Breastfeeding protects babies from formula-induced arsenic poisoning
Infant formula may be contaminated with arsenic, suggests a study conducted by researchers from Dartmouth College and published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives on February 23.
The study found that breastfed babies had lower levels of arsenic in their urine than formula-fed babies, even in areas where there was little arsenic contamination of local water supplies.
"This study's results highlight that breastfeeding can reduce arsenic exposure even at the relatively low levels of arsenic typically experienced in the United States," co-lead author Kathryn Cottingham said. "This is an important public health benefit of breastfeeding."
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that is a potent poison and can lead to serious health consequences even in small doses. It has been linked with hormone disruption, cancer and other diseases, and early childhood exposure has been connected with lower birth weight, infant death, and lowered cognitive function.
But prior studies have shown that even when mothers are exposed to high levels of arsenic, breast milk does not contain high levels of the poison. Instead, the body seems to actively filter it out of the milk.
70 percent of arsenic comes from formula
The Dartmouth researchers analyzed urine from 72 six-week old babies born to mothers who had been recruited in January 2009 while pregnant. Seventy percent of the babies were being exclusively breastfed, 13 percent exclusively formula fed and 17 percent being fed on a combination. The highest arsenic levels were found among formula-fed infants, and the lowest among breastfed infants.
The study was conducted in New Hampshire, where 40 percent of the public's drinking water comes from private wells. Unlike with public water supplies, there is no regulation of arsenic levels in private wells. Thus, the arsenic exposure in the formula-fed infants might be expected to come from well water used to reconstitute powdered formula.
Yet after sampling the participants' water supplies and reviewing published data on arsenic levels in area wells, the researchers concluded that an astonishing 70 percent of the arsenic detected in the study actually came from the powdered formula itself.
"In conclusion, our findings suggest that breastfed infants have lower exposure to arsenic than formula-fed infants, even when drinking water arsenic concentrations are low," the researchers wrote.
Although breastfeeding rates in the study were high, this is because the infants were tested at such a young age.
"We predict that population-wide arsenic exposure will increase during the second part of the first year of life as the prevalence of formula-feeding increases," co-lead author Courtney Carignan said.
How to protect your child
In the rare cases where a woman absolutely must formula feed, Cottingham suggests testing the local water supplies to make sure that it is not contaminated with arsenic. Yet this would not protect against contamination in the formula itself.
A healthier option all around, when possible, would be to get human milk from a certified milk bank.
Even after babies or young children have weaned, they remain at risk for arsenic exposure. In a June 2014 report, the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Committee on Nutrition warned that widespread arsenic contamination of rice poses a particular risk to infants and young children, who are often fed rice-based cereals and beverages. Rice ingredients, such as starch, are also commonly added to infant foods.
"That contributes to high exposure of infants and young children to inorganic arsenic which is two to three times higher than in adults," the report notes.
The report notes that neither the United States nor the European Union currently regulates the arsenic content of foods, not even foods meant for infants.
Sources:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/23/us-breastfeeding-arsenic-idUSKBN0LR0CW20150223
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/1408789/
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-02/dc-bfp021815.php
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140715142658.htm
https://www.hmbana.org/locations
Read more
Health Benefits of Blue Green Algae
Organic blue-green algae is one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet. Two varieties, spirulina and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, are the most consumed forms of blue green algae; which has superfood status due to high concentrations of proteins, vitamins and nutrients. [1]
How is Blue-Green Algae Cultivated?
Most blue-green algae products contain Aphanizomenon flos-aquae harvested from Upper Klamath Lake in southern Oregon. Harvesting is done during the summertime, June to November. The algae is filtered to preserve the most vibrant blooms and then further purified by centrifugation. The AFA is then chilled and sold frozen or dried at low temperatures and sold as a powder.
