Overcoming Acid Reflux

I had been suffering from acid reflux for over 10 years. Throughout this time I had been prescribed several medicines that would give me temporary relief. For many years I was taking Prevacid. July 7th, 2006, I had another severe acid reflux attack and went to the emergency room, then the doctors office. They told me the usual foods to avoid and doubled my Prevacid prescription. As time went on with little change I went back to the doctor, an upper GI and Endoscopy were scheduled, then performed. In November my physician read the results, I have Acid Reflux and will be on Prevacid for the rest of my life.

This was not acceptable to me. I avoid taking medicines of any kind and only took Prevacid because it seemed to help. I long ago gave up alcoholic beverages and spicy food, for the past several months I had also given up coffee, caffeinated beverages, carbonated beverages, chocolate, mint, fried foods, fast foods and tomato based products, I sleep with my bed elevated at the head and on my side, MVP was balking at paying for the doubled up dose of Prevacid and the medicine was no longer working!

I started doing research of my own on the internet, some believe that Americans eat too much processed food and do not have enough enzymes in their stomach to digest properly. I made a decision to become a Vegetarian before Thanksgiving 2006 and a Vegan shortly after Christmas.

The results were almost instantaneous! I was down to one Prevacid a day a week after Thanksgiving and completely off Prevacid three weeks after. I was still dealing with bouts of heartburn occasionally and with more research made the decision to eat a vegan diet.

I scheduled an appointment with a Naturopathic Physician for January 13, 2007 because I did not want to make all these changes unsupervised. The successes that I have had without her help convinced me that I was on the right path. With her help and supervision I expect to be cured of this horrible problem by years end, I feel so much better. Her knowledge, diet suggestions and supplements will ensure that my body gets what it needs to be successful. I feel like my acid reflux is gone, but still have occasional discomfort which the naturopathic physician considers a digestion issue, we are working on that. I intend to schedule an appointment with my regular physician for a physical this month.

Update - 05/18/2007

I have adhered to a Vegan menu (which means no meat, no eggs, no dairy) and continue to have great success! Trying to eat mostly organic, all natural, living (uncooked) foods when possible and drink spring water or herbal teas, I do have an occasional Root Beer or Kombucha. Avoiding caffeinated beverages, alcohol, chocolate and mint is challenging, but I have added tomatoes and salsa back into my diet and substituted carob for chocolate, it's not the same, but keeps me satisfied.
I feel like the acid reflux is completely gone and after sleeping on an angle for 10 years I have removed the blocks that elevated the head of my bed.
When I visited the Naturopathic Physician in April she suggested that I continue taking a Digestive Enzyme and DGL (deglycerized licorice). I have not been taking the Digestive Enzyme, but try to take the DGL at least once a day. I am supposed to take it twice a day, 20 minutes before I eat, it helps to coat and protect the stomach lining.
I also think the exercise and weight loss have played a key part in my recovery. I have put over 350 miles on my bicycle since the middle of March and have lost 12 pounds since Christmas.

Update - 07/18/2007

Still eating a Vegan, mostly organic, all natural menu. Life is painless and carefree. Friends have been trying to tempt me with soft serve ice cream and the endless barbecue treats, but I am content with feeling good. I have found alternatives to ice cream with coconut sorbet and rice cream. As far as barbecues go ... I eat vegan burgers, corn on the cob, roast potatoes, shish - kabob veggies. I have been addicted to this Leafy Green Power Salad from Vegetarian Organic Life (scroll to the bottom of the page) and have been eating it weekly. I have only made the dressing once though.
I have not taken any medicine since December 2006, not even an aspirin, tylenol or tums. The bed is still off it's blocks. I have put over 1000 miles on my bicycle and have added dark chocolate, salsa and Glee Gum (all natural) back into my diet.

Update - 02/08/2008

Well, I had a physical in November and passed with flying colors!! My cholestrol and psa levels were excellent. I have declared myself officially a vegan and still try to eat all organic & natural foods. I have not taken any medicine since December of 2006, but did have a cold recently. I drank herbal teas and did supress the cough with all natural cough drops and vinegar & honey. I have had few stomach issues, but have noticed occasional heartburn or reflux. It could be because I am eating a more diverse diet and a lot more dark chocolate. I also have not been exercising routinely, that should be resolved soon with the purchase of an elliptical machine.

Update - 05/19/2008

I have decided that there is a direct relation between eating habits, exercise and diet. Since I bought the elliptical machine and began riding my bicycle on a regular basis I have been able to eat just about anything I want. I am still a vegan and eat as much organic, all natural food as I can, but I have added a lot of junk food back into my diet. Foods like dark chocolate, cookies, blue corn chips with salsa, coconut sorbet and popcorn are weekly treats. Most of these I thought I would be unable to eat again, but I have been and I feel great! The exercise helps the digestion tract work the way it is supposed to.

Another Big Change! 08/23/2008

My stomach is a none issue. I no longer have pains or a problem with acid reflux. I enjoy the vegan lifestyle but went to my naturopathic physician for a check up and she had some concerns about my protein intake. I went home and did the math and had some concerns myself, according to data that I found online a 180 pound person should have a daily intake of around 70mg of protein. I weigh 223 pounds so I estimate that I need around 92mg of protein daily, which I am not getting. I have also been reading articles about soy and have been trying to exclude all but fermented soy from my diet. Studies have shown that unfermented soy products have toxins and other things that block your body's ability to absorb nutrients. I do believe that you can live a vegan lifestyle, but I think that you need to spend a lot of time cooking foods or buying prepared foods that are high in protein and keeping track of your daily intakes. I added a hemp protein powder shake to my daily diet and that still adds only 9 grams of protein. So I have made a decision to become a pescetarian, that means that I am going to add fish and seafood back into my diet. I will still live on mostly grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and legumes, but I will be eating fish several times a week. I will keep you posted on my results.

Update - 02/13/2009

Well, I am back to living a mostly vegan lifestyle, I've stopped sweating about the label. I live and eat a vegan way of life, but if I go to a restaurant (which is rarely) and I cannot find anything on the menu I will order fish. I also discovered that protein calculations are based on your recommended or nominal weight for your height and age. I have been drinking a hemp protein shake everyday with a protein value of 20 grams. My stomach continues to be a none issue as I explore indian and asian cuisine. I added tofu back into my diet because I like it, but limit the amount that I eat. Currently, I am using weight watcher points applied to a vegan diet. My goal is to lose 34 pounds. I have lost 12 all ready.

