Michael Pollan’s – Food for Thought Festival – Keynote Address
Source: Uploaded by REAPFood on Nov 2, 2009 to YouTube
Michael Pollan was the keynote speaker for the 11th annual Food for Thought Festival held on September 26, 2009 in Madison, Wisconsin. Mr. Pollan is introduced by Claire Strader, who was elected to serve as the “White House Farmer” in a popular online poll.
The annual Food for Thought Festival is a fun, festive forum that explores and celebrates our many opportunities to eat more pleasurably, healthfully and sustainably.
Past festival speakers include Alice Waters, Mollie Katzen, José Bové, Frances Moore Lappé and several other accomplished cooks, writers and advocates for a sustainable food system.
Are We Fattened Up Like Farm Animals?
Source: Uploaded by psychetruth on Jan 30, 2012 to YouTube
Are We Fattened Up Like Farm Animals? Psychetruth Weight Loss, Diet & Nutrition
Corrina talks about the average American diet is fattening us up the same way they fatten up farm animals. Corn, wheat and soy are used to make pigs, cows and chickens fat for the slaughter, so should we be surprised that we’re getting fatter, too?
Michael Pollan: Twinkie vs. Carrot
Source: Uploaded by NourishLife on Aug 24, 2010 to YouTube
Visit http://nourishlife.org. Have you ever wondered why a bunch of carrots costs more than a package of Twinkies? Food journalist Michael Pollan connects the dots between food policy, high-fructose corn syrup, and our health.
Aspartame & Diabetes – Dr. Betty Martini – Parts 1, 2 & 3 (Radio) 31:22 min.
Part 1
Source: Uploaded by HealthNewsUpdate on Nov 13, 2011 to YouYube
First hour guest, Dr. Betty Martini shared updates on health problems associated with the artificial sweetener aspartame. She reported that aspartame consumption is linked to diabetes, and can exacerbate the problem. “Doctors have no idea that they’re not dealing with an additive,” she said of aspartame– “they’re dealing with an addictive, excitoneurotoxic, carcinogenic, genetically engineered drug.
Part 2
Part 3
Bio: Dr. Betty Martini
Dr. Betty Martini is the founder of the global volunteer force, Mission Possible International, which is committed to removing the deadly chemical aspartame from our food.
She has been doing this for 14 years with operations in most states and over 30 countries of the world. She works with the world experts who write the reports you will find on their web pages. She spent 22 years in the medical field before this, and created the first health delivery system in the US. She can be seen in the aspartame documentary, Sweet Misery: A Poisoned World.
Correct Aspirin Dose May Be Key Helping Diabetic Patients Avoid A Second Cardiovascular Event
By: John Beecher
A recent study suggests a higher daily dose of aspirin may significantly reduce by 23 percent the risk of death from a second heart attack or stroke by patients with Diabetes.
The operative word is may. The life-saving potential may be real, but there’s that word may again.
Unfortunately, no matter what you read in the tabloids the evidence is not strong enough for most people including adults with diabetes to rush out and start taking daily doses of full strength aspirin even if they have had one heart attack or stroke and want to prevent another.
The operative phrase in the above paragraph is full strength aspirin. According to the 2011 Standards of Care from the American Diabetes Association, high risk people with diabetes and any cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or high cholesterol or triglycerides (hyperlipidemia) and any diabetes patient with previous heart attacks or stroke (who thus are at high risk for second heart attacks or stroke) may want to talk to their physician about doubling the widely recommended daily baby aspirin dose of 82 mg.
The ADAs 2011 Standards of Care put it this way: Consider aspirin therapy (75162 mg/day) as a primary prevention strategy in those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes at increased cardiovascular risk (10-year risk 10%). This includes most men 50 years of age or women 60 years of age who have at least one additional major risk factor (family history of CVD, hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia, or albuminuria).
This time the operative phrase in the above paragraph is high risk. Aspirin is no longer recommended for those at low risk for CVD. Low risk individuals include women under age 60 and men under age 50 with no major CVD risk factors such as family history or a prior heart attack or stroke or with hypertension and/or hyperlipidemia.
Figures from the University of Alberta’s meta-analysis (an analysis of previously published studies) also showed that diabetes patients who took aspirin (at any dose) were less likely to have second heart attacks than diabetes patients who took no aspirin at all. That reinforces that diabetes patient, especially with a family history of cardiovascular problems or any of the above mentioned risk factors should definitely be on an aspirin regimen, but that finding isn’t new, says Todd Marcy, a professor of pharmacy at the University of Oklahoma.
Older studies already indicate that smaller doses of aspirin reduce the chances of a person with diabetes from having a stroke or heart attack in the first place. That is important information because adults with diabetes are at the same risk of heart attack or stroke as someone who already has had a heart attack or stroke. Another way of putting it is that diabetes patients are two to four times more likely to die of a heart attack than people without diabetes.
The new meta-analysis, conducted by the University of Alberta (UA) in Canada, found that daily aspirin doses of 325 milligrams or more reduced by 23 percent the chances of a person with type 2 diabetes dying from a second heart attack or stroke.
However, diabetes patients who have had heart attacks or stroke shouldn’t rush to increase their aspirin doses just yet because there’s a downside to taking aspirin, especially full-strength 325 mg aspirin.
There was a significant amount of variation amongst the studies, so at this point, the observed associations should be considered hypothesis-generating and not strong evidence to change practice, says one of the UA’s study’s lead researchers, Scot Simpson, PharmD, an associate professor of pharmacology at UA, Edmonton. (A hypothesis (hi pot thesis) is a proposed explanation for a specific set of facts. Every quantitative study (a study that measures) starts out to examine at least one hypothesis to determine if it really explains what the hypothesis says it does). But there is another factor: Is taking that much aspirin on a daily basis safe for people for people with diabetes?
In our meta-analysis of previous research there were only two big studies, the Physicians Health Study and the United Kingdoms Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Trials that looked at people with diabetes taking fairly large doses of aspirin. Unfortunately, there were fewer than 600 people with diabetes taking aspirin in those trials.
Because of the safety issue, that’s too small of a group on which to make recommendations to patients, However, we have identified a gap in the literature and it is our hope that some organization will fund a large and long enough, at least five year, prospective study upon which we can recommend the best doses of aspirin to prevent second heart attacks or strokes for people with diabetes without significantly increasing the chances of bleeding in the stomach or elsewhere in the body.
Aspirin works by making platelets in the blood less likely to stick to one another, lowering the risk of clots that can cause heart attack and stroke. Researchers have suggested that people with diabetes are more resistant to aspirins effects than non-diabetic people, leading to the hypothesis that higher doses might be better than lower ones. According to current research, however, the dose of aspirin taken by patients is less important than aspirins mere presence in the bloodstream.
Individuals with diabetes and heart disease should take at least some dose of aspirin, says Cara East, a cardiovascular doctor and director of the Soltero Cardiovascular Research Center at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. Science has not yet told us that one dose of aspirin is better than the other.
Current standards of care suggest that aspirin may help prevent a first heart attack or stroke in high-risk individuals including men 50 and older, and women 60 and older, who in addition to diabetes also have other heart disease risk factors such those previously mentioned as well as smoking or diabetes itself. The American Diabetes Association recommends that anyone with diabetes who already has increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk or those who already have had a heart attack or stroke take aspirin at doses of 75-162 mg on a daily basis but NOT the large 325 mg aspirin because of the increased risk of bleeding that accompanies aspirin therapy.
