 |
|
|
|
October 2007 Newsletter
by Beth Ley, Ph.D.
www.blpublications.com
NHL Ministries
IN THE NEWS
|
Avocados May Help Prevent Oral Cancer
Nutrients taken from avocados are able to thwart oral cancer cells,
killing some and preventing pre-cancerous cells from developing into
actual cancers, according to researchers at Ohio State University.
(Seminars in Cancer Biology, September 2007)
Researchers found that extracts from Hass avocados kill or stop the
growth of pre-cancerous cells that lead to oral cancer. Hass
avocados are year-round fruits known for their distinctive bumpy
skin that turns from green to purplish-black as they ripen.
“As far as we know, this is the first study of avocados and oral
cancer,” says D’Ambrosio, who collaborated with researchers in Ohio
State’s College of Pharmacy. “We think these phytochemicals either
stop the growth of precancerous cells in the body or they kill the
precancerous cells without affecting normal cells. Our study focuses
on oral cancer, but the findings might have implications for other
types of cancer. These are preliminary findings, and more research
is needed.”
D’Ambrosio found that phytochemicals extracted from avocados target
multiple signaling pathways and increase the amount of reactive
oxygen within the cells, leading to cell death in pre-cancerous cell
lines. But the phytochemicals did not harm normal cells.
“These studies suggest that individual and a combination of
phytochemicals from the avocado fruit may offer an advantageous
dietary strategy in cancer prevention,” says Ding, who is a member
of the division of radiobiology, department of radiology
Avocados are chock-full of beneficial antioxidants and
phytonutrients, including vitamin C, folate, vitamin E, fiber and
unsaturated fats. They are naturally sodium-free, contain no trans
fats and are low in saturated fat, making them a healthy addition to
any diet.
Protect Your Family's Health;
Chose ORGANIC!!!
By choosing organic versions of the foods you eat most often, you're
not only reducing your own pesticide exposure, you're also voting
with more of your food dollars. In an ideal world, we'd always eat
fresh, healthy, organic food. Here of some of the most important
foods to always buy organic.
Milk
Whenever you buy organic milk, you're casting a powerful vote to help
transform an entire agricultural system. Organic cows eat organic
feed and graze on pasture during the growing season.
At home, you're avoiding pesticide residues. This is especially
important for young children, who generally drink a lot more milk in
relation to their body weight, and whose developing bodies are
particularly vulnerable to toxins (AND hormones!). In 2004, when the
USDA's Pesticide Data Program began testing milk with more sensitive
equipment, it found worriesome pesticide residues in all 739 samples.
With organic milk, you're also saying no to bovine growth hormone,
rBST or rBGH, the effects of which have not been adequately studied.
Ditto for the routine use of antibiotics, which scientists warn will
lead to treatment-resistant bacteria.
Some initial research also has found that on average, organic milk
contains more omega-3 fatty acids (essential for heart, brain, and
cardiovascular health) when compared with conventional milk
(Journal of Dairy Science, 2006, vol. 89, no. 6). However, the body
of research on whether, overall, organic foods are more nutritious
remains small; many more studies are needed to confirm these and
other early positive outcomes.
Ask for organic milk at your kids' schools and favorite restaurants.
Beef
Like organic dairy, buying organic beef helps change a whole system
and an inefficient one at that. To add just 1 pound of cattle
weight, it takes about 7 pounds of corn (according to the late food
geographer Georg Borgstrom) and nearly 2,500 gallons of water, per a
widely cited report from Sacramento's Water Education Foundation.
Eliminating pesticides—as well as overused antibiotics—from that
equation is a smart beginning.
At the 2005 international congress on Organic Farming, Food Quality,
and Human Health, Newcastle University agriculture professor Carlo
Leifert, PhD, testified that grass-based organic cattle diets reduce
the risk of E. coli contamination, whereas grain-based conventional
diets increase the risk. Some initial research also suggests that
eating grass-fed beef may be healthier than conventional beef
because it's generally leaner and is a richer source of omega-3
fatty acids (Journal of Animal Science, 2002, vol. 80, no. 5).
