Organic Food Blog

by: Deb Bromley

What if I told you tap water and homogenized milk may be two of the biggest culprits in skyrocketing rates of high cholesterol? Cholesterol is actually being produced by our own bodies all of the time as a natural mechanism to combat oxidation when our bodies are diseased. Therefore, if we are not well, our cholesterol levels are likely to be higher regardless of what we eat that contains cholesterol. Having too low of a cholesterol level is just as bad as having too high.

Avoiding eggs and other foods that naturally contain cholesterol may not be the best solution, nor taking cholesterol-lowering drugs with their plethora of harmful side effects. For example, eggs are actually extremely healthy in moderation, being that they contain nutrients present at the beginning of life. Fatty meats are often harmful simply because fats store toxins, and animals not raised naturally have often been injected with antibiotics, hormones, steroids, and graze on grounds containing pesticides and fertilizer residue.

Two of the most harmful, and most common, everyday products we are ingesting that contribute to high cholesterol, and thus plaque in the arteries, are homogenized milk and chemically-treated tap water.

The explanation is far more complicated than I will cover here, but basically homogenizing milk involves the breaking down of fat particles to such a small size that the milk looks nice and smooth with no chunks of cream, but these smaller fat particles can permeate the intestines and end up in your blood stream. On the other hand, fresh unhomogenized milk from the farm, assuming the cows have not been exposed to chemicals, with its cream floating to the top, is natural and not a harmful form of fat. The larger fat molecules pass through the digestive system and nutrients are properly absorbed without fat entering the bloodstream. This cream, of course, can also be skimmed off the top of the milk and used for other purposes.

Studies have shown that many of the chemicals present in tap water that were added to kill bacteria, such as chlorine, often react with and oxidize cholesterol already in the body, forming a gummy substance (plaque) that actually sticks to, and clogs, the arteries. And there are many more dangerous side effects of drinking chemically-treated water.

What can you do about it? If you want to lower your cholesterol, which is not an easy task once your body is not functioning properly regardless how much cholesterol you eliminate in your diet, first eliminate homogenized milk and stop drinking and cooking with tap water whenever possible. If you can’t always get unhomogenized milk, such as from a health store or organic farm, then fat-free regular organic milk is the next best choice so you’re not getting chemicals nor as much cholesterol. If you can afford it, put a good filter in your bathtub or shower and/or install a whole-house distillation system, as even bathing in chemically treated water is harmful because it absorbs through your pores, and chemicals in the steam are inhaled.

And don’t think you can turn to bottled waters — sometimes bottled waters are no better, as they can contain runoff from groundwater containing pesticides and fertilizers that are not removed and do not have to be reported. If the bottle says it has been purified by both reverse osmosis and carbon/charcoal treatments, it may be less contaminated. The healthiest water available today for purchase is probably distilled water, which most closely mimics the sun’s natural way of purifying water.

The best way to bind and pull cholesterol out of your body naturally and avoid chemicals is by eating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables (preferably organic and chemical-free) that haven’t been processed or “enriched” by synthetic means such as bleached white breads, white rice, white pasta, etc. Since your body has been overoxidizing, antioxidants may help speed recovery, and hence indirectly lower cholesterol. There are natural and safe cholesterol-lowering supplements available at health stores, including plant-based polycosinol, but always check to make sure there are no supplement, herb, or drug interactions if you are, or plan to continue, taking medications concurrently. Never stop medications abruptly. And lastly, since much of our soil has been depleted of minerals from chemicals, and most processed foods lack sufficient vitamins, most people should always take a potent natural vitamin and mineral supplement to help speed healing and to maintain their health.

To view a version of this article containing links to free informative resources that will help you combat high cholesterol, avoid disease-causing toxins in your food and environment, and treat other health conditions naturally, please visit the NatureGem web site at http://www.naturegem.com and select the article title.

About The Author

Deb Bromley is a former science and technology researcher and the President of NatureGem Nontoxic Living, an organization devoted to promoting awareness of toxins in our food and environment that can cause disease, and providing access to nutrition information, natural remedies, and alternative health resources.

debbromley@legacyhealthfoundation.org

by: Marjorie Geiser, RD

We come from a society where growing organic and just growing produce and livestock for food was once one and the same. Small, family farms still grow their own food using traditional methods passed down through the generations. As commercial farming became big-business, however, growers and farmers started to investigate methods of increasing crops and building bigger livestock in order to increase their profits. This led to increased use of pesticides and drugs to enhance yield.

In this article, we will look at what is required in order to call a product organic, how choosing organic eating and farming impact the environment and our health, discuss the benefits of eating organic foods, and what research says about the nutritional benefits of organically-grown produce.

