Book Review - Genetic Roulette

Genetic Roulette is comprehensive text providing information on the potential dangers of genetically modified food. Jeffrey M. Smith provides an in-depth look into the GM industry and the inadequacy of studies and regulations identifying potential side effects. From GM’s beginnings in the mid 1970’s to the current state of the GM industry, Smith exposes all.

Beginning in 1996, GM crops started showing up in the marketplace. Today, GM food crops, GM seeds and pesticides (for these GM seed/crops) are commonplace in the U.S. Commercially; we find four major crops making their way to market: soybeans, corn, canola and cotton. These are found in food, clothing and products available for sale to the public. Today six countries are growing GM crops. They include: the United States (54%), Argentina (18%), Brazil (11%), Canada (6%), India (4%) and China (3%). These foods have been shown to have higher level of toxins, increased allergens, carcinogens, over production of proteins, changes in enzymatic activity, and decreased nutrients value.

Time and time again, Smith provides documented health risks associated with GM foods. He shows evidence of reactions in both humans and animals including: the development of precancerous cells, bleeding stomachs, changes in blood cells, changes in the small intestine, allergic reactions, death, evidence of toxins in blood, sterility, reduction in milk production, changes in liver cells, changes in digestive enzymes, possible interference with digestion and digestive enzymes, food allergies and a host of other complications and reactions. In addition, he provides examples of widespread mutations (deletions, changes and translocations within the DNA) and the unwillingness of the scientific community and regulators that approve GM food and technology to address potential health effects and damage created by these mutations. There is no extensive evaluation of mutations required by regulators.

Jeffrey M. Smith is a bestselling author and champion in the fight against genetically modified food. Smith authored two books on the subject (Seeds of Deception and Genetic Roulette), counsels and lectures on the subject worldwide and is the Executive Director of the Institute for Responsible Technology. For more information on Jeffrey Smith and The Institute for Responsible Technology visit: http://responsibletechnology.org.

Mercury Detox - At Home Natural Chelation

Can herbs and spices help us detox? Very interesting link about natural chelation.

http://www.asktom-naturally.com/naturally/chelation.html

Book Review - Our Stolen Future

Our Stolen Future: Are We Threatening Our Fertility, Intelligence and Survival? A Scientific Detective Story. Colburn, T., Dumanoski, D., Peterson Myers, J.

Much like a juicy novel or revealing biography, I was unable to put this book down! It should be on everyone’s bookshelf. The evidence uncovered regarding the persistent effects of man-made chemicals is truly ground-breaking. Like many, I assumed the presence of man-made chemicals where partially responsible for a host of cancers and other degenerative conditions, but I did not consider the impact on fertility and sexual development of future generations. In addition, the evidence of exposure in the most remote places in the world was shocking.

Chapter by chapter, this book became more compelling. From Colburn’s frustrations to tie incidents of cancer to the presence of man-made chemicals and the many experiments showing that man-made chemicals act as estrogen disruptors, I became more aware of the frustration of those trying to study, educate and inform on this topic.


This is a must read! 

Fall Cleansing Special $20 off per Session

Fall Cleansing Special $20 off per Session


It is that time of year again...goodbye to warm days and hello to brightly colored leaves!

Now until the end of Fall, schedule a session at $20 off per sessiom.
Ever Clean Colonics
1133 Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
http://www.evercleancolonics.com/
Call 914-409-7760 to schedule

Book Review

The End of Food. Roberts, P. (2008). New York, New York: Mariner Books.
The End of Food is an eye-opening investigation into the modern food system. Divided into three parts, it is a thorough expose into everything we neglect to think about when we think about food. From the early hunting and gathering to genetically modified food, Paul Roberts explores it all.

Part I – The Past

The first part of the book provides a historical view or how the modern industrial food system got to where it is today. It takes the reader through how early man sought out food. Initially, plants provided the calories necessary to survive. Man was able to gather plants to feed his family. Soon, man discovered that animals also provided calories and the calories when more dense providing more energy. Hence, further ensuring the survival of man. This survival allowed the population to grow and the need for more food to grow as well. A way to feed more people lent to the development and expansion of farms. Here, plants and animals were produced on a larger scale to feed more people.

