tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87379148925025333242024-03-13T14:39:20.473-07:00The Amateur Food DetectiveBad foods? Good foods? Allergies? Migraines? So much controversy is directed toward the foods we grow, produce, and consume. I intend to research and discover what food does to our bodies and how to heal ourselves from within.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-53716041438019610542019-03-28T06:46:00.001-07:002019-03-28T06:46:09.033-07:00Food Sensitivities...A Quick Guide to What Turns Your StomachMy friend (and fellow food critic) Katie told me about a method where hair samples are tested in order to understand food intolerances and sensitivities. This test also helps find environmental sensitivities. It's not an allergy test. But it<span style="background-color: white;"> does help uncover problematic foods. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>What made me take this test for me and my son?</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">My son is fourteen now, but all his life he has had irritable bowel syndrome and headaches. So have I. I figured it was partially inherited since my father suffered from these as well. I have done enough research to know that the foods we're eating are not safe for everyone to eat...in part because of the additives in them. Or the pesticides used. And because Katie and her daughter had more insight into their food and environmental triggers after taking this test, I scraped up the money to conduct it for me and my son. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>What is the difference between having a food allergy versus sensitivity?</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">A food allergy is often much more serious than an intolerance. For one thing, it can cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. With a food allergy, the response is immediate and it can occur even with the smallest exposure to the food. Symptoms include hives, rashes, itchy sensation in the mouth, vomiting, and the most dangerous...an inability to breathe. A food sensitivity is usually a digestive issue. It may be triggered up to 48 hours of ingesting the food. It might not occur every time the food is ingested, unlike an allergy, where symptoms occur every time the food is introduced. Food sensitivity can cause migraines, diarrhea, acne, bloating, nausea, and eczema. It's generally not life-threatening, just inconvenient and painful.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>What I found using this test...the oddities.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">My son had a lot of different types of alcohol sensitivities...tequila, gin, whiskey, vodka. Either my son is a closet lush, or he's ingesting alcohol from the foods he's been eating. I'm going to research into this further. Also, I found "horse" listed on his test. Maybe from gelatin? But maybe...and this bothers me a great deal...maybe companies are adding horse meat to ground turkey, chicken, or beef. How can we know for sure? I am definitely going to be studying this as well. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Are people super-sensitive, or is our environment overloading us with chemicals and pollutants?</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I want to know. So I will be starting a series of articles on this subject matter as I explore further. If you're curious about the test I took, you can find it here: </span><br />
<b><a href="https://modernallergymanagement.com/">https://modernallergymanagement.com/</a></b><br />
<br />
Stay tuned!<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">https://www.everlywell.com/food-allergy-vs-food-sensitivity/</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-allergy/expert-answers/food-allergy/faq-20058538</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-46047815070013843542019-01-08T09:32:00.000-08:002019-01-08T09:32:26.767-08:00Garcinia Cambogia – Weight Loss Miracle or Gimmick?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;">What is Garcinia Cambogia?</span></h3>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #231f20;">Garcinia Cambogia extract has been touted to be beneficial for weight loss. It comes from a fruit native to India, Myanmar, and Indonesia. This fruit, also known as </span><span style="background: white; color: black;">the Malabar tamarind, grows into the shape of a baseball-sized pumpkin, the skin ripening to a yellow or red. It’s been made into tablets, capsules, tea, snack bars, and powder for consumption. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3>
History of Garcinia Cambogia<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rinds of the Malabar tamarind have been used to flavor fish dishes, preserve food, create chutneys or curries, and have been helpful with stomach issues. In the 1960s, scientists discovered it held potential health benefits. <o:p></o:p></div>
<h3>
<span style="background: white;">What is Garcinia Cambogia purported to do?<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black;">Garcinia Cambogia’s active ingredient, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), is purported to suppress the appetite by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. HCA may also inhibit citrate lyase, which is a key enzyme used by the body to produce fat from carbohydrates. Other claims include a decrease in cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides and an increase in HDL. Supposedly, it decreases belly fat and increases lean muscle mass. </span><span style="background: white; color: #231f20;">I say “supposedly” because, at this time, most of the research has been done on animals. More on that in a bit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black;">Some people have used Garcinia Cambogia as a dietary supplement for rheumatism or intestinal problems. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
What evidence shows that Garcinia Cambogia works for weight loss?<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Celebrities have praised Garcinia Cambogia for its health benefits, including its “magical property” to banish fat from the body, but this claim is still under debate. So far, it’s had a positive effect on weight loss and appetite suppression in mice and rats. But in human studies, the evidence was not conclusive. In one study involving 135 participants over a twelve-week period, no weight loss difference was seen between those taking the Garcinia Cambogia and those taking a placebo. In a much smaller study, overweight women who took Garcinia Cambogia for 60 days found their triglyceride levels decreased by almost one-third. However, their HDL, LDL, and weight did not lessen. In yet another study, 86 overweight men and women were randomly assigned to take a natural supplement that either contained Glycine max leaves extract (EGML), Garcinia Cambogia extract (GCE), or a placebo for ten weeks. This study resulted in no change in weight or triglyceride levels for its participants. However, the group that had consumed the EGML had lower total cholesterol compared to those taking the placebo, and their HDL had been raised. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If we look at the animal studies, however, the Garcinia species Atrivirdis showed a decrease in lipid composition levels. In rats, Garcinia Cambodia appeared to suppress fat accumulation, although it was toxic to the rats’ testes. In mice, studies showed that they lost weight, ate less, and produced less fat from sugar. Mice that had a high intake of this supplement interfered with sperm production and produced testicular atrophy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s possible a person’s diet may affect the supplement’s potency. Researchers found that it worked better when people consumed a higher-fat, lower-carbohydrate diet. A high-fiber diet may reduce its effectiveness. Also, the efficacy can vary depending on the brand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "arnhem" , "serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Possible side effects of Garcinia Cambogia<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #231f20; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Although consuming the fruit in its natural state seems to have no ill effects, taking Garcinia Cambogia as a supplement may cause headaches, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, lower blood sugar, upper respiratory problems, skin rash, and digestive issues. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #231f20; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other more serious side effects have been observed. It’s suspected that HCA created serotonin toxicity for a female when she combined it with a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Some people experienced life-threatening liver problems after taking Hydroxycut, which contained Garcinia Cambogia. It also has the potential to interact with diabetes medication, causing blood sugar levels to drop. People suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia should not take Garcinia Cambogia supplements because it can worsen their condition. It’s not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers because there have not been enough studies conducted on the supplement’s safety for this population. Anyone who has had past liver or kidney damage should not take Garcinia Cambodia. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3>
Conclusion<o:p></o:p></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;">If I had to make a determination, I would say that Garcinia Cambogia is yet another waste of money for consumers who are looking for a quick-fix to their weight issues. But I would love to hear from people who have had success in taking this supplement.</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/garcinia-probably-works-but-is-far-from-a-weight-loss-miracle/">https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/garcinia-probably-works-but-is-far-from-a-weight-loss-miracle/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318030.php">https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318030.php</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://nccih.nih.gov/health/garcinia">https://nccih.nih.gov/health/garcinia</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21936892">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21936892</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2863003#hn-2863003">https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2863003#hn-2863003</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24133059">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24133059</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.livescience.com/39243-garcinia-cambogia-supplement-facts.html">https://www.livescience.com/39243-garcinia-cambogia-supplement-facts.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-font-charset:78; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;} @font-face {font-family:"MS ゴシック"; mso-font-charset:78; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;} @font-face {font-family:"MS ゴシック"; mso-font-charset:78; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-520092929 1073786111 9 0 415 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;} @font-face {font-family:Arnhem; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-alt:"Times New Roman"; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:auto; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} h1 {mso-style-priority:9; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char"; mso-style-next:Normal; margin-top:24.0pt; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan lines-together; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:1; font-size:16.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS ゴシック"; mso-fareast-theme-font:major-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:major-bidi; color:#345A8A; mso-themecolor:accent1; mso-themeshade:181; mso-font-kerning:0pt;} h3 {mso-style-priority:9; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-link:"Heading 3 Char"; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; mso-outline-level:3; font-size:13.5pt; font-family:Times;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-priority:99; color:blue; mso-themecolor:hyperlink; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; color:purple; mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} span.Heading1Char {mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char"; mso-style-priority:9; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:"Heading 1"; mso-ansi-font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:16.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS ゴシック"; mso-fareast-theme-font:major-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:major-bidi; color:#345A8A; mso-themecolor:accent1; mso-themeshade:181; font-weight:bold;} span.Heading3Char {mso-style-name:"Heading 3 Char"; mso-style-priority:9; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:"Heading 3"; mso-ansi-font-size:13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.5pt; font-family:Times; mso-ascii-font-family:Times; mso-hansi-font-family:Times; font-weight:bold;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} </style> <br />
--> <!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--><div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://articles.mercola.com/vitamins-supplements/garcinia-cambogia.aspx">https://articles.mercola.com/vitamins-supplements/garcinia-cambogia.aspx</a><o:p></o:p></div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-84515220713381937952018-07-13T09:48:00.000-07:002018-07-13T09:54:55.603-07:00Poisoned Wedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0G8DuvKwWfoLqO8tAnoV1U0Y6WRIt3cJph8mmlHW7ghxHK3qWlQe98YBZnSB02jTv7scns4ci_OGNWigKaT8MriASsU3Q9b9Eva988cZR0Ruf5tA23JcIHyLxz15rsXcP36sd0GVINzVw/s1600/herr1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1243" data-original-width="933" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0G8DuvKwWfoLqO8tAnoV1U0Y6WRIt3cJph8mmlHW7ghxHK3qWlQe98YBZnSB02jTv7scns4ci_OGNWigKaT8MriASsU3Q9b9Eva988cZR0Ruf5tA23JcIHyLxz15rsXcP36sd0GVINzVw/s320/herr1.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2jCbNyplBXFb4Og32hkJmm2JJjJrqsJGJBz2PQ9TqnsWcWwCdOKULEsIa64vOBNYu6wWGP-TYTqUwL3mCjqTGoom04NiqJH8dxLeiRsKIxNS8S99_01bfF9CJMskyOyAEalTib958Ll2/s1600/herr2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1210" data-original-width="908" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2jCbNyplBXFb4Og32hkJmm2JJjJrqsJGJBz2PQ9TqnsWcWwCdOKULEsIa64vOBNYu6wWGP-TYTqUwL3mCjqTGoom04NiqJH8dxLeiRsKIxNS8S99_01bfF9CJMskyOyAEalTib958Ll2/s320/herr2.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Guest Poster Charles Suddeth with an interesting true story...and a bit of history on food poisoning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">On April 15, 1891 Fannie Belle Herr and
Winfred Snook were wed at her father’s Magnolia Stock Farm near Lyndon Station,
Kentucky, about 12 miles east of Louisville. Lyndon Station was a railroad stop
located in a prosperous area of horse farms and potato fields. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">At the wedding feast on
the grounds of the Herr Mansion, around 80 people dined on mushrooms, cake, ice
cream, and chicken salad. Within hours, about 70 people fell ill, perhaps 26
dying. The exact number is in dispute, because no one was around to do research
in 1891. The bride and groom took a train bound for Niagara Falls. They
traveled as far as Cincinnati Ohio, where the bride and groom both became ill. The
bride survived, but the groom died 2 weeks later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mr. Herr, Fannie’s
father, accused servants of poisoning the guests with arsenic, claiming one
servant named Jim had warned other servants not to eat. Someone else claimed
that one of the bride’s sisters had poisoned the wedding out of jealousy. The
poisoning rumors died off though many doctors believed some sort of poisoning
had occurred.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The University of
Louisville Medical School did research and determined that bacterial
contamination of the chicken salad was the cause. The chicken had been cooked
48 hours earlier and stored at room temperature. This is claimed to be the
first diagnosed case of food poisoning. In 1891, bacterial contamination as a cause
of illness was still in dispute.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Herr Mansion is
still around, but Magnolia Stock Farm has been replaced by a subdivision which
is part of Lyndon, Kentucky. Few local people are aware of the horror that the
mansion once witnessed. Salmonella food poisoning is common with poultry, but
the exact diagnosis has been lost to time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">~Charles Suddeth</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I am a writer of picture
books, young adult thrillers, and adult mysteries. On my website/blog and my
Facebook Author Page, I discuss writing and whatever captures my imagination: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk482290773"></a><a href="http://ctsuddeth.com/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk482290773;">http://ctsuddeth.com/</span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk482290773;"></span></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and </b></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk482290809"></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Charles-Suddeth-Writer/160410994004533"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk482290809;">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Charles-Suddeth-Writer/160410994004533</span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk482290809;"><span class="5yl5"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-2348562821212957812015-09-12T05:35:00.004-07:002015-09-12T05:35:48.770-07:00Coming Up...More Research, More InformationI apologize for slacking off. I wanted to write an article at least every couple months. I've done various research, found topics of interest, etc. But writing the articles has been an arduous task and work and kids have been my first priorities, so the writing has been placed on the back burner. However, I plan on finding fresh topic of interest this fall, and if anyone has any topic ideas, please email me at: writerchick33(at)ymail(dot)come. Thanks for your patience.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-45909473546089169342014-04-23T10:38:00.000-07:002014-04-23T10:51:28.856-07:00What Is the Ketogenic Diet?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xvrpk3-luvGUMSJbg2Qm-GrxOISeDi91U9muPvhcxtWitV-V6EeJQZL1CH-kJTfxslXmv3DmycJ-HvNB3H4vEe-h74EXBNYU_2BfQWaeOJa-ufr13E1exfocQ41bCVs5yKDpFXFopDmM/s1600/download-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xvrpk3-luvGUMSJbg2Qm-GrxOISeDi91U9muPvhcxtWitV-V6EeJQZL1CH-kJTfxslXmv3DmycJ-HvNB3H4vEe-h74EXBNYU_2BfQWaeOJa-ufr13E1exfocQ41bCVs5yKDpFXFopDmM/s1600/download-5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:purple;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style>
-->
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:purple;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style>
-->
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every now and then when I’m looking for something new to
research I come across a hidden gem. This time the gem is more common, but
brilliant nonetheless. You may have even heard of it: the Ketogenic Diet.