To learn about sustainable ranches near you, log on to
www.localharvest.org and search according to your ZIP code.
Apples
If you can pick only one organic fruit, apples may be your best
choice. They're Americans' second-most loved fresh fruit
(after bananas). Unfortunately, they also rank the second highest
on pesticide-contamination lists, after peaches.
Apple orchards commonly are sprayed with organophosphate pesticides,
nerve agents that studies link to decreased intelligence and
increased attention problems in children
(Pediatrics, 2006, vol. 118, no. 6).
"Apples appear regularly in the
cafeteria of every North American school. According to EWG analysis
of USDA and FDA data from 2000 and 2004, more than 93% of
conventional apples tested positive for pesticide residues. One out
of every eight times a child under age 6 eats an apple, the group
estimates, he exceeds the Environmental Protection Agency's
reference dose for organophosphates.
In taste tests, organic apples score higher—and preliminary
findings, such as those presented by Warsaw Agricultural University
researchers at a food and farming conference in Germany last spring,
indicate they may be higher in phenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C.
Although conventional apples rank high in pesticide residues, apple
juices tend to rank lower, according to a 2000 Consumers Union
report.
Potatoes
Potatoes are truly an all-American staple. Not only do white
potatoes account for almost a third of all vegetables consumed by
adults, they also are the top vegetable eaten by children. And most
often, these are enjoyed as—you guessed it—french fries.
Although they're sprayed above ground, potatoes growing underground
absorb the toxins. To avoid mold growth during storage, they're
often sprayed again with fungicides, which can disrupt endocrine
systems.
"White potatoes have the highest average pesticide load
after washing and peeling than any other fruit or vegetable," says
Alan Greene, MD, of Stanford's Lucile Packard Children's Hospital,
noting they are the only peeled item to make the EWG's Dirty Dozen
list. A recently published review also found" moderately strong and
consistent data" supporting that organic potatoes are richer sources
of vitamin C than conventionally grown potatoes.
(Nutrition Journal, 2007, vol. 32, no. 2).
Sweet potatoes are more nutritious than white potatoes—and generally
have fewer pesticide residues. Try slicing them and tossing in olive
oil, salt, and red pepper, and baking at 400 degrees until crispy—yum!
Ketchup and other tomato products
Organic ketchup is available and you can find brands without added
sugar.
A 2004 USDA study found that on average, organic brands packed
in as much as 57 percent more lycopene
(a potent antioxidant) than
conventional brands
(Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry,
vol. 52, no. 26).
Just eyeballing the two bottles gives you a visual
clue: Organic varieties tend to be a deeper red color, indicating
higher lycopene levels.
Also, consider switching to organic pasta and pizza sauces.
Corn
At the time you bite into a fresh ear of conventional corn, it has
one of the lowest levels of pesticide residues. Unfortunately, it
left plenty of chemicals in its wake. Because the United States
grows so much of it, corn is our top polluting crop and the biggest
user of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, the runoff of which
contaminates rivers and streams.
Corn also is one of the most
genetically modified U.S. crops:
More than half the corn planted in
2006 was genetically engineered. YUCK -
Most often, we eat corn not fresh from the cob but as an incognito
ingredient in sodas, processed baked goods and snack foods, more
stuff we shouldn't be eating anyways.
Avoid GMOs by opting for an organic product when you see the
following terms on an ingredient list: corn syrup, high-fructose
corn syrup, corn sweetener, dextrose, glucose, cornstarch, modified
cornstarch, vegetable starch, corn solids, or corn oil. All
ingredients you want to avoid.
Cotton
About two-thirds of the cotton crop actually goes into the food
supply in the form of cottonseeds that are made into oil. Often
listed as vegetable oil, cottonseed oil is used in salad dressings,
peanut butter, and many snack foods. A cheap protein source, the
leftover cottonseed meal is fed to dairy cows and is even starting
to make its way into the human food supply.
