At the risk of 'beating a dead horse' I'm 'going there' once more with important information about flu vaccines. I encourage everyone to become fully informed before deciding to get any flu vaccines. Please don't let the media hype (and there is a ton of it) guide your decisions. Please share this with those you love and care about.
Flu & Flu vaccine facts:
**The flu virus rarely causes death. Most “flu deaths” are due to bacterial pneumonia, which can occur with a weakened immune system.
**Serious reactions to the flu vaccine include, but are not limited to:
Life-threatening allergic reactions, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (a severe paralyzing disease), brain inflammation & other nervous system disorders, blood disorders
**Studies keep coming to the same conclusion: Flu vaccines do not work--and can cause harm. Before the CDC promoted vaccinating children under age 5, the number of children dying from the flu was very low (& declining). In 2003, children age 5 & under started getting vaccinated, resulting in a dramatic increase in the number of flu deaths in this age group.
**Check out this quote taken directly from the 2009-2010 flu vaccine FLULAVAL’s package insert--(which most people never read): " FLULAVAL is an influenza virus vaccine indicated for active immunization of adults 18 years of age and older against influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and type B contained in the vaccine. This indication is based on immune response elicited by FLULAVAL, and there have been no controlled trials demonstrating a decrease in influenza disease after vaccination with FLULAVAL.” NO CONTROLLED STUDIES TO CHECK EFFECTIVENESS?? Hmmmm....
Some studies (boring, I know, but very revealing):
**October 2008 Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine: Vaccinating young children against the flu had no impact on flu-related hospitalizations or doctor visits during 2 recent flu seasons
**The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2006 (reviewed 51 studies): No evidence found to support that the flu vaccine is any more effective than a placebo in children (Studies involved 260,000 children, age 6 to 23 months)
**2008 study, The Lancet (medical journal): Flu vaccination was not associated with a reduced risk of pneumonia in older people
**American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine: No decrease in deaths from influenza and pneumonia in the elderly, even though vaccination coverage has increased in this age group from 15% in 1980 to 65% presently
**Early each year, 'vaccine experts' travel to Asia to assess which strains of the flu virus are currently active, assuming that the same virus strains will spread to the US by Fall. The US vaccine manufacturers start making that season’s flu vaccine, based on the virus strains found in Asia. If the viral strains circulating in the U.S. that season are not the same as the Asian strains, the vaccine is useless--(and potentially harmful).
**Ingredients found in flu vaccines: Thimerosol (mercury), Aluminum (neurotoxin linked to Alzheimer’s disease), Triton X-100 (detergent), Phenol, Ethylene glycol (antifreeze), Betapropiolactone (disinfectant)
Thanks for being an informed health care participant and taking ownership of your health. Our health is too valuable for anything less!
Blessings of health to you...
Sana
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Sweet...With Side Effects: Artificial Sweeteners
So here's the deal...on artificial sweeteners and how they can affect your health. If you’re clutching your diet soda or other artificially-sweetened product tightly, then this may not be the article for you…or maybe it is…if you’re truly concerned about your health. It may be one of those things that Rachel Ray, from Food Network calls 'Things That Make You Go Hmmmm...'.
Nearly a decade ago, studies were already revealing that artificial sweeteners can stimulate your appetite, increase carbohydrate cravings & stimulate fat storage and weight gain. Hmmm…why are people using artificial sweeteners???
Splenda is the brand name for sucralose. Splenda is a chemical substance and not natural sugar. The makers of Splenda have purchased over 211 domain names, like SplendaKills.com, SplendaPoison.com, SplendaVictims.com. It is their elaborate attempt to prevent any negative information being written on-line. Hmmm…if their products are safe as they say, why are they doing this?
The inventors of Splenda admit that about 15% of sucralose is absorbed by the body, but they cannot guarantee us (out of this 15%) what amount of chlorine stays in the body and what percent flushes out. Wait a minute…chlorine is a cancer-causing agent…Hmmm…
As of 2006, only 6 human trials had been published on Splenda. Of these 6 trials, only 2 of the trials were completed and published before the FDA approved it for human consumption. The 2 published trials had a whopping total of 36 human subjects, of which only 23 total were actually given sucralose for testing. The longest trial at this time had lasted only 4 days, & looked at Splenda in relation to tooth decay, not human tolerance.