Update - 06/17/2010

I consider myself a full vegan. I cannot remember when I last deviated from a vegan diet. I have also incorporated the vegan philosophy into my life. When I purchase clothing, shoes or personal care products I look for the vegan label. I drink a hemp protein smoothie almost daily and use a lot of THRIVE recipes and Vega products. Heartburn or Reflux is a none issue. I cannot recall the last time this was an issue. I continue to hike, backpack, snowshoe and bicycle ride. I do believe these are all important to keeping the digestive system healthy.

Fatty Liver Disease

I turned 60 a few weeks ago and have had to set some new goals in my life. Over time I have gotten lazy with my diet, not cooking and eating a lot of prepared foods. When I do eat at home it was often meat, bread, sugary yogurts and few vegetables.

Back in mid-December I started having a constant discomfort in my lower abdomen. I scheduled an appointment with my physician. They took blood samples, urine samples and stool samples. I passed my physical though my weight was a concern. Over the past few years I had allowed myself to get up to 266 lbs. The excess weight had made everything a challenge, including tying my shoes. I had been squeezing into my jeans and underwear and thought that might be a cause of the discomfort. I reluctantly bought the next size up with a vow to lose weight.

Next I had a ultrasound done on my abdomen. Nothing was found, except I tested positive for Fatty Liver Disease. What?! I knew that wasn't good but I was sure it wasn't the cause of the discomfort in my lower abdomen. Still, I called my doctor. First, she asked me how much I drank? I said, "when I was young I abused alcohol, but now I only drank 4 to 6 beers a week". She said one or two beers a day was okay; then the regular advice of eat healthy and exercise.

I scheduled a CT Scan for my abdomen for the discomfort and then decided to quit drinking alcohol and scheduled and appointment with my naturopathic doctor.

I always look forward to seeing my naturopath. If you have followed my blog you will know that she helped me beat acid reflux after 10 years of suffering. We had a long talk and came up with a plan which included losing weight and reducing the amount of sugar I have in my diet. It seems that Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease is on the rise. She prescribed a couple supplements that are good for the liver and the rest is up to me!

The goal for the future is to be more active, monitor my diet (reduce carbs and sugar), hydrate and lose about 5 lbs a month. I am using Cronometer to log my foods and my naturopath will be monitoring to keep track of how I am doing and offer suggestions for improvement.

The CT Scan came back looking fairly normal except for a possible metallic object in my appendix. I talked with the surgeon today and we went through the scans image by image. He said that something in my appendix would not give me discomfort in my lower abdomen. The good news! Since I have lost 16 lbs in the past month the discomfort in my lower abdomen has ceased. The surgeon thinks the discomfort was more of a muscle issue than internal. He checked me for a hernia and found nothing. As for the metallic object? It's a wait and see. Next colonoscopy, it's that time again.

Well, that's it for now! I'll keep you posted. Welcome to being 60!

In The Beginning

Severe chest pain, is how I remember that day in the mid 1990's. I had arrived at work, shortly after exercising at the fitness center with an intense pain in my chest. I told my boss that I didn't feel good and asked if I could go home (I know, if you are having a heart attack you should ask for help). I headed towards my doctor's office, a 25 mile drive, and glimpsed an Immediate Care facility at about the 4 mile mark. I was scared and thinking I was having a heart attack so I stopped. They hooked an EKG up to me and assured me that I was not having a heart attack or stroke. They said I was probably suffering from acid reflux (gerd) and recommended I continue on to my doctor's office.

This is where my journey began. For the next 10 years I would suffer from acid reflux. At first my doctor prescribed Prylosec, then after a few years Prevacid, then doubled my prescription for Prevacid, then a double prescription of Prevacid and Mylanta or Mallox. All the while I was on a controlled diet per doctor's recommendations. I gave up drinking alcohol because it was like drinking gasoline (at least I imagine). I gave up citrus, acidic foods like tomatoes, salsa, coffee. I gave up greasy foods, spicy foods, carbonated beverages, caffeine and CHOCOLATE! Still I suffered, until I was in constant pain and the insurance companies were balking at paying for my prescriptions. Finally, I had an endoscopy and was told I had acid reflux (really?) and a hiatal hernia. My doctor said, "It looks like you'll be on Prevacid the rest of your life." I responded, "But it's not working! Why would I take medicine that isn't working?"

I was in grief. I thought I would live in pain for the rest of my life. All my favorite foods avoided. The head of my bed raised up so that my upper body would be higher than my stomach. The threat of these severe attacks always looming.

Then one day a coworker handed me a book. "Natural Cures "They" Don't Want You To Know About". The book is one big infomercial, but it gave me just enough information to start doing my own research. Here I am some 20 years later living pain free, eating the foods I want to and sleeping on a flat bed.

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" - Hippocrates 431 B.C. It's words that I live by; I'd say food and exercise. I created this blog, first as a personal web page, then on Blogger, and later on Facebook. I want to share the things I've learned to help others, perhaps you? When I first started the information was hard to find; or people wanted you to pay for it. Now the internet is filled with information and sometimes it's a challenge to filter through it all. Hopefully you find my pages informational and worthwhile.

If you are suffering from any condition I recommend you get in contact with a naturopathic doctor and let them help you find a cure for what ails you. 

The original post from my first web page Overcoming Acid Reflux 

Making Commitments Towards Success

Wow! Has is been 10 months since my last post? My how time flies.

This post is about making commitments resulting in successful outcomes.

I've been struggling with my weight for a couple years now. The last time I stepped on the scales I was at 252 lbs. which is near an all-time high for me. I've been teetering at that weight for at least a year now. What changes have I made to reduce that weight? Obviously none. I've tried a few short term approaches like increasing exercise or eating healthier, each with little or short term success.

A couple weeks ago my naturopath asked me what the driving force was that helped me to be successful when I had acid reflux (gerd)? My quick response was "pain". I was in pain, I was scared that I would be in pain for the rest of my life. Almost immediately when I became vegetarian and then vegan I noticed relief from pain. That noticeable success helped me to commit to eating better.

Back then, I was committed to eating a vegan diet to cure my acid reflux but it did nothing for weight loss.  In May of 2011 I hired a Holistic Health Counselor (http://vtpathfinder.blogspot.com/2011/05/holistic-health-counselor.html). Together we developed strategies and she held me accountable. Through her I was able to lose the desired weight.

There is no reason that any of us cannot do this on our own. The internet is filled with information from exercise routines, healthy recipes, diet plans, food journals, etc.. I myself have found success through Weight Watchers, The Atkins Diet and a Holistic Health Coach. At one time I even posted online recipes for my Weight Watchers plan adhering to vegan recipes.

What's missing? Commitment.

In the past I have been good about committing to certain things. Becoming vegan was a choice. It was not absolutely necessary to become a vegan to beat acid reflux, but it was a commitment I wanted to make. My naturopath had concerns at first because many vegans do not eat a healthy diet; I mean Fritos are vegan. I convinced her with my dedication to cooking healthy, nutritious meals and snacks on a weekly basis. Being vegan also made it easy for me to say "no" to foods that have little or no nutritional value; the weekly cakes, cookies or donuts at work, fast food, and pizza, just to name a few.