See your physician to determine your CVD risk before taking any aspirin on a regular basis.
Diabetes patients also have other ways to lower the risk of heart attack. Patients should aim to lower their blood pressure to 130/80 less than the general populations goal of 140/90 and keep their LDL cholesterol levels to less than 100 milligrams. Hemoglobin A1C tests, which measure the amount of glucose in your blood over time, should also reveal A1C levels of 7 percent or less. These goals can be reached by altering lifestyle habits (such as reducing ones intake of fats and sugars by being aware of the nutritional content of foods you eat), through taking prescribed medications, or both.
Editors Note: Jennifer Acosta Scott contributed to this story
2011 Sanare LLC, published on BrightSky.com Diabetes Management. Reprinted with permission. This article can be used on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active and the actual article is run as provided with no additions.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
About the Author:
John Beecher – I like reading and writing about emerging topics related to Health, Medical, Diabetes, technology, search engines, gadgets and travel.
Benefits Of Omega 3 For Type 2 Diabetes
By: Sandy Sachs
You should be aware that you could fall in the high risk category for type 2 diabetes if you are obese, prone to having high blood pressure or are a lazy couch potato. It is estimated that 9 out of 100 people that are over the age of 20 will develop type 2 diabetes. There has been new research done on the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids from cold water fish. The research indicates that addition of omega 3 to the diet could indeed be helpful in warding off diabetes 2. The EPA and DHA present in fish oil could possibly show positive results within 7 months.
In medical terminology, presence of excessive sugar in the blood is known as diabetes. It’s a disease related to carbohydrates. Type 2 is the more common type of diabetes. A person with type 2 diabetes does have insulin but it can’t process the sugar to convert it into energy.
A person with diabetes has a higher risk factor of having a heart attack. It is 6 times more than the people who do not have diabetes. They also have a risk of developing heart disease which is 3 to 8 times higher than someone with out diabetes. If they include omega 3 in their diets, it could be very helpful in maintaining their healthier heart.
Cardiovascular mortality could be reduced by over 30%, if just 1 gram of omega 3 is included in the diet either by eating the food rich in omega 3 or through omega 3 supplements. That could be reducing the risk of a heart attack by 45%.
The omega 3 fatty acids are present in fish such as tuna, salmon, rainbow trout, mackerel and sardines. They are the fatty fish. This type of fish are loaded with polyunsaturated fatty acids that are helpful in lowering your triglycerides. They will also help you maintain a healthy heart rhythm, reduce your blood pressure by small decreases and help with blood clotting. Taking omega 3 fish oil or other supplements may also be helpful for the statin drugs you may already be taking for cholesterol to do an even better job.
As with most diseases, doctors first advise you to change your lifestyle such as your diet and adding exercise in your daily regimen. Normally weight loss is an important factor. 80% of people who have diabetes are obese. Loosing weight will also help you control your blood pressure. Exercising on a regular basis will help improve with glucose control, blood lipid levels,helps the flowing of your blood, helps you to remain physically fit and can reduce your chance of heart disease. Shedding extra flab also will reduce your chances of catching diabetes.
People living in Alaska and Greenland have healthier hearts as compared to Americans and also have fewer cases of diabetes. They consume a lot of fatty fish that contain omega 3 fatty acids. The Japanese too consume large amounts of fish and also have lesser cases of heart disease and diabetes.
Getting omega 3 in your diet if you are a diabetic may help you live a healthier and longer life. Lower your risk of dying of heart disease by eating fish twice a week or getting a daily amount of omega 3 in your diet.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
About the Author:
Come visit www.whatsomega3goodfor.com for more information on Omega 3 Benefits
Food Matters: front-of-package labels again
by Marion Nestle
Currently browsing posts about: IOM (Institute of Medicine)
Nov 6, 2011
My monthly (first Sunday) Food Matters column in the San Francisco Chronicle appears today. This time, it’s about the fuss over front-of-package labels.
Q: I’m completely confused by all of the little check marks and squares on food packages telling me they are healthy. Do they mean anything?
A: The Food and Drug Administration feels your pain. It sponsored two studies by the Institute of Medicine to rationalize front-of-package nutrition ranking systems.
The institute released its second report last month; it advises the FDA to allow front-of-package labels to state nothing but calories and nutrients to avoid: saturated and trans fat, sodium and sugar (go to sfg.ly/sUptQR).
The institute’s proposal gives products one point for not containing too much of each of these nutrients. It suggests displaying the points like Energy Stars on home appliances with zero to three stars, depending on how well the product meets nutritional criteria.
This is a simple system, instantly understandable. I think it is courageous. The institute’s proposal benefits consumers. It does not help companies sell junk food.
Selling or educating?
No food company wants to display nutrients to avoid. For the food industry, the entire point of front-of-package labels is to market products as healthy or “better for you” no matter what they contain. Front-of-package labels are a tool for selling, not buying. They make highly processed foods look healthier.
Will companies accept a voluntary labeling scheme that makes foods seem worse? Doubtful.
Nutrition ranking symbols began appearing on food packages in the mid-1990s, when the American Heart Association got companies to pay for displaying its HeartCheck.
Food companies then established their own systems for identifying “better-for-you” products. PepsiCo, for example, developed its own nutritional standards and proclaimed hundreds of its snacks and drinks as “Smart Choices Made Easy.”
In an attempt to bring order to this chaos, food companies banded together to develop an industry-wide system. Unfortunately, their joint Smart Choices checkmark appeared first on Froot Loops and other sugary cereals. The ensuing ridicule and legal challenges forced the program to be withdrawn.
At that point, the FDA, backed by Congress and other federal agencies, asked the Institute of Medicine for help.
The institute released its first report last year. It revealed inconsistencies in the 20 existing ranking schemes from private agencies, food companies and supermarket chains. Toasted oat cereal, for example, earned two stars in one system, a score of 84 (on a scale of 100) in another, and a score of 37 in a third.
The report said labels should display only calories and to-be-avoided nutrients. Labels should not display “good-for-you” nutrients – protein, fiber, and certain vitamins and minerals – because these would only confuse consumers and encourage companies to unnecessarily add nutrients to products for marketing purposes.
Although the FDA was waiting for the second institute report before taking action, the food industry wasted no time. The Grocery Manufacturers Association and Food Marketing Institute introduced their own system.
Complicated approach
They got their members to agree to a more complicated system, “Nutrition Keys,” based on nutrients to avoid but also including up to two “good-for-you” nutrients.
Food companies immediately put Nutrition Keys’ symbols – well established to be difficult for consumers to understand – on package labels where you can see them today. Now called Facts Up Front, the symbols are backed by a $50 million “public education” campaign.
The reasons for the industry’s preemptive strike are obvious. The second Institute of Medicine report gives examples of products that qualify for stars – toasted oat cereal, oatmeal, orange juice, peanut butter and canned tomatoes, among them.
It also lists the kinds of products that would not qualify for stars, including animal crackers, breakfast bars, sweetened yogurt and chocolate milk.
So the industry argues that consumers “want simple and easy to use information and should be trusted to make decisions for themselves and their families … rather than have government tell them what they should and should not eat.”
But why, you ask, does any of this matter? I view front-of-package labels as a test of the FDA’s authority to regulate and set limits on any kind of food industry behavior. If the FDA cannot insist that food labels help the public choose healthier foods, it means the public has little recourse against any kind of corporate power.
