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Posted by: | Posted on: March 27, 2025

Common OTC med linked to dementia

Reproduced from original article:
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For hundreds of thousands of years, our ancestors lived in perfect harmony with their environment. So when I hear doctors blame a person’s allergies on their family genes, I have to speak up…

Because the vast majority of allergies are NOT genetic.

springSpring time brings nothing but misery to millions of people… But don’t make the problem worse with OTC allergy meds.

They’re “epigenetic.”

Your epigenome is the part of your genetic material that is not inherited. It sits on top of your DNA, and directs which genes are expressed as they interact with the environment.

Special cells in the blood vessel of the inner eyelids, nasal membranes, and lungs release high levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), which in turn trigger the release of histamine and prostaglandins.

These are the real culprits behind all the misery.

In other words, allergies are not a biological mistake. They are your immune system’s way of defending itself against unnatural and dangerous toxins.

And studies are also finally showing that these severe allergic reactions are largely the result of polluted environments in industrialized countries.

One recent study reveals how air pollution particles attach themselves to pollen. Not only does this damage your lungs, but it can drive protein allergens deeper into your pulmonary system to trigger a greater allergic response.1

To make matters worse, most allergy meds recommended by doctors simply replace one set of problems with another. Side effects of these drugs can include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • High blood pressure
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Kidney and liver damage

But the most serious side effect of allergy drugs come from a class of drugs called anticholinergics (ACs). You know them by names like Benadryl and Dimetapp.

In a new study, scientists linked ACs to an increased risk of dementia.2

Researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine looked at 451 people, with an average age of 73. Sixty of the patients were taking at least one AC drug.

They gave the whole group memory and cognitive tests. They did PET scans to measure brain activity. They did MRI scans to measure changes in brain structure.

The results were worrying…

The people taking AC drugs did worse on short-term memory tests. They had worse verbal reasoning, planning skills, and problem-solving.

They also had lower levels of brain activity, especially in the hippocampus — the region of the brain linked with memory. And they had reduced brain volume and larger cavities or holes inside their brains.

In other words, people taking the drugs had more brain atrophy.

And AC drugs cause damage quickly. In fact, using these drugs for as few as 60 or 90 days can cause cognitive problems.3

I have a better idea. Because allergies are not genetic, but epigenetic – it means you have the power to control the way your genes are expressed.

The best natural way to control these epigenetic allergic reactions is to heal your gut microbiome – the billions of microbes that live in your intestine.

Allergy Relief Starts In Your Gut

Recent studies discovered your intestinal bacteria are significant contributors to the development of allergic diseases.4,5

That’s because your gut microbiome mediates your immune system’s allergy response – and the good news is that repairing your gut is easy…

  • First, add prebiotics to your diet: Consume foods that contain the prebiotic inulin. Prebiotics are a special kind of nondigestible fiber. These living microorganisms pass through your gut and remain undigested because your body can’t break them down.In other words, prebiotics act like fertilizer, feeding your probiotics so they can do their job. Great sources include bananas, onions, garlic, leeks, and Jerusalem artichokes.
  • Then, add probiotics: These will help recolonize your gut with healthy bacteria and crowd out the bad bacteria. You get a good supply from fermented foods like fresh sauerkraut, kefir, kvass and kimchi, and cultured dairy.You can also take probiotic supplements but always check for gut survivability. Products should use “acid proof” technology that protects the organisms from your stomach acid. And look for CFU – or “colony forming units” – of at least 30 billion CFUs per capsule.
  • Finally, increase your vitamin D levels to battle allergies. More than 40% of Americans are thought to be vitamin D deficient. So, it’s hardly surprising that allergic diseases are on the rise. Multiple studies show that vitamin D plays a key role in the prevention of allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis.6,7I recommend using a combination of sources to get at least 5,000 IUs a day to maintain health – and 10,000 IUs if you’re already fighting an allergic condition.Sunlight is the best way to boost vitamin D levels, but that’s difficult in the middle of winter. Instead, take a good-quality vitamin D supplement.I recommend a supplement of vitamin D3 called cholecalciferol. It’s the same bioactive D3 your body produces. Just be sure to avoid the synthetic form of vitamin D2 in most multivitamins because it’s weaker and less absorbable.

To Your Good Health,

Al Sears, MD, CNS

References:

  1. Bedard A, et al. “Interaction between air pollution and pollen seasons on allergic rhinitis control.” Environ Epidemiol. October 2019;3:26.
  2. Risacher S, et al. “Association between anticholinergic medication use and cognition, brain metabolism, and brain atrophy in cognitively normal older adults.” JAMA Neurol. 2016;73(6):721-32.
  3. Xueya C, et al. “Long-term anticholinergic use and the aging brain.” Alzheimers Dement. 2013;9: 377-385.
  4. Shen, X, et al. “Dynamic construction of gut microbiota may influence allergic diseases of infants in Southwest China.” BMC Microbiol. 2019 (1): 123.
  5. Pei H, et al. “The association between intestinal bacteria and allergic diseases—cause or consequence?” Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2021 Apr 15;11:650893
  6. Tian H, Cheng L. “The role of vitamin D in allergic rhinitis.” Asia Pac Allergy. 2017 Apr 18;7(2):65-73
  7. Aranow C. “Vitamin D and the immune system.” J Investig Med. 2011;59(6):881–886.

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Posted by: | Posted on: January 20, 2025

Kaempferol — A Potent Antiallergic Flavonoid


Reproduced from original article:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/01/18/kaempferol-antiallergic-benefits.aspx

Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola     January 18, 2025

kaempferol antiallergic benefits

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

  • Environmental allergies affect 20% of Americans, causing a total of 4 million lost workdays and $8 billion in annual economic losses. Kaempferol, found in leafy greens, shows promise in natural allergy relief
  • The intestinal enzyme RALDH2, boosted by kaempferol, converts vitamin A-derived retinal to retinoic acid, which helps suppress allergic immune responses through regulatory T-cell development
  • Following an elimination diet will help identify food allergies, but complete avoidance isn’t recommended as it leads to malnutrition
  • Vitamin C (300 to 500 milligrams daily) demonstrates antihistamine properties, reducing plasma histamine levels by 40% over two weeks, with red peppers, citrus fruits and parsley being excellent natural sources
  • Quercetin, particularly abundant in onion skins, apples and berries, shows significant antiallergy activity by modulating histamine release, with recommended doses of 500 to 1,000 milligrams taken twice to four times daily

Allergies are a growing health concern in America. According to the Allergy & Asthma Network, around 1 in 5 Americans have an environmental allergy, causing them to miss a total of 4 million workdays per year. In financial terms, it’s causing the economy to lose $8 billion annually.1

Thankfully, research is showing hope for those currently suffering from allergies. Flavonoids from whole foods, specifically kaempferol, offers natural relief from allergies without having to rely on antiallergy medications.

Kaempferol Provides Antiallergic Benefits

In a short letter published in Allergy, researchers from Tokyo University of Science discussed the benefits of kaempferol. Specifically, this flavonoid has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that help boost the expression of RALDH2, an enzyme produced in the intestines. For those unfamiliar with this process, here’s a summary:2

“In the intestines, specialized dendritic cells (DCs) produce an enzyme called RALDH2 (retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2) which converts retinal, a chemical derived from vitamin A, to retinoic acid. This retinoic acid then promotes the development of regulatory T-cells, a type of immune cell that can suppress the immune response observed in allergies.”

Based on this framework, RALDH2 plays a role in allergies, and again, kaempferol has been observed to have a beneficial effect. In their study, the team screened 40 different flavonoids, finding kaempferol to be the most effective.3

To create the test environment, they used an animal allergy model using ovalbumin (OVA), which is a protein found in egg whites. Then, kaempferol was administered, delivering notable results. According to Chiharu Nishiyama, Ph.D., one of the study authors:4

“The rapid decrease in body temperature and allergic diarrhea observed after OVA administration were significantly suppressed in mice that were administered kaempferol.”

Kaempferol is abundant in leafy green veggies, such as broccoli, spinach and cabbage. According to a study published in Molecules,5 broccoli happens to have the highest concentration, while blueberries and onions are also good choices.

Keep a List of Your Allergy Triggers

While we’re discussing foods, it’s important to be aware of any food allergies you have, and the best way to whittle down the list is to do an elimination diet. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine,6 the goal of eliminating foods is to find out which of them causes an allergy, then eating them in smaller portions whenever possible. To help you begin, dietitian Barbie Cervoni recommends this strategy:7

“Most of the time, you will start slowly by taking out high-histamine foods and logging symptoms. If you find that your symptoms have improved after removing a trigger food, you can omit that food temporarily and attempt to add it back into your diet in about a month. The rate at which you eliminate and add foods back in will be determined by your tolerance and symptoms.”

It’s important to slowly reintroduce foods once you discover you’re allergic to them because leaving them out will lead to malnutrition, which isn’t what you want to happen. So, when you’re doing an elimination diet, never stick to one type because you’ll be severely limiting your nutrient intake to a narrow list. As for the temporary dietary recommendations, here’s a short overview:8

  • Foods to eat — Grass fed beef, raw milk and butter, pastured eggs, most fruits and vegetables, and vinegar
  • Foods to avoid — Processed beverages, meats and seafoods, fish such as sardines, anchovies and tuna, shellfish, nightshade veggies such as tomatoes and eggplant, and certain fruits such as papaya, strawberries, kiwi and pears, and fermented foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut

Again, removing foods that trigger your allergies will be impractical in the long run. As you can see from the list above, several foods, such as fermented vegetables, are an important contributor to optimal health.9 Adding more fresh, whole foods will also help during the interim period. In a 2020 study published in Nutrients, researchers noted that test participants with mild asthma had better relief from symptoms when eating a low-histamine, Mediterranean-style diet for four weeks.

In addition to this approach, you’ll also be able to build your resistance over time by slowly reintroducing allergic foods, as your body is not constantly producing histamines.

As noted in a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition,10 test participants who constantly ate a conventional diet experienced more skin allergy symptoms. However, the other test group, who started eating a low-histamine diet before switching to a conventional diet, didn’t experience an increase in headaches or other allergic symptoms.

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Vitamin C Will Help Fight Allergies

Vitamin C, popularly known as ascorbic acid, is regarded for its antioxidant properties and role in supporting important biological functions, such as tissue growth and repair, collagen synthesis, iron absorption and immune function.11 In addition, did you know that it also helps manage the symptoms of seasonal allergies?

According to a study12 published in Nutrients, vitamin C has antihistamine properties, and that a daily dose between 300 and 500 milligrams (mg) “enhanced histamine degradation and inhibited mast cell degranulation.” In another study,13 test animals affected with bronchoconstriction experienced relief when vitamin C was administered.

A different study explained the mechanism behind the antiallergic benefits of vitamin C. Specifically, this antioxidant eliminates the imidazole ring, a chemical constituent of histamine.14 Additional research has noted that a daily 2,000-mg dose of vitamin C for two weeks decreased in vivo plasma histamine levels by 40%.15

Now that you know the benefits of vitamin C on managing allergies, what are the best dietary sources? Whole foods are still preferred, and there’s a wide variety for you to choose from. These include red bell peppers, parsley, broccoli, kiwi, strawberries, guava, tomato and all citrus fruits. You’ll get significant amounts of vitamin C from your diet if you eat these foods daily along with other bioactive compounds that will support your health.

