Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Lose Weight and Regain Your Health in the Hot Box: The Far Infrared Sauna by Kat Carroll, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner
As many who have
been guests at Adytum Sanctuary (www.adytumsanctuary.com)
know, we are committed to health and will go to great lengths to attain and
preserve it. I feel so strongly about the power of the Far Infrared Sauna (FIR)
to heal ourselves, to maintain health and perfect weight, that I predict the
home of the future will have a FI sauna in every bathroom alongside the shower
as a daily adjunct to hygiene and health.
I know what you’re
thinking, “I can’t tolerate that kind of heat…I can’t even breathe in there!”
But FIR is different. It heats your body and not the air; it reaches 2-3” deep
into organs and tissues to sequester toxins held for years. The toxins measured
in sweat from a FIR session versus running are different. It is effective. The
FIR is relaxing and increases microcirculation thus alleviating pain as well as
cleansing. It is an almost daily self-caring gift I give myself and I fully
expect to reap the benefits, particularly when combined with my excellent diet,
exercise, and stress reduction modalities I employ. But as the following study
will show, even without any lifestyle changes, FIR use created weight loss.
I was reared in a
crop dusting pilot’s home. We used lots of chemicals at home inside and out, oftentimes
the contraband ones my father would bring home after they were outlawed
commercially. As a child, I sat on lawns barefoot and barelegged drenched in
pesticides; herbicides were used in the yard. Our lawn and yard looked perfect
but it was perfectly sterile, deadly, and dangerous.
My next prediction:
the yard of the future will be real and realistic, living from the soil level
upward and sprouting dandelions and other weeds alongside flowers and plants.
It will be proof of the rejection of the deadly glysophate/Roundup ® and other
crimes against humanity; a testament to our commitment to care for nature and
Mother Earth.
All of the women in
my family have had breast cancer but me and I intend to keep it that way. How?
By providing support for my liver so that it can perform detoxification
properly with all the nutrients and protein available to carry out the toxins
presented during far infrared sauna sessions. The liver is driven by nutrition
and toxins are carried out on protein molecules. Detoxification is a
sophisticated process even impacted by urine pH. We need to be alkaline or
toxins will recirculate as often more dangerous metabolites. We need to have an
open bowel so that toxins can be easily excreted and since skin is the largest
organ of detoxification, we need to employ skin brushing. Deep breathing also
aids in detoxification as the lungs are yet another path for toxins to travel
out of the body.
Every chemical has a
signature scent. When the FI sauna mobilizes toxins stored deep in the tissues
and organs, often reaching several inches within the body, you can expect some
unusual odors to emerge as well. I will never forget the smell of burning
plastic filling the sauna; it was me! Eventually these perplexing scents become
infrequent; we easily drop weight because we are not holding on to toxins, we
feel good again... If the body wants to avoid the release of a toxin it will
sequester it deeply into tissues and organs. If we want to release those
toxins, we need to support the liver, drink pure water, use the FI sauna, and
limit future toxic exposures as much as possible.
When I returned from
Hong Kong this year and Beijing last year working with the National Health
Federation (www.thenhf.com) at Codex Alimentarius Committee meetings on food
additives, nutrition, food labeling, etc. protecting our food, beverage, and
supplement supply from contaminants, additives, and more, I could not get 4-5 pounds off. In those
crowded cities full of smog and foods contaminated with heavy metals like
arsenic and cadmium and more, I was consuming and breathing daily toxins. When
I was in Beijing, 16,000 dead pigs were floating down the river. They said the
water was “pork flavored…”
Once home, regardless
of my diet and exercise, I remained over my ideal weight/body composition and
with cellulite until I had accomplished several sauna sessions in the Thermal
Life FI Sauna from High Tech Health in the Orion Suite at Adytum Sanctuary.
Then the weight just dropped off and the cellulite disappeared. Not only that—I
felt better and looked more rested! Clear mind, clear eyes.
Reams of research
have been collected (and I have many of these studies) on FI Sauna’s use in
congestive heart failure, erectile dysfunction (acts like Viagra by increasing
nitric oxide levels), autism, neurological issues, Parkinson’s, fibromyalgia,
headaches, allergies, insomnia, chronic fatigue, chemical sensitivity, tremors, even ocular issues like macular degeneration, and many more conditions which have underlying metal and/or chemical toxicity.
Google Scholar and Pub Med list thousands of citations proving the effectiveness
of thermal therapy on conditions and diseases. Unlike some detox methods like
foot pads/foot baths which seem to lack scientific research, thermal therapy
has been well documented.
I feel so strongly
about the FI sauna that I bought another one- this time a Clearlight Sauna- for
the Star of the North Suite. Research well as particular woods off-gas and some
saunas are higher in electromagnetic (EMF) emissions. Some saunas are “infrared”
but not “far infrared” and there is a difference. Adytum Sanctuary has a
Thermal Life Sauna in Poplar and a Clearlight Sauna in Spruce.