Unfortunately, cotton is by far our most chemically intensive crop.
According to the Pesticide Action Network, cotton accounts for less
than 2.5 percent of the world's agricultural land—but an astounding
25% of all insecticide use. Along with corn and soy, cotton also
ranks in the top three genetically modified crops.
Check ingredient lists on packaged foods. If you see cottonseed
oil—or an unidentified vegetable oil—make sure the product is
organic. And try to buy organic-cotton clothing and linens—even
Levi's. You'll pay a bit more, but it's a choice that makes a big
impact.
Berries
These fragile wonders are perhaps the most intuitive of fruits to
buy organic. You can't peel them, and they are best washed only
gently just before eating. Berries are the ultimate midsummer
treat... who wants to worry about pesticides going down your throat
with with all that delectable juice?
Be especially wary of imported produce, including grapes,
strawberries, tomatoes, and sweet bell peppers, which average nearly
three times higher organophosphate pesticide residues than domestic
varieties.
Strawberries rank sixth highest for pesticide residues. Tests done
by the USDA and FDA between 2000 and 2005 detected combinations of
up to 38 different pesticides in samples of conventionally grown
strawberries; 92% tested positive for pesticide residues.
Organic strawberries may be as much as 19% higher in antioxidants
than conventionally grown (Journal of Agriculture and Food
Chemistry, 2003, vol. 51, no. 5). Because plants naturally produce
phenolics—the family of molecular compounds that includes
antioxidants— to help defend against nibbling pests, researchers
theorize that chemical pesticides may lessen the need to generate
these powerful compounds.
During non peak berry season, stock up on frozen organic berries.
Toss in smoothies; on top of cereal, yogurt, or oatmeal, pancakes,
etc.; and serve alongside simple desserts (thaw and serve whole or
blend).
In life, and in the grocery store, perfect choices are hard to come
by—and sometimes budget or convenience take precedence over the best
of intentions. Rather than feeling badly about some choices, it's
more important to feel good about every organic choice we can make.
Have You Heard? HRT Can Harm Your Hearing
Recent studies show that hormones play a definite role in how well
we hear. The surprising new findings should be of interest to
everyone with "aging" hearing, but especially to women who were or
are on synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
The reason:
Normal hormonal changes caused by aging -- in women and men -- plus
the specific hormones used by women in replacement therapy appear to
affect hearing acuity.
The scientist responsible for linking hearing to hormones is D.
Robert Frisina, PhD, director of the International Center for
Hearing and Speech Research in Rochester, New York. He had been
working many years to unravel the mystery of age-related hearing
loss, which led him to wonder if hearing might be affected by
hormones including the synthetic estrogens (like conjugated estrogen)
and progestin (a synthetic progesterone) used in HRT. He put
together a study with 124 healthy women, ages 60 to 86 -- 32 women
had taken the combination therapy with synthetic estrogen and
progestin... 30 had taken synthetic estrogen alone... and 62 of them
did not take HRT. He gave each woman various hearing tests, plus one
that is a sophisticated measure of the brain's ability to process
the ear's signals or nerve impulses. The results were not good for
the women who had taken combination HRT -- this group had suffered a
10% to 30% hearing loss compared with the women who had used
synthetic estrogen-only HRT or who had never been on HRT.
Other researchers have demonstrated estrogen is good for nerve cells
and that women's hearing shows a slight improvement during the
high-estrogen part of their menstrual cycle. But, synthetic estrogen
had no improvement on hearing in this study compared with those not
taking HRT. Progestin had a negative impact on hearing. It was
previously established that women's hearing in general ebbs, also
very slightly, during the luteal phase of their cycle -- the phase
when progesterone peaks. Dr. Frisina advises women taking combination
HRT to have their hearing checked every six months, and if a problem
shows up, talk to their doctor about changing HRT dosage or duration.
