Vitamin C as an Illustration of the Orthomolecular Approach

“Vitamin C was popularized by the double Nobel-prize winner Linus Pauling.

"For example, the wild mountain gorilla (weighing from 120 to 160 kg) ingests on a daily basis between 2000 and 4000 mg of ascorbates (vitamin C) and sometimes even more. Average people in Western countries who do not take supplements consume a few dozen milligrams, while the daily recommended intake of vitamin C is 60 mg.

“It should be noted that the majority of mammals synthesize their own vitamin C; when they are under the stress of disease or injury, the quantities they produce are equal to 10,000-20,000 mg per day for an adult human of average body size (taking into account body mass).

“All simians, including humans, have a genetic error that prevents them from synthesizing the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase. This enzyme is involved in the last stage of a chain of reactions that allow glucose to be converted into ascorbic acid. This genetic mutation is thought to have occurred approximately 25 million years ago.

“Among the other mammals that cannot synthesize vitamin C are guinea pigs and a species of Indian fruit bat (Pteropus medius).

“Orthomolecular medicine aims to correct this vitamin C deficit through the intake of quantities comparable to those synthesized by other mammals, meaning many grams per day (standardized amount according to body mass). Extracting such high amounts of ascorbic acid from natural sources would be very expensive. Adopting a diet similar to that of primates is not very compatible with modern civilization. We must therefore resort to synthetic ascorbic acid.

“It should be noted that some people believe that synthetic vitamin C is harmful or ineffective.

“Vitamin C tablets made from acerola cherries are sold in stores. This kind of vitamin C is a lot more expensive per kilo than the ascorbic acid in crystalline powder form that is obtained from other sources.”

This example can be applied to all nutrients, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, probiotics and other molecules that are biocompatible with and beneficial for health.

Did you find this article interesting? Orthomolecular Approaches (course 445) is a course given here by the College. Register now!

Living food? Vibrant food!

I'm sure by now, you all know of my passion for healthy eating, right? Especially when it comes to eating raw & living foods, I'm totally passionate! With that said, I found this little excerpt from the Metabolism and Nutrition course (that course 343, for the inquisitive) given by the College, very interesting and thought I'd share it with you.

Humanity’s great challenge: Co-existing with our food

The third millennium has begun, and, despite our vast technological progress, our survival is still highly dependent on our environment, as our cells require nutrients to stay alive. Will this change one day? Perhaps; for the moment, however, all living organisms must maintain a close and balanced relationship with their surrounding environment if they are to eat and survive.

It’s true that in North America and Western Europe, few people suffer from a lack of food. However, being truly healthy is not only a question of swallowing substances that will satiate hunger; we need to eat true food, i.e., food that is truly nourishing and that is eaten in a form that the human body can recognize. Unfortunately, this is not always the case for most products found in supermarkets. Devitalized (meaning they no longer contain living energy), the majority of these substances not only contain empty calories but are also harmful to our physical health. We often forget that these lifeless, cumbersome substances, which we still dare call food, also have a major influence on our psychological life (our emotional chemistry) and our spiritual
vitality (our “appetite” for living).

To live a happy life and have your entire existence become “sparked” by a vital current, you must first understand the major principles of living food.

“Living food” is food that, because it is fresh and in a highly vibrant state, abounds with nutritious substances. Easily assimilated, these foods leave little residue in the body and any digestive residue they do leave is easily eliminated.

Among all of the living foods, sprouts and young shoots are far and away the most alive and the most vibrant. Simple and very economical, these “newborn foods” are packed with nutrients that our bodies crave. We need to rediscover the wisdom of our seed-sprouting ancestors; we need to become reconnected to the food that keeps us alive.

