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Alternative Health
The belief that the body is fully capable of ridding itself of any and all disease. Practitioners and followers of Alternative health apply this belief by increasing the health of the body. Oriental Medicine, Herbs, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Massage Therapy, Aromatherapy, Chiropractic, Holistic, Herbalism, Homeopathy, Reflexology, Reiki, Shiatsu, and many, many more.
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Curry
I don't have high blood pressure, but thought this article would be helpful for those that do~
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Emu Oil for sprained necks and more..
Last week I somehow sprained my neck during my sleep, and woke up with a very stiff, painful neck. Taking Advil did not touch it! I went to see my Chiropractor who assured me that it would get better, and adjusted me ( not with crunching but with a tool that he uses to 'tap' and get me back into adjustment.
I had all the usual, Arnica, Tiger Balm, Traumeel, etc but they just numbed it a bit, and by the next day I was ready to jump out of my skin it hurt so badly.
I did some research on line, and read that Pure Emu Oil helped a woman with the same problem. I had some, and put it on the back of my neck, took two advil and went to bed. It was hard going to sleep but in the morning, the pain was gone! Two more days later, with continued use of Emu oil, and I was back to normal.
I wanted to share this with my group as I am hardly ever sick, but this stumped me. When you are in pain it's hard to seek answers, but I did and found it.
Also, Lobelia Tincture, taken internally helps relax the muscles and relieves spasms.
Emu oil is also good for arthritis, bursitis, burns, rashes, itching, dry skin and much more.
If you have a Positive story to share with Emu oil, please feel free to post it here!
I had all the usual, Arnica, Tiger Balm, Traumeel, etc but they just numbed it a bit, and by the next day I was ready to jump out of my skin it hurt so badly.
I did some research on line, and read that Pure Emu Oil helped a woman with the same problem. I had some, and put it on the back of my neck, took two advil and went to bed. It was hard going to sleep but in the morning, the pain was gone! Two more days later, with continued use of Emu oil, and I was back to normal.
I wanted to share this with my group as I am hardly ever sick, but this stumped me. When you are in pain it's hard to seek answers, but I did and found it.
Also, Lobelia Tincture, taken internally helps relax the muscles and relieves spasms.
Emu oil is also good for arthritis, bursitis, burns, rashes, itching, dry skin and much more.
If you have a Positive story to share with Emu oil, please feel free to post it here!
A Natural Anti Bacteria
Natural Anti Bacteria
Cranberries, a staple food source with settlers and Native Americans in the northeast, were valued for their thick skins, allowing them to survive harsh winter climates. Our predecessors regularly made Pemmicam, a cake of nuts, cranberries and dried, gamy meats, such as venison and bear. Back then, cranberries was also prized for their medicinal properties. They were prescribed to treat fevers, stomach upsets, as well as swelling and inflammation. And for centuries, people turned to cranberries as a natural way to prevent urinary tract and bladder infections.
Today, a growing body of scientific research is proving what they understood all along: Cranberries help fight infections and disease. Studies confirm that cranberries may fight a range of infections, from strep and E. coli to oral bacteria that cause cavities. But we're also learning that cranberries are a very rich source of polyphenol antioxidants, a class of phytochemicals that researchers think could have significant benefits to our cardivascular and immune systems. They contain three different types of flavonols that are shown to suppress the growth of some cancer cells.
Scientists also have a better understanding of how cranberries work in our systems. The berry contains chemical compounds known as Proanthocyanidins, which bind to bacteria and coat them, preventing them from forming colonies in our bodies.
Cranberry juice can help people with the H. pylori, the bacteria strain that leads to ulcers and sticking to the linings of the stomach and intestines.
Like any "medication," be aware that they could have negative side effects. Some people can't tolerate them as well as others and are prone to stomach upsets and diarrhea. Also, there's evidence that blood thinning drugs are contraindicated in some cases.
Nutritionally, Cranberries are loaded with vitamin C and a good source of fiber. A half cup only has 23 calories.
And as we all know, a low calorie count is always a welcome relief around the holidays.
Cranberries, a staple food source with settlers and Native Americans in the northeast, were valued for their thick skins, allowing them to survive harsh winter climates. Our predecessors regularly made Pemmicam, a cake of nuts, cranberries and dried, gamy meats, such as venison and bear. Back then, cranberries was also prized for their medicinal properties. They were prescribed to treat fevers, stomach upsets, as well as swelling and inflammation. And for centuries, people turned to cranberries as a natural way to prevent urinary tract and bladder infections.
Today, a growing body of scientific research is proving what they understood all along: Cranberries help fight infections and disease. Studies confirm that cranberries may fight a range of infections, from strep and E. coli to oral bacteria that cause cavities. But we're also learning that cranberries are a very rich source of polyphenol antioxidants, a class of phytochemicals that researchers think could have significant benefits to our cardivascular and immune systems. They contain three different types of flavonols that are shown to suppress the growth of some cancer cells.
Scientists also have a better understanding of how cranberries work in our systems. The berry contains chemical compounds known as Proanthocyanidins, which bind to bacteria and coat them, preventing them from forming colonies in our bodies.
Cranberry juice can help people with the H. pylori, the bacteria strain that leads to ulcers and sticking to the linings of the stomach and intestines.