Perhaps Facts Up Front will arouse the interest of attorneys general – just as the Smart Choices program did.
In the meantime, the industry’s pre-emption of FDA labeling initiatives is evidence that voluntary schemes don’t work. Labeling rules need to be mandatory.
Let’s hope the FDA takes the Institute of Medicine’s advice and starts rule-making right away.
Marion Nestle is the author of “Food Politics” and “What to Eat,” among other books, and is a professor in the nutrition, food studies and public health department at New York University. E-mail comments to food@sfchronicle.com.
Source: Marion Nestle from her blog ‘Food Politics’
The Blueberry Deception
Source: (1867381 views) Uploaded 1/18/2011 8:10:02 PM by HealthRanger to YouTube
Video Information
The blueberries found in blueberry bagels, cereals, breads and muffins are REAL blueberries right? Wrong! Award-winning investigative journalist Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, exposes the deceptive chemical ingredients and dishonest marketing of "blueberry" products from big-name food and cereal companies. The blueberries, it turns out, are made from artificial colors, hydrogenated oils and liquid sugars. See more episodes at www.FoodInvestigations.com
TRANSCRIPT OF VIDEO:
Pictures of blueberries are prominently displayed on the front of many food packages. Here they are on boxes of muffins, cereals and breads. But turn the packages around, and suddenly the blueberries disappear. They’re gone, replaced in the ingredients list with sugars, oils and artificial colors derived from petrochemicals.
This bag of blueberry bagels sold at Target stores is made with blueberry bits. And while actual blueberries are found further down the ingredients list, the blueberry bits themselves don’t even contain bits of blueberries. They’re made entirely from sugar, corn cereal, modified food starch, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, artificial flavor, cellulose gum, salt and artificial colors like Blue #2, Red #40, Green #3 and Blue #1. What’s missing from that list? Well, blueberries.
Where did the blueberries go?
They certainly didn’t end up in Total Blueberry Pomegranate Cereal. This cereal, made by General Mills, contains neither blueberries nor pomegranates. They’re nowhere to be found. But the cereal is made with red #40, blue #2 and other artificial colors. And it’s even sweetened with sucralose, a chemical sweetener. And that’s in addition to the sugar, corn syrup and brown sugar syrup that’s already on the label.
A lot of products that imply they’re made with blueberries contain no blueberries at all. And many that do contain a tiny amount of blueberries cut their recipes with artificial blueberry ingredients to make it look like their products contain more blueberries than they really do.
Kellogg’s Blueberry Pop Tarts shows a picture of plump blueberries right on the front of the box. But inside the box, there’s a lot more high fructose corn syrup than actual blueberries. And the corn syrup is given a blueberry color with the addition of — guess what? — red #40, blue #1 and blue #2 chemicals.
Kellogg’s Frosted Mini Wheats also come in a Blueberry Muffin variety, with fresh blueberries prominently featured on the front of the package. But inside, there are no actual blueberries to be found. Instead, you get "blueberry flavored crunchlets" — yes, crunchlets — made from sugars, soybean oil, red #40 and blue #2.
And, if you can believe it, the side panel of this box features the "Frosted Mini Wheats Bite Size" logo, followed by the words "blueberry muffin" with pictures of blueberries, finally followed by "The Whole Truth." Except it really isn’t the whole truth at all. It’s more like a half truth.
These marketing deceptions even continue on Kellogg’s website, where one page claims, "New Special K Blueberry Fruit Crisps are filled with blueberries and drizzled with vanilla icing." Except they aren’t, really. What they’re really filled with is apple powder, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, fructose, sugar, artificial colors red #40 and blue #1, all enhanced with a dash of blueberry puree concentrate.
Even seemingly "healthy" blueberry products can be deceptive. Betty Crocker’s Fiber One Blueberry muffin mix enhances its small amount of actual blueberries with petrochemical colors, too: Red #40, Blue #1 and Blue #2.
At least Betty Crocker’s Blueberry Muffin Mix admits it contains no real blueberries. Well, if you read the fine print, that is. It’s ingredients reveal "Artificial blueberry flavor bits" which are made from dextrose, Corn Flour, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Sugar, Citric Acid, Artificial Flavor, and of course the obligatory Blue #1 and Red #40.
When consumers buy blueberry cereals, muffins and mixes, they’re under the impression that they’re buying real blueberries. No ordinary consumer realizes they’re actually buying blue coloring chemicals mixed with hydrogenated oils and liquid sugars. That’s why this common industry practice of faking the blueberries is so deceptive.
Why can’t food companies just be more honest about it? Nature’s Path Organic Optimum Blueberry-Cinnamon Breakfast Cereal contains — get this — both blueberries and cinnamon.
Better yet, you won’t find any red #40, blue #2 or partially-hydrogenated vegetable oils in Nature’s Path products. They even use organic blueberries and organic cinnamon.
Health Valley Low-Fat Blueberry Tarts are also made with real blueberries. You won’t find any artificial coloring chemicals in this box.
So why can’t Kellogg, Betty Crocker, General Mills and Target stores use real blueberries in their products instead of deceptively formulating them with artificial petrochemical colors that mimic the purple color of blueberries? It’s probably because real blueberries are expensive. And artificial blueberry bits, made with sugar, partially hydrogenated oils and artificial colors, are dirt cheap. If these companies can fool consumers into thinking they’re buying real blueberries in their products, they can command a price premium that translates into increased profits.
Once again, in the food industry, deception pays off. And it pays big.
So what can YOU do to make sure you don’t get scammed by a food company trying to sell you red #40 and Blue #2 as if they were real blueberries? Read the ingredients. If you see artificial colors on the list — and they’re usually found at the very bottom of the ingredients list — just don’t buy that product. Put it back on the shelf and choose something else that’s not deceptively marketed. And that’s how you solve "the case of the missing blueberries."
This is Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, with Food Investigations for the non-profit Consumer Wellness Center, featured on NaturalNews.TV. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends. And watch NaturalNews.TV for a new episode each week. Take care.
Drinking This “Popular Poison” is Worse than Smoking
Posted By Dr. Mercola | November 21 2011 | 206,111views | 
Disponible en Español
Story at-a-glance
- The soda industry engages in many of the same marketing tactics as Big Tobacco, including forming “independent” front groups, funding research to discredit links to health problems, and making large donations to health organizations
- Soda is linked to numerous health problems among children and adults, including obesity, liver disease and even violent behavior; frequent soft drink consumption is associated with a 9-15% increase in aggressive behavior, according to new research
- Processed foods and junk foods are heavily marketed to kids and promoted to schools; manufacturers of sugar-laden processed foods pay “rebates” (aka “kickbacks”) to food service companies that serve school districts across the United States
- You can fight back against soda and junk-food giants by purchasing healthy, locally grown organic foods instead of processed foods and beverages
By Dr. Mercola
Soda, which is loaded with sugar primarily in the form of high fructose corn syrup, is a leading contributor to the rising rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases facing Americans.
So when I say that drinking a can of soda is just as bad for you as smoking a cigarette (and maybe even worse) it is not an exaggeration.
Drinking soda is in many ways worse for you than smoking, and it is only because of massive marketing campaigns from the industry that these sugary beverages are deemed acceptable for our most vulnerable members of society – our kids.
