A study conducted by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) found that nine out of ten mothers failed at reading nutrition labels, and did not understand the nutrition information on children’s foods. According to the BHF, 76% of mothers felt that “wholegrain” meant the product was likely to be healthy. In addition, they also thought that a product claiming it was “a source of calcium, iron and six vitamins” meant that the product was likely to be healthy.

The confusion in regard to food labels is not an issue that pertains only to parents, and despite this study occurring years ago, it is still very true today that the majority of people aren’t savvy in reading food labels. The research found many individuals are tricked by the deceptive labeling of sugary foods specifically. The BHF went on to say that Nestle’s Honey Shreddies, which claims to be “wholegrain” and will “keep your heart healthy and maintain a healthy body”, has 13.6g of sugar.

This is more than a ring doughnut in an average serving size, which totals 9.2g of sugar. High levels of sugar consumption can be the culprit for a number of health defects and issues faced today, while the massive over-consumption of sugar has some people asking: Is sugar becoming the next tobacco?

With all the harmful ingredients added to our food supply today, it is critical to not only start reading nutrition labels, but also memorize which ingredients to avoid.

Reading Nutrition Labels | Learn of What You’re Eating

Sugar is not the only concern when investigating the real contents of a food product. Trans fats, monosodium glutamate (MSG), aspartame, and high-fructose corn syrup are but a few toxic additives that are usually incognito unless you are actively searching for them within the ingredients. This alone highlights the importance of not only reading nutrition labels, but also knowing what each ingredient is. Researching the properties of each additive before ingesting it is indeed a wise decision, and one that will ultimately pay off with an improvement in overall health.

Ingredients You Should Avoid | Alpha-Dexionic-what?

If while reading nutrition labels you’re wondering whether certain ingredients are written in Greek or Hieroglyphics, then reconsideration of the purchase is probably necessary. Given the current process of food creation in the U.S. and other developed countries, chances are that this ingredient is some form of a synthetic chemical, and one of many ingredients to avoid. A general rule is that if you cannot pronounce it, you should not eat it. Research what your food is composed of before bringing it home and cooking it, or putting it into your body. What you find may surprise you.

Although not known by many people, a number of companies and manufacturers are actually using tiny, engineered particles in consumer products, food, and even clothing. These particles are called nanoparticles, which can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause potential bodily harm. Due to the questionable safety of nanoparticles, regulators are proposing that any company or manufacturer that wants to use nanoparticles in packaging has to prove products are safe through additional testing.

Nanoparticles Usage in Food to Undergo Additional Scrutiny

According to the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (PEN), over 1,300 manufacturer nanotechnology-enabled products are in the global commercial marketplace. Nanoparticles can be found in car batteries, appliances, aluminum foil, non-stick cookware, and is especially present in health and fitness items. The Food and Drug Administration, though, has recently issued new trial guidelines for nanoparticle users.

“At this point, in terms of the science, we think it’s likely the exemption does not apply and we would encourage folks to come in and talk to us…This is an emerging, evolving technology and we’re trying to get ahead of the curb to ensure the ingredients and substances are safe,” said Dennis Keefe, director of FDA’s office of food additive safety.

Nanotechnology is much like organism-based biotechnology, where even supporters of the technologies know there needs to be more long term testing to determine safety. Like genetically modified foods, nanoparticles are being warned against solely based on the lack of thorough safety (in addition to the known complications). Similarly, nanotechnology is believed by some to be the ‘next industrial revolution’, but like genetically modified foods, it has never been proven totally safe for use or consumption.

One study published in the journal Nature titled “Oral exposure to polystyrene nanoparticles affects iron absorption” found that intestinal changes affecting iron absorption occur due to polystyrene nanoparticles. They also expect to see an alteration in absorption of calcium, copper, zinc, and vitamins A, D, E, and K. Another study conducted in 2004 found that nanoparticles cause brain damage in fish and other aquatic species.

The FDA will take comments on the proposal for 90 days, but there is no deadline for the finalization of the documents.

If you are the maker or seller of health supplements, or follow the decisions made by the Food and Drug Administration, then you probably know of the blatant corruption and injustice revolving around the FDA. Through examining and following the FDA’s decisions, anyone can see that the organization continuously pushes pharmaceutical drugs while censoring health food and supplements and their ability to heal. Such is the case with a company known as Fleminger, Inc. and their green tea product.

