Any product made with potato will henceforth be subject to added scrutiny before it can receive The Non-GMO Project’s verification stamp.1 The reason? The now widespread prevalence of genetically engineered (GE) potato in the U.S. food supply. The first-generation GE Innate® potato, developed by J.R. Simplot Co. and branded simply as White Russet™, was approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2014 and entered the U.S. marketplace the following year.2 Canada approved it in 2016.3 The Innate® potato has been modified using RNA interference (RNAi) technology to inhibit blackspot bruising and browning by reducing levels of asparagine and certain enzymes in the potato. In addition to white russet potatoes, ranger russet, russet Burbank and Atlantic potatoes have also been modified in this way. The Non-GMO Project has also announced4 the marketing of a new high-oleic acid GE soy variety, engineered with TALEN gene editing technology. It too has been added to the Project’s high-risk list and is ineligible for The Non-GMO Project Verification label. According to Megan Westgate, executive director of The Non-GMO Project:5
GMO Potatoes Hide SpoilageJ.R. Simplot claims the nonbrowning potatoes benefit consumers, farmers and the environment by cutting down on food spoilage waste and reducing water use and greenhouse gas emissions.6 Trials have shown the Innate® potatoes result in farmers discarding 15 percent fewer potatoes due to bruising and spotting.7
However, as noted by Westgate,” browning is nature’s most visible way of letting you know a product is rotting. GMOs that use RNAi to mask the signs of bruising could lead consumers to unknowingly ingest an unhealthy, toxic product.” According to Simplot, however, by reducing asparagine, which creates acrylamide, a probable carcinogen, at high temperatures, the Innate® potatoes lower the potential health hazards associated with baked, fried and roasted potatoes.8 Second generation Innate® potatoes are currently under regulatory review. In addition to being nonbrowning, these second generation crops are also engineered to be blight resistant. According to a February 28, 2017, press release:9
Creator of GMO Potatoes Reveals DangerHow can we know Innate® potatoes are a health risk? Because their creator, a genetic engineer named Caius Rommens, former director of researcher and development for the potato program at J.R. Simplot Co. and a former team leader at Monsanto, wrote an entire book about it. In “Pandora’s Potatoes: The Worst GMOs,”10 released October 7, 2018, Rommens reveals these and similar GE potatoes contain “unstable traits, two of which appear to have been lost already (or are in the process of being lost).” He also claims the GE potatoes “suffer a significant yield drag and reduction in size profile, conceal bruises and potentially spread diseases, may be grown and stored in ways that maximize disease and pest pressures … [and] are also likely to contain new toxins. If it were up to me, the creator of these potatoes, I would call them Pandora’s Potatoes. They are the worst GMOs ever commercialized.” Rommens also discusses his concerns in an interview with Sustainable Pulse, in which he says:11
Genetic Engineers Know ‘Just Enough to Be Dangerous’Rommens says he left J.R. Simplot, where he was in charge of up to 50 scientists, once he realized there were significant problems with his creation. “Looking back at myself and my colleagues, I believe now that we were all brainwashed; that we all brainwashed ourselves,” he says.
Indeed, science reveals it simply doesn’t work that way, and that even minor modifications can trigger a cascade of unintended effects. Here’s just one case in point: Researchers decided to search for unintended mutations using research data from a study that used CRISPR-Cas9 to restore sight in blind mice by correcting a genetic mutation.12 They sequenced the entire genome of the CRISPR-edited mice, and in addition to the intended genetic edit they found more than 100 additional deletions and insertions, along with more than 1,500 single-nucleotide mutations.
How GMO Potatoes Stack Up Against Conventional PotatoesAccording to Rommens, his GMO potatoes had a number of problems. Their growth was stunted and the plants frequently died. The tubers were also frequently misshapen, and the leaves pale yellow rather than bright green, a condition known as chlorosis, caused by insufficient production of chlorophyll. Sterility and necrosis, where the plant’s tissues turn brown or black as a result of cell degeneration and death, were other problems noted by Rommens. Necrosis is typically the result of nutrient deficiencies. According to Rommens, one of the reasons his GE potatoes are so inferior has to do with the fact that they’re derived from somatic cells, and somatic cells are only meant to survive for a single season.
Rommins claims he was even wrong about the potatoes’ bruise resistance. The potatoes bruise just as easily as normal potatoes, he claims; you just cannot see the bruises because the discoloration has been deactivated. And this, Rommons says, is actually a significant problem, because the melanin — the compound that causes the dark coloration14 — is actually a protective compound that helps prevent entry by pathogens when the potato is damaged. What’s worse, these now-invisible bruises may actually accumulate toxins. How Does RNAi Gene Silencing Work?RNAi is also known as post transcriptional gene silencing. The two scientists who discovered RNAi — Andrew Fire and Craig Mello — received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2006.15 In a 2015 MIT Technology Review article, Antonio Regalado describes the RNAi gene silencing process thus:16
Aside from potato, another food that employs RNAi gene editing technology to achieve nonbrowning is the Arctic® apple. The Organic Consumers Association wrote about this in 2013, saying:17
There are also indirect consequences. The chemical compound used in the RNA manipulation process is one that also combats plant pests, and if the fruit’s ability to fend off pests is impaired, growers will end up having to use more pesticides. How to Avoid GMO PotatoesBased on Rommens testimony it would seem wise to steer clear of the GE Innate® potato. To avoid them:
One of the easiest ways to avoid GE potatoes is to buy organic varieties. This way, you’ll also avoid synthetic pesticides. If you live in the U.S., the following organizations can help you locate organically grown produce such as potatoes:
from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/11/27/gmo-potatoes.aspx
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So far in 2018, at least 106 confirmed cases of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) have occurred in the U.S.1 The mysterious disease, which is reminiscent of polio, primarily affects children and can cause permanent paralysis, continues to baffle the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has been investigating the disease since 2014. It was that year when AFM cases first spiked, reaching 120 cases from August to December. The condition then seemingly took a year off, with only 22 confirmed cases in 2015, followed by another spike in 2016 (149 cases). The next year another lull ensued (just 33 cases were confirmed in 2017) and, as has been the ongoing pattern, 2018 marked the next two-year spike, with cases continuing to rise. While some clues have been revealed regarding AFM, like the fact that most people have an onset between August and October, and experience a fever or mild respiratory illness beforehand, the CDC remains largely in the dark as to what is causing AFM and why some people recover, and others do not. Parents Criticize CDC for Lack of Answers About Acute Flaccid MyelitisPerhaps as mysterious as the disease itself is why the CDC, the U.S. health protection agency, remains largely in the dark about AFM, which is quickly becoming a prominent health issue. Parents and scientists alike have criticized the CDC for their lack of effective response.2 According to the CDC's Dr. Nancy Messonnier, who is heading up the CDC's AFM investigation, "I understand why parents are frustrated. I'm frustrated. I want answers too."3 In a press briefing held in October 2018, Messonnier confirmed the CDC's investigation is lacking answers, stating:4