According to my research, this diet has proven to help people suffering from
epileptic seizures, diabetes, cancer, and even bi-polar disorder. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what is it? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">History Behind the
Ketogenic Diet</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It began in Ancient Greece as a treatment for many ailments.
Although it was considered a beneficial fasting treatment, the scientific
reasoning was yet unknown. Over time it developed into a role of detoxification
that helped people control their epileptic seizures. Dr. Russell Wilder of the
Mayo Clinic ended up with the final credit, however, as his studies and trials
became popularized in the 1920s. His colleague, Mynie Peterman, tweaked the
diet and tested it on patients, discovering a great decline in patient seizures
when used. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the late 30s, early 40s, the invention of anticonvulsant
drugs placed the diet on the backburner, and up until the 1990s, drugs were
normally used to control epilepsy. Then NBC’s “Dateline” covered a story about
a toddler that continued to have epileptic seizures despite modern means of
controlling it. The boy, Charlie Abraham, son of a Hollywood producer,
recovered while on a strict diet called the…you guessed it!...ketogenic diet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How Does This Diet
Work?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carbohydrates provide fuel your body needs for energy. They
also enter the small intestine and become converted to glucose, fructose, and
simple sugars. For some people, this causes problems.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ketogenic diet is low in carbohydrates, high in fat and
adequate in protein. In this respect, it’s similar to the faddish so-called
“low carb” diets, however this diet is very strict. It provides just enough
protein for the body to grow and repair itself, and avoids carbohydrates of any
kind.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What Conditions Might
It Help?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Epileptic Seizures</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When carbohydrates are not consumed, the body uses the
consumed fat as an energy source. Long story short, it elevates the ketone
bodies in the blood, therefore preventing the frequency of seizures. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cancer</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to other research, cancer cells live off of
glucose, so if you avoid carbohydrates and sugars, the cancer cells are
deprived of glucose, starve, and die. Healthy cells, however, can burn fat to
survive and don’t need glucose.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Diabetes</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A ketogenic diet can help people suffering from diabetes
because a low-carb diet can help improve blood sugar control and insulin
levels. However, it’s best to discuss with a doctor before proceeding because
suddenly quitting carbs can be dangerous to someone who is taking insulin. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bi-Polar Disorder</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When people suffering from mood swings—including people
diagnosed with bi-polar disorder—go on a ketogenic diet, they discover a vast
improvement in mood. This is because it acidifies the blood, thereby decreasing
intracellular sodium accumulation, which stabilizes mood.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Conclusion</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This diet is very strict and regulated. Before attempting it
(or any diet), you need to talk to your doctor, as there are risks involved,
especially if you are taking particular medications that affect your blood
sugar levels. For people looking to simply lower their glucose levels, a
modification of this diet can also be effective. Look into the Paleo diet,
Atkins diet, or even the MCT oil diet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As usual, I’m including links so you can do your own
research and decide if this is something you might want to attempt. Leave a
comment and let me know your thoughts. Thanks!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/healthscience/2012/december/starving-cancer-ketogenic-diet-a-key-to-recovery/">http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/healthscience/2012/december/starving-cancer-ketogenic-diet-a-key-to-recovery/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.ketogenic-diet-resource.com/">http://www.ketogenic-diet-resource.com/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://ketonutrition.org/">http://ketonutrition.org/#</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.charliefoundation.org/explore-ketogenic-diet/explore-1/introducing-the-diet">http://www.charliefoundation.org/explore-ketogenic-diet/explore-1/introducing-the-diet</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.news-medical.net/health/History-of-the-Ketogenic-Diet.aspx">http://www.news-medical.net/health/History-of-the-Ketogenic-Diet.aspx</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/401482-what-happens-when-carbohydrates-are-digested/">http://www.livestrong.com/article/401482-what-happens-when-carbohydrates-are-digested/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes/diabetes1.htm">http://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes/diabetes1.htm</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.canceractive.com/cancer-active-page-link.aspx?n=3087">http://www.canceractive.com/cancer-active-page-link.aspx?n=3087</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.diagnosisdiet.com/bipolar-disorder-and-low-carb-diets/">http://www.diagnosisdiet.com/bipolar-disorder-and-low-carb-diets/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23030231">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23030231</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-92021892145716939572013-12-18T16:10:00.000-08:002013-12-18T16:38:38.983-08:00Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid...More Than a Mouthful<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
h1
{mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-next:Normal;
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
text-align:center;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
page-break-after:avoid;
mso-outline-level:1;
font-size:16.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ansi-language:X-NONE;
mso-fareast-language:X-NONE;
font-weight:normal;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:purple;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
span.Heading1Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1";
mso-ansi-font-size:16.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:X-NONE;
mso-fareast-language:X-NONE;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style>
-->
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks to one of my blog readers, I’ve come up with an
interesting, albeit unfounded, theory. He mentioned that beans gave him headaches.
Since canned beans are popular, being that they don’t need to be soaked first
because they’re already packed in liquid, I assumed this was the type he
consumed. So I checked out the ingredient list. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both my Wegman’s brand black-eyed peas and my Bush’s Best
Garbanzos beans contained Disodium EDTA. Both also informed the consumer (in
parenthesis) that the substance was used to “promote color retention.” Upon
doing some research, I came up with a different explanation for its usage.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before I explain further, let’s break this solution down so
we can understand what Disodium EDTA is. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
EDTA is short for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. This acid
is considered a chelating agent. A chelating agent neutralizes harmful metal
ions found in water-based substances. When a metal reacts with a non-metal, the
metal atom loses its electron in the outer shell. It then becomes what is known
as an ion, and it forms a salt. Thus the name “di<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">sodium</b> EDTA.” EDTA decreases a metal ion’s reactivity. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s where things get interesting. EDTA is also used to
treat lead poisoning and skin irritations caused by chromium, nickel, and
copper metals (this is called chelation therapy). And we know that beans are
canned in metal containers. Yes, a plastic coating is used. But what if…and
this is my pragmatic mind speaking here…what if the reason why EDTA is added
isn’t so much to keep the color, but to help prevent the metals from the aluminum
can from harming our bodies? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know, I know. My imagination is going full throttle. So I
have to wonder…how does ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid retain vegetable color?
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The patent to this design was filed in May of 1968.
