Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
MSNBC linking additives to food behavior
This one and the last one are from the Feingold newsletter as a member of Feingold program which says that removal of artificial colors and flavors from your diet can help your child concentrate and behave better.
Study linking Hyperactivity in kids to food additives
A study in the UK linking ADHD and food additives. Way to go UK!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
How to tell if MSG is in your food
MSG is in everything.
Here is a list of foods that contain MSG
Everything!
Here is a list of foods that contain MSG
Everything!
Aspatame can make your hungry
Here is a doctor who says that aspartame makes you hungry. Eat a chemical that has less calories to help you lose weight. It makes you eat more. Mix it with MSG which also makes you eat more, and makes the food taste better and you get a society full of disease and wonder why people can't lose weight. So, suppose that we blame the disease on the weight gain.
Think about it. You eat MSG and aspartame, you eat more you gain more weight, now you have problems with your body and it is blamed on being over weight.
You eat aspartame it makes you hungry, so the food you eat to make you skinny, makes you eat more. Society says your illness is because of your weight, so you eat more aspartame and MSG and you gain more weight.
Still, it's your fault for not having good willpower? Then you get glaucoma from the MSG and they give you a a glutamate blocker which blocks the affect of the MSG and your glaucoma gets better.
Someone is making a lot of Money. MSG minus MSG makes you feel better, then you eat it again and take the drug again.
Think about it. You eat MSG and aspartame, you eat more you gain more weight, now you have problems with your body and it is blamed on being over weight.
You eat aspartame it makes you hungry, so the food you eat to make you skinny, makes you eat more. Society says your illness is because of your weight, so you eat more aspartame and MSG and you gain more weight.
Still, it's your fault for not having good willpower? Then you get glaucoma from the MSG and they give you a a glutamate blocker which blocks the affect of the MSG and your glaucoma gets better.
Someone is making a lot of Money. MSG minus MSG makes you feel better, then you eat it again and take the drug again.
The connection of gluten and casein to autism
This is an article of about autism. It connects to gluten and casein.
gardisil side effects such as seizures more common than once thought.
Gardasil a vaccine given to 11 and 12 year olds caused 3,461 complaints such as seizures and paralysis.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Dana's view
This is Dana's website. Pay careful attention to the recovery pages. Dana is a wealth of information and you have a question about biomedical treatments. This is a great place to check. If you need some inspiration in doing GFCF, read the recovery stories listed here.
I have permission from Dana to link to her website, but not from the individual people listed in recovery.
I have permission from Dana to link to her website, but not from the individual people listed in recovery.
Scientific studies of using Biomedical treatments for Autism
Generation Rescue is great website. You can get "rescue angel" to help you in your journey. There are stories of people who have brought their child into the here and now. This site has been recommended to me often and I refer to it often.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Additives banned in food but allowed in children's medicine
Here is an article stating that additives in children's medicines banned for children under 3 in the child's food, are still in their medicine.
These additives are not banned in the US but should be. The United States doesn't ban them in the foods OR the medicines. Why Not?
At least the UK has a good start. Here in the US we have a lot to learn.
These additives are not banned in the US but should be. The United States doesn't ban them in the foods OR the medicines. Why Not?
At least the UK has a good start. Here in the US we have a lot to learn.
Find me a study that links less crime and dietary changes
I wish there was a study. I'll find it if it exists that someone could take all the kids in a juvenile detention center and cook them meals form scratch without the additives. I'll bet they would all behave better. Think about it, I'll bet it would reduce crime. I wonder what would happen if someone put criminals on GFCF. That would be interesting.
That's just my own thought.
That's just my own thought.
They Are What You Feed Them By Alex Richardson
This is a website connecting food and behavior in the UK. There is a book listed there called They are What you Feed Them. By Alex Richardson. There is an excerpt from this book in fabresearch.org. I read the excerpt but not the whole book yet. It describes the problem in the UK but I have been to the UK and it's far worse in the US. I think it's the reason so many poor people have learning difficulties and behavior issues is because junk food is cheap and available. There are more brands with no nutrients and not even real food cheap and available in the UK. There are also some additives banned in the UK but available easily in the US.
I have to go. I'll find some later.
I have to go. I'll find some later.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Study of the gut-brain connection. What those on the Dan Protocol have known all along
Scientists make gut-brain connection to autism
Last Updated: Thursday, September 27, 2007 | 5:29 PM ET
CBC News
Compounds produced in the digestive system have been linked to autistic-type behaviour in laboratory settings, potentially demonstrating that what autistic children eat can alter their brain function, say scientists from the University of Western Ontario.
They announced their findings Thursday in Ottawa.
Scientists are learning that the brain and body can influence each other, says a Harvard researcher.
(CBC) UWO researchers investigated the "gut-brain" connection after many parents of autistic children reported significant improvements in the behaviour of their autistic children when they modified their diet, eliminating dairy and wheat products, Dr. Derrick MacFabe, the director of a research group at UWO in London, Ont., told CBC News Thursday.
Researchers were particularly interested in one dietary characteristic the autistic children seemed to exhibit, he said.