The absorption of Splenda in the human body was studied on a whopping total of 6 men-—and based on that 1 human study, the FDA allowed the findings to be generalized as being representative of the entire human population, including women, children, the elderly, and those with any chronic illness. The FDA claims they reviewed over 100 studies conducted on Splenda. The part they don't mention is that most of the studies were on animals.
The web site www.truthaboutsplenda.com lists a variety of consumer complaints from Splenda consumption, such as gastrointestinal problems, migraines, seizures, dizziness, blurred vision, allergic reactions, blood sugar increases, & weight gain. Hmmm…why is this considered a weight loss option---and recommended for diabetics?
Equal and Nutrasweet are brand names for aspartame. The FDA approved aspartame as an artificial sweetener for use in solid form during 1981, and in soft drinks during 1983. It is a synthetic chemical consisting of two amino acids, phenylalanine (50 %) and aspartic acid (40 %), and a methyl ester (10 %) that promptly becomes free methyl alcohol (methanol; wood alcohol). Free methyl alcohol is considered a severe poison.
Some side effects of aspartame: decreased vision, headaches, seizures, confusion, drowsiness, tremors, depression, anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, heart pounding, aggravated allergies, the initiation or aggravation of diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia, depression, other psychiatric states, hyperthyroidism, arthritis & the simulation of multiple sclerosis. There are more---this just gives you an idea of what it can do in your body!
Senior FDA scientists and consultants strongly objected to the release of aspartame products because of the disturbing findings in animal studies (especially the frequency of brain tumors), questionable experimental data, and the absence of extensive pre-marketing trials on humans using real-world products over appropriate research time frames.
The link between aspartame and associated symptoms has been shown by stopping the intake of aspartame-containing products and having the symptoms quickly disappear—as well as restarting aspartame product intake and noting the return of symptoms. Studies have found that around 2/3 of aspartame users with symptoms experienced symptomatic improvement within 2 days after avoiding aspartame. With continued avoidance, their symptoms usually disappeared.
So…are you convinced that artificial sweeteners are not the best option out there? I used to drink diet soda---I looked forward to it every day. That was over 10 years ago—and I honestly don’t miss it. I check food labels to make sure my family & I aren't getting these artificial sweeteners in other forms of food as well.
Safer options are out there: Stevia (Truvia) and agave nectar or syrup are 2 examples. Another step in the right direction of Total Wellness for you and your family. I look forward to your comments!
Be well and Stay well—
Sana
Nearly a decade ago, studies were already revealing that artificial sweeteners can stimulate your appetite, increase carbohydrate cravings & stimulate fat storage and weight gain. Hmmm…why are people using artificial sweeteners???
Splenda is the brand name for sucralose. Splenda is a chemical substance and not natural sugar. The makers of Splenda have purchased over 211 domain names, like SplendaKills.com, SplendaPoison.com, SplendaVictims.com. It is their elaborate attempt to prevent any negative information being written on-line. Hmmm…if their products are safe as they say, why are they doing this?
The inventors of Splenda admit that about 15% of sucralose is absorbed by the body, but they cannot guarantee us (out of this 15%) what amount of chlorine stays in the body and what percent flushes out. Wait a minute…chlorine is a cancer-causing agent…Hmmm…
As of 2006, only 6 human trials had been published on Splenda. Of these 6 trials, only 2 of the trials were completed and published before the FDA approved it for human consumption. The 2 published trials had a whopping total of 36 human subjects, of which only 23 total were actually given sucralose for testing. The longest trial at this time had lasted only 4 days, & looked at Splenda in relation to tooth decay, not human tolerance.
The absorption of Splenda in the human body was studied on a whopping total of 6 men-—and based on that 1 human study, the FDA allowed the findings to be generalized as being representative of the entire human population, including women, children, the elderly, and those with any chronic illness. The FDA claims they reviewed over 100 studies conducted on Splenda. The part they don't mention is that most of the studies were on animals.