Calling it “Organic”

In 1995, the US National Organic Standards Board passed the definition of ‘organic’, which is a labeling term denoting products produced under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act. It states, “Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain, and enhance ecological harmony.”

The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals, and people.

The philosophy of organic production of livestock is to provide conditions that meet the health needs and natural behavior of the animal. Organic livestock must be given access to the outdoors, fresh air, water, sunshine, grass and pasture, and are fed 100% organic feed. They must not be given or fed hormones, antibiotics or other animal drugs in their feed. If an animal gets sick and needs antibiotics, they cannot be considered organic. Feeding of animal parts of any kind to ruminants that, by nature, eat a vegetarian diet, is also prohibited. Thus, no animal byproducts of any sort are incorporated in organic feed at any time.

Because farmers must keep extensive records as part of their farming and handling plans in order to be certified organic, one is always able to trace the animal from birth to market of the meat. When meat is labeled as organic, this means that 100% of that product is organic.

Although organic crops must be produced without the use of pesticides, it is estimated that between 10-25% of organic fruits and vegetables contain some residues of synthetic pesticides. This is because of the influence of rain, air and polluted water sources. In order to qualify as ‘organic’, crops must be grown on soil free of prohibited substances for three years before harvest. Until then, they cannot be called organic.

When pests get out of balance and traditional organic methods don’t work for pest control, farmers can request permission to use other products that are considered low risk by the National Organic Standards Board.

The Environment

According to the 15-year study, “Farming Systems Trial”, organic soils have higher microbial content, making for healthier soils and plants. This study concluded that organically grown foods are raised in soils that have better physical structure, provide better drainage, may support higher microbial activity, and in years of drought, organic systems may possibly outperform conventional systems. So, organic growing may help feed more people in our future!

What is the cost of conventional farming, today? The above-mentioned 15 -year study showed that conventional farming uses 50% more energy than organic farming. In one report, it was estimated that only 0.1% of applied pesticides actually reach the targets, leaving most of the pesticide, 99.9%, to impact the environment. Multiple investigations have shown that our water supplies, both in rivers and area tap waters, are showing high levels of pesticides and antibiotics used in farming practices. Water samples taken from the Ohio River as well as area tap water contained trace amounts of penicillin, tetracycline and vancomycin.

Toxic chemicals are contaminating groundwater on every inhabited continent, endangering the world’s most valuable supplies of freshwater, according to a Worldwatch paper, Deep Trouble: The Hidden Threat of Groundwater Pollution. Calling for a systemic overhaul of manufacturing and industrial agriculture, the paper notes that several water utilities in Germany now pay farmers to switch to organic operations because this costs less than removing farm chemicals from water supplies.

What About our Health?

Eating organic food is not a fad. As people become more informed and aware, they are taking steps to ensure their health. US sales of organic food totaled 5.4 billion dollars in 1998, but was up to 7.8 billion dollars in the year 2000. The 2004 Whole Foods Market Organic Foods Trend Tracker survey found that 27% of Americans are eating more organic foods than they did a year ago.

A study conducted by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation reports that the number of people poisoned by drifting pesticides increased by 20% during 2000.

A rise in interest and concern for the use of pesticides in food resulted in the passage of the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act, directing the US EPA to reassess the usage and impact of pesticides for food use.

Particular attention was paid to the impact on children and infants, whose lower body weights and higher consumption of food per body weight present higher exposure to any risks associated with pesticide residues.

Publishing an update to its 1999 report on food safety, the Consumers Union in May 2000 reiterated that pesticide residues in foods children eat every day often exceed safe levels. The update found high levels of pesticide residues on winter squash, peaches, apples, grapes, pears, green beans, spinach, strawberries, and cantaloupe. The Consumers Union urged consumers to consider buying organically grown varieties, particularly of these fruits and vegetables.

The most common class of pesticide in the US is organophosphates (OP’s). These are known as neurotoxins.

An article published in 2002 examined the urine concentration of OP residues in 2-5 year olds. Researchers found, on average, that children eating conventionally grown food showed an 8.5 times higher amount of OP residue in their urine than those eating organic food. Studies have also shown harmful effects on fetal growth, as well.

Pesticides are not the only threat, however. 70% of all antibiotics in the US are used to fatten up livestock, today. Farm animals receive 24.6 million pounds of antibiotics per year!

Public health authorities now link low-level antibiotic use in livestock to greater numbers of people contracting infections that resist treatment with the same drugs. The American Medical Association adopted a resolution in June of 2001, opposing the use of sub-therapeutic levels of antibiotics in agriculture and the World Health Organization, in its 2001 report, urged farmers to stop using antibiotics for growth promotion. Studies are finding the same antibiotic resistant bacteria in the intestines of consumers that develop in commercial meats and poultry.