Sauna-time is
powerful; I love being in my ‘hot box’ for an hour at a time reading, studying,
learning, writing, etc. while remaining thin and healthy. My electronics last for some time (Kindle,
computer, iPhone) before I switch to a paper book or my writing. It took me
several times in the sauna before I began to sweat. No problem now! It is so
cleansing and the medical food I use, Ultra Clear Renew, upregulates heavy
metal removal. Adding Metalloclear will potentiate this effect making it
stronger. These recommended products are listed below with a link to get them
at a discount.
I recently became
certified in First Line Therapy and am a Lifestyle Educator (LE) and a
Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) along with all my other passions. The FI
Saunas will play a prominent role in teaching these courses on detox, weight
loss, and avoiding the medical model by making positive lifestyle changes based
on good foods, intelligent supplementation, and lifestyle changes.
One of my favorite
studies shows the value in cleansing. Researchers took two groups, both having
the markers for diabetes. One group used thermal (sauna) therapy and the other
did not. The group excreting contaminants like persistent organic pollutants
(POPs) did not progress into diabetes whereas the group not
cleansing with thermal therapy went on to develop full blown diabetes.
POPs are now found
in high altitude “pristine” lakes. POP consumption is cumulative with a long
half-life, storing for years in our fatty tissue. It’s not a good time to eat
fish as POP exposure at higher levels created a 38% higher risk for developing
diabetes by increasing insulin resistance. Using thermal therapy can mean
the difference between moving into the medical model with a disease and
remaining healthy, at the proper weight, and clear-minded.
Recommended products
to support Far Infrared Sauna sessions can be found at http://carroll.metagenics.com/store
with a 20% discount off initial orders and 10% off subsequent orders that are
recurring. We’ve been using these medical foods meal replacement shakes for
breakfast for years. They are powerful but they also contain the protein
equivalent of two eggs/14 grams and half of the day’s supply of vitamins and
minerals so they are cost effective.
- Ultra Clear Renew: Metabolic Detoxification With an Emphasis on
Removing Heavy Metals
- Advaclear: Daily Support for Detoxification
- Clear Change 10 Day Detox Kit: For Metabolic Detoxification
- Ultra Meal 360 Rice Sweetened with Stevia: Nutritional Support for
the Management of Conditions Associated with Metabolic Syndrome and
Cardiovascular Disease
- Ultra Flora Balance: Daily Immune Health and Digestive Support
- Metalloclear: Support for Heavy Metal Metabolism
SAUNA SOURCES:
If you are interested in purchasing a Thermal Life Sauna,
please visit this link:
If you are interested in purchasing a Clearlight Far
Infrared Sauna, please visit this link:
WEIGHT LOSS STUDY DETAILS:
A recent study at
SUNY Binghamton University study performed by Dr. Kenneth McLeod, Professor
of Bioengineering, showed conclusively that people using a Clearlight Infrared
Sauna three times a week can eliminate an average of 4% body fat over a four
month period. For a 175 lb man, that represents a reduction of seven
pounds of unneeded weight. Control groups that did not use the Clearlight Sauna
in the study showed no weight loss. Obesity has been linked to many health
problems, including:
|
The amazing part about this study was that the participants did not change their exercise or diet patterns. The sauna group used the Clearlightsaunas installed at Binghamton campus three times a week for 45 minutes, that's all! Many people find it difficult to change their diets and exercise habits but using an infrared sauna is easy, comfortable and relaxing; like going to a spa. This study opens the door for more good research and demonstrates what we have known for over 17 years: Clearlight Saunas are good for your health!
See the study
here: http://infraredsauna.com/weightlossstudy.pdf
|
THE STUDY ON FI
SAUNA AND WEIGHT LOSS
Binghamton
University study exposing people to 45 minutes per day in a Clearlight Infrared
Sauna to measure the effects on body temperature, physiologic measures, and
long-term body weight changes.
--Kenneth McLeod,
professor of bioengineering at Binghamton University
Phase One (16 week study):
Participants were
exposed 3 times per week for a 45 minute infrared sauna at 110 degrees for 16
weeks. Compliance ranged from a low of 12 sessions completed to 45 sessions.
Findings: Participants who had high compliance (used the
sauna regularly) had a greater loss in body fat. Participants measured up to a 4% drop in body fat over the four months.
However, interestingly, those that came in late in the day or evening lost significantly
more body fat than those using the sauna in the morning. The change in body
fat was confirmed by measurements of serum glucose levels. Our hypothesis is
that increasing core body temperature will increase human growth hormone
production and that should increase serum glucose levels, which is what was found.
In addition, we observed that the higher the core body temperature reached, the
larger the decrease in body fat, also consistent with the HGH hypothesis.
