Essential Herbs for wellness

Official review on this rice arsenic nonsense

Metagenics’ responds to ConsumerReports.org’s report on arsenic in food

ConsumerReports.org (CR) ¹ and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ² recently reported findings of ‘measurable’ levels of arsenic in a host of rice products including whole rice, infant cereal, hot cereal, ready-to-eat cereal, rice cakes and crackers, rice pasta, rice flour, rice drinks, rice syrup, and rice vinegar.  Of interest, related to both current and prior arsenic reporting, higher levels were found in what are considered more natural and healthier food choices such as organic and brown rice and other foods including fruits such as apples and pears and their juice. ^3,4 The intent of the recent reporting by Consumer’s Union, the advocacy arm of CR, was not to report new or unknown sources of arsenic exposure, but to encourage the FDA to set statutory limits for arsenic in foods similar to what has been in place for drinking water. Metagenics, a company with unsurpassed commitment to safety and the production of only top quality products, agree with ConsumerReports.org that consumer’s safety be a primary concern.    

As noted, the report of arsenic in rice and other foodstuffs is not a novel finding as there are historical reporting dating back decades. Specifically, regarding arsenic in the diet, the FDA reported back in 1999 that “of the estimated total arsenic intakes [in the USA] seafood contributes 76-90% for children (2-10-year olds), 79-85% for 14-16-year olds, and 89-96% for adults (> or = 25-30-year olds).” On the other hand, rice and rice cereals contributed but single-digit percent for all age groups; adults and children. ⁵ It is not unexpected that arsenic is found in foods as it is a ubiquitous and naturally occurring element in the environment. As such, humans are exposed to arsenic from the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. 

While CR and the industry in general await the FDAs decision in this matter, as the ultimate manufacturer of quality and clinically evaluated medical foods, functional foods, and dietary supplements, Metagenics is not waiting but has taken the lead in producing supplements with the highest safety standard for consumers. ⁶ For more than 20 years Metagenics has maintained one of the highest budgets for Research & Development, one which supports a large internal staff of quality control and assurance (QA/QC) personnel, a full internal testing laboratory, and cooperation with third-party laboratories to verify in-house and raw material vendor quality review. Metagenics personnel have gained experience in supplement manufacture, ingredient quality, and third-party and FDA cGMP compliance becoming valued teachers to other dietary supplement suppliers and manufacturers regarding raw material quality selection and vendor qualification. ⁷

Specifically, regarding rice-based medical and functional foods, since the inception of the rice-based medical and functional foods Metagenics has maintained an extensive testing program for all raw materials, batch-by-batch, and this testing has always included heavy metal testing, including arsenic. Also, Metagenics has utilized the same rice supplier since the inception of the medical foods. Too, Metagenics dictates to its raw material suppliers the quality required to be an approved supplier to Metagenics. It is of import to understand that the majority of raw material suppliers are not able to meet the strict quality requirements of Metagenics; quality that does not simply meet third-part and FDA cGMP but exceeds all requirements. Only the top ingredient suppliers are able to meet the strict requirements of Metagenics, a global company certified by USA GMP, Australian TGA, and European ISO standards of quality.

Metagenics commitment to clinical efficacy, quality in ingredient selection, and excellence in manufacture, provides assurance that its medical foods, functional foods, and dietary supplements have the identity, strength, composition, quality, and purity required for “safe” human use. ⁸

At no time is Metagenics surprised by what is reported in the peer literature as Metagenics long dedication to science ensures Metagenics science and quality teams have long since thoroughly reviewed, investigated, and ensured manufacture of clinically effective and safe products. It is Metagenics guarantee that “better ingredients mean better results,” all part of Metagenics quality assurance. ⁹ Few companies compare, few companies work as hard as Metagenics to earn patient and practitioner trust. It’s been our way since day one of Metagenics. Metagenics commitment to quality and efficacy is unmatched. 

1. GMP-certified manufacturing. If it's on the label, it's in the bottle—guaranteed. Our manufacturing facility is certified for good manufacturing practices (GMP) by the Natural Products Association (NPA), National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), and the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia (TGA) to ensure the highest quality standards.

2. Pure ingredients. Identity tested on multiple levels. We accept nothing less than the best we can find. We quarantine each raw material then test each thoroughly to support quality, safety, and efficacy. On formulas requiring especially sensitive or perishable ingredients, we conduct additional testing—above and beyond the testing required of us by the Food and Drug Administration current good manufacturing practices, or cGMPs. A batch of each final product is then tested again for purity as an added safety measure and confirmation of quality.

3. Safety-reviewed ingredients. We won't create a formula without them. We don't even think of using an ingredient in a formula without a thorough literature search on its predicted safety in use as a nutritional supplement. Metagenics maintains an onsite research staff and medical information center with access to thousands of peer-reviewed scientific publications. We review published studies and articles on every new natural ingredient we consider using in our products. It's an added assurance for products you can trust.

