Pequenas quantidades de certos óleos de alta qualidade podem acelerar a recuperação, ao passo que as gorduras de pouca qualidade desempenham um papel muito importante na etiologia típica do diabético. O uso cauteloso do óleo requer atenção nas fases iniciais do processo de cura, pois qualquer excesso ira retardar a recuperação do fígado. Sabemos que os óleos GLA regulam a insulina e parecem proteger o coração diabético, olhos, e danos nos rins, e os óleos Omega-3 ajudam a purificar o coração e artérias. Outro óleo, o ácido graxo linoléico comum, favorece a eficácia da insulina alem de agir como supressor da insulina (*)
Óleo fresco de linhaça é uma das melhores fontes para uma alta qualidade de ácidos linoléico e ácidos graxos Omega-3. GLA ácidos graxos são encontrados em prímula, borragem, ou óleos de semente de groselha negra, e também na spirulina. (Omega-3 extraido do óleo de peixe rico em EPA e DHA Omega-3, deve ser usado com moderação pelo diabético para evitar reações de cura, geralmente 1 grama / dia é uma dose segura para os primeiros meses. Comer peixe contendo Omega-3 não costuma causar reações, porque os seus óleos são ingeridos com sais minerais, aminoácidos e vários outros nutrientes, o que aliviam as prováveis reações e ajuda a digestão de ácidos graxos.
(*)Ornish, D.,Shorwitz, L. And Doody, R. Effects of stress management training and dietary changes in treating ischemic heart disease. Journal of the American Medical Association 249 (1); p.54, Jan 7, 1983.
Medicina Tradicional Chinesa
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Milk Thistle and Lung Cancer
In a study published in the journal Molecular Carcinogenesis,researchers at the University of Colorado Cancer Center treated lung cancer cells in mice with silibinin and found the compound inhibited tumorigenesis in part by targeting the tumor’s microenvironment.
An article published by the University of Colorado Denver explained the foundation and scope of the study, noting that cells are governed by a chain of signals that accumulate and lead to an end product. To manipulate a cell’s end product, one must discover how to break a link in the signaling chain that leads to it.
In the case of this study, tissue with wound-like conditions allowed tumors to grow and spread. The end products in the cell signal chain resulted in cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)enzymes which played a role in the inflammatory response to perceived wounds and, subsequently, in tumor growth. Early in the signaling chain that led to those unwanted enzymes were STAT1 and STAT3—transcription factors that allowed the blueprint of DNA to bind with proteins that continue the signal cascade, eventually leading to the production of harmful COX2 and iNOS. By stopping STAT1 and STAT3, the chains that led to COX2 and iNOS enzymes were broken, halting the growth of lung tumors.
Researchers at the University of Colorado applied the aforementioned theory to mouse lung cancer cells, treating the cells with silibinin, which subsequently removed the “molecular billboards” that signal wound-like conditions, effectively stopping the spread of lung cancers, the researchers reported.
“This relatively nontoxic substance—a derivative of milk thistle, called silibinin—was able to inhibit the upstream signals that lead to the expression of COX2 and iNOS,” commented Alpna Tyagi, PhD, of the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy. Dr. Tyagi works in the lab of University of Colorado Cancer Center investigator Rajesh Agarwal, PhD.
In addition, Dr. Tyagi and her colleagues compared the effects of silibinin to drugs currently in clinical trials for lung cancer. Would drugs that target other signaling pathways—other linked chains—similarly cut into the production of COX2 and iNOS?
It turned out that inhibiting the chains of JAK1/2 and MEK in combination, and also inhibiting the signaling pathways of EGFR and NF-kB in combination, blocked the ability of STAT1 and STAT3 to trap the energy they needed to eventually signal COX2 and iNOS production.
Compared to multi-million dollar lung cancer drugs, naturally-occurring silibinin blocked not only the expression of COX2 and iNOS, but also the migration of existing lung cancer cells.
“Together, we showed that STAT3 and STAT1 could be valuable chemopreventive and therapeutic targets within the lung tumor microenvironment in addition to being targets within tumor itself, and that silibinin inhibits their activation as a plausible mechanism of its efficacy against lung cancer,” the researchers concluded.
“What we showed is that STAT1 and STAT3 may be promising therapeutic targets in the treatment of lung cancer, no matter how you target them,” echoed Dr. Tyagi. “And also that naturally-derived products like silibinin may be as effective as today’s best treatments.”
This research endeavor was supported by a grant from the National Cancer Institute.
Friday, September 23, 2011
World’s 5 Biggest Killers to Cost $47 Trillion
“The Global Economic Burden of Non-communicable Diseases” report analyzes the overall costs of NCDs to the global economy. Findings show the estimated cumulative output loss over the next 20 years represents approximately 4% of annual global GDP. While mental ill-health is typically left off the list of top NCDs, it alone accounts for more than $16 trillion, or one-third, of the overall $47 trillion anticipated spend on NCDs.
“Think of what could be achieved if these resources were productively invested in an area like education,” said Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum. “The need for immediate action is critical to the future of the global economy.”
“Think of what could be achieved if these resources were productively invested in an area like education,” said Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum. “The need for immediate action is critical to the future of the global economy.”
More than 60% of deaths worldwide are due to NCDs, killing 36 million people each year. Low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected. In 2010, 80% of NCD deaths occurred in those countries, many of them prematurely, at working age. Developing countries are confronted with an ever-increasing share of this financial burden, as their economies and populations grow. The global population beyond the age of 60 is expected to double between now and 2050. This development, coupled with increasing urbanization, means a sharp increase in NCD rates. The study concludes that the cumulative costs of CVD, chronic respiratory disease, cancer and diabetes in low- and middle-income countries are estimated to surpass $7 trillion in 2011-2025, an average of nearly $500 billion per year.
“Until now, we’ve been unable to put a figure on what the World Health Organization (WHO) calls the ‘world's biggest killers.’ This study shows that families, countries and economies are losing people in their most productive years,” said Olivier Raynaud, Senior Director of Health at the World Economic Forum. “The numbers indicate that non-communicable diseases have the potential to not only bankrupt health systems but to also put a brake on the global economy. Tackling this issue calls for joint action by all actors of the public and private sectors.”
Mental health concerns and CVD alone account for almost 70% of lost output. In 2010, the global direct and indirect cost of CVD was approximately $863 billion and is estimated to rise 22% to $1,044 billion by 2030. Overall, the cost for CVD alone could be as high as $20 trillion over the 20 year period. For mental health conditions, the 2010 global costs were approximately $2.5 trillion, with the cost projected to surge to $6 trillion by 2030.
Cumulative NCD losses will rise steadily over the next 20 years, but the rate of increase will pick up sharply by 2030. The value of life lost, including lost income, out-of-pocket spending related to medical care and pain and suffering due to NCDs will double between 2010 and 2030.
The report uses three different methods to calculate the economic burden of NCDs: the World Health Organization’s EPIC model, the Value of Statistical Life (VSL) approach and the Cost-Of-Illness (COI) approach. These methods enabled study authors to analyze data from both a private and societal perspective.