Natural Compounds in Organic Blue-Green Algae
Blue-green algae is 70% vegetable protein and has higher levels of beta-carotene than broccoli. The one-two punch potency of blue-green algae is that it contains a high concentration of nutrients- over 65 vitamins, minerals and enzymes and the complete spectrum of eight essential amino acids and ten nonessential amino acids… and they are all easily absorbed by the body. In fact up to 97% of the beneficial vitamins, minerals and enzymes found in blue-green algae are easily absorbed (some supplements are as low as 5-25% absorbable). AFA also contains the most biologically active chlorophyll of any known food.
Antioxidant Activity of Blue-Green Algae
Aphanizomenon flos-aquae is rich in compounds that provide antioxidants. A measurement called the “oxygen radical absorbance capacity” (ORAC) is used to determine free radical scavenging capacity of foods and other substances purported to contain antioxidants. Italy’s University of Urbino Carlo Bo applied the ORAC method to edible AFA. The outcome was positive in favor of researchers supporting the use of AFA as a dietary antioxidant supplement to relieve oxidative stress. [2]
The University of Urbino Carlo B conducted another study designed to evaluate the ability of AFA to provide defense against oxidative damage to normal human red blood cells and plasma. Results suggested AFA lowered oxidative damage in both. Furthermore, AFA delayed the depletion of enzymes that are beneficial to the body. [3]
A Japanese study found that a product containing blue-green algae from lake Klamath exhibited considerable antioxidant activity and was an effective adaptogenic; that is, a substance that helps the body adapt to protect against stressors. [4]
Blue-Green Algae and B12
There is some controversy over whether or not AFA is an effective source of vitamin B12. Many natural sources of vitamin B12 have been shown to be biologically inadequate. However, preliminary research conducted by Italy’s Department of Neurorehabilitation at Villa Salus Hospital evaluated the vitamin B12 levels of 15 vegan subjects who had supplemented with an algae product from Lake Klamath and found their B12 levels increased over a control group. Although not absolutely conclusive, researchers believed the preliminary research supported the argument that AFA is a reliable source of vitamin B12. [5]
Blue-Green Algae and Stem Cells
In adults, stem cells have the function of repairing damaged cells. Unfortunately, as we age, stem cells have a reduced restorative ability and are more vulnerable to oxidative stress. This results in the body being less able to repair itself. Based on previous studies that showed blue-green algae can modulate immune function in animals, the Department of Neurosurgery at USF investigated the effects of AFA on cultured human stem cells. Researchers noted that preliminary results suggested an ethanol extract of AFA may promote human stem cell proliferation. [6]
Potential Concerns about Blue Green Algae
Although blue-green algae is commonly consumed in the United States, Canada, and Europe, some concern has been voiced about the potential for presence of microcystin, a toxic byproduct of blue-green algae. In response, the Oregon Health Division and the Oregon Department of Agriculture have established regulatory limits on microcystin content in BGA products. [7] As with most products, if you’re pregnant or nursing, it’s a good idea to first consult your health care provider before supplementing with blue-green algaehttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=34193.
You should only consume AFA and spirulina from trusted and reputable suppliers. I personally use and recommend E3Live, which is harvested from Lake Klamath. E3 is a stand-up company I trust because of their solid ethical foundation and practices. If you choose to supplement with blue-green algae, you won’t be disappointed in the quality of their product.
by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM
References:
1. Kay RA. Microalgae as food and supplement http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1741951. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 1991;30(6):555-73. Review.
2. Benedetti S, Benvenuti F, Scoglio S, Canestrari F. Oxygen radical absorbance capacity of phycocyanin and phycocyanobilin from the food supplement Aphanizomenon flos-aquae http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20136460. J Med Food. 2010 Feb;13(1):223-7. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2008.0257.
3. Benedetti S, Benvenuti F, Pagliarani S, Francogli S, Scoglio S, Canestrari F. Antioxidant properties of a novel phycocyanin extract from the blue-green alga Aphanizomenon flos-aquae http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15350832. Life Sci. 2004 Sep 24;75(19):2353-62.
4. Sedriep S, Xia X, Marotta F, Zhou L, Yadav H, Yang H, Soresi V, Catanzaro R, Zhong K, Polimeni A, Chui DH. Beneficial nutraceutical modulation of cerebral erythropoietin expression and oxidative stress: an experimental study http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21880207. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2011 Apr-Jun;25(2):187-94.