I also recommend keeping liposomal vitamin C supplement in your medicine cabinet, particularly when acute viral illnesses strike. If I were to become acutely ill, I would take 4 grams of it every hour until I start feeling better, then decrease the dosage slowly over a few days until symptoms improve.

Add Curcumin for Its Antiallergic Effects

Turmeric is a root crop that belongs to the ginger family. It’s a beloved spice that forms the basis for many foods. Moreover, it has medicinal properties — ancient methods such as Ayurvedic medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine have used turmeric to treat various illnesses thanks to its main bioactive compound, curcumin.16

Thanks to modern technology, researchers have discovered what makes curcumin such a useful tool for natural treatment. As it turns out, it has various anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antitumor and antioxidant properties. It has antihistamine properties as well, and this was documented in a study17 published in the International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences.

Here, researchers documented a single participant — a 24-year-old man with a history of severe wheezing. Eventually, he was diagnosed with hay fever, a condition that causes sneezing and nasal congestion whenever your body breathes in allergens.18 To manage his condition, he was taking different antiallergic medicines.

The team administered a curcumin tablet with a dosage of 500 mg to the test subject twice daily for two months. Afterward, the dosage was lowered to once daily for the following two months. Once the test was completed, the man exhibited better symptoms to the point of significantly reducing his reliance on oral steroids. However, he continued using his inhaled medications.

Consider Adding Quercetin into the Equation

In the video above,19 Dr. Jin Sung explains the role of quercetin in helping relieve seasonal allergies. According to his findings, he believes that quercetin possesses the greatest antiallergy activity compared to other flavonoids. Specifically, it works by modulating the release of histamine from basophils and mast cells. This process was also documented in a study published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.20

When it comes to dosing, Sung recommends taking 500 to 1,000 mg of quercetin, two to four times a day during allergy season to help manage the symptoms. Begin with the lowest dose first — 500 mg, twice a day — and gradually increase if necessary.21 The reason for this is because the half-life of quercetin is 3.5 to 7.5 hours, so it’s best taken in divided doses.

To help improve the results, I recommend taking other supplements to create synergistic effects. These include stinging nettle, butterbur extract, mangosteen extract, ginger, vitamin C and vitamin D.22

Like vitamin C and kaempferol, quercetin is also found in many whole foods. These include citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, apples, onions, green tea, red grapes, dark cherries and berries, such as blueberries and cranberries. From these examples, the highest amounts are found in apples — especially the skins — as well as onions, broccoli, cherries, berries and green tea.23

If you’re looking for a concentrated source of quercetin, look no further than onion skins — they have 77 times more quercetin compared to the flesh.24 But if eating onion skins doesn’t appeal to you, consider making a broth made from them instead.

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Posted by: | Posted on: January 16, 2025

A Comprehensive Guide to Treating Pink Eye


Reproduced from original article:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/01/15/pink-eye-treatment.aspx

Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola     January 15, 2025

pink eye treatment

Story at-a-glance

  • Viral conjunctivitis (“pink eye”) is highly contagious and typically caused by adenovirus, presenting with red, irritated, crusty, and watery eyes
  • Bacterial pink eye produces thick yellow-green discharge and typically affects one eye initially, while viral cases often accompany cold symptoms like sore throat and runny nose
  • Nebulized hydrogen peroxide diluted to 0.1% concentration and applied via face mask over affected eye(s) can rapidly eliminate viral pink eye symptoms
  • Essential preventive measures include proper hand hygiene, avoiding eye touching, not sharing personal items, and maintaining good immune health through sleep, stress management, and exercise
  • Medical attention is needed if symptoms include intense eye pain, increased light sensitivity, vision changes, or if the patient is immunocompromised, as complications like keratitis can lead to vision loss

Have you ever woken up one morning to find your eyes are red, irritated, crusty and watering excessively? This common scenario describes viral conjunctivitis, often referred to as “pink eye.”

While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, viral conjunctivitis can significantly impact your daily life and eye health. Unlike bacterial or allergic conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis is caused by viruses, most commonly the adenovirus. These viruses often accompany other viral infections like the common cold or flu.

Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can spread rapidly, especially in communal settings like schools and workplaces.

Video Link

Recognizing the Key Differences Between Allergic, Bacterial and Viral Conjunctivitis

Understanding the differences between viral, bacterial, and allergic conjunctivitis is crucial for effective treatment and recovery.

• Allergic conjunctivitis stems from allergens like pollen or pet dander, leading to itchy, watery eyes.

• Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae, typically resulting in thick, yellow-green discharge that can cause the eyelids to stick together, especially after sleep. These bacteria can enter the eye through direct contact with contaminated hands, surfaces, or respiratory droplets.

Redness may be more pronounced in one eye initially but can spread if not treated promptly. Noticeable swelling or puffy eyelids are more common in bacterial cases. Unlike viral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis typically does not present with systemic symptoms like a runny nose or sore throat, which can help in distinguishing it from its viral counterpart.

Bacterial conjunctivitis often exhibits a faster onset of severe symptoms, escalating quickly within a day or two and becoming more severe if left untreated. Without appropriate treatment, bacterial conjunctivitis can spread to both eyes and lead to more serious eye infections, underscoring the importance of timely medical intervention.

• Viral conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear tissue that lines the inside of your eyelid and covers the white part of your eye. Common symptoms include noticeable redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid, excessive watery discharge from the eyes, a persistent itching or burning sensation that makes blinking uncomfortable, and a watery or mucus-like discharge that may form a crust, especially upon waking.

Additionally, viral conjunctivitis may include symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, or fever, indicating an underlying viral infection. Patients may also experience a persistent itching or burning sensation, though it is generally less intense than what is observed in allergic conjunctivitis.

Viral conjunctivitis spreads through direct contact with infected secretions, contaminated surfaces, or respiratory droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. Sharing personal items like towels, makeup, or contact lenses can also facilitate the transmission of the virus.

Several factors increase the risk of contracting viral conjunctivitis, including living in close quarters with someone who is infected, having a weakened immune system, and poor hygiene, such as infrequent handwashing or touching the eyes with unwashed hands.

Viral conjunctivitis symptoms can persist for one to two weeks, gradually improving as the body fights off the virus. Most cases resolve without the need for antibiotics, relying on your body’s immune response for recovery.

Conventional Medical Treatments

Conventional treatments for viral conjunctivitis focus primarily on relieving symptoms. Supportive care, such as artificial tears and lubricating eye drops, can soothe irritation and reduce redness.

Applying a clean, cold cloth over closed eyes can alleviate discomfort and swelling. In severe cases, especially those caused by the herpes simplex virus, antiviral eye drops or ointments may be prescribed.

However, while conventional treatments can ease symptoms, they don’t directly target the underlying viral infection. Additionally, the misuse of antibiotics for viral conjunctivitis can contribute to antibiotic resistance and may lead to unnecessary side effects. Accurate diagnosis is also essential to avoid inappropriate treatments.

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Natural Remedies Work Far Better

Maintaining impeccable hygiene is your first line of defense against viral conjunctivitis. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before touching your face or eyes, is essential. That said, excessive handwashing is counterproductive and can increase your risk of infections by damaging the skin on your hands.

Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes to prevent further irritation and the spread of the virus. Additionally, avoid sharing personal items like towels, pillows, or makeup to minimize transmission risks.

A nutrient-rich diet supports overall eye health and immune function. Vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants that protect eye tissues and support immune health. Incorporating foods like carrots, citrus fruits, and leafy greens into your meals can provide these essential nutrients. Omega-3 fats, found in small cold-water fatty fish, reduce inflammation and promote eye health.

Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water also maintains optimal eye moisture and supports your body’s natural defenses. Other lifestyle strategies that support your immune function include:

• Sleep — Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body to repair and strengthen its defenses.

• Stress relief — Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, so practicing relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga is beneficial.

• Exercise — Engaging in moderate physical activity boosts circulation and supports immune health.

Nebulized Hydrogen Peroxide Can Eliminate Pink Eye in 30 Minutes

Video Link

One of the most effective ways to rapidly eradicate viral infections is with nebulized peroxide, and this works for pink eye as well. I recently treated myself this way, after I woke up with viral conjunctivitis in one eye, and 30 minutes after treatment, my symptoms were all gone.

As for respiratory infections, all you need is a nebulizer that emits a fine mist with properly diluted food grade hydrogen peroxide. The only difference is that you place the face mask over the affected eye(s) instead of your mouth and nose.

Typically, food grade peroxide comes in concentrations of 3% or 12%, which must be diluted down to 0.1%, as described in the chart below.

hydrogen peroxide dilution chart

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) consists of a water molecule (H2O) with an extra oxygen atom, and it is the additional oxygen atom that allows it to inactivate viral pathogens.

Some of your immune cells actually produce hydrogen peroxide to destroy pathogens. By killing the infected cell, viral reproduction is stopped. So, hydrogen peroxide therapy is in essence only aiding your immune cells to perform their natural function more effectively.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While viral conjunctivitis is generally self-limiting, certain situations warrant professional medical evaluation. Persistent or intense eye pain may indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate attention.

Increased sensitivity to light can be a sign of corneal involvement or other complications that need prompt assessment by an eye care professional. Any changes in vision should also be taken seriously and evaluated to rule out more severe issues.

Viral conjunctivitis can lead to complications such as keratitis, which is inflammation of the cornea that can result in scarring and vision loss if left untreated. Bacterial superinfection can also occur, necessitating antibiotic treatment.

Special considerations should be made for infants, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, as these groups are more susceptible to severe infections and complications.

Dispelling Myths About Viral Conjunctivitis

It’s important to clarify common misconceptions surrounding pink eye to promote accurate understanding and effective management.

One common misconception is that all pink eye is highly contagious. While viral conjunctivitis is indeed contagious, bacterial and allergic types are not necessarily so. Understanding the specific type helps in managing transmission risks effectively.

Another myth is that antibiotics are effective for viral conjunctivitis. Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections and are ineffective against viral causes. Misusing antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic resistance and other side effects, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis.

Additionally, the belief that viral conjunctivitis always requires medical treatment is not entirely accurate. Most cases resolve on their own with supportive care. However, severe or complicated cases may need medical intervention, underscoring the importance of recognizing when professional help is necessary.

Supporting Overall Eye Health

Regular eye exams, even if you don’t experience symptoms, can detect issues early and keep your eyes functioning at their best. Annual check-ups are recommended, especially if you wear contact lenses or have a history of eye conditions.

Protective measures are also important. Wearing protective glasses or goggles during activities that pose a risk to your eyes, such as sports or certain work environments, will help prevent injuries and infections.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also contributes to eye health. Avoiding smoking reduces the risk of eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration. Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension is also essential, as these conditions can adversely affect eye health.

So, in closing, viral conjunctivitis, while common and often self-limiting, can cause significant discomfort and inconvenience. Understanding its causes, recognizing symptoms, and using natural remedies such as nebulized hydrogen peroxide can empower you to manage and prevent this condition effectively.