According to my study, EDTA was either added to brine or to the syrup following
the brining process in order to keep pickles crisp. Pickles are generally
produced in glass jars. So this does not help my theory, although it does prove
that manufacturers use EDTA to improve texture in food. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I looked
into this further and discovered that when one consumes a lot of EDTA, it can
absorb the metals in our bodies that are necessary for human health, such as
zinc, and leave us deficient in these metals. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h1 align="left" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Okay, so what about headaches? Can EDTA cause
them? The simple answer is yes. People going through chelation therapy may have
headaches due to the sodium content or the lowered blood glucose. But this is
when EDTA is used to treat heavy metal poisoning or removing plaque on artery
walls caused by arteriosclerosis. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
amount used is higher than what is used in food processing. But is the EDTA in
canned food causing headaches? The jury is out on that one. I have searched the
web far and wide, and there’s enough information written about ethylenediaminetetraacetic
acid to make my eyes cross. Some people report those symptoms along with
stomach issues, but I have found nothing conclusive. I also can’t find a single
shred of evidence that manusfacturers use EDTA in order to prevent metal
contamination from canned goods. </span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I’d love to hear from anyone who is positive EDTA has
caused their migraines, headaches, or even stomachaches. As I am well aware,
sometimes it is the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">consumer </i>that
finds side effects from consuming products. How many times have you heard of a
lab rat complaining of a headache? None? Right. And lab experiments are how the
majority of chemicals are tested for safety and side effects. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Okay,
so my theory about companies using </span>Disodium EDTA to prevent heavy metal
contamination in their products seems a little far-fetched, but it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">does </i>have me thinking. After all, not
everything is always what it seems.<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> If anyone knows that, it’s the
Amateur Food Detective. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/add_ocr_pre_2011/periodic_table/ionsrev1.shtml">http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/add_ocr_pre_2011/periodic_table/ionsrev1.shtml</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/702146/DISODIUM_EDTA/">http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/702146/DISODIUM_EDTA/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12396676">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12396676</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1032-EDTA.aspx?activeIngredientId=1032&activeIngredientName=EDTA">http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1032-EDTA.aspx?activeIngredientId=1032&activeIngredientName=EDTA</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.inderscience.com/www/pdf/2012ijtpm_lakind_openaccess.pdf">http://www.inderscience.com/www/pdf/2012ijtpm_lakind_openaccess.pdf</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.google.com/patents/US3578466">http://www.google.com/patents/US3578466</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.epa.gov/opprd001/inerts/edta.pdf">http://www.epa.gov/opprd001/inerts/edta.pdf</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/112458-chelation-therapy-side-effects/">http://www.livestrong.com/article/112458-chelation-therapy-side-effects/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
http://www.wycoffwellness.com/treatments/chelation-therapy</div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-51603219828207045862013-01-05T12:22:00.000-08:002013-01-05T12:22:50.767-08:00Chewing Xanthan Gum
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:purple;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Okay, so the title of this piece is a little tongue-in-cheek
(not to be confused with gum in cheek, ha ha), because obviously xanthan gum
isn’t the candy you might use to appease a wailing child. It’s a food additive,
and like most additives, it has both a negative side and positive side.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’ve ever read the ingredients on a bottle of salad
dressing or sauces, or even on packages of ice cream, you will likely find
xanthan gum listed. Like polysorbate and carrageenan, it keeps ingredients from
separating and making the product appear inedible. It can also help thicken the
product.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Xanthan gum is made by fermenting glucose, sucrose, or
lactose with the bacterium Xanthomonus campestris. This bacterium is the same one
that creates the black spots on cauliflower and broccoli. Your mouth watering
yet?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re allergic or sensitive to corn or soy, you may wish
to avoid xanthan gum, as companies may be using these ingredients in its
production. It’s also possible it could cause bloating and abdominal pain for
some people. This could be because it’s a carbohydrate with 7 grams of fiber
per tablespoon. However, take a look at this post by someone who has abdominal
distress after consuming products containing xanthan gum: <a href="http://elskbrev.wordpress.com/2012/02/10/adverse-side-effects-of-xanthan-gum/">http://elskbrev.wordpress.com/2012/02/10/adverse-side-effects-of-xanthan-gum/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve also read that exposure to xanthan gum might cause
migraines, skin irritation, or in the case of bakers working with the powder,
throat and nose irritation. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now on to another interesting part of my discovery. In the
1970s, an experiment performed on people who were looking to lose weight showed
that taking xanthan gum in capsule form (two 550 milligrams 20-30 minutes
before meals) helped shed weight. Another study following that one also
affected weight loss, but it was a slow loss. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I find this interesting, because in all my research I can’t
find anything where people have tried taking xanthan gum for weight loss. I’ve
found that several people use it in smoothie recipes or baked goods (especially
if they can’t consume products containing gluten). If you know of anyone who
has used xanthan gum to aid in their weight loss plan, please have them contact
me. I’d love to interview him or her. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The FDA regards xanthan gum to be safe. FAO/WHO could not
find any toxic effects or carcinogens attributable to the gum. So although
people may be sensitive to this product or allergic to the ingredients it’s
derived from, in general it seems to be a harmless product.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://blog.fooducate.com/2010/09/23/10-facts-about-xantham-gum-a-very-popular-food-additive/">http://blog.fooducate.com/2010/09/23/10-facts-about-xantham-gum-a-very-popular-food-additive/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xanthan_gum">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xanthan_gum</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.joepastry.com/2010/geeks_s_corner_the_miracle_of_xanthan_gu/">http://www.joepastry.com/2010/geeks_s_corner_the_miracle_of_xanthan_gu/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/315249-xanthan-gum-side-effects/">http://www.livestrong.com/article/315249-xanthan-gum-side-effects/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v21je13.htm">http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v21je13.htm</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.celiac.com/articles/21710/1/Could-Xanthan-Gum-Sensitivity-be-Complicating-your-Celiac-Disease-Recovery/Page1.html">http://www.celiac.com/articles/21710/1/Could-Xanthan-Gum-Sensitivity-be-Complicating-your-Celiac-Disease-Recovery/Page1.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-56072160208296417742012-11-23T08:42:00.000-08:002012-11-23T09:00:49.191-08:00Arsenic and Old Rice<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:purple;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
p.Default, li.Default, div.Default
{mso-style-name:Default;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:none;
mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
color:black;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99eyfdLY-f6E8XhATvL9lECbr4phyphenhyphen4jvdPixNxWEtqI1zcaO7b2BT5ndrNNkbkZk_cQqIVx_wqHfHl1_le4M9TzdoZ-KbYQEXSLNf0CRF_PptTD1Z_WWBPhWiTg5PyF6KL3zt_kKH86G_/s1600/small_208024949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99eyfdLY-f6E8XhATvL9lECbr4phyphenhyphen4jvdPixNxWEtqI1zcaO7b2BT5ndrNNkbkZk_cQqIVx_wqHfHl1_le4M9TzdoZ-KbYQEXSLNf0CRF_PptTD1Z_WWBPhWiTg5PyF6KL3zt_kKH86G_/s320/small_208024949.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There’s a new villain in town, and its name is arsenic. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You probably remember reading about high levels of arsenic
found in apple and grape juice. <i>Consumer Reports</i> ran a similar investigation on
rice and discovered “measurable amounts” of arsenic in nearly all of their 200
samples.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before I go into what this means for our health or explain
how arsenic ends up in our rice supply, let me describe the two different types
of arsenic: organic and inorganic.</div>
<div class="Default">
According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency),
arsenic is “a <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">semi-metallic element
found in soils, groundwater, surface water, air, and some foods.” It occurs
naturally and is usually found combined with other elements such as oxygen,
chlorine, and sulfur. When combined with these elements, it’s referred to as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">inorganic arsenic</i>. When arsenic is
combined with carbon and hydrogen, it’s called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">organic arsenic</i>. </span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">Most of the time,
organic and inorganic arsenic compounds don’t have a taste or a scent, and are
impossible to detect in food, water, or air. Arsenic is no longer produced in
the U.S. and is imported from other countries. Most of it is used to preserve
wood so it doesn’t rot. You’ve probably heard of the term “pressure-treated
wood.” In 2003, manufacturers quit producing this type of wood for play
structures, decks, picnic tables, and other items sold for use in residential
areas. Inorganic arsenic was once used as a pesticide in cotton and orchard
fields, although now organic compounds are used, mostly on cotton plantations.</span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">What I found
interesting is that arsenic can change form. It can become attached to or
separated from particles. But it cannot be destroyed. And guess what? It’s
everywhere. It becomes carried on the air. It washes into lakes and streams.
Some fish and shellfish take in arsenic, although most of the time it’s in a
less harmful organic form. We are exposed to arsenic through eating, drinking,
and breathing. </span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">Most of the arsenic we
take in comes from food, with seafood being the most predominant. Rice and rice
cereal, mushrooms, and poultry often contain arsenic as well. According to the
EPA, people generally take in about 50 micrograms of organic arsenic (from
several different sources) a day. We take in the more dangerous type of
arsenic, inorganic arsenic, a much smaller amount; generally 3.5 micrograms a day.
Both organic and inorganic leave the body through urine. </span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">Consuming high amounts
of inorganic arsenic can kill you. Swallowing lower levels may cause nausea,
stomachaches, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also cause a lower production of
red and white blood cells, which creates fatigue, abnormal heartbeats, nerve
problems, and blood vessel damage. Long-term exposure can cause skin cancer,
warts on the palms, soles, and torso, and an increased risk of liver, bladder,
and lung cancer.</span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
The EPA mentions that there is very little information on how
organic arsenic affects humans. It’s considered less harmful than inorganic,
although long-term exposure in animals has shown to result in diarrhea and in
kidney damage. </div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
Now that you’re aware of what organic and inorganic arsenic is
and where it’s found, I’ll go into detail about what Consumer Reports found in
its analysis. </div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
First of all, they discovered that white rice grown in
Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri , and Texas had higher levels of both organic and
inorganic arsenic in their tests than rice samples from any other place. In
general, brown rice contained more inorganic arsenic than white rice. Why?
Because only the hull is removed in brown rice. The bran that remains has a
high concentration of arsenic. When this bran is removed, so is some of the
arsenic. (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Consumer Reports</i> November
2012 p. 22, 24) </div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
So how did the inorganic arsenic end up in our rice?
Insecticides. As usual, man has come up with a way to both keep our food safe
from bugs and parasites and poison us, all at the same time. The use of these
pesticides was banned in the 1980s, but as I pointed out earlier, you can’t get
rid of arsenic. And now it lingers in our soil. The same soil where we grow our
food. Also, and this is ludicrous to me, arsenic is permitted for use in animal
feed for a purpose similar to antibiotics. The fertilizer produced from these
animals contaminates crops with arsenic. </div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
If you’d like to know how much rice is considered safe for
children and adults to consume, check out this Huffington Post article: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/19/rice-recommendations-arsenic-safe_n_1897598.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/19/rice-recommendations-arsenic-safe_n_1897598.html</a></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
Okay, that concludes my research on the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Consumer Reports</i> findings. Let’s take a look at tests the FDA
performed. First of all, let me stress that there isn’t any FDA approved limit
for arsenic in most food. But here is what the FDA states on its website: “The
FDA has collected and tested rice for total arsenic for about 20 years. On
September 19, 2012, the FDA released the <a href="http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodContaminantsAdulteration/Metals/ucm319924.htm"><b><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">first analytical
results of nearly 200 samples of rice and rice products</span></b></a> tested
for both total and inorganic arsenic. The FDA is collecting and analyzing more
than 1,000 additional rice and rice product samples, and will post additional
data as results become available.” </div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
The website mentions that their analysis is consistent with
the findings from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Consumer Reports</i>. However,
it is yet to be proven that consuming great amounts of rice or rice products
causes the types of illnesses associated with arsenic. The FDA is continuing
its study on arsenic in rice, but at this time does not feel the public needs
to be alarmed. They stress that people should eat a balanced diet with a
variety of grains.</div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
The FDA found that the average rice or rice product contained
3.5 to 6.7 micrograms of inorganic arsenic per serving. Although the FDA
doesn’t have a safety standard for arsenic in food at this time, it has set the
safety level for water at 10 micrograms in one liter of bottled water or 10
parts per billion (ppb), which was adopted from the EPA’s standard. So if you
consume one serving of rice, you are well within the limits of safety according
to this measure. Two servings may put you over the limit, depending on the
levels of arsenic within the product. This limit was set in 2001.</div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
The EPA states that in drinking water, inorganic arsenic is
more prevalent than organic arsenic. They linked arsenic in drinking water to
the health risks I mentioned earlier, thus set this standard to protect
consumers.</div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
There is still more research to be done, but as it stands now,
here is a recap of my findings: </div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
The EPA found a connection between health risks and arsenic in
water. Rice is grown in water. It absorbs both organic and inorganic arsenic
well. Inorganic arsenic can cause cancer. Organic arsenic is less toxic. It
cannot be proven that consuming rice or rice products cause cancer. There is no
set standard of how much arsenic in rice is safe for consumption. If using the
guidelines given for water consumption, most levels in one serving of rice are
safe for adults and children. (Remember, a serving for children is less than a
serving for adults. Check labels to determine how much one serving is for
individuals.)</div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
This is another case of possible sensationalism mixed with a
need to be aware of what one is putting into his or her body. Until more
research is done, we won’t know if consuming large quantities of rice over a
lifetime may be a health risk. But I will leave you with one more finding I
discovered. In America, the liver and stomach cancer incidences and death rates
are higher for Asians and Pacific Islanders than for any other ethnic group.
According to <a href="http://www.cancer.gov/">www.cancer.gov</a>, one cause is a
bacterium called H. pylori. But I want to put this thought out there…what if
one of the reasons the Asian population has more occurrences of stomach cancer
is because they consume more rice than some other ethnic groups? I’d be curious
to know if anyone has done any research on this. So far I have not found any
sources that can provide me any information on this matter. But if I do, you
will be the first to know.</div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:purple;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
photo credit: www.flickr.com/photos/visualpanic/208024949/ www.creativecommons.org/licenses<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodContaminantsAdulteration/Metals/ucm319924.htm">http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodContaminantsAdulteration/Metals/ucm319924.htm</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20120919/tests-confirm-concerning-levels-arsenic-rice?page=2">http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20120919/tests-confirm-concerning-levels-arsenic-rice?page=2</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/11/arsenic-in-your-food/index.htm">http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/11/arsenic-in-your-food/index.htm</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/arsenic/regulations_techfactsheet.cfm">http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/arsenic/regulations_techfactsheet.cfm</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodContaminantsAdulteration/Metals/ucm319870.htm">http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodContaminantsAdulteration/Metals/ucm319870.htm</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/disparities/cancer-health-disparities">http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/disparities/cancer-health-disparities</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.apamsa.org/programs/cancer">http://www.apamsa.org/programs/cancer</a></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-24587953621153027442012-10-25T18:26:00.000-07:002012-10-25T18:26:14.940-07:00So What's Soy Lecithin, Anyway?