Court Rules FDA is Harshly Censoring Foods and Supplements

In 2004, Fleminger Inc. submitted a health claim petition to the FDA for their green tea product. Scientific research is available showcasing green tea’s ability to boost the immune system, promote graceful aging, and help to fight cancers, and so Fleminger Inc. rightfully thought to promote these health advantages. But the FDA responded a year later with proposed disclaiming stating that the “FDA concludes that it is highly unlikely that green tea reduces the risk” of breast cancer and prostate cancer — health claims that Fleminger wanted to promote. In 2010, after threatening to seize Fleminger Inc.’s products and enforce the use of new exact language proposed by the FDA, the organization sent over another revised claim which they insisted the company use:

“Green tea may reduce the risk of breast or prostate cancer. FDA does not agree that green tea may reduce the risk because there is very little scientific evidence for the claim.”

Being shocked and appalled by the FDA’s force, Fleminger created a suit in the US District Court. The Food and Drug Administration simple gave Fleminger no choice but to use their exact words in claims or risk facing the tyranny of the FDA. Thankfully, judge Bryant ruled in favor of Fleminger, saying:

 ”The FDA’s language “effectively negates the substance–disease relationship claim altogether….There are less burdensome ways in which the FDA could indicate in a short, succinct and accurate disclaimer that it has not approved the claim without nullifying the claim altogether.”

Unfortunately, companies promoting food and supplements are seldom allowed to showcase specific health benefits resulting from use of their product. As shocking as it may seem, the FDA deems food and supplements as drugs if they are marketed with health claims. Furthermore, these ‘drugs’ would need to go through costly drug trials, and can’t be patented like all other real drugs can be.

This is also the case with Diamond Foods and their walnuts. In response to claims by a company named Diamond Foods that walnuts possess health benefits, the FDA sent the company a letter informing them of their wrongdoing. According to the FDA, claims made by Diamond Foods that omega-3′s found in walnuts produce health benefits make their walnuts ‘drugs‘. As far as the FDA is concerned, these “drugs” can not be legally marketed in the United States without an approved new drug application.

There are many cases similar to those experienced by Fleminger Inc. and Diamond Foods. Why is the FDA absurdly censoring foods and natural supplements while promoting deadly prescription drugs? Well, to put it simply, the organization really does not care about your health.

Almost four decades ago I was taught a different approach to health and healing than what is now taught at western medical practices. I was taught how to find simplicity in the complexity of life. As stated, the cure is always found in the cause. We must always seek the cause for health challenges and then the signs, signals and symptoms will simply disappear. I was also taught we must stop doing those things that contribute to dis-ease first and then start doing those things that contribute to health. As doctors or healers, we should suggest the minimum in recommendations and supplementation for the maximum result. The below is a simple ten step program continued for achieving optimum health and longevity.

The Simplicity of Complexity | Ten Steps to Optimum Health – Part 2

5. Mind - What we don’t use we lose. Reading is mentally stimulating, therefore always be reading a good book. By simply not watching TV for a couple of hours a day it will give you some time to read. Learn how to play a musical instrument. You don’t need a $10,000 Baby Grand piano. A flute, guitar, violin, or one of many other inexpensive instruments will get you in the game. If that is not interesting to you, perhaps you can learn woodworking or sewing? There are literally hundreds of hobbies or projects you can wrap your mind around. Playing chess or cards is not only challenging, but you may just develop a lifelong friendship with your “playmates.”

6. Attitude - Don’t take life so seriously. We are not here for a long time, but the time spent here should be comprised of good feelings. Learn to forgive the unforgivable. Through daily prayer or meditation and relaxation you will learn to deal with or release emotional issues, thereby creating a more peaceful life. There is nothing wrong with expressing yourself emotionally; in fact, to emote is to promote internal balance and harmony, however, emotion is Energy-in-Motion. We need to keep emotions moving. If you are angry about something, express your anger and then question why you are angry. As with all concerns, correct the cause and you will remove the affect. Emotions and/or the stress they cause should be in our control. How we emote is the key to living a less stressful life.