The web site www.truthaboutsplenda.com lists a variety of consumer complaints from Splenda consumption, such as gastrointestinal problems, migraines, seizures, dizziness, blurred vision, allergic reactions, blood sugar increases, & weight gain. Hmmm…why is this considered a weight loss option---and recommended for diabetics?
Equal and Nutrasweet are brand names for aspartame. The FDA approved aspartame as an artificial sweetener for use in solid form during 1981, and in soft drinks during 1983. It is a synthetic chemical consisting of two amino acids, phenylalanine (50 %) and aspartic acid (40 %), and a methyl ester (10 %) that promptly becomes free methyl alcohol (methanol; wood alcohol). Free methyl alcohol is considered a severe poison.
Some side effects of aspartame: decreased vision, headaches, seizures, confusion, drowsiness, tremors, depression, anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, heart pounding, aggravated allergies, the initiation or aggravation of diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia, depression, other psychiatric states, hyperthyroidism, arthritis & the simulation of multiple sclerosis. There are more---this just gives you an idea of what it can do in your body!
Senior FDA scientists and consultants strongly objected to the release of aspartame products because of the disturbing findings in animal studies (especially the frequency of brain tumors), questionable experimental data, and the absence of extensive pre-marketing trials on humans using real-world products over appropriate research time frames.
The link between aspartame and associated symptoms has been shown by stopping the intake of aspartame-containing products and having the symptoms quickly disappear—as well as restarting aspartame product intake and noting the return of symptoms. Studies have found that around 2/3 of aspartame users with symptoms experienced symptomatic improvement within 2 days after avoiding aspartame. With continued avoidance, their symptoms usually disappeared.
So…are you convinced that artificial sweeteners are not the best option out there? I used to drink diet soda---I looked forward to it every day. That was over 10 years ago—and I honestly don’t miss it. I check food labels to make sure my family & I aren't getting these artificial sweeteners in other forms of food as well.
Safer options are out there: Stevia (Truvia) and agave nectar or syrup are 2 examples. Another step in the right direction of Total Wellness for you and your family. I look forward to your comments!
Be well and Stay well—
Sana
Monday, September 7, 2009
What's The Scoop On Calcium Supplements?
It could be a game show question---or a trivia question: How many types of calcium supplements are there? It would take a while to count them all—as manufacturers continue to capitalize on the growing market of aging Americans concerned about osteoporosis. Actually, the big question should be: Which type of calcium will benefit me the most?
I think most of us realize the need for calcium supplements, especially as we get older---and especially if our bodies tend to be ‘acidic.’ Calcium not only helps keep our bones strong---it is also needed for proper function of the GI tract (gut), the liver & kidneys, the neurologic system, the heart…Yes, it qualifies as one of the ‘Biggies!’
Just taking calcium supplements doesn’t seem to be the answer, however, being the US leads the world in taking the most calcium supplements---and also leads the world in osteoporosis rates. What gives?
Here’s what I’ve found in my calcium detective work---hopefully it will help you decide what is best for you. Go check your calcium supplement & see what the main calcium ingredient is called---then read about it below:
Calcium Carbonate (Tums/OsCal/Caltrate/Viactiv) is made from limestone & requires extra stomach acid for absorption. It is the most common type of calcium used in supplements, yet only contains a small amount of usable calcium (~40%), so a large amount may be needed to meet the recommended calcium requirements.
Coral Calcium supplements are also made from limestone, a form of calcium carbonate.
Calcium Citrate (Citracal) provides less usable calcium per pill than calcium carbonate (~21%).
Dolomite, Oyster Shell, and Bone Meal are naturally occurring calcium carbonate sources which may contain heavy metals, including lead.
Another key factor to consider is that many calcium products are sold in tablet form--hard packed tablets that often pass through the entire digestive system without being completely dissolved.
After reading this list, is it any wonder that the US ranks so highly in osteoporosis even when taking the most calcium supplements?