“The challenge of non-communicable diseases goes beyond health ministries. Policy-makers must understand that these diseases pose a significant threat to personal as well as to economic well-being and progress. Non-communicable diseases undermine productivity and result in the loss of capital and labor,” said study author David Bloom, member of the World Economic Forum Global Health Advisory Board and professor at the Harvard School of Public Health. “These costs are unbearable and clearly call for innovative solutions and an all-of-society approach, with strong partnerships between government, the private sector and civil society.”
To a substantial degree, NCDs are caused by tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, physical inactivity and poor diet. Strategies for targeting these risk factors are considered in a companion study released by the WHO, which analyzes the means and costs of implementing these measures in low- and middle-income countries.
This assessment of the developmental and financial impact of these diseases comes as the United Nations convenes the High-Level Meeting on NCDs in New York on September 19-20. Heads of State and Government will assemble to address the prevention and control of NCDs worldwide. The report released by the World Economic Forum serves as a companion piece to another WHO report that assesses the cost benefits of different solutions to the NCD crisis. A joint executive summary for the two reports, highlighting the complementary findings, is available here. http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_WHO_HE_ReducingNonCommunicableDiseases_2011.pdf
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Goji Berry
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Goji (Lycium spp.)
While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies.
Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s).
Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.
Related Terms
• Barbary wolfberry, betaine, boxthorn, carotenoids, Chinese boxthorn, Chinese matrimony vine,
Chinese wolfberry, Di Gu Pi, Digupi, dried wolfberries, fructus Lycii, fructus Lycii berry, fructus Lycium barbarum L., goji berry, goji juice, gou qi (Chinese), gou qi zi (Chinese), gouqi (Chinese), gouqizi (Chinese), Kei Tze, L. exsertum, L. fremontii, lutein, Lycii berries, Lycii chinense, Lycii fructus, Lycii fruit, Lycium, Lycium barbarum, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), Lycium californicum, Lycium chilense, Lycium chinense, Lycium europaeum, Lycium halimifolium, Lycium nodosum, Lycium parishii, Lycium ruthenicum, Lycium shawii, Lycium vulgare, matrimony vine, Ning Xia Gou Qi (Chinese), polysaccharides, scopoletin, Solanaceae (family), Tibetan goji berry, wolfberry, wolfberry fruit, zeaxanthin.
Background
• The dried ripe fruits of Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense, commonly called goji berry or
wolfberry, have been consumed for medicinal purposes and as a functional food in China and
throughout Asia for at least 2,000 years. Traditionally, goji berry has been used for its antiaging properties, vision-enhancing and immune system-enhancing effects, and support of kidney and liver function, and as a treatment for respiratory diseases. Goji berries contain significant quantities of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are antioxidant carotenoid pigments. The leaves, roots, and root bark of Lycium species have also been used medicinally.
• China is the world's main supplier of commercially grown goji berries. In the 21st Century, goji
berries and juice have become increasingly popular "superfoods" in the Western world.
• Although not well-studied in humans, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) have
demonstrated anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-infertility, antioxidant, blood pressure-lowering,
cholesterol-lowering, and immune-stimulating properties. More human clinical studies are needed
to investigate goji's potential therapeutic effects.
Scientific Evidence Uses
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Asthma
Preliminary evidence suggests that a traditional Chinese medicine, "Invigorating Kidney," which
contains seven herbs, including goji, may improve airway flow in asthmatics. More research is
required to determine the effects of goji alone, as well as in combination with other herbs.
Cancer
Polysaccharides from goji may have immune-stimulating effects. In human research, cancer patients receiving goji plus immune system-stimulating biological drugs improved more than patients receiving the drugs only. Additional research is needed before firm conclusions can be made.
Vision
Goji berries contain high concentrations of antioxidants. Goji-containing dietary supplements are marketed as vision-improving agents. High-quality human clinical studies are required before goji's effect on vision can be evaluated.
Tradition/Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
• Acne, age-related nerve damage, aging, alcoholism, Alzheimer's disease, anemia, antiaging,
antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antioxidant (free radical scavenging,
hypoxia), antitumor, arthritis, athletic performance, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, chemotherapy adverse effects, chronic fatigue syndrome, cough, depression, diabetes, dizziness, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, fever, food uses, gastrointestinal reflux disease (acid reflux), heart muscle injury, high blood pressure (hypertension), hypoglycemic agent (lowers blood sugar), immune function, immune suppression, immune system enhancement, immune system stimulant, immunomodulation, improving circulation, infertility, irritability, kidney protection, leukemia, lipid-lowering effects, liver protection, liver toxicity (protection), low blood platelets, male infertility, muscle strength, neurodegeneration,neurologic disorders, neuroprotection, nosebleeds, oral hygiene, osteoporosis, ovulation disorders, periodontal disease, radioprotection, radiosensitization, respiratory disease, restless legs syndrome, sexual dysfunction, sweating, thirst, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), tonic, type 2 diabetes, well-being, wheezing.
Dosing
The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.
• A dose of 6-15 grams of Lycium berries taken by mouth daily has been suggested. Three to four
ounces of goji juice has been taken by mouth. A typical dose is one or more cups of tea daily,
with its strength based on the condition being treated.
Children (under 18 years old)
• There is no safe or effective dose for goji in children.
Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Allergies
• Avoid in those with known allergy or hypersensitivity to goji berries, root bark, roots, leaves, goji components, or members of the Solanaceae family.
• Avoid in those with known allergy or hypersensitivity to sulfites or in those with asthma, as
undeclared sulfites have been detected in two separate dried goji berry products.
Side Effects and Warnings
• Anecdotally, high doses of goji berry extract may cause alertness at bedtime and interfere with sleep, as well as cause nausea and vomiting.
• Goji may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or those taking drugs, such as warfarin (Coumadin®), that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.
• Goji may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
• Use cautiously in patients with low blood pressure or in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that lower blood pressure.
• Use caution in combination with radiation therapy, as the Lycium barbarum polysaccharide may
enhance the effects of radiation.
• Avoid in asthma patients and in patients with sulfite sensitivities. The New York Department of Agriculture detected the presence of undeclared sulfites, a food additive, in two dried goji berry products from China.
• Avoid in patients who are allergic or hypersensitive to goji, any of its constituents, or members of the Solanaceae family.
• Avoid in pregnant or breastfeeding women as goji may stimulate the uterus.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
• Avoid in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Goji may stimulate the uterus.
Interactions
Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs,
supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.
Interactions with Drugs
• Goji may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding.
Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or
heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).
• Goji may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also
lower blood sugar. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored
closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments
may be necessary.
• Goji may lower blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients who are taking blood pressuring-
lowering drugs.
• Goji may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome
P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased in the blood, and
may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any
medications should check the package insert, and speak with a qualified healthcare professional,
including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
• Goji may also interact with antibiotics, anticancer agents, antidepressant agents (including
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)), antifungals, antivirals, cholesterol-lowering and
triglyceride-lowering drugs, drugs affecting the heart and blood vessels, drugs that are toxic to the liver, hormonal agents (including male sexual hormones), immunosuppressants, insulin,
interleukins, and osteoporosis drugs.
Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements
• Goji may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed
to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of
Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may
theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.
• Goji may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need
adjustment.
• Goji may lower blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients who are taking blood pressuring-
lowering herbs or supplements.
• Goji may interfere with the way the body processes certain herbs or supplements using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of other herbs or supplements may become too high in the blood. It may also alter the effects that other herbs or supplements
possibly have on the P450 system.
• Goji may also interact with antibacterials, anticancer agents, antidepressant agents (including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)), antifungals, antivirals, cholesterol-lowering and triglyceride-lowering agents, herbs affecting the heart, herbs that affect the immune system, herbs toxic to the liver, hormonal herbs and supplements, iron, iron-containing foods,
osteoporosis agents, vitamin C, vitamin C-containing foods, zeaxanthin, zinc, and zinc-containing foods.
References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.
1. Benzie IF, Chung WY, Wang J, et al. Enhanced bioavailability of zeaxanthin in a milk-based formulation of wolfberry (Gou Qi Zi; Fructus barbarum L.). Br J Nutr 2006;96(1):154-160. View Abstract
2. Breithaupt DE, Weller P, Wolters M, et al. Comparison of plasma responses in human subjects after the ingestion of 3R,3R'-zeaxanthin dipalmitate from wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) and non-esterified 3R,3R'- zeaxanthin using chiral high-performance liquid chromatography. Br J Nutr 2004;91(5):707-713. View Abstract
3. Cao GW, Yang WG, Du, P. [Observation of the effects of LAK/IL-2 therapy combining with Lycium barbarum polysaccharides in the treatment of 75 cancer patients]. Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi 1994;16(6):428-431. View Abstract
4. Cheng CY, Chung WY, Szeto YT, et al. Fasting plasma zeaxanthin response to Fructus barbarum L. (wolfberry; Kei Tze) in a food-based human supplementation trial. Br J Nutr 2005;93(1):123-130. View Abstract
5. Fu JX. [Measurement of MEFV in 66 cases of asthma in the convalescent stage and after treatment with Chinese herbs]. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1989;9(11):658-9, 644. View Abstract
6. Gan L, Hua Zhang S, Liang Yang X, et al. Immunomodulation and antitumor activity by a polysaccharide- protein complex from Lycium barbarum. Int Immunopharmacol 2004;4(4):563-569. View Abstract
7. Gan L, Zhang SH, Liu Q, et al. A polysaccharide-protein complex from Lycium barbarum upregulates cytokine expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2003;471(3):217-222. View Abstract
8. Gong H, Shen P, Jin L, et al. Therapeutic effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on irradiation or chemotherapy-induced myelosuppressive mice. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2005;20(2):155-162. View Abstract
9. Kim HP, Kim SY, Lee EJ, et al. Zeaxanthin dipalmitate from Lycium chinense has hepatoprotective activity. Res Commun Mol Pathol Pharmacol 1997;97(3):301-314. View Abstract
10. Lee DG, Jung HJ, Woo ER. Antimicrobial property of (+)-lyoniresinol-3alpha-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside isolated from the root bark of Lycium chinense Miller against human pathogenic microorganisms. Arch Pharm Res 2005;28(9):1031-1036. View Abstract
11. Luo Q, Li Z, Huang X, et al. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides: Protective effects against heat-induced damage of rat testes and H2O2-induced DNA damage in mouse testicular cells and beneficial effect on sexual behavior and reproductive function of hemicastrated rats. Life Sci 2006;79(7):613-621. View Abstract
12. Luo Q, Cai Y, Yan J, et al. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects and antioxidant activity of fruit extracts from Lycium barbarum. Life Sci 2004;76(2):137-149. View Abstract
13. Wu H, Guo H, Zhao R. Effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on the improvement of antioxidant ability and DNA damage in NIDDM rats. Yakugaku Zasshi 2006;126(5):365-371. View Abstract
14. Yu MS, Leung SK, Lai SW, et al. Neuroprotective effects of anti-aging oriental medicine Lycium barbarum against beta-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity. Exp Gerontol 2005;40(8-9):716-727. View Abstract
15. Zhao R, Li Q, Xiao B. Effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on the improvement of insulin resistance in NIDDM rats. Yakugaku Zasshi 2005;125(12):981-988. View Abstract
Natural Standard Monograph (www.naturalstandard.com)
Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard Inc. Commercial distribution or reproduction prohibited..
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Contraindications for Marijuana Use
Marijuana is called Huo Ma in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which literally translates as “Fire Hemp.” The only part of the marijuana plant used in TCM is the hemp seed, which is used to nourish the blood and lubricate the bowels. TCM views the rest of the marijuana plant has a powerful, and even harsh herb whose hot nature should be softened so as to avoid long term side effects. We do not condone or condemn medical marijuana use. We seek to support personal empowerment and educated choice. The following is a list copied from the Marijuana Syndromes website:
13 Dangerous Conditions for Marijuana Use
Traditional Chinese Medicine believes there are 13 conditions that marijuana is very dangerous for. If you have any of these conditions, don’t even think of taking marijuana.
1) Stroke
If you’ve had a stroke, especially recently, stay away from marijuana. Marijuana’s effects on the small vessels in your brain could lead to serious or fatal consequences. Don’t do it!
2) Pregnancy
Marijuana crosses the placental barrier. That means when mommy gets stoned, baby does, too. The effects of a drug as powerful as marijuana on a very tiny and developing nervous system in a fetus are not something that you want to subject your child’s development to. Be responsible. Don’t do it!
3) Breastfeeding
Marijuana comes through your breast milk when you get stoned. So if you’re getting high, your baby is, too. Your baby will not benefit in any way from getting stoned. If you get high at this time, you run the risk and hold the responsibility for the long-term damage you may do to your child’s growth and development when you introduce marijuana into his or her delicate young system.
Even if none of the items above were true, there’s another more immediate danger in taking marijuana if you’re breastfeeding. Marijuana’s hot and toxic nature can irritate your baby. You don’t want to take marijuana at this time for the same reasons that you wouldn’t want to eat garlic or eat spicy foods. All of these substances travel through your milk and make your baby uncomfortable and colicky. Don’t do it!
4) Menopause
The many discomforts that women face during menopause come from rising heat and diminishing reserves of yin and blood. This is a time when you want to cool everything down and nourish your yin. Even a small amount of marijuana at this time can interact with the processes your body is already in ways that will add to your suffering. Don’t do it!
5) Menstruation
Your body is using its body fluids and components of your blood during this time to flow unwanted material out of your body. This is a time of cleansing and rejuvenation. If you take marijuana during this time, it does at least three things that can interfere with and damage this process:
1) It can influence and alter your hormonal cycle at the point of your greatest vulnerability.
2) It may heat up your blood, which can alter the flow of your menstruation.
3) It can dry and irritate the delicate membranes that are working their hardest to have this process go as smoothly as possible for you.
Be kind to your body at this time. Don’t put a flamethrower on the garden of your fertility.
