“Let thy food be thy medicine”
– Hippocrates (460-370BCE)

Why the (Good) Food Movement
is Unstoppable
by Jonathan Latham, PhD
September 2016,
Independent Science News
Excerpt:
… over the long run of history, the most effective opponents of excessive wealth and privilege have not normally been city dwellers, workers or unions. Instead, they have usually been those with close links to food and the land, what we would now identify as the food movement. Even today, in more than a few countries, food is the organising principle behind the main challengers of existing power structures. ...

On 'agroecology' as a tool for liberation, Miguel Ramirez, National Coordinator of the Organic Agriculture Movement of El Salvador, explained:

"We say that every square meter of land that is worked with agro-ecology is a liberated square meter. We see it as a tool to transform farmers’ social and economic conditions. We see it as a tool of liberation from the unsustainable capitalist agricultural model that oppresses farmers." – Miguel Ramirez, 2015

In 1933, New York Physician Dr William Howard Hay (1866-1940) published a ground-breaking book, A New Health Era, now available on Archive.org
In what became known as The Hay Diet, Dr. Hay's intention was to demonstrate that all disease is caused by autotoxication (self-poisoning) leading to acidosis and lack of oxygen:

"Now we depart from health in just the proportion to which we have allowed our alkalis to be dissipated by introduction of acid-forming food in too great amount... It may seem strange to say that all disease is the same thing, no matter what its myriad modes of expression, but it is verily so."
– William Howard Hay, M.D. A New Health Era (1933)

The simplest way to maintain good health, for children and adults alike, is to focus on WHOLE organic foods – foods that have not been processed or altered from their original state.

Toxins are one of the main factors that contribute to various diseases, so controlling them is essential. A regular intake of fruits and vegetables, which help to actively detoxify the body, should be the focus of a healthy diet plan.

– Make the effort to find a reliable source for organic and Bio-Dynamic vegetables, fruit and grains.
– Grow your own sprouts! They're so easy to grow!
– Eat raw or very lightly cooked veggies:
Many vegetables can be grated into a salad or cole-slaw.
– Juicing is a great 'fast food' alternative to complex recipes, especially when you're in a hurry.

Cleaning fruit and vegetables
All non-organicly grown foods should be 'cleaned'.
See studies HERE

Two easy cleaning methods
- 1 part apple cider vinegar to 5 parts water
or,
- 1.5 tsp bi-carb soda in 1 litre of water
Soak, fully immersed, for 12-15 minutes and rinse.

There's an APP for better food choices
The Chemical Maze was first published in 2001, by Australian homeopathic researcher Bill Statham, to make it simpler and easier to recognise additives and ingredients in foods.
Take preservatives, for example, from E200 on, there are over 50 preservatives in use, and only ONE is considered non-toxic in food:
E242 = Dimethyl dicarbonate!
The APP is easy to use!

We All NEED to Know the QUALITY of our food
- MADGE.com.au provides an excellent overview for Australians.
How to shop GM free: Fruit & Vegies grown in Australia are GM free.
GMO Fact Sheet (pdf): Three GM crops are currently grown by farmers in Australia: canola, cotton and safflower. 

- PLU Database: Search nearly 1450 PLU numbers for fresh produce.

The International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS)
is composed of national produce associations around the globe.
The NUMBERS on those little stickers on your produce mean something!

- 4 digits means they were conventionally grown using artificial fertilizers and pesticides
- 5 digits starting with '8' mean they are GMO (genetically modified)
- 5 digits starting with '9' mean they were organically grown
- 5 digit numbers starting with ‘3’ mean that the produce has been electronically pasteurised (irradiated).

Nowadays, most people buy their food in supermarkets, but no matter how convenient that may be, most of these 'foods' have been processed, which eliminates all 'living organism' in them: They are full of artificial flavourings, toxic fillers, preservatives, and other harmful additives.

Nutrition Resources
A-Z Health: Indexed Nutrition Topics “… a very broad range of physical and emotional issues and with key changes to their diet, lifestyle plus some easy detox suggestions and basic supplements, their vitality starts to come back and the body has the ability then to heal itself of many ailments.”

AU: CHOICE.com.au
Australia's leading consumer advocacy group, set up by consumers, for consumers in 1959
"After 60 years we remain fiercely independent, proudly nonprofit and non-partisan. And with more than 185,000 members, we're Australia's largest and longest-running consumer organisation." - The History of CHOICE!
More than 300 food additives are approved for use in Australia.
Just how safe are they?
Food additives to avoid -
... We look at the latest research into the food additives that are permitted in Australia – and give our verdict on the ones you might want to avoid...

US: EWG.org
Since 1993, the Environmental Working Group has shined a spotlight on outdated legislation, harmful agricultural practices and industry loopholes that pose a risk to our health and the health of our environment...

EWG is here to help

Our mission is simple - To empower you with breakthrough research to make informed choices and live a healthy life in a healthy environment....
Since 1993, the Environmental Working Group has shined a spotlight on outdated legislation, harmful agricultural practices and industry loopholes that pose a risk to our health and the health of our environment.

Food & Water -
Demystifying what’s in our food and water... We know there’s a lot to consider when it comes to your food and water. Whether you’re trying to decode labels at the grocery store or understand the health effects of toxic chemicals in your drinking water

Obesity crisis -
Can chemicals found in everything from food and cosmetics to drugs and carpets make it easier for our bodies to build fat?
The answer, according to a series of peer-reviewed studies, is that the same chemicals that make our food more delicious and are used in its packaging, make our cosmetics last longer, and make our carpets and clothes stain-resistant are likely also increasing our chances of becoming overweight or obese. Many of these chemicals – called “obesogens” by scientists – alter hormones and metabolism in subtle ways that ultimately make us gain more weight. Obesogens can increase the production of fat cells, change their shape and size, and interact with processes that regulate our appetite and sense of feeling full after a meal.
Importantly, obesogens may interact with genetics, nutrition and other environmental conditions, like sleep, exercise and stress, that together influence weight and metabolism. ...

Medical School Teaches Doctors How to Cook
Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans - the first dedicated teaching kitchen to be implemented at a medical school.
"We know from the literature that when people go home and start cooking from real ingredients for themselves that their health improves. We also know that they don't really know how to do that." – Dr. Timothy Harlan, executive director at the Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine at Tulane University:
Read a 2017 interview with Dr. Harlan HERE

General 'healthy lifestyle' recommendations

• Follow a chemical-free diet.
• Consume freshly prepared foods - avoid processed foods.
  (Choose from restaurant menues carefully.)
• Eat only organic, pasture-raised/grass-fed meats.
• Drink "green drinks" and freshly juiced vegetables regularly.
• Use honey, but never cook with honey: learn about 'healthier sugars' e.g. rapadura, xylitol, sorbitol, stevia.
• Sauté with Ghee, which has a higher burning point than butter or olive oil.
  (CHOICE: Frying, baking or salad – find the right oil for the job)
  
• Use high-quality unbleached sea salt.
• Drink 6 to 8 large glasses of filtered water every day.
  (Key reference: Dr. F. Batmanghelidj, M.D - 1st ed. 1992; 3rd ed. 2008)

Avoid 'uncertainty' over the following

• Unfiltered tap water and bottled water, alkaline water, soft drinks: All Soft Drinks are acid pH, including sparkling mineral water.
• Hydrogenated oils, and GM products such as soy, rapeseed, canola.
  (Another significant opinion: The Honest Truth About Canola Oil.)
  