7. Spirituality - I am not talking about religion, I am talking about spirituality. Unless you are an atheist, seek to re-discover your own divinity or specialty. I used to be a truth seeker until I realized I am that which I am seeking. Creative consciousness develops the Law of Attraction. Setting your intention and accepting it as reality, will bring it forth. It is important to note, however,  that we do not get what we want — we get who we are. Whether for health, finances or relationships, we control our thoughts and destiny. We control our out-of-control-ness. Learn to take control of your life. The best book I have ever read on this subject is Excuse Me, Your Life Is Waiting by Lynn Grabhorn. Read it and read it again. You can also read the Healing Codes.

8. Achievement/Action - Education and taking effective action are keys to health, wealth and happiness. Learn how to set a goal and achieve it. Start small and work up from there.

When I was a young boy, I was hired by one of my neighbors to pull weeds in her backyard. The entire 1/4 acre was wall to wall weeds over six inches high. I was overwhelmed. I then discovered by taking four Popsicle sticks and some string that I could rope off one square foot at a time. I only concentrated on the square in front of me and moved it one foot at a time. Before long, I had pulled all the weeds. Don’t get overwhelmed. Just attempt to do something you can handle and move on from there.

Seek and “become” peace, love, joy, prosperity, freedom and happiness, and you will find them. No one was born to hate, they had to learn how. We can therefore un-learn. We truly must be the change we want to see. Remember, we are all spiritual beings having a human experience. Teach by example by becoming who you are. We are not here for a long time, but we can be here for a rewarding time. See the rewards and be grateful. Educate yourself on the truth concerning health, wealth, relationships, the law, politics, religion and everything in-between. Screen everything you read, see and hear with your internal common sense and logic meter. After you acquire accurate information, you can then make intelligent decisions and take effective action.

9. Detoxification - There is no way around it. Even if you do everything I have suggested in the above eight points, this world is still toxic. Just driving down the street will expose you to a multitude of toxins contained in the atmosphere. Being in public will expose you to a host of germs, bacteria, viruses, parasites and other pathogenic organisms others may be carrying. If you eat or drink anything from any restaurant, you risk ingesting preservatives, toxins, dyes, hydrogenated oils, chemicals, hormones, flavor enhancers, corn syrup and a litany of other additives that are unhealthy. The bottom line: we need to detoxify on a regular basis. Just drinking charged distilled water with electrolytic minerals will start the process. Eating non-toxic, organic fresh food will help as well.

10. Supplementation - Again, there is no way around it. Our soil is thoroughly depleted of vital nutrients, specifically minerals. Mineral deficient soil produces mineral deficient crops — organic or not. Eating mineral deficient food makes us mineral deficient. And so it is with vitamins and all other nutrients. In order to truly be healthy, we must supplement our diet with whole-food nutrients, not synthetic, chemist-made pills. Always start with a whole-food mineral complex as minerals are foundational. The best minerals I have found to date are contained in fossilized stony coral. Additionally, eating concentrated whole-food supplements made from fruits and vegetables with added vitamin D3 will go a long way to achieving optimum health and longevity.

I am not going to say, “trust me, I’m a doctor.” In fact, some websites say just that. What I will say is, question everything, everyone, and do some research. If what you read, hear or see does not make sense, stop and move on to something else.

Remember this: If you don’t take the time to be healthy, you will ultimately have to take the time to be sick. It’s your choice…

Dr. James Chappell is a retired board certified chiropractic physician, traditional naturopath, clinical nutritionist, medical herbalist and master formulator with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Since 1971, he has been an avid health researcher and educator specializing in teaching and incorporating natural healing protocols for chronic, severe and so-called “terminal” illnesses. He does not treat patients or disease. He teaches those interested in advanced natural healing. His books and nutritional products are found throughout the world. His services are sought globally, as well. Contact information: calldrjim@sbcglobal.net 805-646-1193.

Read Part I of this Article

For over 40 years, I have been a voracious reader. Back in the day, I subscribed to 25 journals or more each month. In addition, I tried to read two or more books per month. Daily, I read multiple reference books and both the New York and LA Times cover to cover. Today, most of what I read comes from the internet and books, hours upon hours of research from one subject to the next. I receive dozens of so-called email “newsletters” and peruse websites reading the latest of “stuff” out there. And most of it is “stuff”.