"Certainly, a lot of these children had peculiar cravings for high-carbohydrate foods that caused their behaviours," he said.
"We were interested in finding a link between certain compounds that are produced by bacteria in the digestive system — particularly those occurring with early childhood infections."
Continue Article
The bacteria produce propionic acid, a short chain fatty acid, which in addition to existing in the gut, is commonly found in bread and dairy products, MacFabe said.
To test their hypothesis that diet plays a part in generating autistic behaviour, UWO scientists administered the compound to rats' brains.
"They immediately engaged in bouts of repetitive behaviour, hyperactivity and impaired social behaviours which had close similarity to what parents are seeing with autism," MacFabe said.
When the rats' brains were examined later, they were found to have inflammatory processes similar to those in the brains of autistic children, he said.
"We found, looking at the rats' brains under the microscope, changes that looked a lot like what's occurred from autopsy cases of patients who had autism."
It's remarkable that a simple compound like propionic acid would have such a dramatic effect on "normal" animals, he said.
MacFabe said his research team, and scientists at Queen's University in Kingston, Ont., and Harvard University, are now conducting screening studies looking at effects of dietary changes in the general population.
New way of approaching autism
Dr. Martha Herbert, assistant professor in neurology at Harvard Medical School, told CBC News that the study opens up a new way of thinking about the disorder.
"Now we're learning that the brain and body can influence each other," she said.
Autistic children are increasingly being seen as "oversensitized," meaning "things may bother them that don't bother other people," she said. "We need to pay attention to this."
Treating a child's health should be the first step in addressing autism, Herbert said, rather than solely focusing on behavioural therapy, currently a mainline approach.
"Behaviour therapy is certainly important. But the child's health controls the bandwidth that the child has for being able to benefit from behavioural therapy. If a child is sick, they won't be able to focus."
Parents should watch their children closely to determine what foods trigger reactions and to consider removing those triggers, she said.
Herbert strongly advocates a balanced diet, consisting of all food groups, not just "bread and cheese."
"If you have foods that child is sensitive to in their immune system, that can set up processes that can impact brain function, and it can do so in a negative way. And if you remove those foods, that negative impact can stop."
Related
Internal Links
Autism rates higher among immigrant families
In Depth: Autism
Video
CBC-TV's Suhana Meharchand talks to Martha Herbert of the Harvard Medical School. (Runs: 4:51)
Play: Real Media »
Play: QuickTime »
More Health Headlines »
High calcium intake could protect bones from breast cancer's spread
Taking your calcium could stave off the spread of breast cancer to the bones, finds a new study.
School food not making the grade, says report
Most provincial governments are failing parents and students by allowing the sale of junk foods in schools, according to a health advocacy group.
Toxic pollutants kill up to 25,000 Canadians annually: B.C. study
Canadians are awash in toxic chemicals that are held responsible for 24,000 new cases of cancer annually and for low birth weights in 2,500 babies, a researcher at the University of British Columbia says.
Sask. bird flu case highlights need to be prepared: official
Though the bird flu virus that has emerged at a Saskatchewan poultry farm isn't the same strain that has killed 200 people in 12 countries, it has highlighted Canada's need for a pandemic plan.
Many high-risk people skip flu vaccination: Study
Many high-risk groups, such as younger people with chronic conditions and seniors, are not being vaccinated against the flu, suggests a report released Tuesday.
Health Features
IN DEPTH
Tainted blood
A timeline VIDEO FEATURE
Healthy lunches
Improving school menus (Runs 5:22)
Your view
SLIDESHOW
The Joggler
Juggling marathoner's world-record run (Runs 4:41) IN DEPTH
Your metabolism
Burn, calories, burn VIDEO FEATURE
Feet first
Tips on picking a good walking shoe (Runs 4:29)
Blog Watch
Read what bloggers are saying about this article
View 15 posts »
Search Technorati
Note: CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external sites - link will open in new window
Last Updated: Thursday, September 27, 2007 | 5:29 PM ET
CBC News
Compounds produced in the digestive system have been linked to autistic-type behaviour in laboratory settings, potentially demonstrating that what autistic children eat can alter their brain function, say scientists from the University of Western Ontario.
They announced their findings Thursday in Ottawa.
Scientists are learning that the brain and body can influence each other, says a Harvard researcher.
(CBC) UWO researchers investigated the "gut-brain" connection after many parents of autistic children reported significant improvements in the behaviour of their autistic children when they modified their diet, eliminating dairy and wheat products, Dr. Derrick MacFabe, the director of a research group at UWO in London, Ont., told CBC News Thursday.
Researchers were particularly interested in one dietary characteristic the autistic children seemed to exhibit, he said.
"Certainly, a lot of these children had peculiar cravings for high-carbohydrate foods that caused their behaviours," he said.
"We were interested in finding a link between certain compounds that are produced by bacteria in the digestive system — particularly those occurring with early childhood infections."
Continue Article
The bacteria produce propionic acid, a short chain fatty acid, which in addition to existing in the gut, is commonly found in bread and dairy products, MacFabe said.