Like any "medication," be aware that they could have negative side effects. Some people can't tolerate them as well as others and are prone to stomach upsets and diarrhea. Also, there's evidence that blood thinning drugs are contraindicated in some cases.
Nutritionally, Cranberries are loaded with vitamin C and a good source of fiber. A half cup only has 23 calories.
And as we all know, a low calorie count is always a welcome relief around the holidays.
Stevia is a Natural Sweetener
I love this natural sweetener, it's an herb that has health benefits as well~
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Stevia is a South American herb that has been used as a sweetener by the Guarani Indians of Paraguay for hundreds of years. The leaves of this small, green Stevia rebaudiana plant have a delicious and refreshing taste that can be 30 times sweeter than sugar.
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Stevia is a South American herb that has been used as a sweetener by the Guarani Indians of Paraguay for hundreds of years. The leaves of this small, green Stevia rebaudiana plant have a delicious and refreshing taste that can be 30 times sweeter than sugar.
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Agave Nectar
Agave Nectar
For those who don't already know ( and I didn't till just a few days ago ), Agave Nectar is a natural sweetener produced from the blue agave plant that thrives in the volanic soils of Southern Mexico. The same plant is also the source of Tequila.
One of the best things about Agave Nectar ( sometimes called Agave Syrup ) is that it is one of the least refined sweeteners out there.
Agave Nectar has fewer calories than regular sugar and may be a healthier option for people who suffer from diabetes and hypoglycemia because it is lower much lower on the glycemic index than most sweeteners. Still, it does contain high levels of fructose and the glycemic index only measures glucose levels. That said, it's very tasty. It's a bit like honey, but has its own kind of meadowish flavor. ( That's better than it sounds. ) To me, it isn't as sweet as honey or sugar but it does have lots of flavor.
Fellow converts can find a handy conversion chart at allaboutagave.com, which lists substitution amounts for a variety of sugars and sweeteners. It is supposed to be great in baked goodies. I'm not much of a baker, but I plan to keep a bottle handy from now on. Especially after learning that it dissolves easily in cold drinks. Now if only it would warm up enough to make some mint sun tea spiked with agave nectar.
For those who don't already know ( and I didn't till just a few days ago ), Agave Nectar is a natural sweetener produced from the blue agave plant that thrives in the volanic soils of Southern Mexico. The same plant is also the source of Tequila.
One of the best things about Agave Nectar ( sometimes called Agave Syrup ) is that it is one of the least refined sweeteners out there.
Agave Nectar has fewer calories than regular sugar and may be a healthier option for people who suffer from diabetes and hypoglycemia because it is lower much lower on the glycemic index than most sweeteners. Still, it does contain high levels of fructose and the glycemic index only measures glucose levels. That said, it's very tasty. It's a bit like honey, but has its own kind of meadowish flavor. ( That's better than it sounds. ) To me, it isn't as sweet as honey or sugar but it does have lots of flavor.
Fellow converts can find a handy conversion chart at allaboutagave.com, which lists substitution amounts for a variety of sugars and sweeteners. It is supposed to be great in baked goodies. I'm not much of a baker, but I plan to keep a bottle handy from now on. Especially after learning that it dissolves easily in cold drinks. Now if only it would warm up enough to make some mint sun tea spiked with agave nectar.
Toxic Warning
Usually I would write something that would be different and give you something that is to be done as and Alternative to what has been done in the past. This one is Factual and more preventive than a healthy alternative.
THIS IS A Toxic Health Warning!
Sorbitol, Aspartane and Splenda: The Public Health Experiment
“Low–sugar” is the successor to the “low carb” craze, even though they are essentially the same thing. By the end of this summer 2009, 11% of the food items on supermarket shelves will be labeled “reduced sugar”, most of those targeted at kids and their health-conscious moms.
Sales in granulated sugar have dropped four percent in the past six months.
What’s behind this trend? Splenda
Splenda.
Products featuring Splenda are perceived as “natural” because even the FDA’s press release about sucralose parrots the claim that “it is made from sugar”, an assertion disputed by the Sugar Association, which is suing Splenda’s manufacturer, McNeil Nutritionals.
The FDA has no definition for “natural,” so please bear with us for a biochemistry moment: Splenda is the trade name for Sucralose, a synthetic compound stumbled upon in 1976 by scientists in Britain seeking a new pesticide formulation. It is true that the Splenda molecule is comprised of Sucrose ( sugar ), except that three of the hydroxyl groups in the molecule have been replaced by three chlorine atoms. While some industry experts claim the molecule is similar to table salt or sugar, other independent researchers say it has more in common with pesticides. That’s because the bonds holding the carbon and chlorine atoms together are more characteristic of a chlorocarbon than a salt and most pesticides are chlorocarbons.
The premise offered next is that just because something contains chlorine doesn’t guarantee that it’s toxic. And that is also true, but you and your family may prefer not to serve as test subjects for the latest post market artificial sweetener experiment, however “unique.”
( Look up an article on the web on endocrine disruptors for more information on toxins and persistent organic pollutants.)
