Canada’s Favourite Health Magazine ISSUE 77 May/June/July 2011
ENTER TO
WIN PAG E 4 2
18
pg.
Interview with ACTOR
LORNE
CARDINAL The Prana-meterTM:
BREAKFAST:
Eating mindfully to increase life force, health and bliss.
THE FIRST FRONTIER
Equation for Health Feature: Backyard Chicken Farming: A Guide to Caring for Laying Hens Y O U R
C A N A D I A N
H E A L T H
A N D
W E L L N E S S
C O N N E C T I O N
Sleep Problems?
30 million people in North America don’t sleep well for the following reasons: 1. Difficulties falling asleep. 2. Staying asleep 3. Snoring 4. Sleep apnea (Gasping for air and choking) 5. Frequent bathroom trips by men because of prostate problems 6.Women getting up frequently because of bladder infections, UTIs and incontinence. See also # 7 and # 8 below. Hundreds of thousands had relief within days with the natural products below. All come with MUST HELP OR MONEY REFUNDED guarantee. All are 100% true statements with full names and towns. Skeptics can call these men and women for advice and their true experience. All natural, no side effects, inexpensive. We can help quickly in most cases.
SNORING? TEA # 21a SLEEP APNEA?
SLEEP & RELAX
To my surprise, after taking Bell Snoring & Sleep Apnea Relief #23 I really didn’t snore or gasp for air anymore. I sleep through the night and feel rested and refreshed in the morning. Mark Wilson, 40, Hudson, NH Sleep apnea capsules worked first night! For last 15 years I had sleep apnea and my doctor made me buy a CPAP machine, which I could not use. Finally Bell #23 helped the first night and #23 every night thereafter. Like a miracle. Unbelievable. Karen Braun, 67, Glace Bay, NS It is such a joy not having to use the CPAP machine. I have had sleep apnea for 10 years. I was skeptical about Bell Snoring & Sleep Apnea Eze #23. After using it for 3 weeks my wife says there is no more snoring or gasping for breath or stoppage of breathing. It is such a joy to be able to roll to left or right with no hose or mask to deal with and can get up with no restrictions. Thank you Bell for a great relief. I suggest anyone with these problems to try it. You will be overjoyed with the results. Wayne Burse, 63, Beamsville, ON $27.95
I suffered for 10 years from insomnia. Family doctor prescribed many pills, specialist still more pills, all had side effects. After starting #21a tea I sleep well and have no side effects whatsoever. Faire Hoca, 36, Oakville, ON Can fall asleep #21a at night when travelling. Sleeping pills caused “overhang” next morning. Dr. Bette Bond, Ph.D., College Professor. Los Angeles, CA Was usually awake until 4AM or 5AM. Almost impossible to fall asleep. With #21a I was finally able to relax and get to sleep. I feel well rested for the first time in years and I love it. Danielle Burgi, 26, Salmon Arm, BC After trying everything else that did not work, I was surprised how this tea relaxed me and I entered more rapidly into deep sleep. For all who want a renewing, life-giving night’s sleep. Lucy Thorson, 64, Toronto, ON $5.95
Frequent BATHROOM TRIPS?
Bell Prostate Ezee Flow Tea #4a Bell Bladder Control Tea #4b Most men have relief in 3-5 days from dribbling,
burning and rushing to the toilet. Must help or money refunded! Works in virtually every case. If you are considering surgery, try this tea first. Hundreds of delighted men testifying on our web site: Had to get up every hour at night. Now I get up once a night. Joseph Whittaker, Sewell, NJ I cancelled my prostate surgery. Get up once a night. I'm so happy not to have to face the torment of a prostate operation and possible incontinence and impotence. Albert E. Blain, 74, Schumacher, ON Even after TURP prostate surgery and microwave therapy had to get up many times. Now down to 1-2 times. Tea is 100% better than drugs. Robert G. Stocker, Eustasis, FL After 1st year drinking tea my PSA went down to 4.5; after 2nd year to 2.9; after 3rd year to 2.3. I highly recommend the tea. A real life saver. Thomas M. Thurston, Forsyth, GA We supply EVIDENCE with full names and towns. Large box, 120g. $22.95
Most women have relief within days from incontinence, frequency, urgency and pain. Stop needless suffering and embarrassments. Go shopping & traveling with confidence. Must help or money refunded. True evidence with full names and towns. No more wetting accidents. Within a week I was in complete control. No side effects like with drugs I took. Deborah Haight, 49, Collingwood, ON Incredible results. It's hard to believe a nondrug item is producing such quick relief. I suffered for 20 years with frequency and embarrassments. I now sleep through the night. Linda Kleber, 62, Milford, NJ Tea represents truth in advertising! Being a skeptic, I ordered this Bladder Control Tea for Women as a more or less last resort, after trying every medication in the last 5 years. It worked better than I hoped for. Had relief within 6 days. Thank you for this great product, and above all, for truth in advertising. Marina Rosa, 57, Las Vegas, NV Stop needless suffering Large box 120g. $ 22.95
ACNE
Eczema Psoriasis Rosacea Rashes
By Dr. C. Hammoud Ph.D.
