Study: Leafy Green Vegetables May Boost Your Immune Defenses

Heated battles have raged across the world’s dinner tables for about as long as anyone can remember. The topic of this unending debate? Vegetables.

Despite their most valiant efforts many parents still struggle with their kids about eating their nightly serving of greens. Visiting your local farmers markets, fresher produce and more interesting/flavorful recipes have been helping to slowly turn the tide, but arming yourself with a little extra knowledge before going into battle doesn’t usually hurt either.

According to newly presented research, eating green vegetables may be an even better way to our bodies healthy than we could have possibly guessed. In addition to being a well-known source of vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients, not to mention both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, it seems that green vegetables of all types are also a key source of specialized chemical signals that our immune systems use to self-communicate.

Researchers working with the Barbraham Institute, an independently operated biomedical science center closely aligned with Cambridge University in England, have discovered a new connection between cruciferous, or leafy green vegetables, body-wide immune response.

By examining the effects of an artificially controlled diet, completely lacking and green vegetable matter, in laboratory mice, the Barbraham researchers were able to show a marked decline in immune capability over a relatively short span of time. In fact, in as little as two to three weeks, most of their test mice showed a staggering 70-80% reduction in intra-epithelial lymphocytes (IELs)—a fundamental component of healthy immune function in most mammals, including both mice and humans.

Seeing this, the researchers were able to then trace a complex, multistage relationship between specific chemical compounds found in green cruciferous vegetables, IEL cells, and a cell-surface protein, scientifically referred to as aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhRs). Essentially, they believe that the chemicals found primarily in these vegetables trigger activity in AhR proteins, which in turn seem to at least partially regulate the production of IEL cells throughout the body.

What’s more, AhR proteins play their own additional role in immune defense outside of IEL production. While IEL cells are best known for destroying foreign and infectious material to protect their parent organism, AhR also help to maintain intracellular genetic integrity by acting as a sort of glue which holds DNA together and makes it less vulnerable to attack.

The research team behind this initial investigation is however quick to point out that their findings are only preliminary, and have so far only been examined in laboratory animals. A great deal of additional study is still needed to determine whether or not these same chemical relationships fully apply to humans. But we do know for a fact, that consuming more and more green vegetables are definitely a great way to improve your diet.

While these new findings may be a bit abstract for some kids to really sink their teeth into, it doesn’t change the fact there they give us all yet another reason to make sure get in our daily servings of green vegetables — even if they aren’t always our favorite thing on the menu.

Are you getting enough leafy green vegetables in your diet? Let’s discuss, in the comments below!

~Dr. G

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NRG Laser: An Amazing Technology That May Improve Your Health

Hi everyone I would like to share some amazing technology with you. I have been researching a fairly new device used to balance the body and eliminate a host of negative health conditions using advanced laser frequency technology.

It’s called NRGnano Biofeedback – cold laser therapy. It actually tests the body’s reaction to THOUSANDS of frequencies (foods, allergens, chemicals, etc) and imprints balancing frequencies back into the body using a cold laser. It’s simply amazing! The focus of this therapy is on allergies, the inflammatory trigger to many symptoms.

This process is totally painless and I would highly recommend you try this if you or someone you know is suffering from:

AllergiesFrequent coldsHeadaches/MigrainesDepression/AnxietySkin Irritations (psoriasis/eczema)Sleep Disorders“After nine treatments with the NRG, my horrible allergies and rashes have disappeared”.“After completing the series of treatments, my allergies are gone. Amazing”“Nothing has ever worked before for my allergies and respiratory issues. I’ve even had allergy injections which were extremely painful. I feel like I got my life back!”

If you are in the Houston or surrounding area, give Paddy a call at 713-408-3456 to learn more.

Dr. G

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15 Foods High in Folic Acid

It’s important to get adequate amounts of folic acid in the diet for a variety of health reasons, both physical and mental, but mostly for cellular growth and regeneration. In fact, a recent article from the New York Times named folic acid one of the most “luscious micronutrients” found in foods, and multiple studies suggest that a lack of folic acid may lead to mental conditions such as depression.