Phase Two (8 week study):
Participants were
exposed 5 times per week for a 30 minute infrared sauna at 110 degrees after
3pm. On average, the study subjects lost about 0.25% body fat per week totaling
approximately 4% over 8 weeks. This resulted in approximately twice the rate of
fat loss as compared to Phase 1 (8 weeks vs. 16 weeks). A control population
was used in Phase Two of the study and the body fat of the control group did
not change over the 8 week study.
Obesity is not just
a cosmetic issue; it can kill you. A concise article from pub med follows: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/obe/atrisk.html
What Are the Health Risks of Overweight and Obesity?
Being overweight or obese isn't a cosmetic problem. These
conditions greatly raise your risk for other health problems.
Overweight and
Obesity-Related Health Problems in Adults
Coronary Heart
Disease
As your body mass index rises, so does your risk for coronary heart
disease(CHD). CHD is a condition in which a waxy substance called plaque
(plak) builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply
oxygen-rich blood to your heart.
Plaque can narrow or block the coronary arteries and reduce
blood flow to the heart muscle. This can cause angina (an-JI-nuh
or AN-juh-nuh) or a heart
attack. (Angina is chest pain or discomfort.)
Obesity also can lead to heart failure.
This is a serious condition in which your heart can't pump enough blood to meet
your body's needs.
High Blood
Pressure
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the
walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. If this pressure rises and
stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways.
Your chances of having high blood
pressure are greater if you're overweight or obese.
Stroke
Being overweight or obese can lead to a buildup of plaque in
your arteries. Eventually, an area of plaque can rupture, causing a blood clot
to form.
If the clot is close to your brain, it can block the flow of
blood and oxygen to your brain and cause a stroke.
The risk of having a stroke rises as BMI increases.
Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which the body's blood glucose, or
blood sugar, level is too high. Normally, the body breaks down food into glucose
and then carries it to cells throughout the body. The cells use a hormone
called insulin to turn the glucose into energy.
In type 2 diabetes, the body's cells don't use insulin
properly. At first, the body reacts by making more insulin. Over time, however,
the body can't make enough insulin to control its blood sugar level.
Diabetes is a leading cause of early death, CHD, stroke,
kidney disease, and blindness. Most people who have type 2 diabetes are
overweight.
Abnormal Blood
Fats
If you're overweight or obese, you're at increased risk of
having abnormal levels of blood fats. These include high levels of
triglycerides and LDL ("bad") cholesterol and low levels of HDL
("good") cholesterol.
Abnormal levels of these blood fats are a risk factor for
CHD. For more information about triglycerides and LDL and HDL cholesterol, go
to the Health Topics High Blood
Cholesterol article.
Metabolic
Syndrome
Metabolic
syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors that raises your risk
for heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke.
You can develop any one of these risk factors by itself, but
they tend to occur together. A diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is made if you
have at least three of the following risk factors:
- A
large waistline. This is called abdominal obesity or "having an apple
shape." Having extra fat in the waist area is a greater risk factor
for CHD than having extra fat in other parts of the body, such as on the
hips.
- A
higher than normal triglyceride level (or you're on medicine to treat high
triglycerides).
- A
lower than normal HDL cholesterol level (or you're on medicine to treat
low HDL cholesterol).
- Higher
than normal blood pressure (or you're on medicine to treat high blood
pressure).
- Higher
than normal fasting blood sugar (or you're on medicine to treat diabetes).
Cancer
Being overweight or obese raises your risk for colon,
breast, endometrial, and gallbladder cancers.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common joint problem of the knees, hips,
and lower back. The condition occurs if the tissue that protects the joints
wears away. Extra weight can put more pressure and wear on joints, causing
pain.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep
apnea is a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in
breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep.
A person who has sleep apnea may have more fat stored around
the neck. This can narrow the airway, making it hard to breathe.
Obesity Hypoventilation
Syndrome
Obesity hypoventilation
syndrome (OHS) is a breathing disorder that affects some obese people.
In OHS, poor breathing results in too much carbon dioxide (hypoventilation) and
too little oxygen in the blood (hypoxemia).
OHS can lead to serious health problems and may even cause
death.
Reproductive
Problems
Obesity can cause menstrual issues and infertility in women.
Gallstones
Gallstones are hard pieces of stone-like material that form
in the gallbladder. They're mostly made of cholesterol. Gallstones can cause
stomach or back pain.
People who are overweight or obese are at increased risk of
having gallstones. Also, being overweight may result in an enlarged gallbladder
that doesn't work well.
Overweight and
Obesity-Related Health Problems in Children and Teens
Overweight and obesity also increase the health risks for
children and teens. Type 2 diabetes once was rare in American children,
but an increasing number of children are developing the disease.
Also, overweight children are more likely to become
overweight or obese as adults, with the same disease risks.
