No Soup For You!

Levels of bisphenol A, a plasticizer suspected of causing a range of adverse health effects, shot up nearly 20-fold in people who ate canned soup daily for five days, researchers said.
In 75 healthy volunteers participating in a blinded crossover trial, urinary levels of BPA averaged 1.1 mcg/L when they ate homemade soup for five days, but reached 20.8 mcg/L when they ate canned Progresso soups, reported Karin Michels, ScD, PhD, of Harvard Medical School, and colleagues.
"The absolute urinary BPA concentrations observed following canned soup consumption are among the most extreme reported in a nonoccupational setting," the researchers wrote in a research letter published in the Nov. 23/30 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Recent data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, for example, indicated that the 95th percentile for urinary BPA was 13.0 mcg/L, Michels and colleagues noted.
BPA is used in a wide range of consumer and medical products to soften plastics. Studies have shown that BPA can mimic the action of female reproductive hormones and may be linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and liver abnormalities. Infants' exposure is a particular concern because they may be more sensitive to these effects than adults.
Last month, researchers found that children whose mothers had high urine levels of BPA during pregnancy were more prone to behavioral problems.
The U.S. government, after initially dismissing concerns about BPA in baby bottles and other consumer products, reversed course in 2010 and promised a major research effort to pin down the health risks.
Because BPA is also used in food can linings, Michels and colleagues sought to examine whether canned soups would be a vehicle to increase human intake of the chemical.
They used five varieties of vegetarian Progresso soups, including tomato and minestrone, and five similar homemade soups. Participants were randomly assigned to start with the commercial or homemade soups, eating a serving of each variety at lunchtime daily for five days. After a two-day washout period, participants who first ate the canned products then had a week of the homemade soups, and vice versa.
Participants could otherwise eat what they pleased during the study.
Urine samples were collected in the late afternoon on the fourth and fifth days of each period. To minimize intraindividual variations, each person's samples from consecutive days were mixed prior to analysis.
BPA levels in urine were adjusted for dilution, using a formula that included the samples' specific gravity.
All the participants had detectable BPA in their urine after eating the canned soup, whereas 23% of samples in the homemade-soup phase were BPA-free.
The mean individual difference between mean adjusted urinary BPA levels following canned versus homemade soups, 22.5 mcg/L, was highly significant, with a 95% confidence interval of 19.6 to 25.5 mcg/L, Michels and colleagues reported.
Results were nearly identical for participants who started the trial with canned soup compared with those initially assigned to the homemade soups.
The researchers did list several limitations to the analysis. The study involved one institution (all participants were students or employees of the Harvard School of Public Health) and the canned soup came from a single manufacturer.
More important, Michels and colleagues indicated that "the increase in urinary BPA concentrations following canned soup consumption is likely a transient peak of yet uncertain duration. The effect of such intermittent elevations in urinary BPA concentrations is unknown."
But they argued that the magnitude of the peaks seen in their study is great enough to cause concern.
"Even if not sustained, [it] may be important, especially in light of available or proposed alternatives to [BPA-containing] epoxy resin linings for most canned goods."

 Primary source: Journal of the American Medical Association
Source reference:
Carwile J, et al "Canned soup consumption and urinary bisphenol A: a randomized crossover trial" JAMA 2011; 306: 2218-20

Have a Healthy and Successful Soup Free Day!

Tips To Keep Healthy During The Holidays!

Today is the start of my holiday festivities. We have family coming for dinner tonight, so I needed to remind myself to not get caught up in the moment. Seasonal festivities and pressures often sabotage healthy holiday eating attempts.

But it doesn't have to be that way. You can have a healthy holiday with family and friends and enjoy the holidays more than ever.

You don't have to give in to the unhealthy eating temptations brought on by the holiday stress of excessive demands on your time, shopping like crazy or coping with hordes of relatives (who you may not even like).

