This week's news included a just released story from 2008! It seems Mexico refused a shipment of USDA meat because their testing found heavy metals (copper), pesticide residue, and antibiotic residue that did not meet their standards. What? The USDA passed it but Mexico did not? Sad indeed. Of course, the next question is what happened next. Nothing. So, the beef you are eating does not pass Mexico's standard for human consumption but it does in the US. So why did it take so long for us to hear about this? Well, according to the story in USA Today, an audit was just released that shows USDA meat is not adequately tested for these contaminants and limits have not been set by the USDA and the EPA. Below is a table from the article about the contaminants and the possible effects on humans.
Drug or substance
Potential side effects
Flunixin:
Fecal blood, gastrointestinal ulcers and renal necrosis
Penicillin:
Life-threatening allergic reaction; nerve damage; severe inflammation of the colon; swelling of the lips, tongue or face; bleeding; diarrhea
Arsenic:
Non-malignant skin lesions, skin malignancy, internal malignancies, vascular diseases and hypertension
Copper:
Hemolysis, jaundice, changes in lipid profile, oxidative stress, renal dysfunction and death
Ivermectin:
Poisoning of the nerves or nerve cells
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General
Now, go look up a source for organic meat and stop buying it at the grocery store!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Are energy drinks safe?
Mostly not- especially those sugary ones with 200-300 calories per can! Also, watch your caffeine intake. A small amount of caffeine has not been found to be harmful for most people, but large amounts, especially when used as a replacement for adequate sleep, can harm the adrenal glands and your heart and cardiovascular system.
Neways will be releasing a new energy drink with a blend of acai berries and other healthful fruits in June. I got to try some at the convention, and not only is it delicious, it didn't keep me up half the night with an "over-buzz" like so many other things I've tried.
Stay tuned for more information as this new product is released!
Neways will be releasing a new energy drink with a blend of acai berries and other healthful fruits in June. I got to try some at the convention, and not only is it delicious, it didn't keep me up half the night with an "over-buzz" like so many other things I've tried.
Stay tuned for more information as this new product is released!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Love where you are
Health is also a state of mind. Love what you do, love where you are. You can always create more in your life- but it has to be done from a positive state of mind. Visualize yourself doing exactly what you want to be doing every day- preferably before falling asleep. Imagine how you'll feel doing this, and exactly what will happen. What will people say about you? Use as much detail as possible. You can even record this and listen to it several times a day. I love the book by Richard Brooke "Mach II with your hair on fire". Read it and see if it doesn't help you too!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Healthy Tip
Stretching every day is a great way to keep the energy flowing and your spirits up. Incorporate at least one stretch to address every main muscle group, and don't forget your neck! Tension loves to hang out there. Breathe as you stretch and notice where your tension is. You can monitor your progress by noting how tension is less when you regularly stretch. Stretching regularly and systematically also improves muscle strength and balance.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Welcome!
I'm back from a host of other projects. You are probably here as a result of visiting my website- thank you for coming by! If you have not been to my website, go to www.holtholistichealing.com and check it out. I have lots of information and products I recommend for a variety of concerns. I am most concerned about your health and that of your family. Please send me a message if you have any questions.
My new office is doing great- and I really appreciate my new and returning clients. My first love is doing bodywork and energy therapies, but there are some aspects to health that you must address to help me help you.
The toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis are overwhelming and ubiquitous (that means they're everywhere). We can't avoid them all, but we can pick our battles. For the life of me, I do not understand how any mother can, in good conscience, expose her child to the toxins of common commercial baby products! Especially when Neways products are so affordable and so effective. I understand in these economic times that money is tight- so why not make it work for you? Why not open a FREE account with Neways, switch brands, and start making money back on things you already buy? AND protect your family and friends from the toxic ingredients of personal care products?
So, I say, turn off the toxic tap (stop putting known toxins on your skin and in your mouth) and then give your body what it needs to heal and stay healthy. Please contact me for information on how I can help you with this. You won't be disappointed!
My new office is doing great- and I really appreciate my new and returning clients. My first love is doing bodywork and energy therapies, but there are some aspects to health that you must address to help me help you.
The toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis are overwhelming and ubiquitous (that means they're everywhere). We can't avoid them all, but we can pick our battles. For the life of me, I do not understand how any mother can, in good conscience, expose her child to the toxins of common commercial baby products! Especially when Neways products are so affordable and so effective. I understand in these economic times that money is tight- so why not make it work for you? Why not open a FREE account with Neways, switch brands, and start making money back on things you already buy? AND protect your family and friends from the toxic ingredients of personal care products?
So, I say, turn off the toxic tap (stop putting known toxins on your skin and in your mouth) and then give your body what it needs to heal and stay healthy. Please contact me for information on how I can help you with this. You won't be disappointed!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Help for entreprenuers!