To test their hypothesis that diet plays a part in generating autistic behaviour, UWO scientists administered the compound to rats' brains.
"They immediately engaged in bouts of repetitive behaviour, hyperactivity and impaired social behaviours which had close similarity to what parents are seeing with autism," MacFabe said.
When the rats' brains were examined later, they were found to have inflammatory processes similar to those in the brains of autistic children, he said.
"We found, looking at the rats' brains under the microscope, changes that looked a lot like what's occurred from autopsy cases of patients who had autism."
It's remarkable that a simple compound like propionic acid would have such a dramatic effect on "normal" animals, he said.
MacFabe said his research team, and scientists at Queen's University in Kingston, Ont., and Harvard University, are now conducting screening studies looking at effects of dietary changes in the general population.
New way of approaching autism
Dr. Martha Herbert, assistant professor in neurology at Harvard Medical School, told CBC News that the study opens up a new way of thinking about the disorder.
"Now we're learning that the brain and body can influence each other," she said.
Autistic children are increasingly being seen as "oversensitized," meaning "things may bother them that don't bother other people," she said. "We need to pay attention to this."
Treating a child's health should be the first step in addressing autism, Herbert said, rather than solely focusing on behavioural therapy, currently a mainline approach.
"Behaviour therapy is certainly important. But the child's health controls the bandwidth that the child has for being able to benefit from behavioural therapy. If a child is sick, they won't be able to focus."
Parents should watch their children closely to determine what foods trigger reactions and to consider removing those triggers, she said.
Herbert strongly advocates a balanced diet, consisting of all food groups, not just "bread and cheese."
"If you have foods that child is sensitive to in their immune system, that can set up processes that can impact brain function, and it can do so in a negative way. And if you remove those foods, that negative impact can stop."
Related
Internal Links
Autism rates higher among immigrant families
In Depth: Autism
Video
CBC-TV's Suhana Meharchand talks to Martha Herbert of the Harvard Medical School. (Runs: 4:51)
Play: Real Media »
Play: QuickTime »
More Health Headlines »
High calcium intake could protect bones from breast cancer's spread
Taking your calcium could stave off the spread of breast cancer to the bones, finds a new study.
School food not making the grade, says report
Most provincial governments are failing parents and students by allowing the sale of junk foods in schools, according to a health advocacy group.
Toxic pollutants kill up to 25,000 Canadians annually: B.C. study
Canadians are awash in toxic chemicals that are held responsible for 24,000 new cases of cancer annually and for low birth weights in 2,500 babies, a researcher at the University of British Columbia says.
Sask. bird flu case highlights need to be prepared: official
Though the bird flu virus that has emerged at a Saskatchewan poultry farm isn't the same strain that has killed 200 people in 12 countries, it has highlighted Canada's need for a pandemic plan.
Many high-risk people skip flu vaccination: Study
Many high-risk groups, such as younger people with chronic conditions and seniors, are not being vaccinated against the flu, suggests a report released Tuesday.
Health Features
IN DEPTH
Tainted blood
A timeline VIDEO FEATURE
Healthy lunches
Improving school menus (Runs 5:22)
Your view
SLIDESHOW
The Joggler
Juggling marathoner's world-record run (Runs 4:41) IN DEPTH
Your metabolism
Burn, calories, burn VIDEO FEATURE
Feet first
Tips on picking a good walking shoe (Runs 4:29)
Blog Watch
Read what bloggers are saying about this article
View 15 posts »
Search Technorati
Note: CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external sites - link will open in new window
PANDAS
This is an article about PANDAS. It stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococoal Infections.
Basically, it means A strep infection has caused some OCD and/or Tics and some Autistic like symptoms.
The link is above.
It's something to check with your Dan Doc if your child has a history of strep or scarlet fever and the OCD and Tics get worse with a strep infection.
Basically, it means A strep infection has caused some OCD and/or Tics and some Autistic like symptoms.
The link is above.
It's something to check with your Dan Doc if your child has a history of strep or scarlet fever and the OCD and Tics get worse with a strep infection.
Aluminum in soy. I didn't know.
This is a good article about soy. If you have thyroid issues or fertility issues. Avoid the Soy.
SAY IT AIN'T SOy!
We Americans hear something is good for us and we gobble it up. If a little is good, then a lot must be great, right? But just because it says "soy" on the label, doesn't mean it's good for us. True that soy is versatile and lends itself to everything from milk and yogurt to soy dogs, from snack nuts to tofu. It is low in saturated fat, high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (good fat) and low in cholesterol. It is full of essential amino acids, is a good source of B Vitamins, has Phytochemicals, is a source of protein , and in certain forms, it may even be a source of calcium. But for many, soy must be avoided and labels must be read carefully as soy is an allergen. Most people who have food allergies, have an allergy to soy. This can be difficult because many common foods contain some form of soy. Most snacks, baked foods, breads, canned tuna in oil, cereals, crackers, infant formulas, sauces, soups and even some nut butters, including peanut butter, contain soy.