And lets face facts. Your past holiday plans to celebrate by eating it all now and losing it all later have never paned out the way you planned.

Top Ten Healthy Holiday Eating and Lifestyle Tips

By taking charge and planning for healthy holiday eating and a healthy lifestyle during the holidays, you can enjoy a happy healthy holiday and make it through the season with your health and waistline intact.

1. Taking control and plan ahead. Stick with your daily routine as much as possible and make a doable plan before each holiday party.

2. Make plenty of time for exercise. Physical activity helps prevent weight gain and relieves holiday stress. Since exercise helps offset an increase in holiday eating, take a 20 minute walk every chance you get.

3. Shift focus from food to fun. Instead fattening holiday sweets, bake non-edible dough ornaments to decorate. Play games, do puzzles, tumble on mats or go for a walking tour of decorated homes.

4. Always eat before each event. When it's time to gather with family or associates never arrive hungry. Have a light high protein meal beforehand.

5. Limit holiday food exposure. At holiday events, take water and tasty healthy snacks along and sit as far away from the food as possible. In your own home, just serve festive fruits and nourishing nuts.

6. Choose water as your beverage. Most non-alcoholic beverages are full of sugar and calories and alcohol also induces overeating. Make plain or flavored water and herbal teas your beverages of choice.

7. Take a low-calorie party dish. Your host will appreciate the gesture and you'll know there's at least one tasty healthy dish available.

8. Eat 5 or 6 light meals a day. Not feeling too hungry and eating small portions helps keep you from over-indulging at an event. Sit down, get comfortable, eat slowly, savor each bite and you'll eat less.

9. Prepare healthy holiday meals. If you must fix traditional holiday foods, substitute healthy ingredients, like skim milk instead of whole, mashed banana or stevia instead of sugar and applesauce instead of oil.

10. Be rigorous but realistic. Relax and enjoy the season. Unrealistic expectations can only lead to holiday stress and overeating. And don't try to lose weight during the holidays. Just shoot for maintaining.

Tasty food and holiday gatherings go hand in hand. But it's time to get it right. Use these ten healthy holiday eating and healthy lifestyle tips to have a happy HEALTHY holiday this year and for years to come.

Have a Healthy and Successful Holiday Season!

A Poison You May Not Even Know Your Taking

Aspartame, more commonly known as NutraSweet or Equal, is one of the most toxic substances being consumed today. The artificial sweetener, currently used in over 4,000 products worldwide, entertains a sordid past and has been one of the most tested and debated food additives in the history of the FDA. While the manufacturer maintains that aspartame is not a danger to your health, the scientific studies don't necessarily agree. The FDA has approved the product for mass consumption, in spite of overwhelming evidence that aspartame can have neurotoxic, metabolic, allergenic and carcinogenic effects. When you question how such a substance has not been banned, one simply needs to look at the billions of dollars generated by the sale of aspartame each year. In light of the staggering number of dollar signs involved, it's easy to see that the artificial sweetener industry has reached Big Tobacco status. With so much money at stake, the truth suffers almost as much as the health of the consumers, while the shareholders' wealth continues to grow exponentially.

The Ingredients
In 1965, James Schlatter, a chemist for G.D. Searle, was developing an anti-ulcer drug when he accidentally stumbled upon aspartame. Made up of aspartic acid (40%), phenylalanine (50%) and methanol (10%), aspartame is 200 times sweeter than natural sugar.

Aspartic Acid
Aspartate is a neurotransmitter in the brain, facilitating information from one neuron to another. Too much aspartate allows an influx of calcium into the brain cells, triggering an excessive amount of free radicals which kill the cells. Aspartate is referred to as an "excitotoxin" because of the nerve cell damage that it causes. Many chronic illnesses have been attributed to long term excitotoxin exposure, including multiple sclerosis, ALS, memory loss, hormonal problems, hearing loss, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, hypoglycemia, dementia, brain lesions and neuroendocrine disorders.