For several years I've had few health issues. I became sloppy with my diet. I've been eating cakes and cookies, along with cheese, crackers, chips, ice cream, pizza and whatever else people put in front of me. I started drinking beer again on a regular basis and I have let myself become lethargic, back to my "weekend warrior" routine where I exercise only one or two days a week. It's easy to fall into these traps and they are comfortable.

Two weeks ago my naturopath challenged me to make a 4 week commitment of my choosing. It was up to me to lay the groundwork for these commitments and she would touch base with me each week to see how I am doing. Well, the first week goes by and she doesn't hear from me. At the end of the second week she sends me an email, "Just a reminder that I look forward to receiving a nutritional plan of your making that you will be committing to for the four weeks of your choosing." I attempted to placate her by responding with some non-committal things I am doing. She responded, "As we include more and more with compassion and curiosity what commitments are you willing to experiment with?  Again this is an agreement to experiment for 4 weeks...not forever.   What if it didn't take a crisis or a health issue to make different choices?  Get curious about calling forth that part of you in which cutting back on sugar and eliminating processed food wasn't a problem." I am up for the challenge!

Here are my commitments going forth the next few weeks.

1. Abstain from alcohol until I lose weight and feel better.

2. Not buying chocolate until my birthday (This is something I use to do on a regular basis). This does not include homemade smoothies or treats with cacao in them.

3. Will not purchase cookies, cakes or other processed flour items until my birthday.

4. Try to eat more protein rich foods.

5. Commit to a daily food diary (I've been slacking on this).
 

I am doing this for me. It's not a short-term fix, it's a long-term solution. I get frustrated when I am unable to do the things I like to do because I am overweight or out of shape. I let this happen and only I can fix it. Small changes can make a big difference in our lives. I did not commit to exercising more though a recent article I read "Why Sitting is Bad for You " makes getting out of my chair more inviting.

What can you commit to?

Gum Recession and Acid Reflux

On a recent visit to my dentist office for a 6 month cleaning and checkup some interesting information came up. The hygienist was saying that in recent studies the dental community has been talking about how acid reflux or gerd affects the gums. It may be acid reflux and not brushing too hard that causes receding gums.

I've been going to the dentist on a regular basis since I was a child. In the beginning I was taught the proper way to brush and always used a soft bristle toothbrush. I'll admit that I haven't always flossed and sometimes do not do it on a daily basis now, though I try. For many years now I have been using an extra soft toothbrush and then a expensive electric toothbrush because I was continually accused of brushing too hard.

Now there is research linking acid reflux to receding gums. Here is a link to the publication The relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease and chronic periodontitis. My hygienist said the dental world might owe a lot of people apologies.  

I suffered from acid reflux for 10 years or more. It took changing my diet and being more consistent with exercise to solve the problem. Although I no longer suffer from acid reflux I have damaged teeth and gums that remain. If you suffer from acid reflux I hope my blog helps you to resolve the problem sooner rather than later. You can read my first post to this blog here Overcoming Acid Reflux

Goodbye 2014! On to a Healthier 2015!

Whew! Am I glad 2014 is behind us. Back in August I added to my blog with "Healthcare - Health Scare". I thought my concerns were over, but I was mistaken. The ringing in my ears had continued  and the pain had returned. I was taking Tylenol more often and knew things were not getting better. I stopped at the local co-op one day to buy my favorite sandwich and when I went to take a bite pain shot through the left side of my head. I found myself drinking smoothies and eating soup to keep from chewing.

I sent an email to my primary care physician; I told her that I was disappointed. Of the four appointments I had been to back in June and July I had never seen her; each time it had been with a physicians assistant. I continued to explain that I rarely seek medical attention and thought that should be a signal that I needed to see a doctor on at least one of those visits. She immediately responded with, "let's get you in here so I can see you". An appointment was made and she took a look. I was still complaining of pain in my left ear and now jaw pain had been added. She told me my ear looked good and said she suspected TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders). She provided me with some literature on TMJ and sent me home.

Was it possible I had TMJ? First diagnosed with Lyme, then Tinnitus, and now TMJ? Up until June I had been living a healthy, happy life. I was suffering from a shoulder problem, but that's another story..

After researching TMJ I was not convinced that I had it. I scheduled an appointment with an Ears, Nose and Throat Specialist (Otolaryngologist). Within 30 seconds he found a cyst in my ear canal. He took a video camera and showed it to me; it was right in plain sight. Something that the physicians assistant and primary care doctor had overlooked on a half dozen visits was there in plain view. I can't really blame them though. I think when they looked in my ear they were looking right past the cyst.

The specialist tried draining it twice. It was painful, but it gave me temporary relief. I was still popping Tylenol or Advil on a daily basis; at least I knew what was causing the pain. He ordered a CT Scan on the Monday before Christmas and reviewed the results with me the next day. The cyst was putting pressure on my jawbone and causing some erosion. They scheduled a pre-op appointment with my primary care physician on Wednesday (Christmas eve day). You can imagine the pleasure I took in informing them about the cyst they had overlooked repeatedly. Surgery was scheduled for the 26th, the day after Christmas.

It wasn't the best Christmas I ever had; I missed spending time with family. The relief of having a six month earache and recent jaw pain removed was all worth it. It took several days to recover from the anesthesia and antibiotics they had me on. I jokingly asked the doctor if they dropped me on the floor while I was unconscious. He seriously said, "no". 

At this time I am drinking dandelion tea and lemon water daily as well as taking a probiotic  to get my system back into shape. I feel fine, this is more of a remedial thing.

My tests in June never revealed any health problems. All tests for tick-borne diseases came back negative. I wonder if the cyst was the cause of all my problems from the start? Did I have Lyme? I guess I will never really know for sure. 

I relived again the constant aggravation of pain and how it can so easily deplete your energy. Weight gain, restless nights, interrupted sleep and irritability; it's hard to have fun when you do not feel good. My coworkers have already noticed that I am smiling more. Great! 

Another thing, I was given Cephalexin for an antibiotic. In July, I complained of pain in my knuckles after taking it and the PA said it was a symptom of Lyme. I made the same complaint in January on my post-op appointment and the specialist said it's a symptom of the antibiotic and I should not take it anymore. For so many reasons this angers me. We do need Western Medicine for some things, but we need to ask questions, search for answers, read prescription medicine labels and search the web for information. Do not settle for one answer. I used http://www.drugs.com/ to research drug symptoms after the fact. In the future I plan to use it before taking a drug.