Embracing a holistic approach — focusing on hygiene, nutrition, immune support, and natural remedies — will enhance your eye health and overall well-being over the long term.

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Posted by: | Posted on: July 4, 2024

Study Finds Giving Babies Peanut Butter Lowers Their Peanut Allergy Risk — But Should You Do It?


Reproduced from original article:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/07/02/babies-peanut-allergy.aspx

Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola     July 02, 2024

babies peanut allergy

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

  • Food allergies are a growing health concern that affects about 6% of American adults and children. Among the leading food allergens that pose a significant threat are peanuts
  • A May 2024 study published in the journal NEJM Evidence found that introducing babies to peanuts by feeding them peanut butter early in life may help reduce their risk for peanut allergy
  • While early peanut introduction could be helpful for allergy prevention, there’s an important caveat you have to keep in mind about peanut butter — it contains high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including linoleic acid
  • Excessive linoleic acid consumption can compromise your child’s cellular and mitochondrial function, which is a hallmark of most all chronic diseases

Food allergies are a growing health concern that affects about 6% of American adults and children, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.1 Among the leading food allergens that pose a significant threat are peanuts, putting nearly 1.5 million Americans under the age of 18 at risk of life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis.2

The American Academy of Pediatrics previously recommended parents delay the introduction of peanuts to their children until age 3. However, they discontinued this advice in 2008, and in 2019, they updated their guidelines to acknowledge that avoidance may not help prevent food allergies. In fact, there’s growing evidence to support the notion that early exposure to peanuts could be more helpful in allergy prevention later in life.3

A May 2024 study4 published in the journal NEJM Evidence further reinforces this assertion. “This is the first study to establish long-term oral tolerance as a protective strategy against peanut allergy,” Gideon Lack, professor of pediatric allergy at King’s College London and one of the authors of the study, told Fox News.5 But while this approach may sound promising, is it really the right choice for your child?

Series of Studies Show the Potential Benefits of Early Peanut Exposure

The featured study, known as the Learning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP)-Trio trial, builds on the results of the original LEAP clinical trial and its follow-up, the LEAP-On study. The initial LEAP trial6 in 2015 involved more than 600 infants between 4 and 11 months of age, who were considered at high risk of developing peanut allergies due to existing egg allergies or severe eczema. As reported in a news release from the National Institutes of Health:7

“During the LEAP trial, half of the participants regularly consumed peanut products from infancy until age 5 years, while the other half avoided peanut during that period. Researchers found that early introduction of peanut products reduced the risk of peanut allergy at age 5 by 81%.

Subsequently, children from LEAP who participated in LEAP-On were asked to avoid eating peanut products from ages 5 to 6 years. Investigators found that most children from the original peanut-consumption group remained protected from peanut allergy at age 6.”

“Peanut allergy develops very early in most children between 6 and 12 months of life. If you want to prevent a disease this needs to be done before the disease develops,” Lack told CNN. He explains that this phenomenon, known as oral tolerance induction, shows that early exposure to allergens can train the immune system to resist allergies later in life.8

To follow up with these findings, the 2024 LEAP-Trio study9 sought to determine if the protective benefits of early peanut consumption would extend into adolescence. Researchers followed up with 508 participants from the original LEAP study, now around 12 years old. They found that peanut allergy remained “significantly more prevalent” in the peanut avoidance group, with 15.4% of them being allergic.

In comparison, only 4.4% of those who consumed peanuts early were allergic. These findings revealed that introducing peanuts early in life could lower the risk of peanut allergies in adolescents by 71%.10

“The key finding of this study is that early consumption of peanut, starting early in the first year of life, confers long-term protection against peanut allergy all the way into adolescence, even without continued consumption of peanut beyond the age of 5 years,” Lack further explained to Fox News Digital.11

Tiny Amounts of Peanut Butter May Be Beneficial, But Here’s the Catch

Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), emphasized in a news release12 that the findings of the LEAP-Trio study “should reinforce parents’ and caregivers’ confidence that feeding their young children peanut products beginning in infancy according to established guidelines can provide lasting protection from peanut allergy.”

“If widely implemented, this safe, simple strategy could prevent tens of thousands of cases of peanut allergy among the 3.6 million children born in the United States each year,” Marrazzo added.

Lack emphasizes that when introducing peanuts to infants’ diets, it’s ideal to use smooth peanut butter mixed into a puree to avoid choking hazards. The sooner a child is exposed to food allergens, the better. However, they must be developmentally and neurologically ready to handle solid foods, meaning they can chew and swallow without a risk of choking. He discourages introducing solids to infants before 3 months of age.13

Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist and immunologist at NYU Langone in New York and spokesperson for the Allergy & Asthma Network, told CNN similar recommendations. She advised that introducing peanuts to children who are at low risk for allergies can start at 4 to 6 months old under a pediatrician’s guidance. However, children with severe eczema and egg allergy should see an allergist before being given peanuts.14

“Since babies cannot have solids yet it is recommended for it to be a thin consistency similar to breast milk or formula and can be mixed into it to avoid any choking and can start with a small amount and slowly increase as tolerated every 3 to 4 days,” Parikh added.15

However, although early peanut introduction could be helpful for allergy prevention, there’s an important caveat you have to keep in mind about peanut butter — it contains high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).16 So while it may be beneficial in tiny amounts for lowering the risk of peanut allergies in children, it’s ideal to minimize PUFA consumption overall for optimal health.

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Excessive PUFA Consumption Can Wreck Your Child’s Health

PUFAs, particularly the omega-6 fat linoleic acid (LA), are abundant in seed oils used in cooking, as well as seeds and nuts, as you can see in the table below. Peanuts, in particular, are 32% linoleic acid.

nuts and seeds

To be clear, LA is only toxic when consumed in excessive quantities. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people nowadays consume far more LA than the ideal amounts, compromising their cellular and mitochondrial function.

Even children and adolescents are at risk of consuming excessive LA through foods containing vegetable oil and ultraprocessed food items.17 One study18 showed that PUFA consumption in children increases with age, with toddlers consuming 2.5 to 7.9 grams per day on average, while adolescents consume 5.4 to 17.9 grams.

That means the average toddler is already eating more LA than the recommended 2 to 5 grams. By the time they’re in their teens, they may be consuming more than three times the upper limit.

One of the reasons PUFAs are problematic is that they’re easily damaged by the oxygen species generated from cellular energy production. This damage leads to the formation of advanced lipoxidation end products (ALEs), which in turn generate dangerous free radicals that can damage your cell membranes, mitochondria, proteins and DNA. Lipid oxidation is also implicated as the primary reason for the decreased shelf life of peanut butter.19

Even more concerning is that PUFAs are integrated into the cell membranes and can stay there for five to seven years. They are also missing more than one pair of hydrogen atoms, making them highly susceptible to oxidation, which causes the fat to break down into harmful metabolites such as OXLAMs (oxidized LA metabolites).

These ALEs and OXLAMs then go on to cause mitochondrial dysfunction, which is a hallmark of most all chronic diseases. For these reasons, I recommend limiting your LA intake to less than 5 grams, or even better, less than 2 grams per day. To learn more about the potential consequences of excess linoleic acid consumption on your or your child’s health, check out my article “Linoleic Acid — The Most Destructive Ingredient in Your Diet.”

Limit Your Child’s Peanut Butter Intake

To reiterate, if you’re thinking about introducing peanuts to your child early on to potentially reduce their risk of peanut allergy, I suggest offering it only in tiny amounts to avoid going overboard on their PUFA intake. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA),20 100 grams of peanut butter contains 9.73 grams of LA — that makes around 1.6 grams of LA per tablespoon of peanut butter.

While this may seem like a small amount, remember that linoleic acid is pervasive in our diet. Even small amounts of LA found in nuts and nut butters can easily push your child’s daily LA intake beyond the ideal threshold, contributing to potential health issues down the line.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that LA should make up at least 3% of total energy intake for children aged 1 to 2 years, and at least 2% for children older than 2 years.21 My recommendation is to keep LA intake to less than 5 grams per day. Once the daily 5-gram mark is reached, the perishable double bonds of LA will begin to oxidize and generate dangerous free radicals.

Nourish Your Child With the Right Foods

Since the protective effects of early peanut introduction are shown to extend into adolescence without the need to eat peanut products after age 5,22 there’s no need for you to consistently pack high-PUFA peanut butter sandwiches for your child’s school lunches. Instead, focus on nourishing your family with health-boosting foods, such as the ones listed in the table below.

But before you add healthy carbs to your child’s diet, they need to have optimal gut health. If their gut health is impaired, eating fibrous fruits and starches will only feed the pathogenic bacteria in their gut. So, if your child’s gut health is less than optimal, start by eliminating as much LA from their diet as possible and introduce healthy carbs slowly, starting with fruit juices.

Healthy carbs
Fresh fruit juices, such as sweet organic orange juice (not bitter) In season, ripe fruits
Maple syrup or honey Well-cooked veggies (for micronutrients and fiber)
Well-cooked roots and tubers White rice
Masa harina Sourdough bread
Well-cooked beans (occasionally)

Fats
Butter, ghee and tallow Low-PUFA eggs
Raw milk and cheese Organic chocolate
Coconut oil

Proteins
Bone broth Ground beef or bison
Gelatinous cuts of meat, such as beef shank, oxtail, pork hock or chicken gizzards Chicken wings, drumsticks and thighs from properly fed chickens

 

Posted in Allergy, Food, Linoleic Acid | No Comments »

Posted by: | Posted on: May 26, 2024

97% of Countries Will Soon Be Unable to Sustain Populations as Fertility Rates Drop


Reproduced from original article:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/05/25/dropping-fertility-rates.aspx

Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola     May 25, 2024

dropping fertility rates

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

  • A report published in The Lancet predicts that by 2100, the global infertility problem will be so severe that 97% of countries will be unable to sustain their populations. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 6 people globally are now infertile
  • Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and radiofrequency radiation may be the most significant factor for the observed decrease in male sperm count
  • Endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates and bisphenols are also a key culprit to infertility and declining sperm count rates in men
  • Several factors can compromise your ability to reproduce, but following some basic common-sense strategies and healthy lifestyle habits can help address the root of infertility

Americans are now having difficulty conceiving, with one-third of adults in the U.S. turning to fertility treatments or are acquainted with someone who has.1 According to the National Institutes of Health, 9% of men and 11% of women in the U.S. are now struggling with fertility problems, and in healthy couples below 30 years old, 40% to 60% fail to conceive in the first three months of having unprotected sex.2

But infertility isn’t just an American dilemma; it’s a worldwide crisis. According to the World Health Organization,3 1 in 6 people globally are now infertile — and it’s going to get much worse, unless we do something about it.

‘Dramatic Decline’ in Fertility Will Cause Populations to Drop in Most Countries

A report published in The Lancet4 predicts that by 2100, the global infertility problem will be so severe that 97% of countries will be unable to sustain their populations. Published in March 2024, the featured report5 estimates that there will be a dramatic decline in fertility globally, with majority of countries experiencing a significant drop in fertility rates. According to an article by Euronews Health:6

“Researchers led by the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) in the US found that three-quarters of countries will not have fertility rates high enough to sustain population size by 2050.