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:purple;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today I picked up three different snacks that my children
eat on a regular basis. Many of the ingredients were the same, such as
unbleached flour. One other common ingredient was present in the snacks as
well: soy lecithin.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, I’m no cave dweller. I’ve been aware this product
exists, and I’ve even pondered its role in food production. I just never
researched it before. However, as I happen to be a very curious person, I
couldn’t help but wonder what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> this
that my children are consuming? And is it something that can be digested on a
regular basis without repercussions on our health?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As it turns out, there’s a lot of information out there on
this product. You could spend the next two years reading up on it. You know, if
you had a soy lecithin obsession. But I’m going to break it down for you in
easy terms. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First off, back in the mid-1800s lecithin was made with
eggs. Now it’s most often made using soybeans. Phospholipids are extracted from
soybean oil and used as an emulsifier (aka thickening agent) in products such
as margarine or bottled salad dressing. What are phospholipids? Glad you asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You produce some phospholipids organically within your body.
They make up the cell membrane. When it’s in your food, it allows fat and water
to mix so that the fat moves easily through your cells and vessels. Think about
how if you pour a cup of oil into a bowl of water, the two substances remain
separate. Phospholipids help meld the two so that they take on a single
property. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Okay, back to soy lecithin. It’s used to extend the
shelf-life of foods, and to prevent them from crumbling. It improves texture
and enhances nutrition. It’s in crackers, cookies, breads, pastas, meat,
poultry, fish and dairy products. Not only is it used in food products, it’s
also used in paints, waxes, and lubricants. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is what you need to know about its pros and cons: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pro: Lecithin provides a great source of choline, which is similar
to folate as it helps with brain and memory development, according to <a href="http://www.cholininfo.org/">www.cholininfo.org</a>. The body produces some
choline, but we also ingest it through food. (Lean beef, salmon, cauliflower,
and eggs are all great sources of choline.) So lecithin essentially can help
with memory and cognitive function. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Con: Soy and soy products have been linked to an increased
risk of breast cancer for adult females. Also, in a study at John Hopkins
Medical Institution, rats consumed soybeans containing genistein* (yes, I had
to look up that word, too…more in a sec), which is organically a part of
soybeans. These rats then had offspring with lower testosterone levels, smaller
testes, and larger prostrate glands.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*Genestein is an isoflavone…yes, more research was done to
figure out what that was, too. Isoflavone functions as an antioxidant as well
as something that affects the body in a similar way as estrogen. It’s present
in soybeans.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pro: Lecithin helps the body break down fats. It helps the
body produce more digestive juices, which in turn aids in breaking down food in
the stomach.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Con: Soybeans are oftentimes genetically modified. Studies
of tests performed on animals have shown that genetically modified foods have
negative effects on laboratory animals, including abnormal cell growth and a
high mortality birth rate. What this means for humans is up for debate. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also, soy is one of the eight most common allergens,
according to the FDA. It’s estimated that .2% of the U.S.’s population is
allergic to it. However, it can be noted that most of the food made with soy
lecithin has so little soy protein (which is the major allergen) that it’s
difficult to know how much can be consumed before an allergic reaction occurs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what does this mean for the average unaware consumer?
That, as usual, the jury is still out on soy lecithin’s safety. But at least
now you know why it’s used and what it does. So far I have yet to discover an
emulsifier that I can confidently promote as 100% safe. However, it seems to be
in most of the products my family consumes, and I’m not sure I’m ready to pull
the plug on those quiet yet. Though I feel the need to be more aware of what
foods contain soy lecithin and how often we’re eating them. What do you think?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<cite><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.soyconnection.com/soyfoods/pdf/Soy-Lecithin-Fact-Sheet.pdf"><span style="font-style: normal;">www.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;">soy</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;">connection.com/</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;">soy</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;">foods/pdf/</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Soy</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;">-</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Lecithin</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;">-Fact-Sheet.pdf</span></a></span></cite></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/446527-what-are-phospholipids-in-the-diet/">http://www.livestrong.com/article/446527-what-are-phospholipids-in-the-diet/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-phospholipids.htm">http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-phospholipids.htm</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://preventdisease.com/news/09/073009_soy_lecithin.shtml">http://preventdisease.com/news/09/073009_soy_lecithin.shtml</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/524606-what-are-the-dangers-of-soy-lecithin-ingestion/">http://www.livestrong.com/article/524606-what-are-the-dangers-of-soy-lecithin-ingestion/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.cholineinfo.org/index.asp">http://www.cholineinfo.org/index.asp</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.genistein.net/">http://www.genistein.net/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeffrey-smith/genetically-modified-soy_b_544575.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeffrey-smith/genetically-modified-soy_b_544575.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/GuidanceDocuments/FoodLabelingNutrition/ucm059065.htm">http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/GuidanceDocuments/FoodLabelingNutrition/ucm059065.htm</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.soyconnection.com/soyfoods/product_overview.php">http://www.soyconnection.com/soyfoods/product_overview.php</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-72547920930164262132012-08-20T19:46:00.000-07:002012-08-20T19:46:06.622-07:00Maltodextrin is a what...?
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:purple;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other day a friend and I were munching on tortilla chips
at her house when she began to develop a funny feeling in her throat. The start
of what seemed to be an allergic reaction. She took something for it
immediately, but the situation caused me to jot down the ingredients that might
have caused her throat to swell. The one she pondered about was maltodextrin. I
promised to look into it for my blog, so here it is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is maltodextrin?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate made from rice, corn, or
potato starch, though it can also be derived from barley or wheat. First, the
starch is cooked down, then an acid or enzyme is added to further break down
the starch. It’s used as either a sweetener or an inexpensive thickener or
filler. It’s found in sugar substitutes such as Splenda and Equal. It’s also
found in salad dressing, pudding, cereal, snack food, sauce, and canned fruit. It’s
used as a binding agent in medication. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is it similar to sugar?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maltodextrin has a higher glycemic index than table sugar
and can cause spikes in blood sugar levels. One caveat: there is a type of
maltodextrin that is called “starch resistant maltodextrin.” This has a lower
glycemic index and doesn’t cause the huge spike in blood sugar levels. But the
majority of food containing maltodextrin is not starch resistant. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is it safe for consumption?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The FDA considers maltodextrin to be “Generally Recognized
As Safe.” (GRAS for short.) It’s supposedly easily digested.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are there some people who should avoid maltodextrin?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People with celiac disease may be unable to consume
maltodextrin, depending on the source from which it’s made. If you have celiac
disease, it would be prudent to stay away from products that contain
maltodextrin unless they are labeled gluten free.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People with Type 2 Diabetes should avoid products that
contain maltodextrin because it causes a spike in blood sugar and can affect
insulin levels. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maltodextrin has also been found to cause heart palpitations
and chest pain in some people. If you discover this to be the case, see a
health practioner.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrom) should
avoid foods with a high glycemic index, therefore it would be a good idea to
avoid products with maltodextrin. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s something of interest: maltodextrin is sometimes used
by bodybuilders to help increase energy during exercise and to gain weight. Gain
weight? Hm. Also, maltodextrin can increase LDL, or the “bad cholesterol” in
your body. Those who have allergies to wheat and corn may have a reaction that
may include (and is not limited to) rashes, heavy sweating, and difficulty
breathing. So although the FDA regards maltodextrin as GRAS, it can potentially
harmful to particular individuals.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although I can’t be positive maltodextrin is the cause of my
friend’s allergic reaction, it certainly could be another reason why my
cholesterol is high, or why people with glucose intolerance have stomach
problems after consuming this additive. At any rate, I learned something new.
It seems that America uses an awful lot of different types of emulsifiers for
our food products. And it seems we are becoming an unhealthier nation for it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/What-Maltodextrin-293287">http://www.fitsugar.com/What-Maltodextrin-293287</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-maltodextrin.htm">http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-maltodextrin.htm</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/459312-maltodextrin-wheat/">http://www.livestrong.com/article/459312-maltodextrin-wheat/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/549320-maltodextrin-chest-pain/">http://www.livestrong.com/article/549320-maltodextrin-chest-pain/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.pcosupport.org/newsletter/articles/article121008-3.php">http://www.pcosupport.org/newsletter/articles/article121008-3.php</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/466070-health-effects-of-maltodextrin/">http://www.livestrong.com/article/466070-health-effects-of-maltodextrin/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=SEARCH&mode=simple&q=maltodextrin+allergies&x=0&y=0&site=usda</div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-68273440842615180922012-06-06T13:00:00.000-07:002014-02-22T05:46:55.213-08:00Food Safety<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:purple;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:.5in;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:.5in;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:1407529842;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:1558991332 67698705 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-text:"%1\)";
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
</style>
-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Years ago I had a friend who decided she would cook a meal for her roommate and me. When I arrived at their apartment, I took a seat at her kitchen table and watched the preparations. She pulled the raw chicken from it's plastic wrapping, set it on the counter, then opened a cupboard and grabbed some spices. With the hands she used to pick up the chicken. Without washing them in between. From there it got worse. The entire time she cooked, she did not wash her hands. She went from touching chicken to wiping her hands on a towel by the sink, to continue handling the rest of the food. Needless to say, when the food was ready, I feigned being full. I made up some story about having eaten a late lunch. Somehow I got away with it. My friends did not become ill (although I was ill watching her contaminate every surface in her kitchen), and I was in actuality famished, but my main rule has always been: Keep things clean, dummy! I have had food poisoning, from fried fish. It was awful. I thought I was dying. My insides were turned outside and I sweated and cried. Even had my mom come over and take care of me even though I was a married adult. That's how bad it was.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Common food illnesses (according to <a href="http://www.foodsafety.gov/">www.foodsafety.gov</a>) are:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">salmonella</b>—this
can be found in contaminated eggs, poultry, and meat as well as dairy products,
raw fruits, sprouts and vegetables, spices and nuts. To avoid this, make sure
foods are cooked to the appropriate temperatures, and that milk and cider are
pasteurized. Also, wash off utensils and plates that have touched raw meat
before using them to handle the cooked product. Chill foods promptly.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Norovirus</b>—this
can be found in shellfish and produce and, sick as this sounds, the feces or
vomit of an infected person. To prevent infecting others, always wash hands
before handling any food, or wear disposable gloves (you can purchase some on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">www.amazon.com</a>, that’s where I buy mine).</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Campylobacter</b>—a
very common form of food poisoning. Found in raw or undercooked poultry,
unpasteurized milk, and contaminated water.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Toxoplasmosis</b>—a
parasite. According to the food safety site mentioned above, “more than 60
million people in the United States have the parasite.” It’s only problematic
for those with weak immune systems or for unborn babies when the mother is
infected for the first time. You can find this in undercooked meat, anything
that has had contact with raw meat, cat feces (if the animal has the parasite),
contaminated water, or in either an organ transplant or a blood transfusion
from an infected individual. To prevent this, wash your hands thoroughly, wash
produce well, and pregnant women should avoid changing litter boxes.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">E</b>. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Coli</b>—can be found in undercooked ground
beef, unpasteurized juice and milk, soft chesses made from raw milk, and raw
fruits and vegetables, especially sprouts, which pregnant women should avoid.
It can also be found in untreated water (remember to tell your children at
water parks NOT to drink the water that is being sprayed) farms, and the feces
of infected people. Wash your hands after visits to the petting zoo. Make sure
hamburgers are fully cooked through.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Listeria</b>—found
in soil, water, poultry and cattle. It can also be found in processed meats,
including hot dogs and sandwich meat. You can find it in unpasteurized dairy
products, refrigerated smoked seafood, and sprouts. (Those sprouts are looking
pretty dangerous.) Pregnant women are told to avoid unheated processed meats.
Wash produce thoroughly before consumption. Wash hands after handling raw meat
and poultry. Do not consume dairy products made with unpasteurized milk. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Clostridium
perfringens</b>—a common cause of food poisoning in the United States. Can be
found in poultry, beef, and gravies. Cooking kills the cells of this bacteria,
but not always the spores. Food left out can grow new cells. The bacteria
thrive between 40-140 degrees Fahrenheit. Refrigerate food promptly and don’t
eat if it has been sitting out more than two hours. Do not let leftovers cool
on the counter. Many outbreaks occur at catered events and cafeterias. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are many more ways to get sick from poor food preparation.