In the 21st century there would indeed be an uproar if tobacco companies attempted to target our kids, but the soda companies do it everyday.
It’s time to wake up and face the facts: the soda industry is out for your children, and the message they send is every bit as damaging (and manipulative) as the one spewed by Big Tobacco.
Striking Similarities Between the Soda Industry and Big Tobacco
If I asked you to quickly recall a commercial or slogan from leading soda companies, like Coca-Cola or Pepsi, could you do it?
Chances are you’d have no trouble recalling the friendly polar bear commercials or “the real thing” logo, and if you asked your kids, they’d probably come up with a few too.
This is just the tip of the iceberg for how beverage big-wigs have gotten their products firmly embedded into the homes of millions of Americans and others worldwide. Coca-Cola, for instance, spends close to $3 billion a year on advertising. With that amount of money it’s no wonder the company has managed to hold on to its wholesome reputation.
They, and other beverage giants, are also in the habit of forming strategic alliances with health organizations that make it appear as though they are looking out for your health, which is about as laughable as Big Tobacco sponsoring a marathon. And like Big Tobacco, they also create front groups to fight anti-soda legislation and science.
For instance, as Time magazine reported:
- The American Beverage Association, which represents Coca-Cola, Pepsi and other soft drink producers, has attacked suggestions to tax soda as “discriminatory.” Their organization is touted as a “neutral forum,” but in reality is devoted to discrediting negative press against soft drinks. For instance, in relation to obesity, ABA states, “All of our industry’s beverages can be enjoyed as part of a balanced lifestlye.”
- The soda industry has created the front group Americans Against Food Taxes, which runs anti-tax campaigns. As Kelly Brownell wrote in Time:
“The name of the group implies a patriotic, grass roots movement, not a highly financed entity initiated and organized by industry.”
- Another industry-created front group, Foundation for a Healthy America, recently donated $10 million to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to research and prevent childhood obesity! Diet Coke has also teamed up with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to raise awareness for women’s heart health programs and was the official “Beverage of Choice” for the 2010 winter Olympics.
- The soda industry funds research to discredit links between soda drinking and health problems. Brownwell writes:
“The tobacco industry paid scientists who did research disputing links between smoking and lung cancer, the addictive nature of nicotine, and the dangers of second-hand smoke. The soda industry funds scientists who reliably produce research showing no link between SSB [sugar-sweetened beverage] consumption and health. The tobacco industry bought favor from community and national organizations by giving large donations. In an ironic twist, Coca Cola and PepsiCo are corporate sponsors of the American Dietetic Association.”
The Coca-Cola Company Beverage Institute for Health and Wellness (isn’t that name an oxymoron?) even creates continuing education courses for registered dietitians!
The Top Reason to Give Soda the Boot …
Some of you reading this are undoubtedly thinking, how bad could soda really be? From my perspective, there is absolutely NO REASON you or your kids should ever drink soda. If you were stranded in the middle of a desert with no other fluid available, then maybe, but other than that … none, nada, zip, zero. No excuses.
From a health perspective, drinking Coke or any soft drink is a disaster. Just one extra can of soda per day can add as much as 15 pounds to your weight over the course of a single year, not to mention increase your risk of diabetes by 85 percent. The primary reason why soda is so dangerous to your health?
Fructose.
The fructose content of the high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) used in many popular soda brands has been sorely underestimated. Around 100 years ago the average American consumed a mere 15 grams of fructose a day, primarily in the form of fruit. One hundred years later, one fourth of Americans are consuming more than 135 grams per day, largely in the form of soda.
Fructose at 15 grams a day is harmless (unless you suffer from high uric acid levels). However, at nearly 10 times that amount it becomes a major cause of obesity and nearly all chronic degenerative diseases. Instead of consisting of 55 percent fructose and 45 percent glucose, many soda brands, including Coke, Pepsi and Sprite, contain as much as 65 percent fructose, nearly 20 percent higher than originally believed.
According to one study, the mean fructose content of all 23 sodas tested was 59 percent — higher than claimed by the industry. When you consider that Americans drink an average of 53 to 57 gallons of soda per year (depending on the source of your statistics), this difference in actual fructose content could make a huge difference in your health.
The Down and Dirty About Fructose
The American Beverage Association and other front groups will try to persuade you that fructose in high fructose corn syrup is no worse for you than sugar, but this is not true. ABA also claims there is “no association between high fructose corn syrup and obesity,” but a long lineup of scientific studies suggest otherwise.
For example:
- Dr. David Ludwig of Boston Children’s Hospital did a study of the effects of sugar-sweetened drinks on obesity in children. He found that for each additional serving of a sugar-sweetened drink, both body mass index and odds of obesity increased.
- The Fizzy Drink Study in Christchurch, England explored the effects on obesity when soda machines were removed from schools for one year. In the schools where the machines were removed, obesity stayed constant. In the schools where soda machines remained, obesity rates continued to rise.
- In a 2009 study, 16 volunteers were fed a controlled diet including high levels of fructose. Ten weeks later, the volunteers had produced new fat cells around their hearts, livers and other digestive organs. They also showed signs of food-processing abnormalities linked to diabetes and heart disease. A second group of volunteers who were fed a similar diet, but with glucose replacing fructose, did not have these problems.
Fructose is also a likely culprit behind the millions of U.S. children struggling with non-alcoholic liver disease, which is caused by a build-up of fat within liver cells. Fructose is very hard on your liver, in much the same way as drinking alcohol.
- Liver burden number one: After eating fructose, 100 percent of the metabolic burden rests on your liver—ONLY your liver can break it down. This is much different than consuming glucose, in which your liver has to break down only 20 percent, and the remaining 80 percent is immediately metabolized and used by the rest of the cells in your body.
- Liver burden number two: Fructose is converted into fat that gets stored in your liver and other tissues as body fat. Part of what makes fructose so bad for your health is that it is metabolized to fat in your body far more rapidly than any other sugar. For example, if you eat 120 calories of fructose, 40 calories are stored as fat. But if you eat the same amount of glucose, less than one calorie gets stored as fat. Consuming fructose is essentially consuming fat!
Fructose metabolism is very similar to the way alcohol is metabolized, which has a multitude of toxic metabolites that, if consumed in excess, can lead to non-alcoholic liver disease. For a complete discussion of fructose metabolism, see my comprehensive article about this.
Diet Soda is NOT a Safe Alternative to Regular Soda
If you think you’re better off drinking diet soda, think again. In fact, if I had to choose between the two, I’d take regular soda over diet. Instead of fructose, diet soda contains artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame or sucralose (Splenda). With all the research now available on aspartame and its various ingredients, it’s hard to believe such a chemical would even be allowed into the food supply, but it is, and it’s been silently wreaking havoc with people’s health for the past 30 years.
Just to refresh your memory, aspartame has been linked to the following health concerns, and Splenda is associated with many similar problems:
Lymphomas, leukemias, and brain cancer
AsthmaNeurological symptoms including headaches, depressed and anxious mood, seizures, memory loss, hallucinations, and dizziness
Visual changesWeakness and fatigue
Joint painSleep disorders
Weight gain and diabetesAbdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Rashes and hives
Does Soda Actually Cause Violence?
It’s a well-known fact that poor diet, particularly one high in sugar, exacts a toll on your emotional health.