• Most 'commercial' salad dressings, toppings and mayonnaise.
• Added sugar and artificial sweeteners such as high-fructose corn syrup.
• Chlorine compounds, used to create white bread, white rice, white sugar, white salt, white flour.
• Commercial cleaning agents: choose 'alternative' soaps, bleaches, and detergents, available from health food stores

"Eat more raw organic foods locally in season and use only light heat and even more important you must include enzyme rich cultured foods to many of your meals to assist you for more nutrition and absorption of nutrition. Drink your beverages between your meals and not at your meals. You need strong hydrochloric stomach acid production for good absorption. Sprout your grains legumes and seed for best digestion and for increasing your food enzymes and this really is essential for senior citizens that are deficient in body enzymes in comparison to the younger generation. Mostly raw plant based eating is a longevity practice for many communities around the world."
– Holistic Chef Barry Anderson, Your Good Earth Chef

Sloppily chewed food promotes intestinal bacteria, causing flatulence, bloating, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and diarrhea. Chewing increases the surface area of foods while saliva lubricates with chemicals that bind with starch-containing simple sugars, and begin digesting carbohydrates in preparation for breakdown by enzymes. Saliva also contains lingual lipase, a fat metabolising enzyme, which breaks down fat before it reaches the stomach, thus preventing digestion problems.

On the importance of HCL (hydrochloric acid aka stomach acid):
Having enough HCL is crucial for good digestion and immune health.
See Chemical Safety Facts: Uses & Benefits of Hydrochloric Acid

The epithelium of the stomach is intrinsically resistant to the damaging effects of gastric acid and other insults. Nonetheless, excessive secretion of gastric acid is a major problem in human and, to a lesser extent, animal populations, leading to gastritis, gastric ulcers and peptic acid disease.
– Colorado State University Biomedical Hypertextbooks

Feeling good about changing our habits is a huge step toward celebrating the joys of being alive. Start by cleaning up your diet and eating real food and real fats and not the pretend food that can sit on a shelf for 6 months to 2 years. What kind of a food takes two years to go bad? Nothing that will give health to your body.

Recent studies on heart disease and food prove saturated fat does not raise your heart disease risk, but excessive consumption of non-vegetable carbohydrates do raise heart disease risk.

Eliminating sweet beverages and all processed foods are the two most powerful strategies you can implement to take control of your health.

If you’re healthy, keep your fructose consumption below 25 grams per day.
If you have signs of insulin resistance, consider limiting your total fructose to 15 grams per day until your condition has resolved.

It bears repeating: Valuable nutrients are destroyed during refining processes which can include heating, bleaching, deodorizing, and the addition of artificial flavors, fillers, and chemical preservatives.


Carbohydrates: a common term in biochemistry, aka saccharide, a group that includes sugars, starch, and cellulose.

How carbs fit into a healthy diet
Mayo Clinic EXCERPT
Carbohydrates aren't bad, but some may be healthier than others. . .
Because of their numerous health benefits, carbohydrates have a rightful place in your diet.
In fact, your body needs carbohydrates to function well. . .
Understanding carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are a type of macronutrient found in many foods and beverages. Most carbohydrates occur naturally in plant-based foods, such as grains. Food manufacturers also add carbohydrates to processed foods in the form of starch or added sugar. >>> continue reading –

Evidence seen in SKIN Condition
Our skin is a reflection of the internal health of our body.
It is our largest organ, performing many functions and is constantly being replaced. We shed about 1,000,000 dead skin cells every hour. Most household dust is made up of dead skin cells: we vacuum up our dead skin. Our skin has about 100,000,000 pours, so we're meant to sweat out toxins through exercise and replace the toxic sweat with clean water.

What is the immune system of the skin?
DermaNet, September 2017

Table of contents:
- How does the skin immune system function? 
- What is the skin’s innate immune response? 
- Complement system 
- What is the adaptive immune response?

Excerpt: The skin has an immune system that protects the body from infection, cancer, toxins, and attempts to prevent autoimmunity, in addition to being a physical barrier against the external environment.
The skin immune system is sometimes called skin-associated lymphoid tissue (SALT), which includes peripheral lymphoid organs like the spleen and the lymph nodes. >>>more

"If you can't eat it, don't put it on your skin."
This saying is a good guide when selecting body care products.
(Are your soaps, lotions and detergents edible?) Non-Toxic versions of many of the commercial cleaning and hygiene products are available, but those who live a healthy lifestyle don't need most of those products. The best deodorant is a clean diet: drinking lots of pure water and eating a diet of water-rich fruits and vegetables. Processed foods are difficult to digest and can sit in your stomach for days and will start to rot, causing body odours.

A fascia (/'fæ i/; plural fasciae /'fæ ii/; adjective fascial; from Latin: "band") is a band or sheet of connective tissue, primarily collagen, beneath the skin that attaches, stabilizes, encloses, and separates muscles and other internal organs. Wikipedia

Fascia is an Endocrine / Neuroendocrine Organ
Dr Russell Schierlingm, Chiropractor, June 2017

"Superficial fascia, the adipose layer at the hypodermal level just beneath our skin, is a whole body endocrine organ, a whole body lymphoid organ, a sensory system, a metabolic regulator...." 
– Dr. Gil Hedley, referenced by Dr. Schierlingm

Excerpt: When it comes to the body, nothing is as simple as it seems on the surface - it's always far more complex. A prime example of this is fascia. Not only have I talked at length about the ENDOCRINE SYSTEM on this site (HERE and HERE and many others), but I have shown you that your body fat as well as the bacteria that live in and on your body act as secondary endocrine systems as well (HERE and HERE respectively). Today I want to talk a little about connective tissues - and particularly FASCIA - as still another endocrine system.
Before we begin, let's answer a simple question:
What is the endocrine system and why is it important?
The endocrine system consists of hormones, the parts of your brain that originate the signals to create said hormones, as well as the actual glands where they are manufactured... >>> more

WebMed.com: Your metabolic rate is strongly influenced by your body composition. People with more muscle and less fat generally have a faster metabolic rate, while people with more fat and less muscle generally have a slower metabolic rate. >>>more

- The Pancreas regulates sugar levels.
- The Duodenum regulates acid levels.
Maintaining proper blood sugar and acid levels is crucial to the functioning of key organs including the brain, liver, and kidneys.

The Pancreas has two significant roles:
An organ of the digestive system and of the endocrine system.
• The exocrine pancreas produces enzymes that help to digest food, particularly protein.
• The endocrine pancreas makes the hormone insulin, which helps to control blood sugar levels.

Pancreatic juices & bile are released into the duodenum.
Columbia University shares a well-illustrated overview:
The Pancreas and its functions.

The Duodenum produces bicarbonate to regulate pH
"power of Hydrogen /Oxygen = "Basic" gut acid balance.
• Our blood brings bicarbonate to our lungs, to be exhaled as carbon dioxide.
• Our kidneys regulate bicarbonate, which is excreted and reabsorbed by our kidneys.

An important 2012 study explains why "the bulk of gastric acid neutralization and CO2 absorption occurs in the duodenum"
–Ham et al., (2012), CH. 43.4.2.3 Duodenal Acid–Base Balance

GUT Health impacts whole-body health:
immune system, heart health, brain health, mood, sleep, and effective digestion.
Nursing Times explains the "workings' of the gastrointestinal tract:
The anatomy, functions and common pathologies of the duodenum, liver and pancreas. – Knight J et al (2019) Gastrointestinal tract 3: the duodenum, liver and pancreas. Nursing Times [online]; 115: 8, 56-60.