Handling food without washing the hands can cause shigella, staph aureus, and
Hepatitus A. Eating food that has sat out too long can also cause Bacillus
cereus. And some foods may cause botulism, including old canned goods (use by
date on can, do not consume if can is bulging), home-canned food (if it has a
low acid content), foods held warm for an extended amount of time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So in a nutshell, to prevent food illness wash hands before
and after food preparation. Wear disposable gloves if you are ill (and all
restaurants should require their cook staff to wear gloves when handling food),
wash utensils and plates that have touched raw food before using them on the
cooked product (and re-contaminating the food), refrigerate leftovers
immediately, do not consume food that has been left out, and for goodness
sakes, do not eat sprouts!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How can you be sure the restaurants you frequent won’t have
contamination? There’s no way to be sure. But if you feel you’ve become ill
from a dining experience, you can report it here: <a href="http://www.foodsafety.gov/report/index.html">http://www.foodsafety.gov/report/index.html</a>.
Food products from a grocery store can be reported here: <a href="http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/Problems_With_Food_Products/index.asp">http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/Problems_With_Food_Products/index.asp</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re interested in knowing what restaurants near you
have health code violations, you can google to find the information. If you live
in Monroe County in New York State, you can get the information here: <a href="http://rocdocs.democratandchronicle.com/map/restaurant-inspections">http://rocdocs.democratandchronicle.com/map/restaurant-inspections</a>.
Just click on the restaurant you want to check up on. To look it up in the New York City area: <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/services/restaurant-inspection.shtml" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392953887829_2793" target="_blank">http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/services/restaurant-inspection.shtml. </a><br />
Also take a look at:<span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://www.katom.com/learning-center/information_on.html" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1393076551190_2261" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;" target="_blank">http://www.katom.com/learning-center/information_on.html</a> </span>for more information on restaurant safety inspection as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of the time our food is safe. But it’s good to know how
prevent food-borne illness, and how to keep your family healthy.</div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-91727336019739391172012-04-09T18:24:00.000-07:002012-04-09T18:39:48.338-07:00What Came First, the Chicken or the Fluoroquinolone?<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-alt:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-charset:77;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:auto;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:purple;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:.5in;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:.5in;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:593054190;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:399121386 67698705 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-text:"%1\)";
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Interesting latest news. Even more interesting, you have to
really search to find it. I was doing routine research on poultry and beef when
I came across something of which I feel everyone should be aware.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Poultry farmers used to feed an antibiotic called fluoroquinolone
to chickens and turkey. It was used to protect the animals from E. coli
infections. In 2005 the FDA banned the use of fluoroquinolone for reasons I
will clarify in a moment. A recent study at the Johns Hopkins University
Bloomberg School of Public Health and Arizona State University discovered
evidence that this banned product still exists in some of the poultry we are
ingesting, and it has caused quite a stir among researchers and their peers. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s what you need to know about fluroquinolone:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
1)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>It’s used to treat bacterial infections in
humans (in familiar drugs such as Cipro, Proquin, Penetrex, and Levaquin).</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
2)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>In humans it’s used to treat a variety of
stomach ailments, including foodborne disease.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
3)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>It either kills bacteria or prevents their growth
and is used both in hospitals and for the general public with a prescription.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
4)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>They are generally not used for children because
it’s been shown to create bone development problems in young animals.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
5)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>Side effects include but are not limited to:
seizures, tendon rupture or swelling of connective tissue, intestine infection,
nerve damage, heart rhythm changes, sensitivity to sunlight, and skin rashes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The FDA banned this drug because scientific evidence
concluded that when fluoroquinolone-laced food is introduced into human bodies,
it can cause fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter infections. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">“The FDA's
rough estimate, using 1999 data, is that use of fluoroquinolones in chickens
resulted in over 11,000 people that year contracting a strain of the campylobacter
illness that was resistant to fluoroquinolones, contributing to unnecessarily
severe disease.” –PBS.org</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In other words, it created antibiotic resistance in some
people. Not a good thing if you’re battling salmonella poisoning. At first, the
FDA recommended farmers stop using fluoroquinolone for their poultry, but it
soon became evident that many poultry farmers did not feel the research was
strong enough for them to comply. Eventually, the FDA determined a ban would be
the only way to prevent farmers from using fluoroquinolone. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But now it seems a ban is not enough. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me give you a little history on the John Hopkins study.
First of all, it was conducted because scientists wanted to see what types of
drugs are being used for poultry. Secondly, it was performed on chicken and
turkey from both the U.S. and China, and they examined feather meal for the
study. As an aside, they also found these drugs in the birds as well:
antihistamine diphenhydramine, acetaminophen, caffeine, and the antidepressant
fluoxetine. Apparently we are eating sleepy, depressed chickens that have bad
allergies. Here’s some reason for this find: “Poultry growing scientists have
recommended using Benadryl, Tylenol and Prozac to reduce anxiety in chickens,
because stressed chickens grow slower and have tougher meat. Chickens are fed
coffee pulp and green tea powder to keep them awake so they can spend more time
eating. Arsenic is fed to poultry to fight infections and turn the meat a more
appetizing shade of pink.”-Themedifastplan.com</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please note that the National Chicken Council wants to
remind us that “the study looked at feathers, not meat…there is no immediate
health concern,” and that the USDA tests meat for chemical and antimicrobial
residues. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, they neglect to “remind” us that this feather
meal is added to the food chickens, fish, cattle in pigs eat. It’s also used as
fertilizer on farms. So these drugs are getting into all our food supply.
Perhaps not in large doses, and I have found no research that can prove it’s
doing any harm used in this manner. But I put it out there for you to decide
for yourself. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So here’s what you need to know. First off, there might be
traces of the drug fluoroquinolone in the poultry your family is consuming. It’s
been banned by the FDA because researchers have determined it has caused
antibiotic resistance in humans. This drug also has many serious side effects
including skin rashes and tendon rupture. On the flip side, the FSIS (USDA)
tests meat for contaminants. See this site to know what companies have violated
the chemical residue policies: <a href="http://www.fsis.usda.gov/science/chemistry/index.asp#NRP">http://www.fsis.usda.gov/science/chemistry/index.asp#NRP</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s what I’m thinking: some poultry farmers are
continuing to use fluoroquinolone. Could be that they’re only using it on the
hens that lay eggs. Or, it could be, as New York Times Op-Ed writer Nicholas D.
Kristof mentions in his article, that farmers don’t realize what’s in the feed
they’re giving their animals. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is the refuting statement given by <a href="http://www.uspoultry.org/">www.uspoultry.org</a> in its entirety:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">TUCKER,
GA – The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association released the following statement on
the recent Feather Meal report published by the Bloomberg School of Public
Health at Johns Hopkins University. “The U.S. commercial poultry industry does
not use fluoroquinolones and has not since they were banned in 2005 by the FDA
for poultry. In fact, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin found in this
study – albeit at extremely low levels – have never been used in the U.S.
commercial poultry industry. The fact that they are evident in this study calls
into question the source of the feather meal that was tested, potential
cross-contamination with other products, and ultimately the scientific
objectivity of the research since it implies continued use of fluoroquinolones
that were never used by the poultry industry in the first place,” remarked Dr.
John Glisson, DVM, Director of Research Programs for U.S. Poultry & Egg</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Association.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You decide for yourself. Meantime, I’ll be keeping an eye
out for what happens next.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/meat/safe/overview.html">http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/meat/safe/overview.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
http://www.themedifastplan.com/main/factory-chickens-eat-feather-meal-laced-with-banned-antibiotics/</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405131431.htm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/04/researchers-find-banned-antibiotics-in-feather-meal/">http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/04/researchers-find-banned-antibiotics-in-feather-meal/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://gazette.jhu.edu/2012/04/09/evidence-of-banned-antibiotics-found-in-poultry/">http://gazette.jhu.edu/2012/04/09/evidence-of-banned-antibiotics-found-in-poultry/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm133743.htm">http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm133743.htm</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/05/opinion/kristof-arsenic-in-our-chicken.html?_r=1&ref=opinion</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-57963792558129633432012-04-03T12:54:00.000-07:002012-04-03T12:56:10.448-07:00What's the Beef with Beef?Ah, yes. Dr. Oz found another food for us to panic over. I don't mean to belittle his efforts. It's important that someone open up our eyes to what we're consuming. The problem is that now we're playing a game of telephone, and no one knows what's true and what's false. So here I am, once more, to bring you the information I've painstakingly researched, and again it is up to you to decide what you feel is safe for your family's dinner table.<br />
<br />
First off, in case you don't know the terminology, LFTB stands for Lean Finely Textured Beef. It's the mainstay of the controversy. What is it, exactly? Some people have nicknamed it "pink slime," but from what I understand it's the trimmings of beef that include some fat and portions of beef that have been trimmed from the animal so that the beef cut has a desired shape and consistency. These trimmings are then heated to 100 degrees and the fat liquefied and drained from the beef. This leaner beef may be added to other ground beef and processed into hamburger.<br />
<br />
So what's the problem?<br />
<br />
The issue is the way the lean beef is treated. A "puff" of ammonium hydroxide gas is used to destroy bacteria on the trimmings after it's separated from the fat. The type that's used for the beef is <i>not</i> the same as your everyday household cleaner. It's been declared safe by the FDA since 1974. The argument for this being safe is that ammonia is a natural substance that is produced in animal and plant products as well as in humans. Yet, it sounds like an additive, and that alone may raise hairs. Supposedly, the gas evaporates from the meat, so it can't be considered an additive because it's not actually added to the beef. The argument for using it is that it prohibits bacteria from forming, therefore making the meat safer for consumption.<br />
<br />
What does this mean for the consumer?<br />
<br />
Well, if you watch video on "pink slime," you'll see the trimmings being processed and to be honest, mushy meat looks gross. Otherwise there doesn't seem to be much of a problem. Oh, except for the cattle. You see, now that fast food and grocery chains have pulled back from using LFTB thanks to consumer backlash, more cattle have had to be slaughtered to fill the demand. Apparently trimmings filled in enough meat to save some bovine lives. Alternately, some of this beef will be higher in fat because the trimmings helped make the meat leaner. <br />
<br />
I do not consume beef. For me it's a health issue because of my cholesterol, and to be honest, I was never a hamburger fan. Veggie burgers are yummier in my opinion. I also don't cook burgers or steak for my family. half our meals are vegetarian by choice. But I still was disgusted when the news broke about pink slime and its supposed negative effects, which I still haven't yet found evidence of. If anyone finds proof that LFTB is a terrible thing, other than the look of it, please comment and let me know so I can adjust my opinion if need be. But at this time I don't see what the beef is.<br />
<br />
<br />
http://beefmagazine.com/beef-quality/what-lean-finely-textured-beef<br />
http://www.fda.gov<br />
http://news.msue.msu.edu/news/article/pink_slime_is_not_really_pink_slime<br />
<br />
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-82945389123056283402012-03-23T20:02:00.002-07:002013-01-28T11:38:52.942-08:00Knocking Back Cholesterol Without DrugsHave you ever wondered why some people can eat whatever they want, whenever they want, yet never get fat or have issues with cholesterol? There's one word that solves this riddle...genetics. Up until a few years ago, I never gave this much thought. After all, I worked out regularly, watched what I ate, and lived a pretty clean lifestyle. Why should I worry about cholesterol? The answer came in the form of a wake-up call. Make that three wake-up calls.<br />
<br />
First, my mother revealed to me that both she and my father had high cholesterol and were put on Lipitor by their doctor. At first, I found this hard to believe. Granted, my parents were in their early sixties at the time but they live the cleanest lifestyle of anyone I know. We're talking about two people who are still within five pounds of their high school bodyweight....forty some odd years later. Lipitor? My parents?<br />
<br />
