As many of you may already know, about 5 months ago I decided to take the plunge into quasi-vegetarianism. Some may call me a "pescetarian", as I do indulge in our swimming friends 1-2 times per week. My decision to do so came mainly after I read the book, The Food Revolution, by John Robbins. You may know Mr. Robbins as the author of Diet for a New America, or less commonly known as the same "Robbins" who was set to inherit the Baskin Robbins fortune -- but gave it all up due to his conflicts in accepting a business which caused the suffering and demise of thousands of animals per year, and whose products were becoming increasingly linked to the suffering (and eventual demise) of millions of Americans each year. I am sure you will hear me reference this book several times on this blog, as it was truly a life-changer for me and many others I know. But I digress...
The biggest problem I find in eating a primarily plant-based diet (aside from the unfortunate problem of many of my carnivorous friends and associates making ignorant, unprovoked comments as they shove flesh in their faces -- you know who you are) is that many of the items meant to replace meat are primarily made of soy. This is problematic for me for three reasons: 1) I think tofu is sub-par in consistency and taste, and really has no place in my culinary lifestyle as a result; 2) I have several food sensitivities (which most of us do, although usually undiagnosed-- which I will also address in later blogs, don't you worry friends), one of which is to Soybeans; 3) Despite its potential benefits, which are unfortunately usually overestimated, Soy has many negative properties on both our health and our world, all of which I am hoping to present to you in this blog so that you too can make an educated decision on what you put into your body. I would like to preface this information by stating that no matter what negative effects soy may have on your body, as a whole if the choice is between a soy-based product (at appropriate serving sizes) or an animal based product, soy is usually the better choice in terms of cholesterol, embedded toxins, and saturated fat. Therefore, when you hear that vegetarians who eat soy as a major source of protein are healthier than those who eat animal products, you are hearing correctly. I would also encourage anyone who is choosing soy due to a sensitivity to dairy (casein or lactose) to be tested for a soy allergy also, as soy allergies are equally if not more common than dairy-based allergies and should not be taken lightly due to potential long-term effects (this es-pec-i-a-lly applies to soy-based formulas for babies who are sensitive to dairy -- make no dietary changes of this sort without a documented allergy test! Until you obtain one, use amino-acid based hypo-allergenic formulas such as Neocate).
So here goes...
Important things to consider about soy before consuming it in any amount:
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Community Supported Agriculture
Want to support your community and local farmers, while getting some fresh delicious produce in the process? Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a program where local farmers offer certain "shares" of their agriculture to local buyers for set prices. When you sign up for the program, each week you can pick up a large box of fresh vegetables, fruits, and sometimes even eggs and other farm-fresh animal products depending on your area. This is a great way to not only support your local farmers in these tough economic times, but to feel at ease know exactly where your vegetables are coming from and try new local produce each week. Check out www.localharvest.org/CSA for details and to search for farms in your area. Some programs offer 1/2 shares for those who might not be able to use a full share's worth of produce -- but if not, find a friend or family member who might be willing to split the goods with you!
Thanks to my sister Stacy for turning me on to this program...
Saturday, August 29, 2009
What is your "real" age?
Test from Dr. Mehmet Oz, one of my favorites -- not because he's on Oprah (duh) but because he truly explores all sides of an issue and presents them in an unbiased and upfront way. He also has mountains of advice for living a better, longer, more fulfilling life based on years of experience and open-mindedness. The test is supposed to be used as a guide to show how your chronological age compares to your "real" age based on lifestyle factors and history. The tricky part is where you go from there...
Enjoy, and happy weekend to all.
Enjoy, and happy weekend to all.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Is your laundry detergent toxic?
Certain chemicals commonly found in laundry detergent have been known to be toxic to humans to some extent or another. Most of these chemicals can leave residue to be absorbed by your skin or evaporate into the air that you breathe -- leaving more than a "fresh clean" scent. One could make a valid case that toxins surround us every day and its virtually impossible to avoid all of them; although true, I can still try to keep my surroundings as healthy as I can without losing my mind. Here are some common chemicals found in detergents:
Add the following ingredients to each of your loads:
1 cup soap flakes - These can be bought, if you're lucky. In the old days this is all people would use to wash their clothes. They would come in boxes that looked similar to those dried potato flakes. Nowadays if you cant find them you can make them yourself by taking a bar of pure vegetable soap and grating with a cheese grater.