Here is a site sent to me to help small business people with their marketing. I think it's helpful and may be of value to you. I have a home business opportunity for people interested in helping others while you make a great living. There is no risk and tons of potential. I am currently writing a book on the subject of taking charge of your health. Bear with me while I complete this project, then I'll be back writing about the truth about health. In the meantime, please do check out this link and let me know what you think of it.
http://marketingyourprivatepractice.blogspot.com/
http://marketingyourprivatepractice.blogspot.com/
Saturday, June 6, 2009
The Safety of the Food We Eat
Cindy Holt, RN, LMT
I read an article recently that listed common ingredients in commercial food and drugs that should be avoided for very good reasons. This is not an exhaustive list, but it's a good start. I found lots of information on the internet- you should be able to check these facts easily.
The first is Yellow Dye #5 and #6. They are grouped together because they cause the same problems. Yellow Dye #5 is also called Tartrazine and #6 is also called Annatto. Both dyes have been banned in several European countries. They are known to cause allergic reactions, indigestion, clinical depression, anxiety, vision disturbances, a feeling of not being able to breathe, migraines, and possibly ADHD symptoms. It is commonly found in skim milk, Tang, canned fruit, yogurt, shampoo, makeup, toothpaste, aspirin, lotions, and packaged macaroni and cheese. This is not an exhaustive list, but some of the more subtle places. Any food colored yellow, brown, or green is suspect. It may or may not be listed on the label, as many companies use ingredients that contain yellow dyes but do not have to list their small amounts. Unfortunately, once one has become sensitive to any of the substances I’m about to talk about, a minute amount is all that is needed to produce the untoward effect.
Second on the list is saccharin. It is derived from coal tar and has been known to be carcinogenic since 1977. Coal tar is a petroleum product, and if you want to ingest gasoline, go ahead. But at least say you knew what it was.
Third is Red dye #3. Several sources I found stated all red dyes should be avoided by women. Red dyes are found in many foods as well as lipsticks. Many are derived from coal tar as well. Red dye has been linked to abnormal thyroid function, migraines, and ADHD. Some feel it is also linked to cancer.
Fourth on this list are hydrogenated oils. Many of you are aware of the dangers of hydrogenated oils, but don’t know exactly what they are. Basically, they are fats that used to be liquids at room temperature but now are solids, such as margarine and shortening. They are made by heating the oils (what causes them to degrade and form free radicals) then hydrogen gas is passed through it so the fatty acids acquire a hydrogen molecule. They contain high levels of trans fat, which is far more deadly than any saturated fat on the market, like butter. Trans fats interfere with critical metabolic functions and are known to accelerate plaque formation in arteries, or heart disease.
Fifth is MSG, or monosodium glutamate. It used to be commonly found in Chinese food, causing what was referred to as “Chinese food syndrome”. Although it must be listed on the label if in a product, it is also found hidden in “texturized vegetable protein” or “other natural flavors”. Since the FDA allows this to happen, the average consumer is unaware of the hidden dangers. MSG is in a category of substances referred to as “excitotoxins”. Dr. Russell Blaylock, a neurosurgeon, has written several books on this subject, one of which is titled “Excitotoxins”. It is his belief that the presence of these substances in foods can trigger the genes for neurological diseases such as MS, ALS, Alzheimers’, Parkinson’s, and seizures among many others. The toxic substances include Aspartame (Nutrasweet) and many other food additives. The book is easy to read and quite an eye-opener. If you don’t like the idea of exciting the neurons in your brain to death, you should read it.
Sixth on our “hit parade” is intersterified fat. This is a new method of modifying fat that has health advocates up in arms. It’s known to raise blood sugar while suppressing insulin in healthy persons, much like the condition of adult onset diabetes. It also lowers the “good” cholesterol, HDL, while it raises the “bad” cholesterol, LDL. This is exactly the opposite of what you want. Of course, its ability to improve shelf life, much like hydrogenated oils, is what commercial food companies like about it. And, given the FDA’s overwhelming concern for our health (that was sarcasm), it looks like it may pass FDA approval. Watch out!
Seventh on the list is high fructose corn syrup. Now, the commercial food industry has been trying to comfort you with TV commercials assuring you HFCS is “just sugar”. Uh huh. Well, it is closely linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The research on its disadvantages far outweigh the advantages, namely it’s cheap. Avoid it like the plague if you want to avoid diabetes.
Eighth is another pairing of like substances, BHA and BHT. Both are used as preservatives in baked goods and many other things. They are listed on the label as they are common allergens. Additionally, they are linked to cancer, and are endocrine disruptors. They are also commonly found in commercial pet food. Another reason I make my dog’s food. They are associated with health and behavior problems in pets and humans.