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is investigating six cases of AFM in the state, which occurred since September 2018. In a letter to the CDC, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., expressed her concern about the rise in AFM cases and requested an update on the CDC's investigation and progress in determining the cause of the disease as well as issuing updated treatment guidelines for health care practitioners. "While I appreciate your response to my previous letters and willingness to provide staff briefings, important questions remain regarding the CDC's efforts to address the … cases of AFM … Accordingly, I respectfully request answers to the following additional questions," she wrote, asking the following questions:5
As the questions reveal, it seems the CDC has not released even some of the most basic data relating to AFM, including an updated breakdown of cases in each state and more detailed geographic information. There is also concern that AFM cases may be underreported, but data is lacking from the CDC to confirm or deny this. Also noteworthy, the CDC has stated that no one has died from AFM in 2018, but there was at least one death in 2017 of a child with AFM. Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith and Iowa Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst have also contacted the CDC in attempts to get more information about AFM. What Has the CDC Revealed About AFM in 2018?In November 2018, the CDC released a report about the increase in AFM in the U.S. Of the 106 patients with AFM classified from January to November 2, 2018, they say 80 cases were confirmed to be AFM, six were deemed probable and 20 were classified as noncases. "This represents a threefold increase in confirmed cases compared with the same period in 2017," according to the CDC. As for what's known:
So far, most cases seem to mimic symptoms found in various viral illnesses, including polio virus, nonpolio enteroviruses, adenoviruses and West Nile virus. That being said, specimens (stool, blood and cerebrospinal fluid) tested from AFM patients have so far been negative for polio virus and no pathogens have been consistently detected in spinal fluid. In the latest round of testing for enterovirus/rhinovirus (EV/RV) in AFM patients, 54 percent tested positive for EV or RV, but most were from upper respiratory or stool/rectal swab specimens. Only two cerebrospinal fluid specimens tested positive, one for EV-A71 and one for EV-D68. When the illness first spiked in 2014, it was around the time of an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by enterovirus (EV) D68, another "polio-like virus" that was associated with paralysis. However, according to the CDC, "Among the people confirmed with AFM, CDC did not consistently detect EV-D68 in every patient." In the press briefing, Messonnier again confirmed that no one underlying cause, viral or otherwise, has been identified:
Has CDC Looked Into Provocation Poliomyelitis?You're only going to find what you're looking for, and if you're not looking for the right clues you could miss something important. Case in point, in 2015, Dr. Allan Cunningham, a retired pediatrician from New York, wrote an intriguing analysis to the BMJ referring to the "U.S. mystery of acute flaccid myeltitis," which at the time was just over 100 cases in 34 states, alongside a spate of more than 1,100 cases of EV D68, the latter of which did not seem to be the overriding cause. He brought up an important phenomenon known as provocation poliomyelitis, which describes the increased risk of neurological complications known to occur if a person with a polio virus infection receives an injury to a skeletal muscle, which could include an injection from a vaccine. There are more than 100 nonpolio enteroviruses, most of which are mild but some of which can infect the central nervous system and cause serious illness, including paralysis. "Enteroviruses are the most prevalent viruses in the world," according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, which means it's likely that some children receiving vaccinations are probably infected with an enterovirus at the time of the injection, perhaps displaying no symptoms or only mild fever or flu-like symptoms (and many physicians see no problem with vaccinating a child who is mildly ill). Is it possible that provocation poliomyelitis could occur in children vaccinated while infected with a nonpolio enterovirus? It's a question that the CDC should be considering. Cunningham noted, "AFM may result from a direct virus attack on the spinal cord, or by an immune attack triggered by a virus, or by something else. If a polio-like virus is circulating in the U.S., the possibility of its provocation by one or more vaccines has to be considered." Signs and Symptoms of AFMWith cases of AFM on the rise, and a cause still unknown, it's important to be on the lookout for potential signs and symptoms of AFM, particularly in children, which include:
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately as AFM can be life-threatening. According to the CDC:
AFM shares symptoms with other neurologic diseases, including Guillain-Barre syndrome, making diagnosis difficult. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be necessary, along with lab tests on cerebrospinal fluid, in order to make a definitive diagnosis. There is currently no specific treatment, according to the CDC, which states only that "a doctor who specializes in treating brain and spinal cord illnesses (neurologist) may recommend certain interventions on a case-by-case basis." They're equally unhelpful when it comes to recommending tools for prevention: "Since we don't know the cause of most of these AFM cases or what triggers this condition, there is no specific action to take to prevent AFM." Unfortunately, unless the CDC begins to explore all of the potential causes of AFM, including provocation poliomyelitis or even vaccine-derived polio virus (VDPV), which causes acute flaccid paralysis, we may continue to remain in the dark for some time. from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/11/27/afm-disease.aspx A visit to your doctor’s office should leave you feeling informed and supported, with open and truthful conversations about your health and treatment plans. Many, however, do not get such courtesies, especially where vaccinations are concerned. Open conversations about vaccines are the exception rather than the rule at many U.S. doctors’ offices. Increasingly, parents are left feeling belittled or threatened by their children's doctors should they so much as question the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) vaccination schedule. Many are even going so far as to kick patients out of their practice, leaving them without a source for medical care. As Barbara Loe Fisher, founder of the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC), states in the featured video:1
Do Doctors Have the Right to Demand Certain Medical Treatments?Patients should be able to trust their doctor's advice, but when this comes in the form of a commandment, that trust is broken. "These days, that CDC vaccine schedule is no longer being viewed simply as a recommendation, it is being treated as a commandment," Fisher says. NVIC maintains a Cry for Vaccine Freedom Wall where anyone can post stories of vaccine harassment — and it's a heavily populated page.2 There are stories from across the U.S. of people who have been dismissed from medical practices or yelled at by their physicians over questions regarding vaccination or personal decisions of whether or not to vaccinate. This is true even in the cases of prior adverse reactions to vaccinations. "Pediatricians' offices have become ugly battlegrounds. Intelligent, well-informed and loving parents asking legitimate questions about vaccination are being belittled and treated with disrespect and contempt by too many pediatricians robotically implementing the CDC's inflexible vaccine schedule in clear violation of the informed consent principle," Fisher says.3 The fact is, it's a doctor's job to inform his or her patients so they're able to make an educated decision about their medical care; it's not a doctor's job to make that decision for the patient. Further, questions regarding vaccine