Once it gets to the gut, sucralose goes largely unrecognized in the body as food, that’s why it has no calories. The majority of people don’t absorb a significant amount of Splenda in their small intestine, about 15% by some accounts. The irony is that your body tries to clear unrecognizable substances by digesting them, so it’s not unlikely that the healthier your gastrointestinal system is, the more you’ll absorb the chlorinated molecules of Splenda.
Is Splenda safe?
The truth is we just don’t know yet. There are no long-term studies of the side effects of Splenda in humans. The manufacturer’s own short term studies showed that very high doses of sucralose ( far beyond what would be expected in an ordinary diet ) caused shrunken thymus glands, enlarged livers and kidney disorders in rodents. ( A more recent study also shows that Splenda significantly decreases beneficial gut flora. ) But in this case, the FDA decided that because these studies weren’t based on human test animals, they were not conclusive. Of course, rats had been chosen for the testing specifically because they metabolize sucralose more like humans than any other animal used for testing. In other words, the FDA has tried to have it both ways, they accepted the manufacturer’s studies on rats because the manufacturer had shown that rats and humans metabolize the sweetener in similar ways, but shrugged off the safety concerns on the grounds that rats and humans are different.
In my view, determining that something is safe ( or not ) in laboratory rats isn’t a definitive answer, as we’ve seen countless examples of foods and drugs that have proved dangerous to humans that were first found to be safe in laboratory rats, both in short and long term studies.
Here are two other reasons for the concern:
First, in the eleven years after Splenda was put on the market, no independent studies of sucralose lasting more than six months have been done in humans.
Second, none of the trials that were done was very large, the largest was 128 people studied for three months, making you wonder, what happens when you’ve used sucralose for a year or two or ten? Then there’s the fact that Splenda, as a product, consists of more than just sucralose, it’s made with dextrose, and sometimes also with maltodextrin, neither of which were included in the original studies and trials of sucralose.
The reality is that we are the guinea pigs for Splenda.
And now, are our children the next trial group? Thanks to an agreement between McNeil Nutritionals ( makers of Splenda ) and PTO Today, which provides marketing and fund raising aid to parents’ associations, your elementary school’s next bake sale may be sponsored by Splenda, complete with baked goods made with the product.
Splenda Side Effects
Evidence that there are side effects of Splenda is accumulating little by little. Sucralose has been implicated as a possible migraine trigger, for example. Self reported adverse reactions to Splenda or Sucralose collected by the Sucralose Toxicity Information Center include skin rashes/flushing, panic like agitation, dizziness and numbness, diarrhea, swelling, muscle aches, headaches, intestinal cramping, bladder issues and stomach pain. These show up at one end of the spectrum, in the people who have an allergy or sensitivity to the sucralose molecule. But no one can say to what degree consuming Splenda affects the rest of us and there are no long term studies in humans with large numbers of subjects to say one way or the other if it’s safe for everyone.
If this sounds familiar, it should: we went down the same path with Aspartame, the main ingredient in Equal and NutraSweet. Almost all of the independent research into aspartame found dangerous side effects in rodents. The FDA chose not to take these findings into account when it approved aspartame for public use. Over the course of 15 years, those same side effects increasingly appeared in humans. Not in everyone, of course, but in those who were vulnerable to the chemical structure of aspartame.
Note: Food additives, artificial sweeteners are not subject to the same gauntlet of FDA safety trials as pharmaceuticals.
Most of the testing is funded by the food industry, which has a vested interest in the outcome. This can lead to misleading claims on both sides.
But one thing is certain: some of the chemicals that comprise artificial sweeteners are Known Hazards, the degree to which you experience side effects just depends on your individual biochemistry. Manufacturers are banking on the fact that our bodies won’t absorb very much of these compounds at any one time. And many of us don’t. But what happens when we are ingesting a combination of artificial sweeteners like Splenda dozens of times a week through many different “low sugar” or “sugar free” products?
People have been using artificial sweeteners for decades. Some react poorly, some don’t , the problem is, you never know until you’re already sick. Scientists are calling Splenda a mild mutagen, based on how much is absorbed.
Right now, it’s anyone’s guess what portion of the population is being exposed to the dangers of Splenda or already suffering from Splenda side effects. Until an independent, unbiased research group conducts long term studies on humans ( six months is hardly long term! ), how can we be certain? With all the new Splenda products on our shelves, it looks as if we are now in the process of another grand public experiment, without our permission. And we may not know the health implications for decades. As with all things, time will unveil truth.
So I urge you to be concerned about the potential dangers of Splenda, as with any unnatural substance you put in your body. And I am especially concerned about its use for children, which I recommend you avoid. But unlike many a holistic practitioner, I do think artificial sweeteners can serve a purpose for some women. And that has to do with the old question, which is better, sugar or an artificial sweetener?
Aspartame and Saccharin: Are they safer than Splenda?
Aside from Splenda, the most popular artificial sweeteners are Aspartame ( and its cousin, Neotame ) and Saccharin. Foods with these additives are marketed to women as low fat, low sugar and low calorie. Diet programs like Weight Watchers sell low calorie foods that trade real nutrients for artificial ingredients, including sugar substitutes. I think it’s great to try and lose unwanted weight, but I question whether these packaged items should be marketed as healthy choices. Good nutrition needs to take more into account than calories and fat content, especially when it comes to how many artificial sweeteners we’re eating and what we’re mixing them with.