Physiologically, consuming enough folic acid allows the body to perform many of its essential functions, including nucleotide biosynthesis in cells, DNA synthesis and repair, red blood cell creation, and also helps to prevent anemia. Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is perhaps most well known for its applications in the prevention of fetal deformities, Alzheimer’s disease, as well as several types of cancer. The good news is that there are many rich sources of folic acid that are easy to incorporate into your daily diet.

The following list will discuss the top ten foods with folic acid. Of course, organic is best (especially if you are pregnant!).

It should come as no surprise that one of the planet’s healthiest foods is also one of the highest in folate. For an immediate boost in folic acid, consider adding more spinach, collard greens, kale, turnip greens and romaine lettuce into your daily diet. Just one large plate of these delicious leafy greens can provide you with almost all of your daily needs for folic acid.

Below is a short list of leafy greens that are high in folic acid.

Spinach — 1 cup = 263 mcg of folate (65% DV)Collard Greens — 1 cup = 177 mcg of folate (44% DV)Turnip Greens — 1 cup = 170 mcg of folate (42% DV)Mustard Greens — 1 cup = 103 mcg of folate (26% DV)Romaine Lettuce — 1 cup = 76 mcg of folate (19% DV)

This woody treat is perhaps the most nutrient dense foods with folic acid out of the entire vegetable kingdom. Eating just one cup of boiled asparagus will give you 262 mcg of folic acid, which accounts for approximately 65% of your daily needs. Not only is asparagus a delicious snack, but it’s also full of nutrients your body craves, including Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Manganese.

Not only is broccoli one of the best detox foods you can eat, it’s also a great source for folic acid. Eating just one cup of broccoli will provide you with approximately 24% of your daily folic acid needs, not to mention a whole host of other important nutrients. We recommend eating organic broccoli raw or lightly steamed.

Many fruits contain folic acid, but citrus fruits rank the highest. Oranges are an especially rich source of folic acid. One orange holds about 50 mcg, and a large glass of juice may contain even more. Other folate-rich fruits include papaya, grapefruit, grapes, banana, cantaloupe and strawberries. Here is a short list of fruits high in folic acid.

Papaya — One papaya = 115 mcg of folate (29% DV)Oranges — One orange = 40 mcg of folate (10% DV)Grapefruit — One grapefruit = 30 mcg of folate (8% DV)Strawberries — 1 cup = 25 mcg of folate (6.5% DV)Raspberries — 1 cup = 14 mcg of folate (4% DV)

Beans and pulses especially high in folic acid include pinto beans, lima beans, green peas, black-eyed peas and kidney beans. Similarly, a small bowl of any type of lentils will give you the majority of your recommended daily amounts for folate. Here is a short list of how much which beans have the most folic acid.

Lentils — 1 cup = 358 mcg of folate (90% DV)Pinto Beans — 1 cup = 294 mcg of folate (74% DV)Garbanzo Beans — 1 cup = 282 mcg of folate (71% DV)Black Beans — 1 cup = 256 mcg of folate (64% DV)Navy Beans — 1 cup = 254 mcg of folate (64% DV)Kidney Beans — 1 cup = 229 mcg of folate (57% DV)Lima Beans — 1 cup = 156 mcg of folate (39% DV)Split Peas — 1 cup = 127 mcg of folate (32% DV)Green Peas — 1 cup = 101 mcg of folate (25% DV)Green Beans — 1 cup = 42 mcg of folate (10% DV)

The most beloved vegetable of Mexican fare, the buttery avocado holds up to 90mcg of folate per cup, which accounts for appoximately 22% of your daily needs. Not only are avocados one of the best foods with folic acid, but it’s also an excellent source of fatty acids, vitamin K and dietary fiber. Adding them to sandwiches or salads will make for an extra-healthy treat.

The world’s slimiest veggie is also one of the most nutrient rich. Okra has the distinct ability to simultaneously offer vitamins and minerals while cleansing the entire digestive tract from toxic build-up. When it comes to folate, Okra is a great source. Just one cup of cooked okra will give you approximately 37 mcg of folic acid.

While brussel sprouts probably isn’t your favorite vegetable, there is no denying that they are one of the best foods with folic acid. Eating one cup of boiled brussel sprouts will give you approximately 25% of your daily recommended amount. Brussel sprouts are also high in vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, manganese and potassium. Even with the abundance of nutrients, it still remains incredibly difficult to convince your kid to give them a try.