Is it More Nutritious?

Until recently, there had been little evidence that organically grown produce was higher in nutrients. It’s long been held that healthier soils would produce a product higher in nutritional quality, but there was never the science to support this belief. Everyone agrees that organic foods taste better.

In 2001, nutrition specialist Virginia Worthington published her review of 41 published studies comparing the nutritional values of organic and conventionally grown fruits, vegetables and grains. What she found was that organically grown crops provided 17% more vitamin C, 21% more iron, 29% more magnesium, and 13.6% more phosphorus than conventionally grown products. She noted that five servings of organic vegetables provided the recommended daily intake of vitamin C for men and women, while their conventional counterparts did not. Today there are more studies that show the same results that Ms. Worthington concluded.

Considering the health benefits of eating organic foods, along with the knowledge of how conventionally grown and raised food is impacting the planet should be enough to consider paying greater attention to eating organic, today. Since most people buy their food in local supermarkets, it’s good news that more and more markets are providing natural and organic foods in their stores. Findings from a survey by Supermarket News showed that 61% of consumers now buy their organic foods in supermarkets. More communities and health agencies also are working to set up more farmer’s markets for their communities, also, which brings more organic, locally grown foods to the consumer. The next time you go shopping, consider investigating organic choices to see if it’s indeed worth the change!

About The Author

Marjorie Geiser has been teaching health, fitness and nutrition since 1982. She is a nutritionist, registered dietitian, certified personal trainer and life coach. As the owner of MEG Fitness, Marjorie’s goal for her clients is to help them incorporate healthy eating and fitness into their busy lives.

In Margie’s major health and nutritional support tool, the 30-Day Fitness Focus Program you will get a jumpstart on learning what you are really eating, what regular exercise you do, and exactly how you tend to sabotage yourself from achieving your goals.

To learn more about the services Margie offers, go to her website at www.megfit.com or email her at Margie@megfit.com.

megfit@earthlink.net

by: Marjorie Geiser, RD

We come from a society where growing organic and just growing produce and livestock for food was once one and the same. Small, family farms still grow their own food using traditional methods passed down through the generations. As commercial farming became big-business, however, growers and farmers started to investigate methods of increasing crops and building bigger livestock in order to increase their profits. This led to increased use of pesticides and drugs to enhance yield.

In this article, we will look at what is required in order to call a product organic, how choosing organic eating and farming impact the environment and our health, discuss the benefits of eating organic foods, and what research says about the nutritional benefits of organically-grown produce.

Calling it “Organic”

In 1995, the US National Organic Standards Board passed the definition of ‘organic’, which is a labeling term denoting products produced under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act. It states, “Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain, and enhance ecological harmony.”

The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals, and people.

The philosophy of organic production of livestock is to provide conditions that meet the health needs and natural behavior of the animal. Organic livestock must be given access to the outdoors, fresh air, water, sunshine, grass and pasture, and are fed 100% organic feed. They must not be given or fed hormones, antibiotics or other animal drugs in their feed. If an animal gets sick and needs antibiotics, they cannot be considered organic. Feeding of animal parts of any kind to ruminants that, by nature, eat a vegetarian diet, is also prohibited. Thus, no animal byproducts of any sort are incorporated in organic feed at any time.

Because farmers must keep extensive records as part of their farming and handling plans in order to be certified organic, one is always able to trace the animal from birth to market of the meat. When meat is labeled as organic, this means that 100% of that product is organic.

Although organic crops must be produced without the use of pesticides, it is estimated that between 10-25% of organic fruits and vegetables contain some residues of synthetic pesticides. This is because of the influence of rain, air and polluted water sources. In order to qualify as ‘organic’, crops must be grown on soil free of prohibited substances for three years before harvest. Until then, they cannot be called organic.

When pests get out of balance and traditional organic methods don’t work for pest control, farmers can request permission to use other products that are considered low risk by the National Organic Standards Board.

The Environment

According to the 15-year study, “Farming Systems Trial”, organic soils have higher microbial content, making for healthier soils and plants. This study concluded that organically grown foods are raised in soils that have better physical structure, provide better drainage, may support higher microbial activity, and in years of drought, organic systems may possibly outperform conventional systems. So, organic growing may help feed more people in our future!

What is the cost of conventional farming, today? The above-mentioned 15 -year study showed that conventional farming uses 50% more energy than organic farming. In one report, it was estimated that only 0.1% of applied pesticides actually reach the targets, leaving most of the pesticide, 99.9%, to impact the environment. Multiple investigations have shown that our water supplies, both in rivers and area tap waters, are showing high levels of pesticides and antibiotics used in farming practices. Water samples taken from the Ohio River as well as area tap water contained trace amounts of penicillin, tetracycline and vancomycin.