Two studies by Caltech Microbiologist Dr. Sarkis K. Mazmanian,
Utilizing Evolutionary Mechanisms of Human-Bacterial symbiosis, (2008),
and Mapping Bacterial Neighborhoods in the Gut, (2020),
help to explain the role of bacteria in supporting the human immune system:

2020 Excerpt: The microscopic populations of bacteria in our intestines are, in some ways, just like us: They live in communities, eat, work, reproduce, and eventually die. Many of these bacterial species live in harmony with our bodies, providing benefits to us in exchange for nutrients and shelter. When the right kinds of bacteria cannot establish the proper symbiotic relationship with our bodies, we may be at a greater risk for a variety of immune, neurological, and metabolic diseases. ...mapping the geography of microbial populations in the gut—collectively referred to as the gut microbiome—may be crucial for one day being able to treat and reshape a human microbiome gone awry. >>>more

Understanding the Digestive Process

Indigestion can lead to constipation, bloating, wind, nausea, acidity,
acid-reflux and Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
IBS can be caused by stress, unbalanced meals, eating on the run or too fast. When any of these symptoms occur together, they can weaken the immune system and make the body vulnerable to infection.

The Gut Microbiome
What’s an Unhealthy Gut? How Gut Health Affects You?
We mustn't forget that antibiotics kill all gut flora - good and bad.
The incredible complexity of the gut and its importance to our overall health is a topic of increasing research in the medical community. Numerous studies in the past two decades have demonstrated links between gut health and the immune system, mood, mental health, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders, skin conditions, and cancer. >>> more

About the Gastrointestinal Tract- aka GI Tract
The large, hollow organs of the GI tract contain a layer of muscle that enables their walls to move. The movement of organ walls—called peristalsis—propels food and liquid through the GI tract and mixes the contents within each organ. Peristalsis looks like an ocean wave traveling through the muscle as it contracts and relaxes. >>> more

• Leaky gut syndrome
• Gut pain and intestinal health
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

What is the pyloric sphincter?
Where is it located?
What is its function?
The pyloric sphincter is a ring of smooth muscle that connects the stomach and small intestine. It opens and closes to control the passage of partially digested food and stomach juices from the pylorus to the duodenum. Sometimes, the pyloric sphincter is weak or doesn’t work properly, leading to digestive problems, including bile reflux and gastroparesis. >>> more

What is ileocecal valve syndrome?
The ileocecal valve (ICV) is the sphincter muscle 'doorway' between the small intestine and the large intestine.
When the ICV remains open, 'waste' can flow back from the large intestine (the body's sewage system) into the small intestine, causing a wide variety of symptoms, including headaches, joint, back pain, diarrhea, arthritic symptoms especially when there is a parasitic infection and intestinal bacteria in the body. Swallowing fiberous food before it is fully chewed can be a cause.

EarthClinic offers good insight on ileocecal valve syndrome:
Additionally, ileocecal valve issues may cause a sudden stabbing pain in the low back or leg, a standing curvature, sharp or dull headaches, migraines, chronic sinus infection, allergies, dark circles under the eyes. Loose bowels, colon syndromes, burning leg pain, asthma-like symptoms and general GI discomfort may also be caused by ileocecal valve dysfunction. >>> more

Revised Estimates
for the Number of Human and Bacteria Cells in the Body
Aug. 2016
NCBI
Sender, Fuchs, Milo, PLOS Biology, 2016;14(8):e1002533
Results excerpt:

Although the bacterial concentrations in the saliva and dental plaque are high, because of their small volume the overall numbers of bacteria in the mouth are less than 1% of the colon bacteria number. The concentration of bacteria in the stomach and the upper 2/3 of the small intestine (duodenum and jejunum) is only 103–104 bacteria/mL, owing to the relatively low pH of the stomach and the fast flow of the content through the stomach and the small intestine [10]. Table 1 reveals that the bacterial content of the colon exceeds all other organs by at least two orders of magnitude. Importantly, within the alimentary tract, the colon is the only substantial contributor to the total bacterial population, while the stomach and small intestine make negligible contributions. >>>more

What's the Best Diet for Humans?
“No opinions. No beliefs. Just hard data." – Professor Eran Segal, computational biologist, Weizmann Institute of Science

Partial transcript: 

. . . These results of ours, on such a large data set, convinced us that responses to food are personal. And that diets that maintain normal blood-glucose levels must therefore be personally tailored to the individual. They also show, in our view, why the current nutritional paradigm that searches for that one best diet is inherently flawed. The best diet for humans does not exist. Our responses to food are personal so our dietary advice must also be personal. (9:10-9:48)

On The Role of Blood Types
pH is impacted by Blood Groups aka Blood Type: O+/-, A+/-, B+/-, AB+/-
Since blood groups correlate with ancestral inheritance, the foods we eat react chemically with our blood type, therefore, it stands to reason that the pH of foods designed for our blood type will support nutrients absorption.
For example:
– A and AB blood types are more sensitive to some acid foods, while O and B blood types can absorb acid foods.
- Wheat is more acidifying for O blood type, and less so for A blood type.
- Cow's milk has larger molecules than goat's milk: People from regions where goat milk is the tradition have difficulty digesting cows milk.

Blood Group Research
Back to top
Researchers crack the code of the final blood group system.
Lund University. (2018, July 16), ScienceDaily.

Excerpt: Ever since the blood type was discovered in 1962, no one has been able to explain why some people become Xga positive while others are Xga negative. But now, researchers have finally solved the mystery. >>>more

The Australian Red Cross provides reliable information:

We inherit our blood type from a mix of our parents’ genes. There are eight main blood types, organised through two combined systems. These systems are ABO (blood types A, B, AB or O) and Rh type or group (positive or negative). >>> more

Blood Type Diet
Back to top

Naturopathic physician, Dr. Peter D’Adama, ND, MIFHI says we will digest food more efficiently if we pay attention to our blood type. He has shared resources on how our blood type influences our microbiome. >>> more

Selected studies:

The history of research on blood group genetics:
initial discovery and diffusion
Schneider, W.H., (1996), Department of History, Indiana University,
Published in Hist Philos Life Sci. 1996;18(3):277-303.

Abstract
During the 1920s and 1930s the resting of blood groups for large numbers of people became a very common practice. Although much of this was to ensure compatibility for blood transfusion, over 1,000 articles were published with results of tests on over 1.3 million people to answer more theoretical, scientific questions. The motivation for much of this research was the possible link between the well established hereditary blood types and other possible inherited traits. Because the existence of the blood groups was a rather sudden discovery, the record of this publication offers an excellent case study of the diffusion of new scientific knowledge. Differences in the beginning of blood group research from country to country reveal some important influences of social setting on the spread and application of the new discoveries.

Genetics of Mitochondrial Disease
Russell P. Saneto,
June 2017, Advances in Genetics, Volume 98, Pages 63-116

Excerpt: There are an estimated ∼1500 proteins in the mitExcerpt: oproteome, whereas the mtDNA genome has 37 proteins. There are, to date, ∼275 genes shown to give rise to disease. The unique physiology of mitochondrial functioning contributes to diverse gene expression. >>>more

NOTES:
1. Recent articles highlighting neuromuscular diseases

2. Re. mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activity
Cardiolipin is an acidic lipoprotein that is abundant in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is required for normal respiratory chain enzyme activity
– ScienceDirect:
See also Wikipedia: function of cardiolipin in the mitochondrial membrane.


Cholesterol Myths
Back to top

We now know that statins, which lower cholesterol, predictably foster sarcopenia, diabetes, and cognitive impairment.