1/2 cup washing soda - Similar to baking soda, and made by arm&hammer. It has a ph of 11 so it can be somewhat irritating to your skin if you get it on your hands - I'd recommend wearing gloves if you touch it directly. I saw it at the health food store the other day, but if you cant find it you can call arm&hammer to ask for locations its sold in your area. It cuts grease and removes stains and odors the same way baking soda does, but dont use with silk or wool as it is a bit too harsh for those.
1/2 cup of borax - Household borax is a powder or crystalline salt. Technically, it is sodium borate, which is what is created when boric acid combines with sodium and turns into a salt. Borax is often used as a water softener and disinfectant. It also makes an excellent freshener when added to laundry and is an all-around deodorizer. You can find borax in most grocery or discount stores.
* If you have soft water, lower the washing soda to 1/4 cup. If you have hard water, increase to 1 cup each of all above ingredients.
Bonus tips: For softening fabric, use 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar in the rinse cycle. Most fabric softeners contain mercury-based ingredients. For whites, use 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide as a soak for 20-30 minutes then wash as usual. I've tried this and it works the same if not better than bleach, and doesn't leave clothes stiff like bleach does. Plus its way cheaper!
- Petroleum distillates (aka napthas), which have been linked to cancer
- Phenols, which can cause toxicity throughout the entire body
- Artificial fragrances, which have been linked to various toxic effects on fish and mammals
- Phosphates, which stimulate the growth of certain marine plants when they’re released into the environment and contribute to unbalanced ecosystems
- Optical brighteners, which can be toxic to fish and can cause bacterial mutations and allergic reactions
Add the following ingredients to each of your loads:
1 cup soap flakes - These can be bought, if you're lucky. In the old days this is all people would use to wash their clothes. They would come in boxes that looked similar to those dried potato flakes. Nowadays if you cant find them you can make them yourself by taking a bar of pure vegetable soap and grating with a cheese grater.
1/2 cup washing soda - Similar to baking soda, and made by arm&hammer. It has a ph of 11 so it can be somewhat irritating to your skin if you get it on your hands - I'd recommend wearing gloves if you touch it directly. I saw it at the health food store the other day, but if you cant find it you can call arm&hammer to ask for locations its sold in your area. It cuts grease and removes stains and odors the same way baking soda does, but dont use with silk or wool as it is a bit too harsh for those.
1/2 cup of borax - Household borax is a powder or crystalline salt. Technically, it is sodium borate, which is what is created when boric acid combines with sodium and turns into a salt. Borax is often used as a water softener and disinfectant. It also makes an excellent freshener when added to laundry and is an all-around deodorizer. You can find borax in most grocery or discount stores.
* If you have soft water, lower the washing soda to 1/4 cup. If you have hard water, increase to 1 cup each of all above ingredients.
Bonus tips: For softening fabric, use 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar in the rinse cycle. Most fabric softeners contain mercury-based ingredients. For whites, use 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide as a soak for 20-30 minutes then wash as usual. I've tried this and it works the same if not better than bleach, and doesn't leave clothes stiff like bleach does. Plus its way cheaper!
Happy laundering!
Capitalism: A Love Story
Michael Moore's new documentary trailer. With the exception of Farenheit 911, I think all of his documentaries have been good so far. This one looks pretty promising...
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Flu shots
To flu or not to flu? To me, it's not even a question.
Reasons not to get a flu shot:
1) They still contain thimerosal - a form of mercury which has an affinity for the brain, gut, liver, bone marrow, and kidneys. Minute amounts can cause nerve damage.
2) Flu shots contain most or all of the following year after year:
- Formaldehyde (yep, same stuff grandma's preserved in)
- Gentamycin sulfate (antibiotics? we need antibiotics in our flu shot?)
- fluids from chicken embryos (ew)
- sodium phosphate (symptoms of ingestion may include vomiting, lethargy, CNS system effects, and heart disturbances)
- Neomycin sulfate (yes, another antibiotic) which interferes with Vitamin B6 absorption. An error in the uptake of B6 can cause a rare form of epilepsy and mental retardation.
- MSG (yep, same as the chinese food) - has been showed to have mutagenic, teratogenic, and reproductive effects. Its also a neurotoxin.
