The dairy industry has garnered a windfall from it's advertising campaign with it's widely known "Milk. It does a body good" slogan. Does milk do a body good? Evidence that milk is only intended for unweaned creatures, including humans, has been mounting for years. With all the television and print commercials along with huge government subsidies you wouldn't know it. Milk, without doubt, has issues as it relates to the human body. We have been told to drink milk for its nutrient packed goodness especially as it pertains to calcium but a closer look is needed to assist in making an informed decision.
The calcium content of milk as long been the trumpet sounded by the dairy industry as to why we should consume their products. We, the consumer, have obediently danced to the sound of their music in order to sustain growth, especially in children, and maintain strong, healthy bones. Rarely, if ever, are the biological mechanisms of calcium absorption discussed. For calcium to be absorbed it must be found in a 2:1 ratio with magnesium. That is to say for every 2 parts of calcium consumed there must be at least 1 part of magnesium present to make the calcium available for use in the body. Milk is calcium rich but magnesium poor. In fact the calcium/magnesium ratio in milk is 10:1! That makes the excess calcium in milk unavailable to the body. Why, do you ask? Calcium from milk must be converted into a usable form by magnesium which also helps to solidify calcium into bone. A person would have to take a magnesium supplement with milk to absorb all the calcium or risk creating a magnesium imbalance in the rest of the body as magnesium is diverted from other functions to attend to the excess calcium floating around. Consuming cheese for its calcium content is even worse when you consider the calcium/magnesium ratio is 28:1. A study involving 120,000 U.S. women printed in the American Journal of Public Health, 1997 had some startling results. The 12 year study found that women who consumed 2 or more glasses of milk per day had a 45% higher risk of hip fractures and 5% increase in forearm fractures than women who drank less. The study director, Diane Feskanich, advises not to rely on milk for prevention of osteoporosis. Good sources of calcium and magnesium can be found in dark green leafy vegetables, almonds and figs.
Next week the discussion will focus on a seldom discussed but udderly (cheesy pun...wow a pun in a pun!) important hormone called insulin-like growth factor or IGF for short.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The Protein Fallacy and How Best to Utilize Protein in Your Diet
Is there a such thing as too much protein? If you ask most people the answers would range from "I don't know" to "no". The reason for this is because of how protein is presented to us in our everyday lives. There are many products and diet trends that emphasis protein pushed through various mediums relentlessly. So, for the sake of clarity let's take a closer look at protein.
Increased Acidity
Protein is comprised of 25 amino acids which are the building blocks of the body. Protein also serves as an important transporter of materials and is used in the production of antibodies, enzymes and hormones. Protein, in other words, is very important to the body but over-consumption can have detrimental effects on the body. All protein metabolizing increases blood acidity. Increased blood acidity from protein is generally not a problem when it is consumed moderately. When consumed in excess the uric acid produced is high enough to lead to inflammation. If you are already predisposed to pain the increased acidity will only exacerbate it. In addition to increased inflammation and pain, higher blood acidity must be balanced by the body (since the body requires blood to be slightly alkaline for proper functioning). The two ways this is accomplished is through sodium and calcium. Once sodium stores are consumed the body removes calcium from the bones in order to bring blood pH to proper levels. Considering the average mineral and vitamin deficient diets of today the stores of sodium and calcium are depleted quickly. Overtime, bone calcium that has been depleted and not replaced leads to the condition of osteoporosis.
Digestion
Protein, especially animal protein, is notoriously difficult to digest. The primary cause of this difficulty is based on our nutrient deficient diets. Without the proper amount of B Vitamins and Zinc the body is heavily taxed to breakdown proteins its amino acid components and utilize them into efficiently.
Building Muscle
If you have been to a gym or health food store lately you undoubtedly saw many protein products most of which is aimed at people who want to build muscle. You know the ones in huge containers just waiting for pre and post workout consumption. Athletes and body builders have chased protein dreams of greatness mostly unaware of basic biological facts. Consider this point as illustrated in "The New Optimum Nutrition Bible": The body requires less than 2 lbs. of protein per year to gain 9 lbs. of muscle (muscle is approximately 22% protein). That averages to about 2.5 g of protein per day. You can get that much protein from just a few almonds. The inability to build muscle is seldom due to a lack of protein. Most often the lack of essential vitamins and minerals such as B3, B6 and Zinc are to blame.