For example, one recent study published in the journal Psychology Today found a strong link between high sugar consumption and the risk of both depression and schizophrenia. It’s also a well-known fact that chronic inflammation plays a major role in heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. So consuming excessive amounts of sugary beverages can truly set off an avalanche of negative health events — both mental and physical.
A diet high in sugar, fructose and sweetened beverages like soda also causes excessive insulin release, which can lead to falling blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia, in turn, causes your brain to secrete glutamate in levels that can cause agitation, depression, anger, anxiety and panic attacks.
One 1985 study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that reducing sugar intake had a positive impact on emotions. And another, the Los Angeles Probation Department Diet-Behavior Program: An Empirical Analysis of Six Institutional Settings, published in 1983, documented the results when juvenile delinquents were given a reduced-sugar diet. They saw a 44 percent reduction in the incidence of antisocial behavior during the subsequent 3 months, after the implementation of the revised diet.
So can drinking soda affect your child’s behavior?
Yes, it can.
A new study further supported this point, and revealed that frequent soft drink consumption was associated with a 9-15% point increase in the probability of engaging in aggressive actions, even after controlling for gender, age, race, body mass index, typical sleep patterns, tobacco use, alcohol use and having family dinners.
“There was a significant and strong association between soft drinks and violence. There may be a direct cause-and-effect relationship, perhaps due to the sugar or caffeine content of soft drinks, or there may be other factors, unaccounted for in our analyses, that cause both high soft drink consumption and aggression.”
The effect is not a new finding, as in 1979 the now notorious “Twinkie Defense” was used in a murder trial for the first time.
“In a notorious 1979 San Francisco murder trial, lawyers blamed the killer’s actions on his recent switch from a health-food diet to one filled with Coca-Cola and other junk food. Their argument worked. Instead of a homicide ruling, the defendant was convicted of a lesser offense of voluntary manslaughter. The legal strategy became known as the “Twinkie Defense,” and the precedent raised a number of questions that persist, despite years of research on the subject.”
Processed Food “Rebates” Dominate School Cafeterias
Soda manufacturers are not the only ones scheming for a permanent share of your child’s diet. In an article published on La Vida Locavore, Ed Bruske revealed, possibly for the first time, that manufacturers of sugar-laden processed foods pay “rebates” (aka “kickbacks”) to food service companies that serve school districts across the United States.
Bruske obtained documents under the Freedom of Information Act that revealed more than 100 companies paid rebates to Chartwells, a food service management company hired by D.C. Public Schools. As you might suspect, the “rebates” present a conflict of interest that could prompt Chartwells to order food for your children based on the amount of rebate it will receive, versus the food’s nutritional value.
The end result?
School lunches that contain heavily processed foods like muffins, pizza, tator tots and flavored milk in lieu of fresh produce.
According to Bruske:
“Manufacturers pay rebates based on large volume purchases — literally, cash for placing an order. Rebates are said to be worth billions of dollars to the nation’s food industry, although manufacturers as well as the food service companies who feed millions of the nation’s school children every day — Chartwells, Sodexo and Aramark — treat them as a closely-guarded secret.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that food service companies engaged in “cost reimbursable” contracts with schools credit any rebates they receive to their school clients. For more than a year, attorneys for D.C. Public Schools refused to make public an itemized list of rebates collected by Chartwells, claiming the information constituted “trade secrets.” The schools were overruled by Mayor Vincent Gray’s legal counsel after I filed an administrative appeal.
John Carroll, an assistant New York State attorney general investigating rebating practices there, has said rebates pose “an inherent conflict of interest” in school feeding programs because they favor highly processed industrial foods. In cases where schools pay a food service company a flat rate to provide meals, the companies are not required to disclose the rebates they collect. In those cases, Carroll recently told a U.S. Senate Panel, rebates tend to drive up the cost of food, cheating children out of nutrition they might otherwise have on their lunch trays.
Carroll also described cases where rebates discouraged the use of local farm products in school meals. Produce vendors can’t afford to pay a rebate for local apples. But in at least one case, a produce distributor raised the prices of his goods so that he could pay a rebate to a food service company. A Homeland Security sub-committee in the U.S. Senate is investigating possible rebate fraud in contracts across the entire federal government.”
The top contributors to Chatwells’ rebate dollars included Performance Food Group, which paid more than $400,000 over the last three years, followed by General Mills, Kraft Foods, Country Pure Foods and Jenny-O Turkey. Other companies who made the list include:
ConAgra
Otis Spunkmeyer
Kellog’s
Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper, 7-Up
FritoLay
Tyson
Nestle
Cargill Meat Solutions
Campbell’s Foodservice
Raising a Life-Long Healthy Eater
Food and beverage companies spend $2 billion a year promoting unhealthy foods to kids, and while ultimately it’s the parents’ responsibility to feed their children healthy foods, junk food ads make this much more difficult than it should be. As a result, the state of most kids’ diets in the United States is not easy to swallow.
As The Interagency Working Group on Foods Marketed to Children (IWG) reported:
- Nearly 40% of children’s diets come from added sugars and unhealthy fats
- Only 21% of youth age 6-19 eat the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day
This is a veritable recipe for disease, and is a primary reason why today’s kids are arguably less healthy than many prior generations. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure — these are diseases that once appeared only in middle-age and beyond, but are now impacting children. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that by 2050, one in three U.S. adults will have diabetes — one of them could be your child if you do not take steps to cancel out the messages junk-food marketers are sending and instead teach them healthy eating habits.
Make no mistake, the advertisers are doing all they can to lure your child in, just as Big Tobacco did generations ago.
So you need to first educate yourself about proper nutrition and the dangers of junk food and processed foods in order to change the food culture of your entire family. To give your child the best start at life, and help instill healthy habits that will last a lifetime, you must lead by example. Children will simply not know which foods are healthy unless you, as a parent, teach it to them first.
My nutrition plan offers a step-by-step guide to feed your family right, and I encourage you to read through it now to learn how to make healthy eating decisions for you and your children.
If you want to get involved on a larger scale, the Prevention Institute’s “We’re Not Buying It” campaign is petitioning President Obama to put voluntary, science-based nutrition guidelines into place for companies that market foods to kids. You can sign this petition now. I also urge you to go a step further and stop supporting the companies that are marketing junk foods and beverages to your children today.
Ideally, you and your family will want to vote with your pocketbook and avoid processed food and sugary sodas while instead choosing unprocessed raw, organic and/or locally grown foods as much as possible. These are the foods your child will thrive on, and it’s important they learn what real, healthy food is right from the get-go.
This way, when they become tweens and teenagers, they may eat junk food here and there at a friend’s house, but they will return to real food as the foundation of their diet — and that habit will continue on with them for a lifetime.
Source: Dr. Mercola, Organic Consumers Association (OCA)
Milk The Deadly Poison
Uploaded by armanddarke on Sep 20, 2006 to YouTube
For More Information about Milk go to: http://www.notmilk.com/
Read Robert Cohen’s book Milk The Deadly Poison Available at Amazon.com or other major bookstores.
About the Author
Robert Cohen performed research in the 1970′s on the hormonal effects on the brain and behavior. Twenty-five years later, this father of three became concerned about the most controversial drug approval in FDA history, the genetically engineered hormone that is now in our milk supply. Along the way, Cohen discovered that milk is implicated in causing breast cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease, and chronic childhood illnesses. Cohen’s skills as a researcher, and his passion for the safety of his family, led to his single-minded pursuit to expose the truth about milk.