The next problem is that soy crops are heavily doused with pesticides. Therefore, if buying soy products, make sure they are always organic. In addition, most soy beans are now GMO and the genetically engineered soy beans have less of the good and more of the bad parts of soy. The bad part of soy? Read on...
There is quite a debate about whether soy is good for us or even bad for us. The problem is that isoflavones mimic estrogen. There are conflicting reports about it decreasing or increasing the risk of breast cancer, for example. There are reports about lower prostate cancer in men and at the same time reports about it increasing the risk of Alzheimer's. If choosing soy, choose it in moderation because the verdict is still out on the benefits or possible disadvantages of soy, especially in the amounts we are eating it in the U.S. There are clear warnings that isoflavones, a flavanoid found in soy, should never top 25 milligrams (the FDA's maximum safe amount) in any one day. This is easy to reach with a big glass of soy milk, soy yogurt, and since soy IS in almost everything processed we eat and in many supplements.
The fact is that we just don't know how soy, especially in the quantities we are consuming, affects our bodies. And each of us is unique: our genetics, our health background, our current health status; soy affects each differently. As John Robbins states, "We are eating soy products today at levels never before seen in history." We are walking experiments with all the soy (just like we are with HFCS and GMO).
All reports that I've read indicate that fermented soy products like miso, nato, fermented tofu, soymilk from fermented beans, soy or tamari or shoyu sauce, and tempeh, are fine in moderation. The long fermentation process neutralizes the natural toxins found in soy. Soy is said to inhibit our bodies from absorbing calcium, protein, magnesium, zinc and iron because they are quite high in phytic acid. Phytate is a salt that makes calcium, zinc, iron and other nutrients insoluble so that they are not absorbed by the body properly. The fermentation process (for miso, tempeh, and sauces) reduces the phytates. In addition, eating meat or fish with the soy product (like miso soup with some chicken , tofu in a fish broth, meat with tofu) also reduces the phytates and allows our bodies to absorb these essential minerals.
Up for debate is the value of soy milk, soy yogurt, soy dogs and other products made from soy in it's unfermented state.
One thing is clear, The Green Guide, Dr. Mercola, John Robbins, and Dr. Weil all agree that certain derivatives of soy, such as soybean oil, soy lecithin, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, and soy protein isolates should be avoided. Many milks and tofu-based ice creams are from SPI. SPI is a cheap way for companies to add protein to energy bars to make them seem healthful. The soy protein isolate is actually the left over by-product of creating soy oil so instead of throwing it away, it gets added to processed foods to add protein. In order to extract the protein and reduce the enzyme inhibitors in soy, they must be treated with a high temperature chemical process. Toxins and carcinogens are created during this process including nitrates, MSG, and lysinoalanine. Read your ingredients well and avoid foods that contain:
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Soy Flour
Soy Oil (also look for Vegetable Oil - most is actually soy oil)
Soy Lecithin (GMO especially)
Soy Protein Isolates (SPI)
Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)
In order to create SPI, they first place the soy beans in a chemical alkaline bath which removes the fiber. Then the soy is separated in an acid wash. This is usually done in aluminum tanks (cheaper than other materials and good at conducting heat) and the aluminum does leach into the soy product. Soy Protein Isolate and many processed soy products, including some brands of Tofu , are regularly made by heating and chemically treating the soy in aluminum vats. This treatment leaches aluminum into the soy product as well as carcinogens and toxins. Then it is neutralized in an alkalaline bath once again. Toxic Lysinoalanine is created during this process. The curds are then spray dried at high temperatures to create SPI. During this process, nitrates are formed. Then extruded at high temperature and high pressure to produce the TVP (textured vegetable protein). MSG and Artificial flavors may be added to SPI or TVP to mask the soybeany flavor.
The irony is that the high temperatures used to create the SPI (and to get rid of most of the phytates) also makes it difficult to impossible for our bodies to absorb the protein.
When we eat soy, we need more Vitamin D, E, K, and B12 for normal health and growth. Soy has been said to negatively affect thyroid function. Since soy mimics estrogen, studies have indicated that it can cause fertility problems. Soy has been linked to a number of illnesses and symptoms including fatigue, fertility and reproductive problems, Alzheimer's, and other mental problems. At the same time soy has been praised for lowering the risk of colon cancer, retaining bone mass, reducing hot flashes in menopausal women, and inhibiting prostate cancer. In one study, women are been advised to eat soy and then another cautions against it. Soy formula for babies has been under controversial debate for some time now. Children and soy are of greater concern because their bodies are growing. There could be long term health effects from eating soy as a baby or a child that we are still yet unaware. The safe amount of soy? Who knows, for some of us it is more than for others of us. Personally, our family chooses to avoid processed soy products and soy protein isolates and only eat fermented soy in moderation.
Proponents all point to the fact that the Japanese tend to be a healthier group of people. But when you look more deeply, you see that they eat 7 to 10 grams (that's only about 2 teaspoons!!) of whole soy foods including tofu, edamame, tempeh, soy sauce, and miso each day as well as a diet rich in vegetables, fish, fruits, ginger, sea vegetables, and green tea. They do not eat processed foods with SPI, like cookies, milk, crackers, protein bars, and soy dogs.