Who Is at Risk for
Overweight and Obesity?
Overweight and obesity affect Americans of all ages, sexes,
and racial/ethnic groups. This serious health problem has been growing over the
last 30 years.
Adults
According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey (NHANES) 2009–2010, almost 70 percent of Americans are overweight or
obese. The survey also shows differences in overweight and obesity among
racial/ethnic groups.
- In
women, overweight and obesity are highest among non-Hispanic Black women
(about 82 percent), compared with about 76 percent for Hispanic women
and 64 percent for non-Hispanic White women.
- In
men, overweight and obesity are highest among Hispanic men (about
82 percent), compared with about 74 percent for non-Hispanic White
men and about 70 percent for non-Hispanic Black men.
Children and Teens
Children also have become heavier. In the past 30 years,
obesity has tripled among school-aged children and teens.
According to NHANES 2009–2010, about 1 in 6 American
children ages 2–19 are obese. The survey also suggests that overweight and
obesity are having a greater effect on minority groups, including Blacks and
Hispanics.
CAN FAR INFRARED SAUNA THERAPY BENEFIT INDIVIDUALS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM? Jill Harrison, B.A, C.B.T.
No matter how careful we are, we cannot fully protect ourselves from exposure to the toxins that have become ubiquitous in our environment. They can be heavy metals and/or chemicals and are lipophilic (fat soluble). The average adult has between 400 and 800 toxic compounds stored in their fat cells. Well over 200 chemical compounds were found in newborn umbilical cord blood samples according to a 2005 Environmental Working Group study. Blood tests may reveal only one fifth the amounts of toxins that are being stored in the cells of the body. Toxins enter our bodies through ingestion, inhalation, absorption and other vectors including possible exposure during fetal development. There is likely a connection between this prenatal toxic exposure and autism.
Autism is defined as a developmental disorder by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It is a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) that appears in the first three years of life and affects brain development impacting social and communication skills defined by behaviors including, but not limited to, deficits in nonverbal and verbal communication, lack of social reciprocity, and failure to develop and maintain appropriate peer relationships It is now understood that 1 in 50 children in the U.S. are considered to be on the autism spectrum.
Heavy metals such as mercury, lead, copper and cadmium have been identified in many of the children on the autism spectrum. These heavy metals are known to negatively affect the metabolic detoxification pathways in the body and impair its ability to excrete these toxins. These substances also impair proper functioning of the endocrine system and many of the other organ systems in the body.
Toxic burden also negatively impacts proper functioning of the immune system. It is well known that much of our immune system actually resides in the intestinal tract. Individuals with autism are routinely diagnosed with severe gastrointestinal problems including candidiasis and “leaky gut”, which generate their own toxic waste products thereby adding to the toxic load. The presence of these toxins has far reaching effects on the body. It is obvious they must be eliminated for a person’s health to improve.
The most comprehensive, gentle, effective technology available today to detoxify the body is far infrared (FIR) sauna therapy. It is currently being used in clinics around the world for this purpose and, using the appropriate protocols, it can be safely used with children as young as two years old.
A FIR sauna designed for therapeutic use will have emitters producing FIR waves of between 6 - 12 microns in length which optimally stimulate multiple pathways in the body including the liver detoxification metabolic pathways, kidney filtration and elimination pathways, and lipid mobilization pathways leading to subcutaneous toxin release via sweat. Through the process of resonant absorption, FIR waves trigger the release of lipophilic toxins out of the lipid cells so they can be eliminated through these pathways. Many parents have told us that they see significant improvement in their child’s symptoms once they begin to reduce this toxic burden.
FIR sauna therapy will cause a mild increase in core body temperature of between 1 and 3 degrees F. Raising core body temperature is analogous to experiencing a slight fever – the body’s natural mechanism for destroying bacteria and viruses. It also causes sweating – which is one of the important ways the body excretes toxins. Interestingly, there is research confirming mild core body temperature increase positively affecting behavior in children with autism.
Another area of interest regarding FIR sauna therapy for individuals with autism is FIR waves’ ability to trigger the release of nitric oxide (NO) from the endothelial lining of the blood vessels. NO helps preserve blood vessel elasticity and enhances blood circulation.” This has significant implications, because optimal blood circulation is a key factor for healing virtually all health issues - but especially for people with autism. Research indicates that regular far infrared sauna use increases micro circulation which enables blood to flow more easily throughout the body thereby improving the exchange of oxygen and nutrients for waste products in the cells. Also, individuals with autism can have diminished blood circulation in certain areas of the brain. This is known as hypo perfusion. Extrapolating from research done on FIR and congestive heart failure, and research on FIR sauna therapy and the release of NO, it is likely that increased perfusion in the brain would be expected in any individual who is exposed to FIR waves. FIR waves’ ability to trigger the release of NO may also play a role in enhancing memory, learning and behavior modification along with improving neurotransmission, and immune functions .