With Physical Therapy my shoulder recovered and with surgery my ear is better and my life is back to normal. Let's hope 2015 is better than 2014 was!
 

Healthcare - Health Scare

I've been pretty determined to avoid traditional American healthcare, prescription medicine and over-the-counter drugs for the past 8 years. The only thing I have used my doctor for is physicals, cholesterol checks and blood tests to check for vitamin deficiencies. That was until this past June.

Ten days after a camping trip on Memorial Day weekend I came down with fatigue, blurred vision, earache and fever. I went to my naturopath for a seasonal acupuncture session and told her about my symptoms. I was prescribed some natural herbs for possible Lyme infection and it was recommended that if my symptoms did not subside within a few days I should seek medical attention.

I let another few days go by. The fever did not break and the ear infection became intolerable. I had not taken any pain relievers in 8 years, but finally broke down and took Tylenol on a Sunday. First thing Monday morning I made an appointment at the doctor's office. They took 3 vials of blood and prescribed an antibiotic for the ear infection and possible Lyme Disease. It took a full seven days for the fever to break. I was scared! I barely had the energy to heat a pot of canned soup and still had to attend to some chores like laundry and dishes. I missed a rotation of work and a highly anticipated vacation with my daughters.

The following Monday I returned to the doctor's office. I was still weak, but the fever had broke and I was feeling on the upswing. They took more blood to check for more possible causes. All tests came back negative. My illness was a mystery. After 3 weeks I regained my strength and was able to do all the things I enjoy doing. I continue to have ringing in my ears; I have been told it is tinnitus and should eventually go away.

This was a learning experience in many ways. First, our health is so fragile. Even if we try to do everything right you can still be caught off-guard. Second, though I was disappointed a cause could not be immediately diagnosed I still put my faith in my doctors, both naturopath and general practitioner to heal me. I was relieved when the antibiotic was prescribed and thankful the Tylenol reduced my fever and eased my pain. I would have liked a set in stone diagnosis, but it didn't happen. I have to live with the thought that these symptoms might reoccur; I still have the tinnitus to contend with also.

I guess what I am trying to say is, I don't think taking a pill is the answer to everything. I believe diet and exercise are the answer to most of our health problems. But, there is a time and a place for modern medicine. I am thankful to live in a place where we can choose both (for the most part).

If you had known me 10 years ago

10 years ago you would have a hard time believing that I am the person I am today. A natural food store was where "granolas" shopped, all chiropractors were quacks, holistic medicine practitioners  were charlatans and I had no idea what a naturopath was? I would have told you that your doctor knows everything; they are the experts. How little I knew about the world and health. I'm still learning, but those days seem like a century ago.

It's amazing what relentless pain will do for you. I had turned to my doctor for his expert advice and he in turn had sent me to specialists for tests, invasive exploration and in the end recommended the same dietary advice, prescription and non-prescription medicines that had sent me back to him in the first place.

I was discouraged, without hope, thinking I was going to live with constant pain for the rest of my life. I would talk about my situation with anyone that would listen. One day a coworker loaned me a book he thought I should read "Natural Cures: They don't want you to know about." It opened my eyes to other possibilities; I could envision a pain-free life.


The Natural Food Store:
I wanted to get all the chemicals out of my food, body care products and water. My children told me to check out the natural food store near my house. Much to my surprise the people inside were welcoming, helpful and friendly. I could ask them any question and they had answers. It was easy to find organic food and read labels with ingredients I recognized. My daughters had enlightened me to the dangers of deodorants (they were still in high school and knew this stuff). It was more expensive, but I was more comfortable knowing what I was eating or putting on my body and I believed it would make a difference; still do!

Naturopath, Chiropractor, Holistic Health:
I scoured the internet for information; I bought books; the more I read the more questions I had. Suddenly, holistic and Chinese medicine were no longer foreign to me; I liked the concept of whole body preventive medicine versus treating the sick. I  made an appointment with a naturopathic physician.  She listened intently as I described my symptoms.  She described what the medicines had done to my body and what it would take to get back to normal. Together we worked out a plan to be successful. Over time I also requested seasonal acupuncture and still do that on a quarterly basis or when needed.

During this same period cycling was causing me to have lower back pain.  I decided to give a chiropractor a try. It was a bold move considering all the negative things I had heard throughout my life.  The experience was life altering! I proclaimed him a miracle worker after the first visit and returned on a regular basis for six months. He also provided me with stretch exercises that I still do today (though not as religiously as I should).

Eventually, I hired a holistic health coach to help me lose weight. There was more to the coaching than food. I learned how to relax, take care of myself, manage stress, have healthy relationships and eat foods that nourish the body.

Pain opened my eyes:
To a world I dismissed as meaningless, hokey or a scam. These people made a difference in my life and changed my future. Without them I have no doubt I would still be living in pain, on prescription medicine and have had at least one surgical operation. Instead, I live pain-free with all my original body parts. I hope this knowledge helps you to open your mind to the world.

What is Healthy?

We all have our own idea of what healthy is.

Our ideas are based on things we have learned over time, either through the media, magazines, friends, family, school or experience. How do we know what healthy is? When did it all become so complicated?

Let's start with FOOD:

According to Michael Pollan's book "In Defense of Food" it all became complicated back in the 1970's when the government tasked a Senate Select Committee led by George McGovern to find out what was making American's fat. The committee responded that Americans need to eat less red meat and dairy. Interested groups lobbied and things were changed; specific foods are no longer called out. Of course there is much more to this than just meat and dairy. Another of Michael's books "The Omnivore's Dilemma" tries to follow the food from the field to the plate. He does this in 3 different settings and it is a very interesting story to follow. Most of us have no idea where our food is coming from or what is in it.

Our food also changed in the 1940's when Fritz Haber invented chemical fertilizers which has led us to the world we live in today. Chemicals used to make bombs are the fertilizers of today's world.

My interest in becoming healthier started when I began my search to  resolve my acid reflux and stomach pains. An experiment to give up meat and dairy turned into a quest for better health. I found a new type of doctor called a "Naturopath", a doctor who practices natural medicine. The book "Natural Cures They Don't Want You to Know About" brought awareness of all the chemicals in our food, water and body care products from pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics and prescription drugs. I became aware of GMO's (genetically modified organisms) that are added to our food without our consent or knowledge.

I began reading about food and our food system; watching movies (Supersize Me, Food Inc, Food Matters, King Corn) on the same subject matter. I learned things I didn't really want to know about large-scale farming, factory farming, animal abuse on a large scale, and how these so called farms produce our food.

How about EXERCISE?