5. Baroni L, Scoglio S, Benedetti S, Bonetto C, Pagliarani S, Benedetti Y, Rocchi M, Canestrari F. Effect of a Klamath algae product (“AFA-B12”) on blood levels of vitamin B12 and homocysteine in vegan subjects: a pilot study http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20108213. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2009 Mar;79(2):117-23. doi: 10.1024/0300-9831.79.2.117.
6. Shytle DR, Tan J, Ehrhart J, Smith AJ, Sanberg CD, Sanberg PR, Anderson J, Bickford PC. Effects of blue-green algae extracts on the proliferation of human adult stem cells in vitro: a preliminary study http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20037479. Med Sci Monit. 2010 Jan;16(1):BR1-5.
7. Gilroy DJ, Kauffman KW, Hall RA, Huang X, Chu FS. Assessing potential health risks from microcystin toxins in blue-green algae dietary supplementshttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10811570. Environ Health Perspect. 2000 May;108(5):435-9.
Read more
Millions of Americans are misdiagnosed with cancer when they
A bombshell report commissioned by the National Cancer Institute claims that the country's four-decade "War on Cancer" has largely been waged against "a vastly misunderstood 'enemy,' that in many cases represented no threat to human health whatsoever."
As reported by the Sleuth Journal, which has been covering the cancer issue, particularly "the dark side of breast cancer awareness month," what is needed to correct this injustice is a "complete reclassification of some types of 'breast cancer' http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/cc/breastcancer.php as benign lesions," such as "ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)." In addition, the Journal says it has repeatedly pointed out that breast screenings are not only themselves highly carcinogenic, but have also led to an "epidemic of 'overdiagnosis' and 'overtreatment' in U.S. women," amounting to about 1.3 million cases over the past three decades.
[Reporter's note: Natural News editor Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, really brought that latter point home when he took Angelina Jolie to task in 2013 over her allegedly preventive double mastectomy. http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=83&t=30971
In recent days, a panel commissioned by the National Cancer Institute published its report http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1722196 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) confirming that everyone should stop calling low-risk lesions like DCIS and high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) "cancer."
Reclassifying low-risk lesions has
wide-reaching implications
The following are the far and wide-reaching implications to this recommendation, as reported by the Sleuth Journal:
- As noted, millions of women in the U.S. alone have been diagnosed with DCIS, while millions of men have been diagnosed with HGPIN. Subsequently, these people have been mistreated. "Are they now to be retroactively reclassified as 'victims' of iatrogenesis, with legal recourse to seek compensation?"
- All who decide to engage in a cancer screening henceforth should now reconsider, and then weigh, risks and benefits of so-called "preventive" treatment strategies, given that the likelihood of being diagnosed with a false positive over the course of 10 years is already more than 50 percent http://www.greenmedinfo.com/article/cumulative-probability-false-positive-recall-or-biopsy-recommendation-after--0 for those undergoing annual breast cancer screenings.
- This will mean that the "breast cancer awareness" industry will have to change its message, "as it is theoretically culpable for the overdiagnosis and overtreatment of millions of U.S. women by propagating an entirely false concept of cancer."
Further, Medscape notes, as quoted by Sleuth Journal:
"The practice of oncology in the United States is in need of a host of reforms and initiatives to mitigate the problem of overdiagnosis and overtreatment of cancer, according to a working group sanctioned by the National Cancer Institute.
"Perhaps most dramatically, the group says that a number of premalignant conditions, including ductal carcinoma in situ and high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, should no longer be called 'cancer.'"
New documentary seeks to reveal truth
On the heels of this groundbreaking report comes additional research in the form of an exclusive online documentary called "The Truth About Cancer: A Global Quest"https://go.thetruthaboutcancer.com/?a_aid=1587332 set to begin on October 13. According to its promotional video, the documentary consists of a nine-part series featuring a number of alternative and holistic medical experts who all have proven track records of treating cancer successfully, without poisonous chemotherapyhttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=91, medicines or harmful surgery.