Toxic chemicals are contaminating groundwater on every inhabited continent, endangering the world’s most valuable supplies of freshwater, according to a Worldwatch paper, Deep Trouble: The Hidden Threat of Groundwater Pollution. Calling for a systemic overhaul of manufacturing and industrial agriculture, the paper notes that several water utilities in Germany now pay farmers to switch to organic operations because this costs less than removing farm chemicals from water supplies.

What About our Health?

Eating organic food is not a fad. As people become more informed and aware, they are taking steps to ensure their health. US sales of organic food totaled 5.4 billion dollars in 1998, but was up to 7.8 billion dollars in the year 2000. The 2004 Whole Foods Market Organic Foods Trend Tracker survey found that 27% of Americans are eating more organic foods than they did a year ago.

A study conducted by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation reports that the number of people poisoned by drifting pesticides increased by 20% during 2000.

A rise in interest and concern for the use of pesticides in food resulted in the passage of the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act, directing the US EPA to reassess the usage and impact of pesticides for food use.

Particular attention was paid to the impact on children and infants, whose lower body weights and higher consumption of food per body weight present higher exposure to any risks associated with pesticide residues.

Publishing an update to its 1999 report on food safety, the Consumers Union in May 2000 reiterated that pesticide residues in foods children eat every day often exceed safe levels. The update found high levels of pesticide residues on winter squash, peaches, apples, grapes, pears, green beans, spinach, strawberries, and cantaloupe. The Consumers Union urged consumers to consider buying organically grown varieties, particularly of these fruits and vegetables.

The most common class of pesticide in the US is organophosphates (OP’s). These are known as neurotoxins.

An article published in 2002 examined the urine concentration of OP residues in 2-5 year olds. Researchers found, on average, that children eating conventionally grown food showed an 8.5 times higher amount of OP residue in their urine than those eating organic food. Studies have also shown harmful effects on fetal growth, as well.

Pesticides are not the only threat, however. 70% of all antibiotics in the US are used to fatten up livestock, today. Farm animals receive 24.6 million pounds of antibiotics per year!

Public health authorities now link low-level antibiotic use in livestock to greater numbers of people contracting infections that resist treatment with the same drugs. The American Medical Association adopted a resolution in June of 2001, opposing the use of sub-therapeutic levels of antibiotics in agriculture and the World Health Organization, in its 2001 report, urged farmers to stop using antibiotics for growth promotion. Studies are finding the same antibiotic resistant bacteria in the intestines of consumers that develop in commercial meats and poultry.

Is it More Nutritious?

Until recently, there had been little evidence that organically grown produce was higher in nutrients. It’s long been held that healthier soils would produce a product higher in nutritional quality, but there was never the science to support this belief. Everyone agrees that organic foods taste better.

In 2001, nutrition specialist Virginia Worthington published her review of 41 published studies comparing the nutritional values of organic and conventionally grown fruits, vegetables and grains. What she found was that organically grown crops provided 17% more vitamin C, 21% more iron, 29% more magnesium, and 13.6% more phosphorus than conventionally grown products. She noted that five servings of organic vegetables provided the recommended daily intake of vitamin C for men and women, while their conventional counterparts did not. Today there are more studies that show the same results that Ms. Worthington concluded.

Considering the health benefits of eating organic foods, along with the knowledge of how conventionally grown and raised food is impacting the planet should be enough to consider paying greater attention to eating organic, today. Since most people buy their food in local supermarkets, it’s good news that more and more markets are providing natural and organic foods in their stores. Findings from a survey by Supermarket News showed that 61% of consumers now buy their organic foods in supermarkets. More communities and health agencies also are working to set up more farmer’s markets for their communities, also, which brings more organic, locally grown foods to the consumer. The next time you go shopping, consider investigating organic choices to see if it’s indeed worth the change!

About The Author

Marjorie Geiser has been teaching health, fitness and nutrition since 1982. She is a nutritionist, registered dietitian, certified personal trainer and life coach. As the owner of MEG Fitness, Marjorie’s goal for her clients is to help them incorporate healthy eating and fitness into their busy lives.

In Margie’s major health and nutritional support tool, the 30-Day Fitness Focus Program you will get a jumpstart on learning what you are really eating, what regular exercise you do, and exactly how you tend to sabotage yourself from achieving your goals.