New Research Confirms We Got Cholesterol All Wrong
Baylen Linnekin, September 22, 2018
University of Chicago Adjunct Law Professor Baylen Linnekin specialises in food law: "Food Freedom"
Excerpt:
The U.S. government has pushed a lot of bad nutrition advice over the years. Maybe it should stop advising us on what to eat. ... LDL is widely considered to be an unhealthy cholesterol, while HDL is conventionally considered good. ... That study also reports that "heart attack patients were shown to have lower than normal cholesterol levels of LDL-C" and that older people with higher levels of bad cholesterol tend to live longer than those with lower levels.'
– Baylen Linnekin, 2018,
Professor Linnekin is the author of Biting the Hands That Feed Us: How Fewer, Smarter Laws Would Make Our Food System More Sustainable (Island Press 2016). Linnekin serves on the board of directors of the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund.
See more of his reports HERE

"A high cholesterol is in fact beneficial."
FREE report on Cholesterol
The Cholesterol Myths
by Uffe Ravnskov, MD, PhD, 2019
"The idea that too much animal fat and high cholesterol are dangerous to your heart and vessels is nothing but a myth. Here come some astonishing and frightening facts. You can find the references to most of the papers that I mention on these sites from my book. The first and most detailed one, The Cholesterol Myths is free on the web and as an e-book from Smashwords or from DropBox."

Here are the facts!
Excerpt (3 of 9 points):

1. Cholesterol is not a deadly poison, but a substance vital to the cells of all mammals. There are no such things as good or bad cholesterol, but mental stress, physical activity and change of body weight may influence the level of blood cholesterol.
A high cholesterol is in fact beneficial . . .

2. A high blood cholesterol is said to promote atherosclerosis and thus also coronary heart disease. But many studies have shown that people whose blood cholesterol is low become just as atherosclerotic as people whose cholesterol is high. . . .

3. Your body produces three to four times more cholesterol than you eat. The production of cholesterol increases when you eat little cholesterol and decreases when you eat much. This explains why the ”prudent” diet cannot lower cholesterol more than on average a few per cent. >>> continue reading –

Note:
Dr. Ravnskov has published about 100 critical papers and letters about the alleged association between cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. For his contributions in this field he was honored by the Skrabanek Award 1999 given by Trinity College of Dublin, Ireland for Original Contributions in the Field of Medical Skepticism, and by the Leo-Huss-Walin Prize for Independent Thinking in Natural Sciences and Medicine.

Review:
Final Nails for the Cholesterol Coffin? (June 2007)
Health and Stress, The Newsletter of The American Institute of Stress (pdf)
Excerpt:
... Uffe Ravnskov received his M.D. from the University of Copenhagen in 1961 and a Ph.D. in Clinical Chemistry and Nephrology in 1973 from the University of Lund. He specialized in internal medicine and nephrology and served as an associate professor of nephrology at the University of Lund Hospital before leaving to devote his time to private investigations. These culminated in the 1997 publication of The Cholesterol Myths: Exposing the Fallacy that Saturated Fat and Cholesterol Cause Heart Disease, which provided a comprehensive and objective analysis of the influence of dietary fat and elevated blood cholesterol on health, as well as the development of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. It was painstakingly referenced with citations to convincingly demonstrate that a high fat diet does not cause either an elevated cholesterol or coronary disease. In addition, it showed that high cholesterol has little to do with accelerated coronary atherosclerosis in humans and actually confers protective benefits, especially in the elderly. Ravnskov's conclusions were so contrary to the prevailing dogma that he was severely berated by the bureaucracy and his book was burned on a Finnish TV program by cholesterol crusaders. Critics could only resort to such ad hominen personal attacks because they were unable to refute any of his claims. >>>more

Probiotics, Prebiotics & Fermented Foods
Using dairy products is controversial today, mainly due to the quality of the milk and processing methods. Purchase only plain natural yoghurt (avoid fruit yogurts and other additives), preferably BioDynamic or organic yogurt. (Look for 'natural' yogurt made from fresh milk rather than reconstituted milk powder.)

Warrior skeletons reveal Bronze Age Europeans couldn't drink milk
Ability to digest dairy as an adult evolved later—and much more quickly—than scientists thought
3 September, 2020, Science.org
Excerpt
Agriculture imposed powerful selection on Eurasian populations over thousands of years, but adaptation was neither immediate nor uniform at all ages: "Tollense skeletons show that at least 6000 more years went by before the gene for lactase persistence caught on. The DNA results also quash the theory, first proposed in 2015, that the gene for lactase persistence was imported to Western Europe at about 5000 B.C.E. by cow-herding nomads from the steppes of modern-day Ukraine and Russia, the Yamnaya people.
The results leave scientists more puzzled than ever about exactly when and why Europeans began to drink milk. “Natural genetic drift can’t explain it, and there’s no evidence that it was population turnover either,” says Christina Warinner, a geneticist at Harvard University and the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History who was not involved with the study. “It’s almost embarrassing that this is the strongest example of selection we have and we can’t really explain it.” >>>more

Yogurt bacterias are not all equal!

Histamine intolerance
Histamine is a chemical which occurs naturally in certain foods: a chemical neurotransmitter in our immune system, digestion, and central nervous system. Histamine intolerance is part of an allergic reaction process, causing typical symptoms of alergy such as itching, sneezing, wheezing and swelling.
- Learn about the four known Histomine Receptors, H1 - H4 HERE
- See also Alergy.uk 1-page analysis and advice:

"We all have an enzyme (diamine oxidase) which breaks down any histamine that we absorb from a histamine-containing food. When we eat a food which contains histamine it does not affect us. However, some people have a low level of this enzyme. When they eat too many histamine-rich foods they may suffer ‘allergy-like’ symptoms such as headaches, rashes, itching, diarrhoea, and vomiting or abdominal pain. This is called histamine intolerance."
– Alergy.uk

Introduction to the human gut microbiota
Biochem J. 2017 Jun 1; 474(11): 1823–1836.

Abstract
The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract harbours a complex and dynamic population of microorganisms, the gut microbiota, which exert a marked influence on the host during homeostasis and disease. Multiple factors contribute to the establishment of the human gut microbiota during infancy. Diet is considered as one of the main drivers in shaping the gut microbiota across the life time. Intestinal bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining immune and metabolic homeostasis and protecting against pathogens. Altered gut bacterial composition (dysbiosis) has been associated with the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases and infections. The interpretation of these studies relies on a better understanding of inter-individual variations, heterogeneity of bacterial communities along and across the GI tract, functional redundancy and the need to distinguish cause from effect in states of dysbiosis. This review summarises our current understanding of the development and composition of the human GI microbiota, and its impact on gut integrity and host health, underlying the need for mechanistic studies focusing on host–microbe interactions. >>>more

What is a Probiotic?
Neutral pH allows ‘living’ probiotics to get to the intestine alive,
so it makes sense to 'alkalize' stomach acids before taking probiotics.

FAQ
Probiotics may help:
• Treat diarrhea, especially following treatment with certain antibiotics
• Prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections
• Treat irritable bowel syndrome
• Speed treatment of certain intestinal infections
• Prevent or reduce the severity of colds and flu. >>> more

The human gastrointestinal tract (GIT), including the mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines, is home to an incredible population of beneficial bacteria responsible for the complex, symbiotic network, which maintains regularity and balance in our digestive and immune systems. This microflora is introduced at birth and continues to develop as we age, as long as our diets are balanced to provide proper nourishment. In this way, we might think of ourselves as individual ecosystems relying on a probiotic population to keep us healthy. Aside from promoting balance, these bacteria defend against the illness and infection caused by harmful bacteria which may thrive where beneficial colonies are lacking.

What is a Prebiotic?
FAQ – high fibre, high prebiotic diet
A prebiotic is a type of fibre (but not all fibre is prebiotic).
 