safety and efficacy are relevant now more than ever, as children are expected to get more vaccines than ever before — 69 doses of 16 vaccines.4 Doctors Break Patients' Trust by Not Discussing Vaccine SafetyThere's a serious lack of credible studies comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated populations in order to reveal vaccine safety or lack thereof. Yet, at least one study has found the vaccination schedule may put premature babies at increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.5 And in a pilot study comparing the health of vaccinated versus unvaccinated children, those who were vaccinated were more likely to have been diagnosed with any chronic illness as well as other health conditions like otitis media, pneumonia, allergies and eczema.6 In 2013, a physician committee at the Institute of Medicine (IOM), National Academy of Sciences, even pointed out that the current federally recommended childhood vaccine schedule for infants and children from birth to age 6 had not been adequately studied for safety.7 These are the types of facts parents need to make an informed decision about vaccination, but they're not likely to hear them from a conventional pediatrician. In fact, they may be threatened for even inquiring. As Fisher explains:8
Pharmaceutical Resisters Are 'Cockroaches'In the vaccination debate, what happens all too often is not an open, scientifically based discussion but rather inappropriate name-calling and threats. A scathing article in the Los Angeles Times added further fuel to the fire when it labeled unvaccinated people "cockroaches."9 In praising California's Senate Bill 277, which requires children to be fully vaccinated to attend public school and eliminated the state's personal belief exemption, the article said, "a lot of cockroaches have met their demise." It then continued with name calling, stating, "Parents' suspicions about the safety of vaccinations have been fed by conspiracy theorists and medical crackpots …" It then touted the widely-spread myth that medical exemptions to vaccines are threatening herd immunity. Naturally acquired herd immunity comes into play when a very high percentage of individuals in a population have gone through a natural immune response to a viral or bacterial disease. Vaccine-acquired "herd immunity" is a misnomer because most vaccines provide an artificial immunity that leans heavily on stimulating an antibody response (humoral immunity), which is incomplete and more temporary than the longer lasting cell-mediated plus humoral immunity acquired after recovery from an infection. The article is reminiscent of Dr. Peter Hotez, dean for the National School of Tropical Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine, who has gone so far as to bully parents of vaccine-injured children and classify NVIC as a hate group. He’s also said that the movement calling for increased scientific study into vaccine efficacy and risks, and calling for protection of informed consent, should be “snuffed out,” i.e., crushed or killed. Hotez is a vaccine developer, a former president of the Sabin Vaccine Institute and director of the Texas Children’s Hospital’s Center for Vaccine Development. He also recently published a study putting targets on the U.S. counties that have the highest numbers of kindergarteners with nonmedical vaccine exemptions,10 and then, in The Conversation, falsely blamed "anti-vaccine websites and social media" for measles outbreaks in Minnesota, New York and Missouri and "almost 200 influenza deaths of unvaccinated children."11 Unfortunately, doctors like Hotez, instead of opening up the playing field for legitimate questions into vaccine safety and efficacy, would rather engage in name-calling (NVIC and other vaccine choice organizations are "exporting … anti-vax garbage" to communities around the world, he said12) and have parents who disagree with him "snuffed out." Physicians and Pharmaceutical Companies Created an Opioid Epidemic Killing MillionsPhysicians and pharmaceutical companies that people are expected to blindly trust when it comes to vaccinations are the same ones who are implicated in creating a deadly opioid epidemic. In the U.S., 63,600 people died from a drug overdose in 2016, 66 percent of which involved an opioid. Overdose deaths have been on the rise since the 1990s, with those involving prescription opioids increasing sharply since 1999.13 Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 50, with the deaths being driven by synthetic opioids like fentanyl.14 "The rise of fentanyl can be traced back to doctors' offices, according to leading researchers and doctors who blame several decades of liberally prescribing highly potent opioids to patients who shouldn't have been exposed to them in the first place for creating a huge market for … organized crime groups, who are now exploiting a population of opioid misusers," Vice News reported.15 Research published in the journal Medical Care even found a link between the rate of prescriptions for opioids and the number of opioid deaths in geographic regions of British Columbia, Canada.16 Both physicians and pharmaceutical companies are to blame. Many drug companies are still marketing the drugs to doctors and giving them perks like free meals, paid travel expenses and money for speaking and consulting engagements. A New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) study found that although doctors typically receive less than $1,000 a year in such perks, they may still influence opioid prescriptions. In fact, physicians who received perks from drug companies increased their opioid prescription rates by an average of 9 percent in the year after the payment.17 It's shocking that, in the midst of an epidemic of opioid overdose deaths, the pharmaceutical industry would still be making payments to physicians to prescribe more opioid products, but this is precisely what's occurring. According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health,18 more than 375,000 nonresearch opioid-related payments were made to more than 68,000 physicians between August 2013 and December 2015, totaling more than $46 million. This amounts to 1 in 12 U.S. physicians who have received money from drug companies producing prescription opioids. Doctors Are a Leading Cause of DeathAccording to research published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), medical errors kill an estimated 250,000 Americans each year, making them a leading cause of death.19 While medical error is not included in rankings of cause of death or included on death certificates, death from medical care itself, and the doctors who administer it, happens far more often than many realize. In a U.S. survey of more than 2,500 people, researchers found that 1 in every 5 adults has been on the receiving end of a medical error and 1 in every 3 say someone whose care they were closely involved in had experienced a medical error.20 It's clear that people must feel comfortable in asking questions of their doctors — their very lives depend on it — yet this cannot occur in an environment of threats or belittling that often occurs when the topic of vaccinations is concerned. Making informed choices and using proven tools to reduce your risk of illness by maintaining optimal health are strategies you may use to reduce your personal risk of injury at the hand of another, as well as to stay healthy to avoid chronic and infectious diseases. And as always, if you're seeing a medical provider who is not open to answering your questions, or whose trust you question, it's probably time to seek a new provider. from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/11/27/doctors-not-discussing-vaccine-safety.aspx 1 Which of the following nutrients has been shown to be a crucial factor in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?
2 Which of the following statements is true?
3 The most potent narcotic pain reliever on the U.S. market is:
4 Which of the following strategies has been scientifically validated as a way to boost mental health, significantly reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression?
5 The inner membrane of your mitochondria contains a component called cardiolipin, which needs the following nutrient in order to function properly and prevent tumor formation:
6 How does Boyan Slat, the Dutch inventor, plan to remove plastic from the oceans?
7 The most accurate way to measure your ketone levels is by:
from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/11/26/week-55-health-quiz.aspx Your intestinal bacteria are part of your immune system, and researchers are discovering that microbes of all kinds play instrumental roles in countless areas of your health. For example, beneficial bacteria, also known as probiotics, have been shown to:
Beneficial bacteria also control the growth of disease-causing bacteria by competing for nutrition and attachment sites in your colon. This is of immense importance, as pathogenic bacteria and other less beneficial microbes can wreak havoc with your health if they gain the upper hand. Antibiotics, of course, indiscriminately destroy bacteria of all kinds; it’s a bit of a “scorched Earth” approach, which is one of the reasons why antibiotics should only be used when absolutely necessary. The question is, what’s the best way to rebalance your gut microflora when taking antibiotics?10 Should you take a probiotic (healthy bacteria) supplement and, if so, what kind? In the video above, Chris Kresser, an acupuncturist, licensed integrative medicine clinician and codirector of the California Center for Functional Medicine, interviews11 Lucy Mailing, a microbiome researcher, about two recent studies12,13 that have thrown a bit of a wrench into the standard recommendation to reseed your gut with probiotics after taking a course of antibiotics. Stool Samples May Not Reveal the Whole Story About Your Gut HealthA standard way of determining your gut health has been to identify the types of bacteria and amount in your stool. However, recent research14 suggests the bacteria in your stool might not be a good indicator after all, and throws doubt over the recommendation to take oral probiotics after a round of antibiotics. What they discovered was that the microbiome found in your stool and that found in the gut lumen — the space inside your intestinal space — and the mucosal layer of your intestinal wall differ, which means that stool does not offer a good representation of what's actually inside your intestines. As noted by Kresser, this is important, as, "all these studies that have been done … that have correlated the changes in the gut microbiome to health and disease states have been perhaps only seeing part of the picture … and … there may be a whole other side."15 Overall, they found there was only a 20 percent correlation between the microbiome of the gut and that of stool. Hence, while stool samples are great for identifying the presence of pathogens, they cannot accurately assess the composition of your gut microbiome. While Probiotic Effects Are Transient, They Still Induce Benefits by Altering Gene ExpressionThe study also confirmed that when you take an oral probiotic, the effect it has is transient. That does not mean probiotics are useless, however. As noted by Mailing, “There are certainly many probiotics that have been shown in randomized controlled trials to have beneficial effects.” The take-home message is that they may not work exactly the way previously thought. Mailing explains:16
In all, probiotic supplementation was found to result in a wide variety of genetic changes, with 19 genes being downregulated and 194 being upregulated. Many of these genetic changes were related to improvements in immune system function. Your Gut Microbiome Resists ChangeA third finding, which is not entirely new, is that your gut microbiome tends to be rather resistant to change, and that it is your commensal17,18 microbiome (microorganisms that work together in a symbiotic relationship where they neither benefit nor harm each other) that works to inhibit colonization of any added probiotic strains. As noted by Kresser and Mailing, this highlights the importance of being colonized with beneficial bacteria right after birth, via vaginal birth and breastfeeding, as this early colonization tends to be a dominant force long-term, and can be difficult to change. There are individual differences, however. Some people have what's called a "permissive microbiome," meaning they're more likely to accept colonization of new bacteria, whereas others have more resistant microbiomes. At present, the cause for these individual differences is unknown. Probiotics May Impede Microbiome Recovery After AntibioticsThe most surprising and counterintuitive finding of all, however, is that taking probiotics after a round of antibiotics may actually hamper your microbiome's natural recovery,19 which is the complete converse of previous thinking. To evaluate the effects of probiotics after antibiotics, they divided the subjects — both mice and humans — into three groups:
Curiously, the probiotic group fared worse than those left to spontaneously recover. While probiotics helped prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea, the addition of probiotics actually delayed the return of normal microbiota for up to five months after they stopped taking the supplement. Even then, microbial diversity remained significantly lower than it was originally. Meanwhile, the microbiomes in the spontaneous recovery group, which did not receive any kind of probiotics, were back to pre-antibiotic levels within 21 days. As noted by Kresser, this flies in the face of studies that have found a course of antibiotics can alter your gut microbiome for up to two years. Here, only a few of the bacterial strains failed to recover within two years. The third group fared the best, recovering their original microbiome in as little as one or two days after the first infusion. As noted by Kresser and Mailing, banking a sample of your stool at a time when you're quite healthy can be a good insurance policy for the future, should you need antibiotic treatment or develop a more serious health condition such as an autoimmune disease. Lactobacillus Identified as a Primary Inhibitor of Microbiome Recovery After AntibioticsSo, what might explain this surprising result? What is the mechanism behind this inhibitory effect? Mailing explains:20
Future studies will be needed to ascertain whether other types of probiotics might have a better or worse impact following antibiotic use, such as the use of sporebiotics or Saccharomyces boulardii, a beneficial yeast, both of which I (still) recommend taking after antibiotics. As noted by Kresser, the delivery system could potentially make a difference as well. Some companies have developed novel delivery systems to ensure survival of the bacteria as they move through your digestive system and upper intestines. Yet another question is whether probiotic supplementation would inhibit microbiome recovery after a milder antibiotic. Here, they used a combination of two of the most potent antibiotics available. We also do not know whether the result might be impacted if you start taking the probiotic at the same time as the antibiotic, rather than waiting until the antibiotic treatment is finished. The Case for Spore-Based ProbioticsThere are at least 2,500 species of microbes living in your gut and most, if not all of them, serve your body in a symbiotic way. They either produce something you need, metabolize toxic products so they can be safely eliminated, or help reset or balance your immune system and immune tolerance, which goes deeper than fighting inflammation. Spore-based probiotics, or sporebiotics, which are part of a group of derivatives of the microbe called Bacillus, have been shown to dramatically increase your immune tolerance. Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt discussed this in “How Spore Biotics Can Help You." Spore-based probiotics do not contain any live Bacillus strains, only its spores (the cell wall or protective shell around the DNA and the working mechanism of that DNA). As a consequence of this, they are not affected by antibiotics and may be able to reestablish your gut microbiome more effectively when taken in conjunction with the antibiotic. What’s more, in your gut, the Bacillus species also convert sugar into vitamin C, a nutrient well-known for its anti-infectious effects and, according to Klinghardt, sporebiotics also massively increase reproduction of acidophilus, bifidus and other beneficial microbes in your gut via the electromagnetic messages they send out. This is entirely unique. When you take a regular probiotic, they primarily take care of themselves. Bacillus spores, on the other hand, actually enhance many of the other beneficial microbes. Bacillus spores also create 24 different substances that have strong antimicrobial properties. But they do not kill indiscriminately. They specifically suppress pathogens that do make a valuable contribution to the whole. Recommendations and Basic GuidanceFor these reasons, I still lean toward recommending the use of sporebiotics when taking antibiotics, until or unless scientific findings disprove their benefits. I also recommend taking the beneficial yeast Saccharomyces boulardii after you’ve finished your antibiotics, to prevent secondary complications of antibiotic treatment, such as diarrhea. Last but certainly not least, consider adding more traditionally fermented and cultured foods to your diet — whether you’re taking antibiotics or not. Your diet is a major if not primary microbiome influencer, and