Another hormone, called aldosterone, also affects hearing acuity in
both men and women. Levels of aldosterone decline with age. Indeed,
in previous studies Dr. Frisina had found that older adults with
severe hearing loss had on average about half the aldosterone as
those with normal hearing. Aldosterone regulates potassium and
sodium, which are both crucial chemicals that the inner ear needs to
convert sounds into nerve impulses the brain can understand.
Consequently, low levels of aldosterone -- or an imbalance of
potassium and sodium -- can affect the inner ear's ability to signal
correctly and the brain's ability to process in real time.
The good news is that there are things you can do to help prevent or
even improve age-related hearing loss, since the brain's nerve cells
have the ability to reconnect. You can encourage this process in a
number of ways including studying a new language or undertaking any
other challenging activity that stimulates thinking. You may have
seen commercials for training programs that supposedly improve these
skills, but Dr. Frisina says they provide only temporary improvement
in the short run, not lasting prevention of age-related hearing loss.
Antioxidants are probably helpful for hearing, as studies
increasingly demonstrate, including vitamins C, E and alpha-lipoic
acid. The use of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may be a
further solution. The other reminder concerns potassium, which of
course you need to balance properly with sodium. Potassium
deficiency is not uncommon, but is easily correctable. Eat a banana
a day or make other high-potassium foods, such as potatoes, a
regular part of your daily diet.
A natural hormone balancer PREGNENOLONE not only aids with menopause
symptoms, but proves to be a natural substitute for HRT without any
side effects.
Source(s):
D. Robert Frisina, PhD, director, the International Center for
Hearing and Speech Research, a joint program between Rochester
Institute of Technology and the University of Rochester Medical
Center, in New York.
The Dangers of Colonic Irrigation
Comment from Dr. Beth: I often get questions about the use of
colonics ... this article accurately summarizes my opinion that the
way God made us, we should not require such a drastic procedure,
which I believe can do more harm than good. We need to make the
needed lifestyle changes and stop looking at a quick fix.
Colon cleansing for good health traces way back to the ancient
Egyptians, with records of their use of enemas (cleansing of part of
the colon) dating back to between 15th and 17th century BC. Colon
hydrotherapy -- the practice of flushing water through the entire
colon or large intestine -- was all the rage in Europe in the late
1800s and early 1900s and was popular in the US in the 1920s and
1930s... and recently has increased in popularity once again. Then
and now, the theory behind "colonics" or colonic irrigation was the
cleaner the colon is kept from toxins and waste, the less opportunity
there is for disease to develop.
But this is not the case. In fact, it couldn't be more incorrect,
says Daily Health News contributing editor and digestion expert
Andrew L. Rubman, ND.
"The truth is that colonic irrigation can be
harmful!"
HOW COLONIC IRRIGATION WORKS... AND WHY IT DOESN'T
Colonic irrigation is CLAIMED as the solution to problems ranging
from constipation to weight loss, skin problems, arthritis, asthma
and chronic fatigue. It is likened to a super-enema, even a
"carwash" for the large intestine. In the procedure, a plastic or
rubber tube is passed through the rectum into the colon, and large
amounts of warm water are pumped in to flush the contents out and
remove buildup from the large intestine. Proponents claim that
colonic irrigation works by boosting immunity through the removal of
accumulated toxins.
But, says Dr. Rubman, it's important to understand that
"cleaning out" the colon is counter-productive because proper
digestive function depends upon a colony of friendly bacteria
(approximately three to four pounds worth in a healthy adult) that
lives in a delicate state of balance in the large intestine. In
fact, Dr. Rubman refers to the large intestine as the body's
"disease-fighting control center" since its role in immune function
is so important to our health. The beneficial bacteria in residence
keep intestinal walls healthy and intact, working together to
prevent dangerous bacteria in what we eat (and the toxins that they
produce) from leaking out of the intestine and migrating elsewhere
to cause inflammation and disease. By flushing out these helpful
bacteria, colonic irrigation interferes with efficient digestion and
immune function.
WHY IT'S SO DANGEROUS
Disruption of normal balances. The colon normally absorbs
water and sodium to maintain a proper balance of fluid and
electrolytes. When colonic irrigation disturbs this balance,
dangerous, sometimes even life-threatening salt loss and dehydration
can follow.