I'm a work in progress. We've all heard it "Get regular exercise". For the most part, I have always been semi-active. My hobbies include cycling, hiking, snowshoeing and kayaking; however, I am mostly a weekend warrior. I have a sit down job and  getting my heart rate up once or twice a week just isn't enough. I set a goal to ride 100 miles on my bicycle a few years ago. At first it seemed impossible, the best I could do at the time was 30 miles. When I began reading about long distance cycling I learned the importance of keeping my heart rate in check and my pedaling at a consistent rate or rpm. I had been pushing my heart way out of it's threshold whenever I exercised. I started wearing a heart monitor and found if I was consistent and kept my heart rate within the parameters for my age I felt better longer. I also switched from water to an electrolyte drink. In the beginning I bought one from Clif; then, I started making my own with a recipe from "Thrive: The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimal Performance in Sports and Life ". Eating a little protein or energy bars every hour or so while exercising provides important energy too. Not only did my bicycle riding get better, but so did my hiking,  snowshoeing and energy levels in every day life. In 2010 I accomplished my first 100 mile bicycle ride at 52 years old and have done several since. I feel better when I exercise and it doesn't have to be much. A 30 minute walk or bicycle ride makes me feel great! Several hours, bonus!

Think much about STRESS? Both mental and physical 

Stress affects our health every day. This is an area I struggle with. Both my naturopath and holistic health coach taught me ways to de-stress or unwind. An unhealthy diet can also stress our body. Proper nutrition, exercise and some type of meditation are all beneficial to our lives. It does not have to been practiced meditation. Since I was a young boy I have always found comfort in walking in the woods alone. For some, it's listening to classical music. Others find painting or sewing relaxing. I have a favorite place I like to go and sit. What ever it is, it is important to find the time to relax your mind and body.

Am I healthy? What is Healthy?

I guess we all need to find our own answer to that. For me, it was reducing the amount of chemicals I put in and on my body. Preparing my own meals from scratch using organic, non-gmo ingredients. Attempting to get consistent and regular exercise. Enjoying my hobbies more often. Practicing some kind of stress relief methods and remembering to laugh. I think we all need to remember to live in the moment and enjoy life.

Hopefully you find this interesting and helpful.

Nutrition vs Eating

Most of us are never really taught about nutrition when it comes to food and eating. Food preparation and eating habits are a learned practice from family, friends or self taught. I took Home Economics in high school, went to vocational school for Hotel & Restaurant Management, and worked as a prep chef and short-order cook in local restaurants. When I left home I took some of my mother's best recipes, borrowed recipes from friends and bought magazines like Cooking Light and Taste of Home.  I've joined Weight Watchers twice, done the Atkins Diet, counted many calories and tried several fad diets. We have all been repeatedly told to eat a balanced diet. Nowhere was I ever taught about nutrition; were you?

If you have been following me for a while you know why I changed the way I eat. If you are new to my blog then the quick answer is to resolve my acid reflux. When I became vegan suddenly nutrition was important! I needed to know if I was getting enough protein, calcium and vitamin B12. Shaky and weak after exercise or tired for no reason, I would look for answers. What was lacking? What did I need to do to be stronger. I am no longer vegan, though I eat many vegan recipes weekly. I've done lots of reading and follow some interesting people. Terms that were foreign to me like macro-nutrients, living enzymes, pH foods, nutrient-density, nutritional-stress, empty-calories, omega 3's, omega 6's and factory-farms are things I think about when purchasing food and preparing meals now. Effort is made to try to use whole foods, natural sweeteners and organic, gmo-free foods as much as possible. I look for ways to "boost" a recipe to make it more nutritious. Things like adding pumpkin seeds or seaweed to a salad or stirring greens into a recipe at the end, just until they wilt.

There is a new term out there "Superfoods", each year the list grows longer. I wish they just called them "Nutritious Foods". These are foods that have been identified as having a powerhouse of nutrients, eaten for centuries from all over the world. I buy "Superfoods". Many of them are perishable and have been dried or made into powders that can be added to recipes or smoothies. Others can be found at your local store or co-op and are easily added to your diet. Like most living foods if you can buy them fresh and *unpasteurized (see note below) they are more beneficial to your health. I did a search on "nutritional value of food" and one of the links provided is from Whole Foods Market 100 Healthiest Foods . Incorporating these foods into your everyday life will definitely make a difference. Of course, the way they are prepared makes a big difference too.

For most of us in the United States eating is about taste and filling a void. We eat for pleasure, boredom and habit. How many of us eat when we are not even hungry or just because it's time or there? We drool over decadent foods that have little nutritious value at all. What if I told you there are delicious decadent recipes out there that are nutritious too! Like this No-bake Brownie Recipe from Julie Morris (another of my favorites). 

Home-cooked or "prepared from scratch" meals have been consistent throughout my life. I thought I was making healthy choices, using nutritious recipes, serving balanced meals. With the education I had I was giving it my best effort. Knowing what I know now I would do it completely different. 

First, I would make sure I was serving organic or gmo-free foods. There would be no high fructose corn syrup or aspartame in anything we ate or drank. The meat would be grass-fed, preferably local or wild, pesticide and antibiotic-free. My eggs would be from free-range pastured chickens.  And I would serve more whole foods, especially at breakfast. The crap that is sold for breakfast products is ridiculous! The sugar laden (gmo beet sugar) cereals would be off the table, fast food restaurants like McDonald's, Wendy's and Burger King would not even be an option. Soda is another chemical concoction that would be gone.

Second, I would give more thought to nutrition at dinner. Choosing quinoa, sweet potatoes, or wild rice over white potatoes, white rice or pasta. There would be more living food; such as a variety of salads, vegetables and fresh fruits. All gmo-free or organic.

Third, there would be less dairy. I thought dairy was the only source of calcium. I have since learned that it is not even the best source of calcium "non-dairy-sources-calcium " and our bodies have trouble absorbing calcium from dairy. There are many delicious dairy alternatives that can have a healthy impact and satisfy the palate and an abundance of foods to get calcium from. I feel like one of the best things I did for myself was to minimize the amount of cheese and ice cream I have in my life.

The Standard American Diet is considered an acidic diet. Acidic diets have been linked to chronic conditions and illness "Diet and the Acid / Alkaline Balance ". Start eating more foods that help the body's pH like fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Even fish helps the body's pH.

Brendan Brazier has been one of my biggest educators of Food, Sports and Nutrition. In the two books I have "Thrive: The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimal Performance in Sports and Life" and "Thrive Foods" he dedicates the first portion of the books to nutritional stress, pH and nutrient density of foods. The first book is geared towards athletes with recipes for energy bars, electrolyte drinks, recovery smoothies and pre-workout drinks and foods. To be honest I make one of the electrolyte drinks often, a breakfast recipe before big hikes or bicycle ride, protein recover smoothie recipes after. I have not tried many of the other recipes. The second book is geared more towards making healthy delicious foods for everyday life. He also has a free website called Thrive Forward . It requires a sign up, but has lots of good tips and information to help anyone interested in living a more nutritious and healthy lifestyle.