There are literally thousands of doctor and self-help websites pitching their products, services and information — truthful or not.

On the experimental orthodox medical side, they push their clinics and hospitals as they use drugs, chemotherapy, radiation and surgery to treat disease. On the so-called natural healing side, they push their clinics and spas with many pitching supplements, herbs, devices and other “stuff” to also treat disease. What’s the difference? Other than the obvious toxic side-effects of experimental orthodox medicine, not much, for both treat disease.

Many in natural healing are simply using natural protocols in an allopathic (symptom treating) application. As an example, if you have a headache, your medical doctor might suggest aspirin and your natural healing doctor might suggest the herb feverfew. Both suggestions only treat the symptom of a deeper underlining concern. From a brain tumor, allergy, hormonal imbalance to spinal subluxations or misalignments, there are many causes of headaches; and the cure is always found in the cause. Taking aspirin or feverfew will never get to the cause, and therefore you are only treating symptoms.

Almost four decades ago, I was taught a different approach to health and healing. I was taught how to find simplicity in the complexity of life. As stated, the cure is always found in the cause. We must always seek the cause for health challenges and then the signs, signals and symptoms will simply disappear. I was also taught we must stop doing those things that contribute to dis-ease first and then start doing those things that contribute to health. As doctors or healers, we should suggest the minimum in recommendations and supplementation for the maximum result. The below is a simple ten step program for achieving optimum health and longevity.

The Simplicity of Complexity: Ten Steps to Optimum Health – Part 1

1. Stop/Start – As I mentioned, we must stop doing those things that we know make us sick. Avoid toxic, highly processed food and sugary liquids — including concentrated fruit juices. Do not smoke. Drink alcohol in moderation. We are what we eat, assimilate and don’t eliminate. Remove as many toxic elements from your environment as possible. You may not be able to change the world, but you can change your world. From your home, yard and office, learn what materials, products and electronics are harmful and remove them. Additionally, the healthier you become the less likely you will need toxic medication and/or medical treatment. An ounce of prevention is truly worth a ton of cures. After stopping the disease contributors, start the following health contributors:

2. Food – We need to eat the best, non-toxic food we can afford. Organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, sprouts, legumes, free range chicken, eggs, turkey, limited dairy (raw yogurt, kefir, goats milk), and wild Alaskan salmon will provide all the vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino and essential fatty acids, probiotics, antioxidants and glyco-nutrients we need to thrive. If you want beef or pork, make sure it is free range with no hormones, antibiotics, drugs or preservatives added. Remember, it costs more money to buy packaged, processed junk food than it does shopping at your local farmer’s market. And don’t forget the cost of illness from eating toxic, junk food.

3. Water – We need to drink pristine water and lots of it. Of all the different waters available, I believe we need pure H2O. The best I know of is distilled. However, drinking pure distilled water, over time, can lead to a leeching of minerals from the body. Therefore, I recommend re-mineralizing the water with electrolytic minerals such as sea salt, Celtic, Himalayan, New Zealand or Zeta Crystals.

One half teaspoon of either of these electrolytic mineral sources to one gallon of distilled water will make the perfect water to hydrate the body and increase cellular zeta (electrical) potential. I personally buy water from a company that filters it then uses reverse osmosis, distills it and finally, ozonates it. Five gallons costs five dollars delivered. I then electrically charge it with electrolytic minerals. In order to replace fluids lost from urination, defecation, perspiration and respiration, drink one half of your body weight in ounces daily. If you weigh 128 pounds, you need 64 ounces of charged distilled water daily. That is eight, eight ounce glasses per day.

4. Exercise - I am not talking about walking to the kitchen or bathroom. The human body is mostly fluid, perhaps 75 to 85%. What makes fluid move is movement or exercise. Exercise allows the blood and lymphatic circulation to flow the way it must. Proper exercise increases lung capacity and heart strength. It contributes to clarity of thought. The P.A.C.E. method of exercise is the most reasonable approach to exercise I have seen to date. Go on-line and read about it. In addition, a fast walk for 30 minutes daily will help.