To be classified as a prebiotic, the fibre must pass through the GI tract undigested and stimulate the growth and/or activity of certain ‘good’ bacteria in the large intestine

Some strategies for fibre intake.
The following strategies may help you to increase your fibre intake.

– Eat a high-fibre breakfast cereal
– Add a few tablespoons of unprocessed bran or psyllium husks to cereal, soups, casseroles, yoghurt, smoothies, dessert and biscuit recipes
– Add nuts, dried fruits and seeds to cereals
– Eat wholegrain breads
– Eat fruit and vegetable skins, don’t peel them
– Snack on fruit, nuts, and seeds.
– Read food labels and choose foods that are higher in fibre
– Add legumes and lentils to soups, casseroles and salads.
– Eat legume or lentil based dishes a few nights a week, for example felafels, chickpea salad, dhal or lentil soup
– Eat fruit instead of drinking fruit juice or soft drink

See more examples of food that are naturally high in prebiotics, here

A probiotic a day may keep stress at bay
New study from Griffith University, Queensland, Australia:

“Interest in the gut-brain axis and emerging evidence that the intestinal microbiota can influence central nervous system function has led to the hypothesis that probiotic supplementation can have a positive effect on mood and psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety."

There are over 400 species of bacteria in your belly right now that can be the key to health or disease. The genomes of the bacteria and viruses of the human gut alone are thought to encode 3.3 million genes.

Excerpt:

“consumption of probiotics may have advantageous effects on mental health by lessening the psychological symptoms of perceived stress, depression and anxiety. . . .
Published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, the study reviewed the results of seven previous studies which tested for symptoms in over 300 healthy volunteers both before and after supplementation with a probiotic.

“We combined the data from a number of clinical trials to conduct a powerful analysis of probiotic research,” says dietitian Dr Natalie Colson from Griffith’s Menzies Health Institute Queensland.
“The overall result was significant in demonstrating that taking probiotics in some form, for example tablet or yoghurt, can help alleviate symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety in otherwise healthy people.

“The research into the relationship between the gut and the brain is reasonably new however we are now starting to better understand this ‘gut brain axis’.

“We can see that if the gut microbiome is not operating at an optimal level, and it communicates with your brain, then it may well negatively affect the way that you feel and think. Therefore by adding what we believe to be a mixture of good ‘multi-species’ bacteria to your gut microbiome, this may reduce those negative feelings.”

Dr Colson says that more studies need to be conducted to determine if the consumption of probiotics could also assist with symptoms of diagnosed clinical depression.

“We don’t know yet how far this could be used in the treatment of depression, however the gut microbiome presents as a potential target for the treatment of cognitive and mood disorders.

“But it does appear that generally healthy people who are going through stressful periods could certainly benefit from adding probiotics to their diet.”

Further studies may allow for the development of novel probiotic treatment strategies for gastrointestinal-related disorders that are associated with impaired communication between the gut and brain, says Dr Colson. >>> more

NPR: Probiotics 101
Acidophilus, in the form of yogurt and kefir or as a supplement, supports concentrated oxygenation and is an anti-inflammatory aid in cooling and alkalizing the digestive system. Beneficial bacteria help us digest food, make vitamins, even help protect us from harmful pathogens.

"Researchers are studying the ability of beneficial micro-organisms - or probiotics - to treat a range of conditions from eczema to inflammatory bowel disease. ... Nailing down the specific benefits of probiotics will take years and much more research. And this includes an interesting line of inquiry into a gut-mind connection, exploring the idea that we might be able to change how we feel by changing what's in our guts. >>> more

Study 1:
The Effect of Probiotics on Lactose Intolerance (ClinicalTrials.gov)

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are commonly used in order to prevent or treat a disease. The current definition by the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization: "Live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." These microorganisms are a heterogeneous group, they are nonpathogenic and produce beta- galactosidase or lactase intracellularly that may assist in the digestion of lactose. Studies have shown that people with lactose intolerance tolerated the lactose in yogurt better than the same amount of lactose in milk. The assumption was that the presence of lactase producing bacteria in the yogurt, especially Lactobacillus acidophilus, contributed to the digestion and absorption of lactose. It was also found that the presence of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus alleviate lactose intolerance through their ability to produce lactase enzyme. Finally, in another study it was found that consumption of milk containing Bifidobacterium longum resulted in significantly less hydrogen production and flatulence as compared to the consumption of control pasteurized milk. Based on the mentioned data, the investigators speculate that the administration of probiotics may assist with the consumption of dairy products containing lactose. >>> more

Study 2:
Probiotic Gut Effects May Alter Brain Activity
Study 3:
The Effect of Probiotics on Lactose Intolerance
Study 4:
Probiotics Can Reduce Risk of Diarrhea Caused by Antibiotics

What is the GAPS diet and who is it for?
Healthline SUMMARY:
Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride is known for the GAPS Nutritional Protocol: GAPS is the acronym
- Gut and Psychology Syndrome
- Gut and Physiology Syndrome.
It’s an elimination diet claimed to cure conditions that affect brain function, including autism and attention deficit disorder (ADD).

Excerpt:
natural cure for many psychiatric and neurological conditions:
- autism
- ADD and ADHD
- dyspraxia
- dyslexia
- depression
- schizophrenia
- Tourette’s syndrome
- bipolar disorder
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- eating disorders
- gout
- childhood bed-wetting
>>>more

Your Gut Health is Essential to Your Well-being

• Your gut serves as your second brain, and even produces more serotonin—known to have a beneficial influence on your mood—than your brain does. It is also home to countless bacteria, both good and bad. These bacteria outnumber the cells in your body by at least 10 to one, and maintaining the ideal balance of good and bad bacteria forms the foundation for good health—physical, mental and emotional.

• Most disease originates in your digestive system. This includes both physical and mental disease. Once you heal and seal your gut lining, and make your digestive system work properly again, disease symptoms will typically resolve.

Any dysfunction of the brain is usually connected to what's going on in the digestive system. Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride discusses the science behind GAPS:
Interview by Tracy Frisch
April 2016 issue of Acres U.S.A. Magazine: ECO Farming Daily

Example:

TACA: Talk About Curing Autism
What is Autism? What are its common traits?
Excerpt:
Good health is, to a very large degree, dependent on a well functioning digestive tract. Digestion is the process of changing food into a form that the body can absorb into the blood, nourish cells and provide energy. Of all of the bodily functions, digestion has the greatest influence on our mental state. In other words, the belly rules the mind. …

Digestive Enzymes
A major factor in good digestion relies on the amount of digestive enzymes in our bodies. Different enzymes are needed to break down different types of protein, carbohydrates and fats. Enzymes are found in all raw foods, plants and fruits.

The brain's chemicals-neurotransmitters (such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine) are dependent on proper digestion. Therefore if digestion is inadequate, the production of neurotransmitters involved in our brain function and attention will also be inadequate. That is why probiotics, fermented foods and digestive enzymes are so important. They help assimilate and break down nutrients as well as remove toxins from the body.

Stress, environmental pollution, illness and chemicals diminish the body's ability to effectively produce enzymes. Children with Autism usually have low levels of certain enzymes or less active enzymes, and often both. There is also a link between a lack of enzymes and inflammation of the gut and brain. 
>>> more

Autism Spectrum Disorder
CDC: Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.

“not all individuals with autism are alike. In fact, very few people with autism have the exact same issues." >>> more

The influence of neuroinflammation in Autism Spectrum Disorder, Matta, et. al., 2019
"Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by deficits in social communication and restricted or repetitive behaviours. The clinical presentation of ASD is highly variable and diagnosis is based on the presence of impaired social communication and repetitive and/or restricted behaviours."