It doesn’t matter if it’s pumpkin, sesame, sunflower or flax seeds, eating them raw or sprouted, or sprinkling them onto your next salad will add a healthy dose of folic acid. Sunflower seeds, flax seeds and peanuts are especially high in folate, with one cup offering up to 300 mcg. Nuts are also very high in folic acid, with both peanuts and almonds ranking especially high. Below is a short list of the best seeds and nuts for folic acid.

Sunflower Seeds — ¼ cup = 82 mcg of folate (21% DV)Peanuts — ¼ cup = 88 mcg of folate (22%)Flax Seeds — 2 tbs = 54 mcg of folate (14% DV)Almonds — 1 cup = 46 mcg pf fp;ate (12% DV)

This cruciferous vegetable is typically regarded as one of the best vitamin C foods, but it’s also a great source for folic acid. Eating just one cup of boiled cauliflower will give you approximately 55 mcg of folate, accounting for 14% of your recommended daily value. We recommend adding fresh cauliflower to a salad with some of the other folic acid foods on this list.

Beets are a great source for antioxidants that provide detox support, making them one of the best liver cleanse foods on the planet. While that’s a great reason to add them to your diet, beets are also known as one of the best foods with folic acid. Eating one cup of boiled beets will provide you with approximately 136 mcg of folate, accounting for 34% of your daily needs.

You probably have a can of corn in your pantry right now. This popular vegetable also contains plenty of folate. Just one cup of cooked corn will give you approximately 76 mcg of folic acid, accounting for almost 20% of your daily needs. We would recommend avoiding canned veggies and opting for fresh and organic.

Celery is commonly regarded as a great food to help with kidney stones, but did you know it’s also a great source for folic acid? Just one cup of raw celery will give you approximately 34 mcg of folate, accounting for 8% of your daily needs.

Carrots are another extremely popular vegetable that is probably in your home right now. Just one cup of raw carrots will give you almost 5% of your daily recommended needs for folic acid. Eat baby carrots as a snack or add them to your salads for a folate boost!

Squash may not be the most popular vegetable for your family, but there is no denying its nutritional benefits. Whether it’s summer squash or winter squash, adding this veggie to your diet will help give you a boost in folic acid. Here is a breakdown of how much folate can be found in squash.

Winter squash — 1 cup = 57 mcg of folate (14% DV) Summer Squash — 1 cup = 36 mcg of folate (9% DV)

These are just a few of the foods with folic acid. What would you add to this list? Will you add more of these foods to your diet? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below.

~Dr. G

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Study: Folic Acid in Early Pregnancy Associated With Reduced Risk of Severe Language Delay in Children

Any decent pediatrician can tell you how important it is for expectant mothers to keep up with their prenatal vitamins during pregnancy. During this time, it’s essential that both mothers and their developing babies have access to all the vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients their bodies require.

Among the most important of these essential nutrients is folic acid, sometimes also referred to as folate, or vitamin B9—a standard component of nearly all high-quality prenatal multivitamins. It has long been generally associated with proper neurological development during gestation and early infancy, as well as possibly helping to mitigate a number of other potential health risks, such as stroke and prostate cancer, later on in life.

While there exists little dispute among medical experts regarding the overall importance of folic acid, new findings recently presented by research scientists working with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, in Oslo, suggest however that the role it plays during pre and postnatal brain development may be even more important, and specific, than previously realized.

Between 1999 and 2010, the researchers collected and analyzed data on a total of 38,954 Norwegian children (18,998 girls, 19,956 boys) and their mothers in order to assess what effect, if any, prenatal folic acid supplementation had on language acquisition by age three.

When they compared the instances of severely delayed language development among children whose mothers supplemented with prenatal vitamins which contained folic acid with those who took prenatal vitamins which did not, as well as those children whose mothers did not use any form of prenatal vitamin whatsoever, the researchers were able to show a marked link between the use of folic acid enriched vitamins and decreased risk of language delay.

In addition to its benefit to pregnant mothers and their young, folic acid plays a vital role in the general health of cellular material. Without an ample supply of folic acid, the DNA and RNA synthesis required for ongoing cell replication and maintenance. Long term folate deficiency has also been linked to clinical depression and similar mental health conditions in adults.