To learn more about the services Margie offers, go to her website at www.megfit.com or email her at Margie@megfit.com.

megfit@earthlink.net

by: Ric Wiley

What is a vitamin? Well a vitamin is an organic compound which is vital for the growth of your body. Put in simpler terms, that means it’s just a natural chemical. There are 13 essential vitamins and each one has a special purpose in your body. The lack of one vitamin will lead to a vitamin deficiency

There are two distinct types of vitamins, those soluble in water and those soluble in fats. Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K are fat soluble vitamins and the water soluble vitamins are Vitamin C and Vitamin B although there are different types of Vitamin B. Vitamins A and D are water soluble vitamins and they are not as easy to store in your body as the fat soluble vitamins.

A normal well balanced diet should provide a good daily intake of the correct levels of vitamins and this is usually the case but care must be taken to ensure that you do have a well balanced diet. There are times when you may need to supplement your normal intake of vitamins and this is where vitamin supplements can be useful. This list gives an indication of where you may need a little help.

Dieting May lack vitamin B complex and Vitamin C

Heavy smokers May lack Vitamin C

Heavy Drinkers May lack some Vitamin B’s and Vitamin C

Elderly people May lack vitamin B complex and Vitamin C

Vegetarians May lack Vitamin B12 which is often found in meats

Night shift workers May lack Vitamin D (which is made in your body when it is exposed to sunlight

People who are suffering from stress, overworked or under pressure may be lacking Vitamin B complex or Vitamin C.

There are few ways that Vitamins can get into your body and these are usually by oral means. Things such as Vitamin B12 can be taken by injection but this should only be carried out by a qualified medial practitioner. One of the problems with vitamins though is that they are easily destroyed by the acids in your stomach so that much of what you take is lost due to stomach acids.

I have probably spoiled your views on vitamins but what you have to remember is that your body needs a well balanced diet which is rich in vitamins as some can be destroyed by the natural process of your body. Lightly cooking foods will help to preserve their vitamin content and eating fresh foods will again increase your intake of vitamins.

If you are worried that you have a deficiency in any particular vitamin then you can supplement your diet with the use of vitamin supplements which you will usually find in the form of tablets. These can be single vitamins or a multi vitamin tablet. Unless you have been advised by your doctor that you need to take a specific vitamin, then the decision if yours as to what vitamins you need. Many people routinely take Vitamin C, especially in the fall and winter to help keep the common cold away as this has been shown to benefit the body in fighting this ailment.

However, although these are natural products it is important to remember that as with anything Vitamins need to be taken as part of a well balanced diet and they also need to be taken in moderation. Just as with other products you can take too much of a good thing and vitamins are just the same. Take your vitamins sensibly and do not take more than you need

About The Author

Ric Wiley is an Internet researcher and author. Check out his latest web sites at http://www.healthy-best.com and http://www.first-choice-health.com

by: Ric Wiley

What is a vitamin? Well a vitamin is an organic compound which is vital for the growth of your body. Put in simpler terms, that means it’s just a natural chemical. There are 13 essential vitamins and each one has a special purpose in your body. The lack of one vitamin will lead to a vitamin deficiency

There are two distinct types of vitamins, those soluble in water and those soluble in fats. Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K are fat soluble vitamins and the water soluble vitamins are Vitamin C and Vitamin B although there are different types of Vitamin B. Vitamins A and D are water soluble vitamins and they are not as easy to store in your body as the fat soluble vitamins.

A normal well balanced diet should provide a good daily intake of the correct levels of vitamins and this is usually the case but care must be taken to ensure that you do have a well balanced diet. There are times when you may need to supplement your normal intake of vitamins and this is where vitamin supplements can be useful. This list gives an indication of where you may need a little help.

Dieting May lack vitamin B complex and Vitamin C

Heavy smokers May lack Vitamin C

Heavy Drinkers May lack some Vitamin B’s and Vitamin C

Elderly people May lack vitamin B complex and Vitamin C

Vegetarians May lack Vitamin B12 which is often found in meats

Night shift workers May lack Vitamin D (which is made in your body when it is exposed to sunlight

People who are suffering from stress, overworked or under pressure may be lacking Vitamin B complex or Vitamin C.

There are few ways that Vitamins can get into your body and these are usually by oral means. Things such as Vitamin B12 can be taken by injection but this should only be carried out by a qualified medial practitioner. One of the problems with vitamins though is that they are easily destroyed by the acids in your stomach so that much of what you take is lost due to stomach acids.

I have probably spoiled your views on vitamins but what you have to remember is that your body needs a well balanced diet which is rich in vitamins as some can be destroyed by the natural process of your body. Lightly cooking foods will help to preserve their vitamin content and eating fresh foods will again increase your intake of vitamins.