How Much Protein
The recommended amount of protein consumption is approximately 15% of total calories consumed during the day. That's about 35 g for most people. Another point to consider is the quality of the protein. Quality proteins are more easily digested and assimilated into the body. Typically, protein of higher quality can be found in vegetables, nuts, and legumes. Animal products are not an ideal source of protein due to how taxing uptake can be as mentioned earlier.
Final Thought
The American (and Western) diet is heavily meat oriented. Very often most people exceed the recommended amount of protein on the daily basis. It's no wonder acidosis is becoming more prevalent with each passing day. Have you seen the commercials for a new drug called Uloric? Uloric is a drug a person can take to assist in ridding the body of uric acid which can often result in gout, a painful type of arthritis, and other conditions. It's just one more pill to correct what a well thought out meal plan could help avoid.
Increased Acidity
Protein is comprised of 25 amino acids which are the building blocks of the body. Protein also serves as an important transporter of materials and is used in the production of antibodies, enzymes and hormones. Protein, in other words, is very important to the body but over-consumption can have detrimental effects on the body. All protein metabolizing increases blood acidity. Increased blood acidity from protein is generally not a problem when it is consumed moderately. When consumed in excess the uric acid produced is high enough to lead to inflammation. If you are already predisposed to pain the increased acidity will only exacerbate it. In addition to increased inflammation and pain, higher blood acidity must be balanced by the body (since the body requires blood to be slightly alkaline for proper functioning). The two ways this is accomplished is through sodium and calcium. Once sodium stores are consumed the body removes calcium from the bones in order to bring blood pH to proper levels. Considering the average mineral and vitamin deficient diets of today the stores of sodium and calcium are depleted quickly. Overtime, bone calcium that has been depleted and not replaced leads to the condition of osteoporosis.
Digestion
Protein, especially animal protein, is notoriously difficult to digest. The primary cause of this difficulty is based on our nutrient deficient diets. Without the proper amount of B Vitamins and Zinc the body is heavily taxed to breakdown proteins its amino acid components and utilize them into efficiently.
Building Muscle
If you have been to a gym or health food store lately you undoubtedly saw many protein products most of which is aimed at people who want to build muscle. You know the ones in huge containers just waiting for pre and post workout consumption. Athletes and body builders have chased protein dreams of greatness mostly unaware of basic biological facts. Consider this point as illustrated in "The New Optimum Nutrition Bible": The body requires less than 2 lbs. of protein per year to gain 9 lbs. of muscle (muscle is approximately 22% protein). That averages to about 2.5 g of protein per day. You can get that much protein from just a few almonds. The inability to build muscle is seldom due to a lack of protein. Most often the lack of essential vitamins and minerals such as B3, B6 and Zinc are to blame.
How Much Protein
The recommended amount of protein consumption is approximately 15% of total calories consumed during the day. That's about 35 g for most people. Another point to consider is the quality of the protein. Quality proteins are more easily digested and assimilated into the body. Typically, protein of higher quality can be found in vegetables, nuts, and legumes. Animal products are not an ideal source of protein due to how taxing uptake can be as mentioned earlier.
Final Thought
The American (and Western) diet is heavily meat oriented. Very often most people exceed the recommended amount of protein on the daily basis. It's no wonder acidosis is becoming more prevalent with each passing day. Have you seen the commercials for a new drug called Uloric? Uloric is a drug a person can take to assist in ridding the body of uric acid which can often result in gout, a painful type of arthritis, and other conditions. It's just one more pill to correct what a well thought out meal plan could help avoid.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Product Review: Colonix Advanced Internal Cleansing Program
Whenever one embarks on transforming or maintaining their health restoring proper colon function is key. The colon is the chief elimination point for waste and harmful pathogens. A clogged or sluggish colon prevents proper absorption of vital nutrients and impairs the immune system. Both of these conditions causes overall bodily "breakdowns" as toxins build slowly and overwhelm the body over time. With all of this in mind I diligently searched for a colon cleansing program. I was nearly overwhelmed by all of the information that exists. Finally, I settled on one and was very pleased in the end (no pun intended) that I went with the Colonix program. The Colonix Advanced Internal Cleansing Program panned out to be gold for my overall health and intestinal well being. I will relay to you some pertinent facts and experiences over the course of this review that I hope will be helpful.