Hiking or backpacking in the great outdoors keeps one centered and grounded. Deep breathing is paramount for optimum health and longevity. Dancing, riding a bicycle, swimming, tennis, boxing, martial arts, skiing, you name it. Just do something you enjoy and do it everyday. I walk my dogs daily and use a stationary bicycle when the weather is poor. Otherwise, I ride my bike and use the Total Gym. I also take a FIR (far infrared) sauna every morning. This really gets the blood and lymph going, and opens the pores through perspiration. Bottom line: exercise is simple and is one key to living a long, healthy life.

Dr. James Chappell is a retired board certified chiropractic physician, traditional naturopath, clinical nutritionist, medical herbalist and master formulator with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Since 1971, he has been an avid health researcher and educator specializing in teaching and incorporating natural healing protocols for chronic, severe and so-called “terminal” illnesses. He does not treat patients or disease. He teaches those interested in advanced natural healing. His books and nutritional products are found throughout the world. His services are sought globally, as well. Contact information: calldrjim@sbcglobal.net 805-646-1193.

Read Part II of this Article

For decades honey has been rightfully touted as one of the great natural foods for healthy living. This incredible food is packed full of health promoting enzymes and essential nutrients which have been shown to cleanse the body, sooth the airways and specifically help with allergies. However, a new study has revealed some little-known secrets regarding its treatment and its origins.

Most Honey Comes from China and is Not Real Honey

A new study conducted for Food Safety News shows that at least a whopping 3/4 of the honey sold in the US is not real honey according to Food and Drug Administration standards. In order for honey to be deemed “honey” in the United States, the honey must contain pollen as it naturally would. While the FDA has a strict rule on what is and what isn’t considered real honey, they actually don’t bother to check the honey sold.

The study found that more than 75 percent of the honey tested had the pollen removed through an ultra-filtration process. To conduct the study on real honey, more than 60 jars or containers of honey were tested from 10 states and the District of Columbia. Vaughn Bryant, a professor at Texas A&M University and melissopalynologist, found the following results.

According to the study:

• 76 percent of samples bought at groceries had all the pollen removed.

• 100 percent of the honey sampled from drugstores had no pollen.

• 77 percent of the honey sampled from stores like Costco, Walmart, and Target contained no pollen.

• 100 percent of the honey packaged as individual service portions from Smucker, McDonald’s and KFC had the pollen removed.

•  Every one of the samples Food Safety News bought at farmers markets, co-ops and “natural” stores like PCC and Trader Joe’s had the full, anticipated, amount of pollen.

All of this honey which has been found to be free of pollen goes through a process called ‘ultra-filtration’. Ultra-filtration drains the honey of impurities like wax and pollen by heating the honey and then forcing it through small filters at high speeds. The problem with this process on a health level revolves around pollen, a fantastic ingredient loaded with essential nutrients, being completely drained from the honey. Consumers are being led to believe that the honey being purchased is real honey while in reality the authenticity and nutritional value is seriously compromised by food treatment methods. This is especially sad news when realizing honey is a great food of choice to store for preparedness as well as utilizing as a nutritional superfood.

Not only does the process of ultra-filtration result in a deterioration of quality, but it also leaves the source of the honey completely untraceable. China has used techniques similar to ultra-filtration in order to illegally dump honey into the United States. Mark Jensen, president of the American honey Producers Association, says the following regarding the ultra-filtration process.

“I don’t know of any U.S. producer that would want to do that. Elimination of all pollen can only be achieved by ultra-filtering and this filtration process does nothing but cost money and diminish the quality of the honey…in my judgment, it is pretty safe to assume that any ultra-filtered honey on store shelves is Chinese honey and it’s even safer to assume that it entered the country uninspected and in violation of federal law”

Not so shockingly, the honey found in farmers markets and health food stores have been found to be higher quality than honey found other places like drugstores. Generally speaking, this will be the case with any food, as natural and organic food is almost always treated better and less abused than conventional food. But don’t be confused by deceptive slogans and products labeled as partially organic by multi-national corporations, as multi-national corporations often own smaller “organic” food companies in order to get a slice of the sales from health-conscious individuals.