It is imperative to use a true far infrared (FIR) sauna designed to emit optimal FIR waves between 6 - 12 microns in wavelength - not just infrared (IR) which may emit waves outside the optimal FIR range. It must be specifically designed for therapeutic use; made with non-toxic components (many IR saunas today are made of woods that are on the list of toxic woods published by the wood industry) and with very low electromagnetic radiation -- ideally at or below 2 milligauss. Most IR saunas emit much higher EMFS - some as high as 100+ milligauss. To accurately measure EMFS, you must use a tri field meter. The last thing you want to do is add to your toxic burden by using a sauna made with toxic materials and/or emitting potentially harmful EMFS. Another important thing to consider - most FIR saunas are not safety certified for both home and clinic use. As an example, look for a certification such as CSA and TUV. CSA is recognized throughout the U.S. and Canada, and TUV is recognized throughout the European Union. These safety certifications let you know that you are using a sauna that has been independently tested for electrical safety. Also, look for a FIR sauna that has the European roHS certification. This certification guarantees that the electronics are free of substances such as mercury, lead, cadmium, hexavalent chromium and brominated fire retardants. Finally, a high quality FIR sauna will come with a money back guarantee - so you know you are working with a company of integrity who stands by their product.
These are just a few examples of research confirming the benefits of far infrared sauna therapy for individuals on the autism spectrum. I have personally talked with parents of children on the autism spectrum that have reported amazing, positive results ranging from increased eye contact, verbal communication, improved sleep patterns, and even improved cognitive ability after using FIR sauna therapy. We expect ongoing research to reveal even more benefits of FIR sauna use in the future.
First appeared in print in Health Freedom News, the quarterly publication of the National Health Federation, www.thenhf.com.
Bio:
B.A Psychology, Certified Biofeedback Therapist.
Senior Product Specialist, High Tech Health International.
Host of the Healthy Nature Show from 1999 - 2006.
Contact Information for questions and purchase of a Far Infrared Sauna:
katacarroll@gmail.com
1.360.790.2011
www.adytumsanctuary.com
Website:
www.hightechhealth.com
1.800.794.5355
1.303.413.8500
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Will Codex and the Drug Companies Raid the Spice Rack to Steal Your Eyesight? By Kat Carroll, Associate Editor, National Health Federation
I want to invite you to follow one of my other blogs at http://medicalvisioncenter.blogspot.com/ for those of you interested in eye health, naturally. This blog has breaking news that will save someone's eyesight so excuse the departure from what is normally published on this blog, but it is just too important not to share. Be well!
Culinary Indian
spices are rising superheroes of the nutritional World. When most of us were
growing up, these spices were not a regular part of many of our diets. Today, though, they are commonly available high-profile
healers of the highest order. But if history repeats itself, we can anticipate
a raid on powerful molecules found in your spice rack, turning them into drugs
available only by prescription or subject to unnecessary regulation. This is
one of the reasons the National Health Federation (NHF) opposes Senator Dick
Durbin’s Dietary Supplement Act – in this case, to protect manufacturers who
encapsulate spices in therapeutic formulations designed to heal serious eye
disease and more. As Codex Alimentarius has decided to add a new committee to
its roster with the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) in
February 2014, the potential for unnecessary regulatory control has NHF concerned.
Curcumin is the
main curcuminoid of the popular Indian spice turmeric, which is currently
enjoying exalted status as a true panacea for modern-day ills as an
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor spice. Zeaxanthin-rich saffron, the most expensive of
spices at $500 a pound, is a proven star in both the Eastern and Western
healing traditions for treating macular degeneration. It takes nearly 150
flowers to produce a single gram of dried saffron threads.[1]
Even ordinary rosemary is being touted as one of the healing modalities for the
potentially blinding diseases of macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.
Several studies of these spices
have shown their effective use in the potentially blinding diseases macular
degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and cataract development as well. In a
December 2013 study, “Curcumin:
Therapeutical Potential in Ophthalmology,”[2] curcumin
proved itself effective against several ocular diseases, such as chronic
anterior uveitis, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, age-related macular
degeneration, and dry eye syndrome. “Unfortunately,
because of its low solubility and oral bioavailability, the biomedical
potential of curcumin is not easy to exploit; for this reason more attention
has been given to nanoparticles and liposomes, which are able to improve
curcumin's bioavailability. Pharmacologically, curcumin does not show any
dose-limiting toxicity when it is administered at doses of up to 8 g/day for
three months.” Black pepper and lecithin
also improve bioavailability.