Components
The Colonix Cleansing program consist of three components: Colonix Fiber, Paranil Capsules and KleriTea. Each component has a unique function and combine well together to get the job done. The fiber is an impressive combination of plant based ingredients designed to supplement the average American diet which lacks adequate fiber. Without enough dietary fiber we become constipated, malnourished and overcome by toxic build-ups. The KleriTea is herbal based without any harsh chemicals. It is designed to maximize the bodies ability to collect and move waste through the colon. The tea is also tasty and soothing with its chamomile, cinnamon and peppermint ingredients. The Paranil capsules serve multiple purposes. The first is as support for colon cleansing. The second is as a liver cleanser. The all natural herbal and plant based ingredients help cleanse and strengthen the liver.
Ease of Use
What appeared to me at first glance to be a cramp on my daily schedule turned out to be fairly simple and easy to adjust to. That usually happens when you get used to anything new. After a few days it was a matter of routine. That routine consisted of the following: Drinking the KleriTea in the evening, taking the Paranil capsules in the morning on an empty stomach, and taking one scoop of the Colonix fiber sometime during the day. You may be thinking doing these three things over the course of your day is not complicated and I would have to agree with you. The thing to be considered is when to take the fiber because timing is everything. The fiber in conjunction with the other components of the program is very effective. When the urge to have a bowel movement is first sensed you have about 30 minutes to 1 hour to relieve yourself. If you're like me and don't like going "#2" in public restrooms then you will need to time when to take the fiber because it will make you as regular as a clock. Each person is different so I can only give you my example to go by but you will need to test this to see it works for you. I found that if I took the fiber in the late afternoon to early evening I would be ready for my daily Opus Magnum around 6:30 am the next morning which works great for me. If you do the math you will see this is around a 10-12 hour turnaround so 10-12 hours may be a good place for you to start. I recommend, as does the manufacturer, that you begin on a Wednesday or Thursday so that any adjustments you find necessary can be done over the weekend in response to your bodily needs. Nothing in this section should be construed in any way as a negative. Once I had my schedule in hand I was very pleased with the clock work efficiency I could count on. I was never surprised and was not subject to events from out of the blue that put me in awkward situations.
Effectiveness
When I began this cleanse I was fairly open mined but I had a few doubts. My skepticism stemmed from having read the testimonials and seeing the pictures. Could it really work as well as documented by the people on the website? Seeing is, without a doubt, believing! First, the KleriTea is designed to cause your abdominal muscles to contract gently overnight. These contractions causes fecal matter to move gently towards the goal. I can say without doubt that the tea works great and taste good, too. Care must be taken not to steep the tea to long because this could lead to cramps. Just follow the directions and you will be fine. Also, this program is not intended for pregnant women because the tea does cause contractions. Second, the fiber is robust. Mix well and chug away. I personally use chocolate soy milk because the fiber tends to blend well with it. In a very short time (initially 2-3 days and then daily thereafter) you will begin to feel lighter and more energetic as the movements pass with ease. Your time in the bathroom will become effortless and quick. You may also notice the need to use less toilet tissue as your eliminations become more and more "clean". My experience was not unlike what was portrayed in the testimonials. I always considered myself a regular guy when it came to bowel movements but I was in for a surprise. I began eliminating completely. It turns out I didn't know how a complete elimination felt but I most definitely do now. In addition, the Colonix fiber combines insoluble fiber (fiber that helps scrub the colon and eliminate waste) and soluble fiber (fiber that enters the bloodstream and removes some excess materials like cholesterol). You really give your body the proper one, two punch it needs to rid the body of toxins and waste.
I have no direct financial ties to this product, the manufacturers or its affiliates. I offer this positive review because I have experienced positive results. I originally did the 3 month program and now I do an annual cleanse for one month. I also take the fiber alone daily throughout the year to supplement my dietary fiber intake. To say the least I enjoy this product and it does what it says. If a good cleansing is what you are in need of give the Colonix Advanced Internal Cleansing Program a try. Feel free to email me for additional tips or questions.
Yours sincerely in good health,
Derrell
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The Whiter the Rice, the Closer to Christ
There are some long held food traditions in my family. One of our most sacred (or economically viable) traditions is white rice. Seems simple enough, right? I remember while growing up virtually every meal consisted of this white, fluffy (if we were lucky) grain. The rice, along with sweet peas or pork n' beans most nights, was consumed gratefully or begrudgingly without much thought right up to a few years ago. But the times, they are a changin' and we must fully consider everything we consume especially our bleached or enriched meal traditions.