6) Diabetes
Diabetes is caused by excessive heat in the digestive system that burns up the functions of the pancreas. The heat and poison of marijuana can go straight into the digestive system and overstimulate it. In other words, if you’ve got diabetes, marijuana gives you more of what you’ve already got a problem with. Don’t do it!
7) Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is usually caused by a condition of heat in the liver and lung systems. The heat and poison of marijuana can push this heat even further and create more pressure on your already hyperactive thyroid. Don’t do it!
Schizophrenia, including family history of schizophrenia
Marijuana induces schizophrenic brainwave patterns in the people who take it. This can set up a very negative resonance in the brain if you already have schizophrenia or the tendency exists in your family. Don’t do it!
9) Acne or other skin issues
Acne and the vast majority of skin issues come from excessive heat and sometimes poison in the blood. If you already have problems of this type, then the heat and poison of marijuana will go into the level of your blood more quickly that it would in a healthy person. This extra heat and poison, right in the area that you least need it, will not help you and it can easily make your skin problems worse. Don’t do it!
10) Flu, especially with a sore throat
Many viruses have a hot and poisonous nature in the same way that marijuana does. The heat and poison of the virus may synergize with the marijuana in your body and make the whole condition much worse. Don’t do it!
11) Herpes and Shingles
The herpes virus is a very hot and toxic virus. If you take marijuana it can set up a perfect internal environment for the herpes to get a strong hold on you. This can easily lead to a breakout.
If you’ve already had a breakout, taking marijuana is the last thing that you want to do, because it can feed the fire and poison of the herpes. This can be tricky, especially with shingles, because marijuana may help with the pain you’re experiencing from the shingles but actually make the overall condition worse. Don’t do it! Try acupuncture instead.
12) Bad breath
Bad breath is usually caused by excessive heat in the stomach and stomach channels. Marijuana’s main pathway in the body is through the stomach channels. This can aggravate your bad breath in a big way. Don’t do it!
13) Sinus Infections
Also a condition of excessive heat in the stomach and large intestine channels, marijuana can really aggravate the toxic qualities of this type of infection. Be especially careful if you have any yellow, green or red mucous or discharge from your sinuses, as this indicates the presence of large amounts of toxic heat in this area. Don’t do it!
Responsible Use
Using marijuana and abusing it are totally different things. A large part of responsible use means knowing when it might be OK to use marijuana and when it’s clearly not.
If you use marijuana, there are many ways that you can enhance its positive aspects and diminish or eliminate its negative ones. Timing is important among these techniques. The more you can learn about your body, its cycles and the nature of marijuana’s qualities, the more empowered you’ll be to stay on a positive path with it.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Interconnected: The Power of Group Healing
Source: Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation.
The event passed without most people even taking notice. It was 1982, and at the University of Paris, physicist Alain Aspect led a research team in an experiment that turned things on their head—at least in terms of how reality and the world are understood. What they discovered was that under certain conditions subatomic particles can instantaneously communicate with each other no matter how great a distance between them. Whether they are ten centimeters or ten million miles apart, particles like electrons are aware of what the other is doing!
One of the most challenging aspects of this discovery was that it violated Einstein’s tenet that communication cannot travel faster than the speed of light. Traveling that fast is equal to breaking the time barrier, and so Aspect’s research prompted a great re-thinking in order to explain the results of his experiment: Just how is reality actually structured? Many weighed in, yet physicist David Bohm’s take was perhaps the most intriguing—universe as hologram. Bohm proposed that reality is an intricate hologram, where each part is not only inseparably connected to the greater whole, each part contains within itself the entire whole and is a
continuum of it. Each electron is able to communicate instantaneously with any other despite enormous distances because they are in fact not really two separate things but rather two parts of the same greater entity.
As surprising as it sounds, this concept most likely would not have come as a shock to the early Chinese sages. Thousands of years ago, the earliest practitioners of what evolved into traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) were deeply sensitive to the often-invisible connections between all things in nature. Out of this awareness emerged a profound view of healing that has at its center a dynamic understanding of the universe as a holographic structure and its fundamental quality of interconnection. “Ancient” TCM theories and principles reflect this “modern” paradigm. For example, TCM views the individual as a complete microcosm of the
macrocosm, and on a smaller scale, perceives some areas of the body—such as the ears, the hands, and the feet—to be microcosms of the entire body. Practically applied, the comprehension of a deeper, invisible reality as a supporting ground to the physical one we all experience is a key component of TCM treatment.
One secret the early Chinese sages intuited was that the very origin of our existence—where we come from and what we are all a part of—is also the most potent source for our healing. Everything we need, including everything we need to heal ourselves, is right there—or right here, depending on your perspective—in the Universal. But we have to open and rediscover our connection to it in order to access and receive its unlimited healing power. How can we do this?
One very powerful way is group healing. For most Westerners, the concept of group healing calls to mind a talk-oriented group therapy based on models of Western psychology. Group healing from the TCM perspective moves beyond the mind to include the all facets of the individual—body, mind, emotions, and spirit—and reestablishes their connection to the Universal, forming a truly holographic approach. The mechanism that enables this to occur is Qi.
Vital energy, what the Chinese call “Qi” (pronounced chee), is the life force that flows continuously throughout our body via meridians, a complex network of invisible energy pathways. The meridians link every single part of our body, forming it into an organic whole; through them each part can communicate with the rest— instantly. Qi links body, mind, emotions, and spirit, yet it also creates a continuity between each individual and the external world. Qi is the unifying force between all things, between material and nonmaterial states; through
Qi all things can communicate. Qi is the most important aspect of TCM treatment. It takes energy to heal. A quantity of energy—energy beyond the body’s everyday needs—must be accumulated. This energy, when concentrated and used, can create significant health changes.
There are two ways a TCM practitioner can approach group healing. One relies solely on technique. Essentially, the potential of energetic connection between group members is not used. The other approach is vastly different because it is based on principles of energy, not technique. By linking the individual Qi of each group member in a special way, a stronger, shared group energy is formed. This increases the energy available for each participant to heal. Here, the techniques of treatment such as acupuncture or Qigong (energy practice) are really
just tools to make the dynamic energy field stronger. For example, the TCM practitioner may have all the participants hold a certain Qigong posture. This technique builds each individual’s energy while making him or her more sensitive to the group energy, yielding many more healing benefits. Ultimately, the maximum benefit comes from a connection to the Universal energy field.
One special component of TCM is the quality of the relationship between doctor and patient. Many people wonder if this is lost in a group treatment setting. Energy-based group healing functions as an important transition to self-healing. Practitioners using this approach see a patient on an individual basis first before that person is placed in a healing group. This enables the doctor to understand the person’s overall condition and become familiar with his or her internal energy pattern. At an appropriate time after individual treatment, they can then begin group healing. Access to the high level of energy generated by the group further sparks the
person’s self-healing ability. This approach also educates the individual, especially with regard to basic principles of energy and lifestyle. In this way, the strong TCM tradition of self-healing and prevention can be accessed and applied.