Food and eating, weight and energy, it all comes back to the basics. Eat greens to prevent cancer instead of the latest cure craze. Eat more organic fruits and vegetables. Live a healthy lifestyle. Get your 9 a day!
Books:
The Whole Soy Story is the book that tells the the whole soy story that scientists know, that we need to know, and that the soy industry has tried to suppress. Not all types of soy foods are good for us. Even good soy products must be eaten in appropriate quantities. Dozens of respected scientists have issued warnings stating that the possible benefits eating soy should be weighed against proven risks. This book will change your diet and may save your life.
SAY IT AIN'T SOy!
We Americans hear something is good for us and we gobble it up. If a little is good, then a lot must be great, right? But just because it says "soy" on the label, doesn't mean it's good for us. True that soy is versatile and lends itself to everything from milk and yogurt to soy dogs, from snack nuts to tofu. It is low in saturated fat, high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (good fat) and low in cholesterol. It is full of essential amino acids, is a good source of B Vitamins, has Phytochemicals, is a source of protein , and in certain forms, it may even be a source of calcium. But for many, soy must be avoided and labels must be read carefully as soy is an allergen. Most people who have food allergies, have an allergy to soy. This can be difficult because many common foods contain some form of soy. Most snacks, baked foods, breads, canned tuna in oil, cereals, crackers, infant formulas, sauces, soups and even some nut butters, including peanut butter, contain soy.
The next problem is that soy crops are heavily doused with pesticides. Therefore, if buying soy products, make sure they are always organic. In addition, most soy beans are now GMO and the genetically engineered soy beans have less of the good and more of the bad parts of soy. The bad part of soy? Read on...
There is quite a debate about whether soy is good for us or even bad for us. The problem is that isoflavones mimic estrogen. There are conflicting reports about it decreasing or increasing the risk of breast cancer, for example. There are reports about lower prostate cancer in men and at the same time reports about it increasing the risk of Alzheimer's. If choosing soy, choose it in moderation because the verdict is still out on the benefits or possible disadvantages of soy, especially in the amounts we are eating it in the U.S. There are clear warnings that isoflavones, a flavanoid found in soy, should never top 25 milligrams (the FDA's maximum safe amount) in any one day. This is easy to reach with a big glass of soy milk, soy yogurt, and since soy IS in almost everything processed we eat and in many supplements.
The fact is that we just don't know how soy, especially in the quantities we are consuming, affects our bodies. And each of us is unique: our genetics, our health background, our current health status; soy affects each differently. As John Robbins states, "We are eating soy products today at levels never before seen in history." We are walking experiments with all the soy (just like we are with HFCS and GMO).
All reports that I've read indicate that fermented soy products like miso, nato, fermented tofu, soymilk from fermented beans, soy or tamari or shoyu sauce, and tempeh, are fine in moderation. The long fermentation process neutralizes the natural toxins found in soy. Soy is said to inhibit our bodies from absorbing calcium, protein, magnesium, zinc and iron because they are quite high in phytic acid. Phytate is a salt that makes calcium, zinc, iron and other nutrients insoluble so that they are not absorbed by the body properly. The fermentation process (for miso, tempeh, and sauces) reduces the phytates. In addition, eating meat or fish with the soy product (like miso soup with some chicken , tofu in a fish broth, meat with tofu) also reduces the phytates and allows our bodies to absorb these essential minerals.
Up for debate is the value of soy milk, soy yogurt, soy dogs and other products made from soy in it's unfermented state.
One thing is clear, The Green Guide, Dr. Mercola, John Robbins, and Dr. Weil all agree that certain derivatives of soy, such as soybean oil, soy lecithin, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, and soy protein isolates should be avoided. Many milks and tofu-based ice creams are from SPI. SPI is a cheap way for companies to add protein to energy bars to make them seem healthful. The soy protein isolate is actually the left over by-product of creating soy oil so instead of throwing it away, it gets added to processed foods to add protein. In order to extract the protein and reduce the enzyme inhibitors in soy, they must be treated with a high temperature chemical process. Toxins and carcinogens are created during this process including nitrates, MSG, and lysinoalanine. Read your ingredients well and avoid foods that contain:
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Soy Flour
Soy Oil (also look for Vegetable Oil - most is actually soy oil)
Soy Lecithin (GMO especially)
Soy Protein Isolates (SPI)
Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)
In order to create SPI, they first place the soy beans in a chemical alkaline bath which removes the fiber. Then the soy is separated in an acid wash. This is usually done in aluminum tanks (cheaper than other materials and good at conducting heat) and the aluminum does leach into the soy product. Soy Protein Isolate and many processed soy products, including some brands of Tofu , are regularly made by heating and chemically treating the soy in aluminum vats. This treatment leaches aluminum into the soy product as well as carcinogens and toxins. Then it is neutralized in an alkalaline bath once again. Toxic Lysinoalanine is created during this process. The curds are then spray dried at high temperatures to create SPI. During this process, nitrates are formed. Then extruded at high temperature and high pressure to produce the TVP (textured vegetable protein). MSG and Artificial flavors may be added to SPI or TVP to mask the soybeany flavor.