So, did you like it? I sure did! And, if you want to know more, this course not only delves into the raw & living food lifestyle but also in other nutritional  trends, like vegetarianism, veganisme, Kousmine's Diet, Dr. Seignalet's regime, Shelton's Principles of Food Combining, the Mediterranean Diet, The Zone, and so much more! It also studies the anatomy-physiology of the digestive system, as well as look at several digestive physiopathologies. Very interesting indeed! But that's not all. Hop on over to the course's page on the College's site to read all about it! It's all there.

Happy reading,

Food guides: Did you know there are quite a few?

Studying nutrition over decades has given me much insight into the subject. One fascinating aspect of this are Food Guides. Did you know they vary from country to country? From one "ideology" to the other?

Food guides are not simply the result of scientific thinking; they are also the product of social, socioeconomic and political constraints. In fact, scientists, the representatives of national agri-food industries, and the politicians who represent citizens' interests’ work together to produce a food guide. There can therefore be conflicts of interest through the promotion of food families that are emphasized more than they should be. Take milk, for example, which is not essential to consumers if they get calcium from other sources.

“Governments must take into account domestic policy constraints when developing food guides: self-sufficiency, agricultural support, population distribution, the promotion of regions and resources, etc. It would be counter-productive to promote a diet – no matter how beneficial it is to health – that would require so many changes to food or cooking habits that it would have little chance of being adopted.” (Passeport santé)

We are going to look at the Canadian, American, and French guides, as well as a Vitality naturopathic food guide and two model guides that have greatly influenced many current food guides: The Willett Food Pyramid and the Zone and Omega-3 diets from Barry Sears.

Canada’s Food Guide (2007 edition)

The general scope of this new guide is similar to the old one in that it outlines four basic food groups: fruit and vegetables, grain products, milk and alternatives, and meat and alternatives. A rainbow is used to illustrate the four groups. Fruit and vegetables now take up the first section to the left.

The recommended servings have changed and servings are now established according to age and sex.

The guide generally recommends that people buy and prepare food with little or no fat, sugar or salt.

It also recommends being active by taking up a physical activity or sport, eating well, looking at food labels, and limiting consumption of Trans fat.

There are specific recommendations given for each food group.

Since the guide does not restrict any food, it can be easily integrated into daily life at home or outside the home. With the wide variety of food it proposes, the guide integrates contemporary cultural diversity and can help you discover new foods with varied flavours and textures. However, this quality of diet can only be obtained if you prepare more meals at home and only use foods that are fresh or unprocessed.

Canada’s new food guide aims to prevent obesity through general measures. The precise number and volume of servings (according to sex and age group) is a step in this direction, particularly because the number of servings of grain products has been reduced and the number of servings of fruit and vegetables has been increased compared to the previous guide.

If you'd like to learn more about the Canadian Food Guice, and others (such as the American Food Guide, the French Food Guide, Willet's Pyramid, the Barry-Sears Diet, the Anti-Aging or Vitality Food Guide, and more), then the Nutrition Basics course, given by the AMCC will most certainly fulfill all your needs!

Guided hugs,

Milk Thistle: To the Rescue of You Liver and Digestive System

Have you overindulged lately? Who doesn't, right? In those times, when feeling bloated, sluggish and generally unwell is simply not an option, milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is the perfect remedy.

Milk thistle can be used when poor food and/or beverage choices have prevailed. It is useful in all kinds of digestives woes, be it food poisoning, excess alcohol consumption, hepatitis, cirrhosis, chimiotherapy, and even jaundice. It can protect against X-Rays damages, environmental pollution, and heavy metals. Recent research suggests it also plays a role in glycemic control.

Do you suffer from one of those "morning after" headaches? Or maybe a migraine you know is related to poor liver function? Then again, milk thistle, by going to the source of the problem (ie the liver), will ease your symptoms. In detoxifying the body, it is less likely that you will need all those nasty headache medications. Most can irritate the stomach, and cause other unpleasant side-effects. Eliminate the cause, and the headache will vanish. Aaaah!!!