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
National Institutes of Health
Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
Includes Sources of Omega-3s

Excerpt:
Initial clinical research
Clinical trial data from the 1989 Diet and Reinfarction Trial, the 1999 open-label GISSI-Prevenzione trial, and others supported the hypothesis that LC omega-3s offer protection from CVD by reducing the heart’s susceptibility to arrhythmias, lowering triglyceride levels, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing platelet aggregation [50-55]. The authors of a systematic review that included six secondary-prevention trials and one primary-prevention trial of omega-3 supplementation published between 1966 and 2005 concluded that consumption of LC omega-3s from fish and fish oil supplements reduces rates of all-cause mortality, cardiac death, sudden death, and stroke [50]. They noted that the evidence of benefit is stronger for secondary than for primary prevention. ...

The Omega-3 Diet (2013)
by Artemis Simopoulis
Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acid Deficiency and High Fructose intake in the Development of Metabolic Syndrome Brain, Metabolic Abnormalities,
and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract
Western diets are characterized by both dietary omega-3 fatty acid deficiency and increased fructose intake. The latter found in high amounts in added sugars such as sucrose and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Both a low intake of omega-3 fatty acids or a high fructose intake contribute to metabolic syndrome, liver steatosis or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), promote brain insulin resistance, and increase the vulnerability to cognitive dysfunction. Insulin resistance is the core perturbation of metabolic syndrome. Multiple cognitive domains are affected by metabolic syndrome in adults and in obese adolescents, with volume losses in the hippocampus and frontal lobe, affecting executive function. Fish oil supplementation maintains proper insulin signaling in the brain, ameliorates NAFLD and decreases the risk to metabolic syndrome suggesting that adequate levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet can cope with the metabolic challenges imposed by high fructose intake in Western diets which is of major public health importance. This review presents the current status of the mechanisms involved in the development of the metabolic syndrome, brain insulin resistance, and NAFLD a most promising area of research in Nutrition for the prevention of these conditions, chronic diseases, and improvement of Public Health.
>>> more

Ketogenic Diet 101
An excellent overview, including recommended menu.
The Ketogenic Diet: A Detailed Beginner's Guide to Keto (2018)
by Rudy Mawer, MSc, CISSN on July 30, 2018
Healthline Summary
The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet. It lowers blood sugar and insulin levels, and shifts the body’s metabolism away from carbs and towards fat and ketones. >>>more

What is Nephropathy?
Nephropathy is a broad medical term used to denote disease or damage of the kidney, which can eventually result in kidney failure. The primary and most obvious functions of the kidney are to excrete any waste products and to regulate the water and acid-base balance of the body – therefore loss of kidney function is a potentially fatal condition.

Nephropathy is considered a progressive illness; in other words, as kidneys become less and less effective over time (with the progression of the disease), the condition of the patient gets worse if left untreated. This is the reason why it is pivotal to receive adequate diagnosis and treatment as early as possible.
>>> more

"Diabetic nephropathy can be reversed by a relatively simple dietary intervention. Whether reduced glucose metabolism mediates the protective effects of the ketogenic diet remains to be determined."– Poplawski, et. al. (2011), Reversal of Diabetic Nephropathy by a Ketogenic Diet, PLoS One. 2011; 6(4): e18604.

The Seignalet Method 
aka the hypotoxic diet:
"the ancestral diet" was dveloped in 1985 by clinical pathologist, lecturer and researcher, Dr. Jean Seignalet, advocates a varied diet which is as close as possible to that of our hunter-gatherer ancestors.

Excerpt: The foods we eat have undergone a high number of molecular transformations. Some of these foods, conventionally considered to be “healthy” have become totally indigestible for some of us, the following in particular: many cereals (including wheat and maize), animal milks (in all their forms) and excessively cooked foods (in particular animal fats and proteins). The method is “gluten-free and casein-free” therefore and advocates fresh foods, raw foods and gently cooked foods. It is totally varied and balanced. It is also described as “hypotoxic” because it excludes elements that are “toxic” for certain people in the long-term.
>>> more

FODMAP for IBS
What are FODMAPs
These are complex names for a collection of molecules found in food, that can be poorly absorbed by some people.
FODMAP diet cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

The Low FODMAP diet was developed by researchers at Monash University, with a comprehensive overview HERE:

FODMAPs are a group of sugars that are not completely digested or absorbed in our intestines. When FODMAPs reach the small intestine, they move slowly, attracting water. When they pass into the large intestine, FODMAPs are fermented by gut bacteria, producing gas as a result. The extra gas and water causes the intestinal wall to stretch and expand. Because people with IBS have a highly sensitive gut, ‘stretching’ the intestinal wall causes exaggerated sensations of pain and discomfort

Put simply, FODMAPs are a collection of short-chain carbohydrates (sugars) that aren’t absorbed properly in the gut, which can trigger symptoms in people with IBS. FODMAPs are found naturally in many foods and food additives. >>>more

This video shows you how Monash University developed the FODMAP diet, how and why it works for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and where to get more information.

Melbourne-based pharmacist & naturopath Glenda Johnson has shared valuable insights: (Conditions her clinic treat.)
Excerpt: It has been found that besides there being an imbalance of bad bacteria, parasites or fungi, a range of foods called the FODMAPS have been implicated in many digestive disorders as well. So just what are these? And why have they gained popularity as one of the supportive measures in the management of those diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. These nutrients are very prevalent in much of our foods.

Here are a few of them:
• Oligosaccharides, such as fructans/fructo-oligosaccharides (found in grains and vegetables) and galactans/galacto-oligosaccharides (found in legumes)
• Disaccharides, such as lactose (found in milk and dairy products)
• Monosaccharides, such as fructose (found in fruit and honey)
• Polyols, such as sorbitol (found in sweetened products)

Why should we take notice of FODMAPS?
Susceptible people can experience intestinal symptoms from the eating of FODMAPs because of the way they act in the digestive system.

• Firstly, these carbohydrates are not well absorbed into the body and remain in the digestive tract for longer periods than expected.
• FODMAPs draw water into the intestines, which can increase bowel motions and promote diarrhoea.
• These carbohydrates can be metabolised by the bacteria that normally reside in the bowel, producing gases like hydrogen or carbon dioxide, which cause excessive abdominal bloating, abdominal discomfort and pain and flatulence.

These symptoms are similar to those of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and could include diarrhoea, vitamin and mineral deficiency, bloating and flatulence, abdominal cramping, headaches and nausea. When someone presents with IBS symptoms, leaving out FODMAP foods can be useful.

To find out if FODMAPs might be contributing to your IBS symptoms, the most effective strategy is to eliminate all FODMAP containing foods and observe your symptoms. However, if you are having limited success with the FODMAP diet, you may need to check for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, parasite infection, food sensitivities and stress hormone abnormalities, all of which can contribute to IBS symptoms.

So you can see that there are many factors that need to be taken into account when addressing IBS symptoms.

A word of caution here, mind you, it is not generally recommended that you follow a low FODMAP diet for life; restricting the dietary intake of a wide array of foods should generally be avoided if possible to reduce the risk of nutrient deficiencies.

FODMAPs are a normal part of the diet and have benefits for health, such as providing fibre and probiotics for gastrointestinal health.  Because of this there is a special method used in finding out which FODMAP is the culprit, if at all! >>> more

What are Polyphenols?
Plant polyphenols are the most important part of our diet.
Key words: polyphenols, antioxidants, bioavailability, human diseases
Abstract:
Polyphenols are secondary metabolites of plants and are generally involved in defense against ultraviolet radiation or aggression by pathogens. In the last decade, there has been much interest in the potential health benefits of dietary plant polyphenols as antioxidant. Epidemiological studies and associated meta-analyses strongly suggest that long term consumption of diets rich in plant polyphenols offer protection against development of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis and neurodegenerative diseases. >>> more

Phytochemicals boost metabolism
– the building blocks of bio-energy!