Dangers in Aspartame
Aspartame, the main ingredient in Equal and NutraSweet, is responsible for the most serious cases of poisoning, because the body actually digests it. Aspartame should be avoided by most women, but particularly in those with neuropsychiatric concerns. Recent studies in Europe show that aspartame use can result in an accumulation of formaldehyde in the brain, which can damage your central nervous system and immune system and cause genetic trauma.
The FDA admits this is true, but claims the amount is low enough in most that it shouldn’t raise concern. I think any amount of formaldehyde in your brain is too much.
Aspartame has had the most complaints of any food additive available to the public. It’s been linked with MS, lupus, fibromyalgia and other central nervous disorders. Possible side effects of aspartame include headaches, migraines, panic attacks, dizziness, irritability, nausea, intestinal discomfort, skin rash, and nervousness. Some researchers have linked aspartame with depression and manic episodes. It may also contribute to male infertility.
Saccharin
Saccharin, the first widely available chemical sweetener, is hardly mentioned any more. Better tasting NutraSweet took its place in almost every diet soda, but Saccharin is still an ingredient in some prepared foods, gum, and over the counter medicines.
Remember those carcinogen warnings on the side of products that contained saccharin?
They no longer appear because industry testing showed that saccharin only caused bladder cancer in rats. Most researchers agree that in sufficient doses, saccharin is carcinogenic in humans. The question is, how do you know how much artificial sweeteners your individual body can tolerate?
That being said, some practitioners think saccharin in moderation is the best choice if you must have an artificially sweetened beverage or food product. It’s been around a relatively long time and seems to cause fewer problems than aspartame. I don’t argue with this recommendation, but I encourage you to find out as much as you can about any chemical before you ingest it.
Artificial Sweeteners are Body Toxins.
They are never a good idea for pregnant women, children or teenagers, despite the reduced sugar content, because of possible irreversible cell damage. If you decide it’s worth the risks, then go ahead, but pay attention to your body and your cravings. Once you begin tracking your response to artificial sweeteners, it may surprise you
Stevia and Sorbitol: Natural Alternatives to Artificial Sweeteners
Other countries and diabetics have both taught us a lot about controlling insulin naturally. For many years, diabetics have used products sweetened with Polyalcohol Sugars like Sorbitol, Xylitol, Malitol, and Mannitol. These are natural sweeteners that do not trigger an insulin reaction. ( Xylitol can be derived from birch tree pulp. ) They have half the calories of sugar and are not digested by the small intestine.
While most Polyalcohol Sugars have no side effects, Sorbitol is a natural laxative and can cause diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS ), bloating and flatulence.
For this reason, I recommend the herb Stevia ( Stevia rebaudiana ) over Sorbitol as a natural sweetener to use.; . Known in South America as the “sweet herb,” Stevia has been used for over 400 years without ill effect. Stevia has been enormously popular in Japan, where it has been in use for more than 20 years, now rivaling Equal and Sweet’N Low. It’s 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar, so just a small portion of Stevia will sweeten even a strong cup of tea. We’ve known about stevia in the US since 1918, but pressure from the sugar import trade blocked its use as a commodity. Today Stevia is slowly gaining steam as a sugar substitute, despite similar hurdles. The FDA has approved its use as a food supplement, but not as a food additive due to a lack of studies. Stevia can be used for anything you might use sugar in, including baking. It is naturally low in carbohydrates. There will always be those who have a sensitivity to a substance, but based on reports from other countries it appears to have little to no side effects. For women who want to move through their cravings for sugar without artificial chemicals, Stevia is a great option.
More importantly, you can do a lot to support your body in other ways to reduce your dependency on sugar and sugar substitutes, something I encourage everyone to do especially women. Once your body returns to its natural state of balance, you may find that you can toss out those artificial sweeteners and put sugar in its proper place: where you have control over it and not vice versa.
Artificial sweeteners are chemicals, not food!
They have no calories because they don’t nourish your body in anyway, they’re Toxins your body has to clear or depending on how well you detoxify, store. But if you can’t live without your diet drink, don’t beat yourself up about it. Accept it and give your body extra support elsewhere
Sorbitol Dangers
Problems revolve primarily around the stomach and its inability to properly digest sorbitol. As sorbitol passes through the digestive tract, it is not fully digested by the small bowel. This act of incomplete digestion is known as Malabsorption. From the small bowel, sorbitol then moves on to the large bowel and begins to ferment. Fermentation causes several adverse symptoms like irritable bowel syndrome, dehydration, loss of electrolytes and ultimately, weight loss. Sorbitol buildup increases over time the more it is ingested. Fermentation will continue unless the source of sorbitol is removed.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Sorbitol has been linked to irritable bowel syndrome. Undigested sorbitol acts as a platform for fermentation of bacteria in the stomach. As bacteria ferment, they produce gas that causes bloating, cramps and flatulence. Digestion of as little of 10g of sorbitol per day greatly increases an individual's risk of developing diarrhea. This is caused by a process known as Osmotic Purge. As sorbitol passes through the intestine, it draws water and electrolytes from the cells of the intestinal wall in the opposite direction through natural osmosis, causing bowel movements to be watery.