This journey started 8 years ago for me; living in constant pain, prescription and non-prescription medications failing to bring relief and doctors with no answers. If it wasn't for the internet, Google and people posting their stories I would still be living a life in constant pain and dread. I hope you find this information useful.

* There is a debate over pasteurized vs unpasteurized food. Pasteurization is done to make our foods safer. In the process it alters the properties of the food, reduces the nutritional value and kills the living enzymes in the food. I could only find this one informational link that is about milk, but applies to other foods too. Vital info about pasteurization and homogenization 

Your Brain needs Cholesterol

Did you know that?

After being a vegan for several years I returned to my doctor for a physical. When the results were in he jokingly asked, "why are you wasting my time". Everything checked good and my cholesterol was 140. I requested the results be sent to my naturopath and I made an appointment to see her for a follow up.

Can you imagine my surprise when she told me that my cholesterol was too low? She added that she would like to see a target range of around 170. This is when I learned that our brains require cholesterol to function properly. She told me to add healthy fats to my diet like avocados and nuts. Woo Hoo! How often does your doctor tell you to add fats to your diet?

Searching on cholesterol, brain, and good fats brought up all sorts of articles, studies and information. Most agree that you need healthy fats in your diet; the debate is, what fats are healthy? If you search just on "brain foods" you will get a certain list on varied sites. If you search on "good fats and brain foods" you will get a different list.

At home I use coconut oil, olive oil, hemp oil and flax seed oil. I choose to eat organic butter on toast or vegetables; if I can find it I use goat butter. There is a question whether any extracted oils are good for you and I tend to lean toward the belief they are not. I think the closer you eat food to its natural state the better.

In 2012 I made the decision to add organic free-range eggs and wild caught fish back into my diet. Both have higher counts of omega 3's than the conventional eggs and fish that have little or no omega 3 fatty acids. Having the proper amount of omega 3's and 6's in your diet is crucial to good health. At the same time I was reading conflicting information about soy and wanted to reduce the amount of soy I ate. One year later, I had my cholesterol checked again and it came back at 173. I enjoy plenty of fish, eggs, nuts and avocados along with other healthy fats.

Our bodies need fat to function properly. Michael Pollen's book "In Defense of Food" is a great book to bring awareness to the food we eat. I encourage you to give it a read.

I think this is probably a good brain food! Raw Pumpkin Spice Cookies from Rawmazing.com

Raw & GMO-free

I consider myself cured of Acid Reflux Disease. It has been ages since the last episode back in 2012, it seems so long ago. It's nice to live without pain, medicine costs, insurance hassles and food restrictions.

I continue to read and learn about food and water. Many of us do not realize what an important part food and water play in our overall health. I make my best effort to eat food and drink water that is free from pesticides, antibiotics and other toxins. I also do not want my food genetically modified, I want it labeled so I can make an informed decision.
 
I still cook mostly vegan and like to try a variety of raw recipes. I added wild-caught fish, organic free-range eggs, organic butter and beer back into my diet in 2012. Recently, I have also had wild game (moose meat and venison) and organic grass-fed beef. I do not want to get into the habit of eating dairy again, but I have had cheese occasionally on sandwiches or pizza. If I have a choice I choose goat cheese. I find cheese very addictive and it is easily one of those things you can over eat, especially in an American diet.

I am making my own nut milks now. It started with almond, then hazelnut. I use the nut mash to make chocolate truffles. No waste! And a delicious energy snack. I took a Raw Foods class and learned how to make a Raw Chocolate Mousse. Mmmm!

There are so many delicious, healthy recipes out there I just want to share my knowledge with everyone. To make everyone aware that the "low fat" diet is a scam. That the "American diet" is making us sick! That "big money" is controlling our food system and popping pills is not the way to good health. The FDA is shorthanded and leaving safety testing in the hands of the companies. Chemical company stooges have infiltrated the FDA and allow safety standards to be weakened or overlooked.

I read a book "The Ethics of What We Eat". The author was not interested in any particular diet. The book was more focused on the quality of our food and variety. The premise was we all get into a rut and eat the same foods over and over again; the reasons are many. My goal for 2014 is to add as much variety to my weekly diet as possible. I still intend to focus on vegan and raw recipes; the possibilities are endless! My body pH also interests me and I want to eat a more alkaline diet as well. Have I tweaked your interest yet? Are you thinking of ways you can live a healthier life?

There is more to it than food. Getting outside for some healthy fun is crucial! I plan to continue hiking, bicycling, camping and kayaking; along with photography and visiting every town in Vermont. I joined the Vermont 251 Club last year and intend to start visiting historic sites and photographing each town I visit.

After years of suffering with acid reflux, being in constant pain and giving up most foods that I enjoyed, taking pills and drinking antacids it seems nice to say I have been off prescription medicines and over the counter drugs for 8 years. I asked my doctor why he didn't suggest a vegetarian diet and he responded "I didn't think it would work". I think it is more likely that he didn't know. Doctors are not taught about nutrition and food. Don't assume that your doctor knows what it best; ask questions, do research, check with a naturopathic doctor, a nutritionist or someone that practices Chinese medicine; you just might be surprised! There are many food sensitivities and food allergies are on the increase.  With 80% of the American diet being genetically modified foods it's no surprise. You are what you eat!

You can find my full story within these pages or you can follow this link  Overcoming Acid Reflux to my first post.


Stay healthy and be aware!

John

Feeling Good and Staying Healthy

The good news is the I have not had any heartburn, acid reflux, gerd or hiatal hernia issues. I am often awestruck that I no longer even think about carrying vinegar, DGL or digestive enzymes "just in case" something happens.

Last fall, I decided to add fish and eggs back into my diet. The initial reason was so I could reduce the amount of soy that I was eating, without having to increase my thought process on protein sources or food prep time. I have enjoyed losing the "vegan" label, though I still cook mostly vegan recipes on a weekly basis. Losing the label has helped me to lighten up when I am out with friends and also not to pick apart food that is placed in front of me. Of course, the risk is that I might eat a food that does not agree with me. I know that dairy was a major cause of my digestive issues and I try to keep my consumption to a minimum. I have been using organic butter on my toast; if I can find goat butter that is my first choice.

Another change is adding craft beers back. There were a number of reasons why I had removed alcohol from my life. One factor was acid reflux; at the worst point drinking an alcoholic beverage was like setting my insides on fire. It was no longer enjoyable and had to be stopped. In the past couple years an occasional beer had been enjoyed after a long hike or reunion with an old friend(s) and I found that I could not only painlessly enjoy it; I also savored the flavors and appreciated the craftsmanship that goes into the making of a good brew; I also missed the social aspect of having a beer.