In 1971, Dr. John Olney, neuroscientist and one of the world's foremost experts on excitotoxins, informed G.D. Searle that his research had revealed that aspartic acid caused holes in the brains of mice. Searle did not inform the FDA of these findings until after aspartame's approval in 1981. This would prove to be one event in a startling pattern of lies and deception.


Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is an amino acid normally found in the brain. Human testing has shown phenylalanine levels in the blood are increased significantly in those who chronically use aspartame. Excessive levels of phenylalanine in the brain can cause the levels of serotonin to decrease, which can lead to depression, schizophrenia and make one more susceptible to seizures.

Studies conducted on rats by G.D. Searle found phenylalanine to be safe for humans. However, Louis J. Elsas, II, M.D., Director of Medical Genetics and Professor of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine told the U.S. Senate in 1987 that, "Normal humans do not metabolize phenylalanine as efficiently as do lower species such as rodents and thus most of the previous studies on aspartame effects on rodents are irrelevant." Unfortunately, this fell on deaf ears and failed to garner additional testing.

Methanol
By far, the most controversial ingredient in aspartame is methanol (aka wood alcohol). An EPA assessment of methanol states that it is "considered a cumulative poison due to the low rate of excretion once it is absorbed. In the body, methanol is oxidated to formaldehyde and formic acid; both of these metabolites are toxic." This oxidation occurs when methanol reaches 86 degrees F (30 degrees C).

Formaldehyde
A product broken down from aspartate is a known carcinogen and causes retinal damage, birth defects and interferes with DNA replications. The EPA recommends a consumption limit of 7.8 mg/day. A 1 Liter aspartame sweetened beverage contains about 56 mg of methanol, seven times the EPA limit. The most common maladies related to methanol poisoning are vision problems including misty vision, progressive contraction of visual fields, blurring of vision, obscuration of vision, retinal damage and blindness.

Source: www.naturalnews.com

Most foods that say "Sugar Free" will contain aspartame. Here's just a few.
Breath Mints
Carbonated Soft Drinks/Pop
Cereals
Chewing Gum
Flavored Water Products
Fruit Spreads
Hard Candies
Instant Cocoa Mix
Jams & Jellies
Juice
Maple Syrups
Meal Replacements
Most Diet Drinks
Protein Nutritional Drinks
Vegetable Drinks
Yogurts, Drinkable, Fat & Sugar Free

These are consumed by people everyday. Read the label! If it has aspartame put it back!

Have a Healthy and Successful Sweetener Free Day!  

Do You Get A Cold Or The Flu? Not Anymore!

Even when you know how to be healthy, this is the time of year when colds, flu and viruses have a better chance of taking you down.

So here’s your 12-step program for how to avoid getting sick and stay healthy and well.

Although it’s an essential part of the plan, knowing how to stay healthy and well isn’t just based on starting out with robust health. Aggressive pathogens run rampant all day long on any surfaces you touch.

And no matter how well you take care of yourself, you MAY still get infected.

But, with these how to avoid getting sick tips, you can greatly improve your odds of making it all the way through this flu-season unscathed. And if you do get sick, your symptoms won’t be as severe or as long-lasting. I haven't been sick in years and now you can have a fighting chance too!

Here are your flu fighting down-and-dirty-dozen tips for how to avoid getting sick, prevent colds and flu, be well and stay healthy all season long:

1. Stay away from sick people. Although germs are all around us, they’re naturally more concentrated in sick people. So avoid close contact at social gatherings or work with anyone who seems under-the-weather. And, if you must visit somebody in the hospital, sit in a doctor’s waiting room or care for a sick child, which are all germ factories, wear a mask.