Based on his exhaustive and comprehensive research over the past six years, Cohen predicted the Mad Cow Disease outbreak. His dogged determination has set the American dairy industry on its ear. To insure that all citizens of the world learn the truth, Cohen founded and is executive director of America’s Dairy Education Board, a group of nationally prominent doctors dedicated to dispelling the myth that milk is nature’s perfect food.
===
This is a 1998 Hard Copy Special on MILK. What the government doesn’t want you to know about milk. Don’t drink milk, we know it contains fat and cholesterol but did you know it contains the protein CASEIN (which is basically a glue which leads to a lot of mucous build up and other health problems like asthma and congestion), milk also contains.. powerful growth hormones, viruses, a host of deadly chemical and biological bacterial agents, bovine proteins that cause allergies, insecticides, antibiotics, all this can trigger the growth of cancer and contributes to today’s problem of obese children (ever notice why young girls breasts develop faster?).
Cow’s milk is the number one allergic food in this country. It has been well documented as a cause in diarrhea, cramps, bloating, gas, gastrointestinal bleeding, iron-deficiency anemia, skin rashes, atherosclerosis, and acne. It is the primary cause of recurrent ear infections in children. It has also been linked to insulin dependent diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, infertility, and leukemia. Milk and refined sugar make two of the largest contributions to food induced ill health in our country.
IIs a Costco membership worth it on a whole foods diet?
GET YOUR KIDS INTO THE KITCHEN!
Uploaded by GreenSmoothieGirl on Jun 4, 2009 to YouTube
See how purchasing a Costco membership can pay for itself for those feeding their family a whole foods diet. Robyn from GreenSmoothieGirl.com will show you what she buys at Costco each week and how she gets her moneys worth from her yearly membership fee by purchasing quality fruits and vegetables and other whole foods items at Costco.
Weight Loss Diet – Is Your Medicine Making You Fat!
GET YOUR KIDS INTO THE KITCHEN!
By Shane Nolan
Few people taking Medications for common Ailments expect to gain Weight! Those pills the Doctor or Specialist recommend or prescribed may be what is causing you to stack on the Kilos and making your weight loss diet even more difficult to manage. Many drugs can boost your appetite, cause bloating and slow your metabolism to a crawl. Here’s what to do.
Pharmaceutical Drugs on the market today are known to have many side-effects with some possibly being worse than the symptoms they are supposed to be relieving.
* STEROIDS-weight loss reversal.
> Some patients on Steroids can have an increase in their weight by up to 7% or more. Studies have found some patients had weight gains of up to 12.5 to 15 kilograms with long term use.
> Steroids treat conditions such as allergies, asthma and arthritis conditions. They mimic hormones that regulate your metabolism and immune system, and help by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system. However, an excess of steroids can mimic levels of Cortisol, the stress hormone. As the body needs more energy when stressed, it re-distributes fat to the stomach for easy access. Fat is also sometimes stored on the back of the neck, a condition known as Cushing’s Syndrome.
> Steroids also cause more sugar to be released into your blood, which is stored as fat, causes fluid retention and can greatly decrease the benefits of your weight loss diet.
> Obesity specialist study comments: “Corticosteroids commonly lead to weight gain by increasing appetite and depositing fat in the abdomen and trunk. Doctors should explain to patients that weight gain can occur and advise that they increase their activity levels and focus more on their weight loss diet or regime”.
> Talk with your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns on any medications you may be taking. If possible, try to reduce the strength of your medication or reduce the amount taken, but ONLY if you have been advised by your doctor or specialist first.
> Try Other Options- Many natural health products on the market today can help you with your ailments, just as well as, and very often much better than most pharmaceutical drugs. Natural products for your weight loss diet, arthritis and general health are safer and better options.
*DIABETES DRUGS-weight loss Inhibitor.
> Possible Weight Gains- Sulfonylureas lead to weight gain of 2.5 to 5 kilograms during the 1st year of taking this drug. TZD’s have been linked to weight increases of 1 to 2.5 kilograms over a year.
> Many people with type 2 diabetes are prescribed Sulfonylureas, which stimulates the body to make more insulin to lower blood sugar levels. But. sometimes they cause blood sugars to drop so far that they cause hunger and make patients eat more putting pressure on your weight loss diet regime.
> Another group of diabetes drugs, Thiazolidinediones (TZD’s), help make the body more sensitive to insulin, but also cause it to hold onto salt, causing swelling and weight gain inhibiting your weight loss.
> The Australian Diabetes Council state that some medications do not contribute to weight gain, such as Biguanides and Dpp-4 Inhibitors. But there are other medications that will contribute to weight gain.
> All medications have side-effects, if you are concerned about heart disease, gaining weight etc, exercising for 30minutes every day and a quality weight loss diet of natural products, can be incredibly helpful.
> The Australian Diabetes Council dieticians state that weight loss for people with type 2 diabetes who are also overweight is extremely difficult and can be very stressful. A quality diet and proper control is vitally important in controlling and preventing further complications.
> Natural products with no side-effects can help your body with vital ingredients which help your major organs, and to provide the necessary boost to promote overall bodily functions.
*BLOOD PRESSURE DRUGS-makes weight loss difficult.
> Beta Blockers treat high blood pressure, anxiety and irregular heart beat by lessening your adrenaline’s action on the nervous system. Eventually, blood pressure drops and the heart and your metabolism slows. These drugs can also make patients feel very tired and make weight loss difficult as well.
> Beta Blockers do not usually cause weight gain themselves but can make it very difficult for weight loss. Because these drugs limit how fast the heart can beat, they can reduce the ability to be fully active and burn fat.
> Some patients may be able to switch to Ace Inhibitors, which dampen down levels of the hormone Angiotensin 11, these relax blood vessels and makes blood pressure drop without sparking hunger pangs.
As stated above, every pharmaceutical drug has some side-effect which can be very dangerous and can cause organ damage, ulcers, or some nasty ailment when the product was originally administered to help another ailment. Plain and simply, these drugs are not good for the human body and it’s organs.
If you are truly concerned about your current medication, there are many other Natural Weight Loss, Heart Health, Arthritis Pain Relief and general Overall Health Products available today that can achieve excellent results.
For more Information about natural products you can Email me or Visit the Natural Health Product Blog to learn more or View more about the great products, on the links below. Natural products are easily absorbed by the body are a better and much safer option for You or Your loved ones!
Regards Shane Nolan
Source: Published At: Isnare.com Free Articles Directory – http://www.isnare.com/
—Email Me.—Visit Natural Health Products Blog!View Products and Learn More!!
Isorhamnetin – A Natural Way To Prevent Cancer and Diabetes
By: Tom Parker
Isorhamnetin is a flavonol and phytonutrient (a group of chemical compounds that are found in plant based foods but not considered essential to human health) that has been linked with cancer and diabetes prevention. In this article I will be discussing isorhamnetin in greater detail and providing you with a summary of its main functions, the best food sources, the recommended daily allowances (RDAs) and the potentially adverse effects of consuming too much or too little.
1) DISCOVERY:
Isorhamnetin was discovered by the Hungarian biochemist Albert Szent-Gyorgyi in 1938 as part of the flavonoid family. Gyorgyi initially believed that he had discovered a new vitamin and so named the flavonoids vitamin P. However, it was later discovered that unlike vitamins, the flavonoids are not essential to human health.