So eggs, fish, butter and beer are the new weekly commonplace foods and I have suffered no ill effects. I have also been making my own almond milk weekly and consuming lots of dark chocolate.

My one setback since September is that I have gained about 20 lbs; I'm not happy about that. We all have addictions and cravings and mine are barbeque chips and chocolate; the lack of consistent exercise is also a factor. I still get out and hike, bicycle and kayak, but it is not as consistent as it should be. I am making an effort to eat less chocolate and fewer chips too. Hopefully, I get back to a preferred weight before winter.

I went for a physical in January and passed with flying colors. I also saw a dermatologist and had some spots burned off my face.  Recently, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and now sleep with a c-pap machine each night or day, depending on my schedule. The c-pap machine has made a big difference in my energy level and how I feel. It's only month two of using it and I expect to see results in weight-loss and activity levels because of it.

To wrap things up; eating wild caught fish, free range organic eggs and relaxing my dietary requirements has helped me feel happier without compromising my health. I am a strong, vibrant, energy filled person that is enjoying life without the pain of acid reflux or the cost and complications of prescription medicine.

The American diet is the cause of many of the health issues in this country; many will never put the two together. In my case it was by chance and with no other alternatives that I investigated changing my diet. Education and awareness is the key to living a healthy and rewarding life.

No Longer Vegan

For months I have been contemplating changing my diet; it was not an easy decision to make. For the past 5 or 6 years I have been vegan; originally doing it for health reasons and then staying vegan because I think it's a very healthy lifestyle and it also supports how I feel about factory farming and the mistreatment of animals.

There are several reasons for this decision.

First, I have way too much soy in my diet. From all the reading I have done I have come to the conclusion that soy is not good for you. There are lots of articles on this subject and this is just a sample Dangers of Soy. I have made an effort to avoid soy, but it is an easy protein source and often the only alternative choice on the menu when you dine out. There is a good chance it was adding to my digestion issues.

Second, since educating myself about health and nutrition I have learned a lot about the food industry and what I thought was healthy food. I make an effort to eat local organic foods and learned the difference between factory farmed beef, fish, pork and chickens and free range grass fed animals. When I ride my bicycle around the county I can tell the difference between cows that are kept in a barn or locked in a stall with their tails cut off versus cows that are out in the pasture eating grass and playing. Animals that are actually curious when you ride by. I'm not adding dairy or beef back into my diet, but if I were to it would be grass fed, organic, antibiotic-free beef and dairy or free range chicken.

Third, I recently read a book that took me by surprise. I was at a local bookstore when I looked down and this title caught my attention, "The Vegetarian Myth" by Lierre Keith. She was a 20 year vegan and blamed veganism for health issues and seemed very angry. Of course, I questioned what her diet had been like? You can be a vegan and still eat unhealthy; I mean french fries and Fritos are vegan. How much soy did she eat?

I could relate to her message about sustainability. She pointed out that factory agriculture does just as much damage to the planet as factory animal farms. She gave many examples of top soil being stripped away and once fertile land is now desert. Also, if the animal population is not controlled we would be overrun. She promoted sustainable farming.

So, for basically those reasons I decided to add eggs and fish back to my diet. I still plan to avoid wheat, corn, soy, dairy and most meat. I'll continue to eat mostly organic and vegan recipes, but I will not be able to proclaim myself as a vegan. I'm not a pescatarian or vegetarian; not really sure what I am? Other than a health conscious eater.

So here is an update on my acid reflux.

Since March I have continued to have what I would consider minor bouts of acid reflux. If you will recall, in March I had a Hiatal Hernia issue that caused an acid reflux attack. It had been the first in a number of years.
Anyways, I had an appointment with my naturopath last week and we discussed this. I knew that I had been eating a lot of trigger foods; tomatoes (in season), chocolate and caffeinated teas. She thought a digestive enzyme might help, along with taking DGL again. I started taking the digestive enzyme prior to meals and the DGL between meals, plus gave up the trigger foods and here I am one week later and feeling like my old self. Again, it's all about exercise, eating right and listening to our bodies. Thanks for reading, please leave a comment. 

The Role of Proper Nutrition when Dealing with Cancer

Jillian sent this post. It goes along well with my beliefs about proper nutrition; if we eat properly we can overcome many obstacles. If you are interested in reading more from Jillian head on over to Center Yourself.

In order to maintain strength and increase your chances of a successful recovery from cancer, it's helpful to integrate proper nutrition into your diet. While eating right isn't a cure within itself, it's extremely advantageous and can improve your overall quality of life. With that being said, let's discuss the role of proper nutrition when dealing with cancer and some of its primary benefits.

Increased strength and higher energy levels are two positive effects that many people experience with healthy nutritional habits. By consuming foods such as raw vegetables and others that are packed full of antioxidants, your body will be better equipped to deal with the stress that cancer places on your body. This is especially helpful if you're implementing chemotherapy or other forms of radiation. It can also help equip your body to maintain its strength. In fact, patients who are well nourished tend to respond better to therapy and often have an improved prognosis. As a result, you should experience more energy and it should make dealing with cancer more tolerable.

It's also important because your immune system can greatly benefit from a healthy diet. During the stages of cancer and treatment, your body is placed under large amounts of stress that can wreak havoc on your immune system. When this happens, it tends to make you more prone to negative side effects. However, eating a balanced diet and avoiding unhealthy foods can give your body the boost that it needs to combat cancer.

Along with this, you are likely to have a considerably quicker recovery time after treatment is over. By nourishing your body with essential nutrients, it tends to give you the edge while in recovery. Not only will your body respond better to treatment, you should be at a lower risk of developing an infection as well. On the other hand, failing to eat a proper diet makes it more difficult for your body to begin the recovery process.  Consequently, you are more likely to experience negative symptoms like fatigue, nausea and decreased strength.

In addition, your general quality of live should improve when eating a healthy diet. Since many cancer patients experience adverse effects such as weight loss and depression, providing your body with adequate nutrition for mesothelioma or other types of cancer should be helpful. This is mainly because improved physical health tends to positively impact your mental health. When you can maintain a positive state of mind, it's only natural that your quality of live will improve and your chances of recovery are often increased.  For more information regarding developing a healthy diet while going through cancer please visit- The National Cancer Institute.

Knowledge is Relief

It’s been a while since my last blog entry and it’s time for an update.

First, I created my blog with the hope that I could help others suffering from digestive problems and acid reflux find an alternative to prescription medicine or surgery to resolve or control their issues. I have found success in that the blog is searchable; several times a year someone contacts me and I share strategies that have worked for me and recommend finding a Naturopathic Physician in their area to assist them with their endeavor.