Let's begin with white rice. White rice is made by stripping away the brown outer layers of the rice. These "layers" contain the bran (fiber) and most every other type of nutrient that can be found in the rice. Manufacturers then add powdered vitamins and minerals back onto the rice to enrich it. Most of the vitamins and minerals added by the manufacturers are synthetics making them unusable by the body and thus void of almost every nutrient it is supposed to be enriched with. Another thing to consider is that rice is a starch and therefore a carbohydrate. It's the bran (fiber) in brown rice that slows the absorption of the carbohydrates which is very important. White rice is virtually void of all fiber which allows for the rapid absorption of the carbohydrates which spikes the blood the sugar and puts undo stress on the pancreas as it works feverishly to crank out enough insulin to handle the excess sugar load. 1/2 cup of brown rice contains 1.6 grams of fiber or 53 times more fiber than white rice which contains about .03 grams of fiber. White rice puts the body under stress and is a diabetic nightmare.
These titles are more than catchy tongue-in-cheek phrases. They may be fun but they depict a level of accuracy that isn't very laughable. White bread is derived principally from flour that has been bleached (please pay attention to the word "bleached") and/or enriched. The excessive milling and bleaching of the flour removes its germ and bran (fiber). This renders the wheat void of nutrients such as thiamine, niacin, essential fatty acids, fiber, and zinc. Some of these nutrients are replaced with powdered versions that are synthetic and unrecognizable by the body which could lead to an immune response because the body sees the fake nutrients as foreign bodies or pathogens and attacks it. Also, like rice, since the fiber is stripped away the carbohydrates are quickly absorbed elevating the blood sugar rapidly which causes stress on the body through increased insulin production. The poor pancreas ends up pulling double shifts especially if you consider many people consume white bread and white rice with the same meal.
There is one other thing to consider: The bleaching process. How do you bleach white laundry? Do you use chlorine bleach? Perhaps you go old school and add a little peroxide. The makers of white bread like the way you think! To make flour white it has to be bleached and there are three main ways to do it. The are Potassium Bromate also known as Potassium Salt or Bromic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide and Chlorine Dioxide.
Potassium Bromate is fatal if swallowed, causes kidney damage, is considered an inhalation hazard and is readily absorbed through the skin.
Benzoyl Peroxide is a known irritant in large quantities. Benzoyl Peroxide is also used as an antiseptic but consumption outside of a clinical setting or counsel is not advised.
Chlorine Dioxide is used as a pesticide and as a strong disinfectant. Consumption or exposure can be hazardous.
Consuming white rice and white bread is nothing more than a stomach filling exercise that spikes blood sugar. Void of almost all nutrition and potentially laced with chemicals these modern marvels leave our bodies desiring proper nutrition and a nap once the blood sugar levels crash. Please be considerate when makers of white bread and white rice products make nutrition claims keeping in mind the heavy use of synthetics. Also beware of "brown breads". Just because they are brown and appear to made from whole wheat does not necessarily make it so. Be sure to read the labels. Some brown breads have been bleached and had caramel or some other coloring agent added to it to make it appear brown and wholesome. Try to consume minimally processed brown rice and bread that is unbleached and whole (i.e. whole grain, whole meal flour, etc). We need proper nutrition to not just survive but to thrive and live life to the fullest without the negative side effects of eating foods that are void of nutrients and robbing us of our lives. Just food for thought.
Let's begin with white rice. White rice is made by stripping away the brown outer layers of the rice. These "layers" contain the bran (fiber) and most every other type of nutrient that can be found in the rice. Manufacturers then add powdered vitamins and minerals back onto the rice to enrich it. Most of the vitamins and minerals added by the manufacturers are synthetics making them unusable by the body and thus void of almost every nutrient it is supposed to be enriched with. Another thing to consider is that rice is a starch and therefore a carbohydrate. It's the bran (fiber) in brown rice that slows the absorption of the carbohydrates which is very important. White rice is virtually void of all fiber which allows for the rapid absorption of the carbohydrates which spikes the blood the sugar and puts undo stress on the pancreas as it works feverishly to crank out enough insulin to handle the excess sugar load. 1/2 cup of brown rice contains 1.6 grams of fiber or 53 times more fiber than white rice which contains about .03 grams of fiber. White rice puts the body under stress and is a diabetic nightmare.
The Whiter the Bread, the Faster You're Dead
There is one other thing to consider: The bleaching process. How do you bleach white laundry? Do you use chlorine bleach? Perhaps you go old school and add a little peroxide. The makers of white bread like the way you think! To make flour white it has to be bleached and there are three main ways to do it. The are Potassium Bromate also known as Potassium Salt or Bromic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide and Chlorine Dioxide.