Using an energy approach to group healing requires a practitioner with very special skills. The ability to understand and manipulate energy is essential. He or she must be able to create an energy field and manage the energy involved so the group members can connect to each other. In ancient times, Qigong was an integral part of a TCM practitioner’s training. Over the millennia, the emphasis has increasingly turned toward technique and book knowledge, while the fundamental component of energy has receded and become relatively rare. However uncommon, doctors trained in energy principles—in Qigong—still practice TCM. It is these practitioners who are able to bring to group healing the powerful element of energy and fully use its qualities of
interconnectedness.
Ancient TCM concepts of related patterns or energies can be used when composing the members of a group. A key point is that the energy is more concentrated when all group members have a similar problem with the same source. This is where the ability to make an accurate diagnosis is crucial. TCM believes that external symptoms have an internal cause. Practitioners of TCM move beyond symptoms to find the source of a health problem. Similar symptoms do not necessarily mean similar root causes. For instance, two people can have a cough, but the internal cause of each can be completely different, and therefore each would be treated in a different way. This is why correct diagnosis is as important in a group setting as it is in individual treatments.
Using principles and practices based on natural law and a concept of the universe as an interconnected, holographic structure, TCM helps individuals connect to their innate healing ability and then connects them to the ultimate source of healing—the Universal. These connections are magnified to great benefit, both physically and spiritually, when practiced in a group. “Everybody has unlimited power, unlimited possibility,” states Dr. Nan Lu, a modern Qigong master. Traditional Chinese medicine and group healing form a strong and unique
combination that empowers any sincere seeker with virtually limitless healing potential.
The event passed without most people even taking notice. It was 1982, and at the University of Paris, physicist Alain Aspect led a research team in an experiment that turned things on their head—at least in terms of how reality and the world are understood. What they discovered was that under certain conditions subatomic particles can instantaneously communicate with each other no matter how great a distance between them. Whether they are ten centimeters or ten million miles apart, particles like electrons are aware of what the other is doing!
One of the most challenging aspects of this discovery was that it violated Einstein’s tenet that communication cannot travel faster than the speed of light. Traveling that fast is equal to breaking the time barrier, and so Aspect’s research prompted a great re-thinking in order to explain the results of his experiment: Just how is reality actually structured? Many weighed in, yet physicist David Bohm’s take was perhaps the most intriguing—universe as hologram. Bohm proposed that reality is an intricate hologram, where each part is not only inseparably connected to the greater whole, each part contains within itself the entire whole and is a
continuum of it. Each electron is able to communicate instantaneously with any other despite enormous distances because they are in fact not really two separate things but rather two parts of the same greater entity.
As surprising as it sounds, this concept most likely would not have come as a shock to the early Chinese sages. Thousands of years ago, the earliest practitioners of what evolved into traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) were deeply sensitive to the often-invisible connections between all things in nature. Out of this awareness emerged a profound view of healing that has at its center a dynamic understanding of the universe as a holographic structure and its fundamental quality of interconnection. “Ancient” TCM theories and principles reflect this “modern” paradigm. For example, TCM views the individual as a complete microcosm of the
macrocosm, and on a smaller scale, perceives some areas of the body—such as the ears, the hands, and the feet—to be microcosms of the entire body. Practically applied, the comprehension of a deeper, invisible reality as a supporting ground to the physical one we all experience is a key component of TCM treatment.
One secret the early Chinese sages intuited was that the very origin of our existence—where we come from and what we are all a part of—is also the most potent source for our healing. Everything we need, including everything we need to heal ourselves, is right there—or right here, depending on your perspective—in the Universal. But we have to open and rediscover our connection to it in order to access and receive its unlimited healing power. How can we do this?
One very powerful way is group healing. For most Westerners, the concept of group healing calls to mind a talk-oriented group therapy based on models of Western psychology. Group healing from the TCM perspective moves beyond the mind to include the all facets of the individual—body, mind, emotions, and spirit—and reestablishes their connection to the Universal, forming a truly holographic approach. The mechanism that enables this to occur is Qi.
Vital energy, what the Chinese call “Qi” (pronounced chee), is the life force that flows continuously throughout our body via meridians, a complex network of invisible energy pathways. The meridians link every single part of our body, forming it into an organic whole; through them each part can communicate with the rest— instantly. Qi links body, mind, emotions, and spirit, yet it also creates a continuity between each individual and the external world. Qi is the unifying force between all things, between material and nonmaterial states; through
Qi all things can communicate. Qi is the most important aspect of TCM treatment. It takes energy to heal. A quantity of energy—energy beyond the body’s everyday needs—must be accumulated. This energy, when concentrated and used, can create significant health changes.
There are two ways a TCM practitioner can approach group healing. One relies solely on technique. Essentially, the potential of energetic connection between group members is not used. The other approach is vastly different because it is based on principles of energy, not technique. By linking the individual Qi of each group member in a special way, a stronger, shared group energy is formed. This increases the energy available for each participant to heal. Here, the techniques of treatment such as acupuncture or Qigong (energy practice) are really
just tools to make the dynamic energy field stronger. For example, the TCM practitioner may have all the participants hold a certain Qigong posture. This technique builds each individual’s energy while making him or her more sensitive to the group energy, yielding many more healing benefits. Ultimately, the maximum benefit comes from a connection to the Universal energy field.
One special component of TCM is the quality of the relationship between doctor and patient. Many people wonder if this is lost in a group treatment setting. Energy-based group healing functions as an important transition to self-healing. Practitioners using this approach see a patient on an individual basis first before that person is placed in a healing group. This enables the doctor to understand the person’s overall condition and become familiar with his or her internal energy pattern. At an appropriate time after individual treatment, they can then begin group healing. Access to the high level of energy generated by the group further sparks the
person’s self-healing ability. This approach also educates the individual, especially with regard to basic principles of energy and lifestyle. In this way, the strong TCM tradition of self-healing and prevention can be accessed and applied.
Using an energy approach to group healing requires a practitioner with very special skills. The ability to understand and manipulate energy is essential. He or she must be able to create an energy field and manage the energy involved so the group members can connect to each other. In ancient times, Qigong was an integral part of a TCM practitioner’s training. Over the millennia, the emphasis has increasingly turned toward technique and book knowledge, while the fundamental component of energy has receded and become relatively rare. However uncommon, doctors trained in energy principles—in Qigong—still practice TCM. It is these practitioners who are able to bring to group healing the powerful element of energy and fully use its qualities of
interconnectedness.
Ancient TCM concepts of related patterns or energies can be used when composing the members of a group. A key point is that the energy is more concentrated when all group members have a similar problem with the same source. This is where the ability to make an accurate diagnosis is crucial. TCM believes that external symptoms have an internal cause. Practitioners of TCM move beyond symptoms to find the source of a health problem. Similar symptoms do not necessarily mean similar root causes. For instance, two people can have a cough, but the internal cause of each can be completely different, and therefore each would be treated in a different way. This is why correct diagnosis is as important in a group setting as it is in individual treatments.