"What if there is a better way? What if we do not have to suffer?" says the video's narrator as the documentary's agenda and objectives are introduced. "What if people are tragically dying without having access to what truly works? What if there are more effective treatments and prevention that will make cancer a disease of the past?"
The conference promises to be "an epic journey of a lifetime" in which information that is sure to "shock you" will be presented, the narrator says.
Lastly, the conference website adds that "When over 100 doctors, researchers, scientists and survivors from across the globe come together in unity and reveal for the first time their amazing new findings and the truth about cancer, it's not just news — it's a movement."
Sign up for free here https://go.thetruthaboutcancer.com/?a_aid=1587332.
Sources used:
http://www.thesleuthjournal.com/millions-wrongly-treated-for-cancer-national-cancer-institute-panel-confirms/
https://go.thetruthaboutcancer.com/?a_aid=1587332
http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=83&t=30971
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1722196
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/article/cumulative-probability-false-positive-recall-or-biopsy-recommendation-after--0
Read more
12 High Fiber Foods That Cleanse Your Colon Naturally
We all know that fiber is good for us, but often times, it can be difficult to meet the daily recommended amount of fiber. Eating high fiber foods is a great way to regulate your digestive tract, as well as reduce your chances of developing heart disease and diabetes.
Below is a list of high fiber foods, all of which will instantly improve your diet, as well as help cleanse your colon naturally.
1. Beans
Beans are one of the best high fiber foods you can add to your diet, as they are very high in insoluble fiber, which can help to lower cholesterol. One cup of black beans will provide you with approximately 60% of your daily recommended amount.
2. Broccoli
Broccoli is another great addition to your diet. It’s naturally high in antioxidants, available year-round and is not only a great high fiber food, but also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K. One cup of broccoli will provide you with approximately 20% your daily reccommended amount.
3. High-fiber cereal
Modern technology has created high fiber cereals that actually taste good! Eat a bowl of high fiber cereal with skim milk for a nutritious and filling snack. Throw in strawberries and bananas for extra nutritional benefits.
4. Apples
While apples have only moderate fiber, they contain excellent phytonutrients that interact with the fiber to create the same beneficial effects as a high-fiber food, like lowering your blood fat levels. It’s recommended that you buy organic apples when possible.
5. Pistachios
Raw nuts, especially pistachios, make a great snack. Just one ounce of pistachios contains three grams of fiber! And they’re great for fatty oils, also.
6. Artichokes
Artichokes are extremely versatile, and just one large artichoke contains approximately 6-7 grams of fiber. They’re also a good source of potassium, vitamin C and folate.
Raspberries
7. Raspberries
Not only are they tasty, but just one cup of raspberries contains six grams of fiber. They also contain 54% of your daily value of vitamin C. Berries are another food that is recommended you buy organic.
8. Whole-grain flour
Unlike its white counterpart, whole-grain flour has not been stripped of its fiber and other nutrients. In a 120-gram serving of whole grain flour, there are fifteen grams of fiber.
9. Bananas
One large banana will provide you with approximately12-20% of your daily recommended amount of fiber, not to mention vitamin C and vitamin A. If you’re feeling constipated, eating a banana may give you quick relief! And the great part? Bananas are the perfect snack for when you’re on the go!
10. Split peas
In just one cup of cooked split peas, there is a whopping 16 grams of fiber. Want to up your fiber intake? Invest in split peas immediately, as one cup will provide you approximetely 65% of your daily recommended amount!
11. Avocados
In just one medium-sized avocado, there are approximately 10-12 grams of fiber, not to mention a wide variety of other beneficial nutrients. The plus? Avocados are extremely versatile. Add a slice to a sandwich or whip up some guacamole! Read more
Children may 'inherit' their mothers' diets
Recent studies suggest that a mother’s food habits during pregnancy have an impact on her child’s future food preferences.