2. Eat only super healthy food. How well you eat has a huge effect on whether or not your body has the resistance necessary to protect you from germ invasions. So make sure you’re eating healthy foods, like lean protein, whole grains and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

3. Maintain germ-free hands. Since much of your contact with the world is through your hands, and bacteria and viruses can live on surfaces up to 8 hours, keeping your hands squeaky clean helps protect you from getting sick. Here’s a list of some of the main germ hideout sites:

Malls	Handrails	Shopping carts
Money	Doorknobs	Gym equipment
Schools	Playgrounds	Public restrooms
Libraries	Office phones	Restaurant Tables

And also be wary of cafeteria, restaurant and all group shared foods.

4. Keep hands off your face. One of the best ways for germs to get into your body is through your mouth, eyes and nose. So even if you’re vigilant about washing hands, get in the habit of not touching your face.

5. Avoid breathing toxic fumes. Inhaling airborne germs from people’s coughs and sneezes are infectious. But smoking, second-hand smoke and traffic fumes can destroy vitamin C and also weaken your defenses.

6. Take immunity supplements. Combined with a healthy diet, nutritional supplements definitely help you to stay well. Along with the basic daily nutrients, antioxidant supplements, like A, C, E and selenium, plus vitamin D, enzymes and probiotics can all help you avoid getting sick.

7. Drink plenty of clean water. Drinking water is essential to staying healthy. Add some lemon with natural vitamin C to help fight off foreign invaders and stevia extract to turn it into healthy lemonade.

8. Be sensible about exercise. Staying active helps reduce stress and improves your immune system. But if you feel like you might be getting sick, skip the workout. Your body needs rest and all your extra resources in order to fight off whatever germs you’ve been exposed to.

9. Always get plenty of sleep. Your immune system is very effective at defending you against foreign invaders, but your body needs downtime in order to restore itself. This is especially true if you’re fighting off an infection. So learn how get a good night's sleep – every night.

10. Don’t share food or utensils. Germs can easily find their way into party dips, finger food or any shared dishes or drinks. And be sure to use your dishwasher or hot soapy water to clean dishes at home.

11. Avoid drinking excess alcohol. According to research, alcohol weakens your immune system for up to 24 hours. So, especially if you feel you might be coming down with something, lay off the booze.

12. If you get sick, be pro-active. Drink plenty of liquids (like water with lemon, herb tea and plain broth), avoid congestive foods and overeating, get lots and lots of rest and take extra nutritional supplements.

And be smart about antibiotics. While they’re effective with bacterial infections, like pneumonia or sinusitis, most colds, sore throats and flues are caused by viruses, which are totally unresponsive to antibiotics.

Plus, needlessly taking antibiotics will only weaken your immune system.

While learning how to avoid getting sick, stay healthy and be well takes effort, it’s a vital part of knowing how to be healthy all year long.

To order all you immune boosting supplements click HERE.

Have a Healthy and Successful Sick Free Winter!

Coffee. To drink or Not To Drink.

A cup of plain, black coffee has about 10 calories. But add milk, chocolate, whipped cream and other flavor enhancers and coffee-shop staples such as mocha lattes can contain more calories than a Big Mac. When you consider that many people have these drinks daily, the total calorie intake can add up quickly.If you are not ready to give up coffee just yet but want to steer away from the sugar-laden versions, try these simple steps: you'll still get the flavor, but with less sugar.

• Skip the chocolate sauce and instead opt for a small piece of high-quality dark chocolate on the side.
• Add cinnamon (which may aid digestion) rather than caramel or other sweeteners.
• Forgo the whipped cream; a modest amount of unsweetened half-and-half is a better choice.
• I love adding Mochatonix. It increases energy. Promotes the burning of fat. Helps heighten alertness and endurance levels.
• Leave the sugar in the cupboard and grab some raw honey. Raw honey  contains trace enzymes; minerals, including calcium, magnesium and potassium; amino acids; and vitamins, including a wide range of B vitamins such as riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, thiamin and pyridoxine.

Coffee is full of antioxidants and in moderation can have health benefits. Just make sure to leave out the high calorie additions.

Have a Healthy and Successful Day!