If you are worried that you have a deficiency in any particular vitamin then you can supplement your diet with the use of vitamin supplements which you will usually find in the form of tablets. These can be single vitamins or a multi vitamin tablet. Unless you have been advised by your doctor that you need to take a specific vitamin, then the decision if yours as to what vitamins you need. Many people routinely take Vitamin C, especially in the fall and winter to help keep the common cold away as this has been shown to benefit the body in fighting this ailment.

However, although these are natural products it is important to remember that as with anything Vitamins need to be taken as part of a well balanced diet and they also need to be taken in moderation. Just as with other products you can take too much of a good thing and vitamins are just the same. Take your vitamins sensibly and do not take more than you need

About The Author

Ric Wiley is an Internet researcher and author. Check out his latest web sites at http://www.healthy-best.com and http://www.first-choice-health.com

by: Brad Bahr

With all of the dangerous side effects of pain medicine in the news these days it’s great news that there is a safer alternative available to us. MSM (Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane) is a natural and efficient source of organic sulfur, which is necessary for the formation of collagen, and is required by many of the body’s structural molecules.

It is a safe and natural, assimilable food derived from the ocean. It is a member of the sulfur family but shouldn’t be confused with sulfa drugs, to which some people are allergic. It is completely safe, odorless, and non-toxic.

MSM is a naturally occurring compound found in significant amounts in nerve tissue, skin, hair and joints. Tiny amounts of MSM can be found in grains, legumes, and fresh unprocessed vegetables like garlic, onions, cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Meat, fish, poultry, eggs and milk all contain MSM.

MSM is highly soluble - it is easily lost during the cooking and processing of foods. Also, research has suggested that most people are deficient and that deficiency increases with age.

MSM has been proven essential to joint health and function, and for all types of connective tissue in general. It is an efficient analgesic and anti-inflammatory, and has been shown to be very effective in the treatment of allergies and asthma. It has also been found to provide nutritional support for healthy energy levels and toxin elimination.

MSM is also effective at maintaining skin, hair and nail health. MSM is completely odorless and does not create body odor. It is sometimes referred to as the beauty supplement for its noticeable effects of making your hair thick and shiny. It helps to keep the skin elastic and healthy looking. It’s also noted for strengthening the nails.

MSM supports a healthy digestive system and helps calm the nerves too. I personally use it to help fight depression. Even though most of the research being done on MSM is for pain relief, many people have noticed that it really does make you feel in a better mood and has a calming effect on the nervous system. I also take it for pain in my hand and wrist due to typing and using the mouse. I always take it before and after I go to the gym for a workout. It has been known to help for post exercise soreness.

In its purest organic form it looks like white crystals, similar in size to white sugar crystals but slightly flatter so is sometimes referred to as flakes. It’s very important to only take a pure form of MSM. Be careful what type you buy. Cheaper isn’t always better when it comes to health supplements. I only take OptiMSM as it’s tested by a third party to be 99.9 percent pure. You can get more information about OptiMSM at http://www.findustuff.com/info/optimsm.html.

I take at least four 1,000mg capsules every day. Research has shown that MSM is as safe as water so I do take more when needed. Also It is very inexpensive.

So if you’re hesitant to take prescription drugs for pain you might want to give MSM a try but always consult with your doctor first before stopping any medication you may be currently taking.

About The Author

Brad Bahr is the author of many health related articles and websites. He has been testing and reviewing health supplements for many years. You can find more interesting health related articles at his website: http://www.findustuff.com

by: Brad Bahr

With all of the dangerous side effects of pain medicine in the news these days it’s great news that there is a safer alternative available to us. MSM (Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane) is a natural and efficient source of organic sulfur, which is necessary for the formation of collagen, and is required by many of the body’s structural molecules.

It is a safe and natural, assimilable food derived from the ocean. It is a member of the sulfur family but shouldn’t be confused with sulfa drugs, to which some people are allergic. It is completely safe, odorless, and non-toxic.

MSM is a naturally occurring compound found in significant amounts in nerve tissue, skin, hair and joints. Tiny amounts of MSM can be found in grains, legumes, and fresh unprocessed vegetables like garlic, onions, cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Meat, fish, poultry, eggs and milk all contain MSM.

MSM is highly soluble - it is easily lost during the cooking and processing of foods. Also, research has suggested that most people are deficient and that deficiency increases with age.

MSM has been proven essential to joint health and function, and for all types of connective tissue in general. It is an efficient analgesic and anti-inflammatory, and has been shown to be very effective in the treatment of allergies and asthma. It has also been found to provide nutritional support for healthy energy levels and toxin elimination.