But to truly impact absorption of the healing
spices and creating a remedial response, restore the proper balance of bacteria
in the gastrointestinal tract which is potentially the greatest source of
inflammation in the body. Microbial imbalance leads to increased inflammation,
oxidative stress, and impaired immune response and more—which are foundational
to potentially blinding eye diseases. A January 2014 study in Cell[3]
researched life extension and the diseases related to age-related changes in
the gut flora. When bacteria in the gut are in balance, not only is one’s life
span extended, but the diseases common to the elderly decrease, leading to a
higher quality of life.
From tumors and cancer to cataracts
there is little turmeric cannot heal. Speaking with an Indian delegate to Codex
recently, a food scientist from the Spices Board, she said that even a poultice
made of turmeric and applied overnight would resolve most ulcers and abscesses
on the body. Many East Indians eat pickled turmeric daily; NHF wants to ensure
that it remains available as a nutritional supplement for those who don’t eat
it daily as a part of their dietary pattern.
In another study
from PubMed republished on GreenMedInfo’s database in 2008, diabetes
was induced in rats but the subsequently administered curcumin-and-turmeric
treatment appeared to have countered the hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress.[4]
Blindness is a complication of diabetes. Curcumin will make an effective
addition to a diabetic protocol on several counts.
In the July 2012
issue of Evidence Based Complementary
Medicine, a longitudinal follow-up
study of saffron supplementation in early, age-related macular degeneration
reported sustained benefits to central retinal function.[5]
Lastly, lowly rosemary comes to the forefront in retinal protection[6] in
macular degeneration and retinitis
pigmentosa, which has no known therapeutic treatments, so this is exciting
indeed.
If you don’t
think the drug companies are anxious to swoop in and snatch up these ancient
spices and herbs to patent them out of your reach, just look at how GlaxoSmithKline
reacted in 2010 when resveratrol’s incredible healing powers were rising and
its impact on multiple myeloma was creating excitement for the next super-drug.[7]
Observing the incredible potential of resveratrol, GlaxoSmithKline pursued this
molecule, skewing its molecular structure in order to patent what was being
touted as a “poly-pill” capable of curing anything. What they most likely did not
factor in was dose-dependency and ended a trial when their presumably high dose
created kidney failure; they may very well have missed their aim of patenting a
natural substance that still holds its place well, impacting an important cross
section of diseases. But the pharmaceutical model stands as a threat to health
and health freedom today as common spices are exhibiting radical healing
potential on their own without the structural skewing and we have access to
them directly and much more cheaply due in large part to NHF’s protective
stance in regards to nutritional supplements at Codex.
It puts NHF on high alert when Codex
Alimentarius decides to insinuate itself into your kitchen spice rack by adding
a new Codex committee meeting in India in February 2014.[8]
According to Sanjay Dave, Codex Chairman, the first meeting will be to frame
strategies for quality of culinary spices and promote harmonization to
facilitate World trade. As
far as the spice quality is concerned, that deals with issues like physical
characteristics, uniformity in color, size, appearance, and packaging, which come
under quality parameters.
Safety parameters in spices focus
on pesticide residues, mycotoxin contamination, microbiological such as
Salmonella, E. coli, and other contamination that is harmful to health. When
these issues arise in relation to quality regulation, which again is simply
addressing color, size, appearance, and packaging, they will be referred to the
appropriate Codex committee responsible for them, such as the Food Labelling,
Food Additives, Food Hygiene, Pesticide Residues, Contaminants, and so on, most
of which the National Health Federation participates in. This initial Codex
committee meeting on Culinary Spices will begin the tedious process of sorting
every culinary herb into monitoring pathways handled by appropriate Codex committees
on all of the issues from quality to safety. For example, the Pesticide Residue
Codex Committee will determine appropriate parts per million or maximum upper
limits of pesticide residues which will be adopted globally for purposes of
creating harmonization in World Trade when that particular spice is exported.
According to the Spices Board of
India, countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and Netherlands have laid
down cleanliness specification for spices. The European Spice Association (ESA),
comprising members of the European Union, has come out with the "quality
minima for herbs and spices." This serves as a guideline with specifications
for member countries in European Union. The European Union has yet to finalize
the cleanliness specification for spices and spice products.[9]
It is too bad this governing body was not able to achieve a clean, relatively
standardized export product without Codex involvement. So while there are some
decidedly good aspects to Codex’s goal of harmonization by promoting the
assurance that imported spices are clean and free from contaminants, where
spices are concerned that have been proven in scientific research to heal many
diseases, of the eyes in particular, NHF sees a pathway directly from the
kitchen spice rack right to the revolving door of the Pharmaceutical industry
in the hopes of patenting these healing spices. This will reduce the power of
the average person to control their own health by using these spices for
treating disease as World trade and the potential for profits and increased
regulatory control at the expense of health reigns supreme.