fermented foods are well-known to support and optimize your gut flora. It's also a far less expensive strategy than taking a probiotic supplement, and if you eat a variety of fermented or cultured foods, you'll expose yourself to a wide variety of beneficial bacteria, and typically at far higher amounts than what you'll find in any given supplement. from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/11/26/taking-probiotics-while-on-antibiotics.aspx After conducting a systematic review of more than 10 years of research, scientists from Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet have concluded habitual coffee consumption may slash your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by as much as 29 percent.1 Notably, while the results suggest both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee have favorable metabolic effects, the risk reduction associated with new-onset Type 2 diabetes appears to be stronger with caffeinated coffee. If you are looking for another reason to enjoy a cup of organic coffee, these findings may be of interest to you. A Few Facts About CoffeeCoffee has long been one of the most widely consumed beverages globally, playing a central role in diverse cultures around the world. Since its discovery more than 1,000 years ago in the region now known as Ethiopia, coffee has taken center stage as a social icon. You might invite a friend or coworker to “meet for coffee” or join you for a “coffee break.” Below are some facts about this popular drink, as presented by the European Coffee Federation:2
About this ubiquitous beverage, the European Coffee Federation says,3 “Coffee … is one of the most extensively researched components in the diet. Taken overall, the research indicates that moderate coffee consumption can be part of a healthy, balanced diet for the general adult population and may even confer health benefits.”4 Rates of Type 2 Diabetes Continue to RiseThe global rates of diabetes — a chronic disease that arises when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or your body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces — continue to skyrocket. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of people with diabetes increased from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014.5 The WHO notes the prevalence of diabetes, which is a major cause of blindness, heart attacks, lower limb amputation, kidney failure and stroke, has been rising more rapidly in low- and middle-income countries. They estimate diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in 2016, and its prevalence has been steadily increasing for the past 30 years.6 According to a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),7 around 30.3 million Americans had diabetes in 2015, with 7.2 million of those cases going undiagnosed. They note Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease, accounting for 90 to 95 percent of all cases. With increasing numbers of people suffering from diabetes, researchers are investigating every possible prevention strategy, including the consumption of coffee. Coffee Drinking Found to Slash Your Risk of Type 2 DiabetesGiven the skyrocketing rates of diabetes worldwide, news of a positive association between coffee drinking and the potential lower risk of Type 2 diabetes is noteworthy. Based on a meta-analysis of 30 prospective studies conducted between 2002 and 2015, researchers from Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet suggest coffee consumption is inversely associated with Type 2 diabetes risk.8 The analysis, which pooled data from nearly 1.2 million participants, featured 53,018 Type 2 diabetes cases. The pair of researchers found the risk of Type 2 diabetes was 29 percent less within the highest coffee consumption group (median consumption was 5 cups per day) as compared to the lowest coffee consumption group (median consumption was zero cups per day). Beyond that, they suggest the risk of Type 2 diabetes decreased by 6 percent for each cup-per-day increase in coffee consumption. Results were similar for caffeinated versus decaffeinated coffee. The study authors stated:9
The Health Benefits of Coffee Compounds Like CafestolResearch continues to call out certain compounds in coffee that are responsible for its health-boosting properties. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Natural Products,10 for example, suggests cafestol, a bioactive compound found in coffee, improved Type 2 diabetes markers in research involving lab mice fed a daily dose of the compound. The results were summarized as follows:11,12
At the end of the 10-week study period, scientists isolated islets of Langerhans — the pancreatic cells that normally produce insulin — from each group of mice. As compared to the control group, they found the islets isolated from mice fed cafestol were associated with a 75 to 87 percent increase in insulin production. About the outcomes, the study authors stated, “Our results show cafestol possesses antidiabetic properties. Consequently, cafestol may contribute to the reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in coffee consumers and has a potential role as an antidiabetic drug.”13 About the many beneficial compounds found in coffee, the team from the Karolinska Institutet stated:14
Increasing Your Coffee Intake by Just 1 Cup a Day Can Make a Big DifferenceA 2014 study published in the journal Diabetologia15 suggests increasing your coffee intake may reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes, whereas an increase in tea consumption had no effect on diabetes risk. The researchers examined associations among changes in coffee and tea consumption and the risk of Type 2 diabetes as evaluated during a four-year study period. Data was provided from 48,464 women involved in the Nurses' Health Study (1986 to 2006), 47,510 women in Nurses' Health Study II (1991 to 2007) and 27,759 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986 to 2006). Diet was assessed every four years using a validated food-frequency questionnaire, and self-reported cases of Type 2 diabetes were validated through supplementary questionnaires. In all three cohorts, the researchers collected detailed information on diet, lifestyle, medical conditions and other chronic diseases every two to four years for more than 20 years. Having documented 7,269 cases of Type 2 diabetes, the scientists found:
“Our findings confirm those of previous studies that showed higher coffee consumption was associated with lower Type 2 diabetes risk,” said lead author Shilpa Bhupathiraju, research fellow in the department of nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH). “Most importantly, they provide new evidence that changes in [a] coffee-consumption habit can affect Type 2 diabetes risk in a relatively short period of time.”16 Added senior author Dr. Frank Hu, chair of the department of nutrition at HSPH, “These findings further demonstrate that, for most people, coffee may have health benefits, but coffee is only one of many factors that influence diabetes risk. More importantly, individuals should watch their weight and be physically active.”17 Health Benefits of Coffee Extend From Your Heart to Your BrainResearch presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2017 found that compared to noncoffee drinkers, coffee drinkers were observed to have a 7 percent lower risk of heart failure and an 8 percent lower risk of stroke for each additional cup of coffee consumed per week.18 Authors of a 2017 meta-analysis published in BMJ noted coffee consumption of 3 to 4 cups a day versus none had a “nonlinear association” to reduce your risk of:19
In addition, high versus low coffee consumption was associated with an 18 percent lower risk of cancer. The scientists added, “Consumption was also associated with a lower risk of several specific cancers and neurological, metabolic and liver conditions.”20 As noted in the video above, research published in PLOS Biology21 indicates the consumption of 4 cups of coffee a day may provide sufficient caffeine to help protect and repair your heart muscle, as well as protect your cells against heart attack damage better than consuming no caffeine. As for your brain health, increased coffee (and tea) consumption was linked to a lower risk of glioma brain tumor, such that people in the top category of coffee consumption were 91 percent less likely to have glioma compared with those in the bottom category.22 According to a study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, drinking 1 to 2 cups of coffee daily, as compared to drinking less than 1 cup, was associated with a 12 percent lower risk of cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, other forms of dementia, cognitive decline and cognitive impairment.23 Organic, Black Coffee Is Best for You; Skip the SodaBecause conventional coffee is heavily sprayed with pesticides, you’ll want to choose organic, shade-grown varieties. For the best cup of coffee, I advise you skip health-busting additives like sugar, nondairy creamer and artificial sweeteners. At least one study indicated the addition of milk significantly reduced the antioxidant content of coffee.24 As often as possible, you'll also want to purchase whole-bean coffee and grind it yourself to prevent rancidity. Preground coffee may be rancid by the time you drink