Even armed with this knowledge, getting enough folic acid from diet alone can be difficult. Even more so for women are, or trying to become, pregnant. There are of course a handful of foods with folic acid, including liver and egg yolks, plus many vegetarian-friendly options, such as leafy green vegetables, peas, beans and other legumes, and brewer’s yeast.

The most effective method for expectant mothers to ensure they get their recommended daily allotment of folic acid is still however a good prenatal multivitamin supplement. Unfortunately, selecting the right prenatal vitamin can be a difficult task, especially for women who prefer to use natural organic vitamins rather than their prescription only counterparts.

Perfect Prenatal Multivitamins are easily some of the finest all-natural prenatal vitamins available anywhere. The are made with whole-food sourced ingredients, so they’re easy for the body to absorb and utilize, and also contain full range of live probiotic cultures hand selected to improve pregnancy.

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Study: More Vitamin B in Mother’s Diet Reduces Risk of Colon Cancer in Offspring

Few experts question the influence a mother’s diet can have on her children’s long term physical health. Yet many believe that this effect is mostly sociological, and limited to positive or negative role-modeling, and the development of general dietary habits later in life. New research suggests, however, that the foods moms eat could impact the health of their children much more directly.

Scientists at Tufts University’s USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (USDA HNRCA), near Boston, have recently published the findings of a new study which shows a strong connection between the quantity of B vitamins pregnant mice consume and the likelihood of their offspring developing colorectal cancer as adults.

Three test groups of pregnant and nursing mice, which were genetically engineered to be predisposed to develop colorectal cancer, were fed diets with either higher than normal, adequate, or slightly deficient amounts of folate and vitamins B2, B6, and B12. Once fully weened, all newborn mice were fed identical, nutritionally balanced diets through adulthood.

The occurrence of tumor development appeared similar between both the adequate and B vitamin deficient groups, with about 60 percent of the mice in each of these two groups eventually developing colon cancer. In comparison, less than 20 percent of the mice in the group that was given larger than normal doses of B vitamins were found to have malignant growths.

While these figure are impressive, the researchers caution that the study itself is only a preliminary investigation, and additional studies will be needed to further asses the correlation between maternal vitamin B consumption and reduced risk of cancer in humans.

Dr. Jimmy Crott, PhD, lead author of the HNRCA study: “We saw, by far, the fewest intestinal tumors in the offspring of mothers consuming the supplemented diet. Although the tumor incidence was similar between offspring of deficient and adequate mothers, 54% of tumors in the deficient offspring were advanced and had invaded surrounding tissue while only 18% of tumors in the offspring of adequate mothers displayed these aggressive properties.” [1]

Most healthcare providers already recommend higher than normal intake of folate and other essential B vitamins during pregnancy and while nursing as part of routine prenatal care. And accordingly, most popular brands of prenatal vitamins contain significantly larger than normal doses of all four B vitamins as compared to regular multivitamins. The standard reasons for this, however, have nothing to do with with the prevention of colon cancer.

In addition to their newly discovered potential for possibly reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, Vitamin B – folate, more specifically – has long been known to play an important role in the prevention of spina bifida and related defects of the neural tube (a sort of embryonic forerunner of the the central nervous system) during fetal gestation. It’s also believed to have a strong influence on proper neurological development in very young children.

Personal Note: I recommend the prenatal vitamins from New Chapter Organics and when taking a B-vitamin supplement make sure the formula contains methylcobalamin instead of cyanocobalamin.

~Dr. G

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8 Uses for Organic Beeswax

Beeswax is yet another gift that Mother Nature has given us to improve our lives. You could write a book about the many ways you can use it, but when you head to the store, make sure what you bring home is organic. Why is this so important?

Beehives around the world use pesticides that are fat-soluble, which means they can accumulate in the beeswax. In order to be certified as organic, drugs and chemicals cannot be used on the land within 3 miles of the beehive since this is the bees’ flying radius. It’s not a small endeavor, but it’s worth it to protect your health.

So now that you have your organic beeswax, here are some our favorite uses!