It was about this time that I got the second bucket of cold water dumped over my head. I got my cholesterol checked....189. Not too bad according to today's standards but my doctor told me that, given my family history, it would continue to go up until I'd eventually need cholesterol lowering drugs. Now that's something to look forward to.<br />
<br />
Not long after this, I got the most startling news of all. Bob, my new neighbor, had a nearly fatal heart attack at age 37. Turns out, his cholesterol level was over 500! According to Bob, his mother's level was just as high. After a successful bypass, his doctors did what all doctors do nowadays - they put him on a mega dose of cholesterol lowering drugs. This worked for a while but the side effects were so bad, Bob went back to his doctor and asked for an alternative. There was no alternative....according to his doctor. <br />
<br />
Bob begged to differ and did a little research of his own. He came across a book by <i>Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn: Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease</i>. This book made the bold claim that eating a strict vegan diet which excludes any and all oil (even in the ingredients of food) will not only prevent heart disease but actually reverse it. In addition, it has a cholesterol lowering effect that rivals (and even beats) many drugs for some individuals. Bob bought the book and brought it in to his cardiologist....the same guy who told him there were no other alternatives. To his surprise, the cardiologist spoke highly of Dr Esselstyn and said his claims were essentially true. So Bob asked the obvious question - why didn't you tell me about this? The cardiologist calmly replied that "no one can stay on this diet." And that was that.<br />
<br />
Bob wasn't buying it. He went on the diet and it ultimately had the effect of allowing him to go on a much lower dosage of the drugs. He can't eliminate them completely, due to his incredibly bad genetic profile for cholesterol, but the dosages are tolerable now....and the side effects have come way down as well. <br />
<br />
Given my family history, I decided to give the Esselstyn diet a whirl. I didn't just go into this on a whim though, I had blood work done beforehand. Sure enough......189. Next, I read the book....fascinating. Finally, I hit the diet - no more meat, cow's milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, or any foods with even a trace of oil in the ingredients. What I found was that I was buying most of my food in the organic section at Wegmans. The grocery list consisted of pasta, rice, Ezekial bread (the only kind without oil), soy milk, soy meat substitutes, and loads of fruits and vegetables. My stir fry sauce was a mixture of red wine, vinegar, and maple syrup - sounds gross but it's really pretty decent. Homemade protein bars turned out to be a life saver on this diet as well. <br />
<br />
After seven weeks of this Spartan diet, I went back to my doctor and had the bloodwork taken again. I opened the mail about a week later to get my results. I couldn't beleive it - my overall cholesterol had dropped to 140 - almost a 50 point drop! All my other readings improved in tandem including LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides. In the meantime, my bodyweight dropped by close to ten pounds....and I wasn't even trying to lose weight. My energy levels were way up and I never felt more healthy. <br />
<br />
This convinced me, more than ever, that there are natural ways to improve one's health. The strict vegan diet may not be for everyone but it is, at the very least, an alternative to the typical drug regimen. Not to mention that this diet can actually reverse heart disease over time, since the lack of oil dries out the arteries. This drying effect enables the arteries to slowly erode years of plaque buildup into the bloodstream, where it's ultimately eliminated. Esselstyn demonstrated this in his book with before and after x-rays of his patients' arteries. No drug on the planet can make that claim.<br />
<br />
My experiment is over now but my eating habits will never be the same. My diet is cleaner than ever before and I still stay away from meat and dairy. I'm not following the strict Vegan diet per se, but I know I can do it again in the future if need be. The best part is, I don't fear my genetics anymore. I have options now - regardless of what the medical establishment might think.T. Mesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456130592372458486noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-36039247507436521772012-01-10T09:53:00.000-08:002012-01-10T10:33:54.585-08:00Corn Product SensitivityMy husband and I recently tried out a new diet plan. The idea is to see what foods our bodies are sensitive to. The book that lays out this information, and has quite compelling arguments, by the way, is The False Fat Diet by Dr. Elson Haas. (http://elsonhaas.com/books.html)<br /><br />So you know, I am not an endorser, I have never met this man, nor am I recommending his books. Consider me an unbiased opinion in the world of consumerism. I really liked his explanations of how many people have "reactions" to certain foods. Similar to a food sensitivity, a reaction can be something as simple as bloating, or something more serious, such as heartburn. By elimination specific foods from our diet, we can slowly introduce those foods back into our bodies and discover which foods give us the most digestive trouble.<br /><br />Granted, I only kept up the diet for four days because I was hungry throughout its duration. I used what is called the "Sensitive Seven" diet. (He describes a few different diets one can go on; they vary in strictness.) My husband also went on this diet and both of us saw weight loss immediately, including less bloat. My husband, who swore up and down he never had any problems with food, was surprised at how much trimmer he felt. <br /><br />Here is the thing: I did not want to stay on the diet. Not only was I hungry, but my cravings for carbs got the better of me. It's a tough transition from white starches and sugar to vegetables and lean protein. I do plan to go back and try again, though, because it really did make a difference in how I felt. I had more energy, I felt less boated, I had no heartburn or that heavy feeling one gets after eating too many carbohydrates. The only problem was the cravings and the hunger. <br /><br />More about this diet on my sister site: Fit2buandme.blogspot.com.<br /><br />Anyhow, in the short span of time in which I tried this diet I discovered that I have a sensitivity to corn. I'd wondered about this before, since canola oil has always bothered me. My mother-in-law uses it in everything, and I normally go the olive oil route. Usually after eating dinner at her house, I have gas pains. It makes perfect sense, since I seem to be sensitive to corn. My mother assumes it bothers my stomach because it's a genetically altered food, but I can't prove that as being the case. <br /><br />Here are some sites dedicated to corn intolerance and allergies: www.no-corn.blogspot.com, www.cornallergens.com<br /><br />I am interested in researching genetically altered foods, such as corn, and hope to find out information pertinent to our health. If you have specific questions regarding this topic, please ask and I will do my best to research and report on my findings.<br /><br />For now, I will try to find ways to eliminate all corn from my diet and see if that helps me cut back on health issues I've been having.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-4880298714160479492011-11-30T18:24:00.000-08:002011-12-06T18:33:40.258-08:00Arsenic in Apple Juice?It started innocently enough. Dr. Oz presented a show that promised to shock the nation. And it did. He reported that apple juice may not be safe for our children's consumption.<br /><br />Consumer Reports jumped on the juice bandwagon with its own reporting: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/consumer-reports-magazine-january-2012/arsenic-in-your-juice/index.htm?EXTKEY=AYAHLTH01<br /><br />Of course, my question is, what exactly is arsenic? Of course I've heard about it, you know, <span style="font-style:italic;">Arsenic and Old Lace</span>. But I didn't know much more about it than that. So I went to OSHA.gov and EPA.gov to find out. Apparently it's a natural substance that you can find in the earth's crust, in the air, water, and in animals and plants. Sounds pretty tame, right? But exposure to high amounts of this natural substance can cause a myriad of health problems, or even death.<br /><br />Thus the newest scare that has pervaded the country.<br /><br />Now, if you'd like a second opinion (after all, Dr. Oz <span style="font-style:italic;">is</span> a doctor), here it is: http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20110914/fda-apple-juice-oz-110914/<br /><br />The FDA is in disagreement with how the testing has been handled. They feel Dr. Oz is comparing apples to oranges, so to speak. They feel that "testing for overall arsenic is a poor testing method because it cannot distinguish between organic and inorganic arsenic." (www.ctv.ca)<br /><br />My son drinks Wegman's apple juice nearly every day. Wegman's brand was not one of the juices tested by Consumer Reports. Still, I will admit to wondering if I should cut back on the juice. At least until further inquiries are made. But let's say that all Americans feel this way. There will be a huge drop-off in apple and grape juice production. It will harm the farming industry, which has already suffered incredibly with a bad growing season and the cantaloupe recall. And what if it turns out we have nothing to worry about? That the levels of arsenic are low enough as to not be harmful? It will hurt the apple farming industry.<br /><br />But what if drinking this juice...even eating applesauce...does prove to be harmful? What if we are serving our children something that is a potential killer? <br /><br />More tests need to be run. And soon. The quicker this can be resolved, the better for everyone. Meantime, read these articles. And check out Dr. Oz's article, too: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/arsenic-apple-juice<br /><br />Be informed and make your own decision. In the meantime, view this clip sent to me by Alexandra Pfenninger from Newsy Community. (Twitter: @Newsyvideos)<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.newsy.com/embed-video/9852/" width="480" height="270" scrolling="false" frameborder="0"></iframe>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-41831696457943606662011-10-21T10:55:00.000-07:002013-01-28T11:39:45.982-08:00Food Recalls-cantaloupeEarlier this week I was grocery shopping at Wegman's and I realized the cantaloupe section had an overabundance of produce. I'd heard about the Listeria outbreak online, and wondered if the scare had kept potential buyers to steer clear of the fruit. A few days later I went back to Wegman's (because I always forget <span style="font-style: italic;">something</span> the first time I go) and Wegman's had put up a sign letting consumers know that their cantaloupes did not come from the farm (or even the state) that caused the Listeria outbreak. <br />
<br />
Everytime there is a a food recall, and it seems there are dozens every year, people panic and won't purchase the food from <span style="font-style: italic;">anywhere</span>. For example, if there is a spinach recall in Quebec, no one will touch it for months in the U.S. We become frightened. <br />
<br />
Here are the facts on this last episode according to the FDA about the recent cantaloupe recall from Jensen Farms in the southwest region of Colorado:<br />
<br />
"Updated October 21, 2011<br />
<br />
On September 10, 2011, FDA, along with Colorado state officials, conducted an inspection at Jensen Farms and collected multiple samples, including whole cantaloupes and environmental (non-product) samples from within the facility, for laboratory analysis to identify the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Of the 39 environmental swabs collected from within the facility, 13 were confirmed positive for Listeria monocytogenes with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern combinations that were indistinguishable from three of the four outbreak strains collected from affected patients. Of the 13 positive environmental swabs, 12 were collected at the processing line and 1 was collected from the packing area. Cantaloupe collected from the firm’s cold storage during the inspection was also confirmed positive for Listeria monocytogenes with PFGE pattern combinations that were indistinguishable from two of the four outbreak strains.<br />
<br />
As a result of the isolation of outbreak strains of Listeria monocytogenes in the environment of the packing facility and whole cantaloupes collected from cold storage, and the fact that this is the first documented listeriosis outbreak associated with fresh, whole cantaloupe in the United States, FDA initiated an environmental assessment in conjunction with Colorado state and local officials. FDA, state, and local officials conducted the environmental assessment at Jensen Farms on September 22-23, 2011. The environmental assessment was conducted to gather more information to assist FDA in identifying the factors that potentially contributed to the introduction, growth, or spread of the Listeria monocytogenes strains that contaminated the cantaloupe. <br />
<br />
FDA identified the following factors as those that most likely contributed to the introduction, spread, and growth of Listeria monocytogenes in the cantaloupes:<br />
<br />
Introduction:<br />
<br />
There could have been low level sporadic Listeria monocytogenes in the field where the cantaloupe were grown, which could have been introduced into the packing facility<br />
<br />
A truck used to haul culled cantaloupe to a cattle operation was parked adjacent to the packing facility and could have introduced contamination into the facility<br />
<br />
Spread:<br />
<br />
The packing facility’s design allowed water to pool on the floor near equipment and employee walkways<br />
<br />
The packing facility floor was constructed in a manner that made it difficult to clean<br />
<br />
The packing equipment was not easily cleaned and sanitized; washing and drying equipment used for cantaloupe packing was previously used for postharvest handling of another raw agricultural commodity<br />
<br />
Growth:<br />
<br />
There was no pre-cooling step to remove field heat from the cantaloupes before cold storage. As the cantaloupes cooled there may have been condensation that promoted the growth of Listeria monocytogenes<br />
<br />
FDA’s findings regarding this particular outbreak highlight the importance for firms to employ good agricultural and management practices in their packing facilities as well as in growing fields. FDA recommends that firms employ good agricultural and management practices recommended for the growing, harvesting, washing, sorting, packing, storage and transporting of fruits and vegetables sold to consumers in an unprocessed or minimally processed raw form."<br />
<br />
I'm sure the cantaloupe at Wegman's is fine to eat at this time. But no matter what, clean it well before slicing a knife through the rind. Although this wouldn't have saved the lives of the people who consumed the cantaloupe laden with Listeria, it is a safety precaution we should all be aware of.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-47821053084471397052011-08-12T10:36:00.000-07:002011-08-13T18:36:35.670-07:00What is cellulose?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_FuGUNRLwA-AsbZTjy6hhqef87mtodV2hNWhFkNSudvII8j8hH25vpjPwBxLamZcQQWqtdOxwDOFM176YBrTOy7IGHRGMlBP-a6tvRjHrYoNW4t-vPoKKGZbmrlZ4RIEftpZn_PCq0RL/s1600/IMG_2471.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_FuGUNRLwA-AsbZTjy6hhqef87mtodV2hNWhFkNSudvII8j8hH25vpjPwBxLamZcQQWqtdOxwDOFM176YBrTOy7IGHRGMlBP-a6tvRjHrYoNW4t-vPoKKGZbmrlZ4RIEftpZn_PCq0RL/s320/IMG_2471.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640519479987756882" /></a>
<br />Lately in the news we've been hearing that wood pulp is added to prepackaged shredded cheese to prevent the cheese from sticking together in one disgusting massive lump. Of course, you won't find "trees" on the ingredient list. Instead, you'll find it listed under the name "cellulose."