it. Also, if you drink decaffeinated coffee, be sure the decaffeination process doesn't involve chemicals. If you are pregnant, you would be wise to avoid caffeine from coffee and other sources because it has been shown to increase your chances of prolonging gestation and having a baby with low birth weight. For more information about coffee and pregnancy, check out my article “Why Therapeutic Benefits of Coffee Do NOT Apply to Pregnant Women.” For most people, a few cups of organic coffee a day can deliver a number of health-promoting benefits, including lowering your risk of Type 2 diabetes. If you need a morning energy boost, I recommend you choose organic coffee over energy drinks and soda. Given the massive amounts of sugar, including high fructose corn syrup, found in it, I highly recommend you “Give Up Soda.” from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/11/26/coffee-consumption-for-diabetes-prevention.aspx Scientists have cautioned that pollutants known as "fine particulate matter" in the air you breathe — the microscopically small particles coming from fires, cigarette smoke, fossil fuel combustion and vehicles — increase your risk of serious physical ailments, most notably cardiovascular disease. In fact, Dr. Robert Brook, cardiovascular medicine specialist and professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan's (UM) Frankel Cardiovascular Center, asserts that more than 88,000 people in the U.S. die every year as a direct result of this type of air pollution, in spite of improvements made in air quality over the past few decades. Fortunately, even inexpensive portable air purifiers designed for home use were found in a recent study to be effective enough to mitigate a significant amount of those infinitesimal particles, as well as the potential damage they may cause, to protect your heart and lower your cardiovascular disease risk. The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine,1 found that using reasonably priced, portable air purifiers in the low-income senior housing of 40 urban seniors significantly lowered not only the levels of fine particulate matter they were exposed to, but also significantly decreased their blood pressure. According to the study, "Fine particulate matter (smaller than 2.5 μm) (PM2.5) air pollution is a major global risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality."2 The μm symbol stands for micrometer, which one study helps put in perspective: 3 to 8 μm is the approximate width of a strand of spider web silk.3 Brook, the study's senior author, was quoted in News Medical:
Indoor Air: Surprising Culprit in Pollution Exposure — and Cardiovascular RiskIt may come as a surprise that, overall, U.S. citizens on average spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. With that in mind, rather than testing their air pollution theory in a factory setting or near a busy highway, researchers focused their scrutiny on the living rooms and bedrooms of the 40 study participants. The randomized, double-blind study, conducted from October 2014 through November 2016, was led by Masako Morishita with colleagues from both Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. They noted that among their senior study subjects, 95 percent were African-American, and none of them smoked. Additionally:
Over a period of three days, the researchers paid close attention to the participants' exposure to fine particulate matter and blood pressure levels, monitoring both on a daily basis, with the goal of determining whether or not the two types of air filters had similar or differing cardioprotective potential. It's helpful to know two details related to the trial: Normal systolic blood pressure is considered less than 120 mm Hg (mm stands for millimeters; Hg is mercury, or the measurement used to calculate the height of a column of mercury, as in a blood pressure reading, according to MedicineNet6). News Medical explains the outcome, with even the low-efficiency air purifier resulting in a notable benefit:
Studies on How Air Purifiers Improve HealthBrook observed that the benefits for obese individuals, who had a 6 to 10 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure, were even more dramatic. The researchers concluded that even a "small investment" is enough to make a huge difference in a person's health — meaning people don't need to spend top dollar for an expensive air purifier. Yes, high-efficiency units did reduce individual exposure to air pollution to a greater degree but, in comparison, their blood pressure readings were no lower than those who used less expensive units, which are reportedly available for as little as $70. Although I recommend getting an air purifier as a beneficial health strategy for most people, the researchers say it's too soon for them to recommend that everyone in the study — or anyone reading about it — go out and purchase an indoor air purifier. More research is needed, they say, but there's little to lose, and much to gain, by purifying your home's air in the meantime. Instead, the team plans to look at other, more "diverse" populations to determine if reducing exposure to fine particulate matter could lead to a decrease in heart attacks and other negative consequences associated with high blood pressure. In addition, studies should include long-term results to see if the blood pressure readings remain low over time or result in fewer heart-related events. While the medical and health communities support things like clean air legislation in order to help improve the health and wellness of the population overall, Brook says, the current epidemiologic calculations project a decrease in cardiovascular events of around 16 percent if people maintain a 3.2 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure for a period of months and years. Chinese Study's Findings on Air PurifiersThe World Health Organization estimates that 9 of every 10 people in the world breathe polluted air on a daily basis.8 As Forbes observed in the third quarter of 2018, Shanghai, which records air pollution levels at 103 µg/m3, both indoors and out, ranks seventh worldwide for having the highest levels of air pollution:
In a study conducted in Shanghai in 2015, researchers filtered fine-particle pollutants from indoor air for a period of two days, which resulted in improved cardiorespiratory health for the volunteers involved. The randomized, crossover trial was similar to the UM study in that the air purifiers used filtered out bits measuring less than 2.5 µm in diameter and reduced pollutants by 57 percent for 48 hours. Published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology,10 the study involved 35 college students living in dorm rooms within the city, all of whom were healthy nonsmokers. As in the study at UM, half their rooms got a functioning air purifier placed in the center of the room and ran for the entire 48-hour period, while the remainder got a "sham" air purifier. All the participants stayed inside with the doors and windows closed. According to the associates overseeing the study, volunteers exposed to the working air purifiers exhibited significantly reduced blood pressure, inflammatory biomarkers and better lung function (although the latter was deemed insufficient enough to record specifically). The researchers say it was the first study to assess how purifying the air on a short-term basis might impact both clinical and physiological health, especially in regard to peoples' hearts and respiratory systems in regions where air pollution is at its worst. After a two-week washout period, the sham and functioning air purifying systems were reversed, and the volunteers' blood checked for 14 biomarkers, including coagulation, inflammation and blood vessel constriction. MedPage Today observes, "All circulating biomarkers decreased in response to the air purification intervention,"11 although the only "significant" markers involved three for inflammation and one for coagulation. But both systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased. Air Purifier Caveats and Further ObservationsIt's noteworthy that the investigators in the 2015 study believe an extended trial could have improved the volunteers' numbers even further. According to Renjie Chen, heading the study, even more dramatic health benefits could be expected with long-term air purification, and in more vulnerable populations, such as cardiopulmonary patients. Studies have been done before on the impacts of air pollution on both the cardiovascular and metabolic systems, and improvements after installing air filters. But Brook says their study revealed something that must be taken into consideration: It was undertaken in a far cleaner environment that already had air quality standards in place for fine particulate matter, but still showed a potential for reducing exposure. More specifically:
But there's more: Previous studies also had not focused on elderly and low-income populations as the JAMA study did. The researchers' goal was to look at practical ways that people who are aging and on low incomes, and may already be dealing with other physical problems or taking medications, might be impacted by exploring preventive health strategies. However, Dr. Darryl Zeldin, scientific director at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), offered a few cautions:
Additional Points Regarding the Benefits of Pure AirIn The Lancet,14 air pollution was identified as the leading environmental cause of death and disease on the planet, particularly because it alone is responsible for more deaths than tuberculosis, malaria and AIDS combined. From this, it's not hard to gather how crucial it is to look closely at how fine particulate matter might be affecting your blood pressure levels, and take steps to limit it. How do you do that? It's important to also note that not just the pollutants coming from outside sources, but inside sources of poor air quality are also prevalent. This includes sources such as personal care products like hairspray and antiperspirant spray; building materials and DIY projects using polyurethane sealants; synthetic carpeting; household chemicals you may use on your pets to deter fleas; chemicals you put on your yard to deter weeds; and those in your bathrooms and kitchens to deter germs. As much as possible, avoid chemicals. Read labels, not only on products like toiletries and cleaners, but on children's toys and textiles, paying special attention to watch for flame retardants and other toxins that may be in them. Depending on your job and where you live, you — as well as your family — may be subject to toxins from industrial areas. One example comes from a study on the effects of diesel fumes, which accumulate in your nervous system and can damage brain tissue.15 Then again, whether or not you live in an area where air pollution is high, exploring how to benefit your health by adding an air purifier to your home may be an important step in decreasing your blood pressure, and at the same time, lowering your risk for several diseases that go along with it. from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/11/26/air-purifier-helps-reduce-blood-pressure.aspx Recipe by Jennafer Ashley of Paleohacks Turkey has always been a traditional part of Thanksgiving dinner, often served with vegetables and a side of cranberry sauce. It is usually roasted to golden perfection, making it an appetizing centerpiece of holiday feasts. But with the abundance of food during these celebrations, it's unavoidable to have leftovers. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, 204 million pounds of turkey go straight to waste after Thanksgiving Day. Help minimize this and save money at the same time by reusing your leftover turkey scraps. Here's a savory recipe by Jennafer Ashley of PaleoHacks to make the most out of your leftover Thanksgiving turkey: Leftover Turkey Skillet Ingredients 1 tablespoon ghee Procedure 1. Melt the ghee over medium heat in a skillet. Add the onions and cook for five to seven minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions soften and begin to brown. What Are the Health Benefits of Turkey?As a staple Thanksgiving food, turkeys are widely produced in the United States, with around 250 million birds consumed every year. With so many of us eating this kind of meat, what benefits do you get? According to USDA, 85 grams of roasted turkey breast contain 24.7 grams of protein, 3.26 grams of fat, 135 calories and zero carbohydrates. Turkey's fat content is mostly in the skin, so better remove this part for a leaner meal. Other nutrients found in turkey meat are: B vitamins (B3, B6 and B12) Tryptophan, an amino acid found in turkey meat, may aid in the production of serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a chemical responsible for improving your mood and sleep and suppressing your appetite. To be able to maximize these benefits, regular consumption of foods rich in tryptophan such as nuts, turkey, pumpkin seeds and free-range organic eggs is recommended. The recommended portion for adults is 3 1/2 ounces of dark turkey meat without the skin to suffice your protein needs. For people who work out and for pregnant women in their second or third trimester, consuming more than the recommended portion may be acceptable. Remember to buy pasture-raised turkeys sourced from a local or organic farm to ensure their freshness and cleanliness. Why Use Cremini MushroomsAlso known as cremini or baby portobello, cremini mushrooms best suit this recipe because they give balance to the meaty taste of turkey. They are even more flavorful than white mushrooms. Cremini mushrooms are firmer and have a darker brown color compared to the common white button mushroom. These are harvested and consumed a little earlier than portobello mushrooms, hence the common name. This type of mushroom is packed with vitamins and nutrients such as fiber, protein, zinc, selenium, potassium and B vitamins. In addition, a 2006 study found that mushroom extract and its major fatty acid components may help decrease tumor cells in the body. Mushroom Buying, Preparation and Storage TipsWhen buying cremini mushrooms, check the sheaths of skin under the cap that cover the gills. You would know they're fresh if the covers are still intact. If you're wondering whether or not you should rinse mushrooms before using them, Cook's Illustrated suggests rinsing whole mushrooms if you're going to cook them. Sliced mushrooms, on the other hand, may not be washed as their exposed flesh tend to absorb more water. Newly-bought or unused mushrooms must be stored in a bag with a small opening for air to circulate. They can last for three to five days. Ghee Is Just as Good as Raw ButterIf you aren't familiar with ghee, it is a clarified form of butter, but without as many dairy proteins. It is used the same way as raw butter — on eggs, meat, vegetables and for slow-cooked dishes, sauces and curries. It has a higher smoking point that makes it suitable for sautéing, but it has a darker and nuttier flavor. Ghee contains saturated fats, conjugated linoleic acid and butyrate acid. These are essential in maintaining optimal health, provided that it is consumed in moderation. If possible, purchase ghee that's made from organic, grass fed butter to ensure that it is free from antibiotics. Don't Throw Out the Turkey Bones — Make Homemade Broth InsteadAside from turning the uneaten turkey meat into a savory skillet dish, leftover bones may also be used to make a broth. Following this Bone Broth recipe, create a healthier alternative to gravy that offers various benefits including improved digestion, reduced joint pain, better bone health and healthier nails and hair.
If you're on a ketogenic diet, you can use this broth to make keto gravy, which is just as appetizing as regular gravy.
from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/11/25/leftover-turkey-skillet-recipe.aspx Keto-Mojo The Most Accurate and Inexpensive Way to Determine if Youre in Nutritional Ketosis11/24/2018 Dorian Greenow, also known as Mister Mojo, is the cofounder of Keto-Mojo, viewed by many experts as the best strategy to measure your ketone levels. While ketones can be measured by blood, breath or urine testing, blood testing is the most accurate. The drawback has long been cost, which is what Greenow set out to change. The Keto-Mojo ketone and blood glucose monitoring system is not only the most accurate way of testing your ketones, it's also far more affordable than other blood testing strips on the market. Ketone Testing MethodsIn all, there are three different methods available for measuring your ketones: 1. Urinalysis strips, designed for Type 1 diabetics, who need to avoid ketoacidosis. It's important to realize that ketoacidosis has nothing to do with nutritional ketosis. As noted by Greenow, "Ketoacidosis should really be called glucoketoacidosis, because you can only have ketoacidosis if you have very high ketones, over 12 millimoles, and high glucose over 240." Urinalysis measures acetoacetate, one of three types of ketones.
2. Breath analysis, originally designed for epileptic children. There are many cheap and substandard breath meters and only two of these types of devices with any degree of accuracy on the market, the Ketonix and the LEVL. The LEVL meter is very accurate, but at $600 plus a monthly calibration subscription it's also unnecessarily expensive. 3. Blood testing, is the gold standard and used in clinical trials and by doctors. Greenow's Personal Story and the Making of Keto-MojoGreenow's journey began in 2015. At the time, he weighed 207 pounds and had all the telltale markers for metabolic syndrome. A friend, Todd White of Dry Farm Wines, told him about the ketogenic diet. In the end, Keto-Mojo grew out of Greenbow's own desire for a more affordable and accurate way to check his ketone levels.
Greenow partnered with a manufacturer that has patents to do both ketones and glucose. "It was important for our meter to be able to do both, and to be able to get it at an affordable price," he says. Keto-Mojo launched in August 2017, selling keto testing strips at 99 cents per strip. "Our goal is to really bring about a revolution in health care. I think we have one of the catalysts to be able to do that," he says. He describes his own health journey into a ketogenic lifestyle:
The Ketogenic FoundationGreenow and his wife are also setting up The Ketogenic Foundation, a 501(c)(3) foundation. Their goal is to use some of the profits from Keto-Mojo to fund more ketogenic research. To help with this, they've also recently released a Bluetooth connector that allows you to download all of your ketone measurements onto your smartphone.