By 2100, they project that this will be the case in 97% of countries, estimating that the global total fertility rate will drop from 2.23 births per female in her lifetime in 2021 to 1.68 in 2050 and 1.57 in 2100.”

Taking into the account the margins of error, the projected fertility rates in the featured report are not far off from the United Nations projections, which state “global fertility is projected to fall from 2.3 children per woman in 2021 to 2.1 in 2050.”7 This is based on their World Population Prospects report published in 2022.8

A separate commentary9 about the featured report, also published in The Lancet, notes, “Although projections are by their nature hypothetical, they ought to offer an avenue for scrutiny, objective comparisons with other forecasts, and improvement, and should inform actions that countries could take to influence, or not, the rate of TFR [total fertility rate] declines.”

What’s Causing Fertility Rates to Decline?

Gitau Mburu, one of the authors of the commentary, reached out to Euronews Health, stating that declining fertility rates can be caused by multiple factors, including “education, contraception access, and postponing parenthood.” He also says economic reasons, such as the cost of raising children and changes in the work force, may also be to blame.10

However, I believe environmental factors, such as being exposed to toxic substances that are ubiquitous in our lives today, could play a more significant role. A 2000 study11 explored several environmental factors affecting fertility, including cigarette smoking, alcohol and exposure to chemicals and pesticides in the workplace. The authors state:

“Although infertility can be caused by many different factors, most infertility is caused by abnormal oocyte and/or sperm production, tubal defects, or endometriosis.

It is important to note, however, that a significant proportion of infertility is unexplained. Investigators hypothesize that environmental factors have the potential to alter male and female reproductive tissues and thus affect the ability of couples to conceive healthy offspring.”

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Microwaves — The Invisible Factor Damaging Your Reproductive Health

One stealth factor that can make you infertile is your exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and radiofrequency radiation from wireless technologies, like cellphones and Wi-Fi. In fact, I believe this may be the most significant reason why sperm counts are dwindling today.12

According to a 2023 study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility,13 men who use their cell phones more than 20 times a day have significantly lower sperm concentrations and sperm counts than those who use their phones once a week or less.

Research by Martin Pall, Ph.D., can help explain why this occurs. Nearly a decade ago, he discovered a previously unknown mechanism of biological harm from microwave radiation. Your cell membranes contain voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) which, when activated by microwaves release about 1 million calcium ions per second.

This massive excess of intracellular calcium then stimulates the release of nitric oxide (NO) inside your cell and mitochondria, which combines with superoxide to form peroxynitrite. Peroxynitrites not only cause oxidative damage, but also create hydroxyl free radicals, which are the most destructive free radicals known to man.

Hydroxyl free radicals decimate mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, their membranes and proteins, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction. In a 2013 children’s health expert panel on cellphone and Wi-Fi exposures,14 it was noted that “The testicular barrier, that protects sperm, is the most sensitive of tissues in the body … Besides sperm count and function, the mitochondrial DNA of sperm are damaged three times more if exposed to cellphone radiation.”

Many in-vivo and in-vitro studies have also demonstrated the potential implications of EMF exposure to reproductive function. In a paper published in Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine,15 researchers noted that EMFs can affect sperm motility, and the degree of damage can vary depending on the frequency, duration of exposure and strength of EMFs.

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Are Also Making You Infertile

Environmental and reproductive epidemiologist Shanna Swan, Ph.D., says that sperm counts in Western men have been declining for decades, as the rates in 2011 were less than half of what they were in 1973.16 She notes another key culprit for this decline — endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).

Swan, who authored the book “Count Down: How Our Modern World Is Threatening Sperm Counts, Altering Male and Female Reproductive Development, and Imperiling the Future of the Human Race,” says that phthalates and bisphenols are one of the key culprits to infertility and declining sperm count rates in men. If the curve continues to decline, the median sperm count will be zero by 2045.17 Couples who want to have children will then have no choice but to seek fertility treatments.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals work by adhering to hormone receptors and directly interfere with the functioning of your steroid hormones, which are crucial for pregnancy and fetal development. As a result, these chemicals can change how many receptors are present in cells, as well as affect the creation, movement, levels and breakdown of hormones in your blood.

This is a cause for concern, considering how ubiquitous EDCs are in our everyday lives. Plastics, cosmetics, personal care products, and processed and packaged foods all contain EDCs. In an article published in Salon,18 Swan comments:

“We also see declines in testosterone in several studies around the world. We see increases in erectile dysfunction. We see increases in rates of genital abnormalities … We see increases in testicular cancer rates.”

France’s national public health agency, Santé Publique France (SPF), recently released 21 health effects linked to endocrine-disrupting chemicals that they consider a priority for surveillance.19 The findings were part of the 2021 PEPS’PE study, and unsurprisingly, “infertility,” “decreased fertility” and “alteration of sperm quality” are on the list.20

‘Forever Chemicals’ Are Just as Problematic

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) are dubbed “forever chemicals” because aside from having the ability not to break down easily in the environment, they can also bioaccumulate in wildlife and people. When these EDCs enter your body, they can have half-lives of two to five years.21

Forever chemicals are used in food packaging, clothing, personal care products and other stain- and grease-resistant products. It can even be found in your clothes — including your children’s school uniform. A 2022 study22 notes that about 3 tons of PFAS are used in U.S. school uniforms annually, exposing children to 1.03 ng/kg bw/day of PFAS, which can be absorbed via their skin.

Over 9,000 PFAS are used today, and exposure is so widespread that 97% of Americans were found to have PFAS in their bodies.23 And just like phthalates and bisphenols, many studies24,25,26 demonstrate their potential to disrupt reproductive hormones and affect fertility.

A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives,27,28 for example, notes that there’s “a statistically significant association between exposure to a mixture of PFAS in early pregnancy and lower sperm concentration and total sperm count and higher proportion of non-progressive and immotile sperm” in male offspring.

PFAS have also been linked to reproductive health issues in women. A study29 conducted by researchers in Singapore highlighted the dangers of these chemicals on women’s fertility, saying that “higher exposure to PFAS, individually and as a mixture, is associated with reduced probability for clinical pregnancy and live birth.”

The researchers also note that forever chemicals not only disrupt reproductive hormones, but they can also delay puberty, and increase the risk of endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).30

What’s on Your Dinner Plate Can Also Affect Your Fertility

It’s no secret that we’re exposed to dangerous chemicals every day from our environment. However, your food choices could be adding to your toxic load, too. For example, conventional fruits and vegetables today are sprayed with pesticides, including glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup. These chemicals are particularly problematic, as they are known endocrine disruptors.

High pesticide exposure from pesticide-treated fruits and vegetables has been associated with an 18% lower in-vitro fertilization (IVF) success rate in women. They were also 26% less likely to have a live birth if they did become pregnant.31 This clearly illustrates why it’s far better to opt for organic, pesticide-free produce.

And if you’re always fond of eating processed foods like frozen pizzas, pancakes and waffles, be warned – these products contain sodium aluminum phosphate, a known neurotoxin that could impact your reproductive health. Used in food products as an emulsifying agent and stabilizer, this ingredient, albeit classified as “safe to consume,”32 could have long-term damaging effects on your fertility.

According to Dr. Naomi Wolf, exposure to sodium aluminum phosphate may lead to long-term oxidative stress, DNA damage and a negative impact on blood testosterone levels and sperm production.33 For a more detailed report about this additive, you can read my article “Food Additive in Pizza, Pancakes Linked to Lower Sperm Counts.”

Vaccines Cause Low Testosterone and Miscarriage

Wolf adds that exposure to aluminum-containing products can also be a key factor in the increasing rates of depression, weight gain and sexual disinterest among young men — these may all be associated with decreased levels of testosterone.34

I’ve warned about aluminum’s serious risks for many years now, especially its role in the rising rates of autism and Alzheimer’s. You can be exposed to it in many ways, but one of the most significant sources — and potentially one of the worst — is through vaccines. Vaccines contain aluminum adjuvants, which bypass your body’s natural filtering and detoxification systems.

Particularly problematic are the mRNA shots, which are likely both ineffective and dangerous. Wolf claims that mRNA shots contain aluminum,35 and although there is no current proof the mRNA shot for COVID does, the European Medicines Agency has approved the use of other COVID vaccines using complete viruses and a dual adjuvant of aluminum hydroxide-CpG 1018. Shots against COVID-19 that contain aluminum adjuvants are also approved in other countries.

Equally alarming is the fact that vaccines can cause miscarriage in pregnant women. In 2009, women reported losing their babies hours or days after getting the H1N1 swine flu vaccine. Not surprisingly, these instances were passed off as coincidental.36

However, a 2017 paper published in the journal Vaccine37 found that women who had received a pH1N1-containing flu vaccine two years in a row were more likely to suffer miscarriage within the following 28 days.

The CDC has not made any changes to its recommendation for pregnant women to get vaccinated against influenza, and is recommending getting the vaccine “during any trimester of pregnancy.”38,39 This is reprehensible public health policy at its worst, as corporations are profiting while the health of moms and their unborn children are being sacrificed.

Progesterone Can Help Reduce Miscarriage Risk

If you’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant, I advise you to avoid vaccines, including mRNA jabs. Remember, the more mRNA shots you take, the more severe the damage to your immune system could be.

Another way to reduce your risk of a miscarriage is to consider progesterone supplementation. Dubbed the “pregnancy hormone,”40 it plays a crucial role in conception, from implantation of the embryo to delivery of the baby.

According to studies published in 2020,41 progesterone could prevent 8,450 miscarriages each year, especially when given to women with bleeding in early pregnancy. For more information, read my article “Progesterone for Miscarriage Prevention.”

More Strategies to Boost Fertility Naturally

There are indeed various factors that can compromise your ability to reproduce, but I believe following some basic common-sense strategies and healthy lifestyle habits can help address the root of infertility. Here’s a summary of my recommendations:

Minimize your exposure to toxic chemicals, including heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, pesticides and herbicides, formaldehyde, organic solvents, dry-cleaning chemicals and paint fumes.
Avoid all vaccines, particularly mRNA shots — If you’ve already had one or more COVID-19 shots, there are steps you can take to repair from the assault on your system. The Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC) also has a treatment protocol for post-jab injuries. It’s called I-RECOVER and can be downloaded from covid19criticalcare.com.42
Avoid drinking unfiltered tap water, as our waterways are constantly being polluted by industrial waste and byproducts.
Eat an optimal fertility diet — An optimal fertility diet is about what to avoid as much as it is about what to include. Eat REAL food, ideally organic, to avoid pesticide residues, and locally grown.