Dehydration
Increased bowel movement, especially diarrhea, typically leads to dehydration. As water, electrolytes and cellular minerals are drawn from the body through excretion, fluids must be ingested to replace those lost.
Weight Loss
Excess diarrhea and bowel movement caused by sorbitol has also been linked to dramatic weight loss. This usually occurs in individuals who chew gum with artificial sweeteners multiple times per day. Weight loss typically increases as sorbital ingestion continues, but may alleviate over time once the source of sorbitol is removed.
Warning
Adverse symptoms of sorbitol may increase with continued use.
This occurs through an enzyme known as aldose reductase that converts glucose into sorbitol.
Symptoms commonly associated with this accelerated conversion of glucose into sorbitol include damage of the nerves, blood vessels, eyes and kidneys. Cataracts have also been known to occur. sorbitol, which destroys the cells. This cell damage leads to heart attacks, strokes, blindness, deafness, kidney damage and the other harmful effects.
Sorbitol should only consumed during pregnancy when the benefit outweighs the risk. No FDA Study or Independent study has been made concerning Sorbitol as a possible cause for Spontanous Abortion or to it use concerning Infant motality rates at or near early or late term pregnacy. There is no data on the excretion of sorbitol into human milk.
Caution Note:
The Absence of a Warning for Sorbitol or Aspartane in no way should be construed to indicate that the substance or combination of substance ( ie: Artifical Sweeteners ) is safe, effective or appropriate for any person who uses these Toxins.
Consider abstaining from Sorbitol and Aspartane ingestion altogether and especially during pregnacy and breast feeding.
Glide
THIS IS A Toxic Health Warning!
Sorbitol, Aspartane and Splenda: The Public Health Experiment
“Low–sugar” is the successor to the “low carb” craze, even though they are essentially the same thing. By the end of this summer 2009, 11% of the food items on supermarket shelves will be labeled “reduced sugar”, most of those targeted at kids and their health-conscious moms.
Sales in granulated sugar have dropped four percent in the past six months.
What’s behind this trend? Splenda
Splenda.
Products featuring Splenda are perceived as “natural” because even the FDA’s press release about sucralose parrots the claim that “it is made from sugar”, an assertion disputed by the Sugar Association, which is suing Splenda’s manufacturer, McNeil Nutritionals.
The FDA has no definition for “natural,” so please bear with us for a biochemistry moment: Splenda is the trade name for Sucralose, a synthetic compound stumbled upon in 1976 by scientists in Britain seeking a new pesticide formulation. It is true that the Splenda molecule is comprised of Sucrose ( sugar ), except that three of the hydroxyl groups in the molecule have been replaced by three chlorine atoms. While some industry experts claim the molecule is similar to table salt or sugar, other independent researchers say it has more in common with pesticides. That’s because the bonds holding the carbon and chlorine atoms together are more characteristic of a chlorocarbon than a salt and most pesticides are chlorocarbons.
The premise offered next is that just because something contains chlorine doesn’t guarantee that it’s toxic. And that is also true, but you and your family may prefer not to serve as test subjects for the latest post market artificial sweetener experiment, however “unique.”
( Look up an article on the web on endocrine disruptors for more information on toxins and persistent organic pollutants.)
Once it gets to the gut, sucralose goes largely unrecognized in the body as food, that’s why it has no calories. The majority of people don’t absorb a significant amount of Splenda in their small intestine, about 15% by some accounts. The irony is that your body tries to clear unrecognizable substances by digesting them, so it’s not unlikely that the healthier your gastrointestinal system is, the more you’ll absorb the chlorinated molecules of Splenda.
Is Splenda safe?
The truth is we just don’t know yet. There are no long-term studies of the side effects of Splenda in humans. The manufacturer’s own short term studies showed that very high doses of sucralose ( far beyond what would be expected in an ordinary diet ) caused shrunken thymus glands, enlarged livers and kidney disorders in rodents. ( A more recent study also shows that Splenda significantly decreases beneficial gut flora. ) But in this case, the FDA decided that because these studies weren’t based on human test animals, they were not conclusive. Of course, rats had been chosen for the testing specifically because they metabolize sucralose more like humans than any other animal used for testing. In other words, the FDA has tried to have it both ways, they accepted the manufacturer’s studies on rats because the manufacturer had shown that rats and humans metabolize the sweetener in similar ways, but shrugged off the safety concerns on the grounds that rats and humans are different.
In my view, determining that something is safe ( or not ) in laboratory rats isn’t a definitive answer, as we’ve seen countless examples of foods and drugs that have proved dangerous to humans that were first found to be safe in laboratory rats, both in short and long term studies.
Here are two other reasons for the concern:
First, in the eleven years after Splenda was put on the market, no independent studies of sucralose lasting more than six months have been done in humans.
Second, none of the trials that were done was very large, the largest was 128 people studied for three months, making you wonder, what happens when you’ve used sucralose for a year or two or ten? Then there’s the fact that Splenda, as a product, consists of more than just sucralose, it’s made with dextrose, and sometimes also with maltodextrin, neither of which were included in the original studies and trials of sucralose.
The reality is that we are the guinea pigs for Splenda.