Using principles and practices based on natural law and a concept of the universe as an interconnected, holographic structure, TCM helps individuals connect to their innate healing ability and then connects them to the ultimate source of healing—the Universal. These connections are magnified to great benefit, both physically and spiritually, when practiced in a group. “Everybody has unlimited power, unlimited possibility,” states Dr. Nan Lu, a modern Qigong master. Traditional Chinese medicine and group healing form a strong and unique
combination that empowers any sincere seeker with virtually limitless healing potential.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
The Shocking Truth About Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
Source: Dr Mercola website
It may come as a surprise to learn that what you find in a carton of 100% pure, not from concentrate orange juice is nothing like what you'd get if you squeezed an orange into a glass in your own kitchen. Instead, many popular orange juice brands use a chemical process to create juice that tastes and smells like oranges!
Source: Dr. Mercola website
Alissa Hamilton J.D, PhD, a Food and Society Policy Fellow with the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP), explains the ins and outs of mass-produced juice in her book, Squeezed: What You Don't Know About Orange Juice. It's a potent reminder of just how important it is to really understand how your food is manufactured and processed because the label tells neither the whole story nor the who
le truth...
If you think about it, if the orange juice was really freshly squeezed and packaged as is, the flavor would vary from batch to batch, because not every orange tastes exactly the same. Some are sweeter; others more sour. Also, each juice brand has a particular flavor that is uniquely 'theirs,' and the reason for this may throw you for a loop.
'Not from Concentrate' Doesn't Mean Less Processed
Generally speaking, whenever you buy a beverage that consistently tastes the same, you can be sure it's made using a patented recipe. And that recipe includes added flavors that may or may not fit the definition of natural.
In a previous article, Alissa Hamilton explains how your orange juice is really made:
"The technology of choice at the moment is aseptic storage, which involves stripping the juice of oxygen, a process known as "deaeration," so it doesn't oxidize in the million gallon tanks in which it can be kept for upwards of a year.
When the juice is stripped of oxygen it is also stripped of flavor-providing chemicals. Juice companies therefore hire flavor and fragrance companies, the same ones that formulate perfumes for Dior and Calvin Klein, to engineer flavor packs to add back to the juice to make it taste fresh."
The reason you don't see any mention on the label about added flavors is because these flavors are derived from orange essences and oils. However, the appearance of being natural doesn't necessarily mean it is. As Hamilton states:
"[T]hose in the industry will tell you that the flavor packs, whether made for reconstituted or pasteurized orange juice, resemble nothing found in nature."
The juice is also typically designed to appeal to the taste preferences of the market, and will therefore contain different flavor packs or chemicals depending on where it will eventually end up. According to Hamilton, the juice created for the North American market tends to contain high amounts of ethyl butyrate, which is one of the most commonly used chemicals in both flavors and fragrances. Aside from being versatile in creating a number of different flavors, including orange, cherry, pineapple, mango, guava, and bubblegum, just to name a few, it's also one of the least expensive.
Other markets, such as the Mexican and Brazilian, tends to contain different chemicals, such as various decanals or terpene compounds.
What's the Answer to Non-Transparency in Food Production?
If this makes you feel a bit dejected, you're probably not alone. However, I hope it will also make you think more about how your food is created, and perhaps nudge you into using a bit more discretion and critical thinking before you fall for the next glossy advertisement.
As Hamilton said in an interview last year:
"My intent was not to get people to stop drinking orange juice but [for them] to realize what it is they're drinking. People have a right to know how industrialized the process has become, so they can make decisions that are consistent with their values. Many who drink orange juice also have concerns about the environment and agriculture, but don't draw a connection. They might envision oranges growing in a Garden-of-Eden-like orchard in Florida, but I think if people took a trip to Bradenton, [the home of Tropicana, a product of PepsiCo] and went to the processing plants, then yeah, they might make different choices."
While it's certainly worth fighting for more transparency in the food industry and more truthful labeling, don't hold your breath. However, there is an obvious alternative by which you can circumvent many of these hidden issues, and that is to return to fresh whole organic foods.
When it comes to orange juice, squeezing your own at home would be about the only way to get the real thing. (You know you are buying a heavily processed juice if the "Best Before" date is 60 or more days in the future, because real fresh-squeezed orange juice will only last for a few days.)
That said, drinking orange juice, whether fresh-squeezed or not, is actually NOT as healthy as it sounds. In fact, orange juice is one of the top five "health" foods I recommend avoiding, especially if you're overweight, or have:
Insulin resistance or diabetes High blood pressure (hypertension) High cholesterol
Gout Heart disease Cancer
Why I Don't Recommend Fruit Juices
While oranges and fresh squeezed orange juice can be a good source of vitamins and other nutrients, it's also very high in fructose. In fact, one eight-ounce glass of orange juice has about eight full teaspoons of sugar and at least 50 percent of that sugar is fructose. That's almost as much as a can of soda, which contains approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar.
So one eight-ounce glass of orange juice will wallop your system with 25 grams of fructose, which is more than you should have the entire day. Since fructose is loaded into just about every processed food, it would be very difficult to avoid exceeding your daily fructose limit of 25 grams per day. Additionally fruit juice is far worse than the whole fruit, especially if it is not freshly juiced and is stored in containers, as the methanol in the juice will dissociate from the pectin and actually increase your risk of M.S.
Fructose has been identified as one of the primary culprits in the meteoric rise of obesity and related health problems, and while the majority of the problem is caused by the large quantities of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) added to so many processed foods and beverages, naturally-occurring fructose in fruit is also best avoided if you're struggling with stubborn weight issues or any of the diseases I just listed.
When the sugar is combined in its natural form in the whole fruit it causes far less of a problem, as the fiber tends to slow its absorption and prevents over consumption. But once you remove the fiber, you end up with a different product. Additionally, a lot of the antioxidants are also lost in the process—especially if it has been pasteurized, which most store bought juices are.
Therefore, as a general recommendation, I suggest avoiding fruit juices as much as possible, as they will spike your insulin to a far greater degree than a piece of whole fruit. As an illustration of the difference between whole fruits and fruit juices, one 2008 study concluded that:
"Consumption of green leafy vegetables and fruit was associated with a lower hazard of diabetes, whereas consumption of fruit juices may be associated with an increased hazard..."
As a standard recommendation for the average person, I advise keeping your total fructose consumption below 25 grams per day, with a maximum of 15 grams of fructose from whole fruit. However, if you're overweight or have any of the related health issues mentioned above, you'd be well served to cut that down to a total of 15 grams of fructose a day, including that from whole fruit. The following table can help you calculate your fructose from fruit consumption.