Avoid factory farmed animal products, processed seed and vegetable oils that are loaded with linoleic acid (LA) that destroys mitochondrial function, as well as unfermented soy, as soybeans contain phytoestrogens that act on hormones. Men would do well to add more sperm-enhancing foods43 to their diet, such as organic pastured eggs, bananas, asparagus, broccoli, pomegranates, garlic and all zinc-rich foods (zinc plays a key role in sperm development).
Avoid common allergens — An overactive immune system is more likely to attack its own body cells, and the link between food intolerances and anti-sperm antibodies is well established. The two most widely spread food intolerances are gluten and dairy. Factory-farmed milk can also be a source of estrogen that can harm a man’s fertility.
Minimize microwave exposure — Avoid carrying your cellphone on your body while it is on, and avoid using laptops and tablets on your lap. Turn off your Wi-Fi off at night and make your bedroom an EMF-free zone.
Get checked for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) — Some STDs, like chlamydia, can be asymptomatic. In men, chlamydia can lead to sperm abnormalities including sperm antibodies. In women, it can lead to scarring, blocked tubes and miscarriage.
Avoid coffee, smoking and alcohol — While organic black coffee has several health benefits, fertility does not appear to be one of them. On the contrary, studies suggest it decreases fertility.44 Alcohol, smoking and recreational drugs can also adversely affect fertility, reducing the size of your testes and lowering your sperm count.
Get regular exercise — According to research,45 getting at least 30 minutes of exercise three times a week can help boost men’s sperm count.
Normalize your weight — Obesity contributes to infertility in both men and women. Normalizing weight can help improve sperm quality and quantity in men and augment a woman’s chances of getting pregnant,46 in part by normalizing menstrual cycles.47
Limit hot baths and saunas — While hot baths and saunas have a myriad of health benefits, it’s ideal to limit them during the conception phase, as the heat can take a toll on sperm. In one three-year-long study,48 5 of 11 men who quit taking hot baths were able to raise their sperm count by 491%.
Combat stress — Make sure to get sufficient amounts of sleep and/or incorporate a tool like the Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), yoga or meditation to address stress.
Clean up your home environment — Use natural cleaning products or make your own.
– Sources and References

Posted in Allergy, Children, Coronavirus, Corruption, EMF, Fertility, Immunity, Linoleic Acid, Pregnancy, Stress, Toxins, Vaccinations | No Comments »

Posted by: | Posted on: October 24, 2023

Unstoppable Mom Uncovers Allergy Fix, Could It Help You?


Reproduced from original article:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2023/10/22/glyphosate-exposure-health-hazards.aspx
The original Mercola article may not remain on the original site, but I will endeavor to keep it on this site as long as I deem it to be appropriate.

Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola     October 22, 2023

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

  • Zen Honeycutt, founder of Moms Across America, is the author of “Unstoppable: Transforming Sickness and Struggle Into Triumph, Empowerment and a Celebration of Community”
  • Her book delves into the state of the world’s food supply, how to navigate through the many hazards of the standard American diet, and how you can become a powerful change agent yourself
  • Her health activism grew out of her struggle with her three children’s food allergies, autoimmune problems and autism symptoms. All of her children successfully recovered their health after switching to an organic diet to remove GMOs and glyphosate-contaminated foods
  • Peer-reviewed, independent studies have found glyphosate to be a carcinogen, a DNA mutagen, a chelator of important minerals, an antibiotic, an endocrine disruptor and more
  • Research found that among children born of women with high exposure to glyphosate during pregnancy the rate of autism spectrum disorder with intellectual disability was 30% higher than among those born of mothers who lived further from highly-sprayed areas

Editor’s Note: This article is a reprint. It was originally published June 23, 2019.

Zen Honeycutt, founder of Moms Across America, is nothing if not committed to action. In this inspiring interview, we discuss her book, “Unstoppable: Transforming Sickness and Struggle Into Triumph, Empowerment and a Celebration of Community,” which delves into the state of the world’s food supply, how to navigate through the many hazards of the standard American diet, and how you can become a powerful change agent yourself.

Like so many other parents, Honeycutt struggled to identify the roots of her children’s many health issues, which included allergies, autoimmune problems and symptoms of autism.

“I was completely confused and baffled,” she says. “Why was this happening? My kids had 19, 20 and 22 food allergies [respectively]. My husband and I had none of them. What was going on with the food supply? Thanks to Robyn O’Brien, Jeffrey Smith and all the scientists who started exposing information, I found out about genetically modified organisms (GMOs).”

She also discovered the disturbing truth about glyphosate, and how this pernicious weed killer, used on a wide variety of foods, whether they’re GMO or not, decimates your gut microbiome and contributes to a host of health problems, some of which plagued her own children.

“The problem is glyphosate’s so prevalent. This is the declared active chemical ingredient in Roundup that 80% of GMOs are engineered to withstand. It’s sprayed on all kinds of crops as a drying agent. It’s in most of our food.

And then you combine that with all the other toxins in our environment, in our vaccines, in our pajamas, in our sofas and baby bottles and all of that — you’ve got all these chemicals and toxins coming at our kids. That’s just a recipe for disaster.

Our kids are sick. One out of 2 children have a chronic illness; 1 in 2 males and 1 in 3 females are expected to get cancer in America today. That’s not OK with me. That was the impetus for me starting Moms Across America. It was to raise awareness about GMOs and toxic chemicals in our food supply.”

Standing Up to Monsanto

On January 30, 2015, Honeycutt was given the opportunity to speak at a Monsanto shareholders meeting1 as a proxy for the John Harrington Investment Group. You can read her presentation here. The referendum she presented was passed, causing Monsanto’s stock to significantly drop in the aftermath.

“I think a lot of the shareholders in that room probably were uncomfortable with owning Monsanto’s stock after that meeting,” she says. “That was probably one of the most terrifying and significant moments of my life, because I had the opportunity to speak on behalf of parents … with sick children.

I got to stand up in front of the entire shareholders meeting and basically hold them to account, to say how their products are harming our children. I got to meet Hugh Grant … the former chief executive officer (CEO) of Monsanto.

I looked him in the eye and said, ‘You know, Mr. Grant, it takes a big man to make a big and powerful company. But it takes an even bigger man to acknowledge when something’s not working and to go in a new direction … Moms Across America is looking forward to the day when Monsanto makes products that no longer harm our children.’

He said, ‘We’re always looking forward to have progress. We’ve got science on our side.’ I said, ‘Well, we actually have science on our side too, [and it shows] that your products harm our children … Just consider, what if you’re wrong? What are the consequences?’ … There’s … global consequence.’

He said, ‘If you’re wrong, you’re worrying an awful lot of people.’ I said, ‘But if I’m wrong, the consequence is only that people are eating organic. There’s nothing wrong with organic’ …

So many of us get concerned about … ‘What if trolls come after me? What if I get attacked?’ People are actually concerned for their physical safety in this climate right now. But … we cannot be stopped … We need to be unstoppable … We cannot let fear interfere with our commitment. We need to take action … Chemical companies should not be involved in our food supply. That’s all there is to it.”

As noted by Honeycutt, it’s important to realize that the science Monsanto (now Bayer) claims is on their side was bought and paid for by them. Some studies have even been shown to have been ghostwritten by the company itself. Such facts have come out during the discovery process of some of the lawsuits against Monsanto, which now number well over 11,000.

Meanwhile, many peer-reviewed, independent studies have found glyphosate-based herbicides to be carcinogenic.2 Glyphosate has also been shown to be a DNA mutagen, a chelator of important minerals,3 an antibiotic,4 an endocrine disruptor5,6 and more.7,8,9,10,11

Research12 even found that among children born of women with high exposure to glyphosate during pregnancy the rate of autism spectrum disorder with intellectual disability was 30% higher than among those born of mothers who lived further from highly-sprayed areas. Children who on top of that were exposed to pesticides during their first year were at 50% increased risk.

As noted by Honeycutt, while the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s review13 found glyphosate was not a carcinogen, its conclusion was based on industry-funded science, not independent science. In fact, according to some of the members on the scientific advisory panel convened to evaluate the strength of the EPA’s decision, the agency violated its own guidelines by discounting and downplaying data from studies linking glyphosate to cancer.14

Turning Devastation Into Triumph

More often than not, people who stand up to big industry end up paying a high price. Many lose their careers in the process. A similar situation, although impossible to prove, happened to the Honeycutts. Two weeks after Honeycutt attended Monsanto’s shareholders meeting, an outside consultant came into and reorganized her husband’s company.

“My husband was the only one fired,” Honeycutt says. “Now, I can’t say that it was definitely connected to Monsanto, but Monsanto was one of their clients. My husband was in the information technology (IT) division. He had nothing to do with Monsanto. He had nothing to do with sales. I don’t even think he knew that they were a client for a very long time, not until I got into this.

He lost his job. At first we thought it was devastating … But … everything that seems devastating can actually be the best thing that ever happened to you … We made this into the best thing that ever happened to us. My husband got search engine optimization training. He became a consultant. His company is called Organic Results.

He now does consulting for companies that we believe in, to improve the traffic to their websites. He’s a consultant for Moms Across America. He runs our marketing. He … helps us with our Health Solutions Store … He’s been an integral part of Moms Across America, and part of the reason why we’re able to still stay around.

The cool thing is we get to work together every day. He gets to be with our sons who are 16, 13 and 10 now. They get to have their dad around. It’s just phenomenal. I just absolutely love that we get to do what we’re doing.”

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Eating Organic Can Make a World of Difference

As mentioned, all three of Honeycutt’s children struggled with food allergies. Her oldest son had a severe allergic reaction at 18 months after eating a nut. At the age of 5, he nearly died on Thanksgiving due to a pecan in the stuffing.

“One day, when he was about 8 years old, he had this rash around his mouth that had been going on and off for about seven months. It would last for about two weeks at a time. We didn’t know what it was. He looked at me really forlornly. He said, ‘Mom, I wish all my allergies would go away.’ I said, ‘Me too, buddy.’ But in my head, I was thinking, ‘That’s never going to happen.’

Then I realized what I was saying in my head. I was like, ‘Wait a second. That’s not what I’m committed to. I’m committed to empowerment. What if there was something we could do?’ I remembered my cousin, Sara, who had gone gluten-free for a long time and then was able to eat gluten about a year later.

I said, ‘Ben, would you like to be able to eat a slice of pizza or have a piece of birthday cake at a birthday party like a year from now?’ I painted that picture; that future. He said yes. I said, ‘Well then, would you be my partner in your health? Would you drink green drinks and go to alternative doctors?’ He said yes … We made a deal, and he did.

I did the research. He took the actions. He drank the green drinks. We took care of his gut bacteria. Within four months of going GMO-free, the rash was dramatically better. You could barely see it. It was a faint pink line under his lip if he was exposed to the allergen, which we figured out was carrageenan, by going to an alternative doctor.

And then within about a year or two of going organic … his allergies to walnuts and pecans went from a 19 down to 0.2. He no longer has a life-threatening food allergy. The peace of mind that I have as a mother that my son won’t die from food is priceless. It’s enormous. Our doctors’ bills, by the way, are dramatically lower.

We used to spend $12,000 to $15,000 with good health insurance. Now it’s maybe a couple hundred. It’s nothing. That’s just for checkups or whatever. We haven’t had to go for a sick doctor visit in three and a half years. He’s dramatically better.”

Autism Symptoms Linked to Glyphosate Exposure

Honeycutt’s second child developed a sudden onset of autism symptoms. “He was basically like an 8-year-old who was acting like a 3- or 4-year old. He was having tantrums. His grades went from As to Ds in math … His behavior was very erratic. He was trying to hit us … He was not being himself.” Honeycutt says.