And now, are our children the next trial group? Thanks to an agreement between McNeil Nutritionals ( makers of Splenda ) and PTO Today, which provides marketing and fund raising aid to parents’ associations, your elementary school’s next bake sale may be sponsored by Splenda, complete with baked goods made with the product.
Splenda Side Effects
Evidence that there are side effects of Splenda is accumulating little by little. Sucralose has been implicated as a possible migraine trigger, for example. Self reported adverse reactions to Splenda or Sucralose collected by the Sucralose Toxicity Information Center include skin rashes/flushing, panic like agitation, dizziness and numbness, diarrhea, swelling, muscle aches, headaches, intestinal cramping, bladder issues and stomach pain. These show up at one end of the spectrum, in the people who have an allergy or sensitivity to the sucralose molecule. But no one can say to what degree consuming Splenda affects the rest of us and there are no long term studies in humans with large numbers of subjects to say one way or the other if it’s safe for everyone.
If this sounds familiar, it should: we went down the same path with Aspartame, the main ingredient in Equal and NutraSweet. Almost all of the independent research into aspartame found dangerous side effects in rodents. The FDA chose not to take these findings into account when it approved aspartame for public use. Over the course of 15 years, those same side effects increasingly appeared in humans. Not in everyone, of course, but in those who were vulnerable to the chemical structure of aspartame.
Note: Food additives, artificial sweeteners are not subject to the same gauntlet of FDA safety trials as pharmaceuticals.
Most of the testing is funded by the food industry, which has a vested interest in the outcome. This can lead to misleading claims on both sides.
But one thing is certain: some of the chemicals that comprise artificial sweeteners are Known Hazards, the degree to which you experience side effects just depends on your individual biochemistry. Manufacturers are banking on the fact that our bodies won’t absorb very much of these compounds at any one time. And many of us don’t. But what happens when we are ingesting a combination of artificial sweeteners like Splenda dozens of times a week through many different “low sugar” or “sugar free” products?
People have been using artificial sweeteners for decades. Some react poorly, some don’t , the problem is, you never know until you’re already sick. Scientists are calling Splenda a mild mutagen, based on how much is absorbed.
Right now, it’s anyone’s guess what portion of the population is being exposed to the dangers of Splenda or already suffering from Splenda side effects. Until an independent, unbiased research group conducts long term studies on humans ( six months is hardly long term! ), how can we be certain? With all the new Splenda products on our shelves, it looks as if we are now in the process of another grand public experiment, without our permission. And we may not know the health implications for decades. As with all things, time will unveil truth.
So I urge you to be concerned about the potential dangers of Splenda, as with any unnatural substance you put in your body. And I am especially concerned about its use for children, which I recommend you avoid. But unlike many a holistic practitioner, I do think artificial sweeteners can serve a purpose for some women. And that has to do with the old question, which is better, sugar or an artificial sweetener?
Aspartame and Saccharin: Are they safer than Splenda?
Aside from Splenda, the most popular artificial sweeteners are Aspartame ( and its cousin, Neotame ) and Saccharin. Foods with these additives are marketed to women as low fat, low sugar and low calorie. Diet programs like Weight Watchers sell low calorie foods that trade real nutrients for artificial ingredients, including sugar substitutes. I think it’s great to try and lose unwanted weight, but I question whether these packaged items should be marketed as healthy choices. Good nutrition needs to take more into account than calories and fat content, especially when it comes to how many artificial sweeteners we’re eating and what we’re mixing them with.
Dangers in Aspartame
Aspartame, the main ingredient in Equal and NutraSweet, is responsible for the most serious cases of poisoning, because the body actually digests it. Aspartame should be avoided by most women, but particularly in those with neuropsychiatric concerns. Recent studies in Europe show that aspartame use can result in an accumulation of formaldehyde in the brain, which can damage your central nervous system and immune system and cause genetic trauma.
The FDA admits this is true, but claims the amount is low enough in most that it shouldn’t raise concern. I think any amount of formaldehyde in your brain is too much.
Aspartame has had the most complaints of any food additive available to the public. It’s been linked with MS, lupus, fibromyalgia and other central nervous disorders. Possible side effects of aspartame include headaches, migraines, panic attacks, dizziness, irritability, nausea, intestinal discomfort, skin rash, and nervousness. Some researchers have linked aspartame with depression and manic episodes. It may also contribute to male infertility.
Saccharin
Saccharin, the first widely available chemical sweetener, is hardly mentioned any more. Better tasting NutraSweet took its place in almost every diet soda, but Saccharin is still an ingredient in some prepared foods, gum, and over the counter medicines.
Remember those carcinogen warnings on the side of products that contained saccharin?
They no longer appear because industry testing showed that saccharin only caused bladder cancer in rats. Most researchers agree that in sufficient doses, saccharin is carcinogenic in humans. The question is, how do you know how much artificial sweeteners your individual body can tolerate?
That being said, some practitioners think saccharin in moderation is the best choice if you must have an artificially sweetened beverage or food product. It’s been around a relatively long time and seems to cause fewer problems than aspartame. I don’t argue with this recommendation, but I encourage you to find out as much as you can about any chemical before you ingest it.
Artificial Sweeteners are Body Toxins.