MSM is also effective at maintaining skin, hair and nail health. MSM is completely odorless and does not create body odor. It is sometimes referred to as the beauty supplement for its noticeable effects of making your hair thick and shiny. It helps to keep the skin elastic and healthy looking. It’s also noted for strengthening the nails.

MSM supports a healthy digestive system and helps calm the nerves too. I personally use it to help fight depression. Even though most of the research being done on MSM is for pain relief, many people have noticed that it really does make you feel in a better mood and has a calming effect on the nervous system. I also take it for pain in my hand and wrist due to typing and using the mouse. I always take it before and after I go to the gym for a workout. It has been known to help for post exercise soreness.

In its purest organic form it looks like white crystals, similar in size to white sugar crystals but slightly flatter so is sometimes referred to as flakes. It’s very important to only take a pure form of MSM. Be careful what type you buy. Cheaper isn’t always better when it comes to health supplements. I only take OptiMSM as it’s tested by a third party to be 99.9 percent pure. You can get more information about OptiMSM at http://www.findustuff.com/info/optimsm.html.

I take at least four 1,000mg capsules every day. Research has shown that MSM is as safe as water so I do take more when needed. Also It is very inexpensive.

So if you’re hesitant to take prescription drugs for pain you might want to give MSM a try but always consult with your doctor first before stopping any medication you may be currently taking.

About The Author

Brad Bahr is the author of many health related articles and websites. He has been testing and reviewing health supplements for many years. You can find more interesting health related articles at his website: http://www.findustuff.com

by: P. Sidney Parker

“Holistic” is the health industry’s new buzzword, most often associated with Alternative medicine, the new buzz phrase. The status of the word “holistic” has made it victim to advertisers and marketers, who are attaching it to everything under the sun. They know holistic is one of those words that instantly “validates” a product or service. I remember at the height of the no fat craze, going into the supermarket and seeing pretzels packaged with No Fat boldly printed on the labels. Pretzels have always been one of the least fat filled foods you could find. “Organic” began popping up on packaging during the height of the natural foods craze. The problem was and in some ways still is, each company had its own definition of organic. And now I see the same thing happening with the word “Holistic”. A consumer sees “Holistic” in the product name or description and buy it thinking the product is somehow better. When asked what “holistic” is, very few can answer correctly.

Synergistic - when parts work together for the benefit of the whole

In simplest terms holistic is the synergistic relationship of parts of a whole. So the term can be applied to any system, whether it be mechanical, electronic, a business, or health. Since I am in the health business I will speak about “holistic” in health terms. Be aware I am simplifying for the sake of time and space.

Holistic is as much a concept, as it is a practice.

Our overall wellness is determined by the state of our Spiritual (emotional) being, along with the state of our Mental being and our Physical being. If the Spirit, Mind, or Body is not well then our overall wellness is not at ease (dis-ease). In order to relieve the dis-ease of our wellness, we must receive holistic treatments. These treatments are actually a system or group of treatments that seek to affect the three elements of being, Spirit, Mind, and Body. A good example of this is (can be) aromatherapy, which through the application of essential oils effects the physical being. At the same time the aroma “can” be soothing to the soul. A good therapist will take the time to speak with the ailing person, asking pertinent questions about their health and explaining what the treatment is expected to do. A caring nature is important for any therapist to have.

Sometimes the holistic treatment can not be provided in one location or by one therapist. In that case in order for the treatment to be considered holistic, each therapist working with a client must be aware of what the other therapist(s) is/are doing. The therapies must be carried out synergistically.

Holistic, in terms of health, means taking into consideration the three elements of the being, Spirit, Mind and Body, when attempting to regain or maintain an optimal state of Well-being. Any meditation or mind set training, by itself is not holistic. Any food by itself is not holistic, any exercise by itself is not holistic.

A holistic state is only achieved when all three elements of the being are being addressed.

About The Author

P. Sidney Parker is a Holistic Health Therapist, with a practice in Phillipsburg, NJ which specializes in massage therapy and fitness training. For more info please visit http://www.SidneyParker.com or http://www.PrimalWellness.com.

© 2005 Primal Wellness Health

holistics@sidneyparker.com

by: P. Sidney Parker

“Holistic” is the health industry’s new buzzword, most often associated with Alternative medicine, the new buzz phrase. The status of the word “holistic” has made it victim to advertisers and marketers, who are attaching it to everything under the sun. They know holistic is one of those words that instantly “validates” a product or service. I remember at the height of the no fat craze, going into the supermarket and seeing pretzels packaged with No Fat boldly printed on the labels. Pretzels have always been one of the least fat filled foods you could find. “Organic” began popping up on packaging during the height of the natural foods craze. The problem was and in some ways still is, each company had its own definition of organic. And now I see the same thing happening with the word “Holistic”. A consumer sees “Holistic” in the product name or description and buy it thinking the product is somehow better. When asked what “holistic” is, very few can answer correctly.

