kornfeld Center in Manhasset, New York.

Foot problems may sound minor. But they can diminish your quality of life—and limit your exercise capacity. What’s more, a number of ailments can leave marks on the feet that are discernible to the trained eye.

The Microbe Fighter

Tea tree oil, Australia’s best-known natural remedy,
is a skincare multi-tasker—and more.

An Article By Karen Tenelli

In the Australian state of New South Wales, on the country’s southeastern coast, there is a lake the color of tea. Lake Ainsworth is a popular recreational spot, but that’s only part of its story. The lake had long been revered by the Bundjalung aborigines for its healing powers. It was place where women went to cleanse themselves after giving birth. Anyone with sores, wounds or skin afflictions would bathe to find relief. Modern Australians still go to Lake Ainsworth for rejuvenation, their skin and hair softer and smoother when they emerge from its brown waters. 

The lake takes its color from the surrounding trees, which are in the Melaleuca family—better known as the tea tree. Today the tea tree is grown on carefully cultivated plantations, its leaves distilled into an oil valued worldwide for its antimicrobial properties.

Supplements Are Foods

The USDA’s omission of nutritional supplements continues a disturbing trend.

This month, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) dismantled its Food Pyramid and replaced it with a graphic of a plate—cleverly named MyPlate. What does this accomplish? In theory, the new graphic makes it easier for consumers to adhere to a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy. Unfortunately, the USDA forgot to include the one daily food serving that Americans may need the most: nutritional supplements.

When Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) in 1994, it classified nutritional supplements as foods. Puzzlingly, despite this classification supplements were never included in the USDA’s Food Pyramid...and now that snub continues with MyPlate’s omission of supplements. This is particularly egregious considering the nutritional state of our food supply, which could make supplements more important than ever.

Hollow Foods

According to the Earth Summit Statistics meeting of 1992, farmland in the United States is over 85% micronutrient depleted—a figure that may be considerably worse in 2011. That means the fruits and vegetables on MyPlate may be nutritionally diminished by factory farming. In addition, some experts suggest that these foods may be depleted even further by processing, microwaving, canning, cooking and freezing. Ultimately, the USDA’s MyPlate graphic might be more like an empty plate, loaded with food that simply isn’t as nutritionally vital as we expect it to be.

If our foods are diminished, what about our bodies? Drugs are increasingly known to interfere with the absorption, synthesis and utilization of nutrients in the body. And as we age, we have an even harder time absorbing and using nutrients, which increases our risk of nutritional deficiency. Supplements are a solution.

Forbidden Rice

Forbidden Rice® is Lotus Foods’ top- selling product due in part to recent publicity about the high antioxidant content of black rice. “With the study given by Dr. Xu and the American Chemical Society Conference a few weeks ago showing that black rice has more anthocyanins (powerful antioxidants) than blueberries, we have had a surge in interest in this product,” explained Levine. This medium-size heirloom rice is treasured for its delicious roasted nutty taste, soft texture and beautiful deep purple color. The rice is also rich in iron and, according to Chinese herbal medicine, considered to be a blood tonifier.

See the oprmagazine for more details.

A Healthy Hair Style

Aubrey Organics has introduced its new USDA and NOP (National Organic Program) certified NuStyle Organic styling collection, which includes two new hairsprays (MSRP $9.95, 5-oz.)

Formulated with nutrient-rich organic quinoa protein, which works as a natural shine booster, these products strengthen and protect hair while keeping any style looking great all day.

Immune Balance™ Gluten FREEze™

Immune Balance™ Gluten FREEze™is a dynamic, broad-spectrum enzyme, probiotic and targeted nutrient formula that provides multidimensional immune and digestive support for gluten-free and dairy-free lifestyles. Gluten FREEze contains the clinically-studied immune activator Dipeptidyl Peptidase (DPP. IV) which has been shown to aid in the digestion of hidden gluten and dairy in the diet.

Kicking GMOs Out of the Marketplace

An excerpt from an article by Jeffery M. Smith

...