4. Human clinical evaluations. The surest way to show effectiveness. The best way to test effectiveness and safety of a nutritional product is to see how it works with real patients. The Functional Medicine Research Center℠ (FMRC)—the clinical research arm of Metagenics—is an on-site clinic staffed by medical professionals who recommend our nutritional approaches and monitor their success. The FMRC also conducts clinical trials that have been published in respected peer-reviewed journals. No other company in our market segment can offer this kind of first-hand knowledge that can only be achieved a clinical setting.

5. Scientific staff and facilities. The best in our business. Not every professional nutrition company has its own staff of dedicated medical and technical professionals. We have one of the largest in-house scientific staffs—MDs, PhDs, and others—in our industry segment. ⁹

Thank you for your continued trust in Metagenics. It is Metagenics commitment to continue to earn your and your patients trust and confidence.

Sincerely.

Your Metagenics family.

1.     Consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/11/arsenic-in-your-food/index.htm

2.     Fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodContaminantsAdulteration/Metals/ucm319948.htm

3.     Consumerreports.org/health/2012/02/new-study-finds-arsenic-in-infant-formula-cereal-bars.html

4.     Consumerreports.org/cro/consumer-reports-magazine-january-2012/arsenic-in-your-juice/index.htm

5.     Food Addit Contam. 1999 Nov;16(11):465-72. Dietary arsenic intakes in the United States: FDA Total Diet Study, September 1991-December 1996. Tao SS, Bolger PM.

6.     Metagenics.com/about/quality-difference/quality-assurance

7.     Bizjournals.com/prnewswire/press_releases/2010/06/17/DC23220

8.     Nsf.org/business/gmp/index.asp?program=GoodManPra

9.       Metagenics.com/about/quality-difference

Green Street Fair

The 5th Annual Green Street Fair is going on in Downtown Plymouth this weekend!  We're honored to be treating the volunteers that are running the event!  While keeping in the tradition of whole body care, we strive to pass along information that is key to anyone's well being, but also good for the environment:

Food is medicine, but it can also be poison.  Know which is which for you!

Buy local, know your farmer, know your doctor.

Green Street Fair

Allergies Already???

With the warm winter, agencies are reporting their first allergies of the season. That means in the great lakes region we need to prepare for spring allergies about a month early. If you use natural allergy support, start in the next week or two to prepare for a spring onslaught.  Keep in mind that hydration and a clean diet can go a long way to reducing allergy symptoms.

Snowboarding injuries pile up!

Even though there is little snow around, the resorts are doing well with the snow guns. That means hard snow. Keep in mind that if you are new to snowboarding, wear as much padding as possible including an approved helmet. Concussions are serious and a bruised brain does not just go away.  It's a great sport and the easiest way to fly without wings in the winter.


My take so far is unless you get adjusted after "learning" to ride, using specialized techniques such as flexion distraction, cranial sacral, and extremity manipulation, you are asking for injuries to creep up.  A crooked tailbone does not just go away.  My rule with sports injuries is if the pain persists past 5 days, it needs attention because it's not going to go away. Vitamin C is your best tissue support vitamin so don't leave home without some extra calcium ascorbate.

Get up north, get a helmet, and have fun.  Get adjusted when you get back!

Newsletter

As it has been a while since I have posted, for current information on health, wellness, and overall fitness, sign up for my newsletter using the link above or go to:

 http://eepurl.com/dnipD

Radiation - myths and facts!

DO NOT TAKE HIGH LEVELS OF POTASSIUM IODIDE UNLESS DIRECTED BY YOUR DOCTOR OR LOCAL DISASTER AGENCY!!!  STOP THE NONSENSE!

http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-health/20110315/US.MED.Radiation.Q_A/

Agree to disagree on Vitamin D

Those of you who have heard me rant on "D" for the last 10 years are familiar with this debate. The cardiologist community has decided that 5000 I.U.s daily will maintain an average 50 unit level in your blood which is similar to mid summer levels for lifeguards and avid gardeners.  This is a starting point for a daily dosage. At 50 units the genes start to activate in a good way and you can enjoy your nutrigenomic good health. 

If you are using the biotics research Bio-D-Mulsion, use 3 drops daily. If you like a pill, I now suggest Orthomolecular products Vitamin D 5000 at 1 pill daily.

Remember there is no food source for this vitamin that will achieve these levels unless you juice the oil from a pound of fresh cod livers. Yummy!

Remember to have your blood levels of "D" checked annually.

Imunizations - wake up people!

If the current flu season is any indicator of vaccine effectiveness, why don't we all question the "alleged" effectiveness of other vacines?

Thimerosal, which contains the organic compound ethyl mercury, is a known neurotoxin and used as a major ingredient in childhood vaccines. There are over 15,000 articles in the medical literature describing the adverse health effects on the human body with exposure to varying amounts and forms of mercury.