One of Many Unnecessary Food Treatments

Ultra-filtrating and honey is not the only unnecessary food treatment out there. Crops are irradiated, milk and other beverages are pasteurized, animals are fed antibiotics and growth hormones, and deadly chemicals are added to the water supply. The food we are eating is lifeless, with nutrient content that lower than ever. Food treatment methods such as ultra-filtration do not help promote optimum health. A point has been reached where food must be investigated before being consumed. Become aware, as awareness is the first step to change.

When people begin to starve, instinctive primal triggers lead to a desire to do absolutely anything for food. Those with food, whether it is the government or a nearby family, will have complete power over others. Food could essentially be used as a weapon, thousands of times more powerful than money or most any other resource. But even in current times, food is used as a weapon by those in power through the use of government regulations and chemical additives that destroy both your health and your bank account. Artificial inflation and speculation, toxic substances hidden in the food, and government regulations are but a few examples. But where did the idea of using food as a supremely powerful weapon begin?

In 1974, the idea of using food as a weapon was introduced in a 200-page report (http://wlym.com/text/NSSM200.htm) by politician Henry Kissinger. The report, entitled National Security Study Memorandum 200: Implications of Worldwide Population Growth for U.S. Security and Overseas Interests, stated that food aid would be withheld from developing countries in need until they submitted to birth control policies that would effectively sterilize large numbers of the population to curb growth.

Learn more:http://www.naturalnews.com/033343_food_weapons.html#ixzz1iB0s3oAI

Food labels are oftentimes confusing and misleading, driving consumers to ignore nutritional warning signs in a state of confusion.  Luckily, in addition to researching toxic ingredients that are often present in food products, there are 8 red flag words and phrases that can help identify a product that you may want to avoid.

1. Sugar Free: Oftentimes products with the “sugar free” label contain aspartame, an artificial sweetener that has been linked to brain tumors and other health concerns.

2. Fat free: Healthy fats are essential for optimum health and fat loss. These fats include Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, which are necessary for proper brain function and development. In addition, MSG may oftentimes be added to improve the flavor of “fat free” products.

3. Artificial flavors: While ‘natural’ flavors may oftentimes be just as bad, artificial flavors are synthesized in a lab, and not recognized correctly by the body. Look for food-based flavorings instead.

4. Pure: Products that are labeled as 100% pure can contain synthetic ‘flavor packs’ that contain a cocktail of chemicals. In fact, it has come out that most orange juice brands actually are flavored to taste like orange juice using such methods.

The speed at which you eat has a lot to do with whether you’ll gain weight or not. According to a New Zealand report, middle-aged women who inhale their food are more often than not heavier than those who take it slow at the dinner table.

One of the reasons this is a determining factor in weight gain is because speedy eaters tend to overeat, and fill their stomachs hastily while continuing to gorge. In addition, those who eat quickly don’t chew their food as much as needed. This, in effect, increases the time for them to feel full and also gives their brain less time to respond to what’s happening. When food is not properly broken down in your mouth, it is difficult to get broken in your stomach, and usually will lead to digestive issues as well.

The issue with the study, however, is that it replies on the women’s own assessments. The researchers mailed out a survey to 1,600 New Zealand women ages 40-50. The survey asked for a rating on how fast they ate and also for their height, weight, and other lifestyle and health indicators. About 50% said they ate normally, while 32% fell in the fast or very fast categories. 15% considered themselves slow or very slow.

The women on the low end of the eating speed scale showed the lowest BMI (body mass index), which measures the person’s weight relative to their height. As women ate faster, BMI rose.

If you want to lose weight, try eating slow. Sometimes people do this without even knowing it, and it could really make a difference if it’s changed in terms of weight, and overall feeling. As a general rule, food should be chewed around 25 times before being swallowed. This simple approach alone could help to shed a couple pounds, and make digesting much easier.

Sources:

Reuters

Junk food and healthy food don’t cost the same, we know that. Junk food often costs a bit less, at least if we go by the initial price tag. The truth is that price varies based on what people buy and location.

Below is an infographic of the price of junk food vs. fresh food. It takes 30 common supermarket food items and puts them on a scatterplot. Investigate the infographic to find out what foods are highest in calories, sodium, and sugar but lowest in price.