<br />
<br />If you're like me, you're probably wondering exactly what this means for your health and body. I'm here to give you the facts, you decide how you feel about them.
<br />
<br />First off, let me give you the definition of cellulose as written in a file from www.ams.usda.gov.:
<br />
<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Cellulose is the main component of higher plant cell walls and one of the most abundant organic compounds on earth. It can be derived from a number of sources using a number of techniques that are considered synthetic, and some that might be considered nonsynthetic (natural).</span>
<br />
<br />There are three forms of cellulose that have been petitioned for use: powdered cellulose, regenerated cellulose casing, and microcrystalline cellulose. I'm going to concentrate on the powdered form, which is used in prepackaged shredded cheese.
<br />
<br />Powdered cellulose is considered synthetic, which seems odd, given that it's derived from a natural source, therefore it would leave one to believe it's a natural product. The reason it is considered synthetic, however, is because of the way the product is derived. Okay, here's the breakdown on wood. It's composed of approximately 50% cellulose, 30% hemicellulose, and 20% lignin. When processed, the cellulose is separated from its counterparts, then purified and dried. This is done using either caustic soda or sodium sulfate (alkali processes). Then after that there is the matter of extracting the alkali and then bleaching and purifying the pulp.
<br />
<br />Definitions:
<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">caustic soda</span>-highly corrosive and reactive. Used as a raw material in the pulping and bleaching process. (Dow.com)
<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">sodium sulfate</span>-used as a low-cost, inert,
<br />white filler in home laundry detergents. (minerals.usgs.gov) Also used in pulping.
<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Alkali</span>-a soluble salt
<br />
<br />Consider this: we can not digest cellulose. Our bodies don't have the enzymes required to break it down into a digestible form. So cellulose is basically a fiber. Makes sense. Eating tree bark would be considered eating fiber, I suppose.
<br />
<br />Cellulose is regarded safe by the FDA as long as its used in accordance with the Good Manufacturing Practices (More on GMP in a separate post) and as long as it contains no metals or contaminants. (Whew. Happy to hear <span style="font-style:italic;">that</span>.)
<br />
<br />And, by the way, shredded cheese is not the only food that has cellulose added. It's also used as a stabilizer in some breads, reduced-calorie baked goods, and ice pops. You can even find it in sauces to give them a creamy texture. Or as a filtering aid for juice. Even used as a peelable sausage casing. Cellulose can be found in many products.
<br />
<br />Let it be known, insofar as shredded cheese goes, there are alternatives to using wood pulp. Potato starch, for one. Also, rice and corn flours may be substituted. Though cellulose seems to be the most effective in keeping food moist, and as for cheese, separated.
<br />
<br />So despite the chemical procedures to make it edible, cellulose is considered safe for consumption. Nothing to be afraid of, really. But I'll let you be the judge of that.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-27248177537918341892011-08-11T13:55:00.000-07:002011-08-11T13:59:22.002-07:00New Site for People Interested in Exercise.I will be posting more about your food soon, but meantime, if you have a moment, check out my sister site: http://fit2beuandme.blogspot.com/
<br />
<br />I will be outlining my personal rules for staying fit as well as sharing articles on health and well-being and blogging about my personal progress.
<br />
<br />Looking forward to seeing you there! And meantime, I will be posting some information about food here.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-54075475205919931412010-10-04T10:53:00.000-07:002011-09-02T10:47:05.862-07:00Peanut AllergiesYears ago, when I worked in retail, a woman who worked with me was fuming in the break room over an incident that had occurred in her child's school. Her son, allergic to peanuts, was getting no support form the school. She wanted there to be a ban on peanuts and peanut butter in her schools' cafeteria. I remember her mentioning that he had touched a table where another kid had eaten his peanut butter sandwich, and her child had to be admitted to the hospital because of a severe reaction that included shortness of breath.
<br />
<br />Since then, I've known several other parents whose children are allergic to peanuts (and many of them have been allergic to other foods as well). I've also seen more awareness surrounding this issue. Yet, in my child's school, they serve peanut butter and jelly as regular fare. I can't help but wonder (first off) why so many youngsters have this horrible allergy and (secondly) why more schools aren't opting out of allowing peanuts or peanut butter in the school.
<br />
<br />I am certain no principal or lunch room monitor wishes any ill will to the children they care for. I know that some schools have designated areas for those with food allergies (as my son's preschool did). But a friend of mine points out that it's unfair to alienate children based on their health concerns.
<br />
<br />And she's right.
<br />
<br />So what is the answer? According to a 2008 article in the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/1998/09/23/nyregion/nothing-s-safe-some-schools-ban-peanut-butter-as-allergy-threat.html?pagewanted=1), some schools are banning peanut butter and other possible contaminants in their schools. I feel for the parents whose children without food allergies will <span style="font-style:italic;">only</span> eat peanut butter, but after all, rushing a child to ER is far worse than a child nursing a growling tummy.
<br />
<br />As for my other question...why are so many children allergic to peanuts?
<br />
<br />The Mayo Clinic points out that if a child has one type of food allergy, they are likely to be allergic to other foods. Likewise, if a child has other allergies such as hay fever, they are more likely to have a food allergy as well (2 to 4 times as likely, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Also, if there are food allergies in the family, one is more likely to have a child with a food allergies. Also, if a child has eczema, it increases the odds that the child will have a food allergy.
<br />
<br />Why? Let's think about this. When your immune system discovers an enemy it rages a battle against the offender, thus protecting us from harm. Great for when you come down with the common cold. Not so great when it mistakenly identifies peanut protein as an enemy.
<br />
<br />I have heard studies that pregnant women should avoid peanuts/peanut butter, that it raises the possibility of having a child with peanut allergies. Rest assured, I ate heavy amounts of peanut butter with both my children (and during nursing them) and as of this moment in time, they eat peanuts and peanut butter without a problem. I'd be curious to know how many other moms-to-be ate peanuts and peanut butter during pregnancy, and whether or not their children developed allergies to it. In other words...is there really a cause and effect, whether on the pro or con side of consuming peanut butter during pregnancy? (Besides the added weight gain, of course.)
<br />
<br />According to an FDA docket, between 1997 and 2002, peanut allergies doubled in the U.S. You may also be interested to know that in 2001 a study mentioned in the same docket showed that restaurants contributed to almost half of fatalities related to food allergies. Almost half! Is it any wonder that school wouldn't want to ban peanut butter from their menus? Granted, it's been 9 years since that docket was produced, but it serves to show one can't be too careful when it comes to serving food to unsuspecting people.
<br />
<br />Here are the 8 most common food allergies, according to the FDA:
<br /> 1. Milk
<br /> 2. Eggs
<br /> 3. Fish (e.g., bass, flounder, cod)
<br /> 4. Crustacean shellfish (e.g. crab, lobster, shrimp)
<br /> 5. Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans)
<br /> 6. Peanuts
<br /> 7. Wheat
<br /> 8. Soybeans
<br />If you find yourself itching red welts across your body after consuming one of these products, it's likely you have a food allergy.
<br />
<br />Please note that cashew allergies in children have risen as well. And that a third of children who are allergic to cashews are allergic to pistachios. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3 million school-aged kids in the U.S. had a food allergy in 2007. That's a lot of children. The CDC cited that 1 in 4 children have a food allergy of some type. Scary, isn't it? Mind you, not all allergies are life-threatening. But they can be.
<br />
<br />Again, no one knows what the causes are for the rise in food allergies among children. There are theories such as our diets (after all, more and more chemicals and alterations are being used at a greater frequency in order to keep food longer on the shelf and to make our produce more abundant). It could be our germ-phobic nature (our immune system has less to fight off when we are constantly washing everything in anti-bacterial gels and soaps, therefore it attacks with friendly fire, so to speak). But it may also be a reason we can not yet foresee. Perhaps many decades in the future, peanuts will be up there with poisonous mushrooms and berries. Something we can no longer eat. Another way that humans continue to evolve, mother nature having her way with us again.