The threat is not only drug
companies lobbying to regulate common, but powerfully healing, kitchen spices
but irradiation is an issue as well, which lowers the nutritional content of
foods. India is having a problem currently with a lack of integrity in the
cleanliness of their spices. Like China, once you gain a reputation for
releasing impure product in world trade, you are forever suspect. They are wise
to adopt standards and guidelines in many respects if they wish to increase
their economy by trading globally. This could have been achieved apart from
Codex, however, and should have been achieved nationally. But they have adopted
this course and the National Health Federation intends to have a say in how
it’s managed as we see the potential pitfalls and loss of control of healing
spices currently labeled “culinary.”
Perhaps the most important part of
the Indian spice issue is just what happened when GlaxoSmithKline tried to get
a patent on resveratrol for use in diabetics. This action threatened to take a
valuable healing tool out of the reach of the consumer and leave drug companies
and doctors in full control of access and availability. The same could happen
with the developing spice market being so effective in healing potentially
blinding eye disease with curcumin, turmeric, saffron, and rosemary being
potentially regulated as drugs. If NHF can stave it off, so much the better for
us all who feel our eyesight is too precious to brook the interference of
excessive and unnecessary regulation. NHF appreciates your support (http://www.thenhf.com/page.php?id=19)
as we attend many Codex meetings in 2014 to protect you and your family.
(c) 2014 Katherine A. Carroll
[1] See
“Saffron Stamens” page on Mountain Rose Herbs website: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/saffron_stamens.php,
accessed on December 27, 2013.
[2] Pescosolido N, Giannotti R, Plateroti AM, Pascarella A, Nebbioso M,
“Curcumin: Therapeutical Potential in Ophthalmology, ” Planta Med., 2013
Dec 9.
[3] “PGRP-SC2 Promotes Gut
Immune Homeostasis to Limit Commensal Dysbiosis and Extend Lifespan” ;
publishing January 12, 2014 in Cell
[4] Suryanarayana
P, Saraswat M, Mrudula T, Krishna TP, Krishnaswamy
K, Reddy GB, National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR),
Hyderabad, India, “Curcumin and
turmeric delay streptozotocin-induced diabetic cataract in rats,” Invest Ophthalmol
Vis Sci., 2005 Jun;46(6):2092-9.
[5] Piccardi
M, Marangoni D, Minnella AM, Savastano MC, Valentini P, Ambrosio L, Capoluongo
E, Maccarone R, Bisti S, Falsini B, “A longitudinal follow-up study of saffron
supplementation in early age-related macular degeneration: sustained benefits
to central retinal function,” Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.,
2012;2012:429124. doi: 10.1155/2012/429124. Epub 2012 Jul 18.
[6] Tayebeh
Rezaie1, Scott R. McKercher1, Kunio Kosaka2, Masaaki Seki1, Larry Wheeler3,
Veena Viswanath3, Teresa Chun3, Rabina Joshi1, Marcos Valencia1, Shunsuke
Sasaki4, Terumasa Tozawa4, Takumi Satoh1,4 and Stuart A. Lipton1, “Protective
Effect of Carnosic Acid, a Pro-Electrophilic Compound, in Models of Oxidative
Stress and Light-Induced Retinal Degeneration,” Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.,
November 27, 2012 vol. 53 no. 12 7847-7854, Published online before print
October 18, 2012, doi: 10.1167/iovs.12-10793.
[7]Allan
Haberman , “GlaxoSmithKline Stops Development Of Resveratrol Drug SRT501,”
Haberman Associates
Consulting for Effective Life Science R&D and
Partnering Blog, December 1, 2010.
[8] See“Uniform
standards would help improve trade in spices,” http://www.fnbnews.com/article/detnews.asp?articleid=34453§ionid=11,
accessed Monday, October 07, 2013.
[9] See
“Quality Specifications,” on Indian Spice Board website at: http://www.indianspices.com/html/spices_board_quality_spec.htm.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Thanksgiving Day Hike on the way to Comet Falls Near Mt. Rainier and an Understanding of True Gratitude by Kat Carroll
Thanksgiving Day Hike on the way
to Comet Falls Near Mt. Rainier and an Understanding of True Gratitude
By Kat Carroll
Adytum Sanctuary guests all want
to know about great hikes, nearby. Comet Falls, on the drive in to Mt. Rainier,
is just that. In years past, before our optometry offices (Medical Vision
Center and Martin Way Vision Center) were intense and busy, we’d take off in
the early afternoon heading east from Morton the 45 minutes to reach Mt.
Rainier to hike Paradise; and a true Paradise it is. Oftentimes we settled for
hiking on the way to Comet Falls and perhaps see spectacular Narada Falls too instead of driving the distance
to Paradise. There’s always something to see in the Pacific Northwest where Paradise,
with its elevation at the 5400 feet level, sees an average of 126 inches of rain
fall annually creating stunning waterfalls where you’d never expect them- many
along the scenic drive in.
The Comet Falls hike engages
immediately with natural stone forming steps, interlacing with the roots
of ancient trees emerging on the surface to provide a foothold as well.