- Sodium Deoxycholate - shown by several studies to promote tumors and damage DNA
- Octoxynol-10/Oxtoxynol-9 - I wont bore you with the scientific details. All you need to know is that the manufacturer's website states: FOR RESEARCH ONLY. NOT FOR HUMAN OR DRUG USE.
- Beta Propiolactone and polysorbate 80 - both have been shown to cause cancer in animals
3) Flu vaccines have not been evaluated for their ability to cause cancer or mutations or whether they can cause reproductive problems. It is NOT known whether flu vaccine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman, or whether it can affect future reproductive ability. It is NOT known whether the flu vaccine is excreted in human milk. Animal fertility studies have not been conducted.
4) Up to 90% of those who have flu-like symptoms do NOT have the flu. Rather they have Influenza-Like-Illness which may be associated with many different microorganizms including RSV, paraflu, chlamydia pneumoniae, streptococcus pneumoniae, rhinovirus.
5) In one CDC study, the flu vaccine was 16%-63% effective against influenza and was not at all effecive against Influenza-Like-Illness.
Every doctor who gives you a flu shot has to chart that he offered obtained "informed consent" from you before administering it. Which basically means he/she explained to you the risks and benefits of receiving the flu shot before administering it, and you said "okay" once you were informed.
Reasons not to get a flu shot:
1) They still contain thimerosal - a form of mercury which has an affinity for the brain, gut, liver, bone marrow, and kidneys. Minute amounts can cause nerve damage.
2) Flu shots contain most or all of the following year after year:
- Formaldehyde (yep, same stuff grandma's preserved in)
- Gentamycin sulfate (antibiotics? we need antibiotics in our flu shot?)
- fluids from chicken embryos (ew)
- sodium phosphate (symptoms of ingestion may include vomiting, lethargy, CNS system effects, and heart disturbances)
- Neomycin sulfate (yes, another antibiotic) which interferes with Vitamin B6 absorption. An error in the uptake of B6 can cause a rare form of epilepsy and mental retardation.
- MSG (yep, same as the chinese food) - has been showed to have mutagenic, teratogenic, and reproductive effects. Its also a neurotoxin.
- Sodium Deoxycholate - shown by several studies to promote tumors and damage DNA
- Octoxynol-10/Oxtoxynol-9 - I wont bore you with the scientific details. All you need to know is that the manufacturer's website states: FOR RESEARCH ONLY. NOT FOR HUMAN OR DRUG USE.
- Beta Propiolactone and polysorbate 80 - both have been shown to cause cancer in animals
3) Flu vaccines have not been evaluated for their ability to cause cancer or mutations or whether they can cause reproductive problems. It is NOT known whether flu vaccine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman, or whether it can affect future reproductive ability. It is NOT known whether the flu vaccine is excreted in human milk. Animal fertility studies have not been conducted.
4) Up to 90% of those who have flu-like symptoms do NOT have the flu. Rather they have Influenza-Like-Illness which may be associated with many different microorganizms including RSV, paraflu, chlamydia pneumoniae, streptococcus pneumoniae, rhinovirus.
5) In one CDC study, the flu vaccine was 16%-63% effective against influenza and was not at all effecive against Influenza-Like-Illness.
Every doctor who gives you a flu shot has to chart that he offered obtained "informed consent" from you before administering it. Which basically means he/she explained to you the risks and benefits of receiving the flu shot before administering it, and you said "okay" once you were informed.
Consider yourself informed. But will you consent?
Autism Recovery Stories - Part 1
This video was borrowed from the Defeat Autism Now! home page. It features several stories of mothers of formerly Autistic children and their versions of their unique journeys through recovery from the disorder, in various degrees. I had the great fortune of hearing similar stories like these live at the DAN! conference in San Diego CA last fall, and cannot wait to hear more at my next conference this winter. Working in conjunction with some DAN-trained Naturopathic Doctors in the CT area I have started to collect my own stories to tell. Stay tuned...
Skin Deep
A helpful website in deciphering common ingredients in our skin and body care items. The products are rated on a toxicity scale of 0-10, and potential harmful effects of the individual ingredients (not product as a whole) are listed. Take it for what it's worth, but remember many of the ingredients contain gaps in data due to preliminary or limited research. Nonetheless, I'll be throwing away my "7" hair mousse tonight when I get home...
Skin Deep
Skin Deep
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