More and more often, we are seeing reports from scientists that high-sugar and high-fat foods influence the reward pathways in the brain – in essence, these foods have addictive properties. Human brain imaging studies have confirmed that overeating and addictive eating behaviors are associated with abnormal brain activity in dopamine reward circuits, and this is similar to the activity characteristic of drug addiction.1-3
One recent study has taken this data a step further – they have shown that consumption of a high-sugar, high-fat diet (junk food diet) by pregnant rats actually affected the development of the reward system in the brains of their pups. When given a choice between standard food and junk food, the pups whose mothers were fed junk food chose to consume more junk food than other pups.4
These food preferences may be learned by the fetus through its developing sense of smell. The development of the smell-processing area of the mouse pup’s brain (called the olfactory bulb) is influenced by scents that are concentrated in amniotic fluid, and these scents are determined in part by the mother’s diet. In another recent study, a more flavorful diet containing stronger scents given to pregnant and nursing mice resulted in enhanced development of the olfactory bulb in their pups. Also, when given a choice of food, these pups had a strong preference for the same diet their mothers had, whereas other pups had no preference.5
These studies suggest that a mother is actually able to “teach” her babies which foods are desirable based on what she eats during pregnancy and nursing.
Earlier studies found additional detrimental health effects on rat pups whose mothers ate a junk food diet (a diet composed of high-sugar, high-fat foods designed for human consumption) during pregnancy and nursing: these pups were more likely to be obese, were subject to more oxidative stress, were more likely to develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and had impaired muscle development.6-9 Human studies have shown that parental obesity is associated with obesity at 7 years of age, and gestational weight gain is associated with body mass index at 3 years of age.10, 11 The overall message is that the eating habits of parents significantly affect children.
Of course, we cannot extrapolate the results of animal studies directly to humans. However, these results do highlight the simple fact that the health of a developing baby is closely linked to the health of its mother. Women do require extra calories when pregnant and nursing – we have all heard of the phrase “eating for two.” These studies suggest that if the extra caloric requirement is met with oil-rich processed foods and sugary desserts instead of calorie dense whole plant foods, the baby’s food preferences and long-term health may be affected. Read more
Iodine Deficiency During Pregnancy Impacts Children’s Brain
You probably know that pregnant women are encouraged to take additional vitamins and minerals for the sake of their baby’s development. Folic acid, calcium, and iron have long been considered the holy trinity of prenatal wellness. But here’s one you may not be so familiar with: iodine.
Iodine is Necessary for Good Health
Though its health benefits have long been known, new research is now indicating that iodine deficiency in pregnant women can have significant negative effects on unborn children’s brain development.
Iodine is an important mineral necessary for making thyroid hormones — the hormones that regulate growth and development. According to the National Institutes of Health, thyroid hormones, and thus iodine, are also necessary for adequate bone and brain development from pregnancy through infancy. [1]
New Findings Suggest Many Pregnant Women Are Deficient
According to a new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), approximately one third of pregnant women are at least mildly deficient in iodine. [2] This deficiency can be dangerous to the unborn baby and could negatively affect the child’s metabolism, leading to impairments in his or her motor skill and cognitive functions and, sometimes, irreversible mental damage. According to the journal Nutrients, “Iodine deficiency can be defined as the world’s greatest single cause of preventable brain damage.” [3]
The Rise of Supplements
Inspired by the findings of this study, news sources that have historically discouraged supplement use, such as Reuters and AAP’s own Pediatrics journal, are now encouraging pregnant and nursing women to take iodine supplements. [4] They suggest that pregnant and nursing women ingest at least 290 micrograms of iodine each day.
Pediatricians maintain that women should only use supplements in addition to, not as replacements for, an iodine-rich diet. AAP still recommends that pregnant and nursing women ingest iodine naturally as much as possible. However, the primary sources of dietary iodine — dairy, seafood, and iodized salt — may not be appropriate for everyone, including vegans and those who wish to avoid hormone additives, toxic metals, and other chemicals found in those food sources; making supplemental iodine even more important.
By simply adding nascent iodine, the best form of supplemental iodine, to their prenatal care routines, pregnant women will have one less nutritional need to worry about. Be aware that, like everything, there is an upper limit to how much iodine you should consume and no point in consuming more than your body needs. [5] Read more