Potassium Bromate is fatal if swallowed, causes kidney damage, is considered an inhalation hazard and is readily absorbed through the skin.
Benzoyl Peroxide is a known irritant in large quantities. Benzoyl Peroxide is also used as an antiseptic but consumption outside of a clinical setting or counsel is not advised.
Chlorine Dioxide is used as a pesticide and as a strong disinfectant. Consumption or exposure can be hazardous.
What to Do?
Monday, October 18, 2010
What's in Your Shampoo?
The twentieth century brought us many industrial wonders. Things like the automobile (and along with it the assembly line), microwave ovens and even the Internet. In the process we have super sized, super valued and super built just about everything. Furthermore, when you have super stuff you need super cleaners and super lubricants.
Industrial machinery and our mechanized society require (?) chemicals of an industrial nature like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Propylene Glycol (PG), and Diethanolamine (DEA). So let us take a brief moment to look at these various chemicals and don't worry, I am going somewhere with this.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate was initially developed as a detergent gaining in popularity as a garage floor cleaner. It is characterized as a harsh detergent which is entirely believable since garage floors can get a tad bit dirty. Its ability to break down oils made it ideal for this type of clean up duty. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can incarnate in different products as Sodium Laureth Sulphate as well which in some ways could be a lot worse considering the process to turn a Lauryl into a Laureth may produce 1,4 Dioxane, a known cancer causing substance and an ingredient in Vietnam era Agent Orange. In other words it's bad stuff!
Propylene Glycol started out as one of the ingredients that could be found in anti-freeze, brake fluid, paint, and airplane de-iceing fluids. To this very day it is still used as such. Propylene Glycol is an alcohol primarily used for its solvent properties.
Diethanolamine (DEA) is used as an industrial solvent, emulsifier, and detergent. It is used as wall and floor cleaners among other things.
Now here's the rub (literally): Everyone of the aforementioned chemicals can be found in most shampoos. It's a curious matter when you consider that each one of these chemicals is known to cause health issues in humans and animals as well.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate has been shown to hinder proper eye development in children, cause cataracts in adults and impedes healing in all beings (See summary report of Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc.). SLS is easily absorbed and stored in the body making it a cumulative toxin. Do you remember how SLS breaks down oil on garage floors? It interferes with the biology of the skin primarily through breaking down the oil in skin leading to stripping and over-drying. What is even more incredible is that SLS is commonly used as a skin irritant in clinical testing to see if other products can alleviate the irritation!
The American Academy of Dermatologist published a report back in 1991 establishing Propylene Glycol as a primary skin irritant even at low levels (5% concentration). Unfortunately, PG is usually a top three ingredient in most products it is used in which means it is at least 20% of the product making it at 20% concentration. Judy Vance, author of "Beauty To Die For" stated that in order to sell PG you would have to furnish the buyer with a material data safety sheet (MSDS). Ironically a warning clearly listed on the MSDS states "If on skin: Thoroughly wash with soap and water".
The US DOT regulates the transport of every version of Diethanolamine (DEA). Why, do you ask? Well, the US DOT lists DEA as an environmentally hazardous substance and an immediate health hazard as described as being the only hazardous ingredient in a product called Monamine (CD -100-CAS 68814-92-6). When combined with nitrates it is known to chemically form nitrosamines - a carcinogen (that which causes cancer). Even without nitrates newer studies are showing a carcinogenic effect in addition to mucous membrane and skin irritation.
Yes we undoubtedly live in an industrial age but we do not have industrial bodies. If a chemical was designed to strip a floor please know and understand that it will strip your skin and disrupt your inner and outer biology. I got curious the day I typed this blog and took a look at the ingredients in Wish Bone Ranch Dressing and was amazed that among some of the other questionable ingredients was listed Propylene Glycol! Would you like a little antifreeze with your salad or wings? So the question remains: What's in YOUR shampoo (or deodorant, toothpaste, or any number of personal care/hygiene products and even food)?
Post Script: Most sources were directly referenced within the post. In addition to those another source with great information is a book called Health Wars by Phillip Day.
Industrial machinery and our mechanized society require (?) chemicals of an industrial nature like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Propylene Glycol (PG), and Diethanolamine (DEA). So let us take a brief moment to look at these various chemicals and don't worry, I am going somewhere with this.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate was initially developed as a detergent gaining in popularity as a garage floor cleaner. It is characterized as a harsh detergent which is entirely believable since garage floors can get a tad bit dirty. Its ability to break down oils made it ideal for this type of clean up duty. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can incarnate in different products as Sodium Laureth Sulphate as well which in some ways could be a lot worse considering the process to turn a Lauryl into a Laureth may produce 1,4 Dioxane, a known cancer causing substance and an ingredient in Vietnam era Agent Orange. In other words it's bad stuff!