Pathways can be so seductive, beckoning us on with the hopes of capturing the
essence and thunderous force of a waterfall where we’d least expect to find
one.
Walking among the company of old
friends, The Ancients- Fir primarily, we forget cities, burdens, work, cares,
and we are One with the Earth again as though we’d laid on its surface to soak
in its energy and ground ourselves to Reality once more. This is Reality.
Cities and schedules come and go. This is Life and it nurtures our spirits this
Thanksgiving day.
Truly I can think of few more
pleasurable ways to spend a holiday…I only wish my family were with me today as
we make our way up the gentle rise toward the Falls. Thanksgivings are casualties
of divorce and this one allowed my children to spend time with their father and
some to serve others in working on this day of gratitude. But it was okay. I
just wanted them to experience Life apart from what Thanksgiving has become in
too many cases, not necessarily this one: Turkey, hard work for the women in
the family, and football.
Nature naturally inspires
gratitude. It is also an invitation to exist in the moment whether it entices
us on a gentle upward rise toward beauty or engages fully as man summits a peak
fighting forces of nature and his own exhaustion. To celebrate Thanksgiving in
the mountains is the perfect way for me, today, to gain perspective.
What emerged was an intense
gratitude not so much for the blessings in my life but for the hard spots.
Trials. Places of resignation—of “I am willing to have this be so…” because I woke with The Breath of the Dragon
over the valley and Lake Mayfield and later, as it dissipated as a vapor into
thin air, it taught me in its silent lesson that all of life is a matter of perspective.
For those in the Valley below, trapped in the exceedingly heavy fog and mists we term, “The
Dragon’s Breath” or “Spirit Breathing”, they may have been limited in their thinking,
seeing little but darkness around them, and perhaps felt depressed and hopeless inside
of the seeming oppression. But from our perspective, at Adytum Sanctuary, we
saw beautiful rafts of clouds undulating slowly…rising and falling and gaining
altitude as they made their way to the very tops of tall trees and ringing the
mountains so that only their peaks emerged into the atmosphere. It was
magnificent and it was terrible all at once. It all depends upon perspective.
And this is what I carried into
my hike on this Thanksgiving Day. Nature fed my
spirit and I skipped the focus altogether on feeding my appetite. The first
Thanksgiving focused on what the pilgrims most had need of: physical sustenance. This
Thanksgiving, I have need of spiritual sustenance as things are in front of me
that I balk at interiorly. So as I traversed the gentle slope to a magnificent
waterfall that came so unexpectedly to intersect my meditative walk, I had been
thinking of some people in my life who had horrific things intersect their
lives—hard things and permanent things for which the tunnel would forever
remain darkened with no light at the proverbial end. Gratitude was not only for
the happinesses that are in my life but also that I was not chosen to bear such
hard burdens this year. That year may come, when God deems me strong enough,
but for this Thanksgiving Day, I marveled at the friends around me who WERE
strong enough to bear hard things and face them not with resignation but with
grace and full surrender, willing to be a Light to the rest of us and me in
particular who will complain about the pebble in my shoe.
This Thanksgiving was filled
with the admiration and awe of my dear friends who have earned such a place in
the Universe that they are allowed to bear things which would make most of us
melt. I have a new respect for adversity and thankfulness and blessing on this
Thanksgiving Day is just a small part of embracing ALL that life has with
thanksgiving, blessing it, surrendering to it not with resignation but
welcoming it as a teacher.
A dear friend and mentor of mine
suggested a book, A Treatise on Efficacy Between Western and Chinese Thinking
by Francois Jullien and translated by Janet Lloyd. The Chinese thought process,
which I very much respect, teaches to not seek to impact a situation by
imposing our will upon it but to wait, watching for the advantage to reveal
itself. This is the place where true power is found and it’s been true in my
life in the past when things were hard; patiently waiting, acceptance, and
finally reaching the place of gratitude opened the way for transformation where
imposing will never did one thing but create frustration. The Western way
opposes this thinking. The will is asserted over the situation and yet the
outcome will remain unsure despite the aggressive template of will over conditions.
Thankfulness and gratitude
assume new proportions this Thanksgiving because of learning the Chinese
thought process. It is easy to be thankful for blessings and we in the Western World
in particular have so very, very many. It is not so easy to be thankful for places
we are being led where we have no desire to go but must. This Thanksgiving,
spent in nature among my dear old friends, My Ancients, who have bent and swayed with many a
storm and yet stand firm and strong, I have been taught that gratitude and
thankfulness are not dependent on blessing but upon standing and standing firm
despite the odds. And that those of my friends whom have been tested the most
severely are the ones deserving least of my pity but more my awe and sincere admiration.
One day perhaps I will be counted worthy to be among their number, bearing much
and still standing to give thanks.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Pinnacle Peak...My Favorite Valley
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