Part II – The Present

This part of the book takes a look at where we are today as a result of the industrialization of the food system. Food production, as part of an ever-decreasing margin industry, had gone global. Food is grown and sourced based on lowest cost. However, this drive to produce for the lowest dollar also brings about serious problems. Impacts on health, soil and water; as well as increasing energy costs all result from the industrial food machine. In addition, this explosion of production still fails to provide food for those that continue to experience hunger in the world.

Part III – The Future

The last part of the book explores the great hurdle in fixing the food system. Today in a world with transgenic/genetically modified food, we don’t know the impact of how we will be affected in the future.

Conclusion

This was a great book and I was not able to put it down. Roberts really dug into what is going on with our food. He provided in-depth information that really made me want to learn more and tell others. After reading, I watched many of his talks and became actively interested in the state of our current food system.

Study linking gut microbe type with diet has implications for fighting GI disorders

Study linking gut microbe type with diet has implications for fighting GI disorders

Comparison of 20 Organic and Conventional Foods

Comparison of 20 Organic and Conventional Foods westchester colonics
As a Certified Holistic Health Counselor and Colon Hydrotherapist, I advise people each day on the importance of eating whole live organic foods. Frequently I hear from clients, “I would buy organic, but it is so expensive!” Historically, I would tend to agree with this statement, but things are starting to change. Organics are becoming more commonplace and prices are getting closer and closer to their conventional counterparts. A quick tour of any grocery store provides a small glimpse of this ever-growing market segment. More and more, entire sections and aisles in stores are catering to organic food. In addition, Whole Foods, local and regional markets, as well as, organic farms and CSAs continue to widen their footprints throughout the country. Even Wal-Mart is getting into organics.

In order to prove that the price gap between organic and conventional produce is slimming, I took to the streets and visited several organic and conventional markets. To my delight, the difference in organic produce was hardly noticeable. On average, a comparison of 20 organic and conventional fruits and vegetables provided only a $.19 difference in price. In addition, I was able to find more options available in the organic markets and farms. These options included more locally grown food and greater variety in vegetables. Organic produce is definitely finding its place in our food system.

Now in order to be fair to the folks that feel organic food as a general category is more expensive than conventional food, I would be remiss not to briefly mention a couple of other food categories. Two of the largest categories that also deserve attention are meat and processed foods.

Meat

Organic meat, like so many other organic products, is popping up everywhere. In both conventional and organic outlets, consumers are finding it more and more readily available. However, the price gap between organic and conventional meat is still quite large. In order to bring organic meat to the consumer, special care from birth to market needs to be taken and this special care adds dollars and cents all along the way. Different from the highly mechanized and processed conventional meat, organic meat is still largely brought to market from small to medium sized organic farms bearing large production costs. This size difference allows large producers to spread production costs over larger volumes and bring a less expensive product to market.


Processed Foods

Another large segment of the food industry where organics still tend to command a higher price is processed foods. In searching both organic and conventional markets, I noticed the price of organic processed foods still tends to cost a bit more than conventionally processed foods. If one wants to eat organic, but still have convenience they are going to have to pay more. Any item out of a bag, bottle, package or can comes with a higher ticket price. If you want organic oatmeal or beans in the usual take home fashion (container, bag or can), plan to spend more at the checkout counter. However, much like the large and small grocery chains, food processors are throwing their hats into the race. Products ranging from microwave meals to baby food are now being produced by the same companies that offer conventional processed foods.


Conclusion

My comparison of 20 foods was encouraging. I was happy to see only a slight difference in the price of organic produce versus conventional produce. For less than the cost of a U.S. Quarter, one can feel free to enjoy all the benefits fresh fruits and vegetables have to offer. However, more inroads need to be made in other food categories. Specifically, lower prices in the meat category. If one chooses to eat organic meat, cost should not inhibit their consumption. In the case of processed foods, prices are still higher than conventional, but this may not be such a bad thing. If cost is a limiting factor, folks may choose to eat less processed foods and opt for more organic fruits and vegetables in their price range.

by Ever Clean Colonics
http://www.evercleancolonics.com/
914-409-7760