Concern about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food supply is attracting a lot of attention these days: FDA’s attempt to fast-track approval of genetically engineered salmon has resulted in unprecedented media coverage; “GMO-Free" was the fastest growing claim for store brands in 2009; it’s now the fifth fastest overall health and wellness claim; and Supermarket News predicted 2010 would see an unprecedented upsurge in consumer concern about GMOs.
While it would be great if awareness spurred action to regulate GMOs, don’t hold your breath. FDA doesn’t require GMO labeling and this is unlikely to change soon.

Consumers Can Kick Out GMOs

The good news is when it comes to making changes in our food supply, consumers are in control. Since GMOs don’t offer a single consumer benefit, if even a small percentage of shoppers stopped purchasing products containing them, they’d be dropped by food companies.
This is what happened in Europe. In 1999, the biotech industry was projecting GMO seeds would replace 95 percent of commercial seeds within five years. But when a gag order was lifted on a top scientist who discovered GMO health dangers, a media firestorm ensued. Ten weeks and 750 articles later, most European food companies had committed to stop using GM ingredients.
In the United States, consumers forced GM bovine growth hormone (rbGH) out of most dairy products and dairy cases, including Wal-Mart, Starbucks, Dannon and Yoplait.

About GMOs

Short for genetically modified organisms; also known as genetically engineered foods. To create a GMO, scientists inject a host organism (a plant with a foreign gene that will help resist pesticides, pests or freezing. Scientists also inject a virus or bacteria to encourage the foreign gene's invasion and an antibiotic marker gene to determine if the process worked. Because debate over the safety of GMOs continues, the FDA provides testing and regulation updates but the U.S. government doesn' require labeling of genetically modified foods. The only way to be sure you're not eating GMOS is by choosing products from certified organic producers who, compliant with USDA guidelines, do not use genetically modified seeds or ingredients. -Jessica Rubino

Misti's Fabulous Cookies

1/2 c. coconut oil
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. peanut butter
2 c. sucanat
2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. sea salt
3 c. sprouted spelt flour
1/2 c. coconut flour
1/2 c. flax meal
1 c. chocolate chips
3/4 c. coconut
1 c. walnuts

Cream together butter, coconut oil, and peanut butter with sucanat. Add vanilla and eggs. Mix flours, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Blend with creamed mixture. Add chocolate chips, coconut and nuts. Shape dough into balls. Place balls on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350º for 12-16 minutes, or until slightly brown on edges.

Enjoy!

Calcium/Magnesium with Vitamin D Recall Update

An update from Michael Leiah, Ph.D., Technical Director of NOW Foods

We recently recalled several lots of Calcium/Magnesium with Vitamin D Softgels (items 1251 & 1252) because of high levels of Vitamin D. The problem came to our attention when we received two adverse event reports from consumers who underwent a regular blood screening and were found to have high levels of Vitamin D. We immediately started investigating. Like most manufacturers, we outsource our softgels, because softgel manufacturing is a very specialized process. Our specifications to our manufacturer were checked and were correct. However, we found that the manufacturer made a mistake in the batch calculation. The day we confirmed the mistake we issued the recall. Corrective actions are now in place to prevent the possibility of a similar error. As of mid-June, a new batch of Cal/Mag with Vitamin D Softgels was released and is now available. It is easy to identify this batch as the phrase "Easily Absorbed" was added  to the upper left hand corner of the label. This new batch has been double and triple-checked to assure formulation accuracy.

The Power of Coconut

History and Legend

For more than 4000 years, history and folklore across the tropical world have revered coconut water as a natural source of nutrition, wellness, beauty and hydration.

• Coconuts were called the "tree of life' in Sanskrit and the "staff of life" in Hawaiian legend and both cultures believed coconut water had magical healing powers.
• During WWII coconut water was used as a natural saline dip saving the lives of many Allied soldiers.
• The World Health Organization promotes coconut water as a natural treatment for dehydration.
• Today coconut water is used across continents to cure digestive ailments, as a beauty aid, to relieve cramps, to re-hydrate athletes and nourish post-partum moms.