They are never a good idea for pregnant women, children or teenagers, despite the reduced sugar content, because of possible irreversible cell damage. If you decide it’s worth the risks, then go ahead, but pay attention to your body and your cravings. Once you begin tracking your response to artificial sweeteners, it may surprise you
Stevia and Sorbitol: Natural Alternatives to Artificial Sweeteners
Other countries and diabetics have both taught us a lot about controlling insulin naturally. For many years, diabetics have used products sweetened with Polyalcohol Sugars like Sorbitol, Xylitol, Malitol, and Mannitol. These are natural sweeteners that do not trigger an insulin reaction. ( Xylitol can be derived from birch tree pulp. ) They have half the calories of sugar and are not digested by the small intestine.
While most Polyalcohol Sugars have no side effects, Sorbitol is a natural laxative and can cause diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS ), bloating and flatulence.
For this reason, I recommend the herb Stevia ( Stevia rebaudiana ) over Sorbitol as a natural sweetener to use.; . Known in South America as the “sweet herb,” Stevia has been used for over 400 years without ill effect. Stevia has been enormously popular in Japan, where it has been in use for more than 20 years, now rivaling Equal and Sweet’N Low. It’s 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar, so just a small portion of Stevia will sweeten even a strong cup of tea. We’ve known about stevia in the US since 1918, but pressure from the sugar import trade blocked its use as a commodity. Today Stevia is slowly gaining steam as a sugar substitute, despite similar hurdles. The FDA has approved its use as a food supplement, but not as a food additive due to a lack of studies. Stevia can be used for anything you might use sugar in, including baking. It is naturally low in carbohydrates. There will always be those who have a sensitivity to a substance, but based on reports from other countries it appears to have little to no side effects. For women who want to move through their cravings for sugar without artificial chemicals, Stevia is a great option.
More importantly, you can do a lot to support your body in other ways to reduce your dependency on sugar and sugar substitutes, something I encourage everyone to do especially women. Once your body returns to its natural state of balance, you may find that you can toss out those artificial sweeteners and put sugar in its proper place: where you have control over it and not vice versa.
Artificial sweeteners are chemicals, not food!
They have no calories because they don’t nourish your body in anyway, they’re Toxins your body has to clear or depending on how well you detoxify, store. But if you can’t live without your diet drink, don’t beat yourself up about it. Accept it and give your body extra support elsewhere
Sorbitol Dangers
Problems revolve primarily around the stomach and its inability to properly digest sorbitol. As sorbitol passes through the digestive tract, it is not fully digested by the small bowel. This act of incomplete digestion is known as Malabsorption. From the small bowel, sorbitol then moves on to the large bowel and begins to ferment. Fermentation causes several adverse symptoms like irritable bowel syndrome, dehydration, loss of electrolytes and ultimately, weight loss. Sorbitol buildup increases over time the more it is ingested. Fermentation will continue unless the source of sorbitol is removed.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Sorbitol has been linked to irritable bowel syndrome. Undigested sorbitol acts as a platform for fermentation of bacteria in the stomach. As bacteria ferment, they produce gas that causes bloating, cramps and flatulence. Digestion of as little of 10g of sorbitol per day greatly increases an individual's risk of developing diarrhea. This is caused by a process known as Osmotic Purge. As sorbitol passes through the intestine, it draws water and electrolytes from the cells of the intestinal wall in the opposite direction through natural osmosis, causing bowel movements to be watery.
Dehydration
Increased bowel movement, especially diarrhea, typically leads to dehydration. As water, electrolytes and cellular minerals are drawn from the body through excretion, fluids must be ingested to replace those lost.
Weight Loss
Excess diarrhea and bowel movement caused by sorbitol has also been linked to dramatic weight loss. This usually occurs in individuals who chew gum with artificial sweeteners multiple times per day. Weight loss typically increases as sorbital ingestion continues, but may alleviate over time once the source of sorbitol is removed.
Warning
Adverse symptoms of sorbitol may increase with continued use.
This occurs through an enzyme known as aldose reductase that converts glucose into sorbitol.
Symptoms commonly associated with this accelerated conversion of glucose into sorbitol include damage of the nerves, blood vessels, eyes and kidneys. Cataracts have also been known to occur. sorbitol, which destroys the cells. This cell damage leads to heart attacks, strokes, blindness, deafness, kidney damage and the other harmful effects.
Sorbitol should only consumed during pregnancy when the benefit outweighs the risk. No FDA Study or Independent study has been made concerning Sorbitol as a possible cause for Spontanous Abortion or to it use concerning Infant motality rates at or near early or late term pregnacy. There is no data on the excretion of sorbitol into human milk.
Caution Note:
The Absence of a Warning for Sorbitol or Aspartane in no way should be construed to indicate that the substance or combination of substance ( ie: Artifical Sweeteners ) is safe, effective or appropriate for any person who uses these Toxins.
Consider abstaining from Sorbitol and Aspartane ingestion altogether and especially during pregnacy and breast feeding.
Glide
The Beef on Beef
The Beef on Beef
Dairy and Beef Cattle, if not raised for the organic market, are routinely given natural hormones and synthetic growth promoters ( hormone like chemicals ) to fatten them up quickly so they can reach slaughter weight faster. Some studies of hormones in food have pointed to increased risks of reproductive system cancers in women and men. The antibiotics given to cattle are often the same ones prescribed for humans; the more they’re used the more they add to the problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria throughout the world.