In 1999 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) urged government agencies to reduce children's exposure to mercury from all sources. The potential risk is a concern. The AAP and the USPHS (United States Public Health Service) both agree that the use of thimerosal-containing vaccines should be reduced or eliminated. In 2011, children are still being injected with thimerosal-containing vaccines.



There is a growing number of physicians, scientists and parents that feel and state that thimerosal has played, and continues to play a large role in contributing to the emergence of multiple chronic illnesses in children and adults, including the neurological spectrum disorders.



Aluminum, which is present in the environment and in many childhood vaccines, may be another heavy metal affecting the health of children and adults. There are suspected reactions that manifest in many ways that we have yet to understand by science and medicine.



MOTHERING No. 146, January-February 2008, pp. 46-53, states, “Aluminum is a heavy metal with known neurotoxic effects on human and animal nervous systems. It can be found in the following childhood vaccines – DTaP, Pediarix (DTaP-Hepatitis B-Polio combination), Pentacel (DTaP-HIB-Polio combination), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae B (HIB), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and Pneumococcal vaccines.”



PEDIATRICS Vol. 97, 1996, pp. 413-416 in 1996, issued a position paper on Aluminum Toxicity in Infants and Children which stated in the first paragraph, “Aluminum is now being implicated as interfering with a variety of cellular and metabolic processes in the nervous system and in other tissues.”

A review of the medical literature on aluminum reveals a surprising lack of scientific evidence that injected aluminum is safe. There is limited understanding of what happens to children when aluminum is injected into their bodies, including whether or not it accumulates in tissues and organs or is properly eliminated from the body. It is also unknown if genetic factors affect long term adverse health outcomes for those injected with aluminum containing vaccines.



AMA, Vol. 297, No. 24, June 27, 2007,pp. 2755-2759, stated, “It is now estimated one in 6 children under the age of 18 in the U S has developmental/learning disabilities.” They also referenced that an increased percent of US children have asthma and growing numbers of children are manifesting different types of allergies. This would suggest they have impairment, or even possible damage to their nervous and immune systems.



Many scientists feel it is even more concerning that there is a lack of accepted scientific data explaining whether injected aluminum interacts with other vaccine ingredients to cause harm to children. Boyd Haley, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at the University of Kentucky completed lab experiments showing the damaging effects on nerve cells when he exposed them to aluminum, especially in the presence of other vaccine ingredients like mercury, formaldehyde, and the antibiotic neomycin.

girls and women to theoretically guard against cervical cancer still has never been proven to actually prevent cancer. On the contrary, evidence suggests that under certain circumstances the vaccine increases your risk of precancerous lesions by nearly 45 percent, and an ever increasing number of girls are being seriously injured by this unnecessary vaccine.




With Gardisil, as of December 13, 2010, 20,915 adverse reactions had been reported in the United States alone, including 89 deaths, 297 miscarriages or stillbirths, and 370 reports of abnormal pap smears post vaccination.



All of this from a vaccine that has only been on the market for four years!



Making matters worse, as of 2009 the US FDA approved Gardasil for use on young boys as well, and the first male death has also been reported. In September of last year, a young boy died just eight days after being vaccinated with Gardasil.



So what's going on here?



Is it possible that vaccines sold by drugmakers like Merck are causing lethal disease? Judging by history, the answer may be yes.

If you're debating a sunny vacation, here's another reason to go!

Restructuring Water in Your Cells Creates Tissue Healing

Classically, one way of doing it is to use infrared radiation (heat). By applying heat to the muscle, you increase blood supply, which is helpful. But you're also building water structure! Dr. Pollack's research shows that infrared heat is very effective for ordering cellular water. In terms of the source of the infrared heat, as long as it emits the right wavelength of radiation, it will be effective. According to Dr. Pollack, the wavelength of 3 micrometers (microns) is ideal and very effective.
The sun also emits this wavelength, which may be yet another reason why sun exposure has such profound health benefits and just feels good through and through. Interestingly, the human body also emits radiation within the ideal range, which may explain why simple physical contact, including 'hands-on healing,' can contribute to improved health!

"I know there is a lot of skepticism about that," Dr. Pollack says, "but from a physical point of view, it's entirely possible."

Another way to structure water is to use light.
The visible light spectrum, ultraviolet (UV) and near infrared also builds ordered water zones. Again, light therapy has been used for years to remedy various maladies, such as depression and jaundice, for example. But it's only now that scientists are beginning to understand why such therapies work.
Clearly, one of the primary health benefits of sun exposure and UVB's is that it makes your body create vitamin D, which we now realize is absolutely crucial for optimal health. But the fact that it also helps structure the water within your cells may be yet another contributing factor. After all, your body is a conglomerate of symbiotic relationships.