Nutritional Ketosis Protects Against Neurological DegenerationGreenow's grandfather and mother-in-law both had Alzheimer's disease, so he and his wife, Gemma, have personally witnessed the ravages of this neurological disease. The good news is there's strong evidence that nutritional ketosis helps prevent the kind of neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as many other chronic diseases, including many cancers, Type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and heart disease. Nutritional ketosis is also a powerful adjunct to cancer therapy.
I strongly recommend cyclical ketogenesis, where you intentionally increase your net carbs a couple of days a week, essentially cycling in and out of ketosis rather than staying in ketosis continuously. My latest version is something I call "ketofast," where higher-carb, higher-protein days are directly followed by an 18-hour fast. The meal that day is limited to 600 calories, and then you fast again for a full 24 hours. Essentially, it's a 42-hour fast, and you can do that once or twice a week. You're going to lose about 4 or 5 pounds in water weight, which suggests you've got glycogen depletion, and your ketones rise dramatically, usually over 2 (or even higher if you take medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) or C8 oil). Business UpdateJust over a year into business, Keto-Mojo is doing well and recently finished their escalation of inventory. Greenow has been very careful about making sure his supply chain is derisked, to make sure he'll always have product on hand.
On Amazon, Keto-Mojo is now the No. 1 selling glucose and ketone meter in the United States by a factor of five. Keto-Mojo also ensures the quality and accuracy of their strips by storing them in climate-controlled warehouses and shipping them in temperature-controlled packages, as they may be affected by heat. The Keto-Mojo strips are good for 18 months from the date of manufacture, or six months after opening. The company is also starting to make inroads with researchers, and the Keto-Mojo meter and strips are currently being used in three different ketogenic trials, one for brain cancer, one for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and a third for Type 2 diabetes.
Next year, Keto-Mojo plans to release a next generation meter, which will be about the size of a stick of chewing gum and connects to your cellphone. They're also working on a two-in-one strip that will measure ketones and glucose simultaneously. Testing Is the Best Way to Determine Whether You're Actually in KetosisHow will you know if you're in nutritional ketosis? Over time, you'll learn your body and have a fairly good sense of where you are, but in the beginning, it's really helpful to test your ketones. For that, Keto-Mojo is really incomparable, as it provides the greatest accuracy at the lowest cost. Both the Keto-Mojo ketone and glucose testing meter, and the blood ketone test strips, are available on Amazon and their website keto-mojo.com. Shipping is free on both sites. Next year, they're also releasing a second-generation meter.
That Greenow and his wife care about people's health and the ketogenic community is obvious. As for how they came up with the name, Keto-Mojo, Greenow says:
from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/11/25/keto-mojo-ketone-blood-glucose-monitoring-system.aspx If you’re a cat lover, you’re probably familiar with the strong-scented herb catnip because of its hilarious and extremely entertaining effect on cats. However, while it is popular for this reason alone, did you know that catnip actually contains numerous active compounds that may help improve your overall health? Aside from being a cat magnet, catnip can also be brewed into a healthy tea. Continue reading this article to learn more about catnip tea and how it can benefit you. What Is Catnip Tea?Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb that originates from Central Europe, but is now widely grown in numerous regions around the world. While catnip is typically used in cat products, its effects are not limited to the feline family. Catnip has been used for hundreds of years to flavor dishes and stews, with the earliest documentation dating back to the early 1700s. Catnip was brewed as tea to alleviate numerous health problems, including the common cold, stomach discomfort and hives.1 Numerous parts of the catnip plant may be used to brew tea, namely its roots, leaves and seeds. It may be brewed with lemon or lemon balm to complement its grassy and woodsy flavor.2,3 But aside from its refreshing taste, catnip tea is packed with active components that may help you fight off the effects of daily stress. What Benefits Can You Get From Catnip Tea?If you get your hands on fresh catnip, it would be a good idea to brew your first cup of catnip tea. Not only will it rehydrate you, but it will help your body in a variety of ways. Here are some of the benefits that you may get by drinking catnip tea:
Catnip Tea Contains Numerous Nutritional ComponentsCatnip tea contains traces of these active and nutritional components:
Does Catnip Tea Contain Caffeine?If you’re trying to limit your caffeine intake because of its undesirable effects, catnip tea would be perfect for you. Catnip tea is caffeine-free, which means that it will not cause any problems in your sleep cycle and concentration.15 In fact, catnip tea may help you relax and calm down due to its mild sedative properties.16 However, if you want to stay awake during the day, be sure to drink this tea only before bedtime as it might cause unwanted drowsiness.17 Brew Your First Batch of Catnip Tea TodayIf you’re looking for a new type of tea to try, catnip tea may just be it. With its numerous possible positive health effects, there’s virtually nothing to lose. Here’s a recipe you can follow to make your first batch of catnip tea:18 How to Make Catnip TeaIngredients
Procedure
Here’s a Guide for Drying and Storing Catnip Leaves CorrectlyIf you currently have catnip growing in your backyard, you have the option of harvesting your own batch and drying the leaves to prolong their shelf life. To help you do this correctly, here is a step-by-step guide from Gardens.com:19
Note that catnip leaves usually lose their potency after a few months, which means that you would need to replenish your stock a few times a year to ensure you’re still getting all the beneficial oils from the leaves. Catnip Tea Contraindications and Possible Side EffectsThere’s no doubt that catnip tea offers advantages to your health. You might even be tempted to add it permanently to your daily routine. However, like other herbal teas, catnip tea may cause a variety of side effects, especially when taken in excess. In addition, there are certain contraindications, namely drug interactions, which may limit the amount that you may drink. Here are some instances when you should consider skipping a cup of catnip tea:20
Relaxation May Just Be a Cup of Catnip Tea AwayIf you’re like any other person, you’ve probably had problems sleeping or you’ve been on edge at some point in your life. Feeling stress and anxiety is relatively normal, but it doesn’t mean they should be permanent in your life. There are numerous natural ways you can deal with them, and one is by drinking catnip tea. Catnip tea, together with other relaxation techniques, may help give you a better grasp on your overall well-being. Just make sure that you’re familiar with its potential side effects and contraindications to be on the safe side. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Catnip TeaQ: Where can you buy catnip tea? A: Catnip tea may be bought in some natural health food stores. There are also numerous online stores that sell catnip tea. However, make sure that you get your catnip tea from trustworthy sources to get only the highest quality products. Q: Can you use catnip tea for babies? A: Catnip tea is usually given to babies to ease colic and gastric distress.22 While sources say that catnip tea is safe, it would be best that you consult a health professional before giving it to your child. This will ensure that you’re giving the right amount for the condition you’re trying to address. Q: What is catnip tea good for? A: Catnip tea is especially useful for stress reduction and sleep aid. It may also be useful for detoxification and stomach pain alleviation. Q: Is catnip tea safe during pregnancy? A: It would be best that you avoid any intake of catnip tea during pregnancy or if you’re breastfeeding. While catnip tea may help you in a variety of ways, it also contains abortifacient characteristics, which may endanger both you and your unborn child.23 from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/11/24/xdjm18-teas-18mcsa-catnip-tea.aspx |
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