Ninth is aspartame, although I have already mentioned it as an excitotoxin. I personally have known 2 people whose MS-like symptoms resolved when they stopped using diet sodas and artificial sweeteners in general. But, aspartame has been linked to leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, paralysis, and OBESITY. It is NOT a good weight loss food. Recently, the dairy industry has asked to allow it to be added to flavored milk for school lunch programs. It seems the chocolate and strawberry milk they were using is too high in calories for recent calls to reduce obesity rates in children. This is in light of the fact a study, done by a prestigious European research center, was published in 2005. This 3 year study on 1800 rats, known as the Ramazzini Study, found aspartame to cause lymphoma and leukemia, and called it a “multipotential” carcinogen. Is this what you want your children consuming?
Tenth on this list is “Artificial Flavoring”, as found on ubiquitous labels in the grocery store. A quick internet search yielded far more information than I could relate here, but here’s a brief synopsis. This was an alphabetized list of individual substances, and I only got to the beginning of the “C’s”. Here’s what we KNOW to be true about those substances the FDA allows to be added to food and listed only as “artificial flavoring”. They may cause: liver damage, lung problems, DEATH, vertigo, coma, weakness, stomach upset, skin irritation, chest pain, headache, fatigue, poisoning, cancer, kidney failure, fetal death, loss of night vision, and did I mention DEATH??
Last, but certainly not least, is Acesulfame-K. This lovely little food additive is frequently added to Splenda to improve the sweetness of both. It is marketed as “Sweet One” and “Sunett”. Kraft adds sodium ferulate to mask the bitter taste of Acesulfame-K. Health advocates feel it is by far the most toxic of all the artificial sweeteners on the market, and when you read about the others, you know how bad it must be. It was released to the market by the FDA even though it was shown in multiple tests to be a carcinogen. It affects thyroid function in rats, rabbits, and dogs- so what do you think it might do to you? It is also linked to leukemia, chronic respiratory disease, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
I feel I need to add a note about Splenda. I found much of this information on the following website: http://www.truthaboutsplenda.com/. Splenda is a chlorinated artificial sweetener not found it nature. It is completely manufactured. A 2008 study at Duke University found it suppresses the normal bacteria that live in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to helping digest and absorb nutrients from food, these bacteria are essential to the health of your immune system. These adverse affects were found using the same dosages approved by the FDA, not some mega quantities that no one would ever consume. The manufacturer claims Splenda is not absorbed, but apparently up to 35% of it is, and stays in the body for up to 46 hours. This study is in question as the design is felt to be flawed. Neways, a company with high standards for safety, feels the very small amount they use is safe, based on current knowledge.
I read an article recently that listed common ingredients in commercial food and drugs that should be avoided for very good reasons. This is not an exhaustive list, but it's a good start. I found lots of information on the internet- you should be able to check these facts easily.
The first is Yellow Dye #5 and #6. They are grouped together because they cause the same problems. Yellow Dye #5 is also called Tartrazine and #6 is also called Annatto. Both dyes have been banned in several European countries. They are known to cause allergic reactions, indigestion, clinical depression, anxiety, vision disturbances, a feeling of not being able to breathe, migraines, and possibly ADHD symptoms. It is commonly found in skim milk, Tang, canned fruit, yogurt, shampoo, makeup, toothpaste, aspirin, lotions, and packaged macaroni and cheese. This is not an exhaustive list, but some of the more subtle places. Any food colored yellow, brown, or green is suspect. It may or may not be listed on the label, as many companies use ingredients that contain yellow dyes but do not have to list their small amounts. Unfortunately, once one has become sensitive to any of the substances I’m about to talk about, a minute amount is all that is needed to produce the untoward effect.
Second on the list is saccharin. It is derived from coal tar and has been known to be carcinogenic since 1977. Coal tar is a petroleum product, and if you want to ingest gasoline, go ahead. But at least say you knew what it was.
Third is Red dye #3. Several sources I found stated all red dyes should be avoided by women. Red dyes are found in many foods as well as lipsticks. Many are derived from coal tar as well. Red dye has been linked to abnormal thyroid function, migraines, and ADHD. Some feel it is also linked to cancer.
Fourth on this list are hydrogenated oils. Many of you are aware of the dangers of hydrogenated oils, but don’t know exactly what they are. Basically, they are fats that used to be liquids at room temperature but now are solids, such as margarine and shortening. They are made by heating the oils (what causes them to degrade and form free radicals) then hydrogen gas is passed through it so the fatty acids acquire a hydrogen molecule. They contain high levels of trans fat, which is far more deadly than any saturated fat on the market, like butter. Trans fats interfere with critical metabolic functions and are known to accelerate plaque formation in arteries, or heart disease.