<br />
<br />Meanwhile, if you have a child with food allergies, consider joining FAAN (www.foodallergy.org). They give you a support system as well as tips to make life easier.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-59975965761189543942010-09-08T10:44:00.000-07:002013-01-28T11:38:09.116-08:00What the Shell Is Going On With Eggs?Unless you're foraging in the forest for your breakfast and have no access to any media whatsoever, you probably have heard about the latest egg recall. <br />
<br />
The specific illness concerned is Salmonella Enteritidis. If you aren't sure what the symptoms are, let me tell you: you will have a fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea anywhere from 12 to 72 hours of ingesting this bacterium. It can last 4 to 7 days. Like other illnesses that cause severe diarrhea, the infected person may require hospitalization. Young children, those with compromised immune systems, and the elderly may suffer far worse than a few days sitting next to a toilet bowl. The illness can spread from the intestines to the blood stream, spreading the bacterium throughout the body. The worst cases may end in death, so this is a serious matter.<br />
<br />
With this particular strain of bacteria, you can not wash the eggshells and wash away the Salmonella. It is <span style="font-style: italic;">inside</span> the egg. It begins within the laying chicken's ovaries. An infected hen may lay normal, healthy eggs while only occasionally laying an infected egg. (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/salment_g.htm) Cooking the egg thoroughly and consuming it immediately reduces the risk of contamination, although people who have contaminated eggs in their possession are encouraged to return or toss them.<br />
<br />
I looked over the inspection paperwork for both Quality Egg LLC and Hillandale Farms, both companies where the outbreak was found to have occurred. There were numerous problems found on both these farms, including excessive amounts of flies and maggots at one farm, and insufficient rodent control at the other. There were also birds' nests discovered at the site of one farm, another violation of code. I'm going out on a limb here to say I doubt these are uncommon incidences at chicken farms. I imagine these things happen frequently. The question is: are the companies working on preventing these situations? Is the FDA making sure farms are well monitored? I don't know. <br />
<br />
What I do know is that another possible cause for the Salmonella is chicken feed. Guess what their feed is made of? Bone meal! That's right, your friendly neighborhood herbivores have been forced into becoming omnivores. I can already feel Mother Nature fuming. So what does that mean for us? When we mess with the natural order of the world, we make big changes. You can't chop off a tree's roots without damaging the tree. <br />
<br />
Whether it was the feed that contaminated the eggs or the poor living conditions the chickens endured, I don't know. But no matter what, this won't be the last we hear of salmonella.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-79006653796161066992010-08-02T10:46:00.000-07:002010-08-02T11:27:23.577-07:00Cholesterol Tests: What's Your Liver Function?I've never been told my liver function results along with my cholesterol numbers before today. But now I will always ask for them. Why? Because I don't know what levels my liver normally functions at. <br /><br />Today I received a call to let me know that while on Simvastatin and enjoying a meatless diet for three months, my cholesterol numbers did not change significantly. However, my liver numbers were elevated.<br /><br />What the heck does that mean? I wanted to know. The nurse told me my AST was at 43, and it should be between 14 and 34. My ALT was 75, and it should be between 1 and 33. <br /><br />Oh. Of course. I see.<br /><br />But I did not see at all. Although I tried to gain more of an explanation, there wasn't much more she could tell me, and perhaps she had a million more phone calls to make about results more dire than mine. So after I hung up, I decided to do a little investigating of my own, because that's what I do when I don't understand something.<br /><br />I will now enlighten you. Let me first explain that the blood test you receive to determine cholesterol levels while on a statin drug is also used to determine the presence of particular liver enzymes in the blood. When your liver becomes injured, these enzymes spill into the blood stream. Therefore they can be read by a simple blood test.<br /><br />Here's some terminology for you along with pertinent information: AST stands for aspartate amniotransferase. It is also known as serum glutamic oxaloacetic tranaminase, or GSOT for short. The test for AST is not a specific indicator of liver injury. This is because injury to the heart, muscle, kidney and the brain may also have elevated AST numbers. <br /><br />ALT stands for alanine amniotranferase. It's also known as serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, or SGPT for short. Thank goodness for acronyms. The test for ALT is a more specific indicator of liver damage. <br /><br />My doctor's office gave me a different AST and ALT "normal range" than could be found on any of the sites I visited. MedecineNet.com informed me the AST normal range fell between 5 and 40 units per liter of serum. (Serum is the liquid part of the blood.) Liverdoctor.com mentioned 0-45, and SimpleFactsProject listed it as 5-43. Likewise, the ALT numbers were: 7-59 per liter of serum, 0-45 and 5-60 respectively. <br /><br />Okay, that was confusing. So I'll stick to my doctor's office's numbers. AST: between 14 and 34. ALT: between 1 and 33. <br /><br />Now, here is something interesting I found on MedecineNet.com. Taking particular medications may cause liver enzymes in the bloodstream to rise. In a study using my favored pain reliever of choice, Tylenol, 33-44% of the people who took 4g. of it daily for 2 weeks had elevated ALT levels: up to three times the normal limit. The people taking the placebo drug had no change. <br /><br />Other medications that may increase liver enzyme levels include ibuprofin, atorvistatin (Lipitor), niacin, fluconazole (anti-fungal mediaction) and many others. For a full list see: http://www.medicinenet.com/liver_blood_tests/page3.htm.<br /><br />It's also important to stress that moderate liver enzyme elevation is entirely normal. But I want to point out my doctor became nervous seeing my numbers which, in my medical-naive opinion, do not seem extremely high. I wish I'd kept track of my liver function numbers before this came about, but I never thought to do so. But I will.<br /><br />And so should you.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-69362987249900600182010-07-27T11:37:00.000-07:002010-07-27T11:55:34.931-07:00Eating on the RunYesterday, as I was driving my son to an activity in the morning, I counted three people in cars scarfing down food. Mind you, I wasn't looking into every vehicle whizzing by, I just happened to glance inside a few cars and noticed this trend. I'm sure had I peeked inside every truck cab or behind every steering wheel I might have seen many, many more people gulping down their breakfast sandwiches. But with safety in mind, I kept my eyes (mostly) glued to the road before me.<br /><br />I have to ask...are people so rushed they need to eat on the run? Is it so difficult to eat a bowl of cereal at home before rushing out the door to work? <br /><br />Here are my reasons for why we shouldn't be doing this:<br /><br />1) The most obvious-hello? Not safe! If people think talking on a cell phone contributes to accidents...have you ever tried balancing a greasy hash brown and egg muffin sandwich on the lap while maneuvering through traffic? How about when the hot ketchup-coated pickle falls off the burger onto a white skirt? Ouch! Double jeopardy. Obviously, you're using one hand to hold the food, the other to steer, and desperately trying to keep grease from ruining your tie. How safe can that be? I just gotta ask.<br /><br />2) The food can't be healthy. Face it, when you're hungry, you'll grab anything, calories be damned! And fast food isn't exactly well-know for its healthy food, no matter how hard the companies try to promote the salads and "lite" fare. Besides, no one I know has lettuce with their coffee.<br /><br />3) People should sit down and eat with their families. I know, I know. Some people don't have families, for one thing, and even if they do, the members often wake up at various times, and some are hungry right away while others don't want anything until much later. But I'm putting this out there anyways: if you can make eating together a priority, it will make a difference in your family's life. No matter what, you do your children no favors forgoing breakfast at home. Breakfast helps give the brain a jump-start. Be a good model! Show them you need it, too. <br /><br />So if I passed you this morning stuffing a breakfast burrito down your throat..and you know who you are...I apologize for entreating on your private moment. But know I'm on to you.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-30540164982003272482010-07-10T09:56:00.000-07:002013-01-28T11:37:22.516-08:00Is HFCS a menace or a scapegoat?I've been poring over article after article, and still have not discovered sufficient evidence to support the theory that high fructose corn syrup is to blame for America's obesity problem. <br />
<br />
Let me begin by explaining the recent study performed at Princeton University. The article: "High-fructose corn syrup causes characteristics of obesity in rats: Increased body weight, body fat and triglyceride levels," written by Miriam E. Bocarsly, Elyse S. Powell, Nicole M. Avena and Bartley G. Hoebel, discusses the study's findings, supported by a grant from the US Public Health Service.<br />
<br />
The theory was based on the finding that between 1970 and 1990, consumption of HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) went up over 100%. This is, in part, because it's relatively inexpensive to produce, therefore it's cost effective for companies. It also helps baked goods have a longer shelf life. Because obesity has risen during that same time period, some scientists believe there is a direct correlation between the weight gain and the increased use of HFCS. Therefore, why the study was conducted.<br />
<br />
In this study, used laboratory rats for both short term (male rats-2 month term) testing, and long term (male and female rats-6-7 month term). The results: after two months, the male rats fed HFCS gained "significantly more weight" than the ones fed sucrose, although they consumed a similar amount of rat chow. After a six-month period, the rats who'd had HFCS included in their diets also were found to have increased fats pads around their abdomens, while the control rats (the ones <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> fed the HFCS) did not.<br />
<br />
Something else interesting...the rats fed both sucrose or HFCS voluntarily ate less of the rat chow, thus not increasing their calorie intake. Nature's way of preventing animal obesity! Although the animals consuming HFCS and reducing caloric intake still gained weight. Interesting, right?<br />
<br />
Something else very interesting: the male rats gained more weight and at a more rapid weight than the females who consumed the same amount of HFCS. Although there is mention that the study was slightly different for males vs. females in that males had "ad libitum" access to chow (whenever they wanted it), while females only had 12-hour access to chow. Again, very interesting. <br />
<br />
HFCS and sucrose have similar properties. Sucrose is 50 percent fructose and 50 percent glucose. HFCS is sold in two formulations. Either 42 percent fructose, or 55 percent fructose, the latter having 42 percent glucose and 3% higher saccharides (simple carbohydrates). I believe it is the 55% fructose formula that was used in the study.<br />
<br />
Now before you go tossing out every HFCS containing item in your fridge and pantry, I want you to consider a couple of factors. First, this is only one study, and the one most highlighted in the media at this point of time. Other studies have proved inconclusive, and in every study mistakes can be made or numbers fudged. Not that I feel this is so with this particular study, but I take everything with a grain of salt. Second, these rats were on a controlled diet of HFCS. We, the consumer, are not. We have a choice of eating a muffin made with HFCS every day, or instead, once a week. <br />
<br />
My point?<br />
<br />
Perhaps high fructose corn syrup is metabolized differently than table sugar. I believe this to be true. Studies have indicated that fructose is absorbed further down the intestine than glucose. Because of this, the liver metabolizes most of the fructose. It is converted (and I'll spare you the scientific names and details) to what may possibly raise triglyceride levels. Again, there need to be more studies to prove all of this.<br />
<br />
But what really needs to be said is that we Americans, land of the Supersize-Me, need to be responsible for what goes into our mouths. If you're eating more baked goods than you are vegetables and fruits, drinking more soda than you are water (or tea), and munching on Doritos at your desk everyday, you're going to increase your waistline, whether or not anything you consume has HFCS. That is, unless you have a thyroid problem, or some other situation where you can not gain weight. But for the majority of us...we consume everything placed in front of us at a restaurant even though we know that plate has enough calories for at least two meals. (Another reason why waistlines have increased since 1970. (Please read this article for a study on restaurant portions: http://www.nature.com/oby/journal/v12/n3/full/oby200464a.html)<br />
<br />
So I feel blaming high fructose corn syrup for America's obesity woes is harsh. Yes, too many foods have high fructose corn syrup in them. But they do enhance the flavor of the product, and we can keep the item longer in a pantry...a must for those of us who prefer to grocery shop every two weeks. There is a place for such a product. But the products it's in shouldn't take the place of fresh greens and sweet fruit. But then again, neither should consuming products made from table sugar or artificial sweeteners.<br />
<br />
Now you know more about the study. Do your own, and decide what foods are right for you.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737914892502533324.post-60820852752137996592010-07-05T18:40:00.000-07:002010-07-05T19:02:47.978-07:00Recipe IdeasI love coming up with recipes. In fact, I often don't have on hand all the ingredients needed in order to follow most recipes. I will be including my recipes on this site, most of them healthy, vegetarian fare though occasionally I may include fish or chicken. <br /><br />As an amateur food detective, I've discovered great pairings where you can't go wrong. Chicken and thyme, for example. Or tomatoes and basil. Garlic works well with most foods.<br /><br />But here's a discovery I recently made that I'd like to share, along with a story. <br /><br />A while back, I had a family reunion to attend in Watertown, NY. My wonderful aunt chose a place for us to stay overnight, a bed and breakfast in the nearby town of Dexter. (http://www.dexter1855house.com/index.html) The proprietress welcomed us as if we were old friends staying for a visit. The home was cozy, inviting, beautiful decorated. And the food...marvelous. She served blueberry pancakes and gingerbread waffles with real whipped cream. No mixes or canned fluff! This was the real deal, homemade and delicious. <br /><br />The next weekend, I craved those gingerbread waffles in the worst way. But when I went on allrecipes.com (a favorite site of mine), the gingerbread waffle recipes had a million ingredients, most of which I did not have in my pantry or refrigerator. Not to mention that measuring and mixing is too time consuming for a parent with two children in need of attention every two minutes. But the craving lingered, so I wondered if I could short-cut my way to feeding it. <br /><br />Feeling clever, I purchased a gingerbread cake mix. It took me about one minute to break and egg, add water, and stir. When the waffle iron was hot, I poured the batter in, hoping this wasn't some far-fetched idea based solely on desire. <br /><br />I'm here to tell you, it worked. They weren't as delicious as the ones at the Dexter 1855 house, but boy, they came in a pretty close second. And my whipped cream was Reddi-Whip, but I forgave myself for my laziness. <br /><br />I'm going to try other cake mixes, now. See what else I can come up with. Sure, it's like eating cake for breakfast, but why not treat myself once in a while? <br /><br />Stay tuned for other ideas and recipes. <br /><br />Oh boy. After thinking about those gingerbread waffles, my mouth is watering. Good thing I froze the extras!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097357933665534207noreply@blogger.com0