2) FUNCTION:
Like many of the flavonols, isorhamnetin is a powerful antioxidant which protects your body’s cells from damaging free radicals (harmful by-products of oxygen related reactions). It can also prevent multiple types of cancer (including esophageal cancer, liver cancer and lung cancer) and reduce the complications associated with diabetes (which include diabetic cataracts and high blood glucose levels). In addition to this, isorhamnetin can help keep your heart healthy by preventing arteriosclerosis (hardening and loss of elasticity within the arteries), preventing high blood pressure and protecting the heart’s cells against oxidative damage.
3) RDA:
Isorhamnetin is not believed to be essential in humans so no RDA has been established for this flavonol.
4) FOOD SOURCES:
Isorhamnetin can be found in numerous plant based foods. Some of the best sources include almonds (7.05 milligrams (mg) per 100 grams (g)), chives (6.75mg per 100g), dill weed (43.5g per 100g), fennel leaves (9.3mg per 100g), red onion (4.25mg per 100g) and turnip greens (between 5mg and 10mg per 100g).
5) OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS:
At the time of writing no overdose symptoms have been linked with isorhamnetin consumption.
6) DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
At the time of writing no deficiency symptoms have been linked with isorhamnetin consumption.
7) SUMMARY:
Whilst there is still a lot more research to be done on isorhamnetin, the early signs are very promising. Not only can it help you fight a number of nasty health conditions (including cancer and diabetes) but it also keeps your heart healthy. Furthermore, isorhamnetin rich foods contain high levels of other health boosting nutrients which means eating these foods allows you to unlock many more health benefits. So make sure you eat almonds, add chives to your dishes and cook with red onions to enjoy all the health benefits listed in this article and more.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
About the Author:
Tom Parker owns Free Fitness Tips – a fantastic source of free, impartial fitness advice. You can learn more about isorhamnetin and the other flavonols by visiting his website.
Preventing Diabetic Foot Complications
By: Bruce Lashley
Foot amputation is one of the most serious complications that diabetics may encounter. Fortunately, diabetics do not have to bear the burden of keeping their feet healthy alone. Not all amputations associated with diabetes can be avoided, but with routine foot examinations by a podiatrist and daily self-examination of the feet by the patient, diabetic foot complications may be prevented. In order to thwart these complications, an understanding of how and why these problems occur must be recognized.
Understanding Diabetic Foot Complications: Diabetes causes an increase of sugar levels in the blood, which causes a process of “glycosylation” to be increased. Glycosylation is a normal process in the body that attaches chains of molecules to protein found in nerves, tendons, and cartilage. Increased glycosylation, over time, begins to damage the function of these structures.
A vital function of nerves is the ability to convey pain, which allows us to recognize problems with our body. Due to the importance of pain as our body’s fire alarm, damaged nerves become a major risk factor for formation of diabetic foot wounds. Increased glycosylation of nerves leads to decreased pain sensation and therefore results in the loss of protective sensation. This situation becomes detrimental to diabetics, who are now unaware of small lacerations, wounds or callus on their feet that might lead to more serious complications such as ulcers and bone infections. If wounds are left untreated, they may result in amputation.
In addition to increased sugar levels, diabetics also tend to have high lipid concentrations in the blood. This produces the build up of plaque in the arteries, which results in poor circulation to tissues. Tissues depend on blood circulation for nutrients and oxygen to stay healthy and fight infections. Consequently, circulatory problems may not directly lead to ulcers on the feet, but exacerbates diabetic foot complications by creating a poor environment for wounds to heal.
The Role of the Podiatrist in Diabetic Foot Care: Podiatric diabetic foot examinations are used to assess the risk of diabetic wounds and usually follow a methodical procedure that examines the entire foot from joint mobility and skin condition to nerve and vascular function.
Vascular Exam: In a routine diabetic foot exam, circulation is determined by feeling for pulses in the feet. If pulses are not felt or are weak, then an ultrasound Doppler test may be used to listen and record the status of the pulses. If the Doppler test indicates poor circulation, the podiatrist may refer the patient to a vascular physician in order to treat the patient to enhance the blood circulation to the feet. The podiatrist may also observe any swelling, skin color changes, and cold temperature in the feet, as this may indicate poor circulation as well.
Neurological Exam: In a neurological exam of the foot, the loss of protective sensation is assessed by using an instrument called a Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament, which is made out of a thin plastic wire. While the podiatrist touches the patient’s feet with the monofilament wire, the patient closes his or her eyes and tells the doctor whether or not they feel the instrument. An inability to feel the wire indicates that the patient cannot appropriately protect himself or herself from injury. These injuries can be cuts, callus or foreign body. It is important to note that neglecting the discovery of any of these injuries even for a single day can lead to an ulcer and later, an amputation.
Skin Exam: During the skin exam, calluses, cracking, and nail conditions are noted and evaluated. Thick nails may result in painful ingrown nails or pressure soars that can harbor bacteria and lead to infections in the foot. . The condition of the skin is examined as well to ensure that there is no fungal growth, foreign bodies, and excessive moisture or dryness that promotes bacteria growth and skin deterioration.
Muscular Exam: In order to prevent excessive pressure on the feet, bony prominences will be identified. The range of motion of joints is assessed by measuring joint motion with a tractograph. If there are painful bony prominences and decrease joint mobility, specialized diabetic shoes may be needed to provide extra depth for the feet and decrease friction against the skin. The combination of increased pressure and loss of protective sensation increases the risk of ulcers in diabetic patients. Additionally, muscle strength is evaluated in order to determine the stability of the foot. If muscle strength is found to be weak, bracing may be recommended to provide support.
The Role of the Diabetic Patient and Family Members in Diabetic Foot Care: The responsibility of the diabetic patient and family members in preventing diabetic foot complications is just as important as the roles of the podiatrist. Here are tips to take care of diabetic feet:
1. Since diabetics are at risk of losing sensation in their feet, it is imperative that self-inspection of the feet is performed every day. If it is difficult to bend the knees to see the bottom of the foot, a magnifying mirror can be used. The mirror can be placed on the ground, while the patient looks to find any sores or foreign objects in the feet. If there are family members to assist the patient, they can inspect the feet for any wounds as well. If lesions are noted, the patient should see a podiatrist promptly to ensure timely and proper treatment of the wound.
2. Routine podiatric visits are important in maintaining diabetic foot health, especially since during these visits, calluses and nails can be debrided to relieve any excessive pressure to the feet. Furthermore, routine visits can provide early warning signals of impending problems, as detailed in this article.
3. Diet and blood sugar level should be controlled to decrease the progression of loss of protective sensation in the feet.
4. Daily foot hygiene should be incorporated into diabetic foot care. This includes washing the feet and changing socks daily. Making sure that the foot has adequate moisture, which can be ensured by moisturizing lotion. Be careful with over-moisturized feet for this may lead to the breakdown of skin.
5. Ensure that shoes fit comfortably to avoid pressure to the feet. When buying shoes, a wide toe box is advised.
6. Avoid walking barefoot to prevent stepping on foreign objects.
8. Be cautious when taking baths or going to steam rooms because with decreased sensation, the chances of getting burns increases. When taking baths, test the water first with a thermometer or your hand.