Introduction of contaminants. Colonic irrigation can also
introduce contaminants via equipment that's not properly sanitized.
Serious injury. While regulations vary from one state to another,
few require certification or licensure, so colonics are sometimes
performed by individuals with little or no formal training or medical
qualifications.
Having a colonic irrigation at the hands of an unskilled practitioner
is akin to having an intravenous (IV) drip administered by a person
with no training -- it's hit or miss. One improperly executed colonic
can cause serious damage, such as a perforated colon.
High cost. To add insult to injury, the potential risks and
dangers of colonic irrigation come "hand-in-hand" with a steep price.
A brief on-line search reveals price tags ranging approximately $100
to $800.
(the latter figure for a series of multiple treatments).
HERE'S THE SAFE WAY TO ENSURE OPTIMAL COLON HEALTH
Dr. Rubman points out that the place to start is at the other end of
the body, by eating healthy foods. In other words, for optimal
digestion, follow an optimal diet.
If you regularly consume large quantities of difficult-to-digest
saturated fat and red meat, you'll likely suffer intestinal
disturbances. For optimal digestion, eat lean proteins including
skinless turkey or chicken breast... healthy fats from foods such as
olive oil, avocado and wild, cold-water fish like salmon and mackerel...
foods that boost intestinal health, such as nutrient-packed,
fiber-rich steamed veggies, fruits, bran, beans, nuts and seeds. In
particular, fiber helps food move efficiently through the digestive
tract, and binds and transports cholesterol-rich bile acids out of
the body.
We need 25-30 grams of fiber DAILY for optimal health, and
especially digestive health;
The average intake is only 11!!!!
Other tried and true tips from Dr. Rubman...
Pay attention to salt intake. Sodium is an important mineral that
helps regulate the body's fluid balance. Don't assume it's best to
consume as little as possible. Instead, discuss proper salt intake
levels with your physician.
Drink to satisfy thirst. Water needs vary greatly among
individuals and Dr. Rubman (AND Dr. Beth) disagrees with the
often-cited recommendation that we all need to drink eight
8-ounce glasses of water daily. Although many people do not drink
adequate amounts for their needs.
Chew food thoroughly. The more you break down food in your
mouth, the less work the rest of the digestive system has to do.
|
IN BETH'S KITCHEN
Salmon with Citrus-Balsamic Vinaigrette
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
1 tsp grainy or Dijon mustard
1 Tbs olive oil
1 tsp finely minced shallot (or green onion)
1 small clove garlic,
peeled and forced through a press
2 tsp each finely chopped parsley, basil and mint
1/8 tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1-1/2 lbs salmon fillet
Place the orange juice, vinegar, mustard, oil, shallot,
garlic, herbs, salt and pepper in a jar. Close lid and
shake well to blend.
Place salmon in a foil-lined pan and spoon a little of the
vinaigrette over the fish. Bake in a preheated 450-degree
F. oven 12 minutes per inch of thickness, or until cooked
through.
Spoon the remaining vinaigrette over each serving of fish.
Yield: 4 servings
|
|
|
|
SCRIPTURE
|
Isaiah 43:15-21
I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.
Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in
the mighty waters;
Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power;
they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct,
they are quenched as tow.
Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of
old.
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye
not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in
the desert.
The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls:
because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert,
to give drink to my people, my chosen.
This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my
praise.
This is the scripture God showed me earlier this week in my
devotional time. Many of us need to quit looking back to our
failures, our disappointments, our questions, etc. and focus on what
God would have us be doing now and in the days to come. God can do
ANYTHING!
I pray it blesses each of you.
Shalom,
Dr. Beth
|
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FEATURED BOOKS
RECIPES FOR LIFE
Spiral bound for easy use in the kitchen!
Eating good food supports the body’s
natural ability to heal itself!
by Beth Ley, Ph.D.