A medical checkup revealed he had gut dysbiosis caused by C. difficile. According to the doctor, who specialized in autism, the inflammation in his gut was also causing inflammation in his brain. Glyphosate is known to do this, which prompted the Honeycutt’s to have him tested for glyphosate exposure.

“My son was the first one to be tested in America for glyphosate in his urine. We had finally initiated that. Moms Across America had put out the word to everybody. You can get your urine, your tap water and your breast milk tested for glyphosate.

His levels were eight times higher than was ever found in Europe, when Friends of the Earth did testing in Europe. I was furious that Roundup was in my son. We went 100% organic. Within six weeks, we retested him. His glyphosate levels were no longer detectable, and his autism symptoms were gone.

All we did was take care of his gut. We did give him an antifungal. We didn’t have to do a probiotic in there, but we gave him lots of sauerkraut, organic food. He ate no sugar from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, so he didn’t feed the bad gut bacteria. He recovered. He has not had a single autism symptom [in] five years now.”

Glyphosate Found in Vaccines

Now, food is not the only source of glyphosate exposure. Years ago, Honeycutt came across a Facebook post listing vaccine ingredients. Among them: polysorbate 80 — which like glyphosate can break down the blood-brain barrier and let toxins in — aluminum, bovine serum (blood) and egg.

Honeycutt realized some of these ingredients are likely GMO, or have been fed GMOs, and if so, they’re likely contaminated with glyphosate since glyphosate cannot be washed off. When an animal eats glyphosate-contaminated feed, their body parts become contaminated as well. Moms Across America sent five childhood vaccines to be tested for glyphosate, and every single one of them came back positive.

“The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine came back 25 times higher than the other vaccines. Another scientist independently tested 14 more vaccines, and they also came back and confirmed our results,” Honeycutt says.

“His MMR vaccine came back 35 times higher. We all know that the problem around the MMR vaccine is that … it causes gut dysbiosis. [Andrew Wakefield] didn’t say it causes autism. He said it causes gut dysbiosis. Incidentally, practically every child who has autism has gut dysbiosis.

This, to me, was huge, because what I’m thinking is, ‘What if glyphosate in vaccines is one of the major contributing factors to vaccine damage?’ If you think about it, mercury was in vaccines back in 1929, but it wasn’t until the late ’90s when GMOs and glyphosate came on the scene that there was a huge spike in autism.

Now, to be fair, there was also a huge spike in the numbers of vaccines given. Our children are now getting 49 doses by age 12 and 69 doses by age 18. The numbers of vaccines our children are getting are also extremely high. But there are children who get one vaccine and they’re damaged after that. You have to look at what changed in the ingredients.”

Another variable that happened in the late ’90s was the dramatic increase in exposure to wireless radiation, and this too may be a significant contributor. There may even be a toxic synergy between the two that is contributing to the health deterioration we now see in so many children. The good news is that you have the ability to make a difference.

More Information

Aside from reading Honeycutt’s book, “Unstoppable: Transforming Sickness and Struggle Into Triumph, Empowerment and a Celebration of Community,” you can also learn more by visiting MomsAcrossAmerica.org and signing up for their newsletter. When you sign up, you’ll receive a free mini e-book of “Unstoppable.” Under the Action tab, you can also sign up to volunteer and post events.

“When you have that event, we know you’re serious about getting the word out, so we send you free materials,” Honeycutt says. “You only have to pay for shipping … We have some great flyers, ‘Why Eat Organic?’ ‘What’s Going on With Toxins in Our Food Supply?’ … We don’t make it a scary situation. It’s just informative. We always bring solutions …

You give them a stack of 100 flyers and you say, ‘Could you leave this at your school? Or your library? Or your community center?’ … Just get the word out about what’s happening in our food supply … That’s a great way to get involved … You can also join in the 4th of July parades. It costs anywhere from nothing to maybe 30 to 50 dollars, if you want to buy a banner and also pass out flyers.

You can have movie nights. There are some great movies you can show over an organic potluck. That’s my favorite thing to do. We’ll also connect you with other moms on our Monday Moms Connect Calls at 5 p.m., Pacific time. If you sign up to our newsletter, you’ll get an invitation to that.

We’ve expanded our mission to ‘We educate and inspire mothers and others to transform the food industry and environment, creating healthy communities together.’ By environment, we include anything that’s coming at our kids. If that’s a vaccine, if it’s drugs, if it’s pollution, if it’s EMFs — no matter what it is that’s coming at our kids that’s going to overwhelm them [or] increase the toxic burden — we will address that …

To opt out of this toxic system, we need to not only eat organic food or grow our own organic food. We need to also learn how to take care of ourselves through herbs and plants and opt out of that whole Big Pharma system.”

Moms Across America is also looking for more advisers, including moms who want to help educate others on these topics. If you’re interested, please contact them.

Get Involved!

As noted by Honeycutt, everyone has a moment when they decide to take action. For her, the realization that she had the power to make a difference came early. Her father was a great supporter from an early age and when, at the age of 12, Honeycutt came home saying class president elections were coming up, he suggested she should run.

“I said, ‘Me? Why me?’ He said, ‘Why not?’ I was like, ‘Oh. OK. Why not?’ I ran and won,” she says. “If there’s something you want to do or you’re interested in doing, something you want to take on, [ask yourself] why not you? That quote from Lilly Tomlin: ‘I always thought someone should do something about that, and then I realized I am somebody’ — that’s it.

I want everybody to believe that they are somebody; that they are, in fact … amazing … My personal commitment now is to empower community leaders to be global game changers, because that’s what it’s going to take …

Moms who are watching us right now … say, ‘You know what? I’m the one who’s going to get Roundup out of my town. I’m the one who’s going to stop this vaccine mandate in my city. I’m the one who’s going to get my school to have GMO-free food.’

When you do that, you — us, all of us collectively — we change the game around the world … So, sign up to Moms Across America and see where you can start taking action. Because when you do, it’s incredibly fulfilling.”

Posted in Allergy, Autism, Corruption, Glyphosate, Organic, Vaccinations | No Comments »

Posted by: | Posted on: October 7, 2023

The Wide-Ranging Health Benefits of Quercetin


Reproduced from original article:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2023/10/05/health-benefits-of-quercetin.aspx
The original Mercola article may not remain on the original site, but I will endeavor to keep it on this site as long as I deem it to be appropriate.

Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola     Fact Checked     October 05, 2023

health benefits of quercetin

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

  • Quercetin is a natural antihistamine with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral properties
  • This natural flavonoid is useful for boosting heart health, relieving allergy symptoms, supporting liver health and more
  • Quercetin acts as a zinc ionophore, helping to shuttle zinc through the cellular membrane and into the cell, which is crucial for stopping virus replication
  • Rich sources of quercetin include apples — especially the skins — onions, broccoli, cherries, berries and green tea
  • I recommend keeping quercetin in your medicine chest for times when you feel you’re coming down with something, such as a cold or influenza

Quercetin is one of more than 4,000 known flavonoids,1 compounds that contribute to the bitterness, astringency, flavor, aroma and oxidative stability of many fruits, berries and vegetables.

Quercetin, in particular, is a plant pigment and natural antiviral agent2 found in foods such as onions, apples, plums and green tea, which also combats inflammation and works as a natural antihistamine.

I recommend keeping quercetin in your medicine chest for times when you feel you’re coming down with something, such as a cold or influenza. However, there’s also good reason to include plenty of quercetin-rich foods in your diet on a regular basis, as it offers multiple benefits to your health.

Quercetin Supports Heart Health

Quercetin exerts a range of biological activities that have a positive role in heart disease, including:3

Anti-inflammatory Antihypertensive Vasodilator effects
Antiobesity Antihypercholesterolemic Antiatherosclerotic

In one study of 30 men with coronary heart disease, consuming quercetin-rich red grape polyphenol extract led to an increase in flow-mediated dilation of arteries, which can signal improved endothelial health.4 It also inhibits platelet aggregation and has vasorelaxant properties that help lower blood pressure and prevent cardiac hypertrophy, in which the heart muscles thickens.

Another benefit to quercetin is its potential to lower uric acid levels,5 elevated levels of which are linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke,6 not to mention gout insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Dr. David Perlmutter told Yahoo:7

“While we’ve known for decades about how uric acid increases the risk of gout, this new understanding about the role it plays in stroke is really encouraging, since there’s so much we can do to bring our uric acid levels under control. In fact, there’s great research showing how the nutrient quercetin can substantially lower uric acid levels.”

Perlmutter suggests supplementing with 500 milligrams (mg) of quercetin along with 100 mg of luteolin for a gout-lowering effect similar to that induced by the gout drug Allopurinol.8

This natural compound is also useful for optimizing cholesterol levels, as it may help inhibit oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). It also has blood pressure-lowering effects. A study on rats found daily supplementation reduced systolic blood pressure by 18% and diastolic by 23%.9

In addition, a six-week trial on overweight humans at high risk of heart disease also found that quercetin — at a dose of 150 mg per day — reduced systolic blood pressure and oxidized LDL levels.10 It may even support a healthy weight via multiple antiobesity effects. According to Pharmacognosy Review:

“Quercetin has a specific feature which inhibits fat accumulation in maturing human fat cells and simultaneously triggers apoptosis (programmed destruction) in existing fat cells. In addition, quercetin also blocks the uptake of glucose from the blood, blocks the fat cell production, and enhances fat cell necrosis.”

Quercetin Offers Allergy Relief

In the video above, chiropractor Dr. Jin Sung highlights quercetin’s role in seasonal allergies, noting that it demonstrates the greatest anti-allergy activity among flavonoids and works by modulating the release of histamine from basophils and mast cells.11

In a study comparing quercetin with herbal water on histamine release from mast cells, quercetin inhibited cells’ release of histamine by 95% to 97%.12 Other research shows quercetin supplementation may reduce allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes.13 The half-life of quercetin is 3.5 to 7.5 hours, so for best results you may want to take it in divided doses.

Sung recommends a dose of 500 mg to 1,000 mg two to four times a day during allergy season to help manage the symptoms, starting with the lowest dose — 500 mg, twice a day — and gradually increasing if necessary.14

Synergistic supplements for allergy relief, which you can take along with quercetin, include stinging nettle, butterbur extract, mangosteen extract, ginger, vitamin C and vitamin D.15

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Powerful Antiviral Effects

In addition to offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial and immune-modulating properties, quercetin acts as a zinc ionophore.16 These work by shuttling zinc through the cellular membrane and into the cell, which is crucial for stopping virus replication. This is part of what makes it so useful during cold and flu season due to its antiviral effects.

Quercetin was initially found to provide broad-spectrum protection against SARS coronavirus in the aftermath of the 2003 SARS epidemic.17,18,19 A number of studies have also shown quercetin, when used early, also lowers your risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-1920 and improves clinical outcomes.

In one study, patients with COVID-19 who received quercetin along with standard care recovered faster and had less severe symptoms.21

Other viruses known to respond to quercetin include adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).22 If you’re prone to colds and flu, you could consider taking quercetin for a couple of months before cold and flu season hits to boost your immune system.