The irony is that the high temperatures used to create the SPI (and to get rid of most of the phytates) also makes it difficult to impossible for our bodies to absorb the protein.
When we eat soy, we need more Vitamin D, E, K, and B12 for normal health and growth. Soy has been said to negatively affect thyroid function. Since soy mimics estrogen, studies have indicated that it can cause fertility problems. Soy has been linked to a number of illnesses and symptoms including fatigue, fertility and reproductive problems, Alzheimer's, and other mental problems. At the same time soy has been praised for lowering the risk of colon cancer, retaining bone mass, reducing hot flashes in menopausal women, and inhibiting prostate cancer. In one study, women are been advised to eat soy and then another cautions against it. Soy formula for babies has been under controversial debate for some time now. Children and soy are of greater concern because their bodies are growing. There could be long term health effects from eating soy as a baby or a child that we are still yet unaware. The safe amount of soy? Who knows, for some of us it is more than for others of us. Personally, our family chooses to avoid processed soy products and soy protein isolates and only eat fermented soy in moderation.
Proponents all point to the fact that the Japanese tend to be a healthier group of people. But when you look more deeply, you see that they eat 7 to 10 grams (that's only about 2 teaspoons!!) of whole soy foods including tofu, edamame, tempeh, soy sauce, and miso each day as well as a diet rich in vegetables, fish, fruits, ginger, sea vegetables, and green tea. They do not eat processed foods with SPI, like cookies, milk, crackers, protein bars, and soy dogs.
Food and eating, weight and energy, it all comes back to the basics. Eat greens to prevent cancer instead of the latest cure craze. Eat more organic fruits and vegetables. Live a healthy lifestyle. Get your 9 a day!
Books:
The Whole Soy Story is the book that tells the the whole soy story that scientists know, that we need to know, and that the soy industry has tried to suppress. Not all types of soy foods are good for us. Even good soy products must be eaten in appropriate quantities. Dozens of respected scientists have issued warnings stating that the possible benefits eating soy should be weighed against proven risks. This book will change your diet and may save your life.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
What happens when you eat GFCF?
The Use of Gluten and Casein Free Diets with People with Autism
Paul Shattock & Paul Whiteley
Autism Research Unit, University of Sunderland, UK
These notes do not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of a dietary method to alleviate the symptoms of autism or related pervasive developmental disorder. Any decision to undertake such a method must lie solely with the person with autism or with those having responsibility for their care. It is strongly recommended that anyone considering such interventions seek the support of their Medical Practitioner and, if possible, a knowledgeable dietician or nutritionist.
Background
In the early 1980s a number of researchers, including Herman and Panksepp, noted the similarities between the behavioural effects on animals of opioids, such as morphine, and the symptoms of autism. In a very speculative paper, Panksepp proposed a mechanism whereby people with autism may have elevated levels of opioids which occur naturally in the Central Nervous System (CNS) of humans. The best known of these naturally occurring opioid compounds is beta-endorphin (endogenous morphine) and certainly there is a degree of correlation between the known effects of this compound and the symptoms of autism. Just after this, Gillberg produced evidence of elevated levels of "endorphin-like substances" in the cerebrospinal fluid of some people with autism. In particular, elevated levels appeared in those children who appeared to feel pain less and who exhibited self-injurious behaviour. At about the same time, Reichelt produced evidence of abnormal peptides in the urine of people with autism. We ourselves, like a number of other groups, attempted to replicate his findings. Although his method was comparatively simple there were technical difficulties and these attempts were, initially unsuccessful. Later on we switched to a more sophisticated technique (HPLC) and have been able to provide partial confirmation of Reichelt's findings. In the urine of a proportion of people with autism and related conditions, there appear to be elevated levels of substances with physico-chemical properties similar to those expected from opioid peptides. The quantities of these compounds, as found in the urine, are hypothesised to be much too large to be of CNS origin. The quantities are such that they can only have been derived from the incomplete breakdown of certain foods.