Here's a recipe you can try out at home, that is a liver tonic and digestive aid:
 

1/3 tsp dried chicory root powder

1/3 tsp dried dandelion root powder

1/3 tsp dried milk thistle seeds powder

Steep the powder mix in a cup of boiled water. Filter. Serve hot.

Living in our modern society, amidst all the pollution, and the nutrient deficient food supply, milk thistle is an ally not to be neglected. It will strengthen and regenerate your liver, which will then be better able to accomplish its detoxification tasks. Milk thistle will also fortify your entire body. Learn to love the prickly plant, and it will make you and your liver very, very happy!

If you would enjoy learning more about milk thistle, and other such marvels of Nature, the College offers a very complete course in Phytotherapy and Energetics.

Prickly hugs,

Article resume: Mieux-Etre Jan2011
Recipe: Natacha Imbeault - www.herbotheque.com

Exciting Use of Essential Oils

The art of medecine consists of amusing the patient while Nature heals the disease. - Voltaire

Essential oils have been in use for centuries. Their popularity grows constantly to the point that we hear about them practically every day now. What can we do with essential oils? Aside from the obvious use in ointments and to freshen the air, I found an exciting use for these precious oils. In food! Yes, certain essential oils can be taken orally (not all, so do your homework before choosing to add one to your food). Ask a knowledgeable practitioner for advise if you are unsure. Do research the particular essential oil you wish to use to see if it can be ingested. It's not because we could eat the fruit, vegetable or herb from which the oil is extracted that we can necessarily consume its essential oil with our food. So, please do your research diligently before experimenting. An effort well worth the time.

All essential oils were not created equal: most are good for nothing more than perfuming the air because they have been extracted chemically, and are therefore filled with chemical products, are highly altered and  maybe even denatured. Sadly, this might include some of the essential oils that we find in health food stores that are labelled "100%  natural"! We know that heat destroys enzymes and denatures proteins and generally affects negatively the plants. The same is true for essential oils. Research and find a reputable company.

It is worthwhile to find therapeutic grade essential oils, which are distilled at much lower temperatures and pressures than the others. You will notice the difference right away too! And if you include essential oils in your food, it is really important to pay attention and choose only the purest and those that are not chemical-ladden so you don't introduce any nasty chemicals in your body.

What kinds of essential oils should you start experimenting with in your food?

Almost everyone likes cinnamon. Its essential oils has powerful antibacterial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Its stimulates circulation and protects the stomach. Only a few drops are enough to flavour smoothies, desserts and hot or cold beverages.

I also like peppermint, mostly for its digestive properties. We all know that it improves the breath (always a plus when eating large salads garnished with  plenty of garlic dressing!). Peppermint essential oil improves energy better than any energy drink could, without any unpleasant side-effects. It's like a breath of fresh air that oxygenates the brain and muscles, refreshing the entire body and preparing it for action! Massage some on your scalp and let me know what you think: nirvana, guaranteed!

For a more thorough study of Aromatherapy, the College does offer an interesting course. Check it out here.

Ylang-ylang hugs (relaxing and soothing in almond milk),

Boost Your Energy with Ayurveda

Up here in the Northern hemisphere, days are getting decidely shorter, colder. It seems that a lot of people experience a drop in their energy levels just about the same time. With our super-busy lifestyles, family activities, recreational outings and let's not forget the whole "holiday season", we need all the energy we can get. Energize your body with these simple tricks, inspired from Ayurvedic principles.

Unbalanced kaphas tend to become lethargic, even depressive, or possessive, are susceptibles to coughs & colds, allergies and will tend to put on some weight. To re-establish energy, a kapha person might want to try to rise early and get in those 7 to 8 hours sleep every night. Not too much more, as this is counterproductive for kaphas. Avoid staying in bed past 6 am: that is when a deep, heavy sleep phase starts for kaphas. And indulgence here will mean a sluggish awakening, rather than feeling refreshed and ready to go. After a good night sleep, a light breakfast is in order. Eat lightly during the day also, avoiding any heavy, over-cooked foods. To keep energy level at their optimum, the kapha person must exercise regularly.