Berries are powerful:
blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, mulberries, and ... Noble muscadine grapes.
E.g. anti-diabetic and anti-oxidant properties in mulberries:
According to a 2011 Food Research International report (pdf), phytochemicals inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end-products by scavenging reactive carbonyls.

"Phenolic phytochemicals were extracted from blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, and Noble muscadine grapes. These extracts were purified to remove free sugars ... Results in this study suggested that sugar-free phytochemicals extracted from berries were effective carbonyl scavengers and protein glycation inhibitors. These phytochemicals could be beneficial to prevent AGE-related chronic diseases."
>>> more

What are Essential Amino Acids?
See Healthline overview:

Excerpts: Amino acids are organic compounds composed of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen… Your body needs 20 different amino acids to grow and function properly. Though all 20 of these are important for your health, only nine amino acids are classified as essential …… these vital compounds are found in many animal- and plant-based foods, helping you meet your daily needs through a healthy and balanced diet. >>>more

What Are Enzymes?
BBC Science
"enzymes are made by living things, they are proteins, and not alive."

How enzymes work:
RSC (Royal Society for Chemistry)
For two molecules to react they must collide with one another. They must collide in the right direction (orientation) and with sufficient energy. Sufficient energy means that between them they have enough energy to overcome the energy barrier to reaction. This is called the activation energy. … Each enzyme works within quite a small pH range. There is a pH at which its activity is greatest (the optimal pH). This is because changes in pH can make and break intra- and intermolecular bonds, changing the shape of the enzyme and, therefore, its effectiveness. >>> more

pH and enzymes
Changes in pH alter an enzyme’s shape.
Different enzymes work best at different pH values. The optimum pH for an enzyme depends on where it normally works. For example, intestinal enzymes have an optimum pH of about 7.5. Enzymes in the stomach have an optimum pH of about 2. >>> more
(Read about the importance of maintaining-pH-balance.htm here)

What are Oxalates?
Oxalates, aka oxalac acid, occur in plants, and warm blooded animals, such as humans, and are produced by the liver.

Oxalic acid is needed by our body: Not all acids are bad.
E.g. Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid.
"One of the main health concerns about oxalate is that it can bind to minerals in the gut and prevent the body from absorbing them." – Franziska Spritzler, RD, CDE

While researchers continue to explore measurement techniques in defining foods containing high and low oxalate, a healthy and varied diet will contain about 200-300 mg of oxalates per day.

“... concentrations of oxalic acid are pretty low in most plants and plant-based foods, but there’s enough in spinach, chard and beet greens to interfere with the absorption of the calcium these plants also contain. For example, although the calcium in spinach is 115 mg per half cup cooked, because of the interference of oxalic acid, you would have to eat more than 16 cups of raw or more than eight cups of cooked spinach to get the amount of calcium available in one cup of yogurt.” – Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D.

Oxalates and Kidney Stones
Can What You Eat Give You Kidney Stones?
Quick overview HERE

An easy to follow overview from Wholefoods:
Oxalates and health
Two aspects of oxalates have been extensively studied from a health perspective: their relationship to kidney stone formation and their relationship to calcium absorption and metabolism. . . .
Cooking has a relatively small impact on the oxalate content of foods.

Practical take-away
For the vast majority of individuals who are not at special risk of calcium oxalate kidney stone formation—or do not have any of the rare health conditions that require strict oxalate restriction—oxalate-containing foods should not be a health concern. Under most circumstances, high oxalate foods like spinach (including both baby and larger leafed mature spinach) can be enjoyed either raw or cooked and incorporated into a weekly or daily meal plan. For persons with health histories that make kidney stones a health concern, we recommend consultation with a healthcare provider to develop a diet plan and take other steps that can lower individual health risks. >>> more

WARNING:
New study warns of potential kidney damage due to overdosing on 'juicing' with high oxalate foods.

"Green Smoothie Cleanse" Causing Acute Oxalate Nephropathy (2017).
Makkapati S, D'Agati VD, Balsam L.
Excerpt: Given the increasing popularity of juice cleanses, it is important that both patients and physicians have greater awareness of the potential for acute oxalate nephropathy in susceptible individuals with risk factors such as chronic kidney disease, gastric bypass, and antibiotic use. >>> more

How To Eat A Low Oxalate Diet
By Jill Harris and Fred Coe
Medical research is endlessly argumentative, and food oxalate is no exception. A recent paper contrasts findings from 6 websites and 2 applications and finds some wide variations. 

Excerpt: . . . a useful table of oxalate foods. Get yourself acquainted with it. It will tell you much of what you need to know. A lot of it will even surprise you. You are not as restricted as you think you are or as you have been told.

A more dramatic list is the 180 high oxalate foods distilled out of the big list. Here are culprits! Not on this list? Probably not very high in oxalate so far as we know – with perhaps a few exceptions. Note that quantity is critical. For example black pepper is high in oxalate but the amounts used are small enough that total oxalate intake from it is negligible. >>> more

What are antibodies?
See Wikipedia overview HERE

Glycans In The Immune system
and The Altered Glycan Theory of Autoimmunity:
A Critical Review – Mavericks et al., (2015)

Keywords: Glycan, glycome, glycosylation, immunoglobulin, autoimmunity

- Antibodies are glycoproteins belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily.
- Each antibody binds to a specific antigen; an interaction similar to a lock & key.
- the role of glycans in the immune system
- A vast amount of information is stored in a cell’s glycocalyx
- Along with nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, glycans are one of the four fundamental classes of molecules that make up all living systems

Excerpt: Herein we will review the role of glycans in determining the functionality and specificity of various components of the immune system. . .

Example 1: Self Identity is displayed by the glycocalyx
The role that glycans play in the pathophysiology of disease is not surprising considering every cell in the human body is decorated with a thick layer of glycans, the glycocalyx. Because the immune system is tasked with surveying the body for “danger”, the glycocalyx will be routinely engaged when an immune cell contacts another cell or for that matter any component of its environment [11]. In such interactions, glycans help dictate the behavior of immune cells. Although the exact molecular structures and attachment sites of the glycan components of the human immune system are poorly characterized, it is clear that they play a major role in all of the fundamental functions of the immune system, the most basic of which is “self/non-self” discrimination, as described below. >>>more

Transforming Glycoscience: A Roadmap for the Future.
Washington (DC): 2012.
Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology

A new focus on glycoscience, a field that explores the structures and functions of sugars, promises great advances in areas as diverse as medicine, energy generation, and materials science, this report finds. Glycans—also known as carbohydrates, saccharides, or simply as sugars—play central roles in many biological processes and have properties useful in an array of applications. However, glycans have received little attention from the research community due to a lack of tools to probe their often complex structures and properties. This report presents a roadmap for transforming glycoscience from a field dominated by specialists to a widely studied and integrated discipline, which could lead to a more complete understanding of glycans and help solve key challenges in diverse fields. Got to Key Messages … >>>more

Salt of the earth

How Salt Can Boost Your Metabolism ...
Excerpt:
– As your salt intake increases, your glucocorticoid hormone level rises, causing greater water availability (hence lower thirst) and increased fat and muscle breakdown.
– A high-salt diet will not increase your risk of heart disease. Having the correct potassium to sodium balance influences your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease to a far greater extent than high sodium alone. >>> more

6 Reasons to End Your Love Affair with"Pink" Himalayan Rock Salt
1. How Himalayan Rock Salt is mined
Excerpt from a 2016 report by Australian environmental scientist
Laura Trotta (Bachelor of Environmental Engineering and Masters of Science (in Environmental Chemistry).