Propylene Glycol started out as one of the ingredients that could be found in anti-freeze, brake fluid, paint, and airplane de-iceing fluids. To this very day it is still used as such. Propylene Glycol is an alcohol primarily used for its solvent properties.
Diethanolamine (DEA) is used as an industrial solvent, emulsifier, and detergent. It is used as wall and floor cleaners among other things.
Now here's the rub (literally): Everyone of the aforementioned chemicals can be found in most shampoos. It's a curious matter when you consider that each one of these chemicals is known to cause health issues in humans and animals as well.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate has been shown to hinder proper eye development in children, cause cataracts in adults and impedes healing in all beings (See summary report of Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc.). SLS is easily absorbed and stored in the body making it a cumulative toxin. Do you remember how SLS breaks down oil on garage floors? It interferes with the biology of the skin primarily through breaking down the oil in skin leading to stripping and over-drying. What is even more incredible is that SLS is commonly used as a skin irritant in clinical testing to see if other products can alleviate the irritation!
The American Academy of Dermatologist published a report back in 1991 establishing Propylene Glycol as a primary skin irritant even at low levels (5% concentration). Unfortunately, PG is usually a top three ingredient in most products it is used in which means it is at least 20% of the product making it at 20% concentration. Judy Vance, author of "Beauty To Die For" stated that in order to sell PG you would have to furnish the buyer with a material data safety sheet (MSDS). Ironically a warning clearly listed on the MSDS states "If on skin: Thoroughly wash with soap and water".
The US DOT regulates the transport of every version of Diethanolamine (DEA). Why, do you ask? Well, the US DOT lists DEA as an environmentally hazardous substance and an immediate health hazard as described as being the only hazardous ingredient in a product called Monamine (CD -100-CAS 68814-92-6). When combined with nitrates it is known to chemically form nitrosamines - a carcinogen (that which causes cancer). Even without nitrates newer studies are showing a carcinogenic effect in addition to mucous membrane and skin irritation.
Yes we undoubtedly live in an industrial age but we do not have industrial bodies. If a chemical was designed to strip a floor please know and understand that it will strip your skin and disrupt your inner and outer biology. I got curious the day I typed this blog and took a look at the ingredients in Wish Bone Ranch Dressing and was amazed that among some of the other questionable ingredients was listed Propylene Glycol! Would you like a little antifreeze with your salad or wings? So the question remains: What's in YOUR shampoo (or deodorant, toothpaste, or any number of personal care/hygiene products and even food)?
Post Script: Most sources were directly referenced within the post. In addition to those another source with great information is a book called Health Wars by Phillip Day.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
The Addictive Nature of Artificial Sweeteners
The topic of addiction was lightly touched on in a previous post but this topic deserves a few more words. The very real and destructive nature of aspartame and it's fellow artificial brethren is only exacerbated by its addictive nature. Research conducted by Dr. H.J. Roberts while a practicing physician at St. Mary's Hospital and The Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach, Fl. reveals a disturbing fact: Aspartame consumption can lead to addiction.
Dr. Roberts' research found that approximately 6% of his aspartame study group exhibited signs a clinical addiction. These persons found it near impossible or difficult to discontinue use of aspartame due to severe withdrawals. These withdrawal symptoms would include severe irritability, tension, depression, tremors, nausea, sweating, etc. These symptoms were described as being prolonged and sometimes violent. Some people have described the withdrawals as worse than ones experienced when trying to avoid alcohol. In most every case the symptoms went away almost immediately upon resuming consumption of aspartame.
The main mechanism that facilitates addiction as it relates to aspartame has to do with the methanol found in it. For people with addictive personalities the consumption of methanol is simply devastating but aspartame's addictive nature potentially extends to anyone who consumes it.
There are plenty of articles and research to be had on the topic of addiction to aspartame and other artificial sweeteners that can shed more extensive light on the subject. However, for the time being it would be best to think of aspartame as toxic waste that bloats (fatten) the body, increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease and addicts the brain to keep you coming back for more even if you don't want to. Whats worst is that all of these things have been well known since before final FDA approval of aspartame and saccharin. If you consume aspartame or any other artificial sweetener in any way (and chances are you do unless you read labels) then by all means free yourself from the millstone around your neck lest you perish in the aspartame sea.