Quercetin likely drives zinc into the cell to inhibit viral replication and also works synergistically with vitamin C, which enhances plasma quercetin levels,23 so consider using both together for best results. According to a Frontiers in Immunology review article:24

“There is evidence that vitamin C and quercetin co-administration exerts a synergistic antiviral action due to overlapping antiviral and immunomodulatory properties and the capacity of ascorbate to recycle quercetin, increasing its efficacy.”

Help to Keep Gray Hair Away

Research suggests the use of onion juice as a natural, topical treatment to support hair regrowth,25 and one reason could be due to quercetin. In addition to helping reduce inflammation,26 quercetin enhances the expression of the antioxidant enzyme catalase27 in your scalp, which helps break down hydrogen peroxide that contributes to cell damage and thinning hair.28

By breaking down hydrogen peroxide, catalase — and by extension, quercetin — may also be beneficial for slowing down hair graying. Hydrogen peroxide is a well-known tool for bleaching your hair, but many people aren’t aware that your hair cells make hydrogen peroxide, too.

As you age, the amount produced increases, which researchers believe ultimately bleaches out your hair pigment, turning your hair gray and then white.29

Quercetin is well known for maintaining oxidative balance in the body, both by inhibiting and alleviating oxidative stress.30 This is another way that it may help keep gray hair away. Oxidative stress is the state in which your body’s free radicals (from pollution, poor diet, stress) outnumber your antioxidant defenses (from healthy diet).

Graying hair may be an indicator of oxidative stress-induced damage.31 Research has also shown that people with premature graying had a higher level of pro-oxidants and lower levels of antioxidants than those with normal hair.32 As researchers noted in the FASEB Journal, compounds that slow oxidative stress, such as quercetin, may be useful for slowing down or stopping hair graying.33

Support for Vision, Liver Health and Tumor Regression

Other reasons to embrace quercetin-rich foods include its promise for helping to protect vision, with researchers describing its potential effects on degenerative retinal diseases, noting, “Some polyphenols, especially flavonoids (e.g., quercetin and tannic acid), could attenuate light-induced receptor damage and promote visual health benefits.”34

Additional research published in the August 2019 issue of Phytotherapy Research concluded quercetin has a beneficial impact on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) “by ameliorating inflammation, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism.”35

It may also be useful for fighting cancer. According to research published in 2016, quercetin may trigger tumor regression by interacting with your DNA and activating the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis (the programmed cell death of damaged cells).36 Quercetin was found to induce cytotoxicity in leukemic cells, and the effect was dose-dependent.

Limited cytotoxic effects were also found in breast cancer cells. Overall, quercetin increased the lifespan of at least 40% of mice with cancer fivefold compared to untreated controls. The authors attributed these effects to quercetin’s direct interaction with DNA and its activation of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, and suggested quercetin’s potential use as a cancer therapy adjunct deserves further exploration.

Quercetin may also act as a senolytic agent against senescence-mediated cancer growth.37 Cellular senescence is a dynamic and multistep process associated with alterations in metabolic activity and gene expression.38 This can compromise tissue regeneration and contribute to aging.

On the other hand, by removing senescent cells, which are similar to nonreplicating cancer cells that secrete powerful proinflammatory cytokines that destroy your health, age-related dysfunction can be attenuated and potentially extend lifespan.

What Are the Best Sources of Quercetin?

Quercetin is found in many foods, including citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, apples, onions, green tea, red grapes, dark cherries and berries, such as blueberries and cranberries. Among these, the highest levels are found in apples — especially the skins — onions, broccoli, cherries, berries and green tea.39

For an especially concentrated source, consider onion skins. They may have 77 times more quercetin than the flesh.40,41 While consuming onion skins may be unpalatable, consider sipping on a broth made from onion peels for more potent therapeutic effects. Quercetin is also found in medicinal products such as Ginkgo biloba, St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) and elderberry (Sambucus canadensis).

If you’re using quercetin in supplement form, consider taking it at night (with zinc) before you go to bed and you haven’t eaten for at least three to four hours. If you are metabolically flexible, you will dive into nutritional ketosis while you sleep.

The other benefit of taking quercetin at night is to take advantage of its senolytic action to remove senescent cells. You can further optimize quercetin’s senolytic properties if you take it while you are fasting.

 

– Sources and References

Posted in Allergy, Antioxidant, Cancer, Food, Hair, Immunity, Minerals, Nutrition, Virus | One Comment »

Posted by: | Posted on: September 9, 2023

Is Ghee Better Than Butter?


Reproduced from original article:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2023/09/08/is-ghee-better-than-butter.aspx
The original Mercola article may not remain on the original site, but I will endeavor to keep it on this site as long as I deem it to be appropriate.

Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola     Fact Checked     September 08, 2023

is ghee better than butter

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

  • Ghee has been used in traditional cooking for eons, as an oil and as an ingredient, but it’s also an Ayurvedic go-to for massages and herbal ointments, and as a medicinal to remedy rashes and burns
  • Making ghee starts with butter made from cow’s milk and involves separating liquid fats from the milk solids and removing the milk solids, a method many believe is healthier than butter
  • Ghee, which is heated longer than most other types of clarified butter, is darker and has a richer, nuttier flavor, as well as a higher smoke point, making it easier and healthier for sautéing — and you can make your own
  • Due to compounds such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and a fatty acid known as butyrate acid in ghee, your inflammation and coronary heart disease risk may be reduced and your digestion improved
  • In ghee, the milk is separated from the fat, so the lactose as well as casein is reduced, making it better than butter if you have allergies or sensitivities to dairy products

Editor’s Note: This article is a reprint. It was originally published May 14, 2018.

For anyone unfamiliar with the term ghee, another name for it is clarified butter. One difference between ghee and regular butter is that the former doesn’t have as many dairy proteins, and there are a host of health advocates who maintain that ghee is the healthier option.

Starting with pure butter made from cow’s milk, the ghee-making process involves heating and separating liquid fats from the milk solids, which become caramelized, and removing the milk solids (which also removes most of the lactose).

Ghee has been used in traditional cooking in India, Pakistan and Southeast Asia for eons, as an oil and as an ingredient, but it’s also an Ayurvedic go-to for herbal ointments, massage and as a medicinal to remedy rashes and burns. While butter isn’t bad for you (especially in comparison with vegetable oil, margarine and the multitude of erroneous, mass-marketed options introduced in the 1960s), ghee, which started as butter, may be the better choice.

For one thing, ghee, heated longer than most clarified butter, is darker and has a nuttier flavor, as well as a higher smoke point, making it easier and healthier for sautéing. In fact, including ghee in your diet may bring benefits for several areas, including your heart. Ghee is made up of about 50% saturated fat, which was considered a bad thing until the medical community and nutritionists began realizing that fat — including saturated fat — is good for you.

Interestingly, breast milk contains 54% saturated fat. Good fat like this is vital to proper development and your body can’t function without it. Even the American Heart Association recommends that people get 5 or 6% of their daily food intake from saturated fat, which is still far too low (you actually need upward of 50 to 70% healthy fat in your diet for optimal health), but butter deliciously helps to fulfill that requirement.1

So the “clarified” part is at least part of what makes ghee better than butter, but still, there are caveats. It’s also helpful to understand that “milk,” produced as it typically is in the U.S. today, contains elements that weren’t (or shouldn’t be) meant for human consumption. To explore all the facets of what ghee is, you must first start with milk.

You Must Start With Milk, but Not Just Any Old Milk

You probably already know that most of the milk produced on American farms is highly processed to homogenize and pasteurize it, superficially to remove potential pathogens. However, zapping it with high temperatures, called ultra-high temperature processing (UHT), is also to give the milk a longer shelf life, and the process destroys many of the natural immune-boosting enzymes and vitamins such as B6, B12 and C.

Beneficial digestive bacteria are eradicated as well, which often leads to constipation along with a host of other problems. In one of the most ironic twists, pathogenic bacteria might be killed off, but they’re not removed from the final product, so those fragments remain, further explaining the alarming abundance of milk allergies. The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) notes:

“When you drink milk that has gone through these processes, you’re basically getting a ‘dead’ beverage … pasteurization and homogenization destroy nutrients and proteins, make healthy fats rancid and cause free radicals to form in the body. They denature milk by altering its chemical structure …

Enzymes like lactase, galactase and phosphate, essential for the assimilation of nutrients … are destroyed. Without these, milk becomes very difficult to digest. In fact, the lack of lactase in pasteurized milk is the cause of lactose intolerance. Unfortunately, the pancreas cannot produce these enzymes, so it becomes overstressed — a risk factor for diabetes and other diseases.”2

Sustainable Table notes that modern processes are so far removed from traditional farming methods they can’t even be called farming anymore. It began with the industrialized “animal feeding operations, where animals are kept and raised in confined situations.”3 When they get large enough — 700 cows in a dairy operation — the word “concentrated” is added, as in CAFOs.4 In a nutshell:

“During the early 20th century, the increase in livestock in industrial dairy farms led to unsanitary and poor hygiene practices. This resulted in the rampant spread of disease-causing bacteria to become rampant, which contaminated the milk and infected people. That was the main reason why pasteurization became widespread.

Today, most commercial milk that comes from confined [concentrated] animal feeding operations (CAFOs) still needs to be pasteurized because the conditions in these overcrowded farms have worsened exponentially, leading CAFOs to becoming hotbeds for pathogenic bacteria contamination.”5

‘Sensitivities’ Can Involve Casein, Lactose and Gluten

Ghee, because it’s had quantities of the dairy proteins removed, has in the process had much of the casein and lactose eliminated. Lactose, according to the Cambridge Dictionary,6 is a type of sugar found in milk, and casein is the main protein in raw milk. Casein and gluten have a similar molecular structure. Healthy Eating notes:

“Gluten and casein are both proteins, but gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye, while casein is in milk and dairy products. Some people are allergic to one or both; others have an inherited condition called celiac disease.”7

Cow’s milk is noted as one of the first foods given to babies and subsequently is one of the first types of allergies to appear in children. Respiratory problems are one of the first symptoms. Initially conducted in Austria in 2014, one study8 notes several symptoms that casein sensitivity can bring about, including:

  • Rashes or redness
  • Itching
  • Abdominal pain and bloating
  • Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
  • Coughing, wheezing and asthma symptoms

Unfortunately, those are the milder cow’s milk allergy (CMA) symptoms. As far back as Hippocrates, gastrointestinal and skin problems were reported, but in the early 20th century, symptomology from milk consumption became more frequent. Besides diarrhea, there were incidences of slowed physical growth in children, as well as anaphylactic shock.

A page in an article covered by JAMA Network in 19949 noted that cow’s milk allergens in infants range from 0.5 to 7.5% but may be as high as 25% in some patient groups, and it’s often missed due to unspecified symptoms and different areas of the world. Another study noted that cow’s milk more frequently being given to infants in lieu of breast milk may explain part of the increase being seen.

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Ghee Made From Organic, Grass Fed Butter Is Better

Why start with organic, grass fed butter for making ghee? Consider that the overuse of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance, which results in even stronger pathogenic bacteria and new strains of diseases. According to a report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Department of Health and Human Services,10 80% of the antibiotics used in the U.S. are routinely fed to livestock animals to “fight disease.”