Himalayan Rock Salt is extracted from the Khewra salt mine in Pakistan, not sourced from the pristine Himalayan Mountains like the name implies. This involves using conventional mining methods (with their associated environment impacts including land disturbance and greenhouse gas emissions) to extract a non-renewable resource, which leads to the next point. ...

What is a better alternative?

If you're after a mineral salt, it's worth researching the growing range of Australian salts produced from naturally-saline surface and groundwater resources.

In addition to being jam-packed with trace minerals essential for health, they also taste amazing and are a gorgeous pink colour. If you choose mineral salts produced in the Murray-Darling Basin your purchase also helps to combat the environmental issue of inland salinity in Australia's Food Bowl. >>> more

Iodine vs Iodised salt

1.
Iodine and "Ageing"
Some Iodine deficiency Symptoms:

- Low energy or depression:
- Memory loss:
- Reduced alertness, fatigue, apathy, insomnia
- Dry skin:
- Cold hands and feet:

Much More than "Ageing"
By Ralph Campbell, M.D. (2017)
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service
(archived here)

Excerpt:
"ageing" is another convenient category to collect conditions for which we have little curiosity about their true cause.[2-6] Chronological age doesn't describe an older person justly. An improvement might be a description of the different aspects of ageing, much like the way we recognize different types of genius. An older person may have a lousy body along with a brilliant mind, or the opposite may be true. There may be several overlapping causes that do not originate directly from ageing. Let us compare the signs and symptoms of iodine deficiency with those of ageing. Since there is such an overlap, I fear that the older reader will conclude that their symptoms suggest a diagnosis of iodine deficiency. >>> more

2.
Iodine is an essential micronutrient.
Learn more about iodine chemistry, with comprehensive research listing here.
E.g. 8.2 Evaluations: provisional maximum tolerable daily intake of 1 mg iodine/day (0.017 mg/kg bw) from all sources.

Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of preventable mental defects in the world today.
“Iodine is an essential constituent of thyroid hormones and is essential for normal growth and development. Iodine deficiency causes goiter and hypothyroidism in children and adults, and cretinism if present during fetal development. Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of preventable mental defects in the world today. Cretinism and goiter are completely preventable by iodine supplementation. Iodine toxicity is rare, but high dietary intake may be responsible for iodine induced hyperthyroidism. Iodine intake has not been linked to liver injury.” Source: LiverTox

3.
Comparison of the effects of iodine and iodide on thyroid function in humans.
Excerpt: Concerns have been raised over the use of iodine for disinfecting drinking water on extended space flights. Most fears revolve around effects of iodide on thyroid function. iodine (I2) is the form used in drinking-water disinfection. Risk assessments have treated the various forms of iodine as if they were toxicologically equivalent. Recent experiments conducted in rats found that administration of iodine as I- (iodide) versus I2 had opposite effects on plasma thyroid hormone levels.... [human tests indicated] there should be some concern over the potential impacts of chronic consumption of iodine in drinking water. >>> more

4.
Prevent Liver Injury!
LiverTox®: NCBI Bookshelf INDEX
Trace Elements and Metals
Table of trace elements found in biologic systems
Full list includes Iodine
Search for a specific medication,
herbal or supplement:
Up-to-date, accurate, and easily accessed information on the diagnosis, cause, frequency, patterns, and management of liver injury attributable to prescription and nonprescription medications, herbals and dietary supplements.

Health benefits in various oils

Essential oils include eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, citronella oil, geranium oil, lemongrass oil, and many culinary herbs and spices.
“Essential oils from aromatic plants have been used for a wide variety of applications, such as personal hygiene, therapeutic massage and even medical practice. In this paper, we investigate the potential role of an essential oil in antiviral activity. … Conclusions: An essential oil blend significantly attenuates influenza virus PR8 infectivity in vitro without affecting viral binding or cellular internalization in MDCK cells. Oil treated virus continued to express viral mRNAs but had minimal expression of viral proteins, suggesting that the antiviral effect may be due to inhibition of viral protein translation.” (Wu, et al., 2010)

“Today, bacteria which are resistant not only to a single drug but simultaneously to many drugs are rampantly spread in the community and clinically due to the improper use of antibiotics in the past decade” – Yap, et al., (2014) Essential Oils, A New Horizon in Combating Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance

According to a Polish study the active elements in flaxseed oil kills cancer cells while bypassing healthy white blood cells. A French study found that low levels of alpha-linolenic acid (which are found abundantly in flaxseed oil) were a predictor of increased risk of breast cancer.

1. Canadian comparison study of fish oil, flaxseed oil, hempseed oil.
2. hempseed oil hydrolyzate: "To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the biotechnological production of 10R-hydroxy unsaturated fatty acids."

"Smoke points matter when cooking with oil"
According to Leslie Beck: Beneficial nutrients and phytochemicals found in many unrefined oils are destroyed when the oil is overheated. Overheating also creates harmful free radicals. >>> more


COLD PRESSED OILS:
Always choose COLD PRESSED oils:
Most manufacturers extract oils from plants using extremely high temperatures and chemical products.

Olive oil, sunflower seed oil, flax seed oil, hemp seed oil, macadamia oil, sesame oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil, cod liver oil, caster oil, etc. Each type of oil has a distinct taste and contains vital characteristics to oxygenate the cells. They are best ingested raw, as a dressing or in a shake.

Unresolved Controversy

1. Canola Oil
The Honest Truth About Canola Oil.
Canola oil was first created in Canada in the 1960s, from seeds of the canola plant—a genetic variation of the rapeseed plant. Scientists developed canola when they realized that certain components of rapeseed oil were toxic (namely the erucic acid and glucosinolates). The new canola plant was made to be genetically similar to rapeseed but without most of those harmful compounds.. . . Virtually all canola plants are genetically engineered to be resistant to the herbicide Roundup

2. Coconut oil
According to some dieticians, the only oil that should be used for cooking is coconut oil. Here is an interesting recent study:
The Truth About Coconut Oil and Your Heart
by Sean Hyson
22 June 2017
ONNIT Academy
Excerpt:
Nothing sparks a debate like nutrition. One day you’re told something is unhealthy, the next it’s not, and it seems like just when you’ve stocked your pantry with the right food it’s back on the naughty list ...

Oil pulling, aka, "kavala" or "gundusha," is an ancient Ayurvedic dental cleaning technique that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth on an empty stomach for around 20 minutes. This action supposedly draws out toxins in your body, primarily to improve oral health but also to improve your overall health. See more info: How To Guide and AskTheDentist

Caster oil packs are known to reduce inflammation, heal arthritis, colds, constipation, stimulate the lymphatic system, and more.
Caster Oil was recommended by Edgar Cayce for treating many ailments that resist traditional therapies. It can be applied as a balm for skin problems, a soothing tonic for alleviating allergies, and as a "caster oil pack" ...
>>> How to Make a Caster Oil Pack - and what is it?

Vegetarian Pyramid

Raw Alkaline
green smoothie
recipe for two servings
~
1 rib celery
1/4 cucumber
1 handful parsley
1/2 green apple
1 handful spinach
plain water
or coconut water

Go to
–: Maintaining pH Balance
–: pH Science References
–: Detox & Cleanse
–: Longevity Research
–: Sleep Studies