Fifth is MSG, or monosodium glutamate. It used to be commonly found in Chinese food, causing what was referred to as “Chinese food syndrome”. Although it must be listed on the label if in a product, it is also found hidden in “texturized vegetable protein” or “other natural flavors”. Since the FDA allows this to happen, the average consumer is unaware of the hidden dangers. MSG is in a category of substances referred to as “excitotoxins”. Dr. Russell Blaylock, a neurosurgeon, has written several books on this subject, one of which is titled “Excitotoxins”. It is his belief that the presence of these substances in foods can trigger the genes for neurological diseases such as MS, ALS, Alzheimers’, Parkinson’s, and seizures among many others. The toxic substances include Aspartame (Nutrasweet) and many other food additives. The book is easy to read and quite an eye-opener. If you don’t like the idea of exciting the neurons in your brain to death, you should read it.
Sixth on our “hit parade” is intersterified fat. This is a new method of modifying fat that has health advocates up in arms. It’s known to raise blood sugar while suppressing insulin in healthy persons, much like the condition of adult onset diabetes. It also lowers the “good” cholesterol, HDL, while it raises the “bad” cholesterol, LDL. This is exactly the opposite of what you want. Of course, its ability to improve shelf life, much like hydrogenated oils, is what commercial food companies like about it. And, given the FDA’s overwhelming concern for our health (that was sarcasm), it looks like it may pass FDA approval. Watch out!
Seventh on the list is high fructose corn syrup. Now, the commercial food industry has been trying to comfort you with TV commercials assuring you HFCS is “just sugar”. Uh huh. Well, it is closely linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The research on its disadvantages far outweigh the advantages, namely it’s cheap. Avoid it like the plague if you want to avoid diabetes.
Eighth is another pairing of like substances, BHA and BHT. Both are used as preservatives in baked goods and many other things. They are listed on the label as they are common allergens. Additionally, they are linked to cancer, and are endocrine disruptors. They are also commonly found in commercial pet food. Another reason I make my dog’s food. They are associated with health and behavior problems in pets and humans.
Ninth is aspartame, although I have already mentioned it as an excitotoxin. I personally have known 2 people whose MS-like symptoms resolved when they stopped using diet sodas and artificial sweeteners in general. But, aspartame has been linked to leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, paralysis, and OBESITY. It is NOT a good weight loss food. Recently, the dairy industry has asked to allow it to be added to flavored milk for school lunch programs. It seems the chocolate and strawberry milk they were using is too high in calories for recent calls to reduce obesity rates in children. This is in light of the fact a study, done by a prestigious European research center, was published in 2005. This 3 year study on 1800 rats, known as the Ramazzini Study, found aspartame to cause lymphoma and leukemia, and called it a “multipotential” carcinogen. Is this what you want your children consuming?
Tenth on this list is “Artificial Flavoring”, as found on ubiquitous labels in the grocery store. A quick internet search yielded far more information than I could relate here, but here’s a brief synopsis. This was an alphabetized list of individual substances, and I only got to the beginning of the “C’s”. Here’s what we KNOW to be true about those substances the FDA allows to be added to food and listed only as “artificial flavoring”. They may cause: liver damage, lung problems, DEATH, vertigo, coma, weakness, stomach upset, skin irritation, chest pain, headache, fatigue, poisoning, cancer, kidney failure, fetal death, loss of night vision, and did I mention DEATH??
Last, but certainly not least, is Acesulfame-K. This lovely little food additive is frequently added to Splenda to improve the sweetness of both. It is marketed as “Sweet One” and “Sunett”. Kraft adds sodium ferulate to mask the bitter taste of Acesulfame-K. Health advocates feel it is by far the most toxic of all the artificial sweeteners on the market, and when you read about the others, you know how bad it must be. It was released to the market by the FDA even though it was shown in multiple tests to be a carcinogen. It affects thyroid function in rats, rabbits, and dogs- so what do you think it might do to you? It is also linked to leukemia, chronic respiratory disease, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
I feel I need to add a note about Splenda. I found much of this information on the following website: http://www.truthaboutsplenda.com/. Splenda is a chlorinated artificial sweetener not found it nature. It is completely manufactured. A 2008 study at Duke University found it suppresses the normal bacteria that live in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to helping digest and absorb nutrients from food, these bacteria are essential to the health of your immune system. These adverse affects were found using the same dosages approved by the FDA, not some mega quantities that no one would ever consume. The manufacturer claims Splenda is not absorbed, but apparently up to 35% of it is, and stays in the body for up to 46 hours. This study is in question as the design is felt to be flawed. Neways, a company with high standards for safety, feels the very small amount they use is safe, based on current knowledge.
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