200 pages, on sale for $12.00
Excellent gift for upcoming holidays. reg. $19.95 US
The delicious, easy-to-follow healthy recipes
in this book will not only help restore your good health,
keep blood sugar levels stable, lose weight, and enjoy life again.
SPEWED:
How To Cast Out LukeWarm Christianity through Fasting and a Fasted
Lifestyle... plus Wisdom in Fasting.
by Beth Ley, Ph.D.
230 pages, on sale for $12.00
reg.
$15.95 US
Increase Your Appetite For GOD, Not the World... Holiness
What are you hungry for? What is your focus in life? Are you caught
up in worldly desires or would you sincerely like to enhance your
relationship with God and increase the power of the Holy Spirit
working in you?
Enhance your relationship and committment level to God through
fasting. The more we decrease the desires of the flesh, the more the Holy Spirit can rise up in us.
Enhance your relationship and committment level to God through
fasting. The more we decrease the desires of the flesh, the more the
Holy Spirit can rise up in us.
Fasting helps purge out the strongholds in our life so we can be pure
and holy for the Lord.
Find out the practical aspects of fasting, how to protect your health
and much more! We must use WISDOM in fasting! Nutritionist Beth Ley,
Ph.D., explains HOW to do this!
Fasting is an awesome way to express your love for God. Stir up your
hunger for God so He can be the supreme hunger of your heart!
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I
will spew thee out of my mouth. Rev 3:16
GOD hates the hippocritical “religious” because this is a false
representation of Him and His true character!
ORDER [click here]
| |
|
|
|
|
FEATURED SUPPLEMENTS
VitalSource
Pregnenolone
50 mg.
(Attn: Menopausal Women!!! Here is your drug-free solution!)
This is a natural hormone precursor derived from soy.
Pregnenolone is the precursor for the production and balancing
of ALL the human steroid hormones, including DHEA, Progesterone,
Estrogen, Testosterone, and Cortisone.
Pregnenolone is not itself
a steroid hormone.
Pregnenolone is known to:
- Reduce menopause and PMS symptoms
- Relieve depression
- Ward off memory loss
- Ward off stress & reduce cortisol
(stress-hormone) levels
- Lower cholesterol
- Reduce inflammation & MUCH MORE!!
Also recommended for individuals with MS as pregnenolone (300 mg daily) encourages repair of the myelin sheath.
90 count bottle
(1-2 month supply)
Suggested Retail: $19.00 US
Drs. Best
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Research demonstrates this powerful antioxidant Lipoic Acid benefits
individuals with:
Diabetes (aids in insulin utilization and prevents complications),
Cataracts, Macular degeneration, Glaucoma, Neuropathy. Vascular
disorders (ie. varicose veins, cold hands & feet), Liver disease,
Heart disease, Arthritis & Asthma!
Alpha Lipoic Acid is
50 times more potent
as an antioxidant as Vitamin E or C!!!
120 count bottle
(1-2 month supply)
Suggested Retail: $23.00 US
FiberFlow
(inulin fiber)
5 grams soluble fiber per teaspoon, dissolves completely in water
or any liquid.
Can be used/added in baking and cooking.
Add to pasta sauce, pancake
or waffle batter, bread dough,
smoothies, beverages, etc.
Adds no flavor - and minimal calories.
It's a fiber so has MANY, MANY health benefits.
The average fiber daily intake is only about 11 grams -
about 1/3 of the recommended intake of health authorities,
25-35 grams daily!
Contains:
5 grams soluble fiber
per tsp.
Detail:
25-35 grams daily
Suggested Retail: $12.00 US
ORDER [click here]
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUTRITION COUNSELING
with Dr. Beth now available in TWIN CITIES.
Two locations available:
In Golden Valley, call 763-391-7636
In Savage, call 952-746-4404
For more info click here
| |
|
|
QUESTIONS and ANSWERS
Q and A:
Send in your questions... there's a good chance
other's would like to hear the answer too.
contact us by e-mail at
bley@blpublications.com | |
|
|
|
| |
|