Proteins consist of long chains of units known as amino-acids. Normally proteins are digested by enzymes in the intestines being broken down into these units. However, if for some reason, this digestion is incomplete, short chains of these amino-acids (known as peptides) will result. It is proposed that these peptides may be biologically active and could result in some symptoms similar to which we see in autism. The majority of these peptides will be dumped in the urine, which is where Reichelt and we speculate that we are finding them. A small proportion will cross into the brain and interfere with transmission in such a way that normal activity is altered or disrupted. It may be that these compounds, themselves, have a direct effect upon transmission or that they will attach themselves to the enzymes which would break down our own naturally occurring enzymes. The consequences would be the same in either case. It is well known that casein (from human or cow milk) will break down in the stomach to produce a peptide known as casomorphin which, as the name implies, will have opioid activities. Similar effects are noted with gluten from wheat and some other cereals in which case the compounds formed are gluteomorphins. If this opioid excess hypothesis is correct, there are a number of strategies which can be adopted. Firstly the anti-opioid drug Naltrexone could be considered, and promising initial results have been reported. Not all of the reported trials on Naltrexone have produced positive benefits but where appropriate very low dose therapies are employed the results seem to be better. Alternatively, a diet which excludes casein (milk and dairy produce) or gluten (wheat and some other cereal products) could be considered. It may be possible to determine, from the pattern of the urinary peptides whether casein or wheat or both should be avoided but such conclusions may be premature at this stage. It has been observed that those children whose autism appears at or around the time of birth may have a problem with casein whereas those whose autism becomes apparent at about two years of age, when a wheat based diet is more likely to be adopted, have particular difficulties with gluten. Some children may have difficulty with both. Norwegian colleagues of Reichelt have published data which support the effectiveness of such dietary programmes but these studies cannot be considered as conclusive [see reference]. Numerous people have experimented on an individual basis and have reported successful responses but such evidence cannot be considered as, in any way, conclusive. During preliminary studies of parental reports, however, the results appear to be very much superior to those obtained with equivocal drug-based therapy.
Practical Aspects
The theoretical processes described here are toxicological in nature rather than allergic. The results are akin to poisoning rather than an extreme sensitivity such as occurs in coeliac disease or sensitivity to certain food colourings. Removal of gluten and/or casein containing products requires the active participation of all those concerned with the child's well-being. Tests have often been ruined by a well-meaning relative who ignores parental instruction or by schools or therapists who feel that the proposals are rubbish. Carers must satisfy themselves that the diet is being adhered to before any evaluation is possible. Gluten and Casein free products, together with advice on their use, are available from most good Pharmacies. Nutritionist and dieticians are also in a position to give advice. Initially the reported effects may be negative. Upset stomach, anxiety, clinginess, dizziness, aches and pains and slight ill-temper have all been reported. Experience would suggest that these are good signs and precursors of a positive response. Reichelt recommends a trial period of three months. Experience also suggests that the results are more easily demonstrated in younger children. The effects in fully grown individuals appear less impressive. It should also be noted that the withdrawal effects may also be more noticeable in small children and that these can sometimes be very marked. Where younger children are involved (less than 4 years old for example), it may be appropriate to withdraw the offending foods in stages over a period of two weeks. Given that there appear to be a number of possible causes of autism it is not unexpected that no unitary solution will be found for all cases.
Conclusions
Although the hypothesis may appear "off the wall" in many respects, there are a number of pieces of evidence, which seem to support them. The ideas are compatible with virtually all the accepted biological data on autism and are therefore worthy of consideration. The dietary method must still be considered as experimental and no positive results can be promised or are claimed for every person. Despite continuing scepticism about the efficacy of dietary intervention amongst some quarters of the professional community, the use of diet may well be far less harmful than other medical interventions or therapeutic regimes; although care is still necessary during its implementation. We would be pleased to receive any feedback of a positive or negative nature from anyone utilising such dietary modification in the amelioration of autism.
Additional Published References (abstract only)
Several additional references pre-1999 are present in the research literature (particularly from Prof. Knivsberg’s group in Norway). The following represent the more significant recent findings.
Whiteley (1999) A gluten free diet for autism
Knivsberg (2001) Reports on dietary intervention
Bowers (2002) Dietetic referrals
Cornish (2002) Food choice & nutrition
Knivsberg (2002) Randomised trial of diet
Arnold (2003) Nutritional intake on diet
Millward (2004) Cochrane review of dietary intervention
Ashwood (2004) Cytokine profiles on diet
Elder (2006) Double-blind trial of diet
Christison (2006) Elimination diets for autism
Paul Shattock & Paul Whiteley
Autism Research Unit, University of Sunderland, UK
These notes do not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of a dietary method to alleviate the symptoms of autism or related pervasive developmental disorder. Any decision to undertake such a method must lie solely with the person with autism or with those having responsibility for their care. It is strongly recommended that anyone considering such interventions seek the support of their Medical Practitioner and, if possible, a knowledgeable dietician or nutritionist.
Background
In the early 1980s a number of researchers, including Herman and Panksepp, noted the similarities between the behavioural effects on animals of opioids, such as morphine, and the symptoms of autism. In a very speculative paper, Panksepp proposed a mechanism whereby people with autism may have elevated levels of opioids which occur naturally in the Central Nervous System (CNS) of humans. The best known of these naturally occurring opioid compounds is beta-endorphin (endogenous morphine) and certainly there is a degree of correlation between the known effects of this compound and the symptoms of autism. Just after this, Gillberg produced evidence of elevated levels of "endorphin-like substances" in the cerebrospinal fluid of some people with autism. In particular, elevated levels appeared in those children who appeared to feel pain less and who exhibited self-injurious behaviour. At about the same time, Reichelt produced evidence of abnormal peptides in the urine of people with autism. We ourselves, like a number of other groups, attempted to replicate his findings. Although his method was comparatively simple there were technical difficulties and these attempts were, initially unsuccessful. Later on we switched to a more sophisticated technique (HPLC) and have been able to provide partial confirmation of Reichelt's findings. In the urine of a proportion of people with autism and related conditions, there appear to be elevated levels of substances with physico-chemical properties similar to those expected from opioid peptides. The quantities of these compounds, as found in the urine, are hypothesised to be much too large to be of CNS origin. The quantities are such that they can only have been derived from the incomplete breakdown of certain foods.