Keep your lips moisturized during the winter with this natural protectant. To make it, add ½ ounce of beeswax to a small double boiler and melt on low heat. Then add 1 teaspoon of raw honey, 2 ounces of cold pressed organic olive oil and 2 ounces of cold pressed organic hemp seed oil and stir for 1 to 2 minutes. If you’d like to give it a little flavor, add about 20 drops of organic peppermint essential oil and stir well. Then remove it from heat and distribute into lip balm tins or tubes.

Lock in your skin’s natural moisture with beeswax, and add the antioxidant vitamin E to help protect and repair rough, dry, or chapped skin. Melt 4 ounces of sweet organic almond oil and 1 ounce of beeswax in a double boiler. Remove it from the heat, add 2 ounces of distilled water, and stir well. Then add 10 drops of vitamin E oil and 10 drops of lavender essential oil, and stir continuously until the mixture has cooled. Pour into individual tins.

If you want to create a little ambiance without the fear of any dripping or toxic smoke, the bees have you covered. These candles give off the sweet smell of honey. All you need to make your own is beeswax sheets, a wick, a sharp knife, and a safe cutting surface.

Beeswax helps with molding and locking in flavors. It is added to many candies, such as Jelly Belly jelly beans and Haribo’s gummy bears. It’s also used to create the distinctive crunchy crust of the small French pastries called canneles, which are definitely worth making for yourself at home!

You can make a salve that’s great for poison ivy, poison oak, and other scratch-worthy adversaries. In a small saucepan, simmer 1 tablespoon of chickweed powder, 1 tablespoon of comfrey power, and 1 pint of organic olive oil for 3 hours. Then strain, add 2 ounces of beeswax, and pour into individual tins.

Beeswax can also make an effective salve for aches and pains. In a small saucepan, simmer 1 tablespoon chickweed powder, 1 tablespoon wormwood powder, and 2 pints of sweet olive oil for 3 hours. Strain, add 3 ounces of beeswax and 10 drops of tea tree oil, and pour into individual tins.

If you have an old, beautiful bureau, it’s likely you also have problems getting those drawers to slide out smoothly. Add a thin coat of beeswax on the wooden rails, and they’ll be opening and closing like new! The same technique will also work on those pesky sliding glass doors that no longer glide smoothly.

Want to make your party invitations stand out? Give them a fancy, old-fashioned look by using a sealing wax made from beeswax. Then find the right stamp to leave your impression.

Of course, these arent the only ways you can use organic beeswax. How do you use this gift from Mother Nature? We would love to hear your uses for beeswax in the comments below!

~Dr. G

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How to Make Organic Coconut Milk Kefir

Kefir, for those of you who are unfamiliar, is a healthy and delicious cultured milk drink, similar to yogurt, that has been enjoyed throughout Russia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and even certain parts of Asia for centuries. Much of the Western world, however, is just now beginning to discover the many benefits of this amazing drink.

Depending on their area of origin, most traditional recipes call for either cow or goat’s milk to be used as a base, for the kefir cultures to ferment. Fortunately though for vegans and people who are sensitive to dairy, they also work quite well with coconut milk.

Like yogurt and other probiotic foods, kefir that generally requires a starter culture of some kind. Because each culture is a unique living ecosystem, and reacts differently to different environmental factors, the subtle differences between one batch and the next can be quite considerable.

In the case of kefir, new cultures are started using specially prepared, fermented kefir grains. These “grains” are a mixture of yeast and bacteria built-up around the remnants of sugar, protein and fat of what was formally cereal grain. While this may not sound particularly appetizing – especially to those of us who didn’t grow up in a culture in which at-home fermentation of dairy is a common practice – it’s actually more robust and easier to work with than most yogurt starter cultures.

Necessary Ingredients:

1 Quart Jar (Glass)1 Wooden Mixing Spoon1 Quart of Undiluted Sweetened Organic Coconut Milk2 Tablespoons of organic live Kefir Grains (Available online)

Directions:
After thoroughly cleaning and drying the glass jar, add kefir grains and then fill jar with freshly opened coconut milk. Mix slowly with wooden spoon. Cover jar with a loose-fitting cloth or paper towel. Set it aside and try to be patient. (It usually takes somewhere between 12 and 36 hours or so for the kefir culture to develop.)