Dr. Roberts' research found that approximately 6% of his aspartame study group exhibited signs a clinical addiction. These persons found it near impossible or difficult to discontinue use of aspartame due to severe withdrawals. These withdrawal symptoms would include severe irritability, tension, depression, tremors, nausea, sweating, etc. These symptoms were described as being prolonged and sometimes violent. Some people have described the withdrawals as worse than ones experienced when trying to avoid alcohol. In most every case the symptoms went away almost immediately upon resuming consumption of aspartame.
The main mechanism that facilitates addiction as it relates to aspartame has to do with the methanol found in it. For people with addictive personalities the consumption of methanol is simply devastating but aspartame's addictive nature potentially extends to anyone who consumes it.
There are plenty of articles and research to be had on the topic of addiction to aspartame and other artificial sweeteners that can shed more extensive light on the subject. However, for the time being it would be best to think of aspartame as toxic waste that bloats (fatten) the body, increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease and addicts the brain to keep you coming back for more even if you don't want to. Whats worst is that all of these things have been well known since before final FDA approval of aspartame and saccharin. If you consume aspartame or any other artificial sweetener in any way (and chances are you do unless you read labels) then by all means free yourself from the millstone around your neck lest you perish in the aspartame sea.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Aspartame: The Devilish Details
The thing we most need to know about aspartame is seldom, if ever, reported. The sum total of how aspartame (and most artificial sweeteners) affects our biology can be devastating. The laundry list of documented side effects are astounding! Aspartame accounts for over 75% of all adverse food reactions reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some of these adverse reactions include seizure and death. With that said lets "detail" the side effects of each major component of aspartame.
Aspartic Acid
It has been pointed out in the media by various doctors, nutritionist and health experts that aspartic acid is a naturally occurring amino acid and is therefore harmless. While it is true that aspartic acid is a naturally occurring amino acid it is not true that it is totally harmless. Aspartic acid can be found in many foods such as certain fish, asparagus, and soybeans to name a few but it is never unbound or free. That is to say aspartic acid found in nature is always bound or combined with other amino acids to balance each other so that they may perform their jobs efficiently with no harm to the host organism (humans in particular). Aspartic acid is considered an excitatory amino acid that is important to our overall neurological health but if consumed in concentration without the proper combinations of other nutrients (like when aspartame is consumed) neurological disorders could occur. These disorders include Alzheimer's, dementia, memory loss, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is also an amino acid and again it is pointed out that it is naturally occurring which is true. However, just like aspartic acid if left unbound it has the potential to wreak havoc on the body, especially the brain where it is normally found. When consumed from whole foods phenylalanine is bound with other amino acids which causes a balancing effect where a person isn't exposed to excessive levels which could lead to reduced serotonin levels in the brain. Reduced serotonin levels lead to emotional disorders such as depression, rage (sometimes violent) and wide mood swings (ever had to stay away from someone who hadn't had their diet Coke or diet Pepsi?). By the way, serotonin is what gives us a sense a well being so decreasing your levels of serotonin is not advisable if you like feeling good about yourself and circumstances. For an interesting read please see an article titled "A Aspartame Nightmare" by John Cook.
Methanol aka Wood Alcohol aka POISON!
Ladies and gentlemen, there is not one aspect of aspartame that could be considered non-hazardous but methanol gives phenylalanine and aspartic acid a run for their money combined. Why, you ask? Well, what methanol does to the body has been known and documented for years. Back in the mid-seventies to early eighties unfortunate alcoholics desperate for a drink would consume methanol and go blind (these incidents weren't confined to this time but it seemed to hit epidemic proportions during this period). In aspartame free methanol is the main culprit because it is so readily absorbed by the body. Free methanol is produced when aspartame is heated to more than 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Soft drinks transported in hot trucks or aspartame used in cooking or baked items routinely produce free methanol. Once ingested methanol is broken down into formaldehyde (embalming fluid) and formic acid (multiple industrial uses) with formaldehyde being a very deadly neurotoxin. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that methanol "is considered a cumulative poison due to the low rate of excretion once it is absorbed." The EPA recommends a daily maximum consumption of 7.8 mg of methanol. One liter (34 ounces or about (1) 20 ounce Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi and half of another) contains about 56 mg or 7 times the EPA recommended maximum. Do you know anyone who drinks more than one 20 oz. diet beverage a day? Some of the signs and symptoms of methanol poisoning is dizziness, nausea, headaches, vertigo, chills and memory lapses to name only half.