Copyright (c) 2010 Bruce Lashley
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
About the Author:
Bruce Lashley, DPM
Dr. Lashley is a podiatrist practicing in midtown Manhattan for the past 27 years. He specializes in the conservative and surgical management of the foot.
In October 2009, Dr Lashley moved his office to a new modern facility at 353 Lexington Avenue, in NYC.
For more information on Dr. Lashley visit his web site.
http://www.footdoctornyc.com/
American Diabetes Month – Time To Raise Awareness Of Diabetes Prevention And Control
By: Fabiola Delgado de la Flor
Diabetes is a severe illness that affects nearly 25.8 million or 8.3% of the American population. Its incidence has been increasing exponentially with every passing year. In the year 2007 alone, almost 250,000 deaths were attributed to Diabetes – directly or indirectly. Sadly, this figure has been rising every year. However, you can contribute to the cause and help to create awareness by wearing awareness ribbon pins during American Diabetes Month this November.
First of all, it should be realized that amongst the 25.8 million people who are affected by Diabetes, nearly one third of them are not aware of it. Either intentionally or unintentionally, they do not take the occurrence of Diabetes seriously, making the disease’s severity only worse. As such, it is our responsibility to make people conscious about it. You can increase awareness by wearing red ribbons and by educating people in your community about this condition. What you do can help to save lives from potential risk.
The American Diabetes Month is filled with events all around the country that not only call for people who are affected by the disease but also people who do not have it as well. You should realize that 79 million people have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes; a condition in which some of the symptoms of diabetes are observed. All they need to do is avoid factors that only speed up the progress of diabetes. During Diabetes Awareness Month, it’s important to educate these people about what they can do to prevent contracting the disease which in the medium and long term can save their lives.
Diabetes is not only a deadly disease, but it is also one which can cause the occurrence of other life-threatening conditions, such as blindness, heart diseases, foot ulcers, chronic pain, and even kidney failure. Moreover, the occurrence of heart strokes is often worsened when it occurs in conjunction with high blood sugar.
On the other hand, people suffering from diabetes often become quite depressed. Not being able to do what you want or physical limitations, sometimes make people victim of clinical and chronic depression. In November, you can show to these people that there’s hope and that you care by taking part of this national crusade.
Whether you have diabetes or not, it’s very important to support this cause and help to spread awareness. There are many ways you can team up for this campaign, from volunteering, donations, events or simply by wearing red ribbon pins during the month of November, it’s up to you how you want to take action!
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
About the Author:
Sienna Pacific is a manufacturer of Awareness Pins and Cure Diabetes Stickers of the highest quality and offers free artwork with your Custom Lapel Pins order. Or if you wish, you can browse their awareness products in their online store.
My Raw Food Journey – 6 month update: Parts 1 and 2
Source: Uploaded by GreenMomZoe on Jul 5, 2010 to YouTube
Comments (GreenMomZoe)
Hi, I have a question. I have never even had kids yet, but my belly looks like I am pregnant!! The rest of my body is skinny, I have always been like this and i can’t seem to lose my belly fat. My mom and grandma also have big bellys, but small arms, legs and so I know it’s hereditary. I am a semi-vegetarian. I still eat fish, eggs and chicken, no other animals. I do eat a lot of sugar, but my stomach has always been big. What can I do?? 
fantard100 1 week ago
@fantard100 To target the belly, the best approach is crunches to strengthen the abdominal muscles.
GreenMomZoe 2 days ago
How do you look now, 2011? you look great anyway!
GiselleBellyDancer 2 weeks ago
@GiselleBellyDancer I look pretty much the same. My diet is a bit less raw – 60% to 75% – but it’s working fine.
GreenMomZoe 1 week ago
Top Comments
@LordShandor I will have to disagree. Losing 30 lbs. in 6 months is not exactly “invisible” change in one’s body. And how do you know that I eat “too many” calories and don’t exercise “enough”? I have not gained any weight since that video was made (actually lost 5 lb. more) and I’m constantly moving and on the go with my business RAWbundant. I barely get free time to sit down and rest. So you are incorrect in your assumptions.
GreenMomZoe 6 months ago
How tall are you? You look great and don’t lose too many curves. You have a nice hourglass shape like me! I’m 5’4 and my body looks best at 135-140. If I lose more I start to look hollow in the face.
katjastar1 1 month ago
Love your accent btw… 
rickmack22 2 days ago
@BadMarriageMORECawbs I’m not sure if you are referring to me as “delusional” and wanting to be “anorexic” because those were NEVER my goals! I’ve been a professional volleyball player for many years and carried weight at about 165 – 175 lbs at 5’11″. I was NEVER a skeleton-looking woman because my body isn’t built to be skinny. But being over 200 lbs. made me feel fat…it just wasn’t me. There is a big difference between wanting to look skinny and wanting to look fit.
GreenMomZoe 2 days ago
i agree, shes delusional and sounds like her goal is to look like an anorexic skeleton . sick , i know alot of women who have been brainwashed by the media to think someone weighing 120 pounds is Fat ! im convinced they all want to look like twigs of skin and bone, this fat phobia with women is starting to get Psychotic and turn into a Mental disorder
BadMarriageMORECawbs 3 days ago
Part 2
Vitamin D and Diabetes – Can We Prevent It?
Source: Uploaded by UCtelevision on Feb 26, 2009 to YouTube
Can vitamin D help prevent certain cancers and other diseases such as type 1 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain autoimmune and chronic diseases? To answer these questions and more, UCSD School of Medicine and GrassrootsHealth bring you this innovative series on vitamin D deficiency.
Join nationally recognized experts as they discuss the latest research and its implications. In this program, Frank Garland, PhD, discusses vitamin D and the opportunity for prevention of diabetes.
In Memoriam
Frank C. Garland, PhD.
1950-2010
Source: Uploaded by vitaminDaction on Aug 22, 2010 to YouTube
“childhood obesity” asthma, diabetes, allergies, “food allergies”, ADHD, behavior problems
Source: Uploaded by lunalas on Oct 19, 2009 to YouTube
Hang in there parents of children with ADHD, asthma, diabetes, obesity, allergies, food allergies, bloody noses, agression, depression, doing badly in school, fighting, eating junk food, Mcdonald’s junkie.
I have had a dream/vision after many hours of praying and meditating for my son. There is a little known connection between babies on commercial formula, milk allergy, food allergies, asthma, diabetes and obesity including various behavorial problems. I am going to finish my research and write an e- book which will be available soon for a very low price that anyone can afford. It will be less than $10. I am going to make the connections your doctor won’t make because he is being paid by the pharmaceutical industry and wants to keep your child sick and on medications for life. Let’s all get together and run these horrible people and corporations off.
If you want to learn more about your child’s allergies, asthma, diabetes, behavior problems, bloody noses, aggression, depression, trouble in school, addiction to processed and junk foods, send $2 to Paypal with your email address for a full report. lunalas@cox.net ….soon I will have an e-book.
Edible Schoolyard
Source: Uploaded by FoodFightTheDoc on Mar 31, 2010 to YouTube
This clip tells the story of the Edible Schoolyard at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Berkeley, California. The program was started by Alice Waters in 1994 and continues to be one of the most successful schoolyard garden programs in the US.
Enriched Wheat Flour (Killer Flour)
Source: Uploaded by incontinencedoc on Dec 21, 2009 to YouTube
Dr. Andrew Siegel discusses the unhealthy effects of refined wheat products.
Subcribe Here