Synergistic - when parts work together for the benefit of the whole

In simplest terms holistic is the synergistic relationship of parts of a whole. So the term can be applied to any system, whether it be mechanical, electronic, a business, or health. Since I am in the health business I will speak about “holistic” in health terms. Be aware I am simplifying for the sake of time and space.

Holistic is as much a concept, as it is a practice.

Our overall wellness is determined by the state of our Spiritual (emotional) being, along with the state of our Mental being and our Physical being. If the Spirit, Mind, or Body is not well then our overall wellness is not at ease (dis-ease). In order to relieve the dis-ease of our wellness, we must receive holistic treatments. These treatments are actually a system or group of treatments that seek to affect the three elements of being, Spirit, Mind, and Body. A good example of this is (can be) aromatherapy, which through the application of essential oils effects the physical being. At the same time the aroma “can” be soothing to the soul. A good therapist will take the time to speak with the ailing person, asking pertinent questions about their health and explaining what the treatment is expected to do. A caring nature is important for any therapist to have.

Sometimes the holistic treatment can not be provided in one location or by one therapist. In that case in order for the treatment to be considered holistic, each therapist working with a client must be aware of what the other therapist(s) is/are doing. The therapies must be carried out synergistically.

Holistic, in terms of health, means taking into consideration the three elements of the being, Spirit, Mind and Body, when attempting to regain or maintain an optimal state of Well-being. Any meditation or mind set training, by itself is not holistic. Any food by itself is not holistic, any exercise by itself is not holistic.

A holistic state is only achieved when all three elements of the being are being addressed.

About The Author

P. Sidney Parker is a Holistic Health Therapist, with a practice in Phillipsburg, NJ which specializes in massage therapy and fitness training. For more info please visit http://www.SidneyParker.com or http://www.PrimalWellness.com.

© 2005 Primal Wellness Health

holistics@sidneyparker.com

by: James Ellison

Organic gardeners all know compost is fantastic stuff. But now, there’s something even better and that’s compost tea. If you start with a good compost you’ll have a versatile elixir for all your garden needs. Compost tea helps prevent foliage diseases and at the same time increase the nutrients to the plant and shutdown the toxins hurting the plants. It will improve the taste/flavor of your vegetables. So why not give this tea a try either by buying it or brewing it yourself. You won’t believe the results!

Four ways that good bacteria work:

* Help compete for the nutrients
* Dine on the bad varmits
* Help produce antibiotics to use against the varmits.
* They shove the bad varmits out.

Compost tea that is correctly brewed has a wealth of microorganisms that will benefit your plants’ growth and health as well as the soil that they live in. Compost tea can be considered yogurt for the soil. The microorganisms living there are both good and bad. What the tea does is make sure the good guys win by introducing helpful bacteria, fungi, protozoa and beneficial nematodes.

Harmful bacteria lives best in soil that does not have good air circulation. Good bacteria lives best and will thrive in soil that is well ventilated with oxygen. This is where a good compost tea, made the right way, comes in. When you have well oxygenated compost you automatically get rid of 3/4 of the bad varmits. Also by using harmful insecticides or chemical fertilizers we reduce the number of beneficial microorganisms in the soil.

Plants produce their own energy and food and half of that goes to the roots and some of that goes into the surrounding soil and guess who gets that? Correct, the good guys, and then it turns into a beneficial cycle.

The following is taken from the internet and shows compost tea is becoming a force in gardening.

National Organic Standards Board Compost Tea Task Force Report April 6, 2004 Introduction In 2003, the National Organic Standards Board convened a Compost Tea Task Force to review the relevant scientific data and report their recommendations on ‘What constitutes a reasonable use of compost tea?’ The Task Force was composed of 13 individuals with knowledge and expertise in organic farming practices, organic certification, EPA pathogen regulations, compost, compost tea production and analysis, plant pathology, food safety and environmental microbiology.

Throughout their discussions, members consistently acknowledged the growing interest among certified organic and conventional growers to use compost teas, and the need to develop effective biologically-based tools to manage plant fertility, pests, and diseases.

A primary reason for producing compost tea is to transfer microbial biomass, fine particulate organic matter, and soluble chemical components of compost into an aqueous phase that can be applied to plant surfaces and soils in ways not possible or economically feasible with solid compost.

About The Author

James Ellison
This article is provided courtesy of http://www.basic-info-4-organic-fertilizers.com. You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.