Fruit Serving Size Grams of Fructose
Limes 1 medium 0
Lemons 1 medium 0.6
Cranberries 1 cup 0.7
Passion fruit 1 medium 0.9
Prune 1 medium 1.2
Apricot 1 medium 1.3
Guava 2 medium 2.2
Date(Deglet Noor style) 1 medium 2.6
Cantaloupe 1/8 of med. melon 2.8
Raspberries 1 cup 3.0
Clementine 1 medium 3.4
Kiwifruit 1 medium 3.4
Blackberries 1 cup 3.5
Star fruit 1 medium 3.6
Cherries, sweet 10 3.8
Strawberries 1 cup 3.8
Cherries, sour 1 cup 4.0
Pineapple 1 slice 4.0
Grapefruit, pink or red 1/2 medium 4.3
Boysenberries 1 cup 4.6
Tangerine/mandarin orange 1 medium 4.8
Nectarine 1 medium 5.4
Peach 1 medium 5.9
Orange (navel) 1 medium 6.1
Papaya 1/2 medium 6.3
Honeydew 1/8 of med. melon 6.7
Banana 1 medium 7.1
Blueberries 1 cup 7.4
Date (Medjool) 1 medium 7.7
Apple (composite) 1 medium 9.5
Persimmon 1 medium 10.6
Watermelon 1/16 med. melon 11.3
Pear 1 medium 11.8
Raisins 1/4 cup 12.3
Grapes, seedless 1 cup 12.4
Mango 1/2 medium 16.2
Apricots, dried 1 cup 16.4
Figs, dried 1 cup 23.0
Health Dangers of Excessive Fructose Consumption
Numerous studies have linked high sugar/fructose consumption to a long list of health problems. Not only will fructose raise your insulin to chronically high levels over time, it also metabolizes differently from other sugars. Both of these facts significantly contribute to the creation of chronic diseases. Thanks to the excellent work of researchers like Dr. Robert Lustig, and Dr. Richard Johnson, we now know that fructose:
Is readily metabolized into fat
Tricks your body into gaining weight by fooling your metabolism, as it turns off your body's appetite-control system. Fructose does not appropriately stimulate insulin, which in turn does not suppress ghrelin (the "hunger hormone") and doesn't stimulate leptin (the "satiety hormone"), which together result in your eating more and developing insulin resistance.
Rapidly leads to weight gain and abdominal obesity ("beer belly"), decreased HDL, increased LDL, elevated triglycerides, elevated blood sugar, and high blood pressure—i.e., classic metabolic syndrome. For example, in one study, eating fructose raised triglyceride levels by 32 percent in men.
Over time leads to insulin resistance, which is not only an underlying factor of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, but also many cancers.
Contributes to the development of gout by increasing the levels of uric acid in your body. In one study, published last year, women who drank 12 ounces or more of orange juice a day doubled their risk of gout, and those who drank just six ounces of juice per day still increased their risk by 41 percent. A similar study on men was published in 2008. In that study, men who drank two or more sugary soft drinks a day had an 85 percent higher risk of gout than those who drank less than one a month. Fruit juice and fructose-rich fruits such as oranges and apples also increased the risk.
This is why I recommend paying equal attention to the fructose consumed in the form of fruit juices and even whole fruits, and not just that from soda and processed foods.
The Smoking Gun that Confirms Fructose as Major Health Hazard
The last bullet in particular is worth expounding on a little bit more. I became fully aware of the dramatic and devastating impact fructose has on your uric acid levels when I interviewed Dr. Richard Johnson on this topic, last year. As it turns out, elevated uric acid levels is a MAJOR component of several chronic diseases that have also been linked to fructose consumption, such diabetes and heart disease, just to name a couple. Lo and behold, recent research indicates that fructose is the ONLY type of sugar that will raise your uric acid levels, which really strengthens the theory that excessive fructose consumption is at the very heart of most, if not all, of these diseases.
In fact, it is the specific pathways used to metabolize fructose that generates the production of uric acid (fructose typically generates uric acid within minutes of ingestion). These pathways are entirely different from those used by glucose, and other sugars.
According to Dr. Johnson's research, uric acid appears to take on a lead role in creating health problems when it reaches levels in your body of 5.5 mg per dl or higher. At this level, uric acid is associated with an increased risk for developing high blood pressure, as well as diabetes, obesity and kidney disease. He believes the ideal range for uric acid lies between 3 to 5.5 mg per dl, so getting your uric acid levels tested can further help you determine just how strict you need to be with limiting your fructose consumption.
It may come as a surprise to learn that what you find in a carton of 100% pure, not from concentrate orange juice is nothing like what you'd get if you squeezed an orange into a glass in your own kitchen. Instead, many popular orange juice brands use a chemical process to create juice that tastes and smells like oranges!
Source: Dr. Mercola website
Alissa Hamilton J.D, PhD, a Food and Society Policy Fellow with the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP), explains the ins and outs of mass-produced juice in her book, Squeezed: What You Don't Know About Orange Juice. It's a potent reminder of just how important it is to really understand how your food is manufactured and processed because the label tells neither the whole story nor the who
If you think about it, if the orange juice was really freshly squeezed and packaged as is, the flavor would vary from batch to batch, because not every orange tastes exactly the same. Some are sweeter; others more sour. Also, each juice brand has a particular flavor that is uniquely 'theirs,' and the reason for this may throw you for a loop.
'Not from Concentrate' Doesn't Mean Less Processed
Generally speaking, whenever you buy a beverage that consistently tastes the same, you can be sure it's made using a patented recipe. And that recipe includes added flavors that may or may not fit the definition of natural.
In a previous article, Alissa Hamilton explains how your orange juice is really made:
"The technology of choice at the moment is aseptic storage, which involves stripping the juice of oxygen, a process known as "deaeration," so it doesn't oxidize in the million gallon tanks in which it can be kept for upwards of a year.
When the juice is stripped of oxygen it is also stripped of flavor-providing chemicals. Juice companies therefore hire flavor and fragrance companies, the same ones that formulate perfumes for Dior and Calvin Klein, to engineer flavor packs to add back to the juice to make it taste fresh."
The reason you don't see any mention on the label about added flavors is because these flavors are derived from orange essences and oils. However, the appearance of being natural doesn't necessarily mean it is. As Hamilton states:
"[T]hose in the industry will tell you that the flavor packs, whether made for reconstituted or pasteurized orange juice, resemble nothing found in nature."
The juice is also typically designed to appeal to the taste preferences of the market, and will therefore contain different flavor packs or chemicals depending on where it will eventually end up. According to Hamilton, the juice created for the North American market tends to contain high amounts of ethyl butyrate, which is one of the most commonly used chemicals in both flavors and fragrances. Aside from being versatile in creating a number of different flavors, including orange, cherry, pineapple, mango, guava, and bubblegum, just to name a few, it's also one of the least expensive.
Other markets, such as the Mexican and Brazilian, tends to contain different chemicals, such as various decanals or terpene compounds.
What's the Answer to Non-Transparency in Food Production?
If this makes you feel a bit dejected, you're probably not alone. However, I hope it will also make you think more about how your food is created, and perhaps nudge you into using a bit more discretion and critical thinking before you fall for the next glossy advertisement.
As Hamilton said in an interview last year:
"My intent was not to get people to stop drinking orange juice but [for them] to realize what it is they're drinking. People have a right to know how industrialized the process has become, so they can make decisions that are consistent with their values. Many who drink orange juice also have concerns about the environment and agriculture, but don't draw a connection. They might envision oranges growing in a Garden-of-Eden-like orchard in Florida, but I think if people took a trip to Bradenton, [the home of Tropicana, a product of PepsiCo] and went to the processing plants, then yeah, they might make different choices."
While it's certainly worth fighting for more transparency in the food industry and more truthful labeling, don't hold your breath. However, there is an obvious alternative by which you can circumvent many of these hidden issues, and that is to return to fresh whole organic foods.