After letting the mixture sit for about 12 hours, begin checking it every few hours. The coconut milk will thicken slightly as the kefir grains act on it. You can leave the grains in longer for a thicker, more sour kefir, but be careful not to overdo it.

Carefully remove all the kefir grains from your new kefir coconut milk and place milk in the refrigerator. Don’t be surprised if it continues to thicken as it cools. Enjoy it as it is, or let it warm back up to room temperature if you prefer to drink it the traditional way instead.

One of the best things about making your own kefir at home is the sustainability. Once you get started, it’s easy to continue making fresh kefir whenever you want. Simply store the leftover grains and a small amount of milk covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make another batch.

Has anybody here made their own coconut milk kefir? If so, we’d love to hear your thoughts on our kefir recipe!

~Dr. G

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Study: Probiotics May Help Protect Infants From Respiratory Illness

New findings presented by Finnish researchers at the University of Turku further supports the potential benefits of probiotics during the first months of life, particularly with regards to respiratory health.

The scientists claim a near 30 percent reduction in respiratory illness among infants whose diets were supplemented daily with the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis, subspecies BB-12, as compared to those in their control group.

They also used the study as an opportunity to further test a new form of slow-delivery medical pacifier designed to administer more accurate dosages of medicine to very young children. The pacifiers have a small opening in their backplate for the storage of drugs. In the case of this study, tablets of the BB-12 probiotic.

The research team monitored 109 infants for a period of eight months beginning when each of the participants was about one month old. Following the double-blind experimental standard commonly used in such studies, the infants where divided into two groups. One set of participants received the BB-12 probiotic twice daily while the other set was given only placebo.

As opposed to the findings of many studies conducted in recent years into the effects of probiotic use in older children and adults, the Finnish data did not show any significant variation between the two participant groups with regard to overall gastrointestinal health or dependence on antibiotic drugs for the treatment of common illness. The data did, however, show a marked reduction in respiratory illness among members of the BB-12 group.

Researchers at the University of Turku:

“Our soft and broad new slow-release pacifier has been developed to contain a pouch in which the food supplement tablet can be inserted. The delivery method was tested before the study began: the BB-12–xylitol tablet and the control xylitol tablet dissolved from the pouch of the pacifier both slowly and completely during 7 to 15 minutes of sucking. Thus, the probiotic tablet could be delivered in a controlled way with the new pacifier.” [1]

Read the full study in the British Journal of Nutrition

Increased public awareness of the many benefits of taking a probiotic supplements or eating more foods with probiotics in fully grown bodies has led to its their inclusion in a wide range of foods and medicinal products. What many people do not realize is that certain strains of probiotic bacterium also occur naturally in breast milk.

While it is believed that these particular symbiotic strains have evolved over time as a way of kick-starting the digestive processes of very young humans, their discovery has prompted researchers to further investigate the possible benefits of other forms of probiotic bacteria during early childhood and adolescence.

The researchers caution that these findings are only preliminary and that additional testing on larger infant population samples is necessary before any definite conclusions can be reached. That said, the researchers remain optimistic that their findings could eventually lead to new preventative treatment options for respiratory infection and possibly other common forms of childhood illness. And in the meantime, there appears to be little harm in administering probiotics to young children under the guidance of a qualified medical professional.

I would personally recommend Latero-Flora probiotic. This is what I gave to my kids when they were both infants. Obviously, when it comes to the health of your children, you should always do the necessary research into any products they may take, as well as consult with their pediatrician beforehand.

What are your thoughts on this study about probiotics and infants? We would love to hear them in the comments below.

~Dr. G

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Sign the Raw Milk Petition on Whitehouse.gov

As you probably know, here at Global Healing Center, we are big fans of raw milk. We are also big fans of being able to have the freedom to choose what we put into our body.

This is why we are asking all of our readers to check out this petition going on www.Whitehouse.gov. It is an official petition to the Obama Administration to legalize raw milk sales on a federal level.

Legalize Raw Milk Sales On A Federal Level

Give the people the freedom to choose whether drinking raw milk products is right for them by enabling the legalized sale and distribution of raw milk products across all states.

There are substantial health benefits from raw milk that are not available in pasteurized milk products.