Pittas that are under stress will become irritable, volatile, even aggressive. Even though pittas usually have ample energy reserves constitutionally, they can become exhausted just like the rest. Take a nice, calming walk or engage in some soothing yoga stretches to replenish energy naturally. Relaxation and time to unwind before bedtime is a great idea to ensure a good night's rest. Partaking in nature walks and (relaxing, peaceful) music listening will also recharge the pitta's batteries.

Tired vatas will be impatient, erratic and absent-minded. Vatas should establish good routines to help manage their energy reserves properly. Warming and nourishing foods will get the vata's internal fire going. Vatas should pay particular attention to their eating habits, which are just as on-the-go as they are, constitutionally. Proper nutrition, which includes actually sitting down to eat a meal, will ensure proper energy reserves and expenditures.

These few recommendations benefit from being part of a larger, more harmonious look at one's lifestyle, regardless of constitutional type. Eating food that is out of season. Over-extending ourselves. Not sleeping when tired. All these too-common-practices deplete energy reserve and unbalance our internal rythms, making us more susceptible to fatigue, illness and other more subtle imbalances.

Energetically,

Childhood Cancer

I have just received some very interesting reading material and thought I'd share with  you. Dr. George Georgiou, holistic medicine practitioner, researcher and author has published a fascinating book on the ever present topic of cancer. In his most recent newsletter, he conveyed some pretty compelling information, that I will now pass along.

Childhood cancer occurence has increased over the past half century. Science still has found no explanation for the phenomena. As we all know, cancer is a disease with many causal factors, many of which are not even looked at nor considered when research is undertaken. Research emphasis usually tends towards finding the genetic links of childhood cancers.

Even though some claim that childhood cancer is rare, statistics tell a different story. It is the second killer of children (US and UK). Bone and brain cancers now seem to be among the most common types in children, rising between 10 and 15% in recent history.

A growing body seems more vulnerable to a variety of environmental toxins, making children more sensitive to toxic overload. As more and more research and data becomes available, proof that there exists a link between pesticides exposure and childhood cancer is being ever more firmly established. Pesticide exposure is linked to leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, neuroblastoma and Wilms' tumours, as well as cancers of the brain, colorectum and testes. Pesticide use in the home as well as in the garden are to blame for the significant rise in childhood brain cancers.

Some concern has been raised concerning a potential link between vaccinations and cancers. If you consider that the organisms used to vaccinate are gathered from excrements or bodily fluids of infected hosts and then grown in toxic mediums (because they can't proliferate in what is considered healthy conditions for humans), that most have added toxins in them, including formaldehyde, aluminum, thimerosal (mercury derivative), and phenols (all known carcinogens) as well as antibiotics, is it a mystery how these could potentially suppress normal immune function?

Dr Georgiou mentions in his article :

In addition, viruses themselves may cause cancer, and the process by which viruses are ‘inactivated’ for use in vaccines is not infallible. A well-known example of this is the simian virus 40 (SV40) that contaminated the early Salk polio vaccine. SV40 was a carcinogenic virus growing on the monkey kidneys used to culture poliovirus. It was discovered only after hundreds of thousands of individuals had been injected with it. Not only was this virus responsible for cancer in the vaccine recipients, but it was associated with DNA damage passed on through sexual contact as well as to their unborn children. Evidence of SV40 is still being found in brain tumours today.

Maybe, just maybe, the increased incidence of childhood cancers due to their greater vulnerability to all types of environmental factors, will sound an alarm somewhere, for somebody. Maybe, just maybe, the world will wake up and start to consider them, our most precious and vulnerable resource, and the impact of regulatory agencies decisions' on the health of humanity's future (the children of the Earth).

If you are interested in reading more on this topic, you can download Dr. Georgiou's latest book Curing the Incurable with Holistic Medicine, available through his site, Heavy Metal Detox. 

Musingly yours,