In addition, the ghee you eat is only as good as the milk used to make the original butter. Your very best bet is organic, grass fed butter, which is made from the milk of cows that ate grass rather than grains, such as genetically engineered (GE) corn.

And if possible, use the raw form of the milk, especially if you’re making your own ghee. Some of the best nutrients in ghee, and in butter as well, are vitamins A, E, K, folate and choline, according to USDA’s National Nutrient Database.11 Nutritionally, differences between butter and ghee include:

  • Butter can smoke and burn at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (F), while ghee can handle heat up to 485 degrees F.
  • Compared to other oils, ghee contains less acrylamide, a chemical compound that becomes toxic under heat and has even been linked to cancer in animal studies.12
  • According to Medical News Today,13 ghee is rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been linked to a lower coronary heart disease risk.14
  • Ghee contains a fatty acid known as butyrate acid, found to aid in digestive health and, like butter, possibly fighting inflammation15 as well as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and leaky gut.16
  • Butyric acid may also help prevent colon cancer and insulin sensitivity, and as a result may help protect against Type 2 diabetes.17

The Better Question May Be ‘When Is Ghee Better?’

Butter is good, not just because it’s not margarine, but as a healthy food, again, provided it’s organic and grass fed. For some people, though, ghee is better. It depends on your needs. The bottom line is, if you’re lactose sensitive or intolerant, ghee is a double blessing, and the higher smoke point translates to healthier forms of the food you cook with it.

Ghee is widely available at supermarkets and organic specialty stores, or you can make your own from pure organic, grass fed butter. Kettle and Fire explains its simple seven-step process:18

Cut organic, grass fed butter into one-half inch pieces.
Melt the butter over medium heat.
Simmer it until the butter starts to foam and bubble.
Cook another 10 to 15 minutes until it begins to foam a second time.
Turn off the heat once the milk solids have turned red-brown and settled in the bottom of your pan.
Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Then strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a container with a tight-fitting lid. That’s it.

As for cooking, you can use ghee in any food just as you would butter: on your eggs, meats, veggies — you name it. The smoke point argument comparing ghee with butter is a valid one, but ghee in this regard is also better than coconut oil, MCT oil and olive oil, according to Bulletproof, which adds:

“Ghee has a nutty flavor and tastes more buttery than butter itself. It holds up to strong spices well, which is one reason it’s a staple of Indian and Thai cooking. Ghee also pulls fat-soluble flavors and nutrients out of spices when you cook the two together.

It’s ideal for curries, sauces, and other slow-cooked or simmered dishes. It’s also great drizzled over veggies with a bit of sea salt. Oh, and you don’t have to refrigerate it. It’s shelf-stable and won’t go bad for years.”19

Posted in Allergy, Fat, Food, Oils, Omega-6 | No Comments »

Posted by: | Posted on: May 6, 2023

Recipe for SUCCESS: Use dietary phytochemicals to lower your risk of multiple forms of cancer

Reproduced from original article:
https://www.naturalhealth365.com/recipe-for-prevention-use-dietary-phytochemicals-to-lower-your-risk-of-multiple-forms-of-cancer.html

by:  | May 3, 2023

phytochemicals-lower-risk-of-breast-cancer(NaturalHealth365)  The microscopic bioactive plant chemicals in veggies, fruits, beans, and whole grains, referred to as phytochemicals, provide a wide array of nutritional benefits.  Though you cannot see phytochemicals, they play an important role in human health.

Also referred to as phytonutrients, phytochemicals protect against cancer and serve as an anticancer therapy.  In fact, recent research on dietary phytochemicals reveals these tiny food components reduce the risk of prostate, breast, and thyroid cancer.

Here’s the inside scoop on how phytochemicals are helping win the battle against cancer and a quick look at the best ways to incorporate these nutrients into your diet.

The role of phytochemicals in preventing and fighting breast cancer

Fruits, vegetables, and beans contain phytochemicals that can help prevent breast cancer by targeting Nrf2, a regulatory factor critical in promoting antioxidant expression and combating harmful inflammation.  For example, resveratrol and curcumin are two of the most highly regarded preventive agents against breast cancer development.

Nrf2 modulation eliminates unnecessary carcinogenic metabolites via the Ho-1 and NQ01 Phase II cytoprotective enzymes.  This process effectively prevents the buildup of carcinogens that can lead to breast cancer.

Natural phytochemicals in fruits and veggies combat thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer is a disease that affects just over 1% of the population, with approximately one million people in the United States currently living with this form of cancer.  Sadly, more than 43,000 individuals die from thyroid cancer each year.  Scientists are actively researching the role of phytochemicals in combating the development of this disease.

Phytochemicals, tiny bioactive components found in certain foods, have been shown to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells in the thyroid gland.  In addition, these powerful compounds can alter signaling cascades and metabolic properties of cancer cells, ultimately shaping the mitochondrial membranes of thyroid cancer cells.  Through these mechanisms, phytochemicals may play a vital role in preventing the development and progression of thyroid cancer.

Tiny compounds play a role in the battle against prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a common malignancy affecting men worldwide, with an estimated 268,000 new cases expected in the United States alone this year.  Thankfully, phytochemicals present a promising avenue for treating this disease.

Research has shown that phytochemicals derived from plants exhibit tumor cytotoxicity.  Put simply, these plant compounds are toxic to cancer cells in the prostate gland.  As such, these compounds may hold the key to unlocking effective treatments for prostate cancer, giving hope to millions of people worldwide.

How to add phytochemicals to your diet

While phytochemicals are present in many fruits, vegetables, and beans, it’s important to note that not all versions of these foods are created equal.  To get the most out of these health-boosting compounds, it’s best to opt for organic produce that’s grown locally.  If possible, consider growing your own organic vegetables to maximize your intake of phytochemicals.  If you have no other option but to consume conventionally grown fruits and veggies, try to avoid the “dirty dozen” to minimize your exposure to cancer causing pesticides.

So, which foods contain the most phytochemicals?

Anthocyanin phytochemicals, shown to protect against tumor formation, heart disease, inflammation, and allergies, can be found in eggplant, purple cabbage, raisins, plums, strawberries, and elderberries.  Phenolic phytochemicals are abundant in legumes and citrus fruits, while indole phytochemicals can be found in Brussels sprouts, turnips, kale, cabbage, broccoli, and bok choy.

Carotenoid phytochemicals, which are beneficial for skin and vision, are found in tomatoes, spinach, pink grapefruit, oranges, and parsley.  And for those looking to fight cancer and extend longevity, look no further than blue and red fruits like blueberries and raspberries, which contain anthocyanin phytochemicals.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov

Posted in Allergy, Cancer, Food, Heart, Thyroid | No Comments »

Posted by: | Posted on: March 27, 2023

Chlorine in swimming pools causes disease, infections and cancer

Reproduced from original article:
https://www.naturalhealth365.com/chlorine-in-swimming-pools-causes-disease-infections-and-cancer.html

by:  | March 25, 2023

chlorine-in-swimming-pools(NaturalHealth365)  It is important to be mindful of potential dangers to our families, even as we try to improve our diets and lifestyles.  For example, while swimming in a pool may seem harmless and even beneficial for exercise and socialization, research shows that the chlorine used to disinfect pools can create harmful disinfection by-products (DBPs) that can cause DNA damage and increase the risk of cancer.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are three ways that chemicals can enter the body: inhalation, digestion, and absorption.  When it comes to swimming, all three possibilities exist.  One particular issue associated with swimming in a public or private pool is the use of chlorine.  While chlorine is effective in killing bacteria, it can also cause skin rashes, allergies, and lung injuries.

In addition, studies have shown that chlorine can react with personal care products on the skin to generate harmful chemicals, increasing the risk of cancer.  Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with swimming in a chlorinated pool and take appropriate precautions to minimize exposure.

Chlorine can cause serious breathing issues and eye problems

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that prolonged contact with chlorine could be a factor in asthma and respiratory disease.  The CDC has also connected it to epiglottitis – a potentially life-threatening inflammatory condition of the flap at the base of the tongue.  This is due to the inhalation of the gas that chlorine emits. We’ve all “smelled” that chlorine pool aroma.  It may even smell clean to us.  It turns out it could lead to respiratory disease or accentuate existing respiratory problems.

Eye infections are another side-effect of chlorinated water.  The chlorinated water can easily get into the eyes, especially when someone keeps their eyes open while underwater.  But the risks don’t stop there.  Swallowing too much chlorinated water can lead to liver or kidney problems, and it gets worse.  The sodium hypochlorite found in chlorine and other similar compounds have the potential to produce liver cancer.

The connection between chlorine exposure and the development of cancer

Water that has been chlorinated is being blamed for causing a higher percentage of skin cancers each year.  If exposed to chlorinated water for an extended period, the chemical will produce a toxic substance that can produce a rash or other infection on the body.

The sun may be determined as the culprit, but rarely it is blamed on chlorine.  Another cancer connected to chlorinated water is colorectal cancer.  This, too, can happen when a person is overexposed to treated water.  Trihalomethanes, a by-product of chlorine, is the main contributor to uninhibited cell growth within the colon.

How to protect yourself from the risks associated with chlorine

There are ways to better protect yourself from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals associated with swimming pools, whether public or private.  Obviously, the best way would be to avoid them – completely.  But, for ‘pool lovers’ – here are a few healthy tips:

  • Limit the swimming times for you and your family.  Time at the pool can be relaxing and enjoyable but monitor how much time you and your loved ones are spending in the chlorinated water.
  • Rinse chlorinated pool water off of your body.  Ensure you and your family shower before, during, and after swimming.
  • Wearing protective eye goggles can help decrease the intake of chlorine into the eyes and the body.  They can decrease the possibility of eye infections as a result of chlorine.

No matter how you view the threat of chlorine, you should understand that ingesting it is not good.  You certainly want family members to enjoy their day at the pool, but they should be reminded to avoid swallowing chlorinated water.

Of course, chlorine in drinking water is a whole other topic, but my best advice would be to use a water purifier that removes unwanted toxins from your water supply.

Unlike sea water, which is briny and immediately unpleasant, some may not see pool water as much different than tap water – which is a big mistake.  Make sure family members know not to swallow any amount of pool water.

Sphagnum Moss is one natural way to ensure your family and friends are safe in your family pool.  According to David Knighton, a surgeon and founder, and CEO of Creative Water Solutions, moss has been known to inhibit microbes.

The moss was used and tested in the Oxford Community Center in St. Paul, MN.  The director, Lynn Waldorf, says that the moss has saved the pool some $35,000 because they use less toxic chemicals, and they had an increase in revenue because more swimmers attended the pool.

There are almost always natural solutions to everyday problems.  And best of all, there are ways to improve our lifestyles and health without toxic chemicals.  Plus, there is no downside in your search for optimal health.

Sources for this article include:

NBCNews.com
NIH.gov
MedicalDaily.com
CDC.gov

 

Posted in Allergy, Cancer, Eyes, Lungs, Natural Medicine, Water | One Comment »

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