There is a very effective calcium supplement called Hydoxyapatite Calcium (Calcium Plus---what I take!). It is one of the most absorbable and effective forms of calcium for the prevention of bone loss & is considered the preferred storage form of calcium. The surface of hydroxyapatite helps attract & hold in reserve key nutrients that are required along with calcium for healthy bone maintenance. These nutrients include magnesium, boron, phosphorous, and vitamins B6, B12, D & K. The majority of calcium supplements don’t provide these key components necessary for calcium absorption, resulting in a large proportion of the supplement being excreted (or forming kidney stones!). Some supplements add large amounts of a few of these components, with the theory that ‘more is better’—which we know isn’t the case! Nutrients are best absorbed when they are in ‘normal’ proportions that the body easily recognizes.
There you have it---an effective calcium source for those wanting to maintain strong bones.
Check out my blog article from July 20, 2009 (Strong Bones for All) for information on ‘osteoporosis drugs’ for SAFE options for those with osteopenia & osteoporosis who DON’T want to risk the incredible side effects of ‘Sally Fields’ drugs. You’ll learn about a totally safe & effective supplement that helps get the calcium where it needs to be, resulting in not only decreased bone loss but also increased bone mass.
Thanks for taking time to learn---and for taking care of you! Please share this with your friends and family---
Sana
I think most of us realize the need for calcium supplements, especially as we get older---and especially if our bodies tend to be ‘acidic.’ Calcium not only helps keep our bones strong---it is also needed for proper function of the GI tract (gut), the liver & kidneys, the neurologic system, the heart…Yes, it qualifies as one of the ‘Biggies!’
Just taking calcium supplements doesn’t seem to be the answer, however, being the US leads the world in taking the most calcium supplements---and also leads the world in osteoporosis rates. What gives?
Here’s what I’ve found in my calcium detective work---hopefully it will help you decide what is best for you. Go check your calcium supplement & see what the main calcium ingredient is called---then read about it below:
Calcium Carbonate (Tums/OsCal/Caltrate/Viactiv) is made from limestone & requires extra stomach acid for absorption. It is the most common type of calcium used in supplements, yet only contains a small amount of usable calcium (~40%), so a large amount may be needed to meet the recommended calcium requirements.
Coral Calcium supplements are also made from limestone, a form of calcium carbonate.
Calcium Citrate (Citracal) provides less usable calcium per pill than calcium carbonate (~21%).
Dolomite, Oyster Shell, and Bone Meal are naturally occurring calcium carbonate sources which may contain heavy metals, including lead.
Another key factor to consider is that many calcium products are sold in tablet form--hard packed tablets that often pass through the entire digestive system without being completely dissolved.
After reading this list, is it any wonder that the US ranks so highly in osteoporosis even when taking the most calcium supplements?
There is a very effective calcium supplement called Hydoxyapatite Calcium (Calcium Plus---what I take!). It is one of the most absorbable and effective forms of calcium for the prevention of bone loss & is considered the preferred storage form of calcium. The surface of hydroxyapatite helps attract & hold in reserve key nutrients that are required along with calcium for healthy bone maintenance. These nutrients include magnesium, boron, phosphorous, and vitamins B6, B12, D & K. The majority of calcium supplements don’t provide these key components necessary for calcium absorption, resulting in a large proportion of the supplement being excreted (or forming kidney stones!). Some supplements add large amounts of a few of these components, with the theory that ‘more is better’—which we know isn’t the case! Nutrients are best absorbed when they are in ‘normal’ proportions that the body easily recognizes.
There you have it---an effective calcium source for those wanting to maintain strong bones.
Check out my blog article from July 20, 2009 (Strong Bones for All) for information on ‘osteoporosis drugs’ for SAFE options for those with osteopenia & osteoporosis who DON’T want to risk the incredible side effects of ‘Sally Fields’ drugs. You’ll learn about a totally safe & effective supplement that helps get the calcium where it needs to be, resulting in not only decreased bone loss but also increased bone mass.
Thanks for taking time to learn---and for taking care of you! Please share this with your friends and family---
Sana
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