Holiday. Eat This Not That

Holiday parties are notorious for finger foods filled with high-glycemic carbohydrates and unhealthy fats. To help guide you to better nutrition choices this holiday season, use this list of appetizers to avoid:

 Dips. Skip the creamy, cheesy dips and opt for fresh salsa instead.

1. Cocktail franks and mini-meatballs. Neither is a good source of lean protein and both can pack a big serving of calories and sodium. Choose peel-and-eat shrimp or sushi instead.
2. Anything fried. From mini-eggrolls and quiche to chicken wings, deep-fried foods contain altered fats that are detrimental to the body. Wholegrain crackers and a small slice of low-fat cheese can satisfy a savory craving with far fewer calories and fat.
3. Alcohol. An abundance of the good stuff will not only pack on the calories but it will also give you the cravings for high fat, high sugary foods.

Here are healthy options for your cocktail plates!

1. Vegetables. The fiber in veggies will help fill you up, and they provide a nice, satisfying crunch. Choose a spectrum of colors (broccoli, cauliflower and carrots are good choices) and serve with low- or non-fat plain yogurt. Add some fresh herbs and seasonings for flavor.
2. Mixed nuts. When eaten sparingly, nuts are a terrific snack. Walnuts are a favorite, as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Almonds and roasted soy nuts are also good choices. Nuts can be high in calories and fat (even if it's the healthy monounsaturated kind) so don't overindulge.
3. Smoked salmon. Salmon (especially wild Alaskan sockeye salmon) provides omega-3 fatty acids, the anti-inflammatory, essential fats our bodies need for optimum health.
4. Filtered Water. Not only will it keep you hydrated but it will also help fill you up. Drinking plenty of water will curb the mindless munching. Need a warm drink? Try some green tea.

The holiday's are a time when many pack on the pounds. Keep in mind these few tips and you will survive packing on the pounds this holiday season.

Have a Healthy and Successful Christmas!

The Diet Myth

Many people try to lose weight by eating diet foods that claim to be prepared in a healthy fashion. Whether they are "nutritionally balanced" frozen dinners, supplement shakes or meal replacement bars, they are not truly healthy alternatives to whole food.

Why is Over Sixty Percent of The Population Overweight?

Lets face it. The main reason we gain weight and develop health problems is because of poor eating choices. People are looking for “the magic solution” by buying metabolism boosting drinks or taking meal replacement shakes that promise results. The truth of the matter is, the only way we are going to reverse the effects of bad eating habits is to reverse the cycle by developing good eating habits. 

Do Meal Replacement Bars and Shakes Work?

Meal replacement shakes, drinks, and bars are becoming more popular. They have been around for many years yet the obesity rate continues to rise at a record pace! My personal opinion is that I prefer people eat a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and fish that the earth provides us. However, if you choose a meal replacement bar or shake it is best to not skip your meals but use them as a morning or afternoon snack. It is NOT HEALTHY to replace nutritious foods with only synthetic bars and shakes. You can fool the body some of the time but not all the time.

Many of these prepared foods contain poor ingredients - especially unhealthy fats. Manufacturers love partially hydrogenated oils because they extend shelf life, but in my opinion they are dangerous. For one thing, these oils are sources of trans fatty acids (TFAs), which increase risks of both cardiovascular disease and cancer. TFAs are just as bad, if not worse, for the heart and arteries than saturated fats. They increase total cholesterol, raise "bad" LDL (low density lipoprotein) and lower "good" HDL (high density lipoprotein). Beyond that, TFAs may also have adverse effects on cell membranes and the immune system, and may promote inflammation and aging. 

To sum it all up. Choosing a diet with only meal replacement bars and shakes is not a healthy way to go. You must combine it with healthy balanced meals and exercise for the results to be effective (health wise).   

Stayed tuned to an upcoming blog on "The Perfect Diet" for health and weight loss.

Have a Healthy and Successful Day!