European Union Countries and some others have banned meat imported from the U.S. for this reason, citing studies that have linked these substances to cancer. But in the U.S., you can still buy hormone laced meat...and you probably will, if you buy conventionally raised beef hormones and growth promoters are still given to most of the cows raised for conventional markets. The FDA has approved six growth hormones for use in beef cattle. Dairy Cows are also given recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone or rBGH, a genetically engineered variant of their natural growth hormone, to increase milk production by about 10 %..
Some feeding practices for cattle were revised since the mad cow scare not too long ago; specifically, the FDA banned feed containing cattle brain and spinal tissue in 1997 ( these were the substances linked to mad cow disease ). Commercially raised cattle, however, can still be given feed that contains other somewhat questionable materials, including products like gelatin, grease and tallow rendered from cattle and other species, rendered horse and pork protein and poultry waste and byproducts. None of this is particularly appetizing, but it’s the last category that is especially problematic because poultry manure can contain Arsenic.
Cattle are also routinely given antibiotics to offset problems created by their diets.
Why do they need antibiotics? They’re Ruminants; their digestive system includes a huge fermentation tank, the Rumen, that converts the grass they would eat if allowed to graze naturally into protein and fats. They’re happy eating grass; their digestive systems work as they should. However, a grass based diet doesn’t render fat cattle fast enough for commercial cattle growers. To fatten them up quickly, cattle in these operations are fed grain, animal byproducts, and chicken manure, which are cheap protein sources that fatten them fast but wreak havoc on their grass based digestive systems. We won’t go into details about that havoc; suffice it to say that the cattle need regular dosing with antibiotics to settle down their stomachs.
They takeaway?
The easiest and most planet friendly way to sidestep these concerns is to cut down on the amount of meat in your diet. The other is to seek out the cleanest, most responsibly rendered meat you can find, the meat that is most likely not to have these issues. If you’re going to eat beef, organic beef is strongly recommended. Our check out Local Harvest’s website for local CSA’s
( Community Supported Agriculture ), where you can even tour the farm to make sure for yourself that you can trust their cattle practices. Other options here include looking for beef labeled as “pastured,” “grass-fed,” or “grass-finished.” All of these terms signify healthy feeding practices, no hormone or antibiotic use and humane treatment and handling.
Grass-fed beef is also a healthier choice as it is lower in overall fats and saturated fats and higher in Omega-3 fatty acids.
Dairy and Beef Cattle, if not raised for the organic market, are routinely given natural hormones and synthetic growth promoters ( hormone like chemicals ) to fatten them up quickly so they can reach slaughter weight faster. Some studies of hormones in food have pointed to increased risks of reproductive system cancers in women and men. The antibiotics given to cattle are often the same ones prescribed for humans; the more they’re used the more they add to the problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria throughout the world.
European Union Countries and some others have banned meat imported from the U.S. for this reason, citing studies that have linked these substances to cancer. But in the U.S., you can still buy hormone laced meat...and you probably will, if you buy conventionally raised beef hormones and growth promoters are still given to most of the cows raised for conventional markets. The FDA has approved six growth hormones for use in beef cattle. Dairy Cows are also given recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone or rBGH, a genetically engineered variant of their natural growth hormone, to increase milk production by about 10 %..
Some feeding practices for cattle were revised since the mad cow scare not too long ago; specifically, the FDA banned feed containing cattle brain and spinal tissue in 1997 ( these were the substances linked to mad cow disease ). Commercially raised cattle, however, can still be given feed that contains other somewhat questionable materials, including products like gelatin, grease and tallow rendered from cattle and other species, rendered horse and pork protein and poultry waste and byproducts. None of this is particularly appetizing, but it’s the last category that is especially problematic because poultry manure can contain Arsenic.
Cattle are also routinely given antibiotics to offset problems created by their diets.
Why do they need antibiotics? They’re Ruminants; their digestive system includes a huge fermentation tank, the Rumen, that converts the grass they would eat if allowed to graze naturally into protein and fats. They’re happy eating grass; their digestive systems work as they should. However, a grass based diet doesn’t render fat cattle fast enough for commercial cattle growers. To fatten them up quickly, cattle in these operations are fed grain, animal byproducts, and chicken manure, which are cheap protein sources that fatten them fast but wreak havoc on their grass based digestive systems. We won’t go into details about that havoc; suffice it to say that the cattle need regular dosing with antibiotics to settle down their stomachs.
They takeaway?
The easiest and most planet friendly way to sidestep these concerns is to cut down on the amount of meat in your diet. The other is to seek out the cleanest, most responsibly rendered meat you can find, the meat that is most likely not to have these issues. If you’re going to eat beef, organic beef is strongly recommended. Our check out Local Harvest’s website for local CSA’s
( Community Supported Agriculture ), where you can even tour the farm to make sure for yourself that you can trust their cattle practices. Other options here include looking for beef labeled as “pastured,” “grass-fed,” or “grass-finished.” All of these terms signify healthy feeding practices, no hormone or antibiotic use and humane treatment and handling.
Grass-fed beef is also a healthier choice as it is lower in overall fats and saturated fats and higher in Omega-3 fatty acids.