One final point that is definitely worth making. Copious amounts of research on the effects of aspartame, and methanol in particular, in lab animals has been conducted. A fair amount of the research "demonstrates" (I put the quotes around demonstrates because some of the research is suspect) no harm or little harm to the animals. While some of the research may be questionable what is beyond question is that methanol is more easily processed and passed from the bodies of the test animals (usually rodents). That is because these animals have enzymes conducive to breaking down methanol while humans lack these enzymes which is why the EPA considers it a cumulative poison. I make this point because it is usually overlooked when aspartame defenders tout such research without considering some very important biological differences between man and beast. Just food for thought!
Addiction will be covered in the very near future. Until then keep an open mind and gird your loins for the thief is most definitely upon us.
Peace!
Aspartic Acid
It has been pointed out in the media by various doctors, nutritionist and health experts that aspartic acid is a naturally occurring amino acid and is therefore harmless. While it is true that aspartic acid is a naturally occurring amino acid it is not true that it is totally harmless. Aspartic acid can be found in many foods such as certain fish, asparagus, and soybeans to name a few but it is never unbound or free. That is to say aspartic acid found in nature is always bound or combined with other amino acids to balance each other so that they may perform their jobs efficiently with no harm to the host organism (humans in particular). Aspartic acid is considered an excitatory amino acid that is important to our overall neurological health but if consumed in concentration without the proper combinations of other nutrients (like when aspartame is consumed) neurological disorders could occur. These disorders include Alzheimer's, dementia, memory loss, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is also an amino acid and again it is pointed out that it is naturally occurring which is true. However, just like aspartic acid if left unbound it has the potential to wreak havoc on the body, especially the brain where it is normally found. When consumed from whole foods phenylalanine is bound with other amino acids which causes a balancing effect where a person isn't exposed to excessive levels which could lead to reduced serotonin levels in the brain. Reduced serotonin levels lead to emotional disorders such as depression, rage (sometimes violent) and wide mood swings (ever had to stay away from someone who hadn't had their diet Coke or diet Pepsi?). By the way, serotonin is what gives us a sense a well being so decreasing your levels of serotonin is not advisable if you like feeling good about yourself and circumstances. For an interesting read please see an article titled "A Aspartame Nightmare" by John Cook.
Methanol aka Wood Alcohol aka POISON!
Ladies and gentlemen, there is not one aspect of aspartame that could be considered non-hazardous but methanol gives phenylalanine and aspartic acid a run for their money combined. Why, you ask? Well, what methanol does to the body has been known and documented for years. Back in the mid-seventies to early eighties unfortunate alcoholics desperate for a drink would consume methanol and go blind (these incidents weren't confined to this time but it seemed to hit epidemic proportions during this period). In aspartame free methanol is the main culprit because it is so readily absorbed by the body. Free methanol is produced when aspartame is heated to more than 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Soft drinks transported in hot trucks or aspartame used in cooking or baked items routinely produce free methanol. Once ingested methanol is broken down into formaldehyde (embalming fluid) and formic acid (multiple industrial uses) with formaldehyde being a very deadly neurotoxin. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that methanol "is considered a cumulative poison due to the low rate of excretion once it is absorbed." The EPA recommends a daily maximum consumption of 7.8 mg of methanol. One liter (34 ounces or about (1) 20 ounce Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi and half of another) contains about 56 mg or 7 times the EPA recommended maximum. Do you know anyone who drinks more than one 20 oz. diet beverage a day? Some of the signs and symptoms of methanol poisoning is dizziness, nausea, headaches, vertigo, chills and memory lapses to name only half.
One final point that is definitely worth making. Copious amounts of research on the effects of aspartame, and methanol in particular, in lab animals has been conducted. A fair amount of the research "demonstrates" (I put the quotes around demonstrates because some of the research is suspect) no harm or little harm to the animals. While some of the research may be questionable what is beyond question is that methanol is more easily processed and passed from the bodies of the test animals (usually rodents). That is because these animals have enzymes conducive to breaking down methanol while humans lack these enzymes which is why the EPA considers it a cumulative poison. I make this point because it is usually overlooked when aspartame defenders tout such research without considering some very important biological differences between man and beast. Just food for thought!
Addiction will be covered in the very near future. Until then keep an open mind and gird your loins for the thief is most definitely upon us.
Peace!
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