Many of the nutritional, anti-microbial and immune-enhancing components of raw milk are greatly reduced in effectiveness by pasteurization, and completely destroyed by ultra-pasteurization.

The risks associated with drinking raw milk are greatly exaggerated. Compared to raw milk there are 515 times more illnesses from L-mono due to deli meats and 29 times more illness from L-mono due to pasteurized milk.

The Westin A. Price Foundation has more information at:

http://www.realmilk.com/rawmilkoverview.html

If you agree with the petition listed above, we would strongly encourage you to visit www.WhiteHouse.gov and sign the petition. This is your life, let your voice be heard.

~Dr. G

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Chemicals in tattoo ink face scrutiny from the FDA

There’s a deeply rooted need inside all of us to personalize the everyday items with which we surround ourselves. These personal touches of course vary considerably from one person to the next, but on some level, it’s something each and every one of us does.

For some, it’s as simple as the clothing they wear or the way they choose to style their hair. For others it goes a step further, and includes little things like customized cell phone cases, monographed neckties, or rear car bumpers wallpapered in stickers. For a growing number of young people however, the canvas of choice for these signature touches, is literally the skin they were born in.

Recent surveys show that upwards of 40% of American 20-somethings currently have at least one tattoo. And many of them, in case you hadn’t noticed, are practically covered in them. New research however shows that these self-identifiers many come at a high cost beyond the initial pain and financial investment.

A series of investigative studies spearheaded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (PDF) suggest that many of the inks commonly used in tattoos may have a serious negative long term impact on human health.

Questionable pigment sources of particular interest to the FDA researchers include a variety of dangerous heavy metals, phthalates, and hydrocarbons – all of which are known to act as cancer causing agents. And much of the concern surrounding the possible connection between modern tattoo inks and cancer has been centered on a small number of documented cases in which malignant melonoma and skin tumors were observed in tattooed skin.

That said however, the findings of this recent series of investigations have, so far, proven inconclusive at best.

Tina Alster, Cosmetic Dermatologist & Laser Surgeon, told NPR: “There are some chemicals that have been shown to be injected along with the tattoo inks to make them brighter or even psychedelic. There are some that actually glow in black light… nobody knows for sure what’s really in them. There are some, like cadmium, that are carcinogenic. Others cause granulomas, which is an allergic reaction in the skin.” [1]

Additionally, a 2010 study from the University of Regensburg in Germany found that some of the black tattoo inks are actually made from soot. These black tattoo inks commonly contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs may contain benzo(a)pyrene, a Group 1 carcinogen according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The EPA also classifies it among “the most potent and well-documented skin carcinogens.”

Researchers from the Department of Dermatology, University of Regensburg: “Tattooing with black inks entails an injection of substantial amounts of phenol and PAHs into skin. Most of these PAHs are carcinogenic and may additionally generate deleterious singlet oxygen inside the dermis when skin is exposed to UVA (e.g. solar radiation)” [2]

California and a handful of other states currently require that tattoo shop patrons sign a waver informing them of their pending exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals before going under the needle. This however appears to be doing very little in terms of dissuading customers.

Tattoos, for what it’s worth, have always come with a certain amount of risk. And arguably, it’s this very air of danger that makes them seem so cool to so many people.

The oldest known tattoos date back to at least the neolithic era, roughly 5,000 years B.C. and are believed by many experts to have been created by rubbing ash into accidentally or intentionally created wounds.

Even the word “tattoo” itself has a certain connotation of danger. Taken from the Samoan word “Tatau,” it was originally used to describe a ritually slow, and reportedly very painful variation of the process which relied of barbed sticks to embed pigment under the skin. Severe infection, and even death were not uncommon following the procedure.

Today, even with the added safety and reduced pain offered by modern tattoo machines, the threat of being exposed to tetanus, hepatitis, syphilis and HIV remains very real in some places. And these are just the most serious risks of tattooing. You also have to factor in the risk of infections, allergies, scarring, granulomas and future MRI complications.

Although in most cases these risks can be mitigated simply by choosing a reputable, well-kept tattoo parlor staffed by a quality artist. Which, of course, is just common sense when deciding on something that you intend to wear for the rest of your natural life.

Think before you ink!

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