I returned to my naturopath in early May. I was still feeling the effects of my “Acid Relapse” event in March. I was almost recovered but not quite there yet. I confessed to her that I thought part of the problem was my hiatal hernia ( I had not shared that info with her ever). A hiatal hernia occurs when weakened muscle tissue allows your stomach to bulge up through your diaphragm. You can learn more by following this link http://www.medicinenet.com/hiatal_hernia/article.htm. That was the cause of the pressure in my chest and then the burning sensation was from GERD or acid reflux.

Dr. Miller-Lane gave me some exercises to do if I have another hiatal hernia episode (with a disclaimer: seek medical attention in case of heart attack or stroke).  Also, because I was still having some issues with acid reflux she put me on a regimen of unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, papaya enzymes and DGL. If you are familiar with my past blogs they explain DGL and the importance of unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. The papaya enzymes were new to me and they help with digestion. I was aware from my early days of suffering that papaya was good for creating enzymes in the stomach. For a while I use to drink papaya juice and eat fresh papaya when I could find it. 

Today, May 23^rd I feel very good and my body is back to feeling normal. I still believe that diet, exercise and stress management are key to feeling the best you can. Because of the weather I have been able to be active cycling, hiking, gardening, washing car and doing yard work. Certain foods trigger acid reflux; I am very aware of what they are and either avoid or eat in moderation. I am still a  vegan and eat mostly organic or non-GMO foods. I also do 15 minutes of breathing meditation each day and think it is a crucial part of being healthy.

 

Acid Relapse

It started with chest pain and pressure; I took a ride to the ER in an ambulance. After 3 1/2 hrs of tests, blood drawings, anxiety and anticipation I was told that I had another Acid Reflux or GERD attack. They gave me an antacid to sooth my pain and suffering. How could this be? I had beat this thing! It had been over 5 years since my last attack! There had been no symptoms, no telltale signs of indigestion; it just occurred out of the blue!

At first, I wanted to blame it on the food I had eaten; a big bowl of hemp - flax seed granola with a banana and hemp milk. Then, no, I have eaten this many times in the past without issue. Maybe it was the bag of flax seed - black bean chips and the dark chocolate candy bar I had eaten on my way home from work? Just before going to bed? No, I've been doing that on a regular basis too.

After a few days of contemplation I have decided there are a number of factors that led to my demise; all are equally important.

1. Hydration - I have not been drinking as much water as I should. In the ambulance I told them I was dehydrated and they put me on a saline solution. Water is so important to our daily well-being

2. Exercise - It has been 3 weeks since I elevated my heart rate. It's so important to your whole system to exercise regularly. It helps reduce stress and acidity in the body, plus keeps our muscles toned and healthy.

3. Stress - I have been dealing with two stresses in my life; work and relationship or the lack of a relationship. Stress is hard to control and some things can only change with time. I have been given a few tools to deal with stress and have a few of my own; the trick is to use them consistently so that you do not blow a gasket.

4. Eating habits - I had been feeling good for so long I was pushing the envelope on my eating habits. It's not necessarily what I've been eating, rather how I've been eating and when. I eat too fast, eat before bed and eat more of some junk foods than I need to; everything in moderation.

I just purchased a book on the pH levels of food and plan to work on the four areas that I mentioned above. I have no doubt that I can get back to where I was soon and be smarter about how I live my life.

Please add comments and input.

I Wanna Know What's in My Food and Body Care Products.

Lately events, commercials and articles have driven me to write this post. It's very simple, I want to know what is in my food and body care products!

1.) To recently find out that Aspartame is going to be called a "Natural Sweetener" and that "Wood" is a common ingredient in much of our processed foods that we are feeding our children.

2.) To know that Johnson and Johnson is selling their baby care products in the USA with toxic ingredients while they have removed the ingredients in Europe because those countries demanded it.

3.) The FDA and USDA have decided that labeling genetically modified foods somehow implies that there is something wrong with the food and therefore refuse to pass regulations for labeling.

I recently read Micheal Pollen's book "In Defense of Food". The government has known since the 1970's that our diet was unhealthy and killing us, but has not done anything to change it. A Senate Select Committee led by George McGovern recommended that we eat less meat and dairy. After pressure from the Meat and Dairy industry that recommendation was reworded to less fat and cholesterol in our diets.

There are movements in America at present for the Right to Know. Follow the link to  Vermont Right to Know for more information.

Information about Safe Cosmetics can be found at http://safecosmetics.org/
 

It's really up to us to make sure we have healthy, nutritious food. It is getting more difficult to find it with factory farming and large conventional agriculture filling our supermarkets. Our conventional food has less omega 3's and natural vitamins because the soil has been stripped of its nutrients and they are not being replenished.

Whenever possible we should be buying grass fed beef, free-range chickens and eggs and local or organic fruits and vegetables.

I also highly recommend buying USDA organic body care products.

Labels for Liberty

Many of us do not realize it but most of the food we eat and drink has been genetically modified or adulterated in some way. The government in their infinite wisdom thinks that we as consumers do not need or want to know this information. I am appalled that as a parent, thinking that I was feeding my children healthy nutritious food; I was actually feeding them toxins and carcinogens and cancer causing ingredients.

 Becky and I fighting the good fight

At this time, many states have legislation pending the would require genetically modified foods to be labeled. In Vermont it is H.367. Contact your representatives and let them know that you want to know what is in your food! Do it today!

Living Foods, Enzymes, Raw Food, Acidic or Alkaline

During my Acid Reflux distress I had read Natural Cures"They" Don't Want You to Know About. It was a stepping stone to where I am today. In the book he says that we do not eat enough living food or foods with active enzymes. Most of the food we eat today is processed, microwaved, pasteurized or cooked until there is nothing left that is living in the food. In Thrive: The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimal Performance in Sports and Life Brendan Brazier touches on the same subject and speaks of sprouting nuts, seeds, beans and grains and eating them in their living raw form. He also talks about the pH of food and our bodies. Our bodies should be more alkaline to operate properly and most of us have bodies that are in an acidic state. This interests me, but I have only begun to investigate and educate myself on the subject.

Lately, I have been adding more raw foods and fermented foods into my diet. Stores like Healthy Living in South Burlington have a whole section dedicated to raw foods. Here are a few of my favorite raw food brand names Lydia's Organics, Lulu's Raw Chocolate, Brad's Raw Chips, Ruth's Hemp Foods and Vega. They all make excellent products that are good for the body. Another website that has the most amazing raw recipes is Raw Amazing. I will let you know how things are as time goes on and who knows? You may be eating some of my "raw" recipes soon!