Proteins consist of long chains of units known as amino-acids. Normally proteins are digested by enzymes in the intestines being broken down into these units. However, if for some reason, this digestion is incomplete, short chains of these amino-acids (known as peptides) will result. It is proposed that these peptides may be biologically active and could result in some symptoms similar to which we see in autism. The majority of these peptides will be dumped in the urine, which is where Reichelt and we speculate that we are finding them. A small proportion will cross into the brain and interfere with transmission in such a way that normal activity is altered or disrupted. It may be that these compounds, themselves, have a direct effect upon transmission or that they will attach themselves to the enzymes which would break down our own naturally occurring enzymes. The consequences would be the same in either case. It is well known that casein (from human or cow milk) will break down in the stomach to produce a peptide known as casomorphin which, as the name implies, will have opioid activities. Similar effects are noted with gluten from wheat and some other cereals in which case the compounds formed are gluteomorphins. If this opioid excess hypothesis is correct, there are a number of strategies which can be adopted. Firstly the anti-opioid drug Naltrexone could be considered, and promising initial results have been reported. Not all of the reported trials on Naltrexone have produced positive benefits but where appropriate very low dose therapies are employed the results seem to be better. Alternatively, a diet which excludes casein (milk and dairy produce) or gluten (wheat and some other cereal products) could be considered. It may be possible to determine, from the pattern of the urinary peptides whether casein or wheat or both should be avoided but such conclusions may be premature at this stage. It has been observed that those children whose autism appears at or around the time of birth may have a problem with casein whereas those whose autism becomes apparent at about two years of age, when a wheat based diet is more likely to be adopted, have particular difficulties with gluten. Some children may have difficulty with both. Norwegian colleagues of Reichelt have published data which support the effectiveness of such dietary programmes but these studies cannot be considered as conclusive [see reference]. Numerous people have experimented on an individual basis and have reported successful responses but such evidence cannot be considered as, in any way, conclusive. During preliminary studies of parental reports, however, the results appear to be very much superior to those obtained with equivocal drug-based therapy.
Practical Aspects
The theoretical processes described here are toxicological in nature rather than allergic. The results are akin to poisoning rather than an extreme sensitivity such as occurs in coeliac disease or sensitivity to certain food colourings. Removal of gluten and/or casein containing products requires the active participation of all those concerned with the child's well-being. Tests have often been ruined by a well-meaning relative who ignores parental instruction or by schools or therapists who feel that the proposals are rubbish. Carers must satisfy themselves that the diet is being adhered to before any evaluation is possible. Gluten and Casein free products, together with advice on their use, are available from most good Pharmacies. Nutritionist and dieticians are also in a position to give advice. Initially the reported effects may be negative. Upset stomach, anxiety, clinginess, dizziness, aches and pains and slight ill-temper have all been reported. Experience would suggest that these are good signs and precursors of a positive response. Reichelt recommends a trial period of three months. Experience also suggests that the results are more easily demonstrated in younger children. The effects in fully grown individuals appear less impressive. It should also be noted that the withdrawal effects may also be more noticeable in small children and that these can sometimes be very marked. Where younger children are involved (less than 4 years old for example), it may be appropriate to withdraw the offending foods in stages over a period of two weeks. Given that there appear to be a number of possible causes of autism it is not unexpected that no unitary solution will be found for all cases.
Conclusions
Although the hypothesis may appear "off the wall" in many respects, there are a number of pieces of evidence, which seem to support them. The ideas are compatible with virtually all the accepted biological data on autism and are therefore worthy of consideration. The dietary method must still be considered as experimental and no positive results can be promised or are claimed for every person. Despite continuing scepticism about the efficacy of dietary intervention amongst some quarters of the professional community, the use of diet may well be far less harmful than other medical interventions or therapeutic regimes; although care is still necessary during its implementation. We would be pleased to receive any feedback of a positive or negative nature from anyone utilising such dietary modification in the amelioration of autism.
Additional Published References (abstract only)
Several additional references pre-1999 are present in the research literature (particularly from Prof. Knivsberg’s group in Norway). The following represent the more significant recent findings.
Whiteley (1999) A gluten free diet for autism
Knivsberg (2001) Reports on dietary intervention
Bowers (2002) Dietetic referrals
Cornish (2002) Food choice & nutrition
Knivsberg (2002) Randomised trial of diet
Arnold (2003) Nutritional intake on diet
Millward (2004) Cochrane review of dietary intervention
Ashwood (2004) Cytokine profiles on diet
Elder (2006) Double-blind trial of diet
Christison (2006) Elimination diets for autism
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