When it comes to orange juice, squeezing your own at home would be about the only way to get the real thing. (You know you are buying a heavily processed juice if the "Best Before" date is 60 or more days in the future, because real fresh-squeezed orange juice will only last for a few days.)
That said, drinking orange juice, whether fresh-squeezed or not, is actually NOT as healthy as it sounds. In fact, orange juice is one of the top five "health" foods I recommend avoiding, especially if you're overweight, or have:
Insulin resistance or diabetes High blood pressure (hypertension) High cholesterol
Gout Heart disease Cancer
Why I Don't Recommend Fruit Juices
While oranges and fresh squeezed orange juice can be a good source of vitamins and other nutrients, it's also very high in fructose. In fact, one eight-ounce glass of orange juice has about eight full teaspoons of sugar and at least 50 percent of that sugar is fructose. That's almost as much as a can of soda, which contains approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar.
So one eight-ounce glass of orange juice will wallop your system with 25 grams of fructose, which is more than you should have the entire day. Since fructose is loaded into just about every processed food, it would be very difficult to avoid exceeding your daily fructose limit of 25 grams per day. Additionally fruit juice is far worse than the whole fruit, especially if it is not freshly juiced and is stored in containers, as the methanol in the juice will dissociate from the pectin and actually increase your risk of M.S.
Fructose has been identified as one of the primary culprits in the meteoric rise of obesity and related health problems, and while the majority of the problem is caused by the large quantities of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) added to so many processed foods and beverages, naturally-occurring fructose in fruit is also best avoided if you're struggling with stubborn weight issues or any of the diseases I just listed.
When the sugar is combined in its natural form in the whole fruit it causes far less of a problem, as the fiber tends to slow its absorption and prevents over consumption. But once you remove the fiber, you end up with a different product. Additionally, a lot of the antioxidants are also lost in the process—especially if it has been pasteurized, which most store bought juices are.
Therefore, as a general recommendation, I suggest avoiding fruit juices as much as possible, as they will spike your insulin to a far greater degree than a piece of whole fruit. As an illustration of the difference between whole fruits and fruit juices, one 2008 study concluded that:
"Consumption of green leafy vegetables and fruit was associated with a lower hazard of diabetes, whereas consumption of fruit juices may be associated with an increased hazard..."
As a standard recommendation for the average person, I advise keeping your total fructose consumption below 25 grams per day, with a maximum of 15 grams of fructose from whole fruit. However, if you're overweight or have any of the related health issues mentioned above, you'd be well served to cut that down to a total of 15 grams of fructose a day, including that from whole fruit. The following table can help you calculate your fructose from fruit consumption.
Fruit Serving Size Grams of Fructose
Limes 1 medium 0
Lemons 1 medium 0.6
Cranberries 1 cup 0.7
Passion fruit 1 medium 0.9
Prune 1 medium 1.2
Apricot 1 medium 1.3
Guava 2 medium 2.2
Date(Deglet Noor style) 1 medium 2.6
Cantaloupe 1/8 of med. melon 2.8
Raspberries 1 cup 3.0
Clementine 1 medium 3.4
Kiwifruit 1 medium 3.4
Blackberries 1 cup 3.5
Star fruit 1 medium 3.6
Cherries, sweet 10 3.8
Strawberries 1 cup 3.8
Cherries, sour 1 cup 4.0
Pineapple 1 slice 4.0
Grapefruit, pink or red 1/2 medium 4.3
Boysenberries 1 cup 4.6
Tangerine/mandarin orange 1 medium 4.8
Nectarine 1 medium 5.4
Peach 1 medium 5.9
Orange (navel) 1 medium 6.1
Papaya 1/2 medium 6.3
Honeydew 1/8 of med. melon 6.7
Banana 1 medium 7.1
Blueberries 1 cup 7.4
Date (Medjool) 1 medium 7.7
Apple (composite) 1 medium 9.5
Persimmon 1 medium 10.6
Watermelon 1/16 med. melon 11.3
Pear 1 medium 11.8
Raisins 1/4 cup 12.3
Grapes, seedless 1 cup 12.4
Mango 1/2 medium 16.2
Apricots, dried 1 cup 16.4
Figs, dried 1 cup 23.0
Health Dangers of Excessive Fructose Consumption
Numerous studies have linked high sugar/fructose consumption to a long list of health problems. Not only will fructose raise your insulin to chronically high levels over time, it also metabolizes differently from other sugars. Both of these facts significantly contribute to the creation of chronic diseases. Thanks to the excellent work of researchers like Dr. Robert Lustig, and Dr. Richard Johnson, we now know that fructose:
Is readily metabolized into fat
Tricks your body into gaining weight by fooling your metabolism, as it turns off your body's appetite-control system. Fructose does not appropriately stimulate insulin, which in turn does not suppress ghrelin (the "hunger hormone") and doesn't stimulate leptin (the "satiety hormone"), which together result in your eating more and developing insulin resistance.
Rapidly leads to weight gain and abdominal obesity ("beer belly"), decreased HDL, increased LDL, elevated triglycerides, elevated blood sugar, and high blood pressure—i.e., classic metabolic syndrome. For example, in one study, eating fructose raised triglyceride levels by 32 percent in men.
Over time leads to insulin resistance, which is not only an underlying factor of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, but also many cancers.
Contributes to the development of gout by increasing the levels of uric acid in your body. In one study, published last year, women who drank 12 ounces or more of orange juice a day doubled their risk of gout, and those who drank just six ounces of juice per day still increased their risk by 41 percent. A similar study on men was published in 2008. In that study, men who drank two or more sugary soft drinks a day had an 85 percent higher risk of gout than those who drank less than one a month. Fruit juice and fructose-rich fruits such as oranges and apples also increased the risk.
This is why I recommend paying equal attention to the fructose consumed in the form of fruit juices and even whole fruits, and not just that from soda and processed foods.
The Smoking Gun that Confirms Fructose as Major Health Hazard
The last bullet in particular is worth expounding on a little bit more. I became fully aware of the dramatic and devastating impact fructose has on your uric acid levels when I interviewed Dr. Richard Johnson on this topic, last year. As it turns out, elevated uric acid levels is a MAJOR component of several chronic diseases that have also been linked to fructose consumption, such diabetes and heart disease, just to name a couple. Lo and behold, recent research indicates that fructose is the ONLY type of sugar that will raise your uric acid levels, which really strengthens the theory that excessive fructose consumption is at the very heart of most, if not all, of these diseases.
In fact, it is the specific pathways used to metabolize fructose that generates the production of uric acid (fructose typically generates uric acid within minutes of ingestion). These pathways are entirely different from those used by glucose, and other sugars.
According to Dr. Johnson's research, uric acid appears to take on a lead role in creating health problems when it reaches levels in your body of 5.5 mg per dl or higher. At this level, uric acid is associated with an increased risk for developing high blood pressure, as well as diabetes, obesity and kidney disease. He believes the ideal range for uric acid lies between 3 to 5.5 mg per dl, so getting your uric acid levels tested can further help you determine just how strict you need to be with limiting your fructose consumption.
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