I had terrible Acne for 3 years and tried products with Benzoyl Peroxide, Aloe Vera and others. After 4 days taking the Bell natural product #60 it started to clear up my skin. My skin changed from terrible to beautiful. Mylene Theriault, 19, Sorel-Tracy, QC In 2 days my son’s face completely cleared up of acne. My son is 15 and suffered for 3 years. We used many products like laser, Neem that did not work or burned his skin. Veronica Marden, Seminole, TX Unbelievable acne free #60 beautiful skin Last couple of years I Guaranteed better than all others they had acne and tried every product and used say dozens of antibiotics. Results with #60 were delighted users with full unbelievable. Thanks for giving me names and towns on the beautiful skin and my self-esteem. Bell website. Works by Nelisa Royer, 28, Doral, FL Within cleansing blood inside 6 days eczema cleared up rather than attacking completely. I believe #60 addresses skin from the outside the cause internally instead of the and leaving the actual symptoms. Latifa Boutshik, 43, North cause untreated. Here York, ON I had severe psoriasis are a few examples: over 95% of my body. Last 5 years I have stunned every doctor and dermatologist. I spent tons of money on remedies. After I got Bell #60, I’ve never seen anything work as fast in my life. Within 2 days I saw my skin clearing up. I’m speechless. It was inexpensive compared with what I spent before. Jessica Shantz, 25, Dawson Creek, BC Eczema itching relief in 3 days! For 10 years I had patches of scales on my back and they were terribly itchy. I had used prescription cortisone cream and other treatments and they did not work. It only made the skin thin. Bell Skin Disorders #60 is awesome and gave me finally relief for this annoying and embarrassing problem. Kudos! Melanie Sargeart, 30, St. Thomas, ON Psoriasis (mine) and (my son’s)acne relief! I personally suffered for 20 years with psoriasis and acne and used prescription drugs and creams. My son is almost 15 and has acne on his face and back. Bell Skin Disorders #60 has made psoriasis obsolete. It is such a wonderful feeling not to be itchy and I don’t have to hide under clothing anymore. My son no longer has new acne outbreaks and his overall skin looks healthy and uniform in color. Thank you! Brenda Ward, 42, Winnipeg, MB All statements made on the Bell website are sent by delighted users. All are real people. Most have listed phone numbers and can be called for advice. No money is paid to them. Their reward is the relief they are getting. All say #60 works within days not months, not years. It’s more effective than what they used before. It is less expensive (some acne suppliers ship monthly and charge monthly, which may amount to large sums yearly). No side effects were reported on #60. $ 29.95
Two more reasons why people cannot sleep: 7. Five million people in Canada have arthritis pain night & day. Bell Shark Cartilage #1 can help most of them quickly to have less pain or no pain at all and be able to sleep. Money-back guarantee! Full details on www.BellLifestyleProducts.com $ 24.95 8. One million men and women women have wrist pain and cannot sleep. Guaranteed relief with Bell Carpal Tunnel Syndrome #30, usually within days. Try this first, if you are considering wrist surgery. $ 24.95
Available in over 8000 health food stores and pharmacies all over North America. To find the closest store go on the Bell website www.BellLifestyleProducts.com “Where to buy” or call 1-800-333-7995, 9-4 EST. If there is no local store listed or a local store does not want to order the product for you, order on our website or by phone with VISA or Mastercard, S&H $9.95 per order regardless of quantity. Give this ad to a friend you know who is suffering. Satisfaction is guaranteed.
We are grateful for the opportunity to improve the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of men and women. 110505-Bell_Vista
Keep up with tradition, try Maria’s Swedish Bitters – Your body will thank you for it. Available in quality health food stores
|
www.florahealth.com | 1.888.436.6697
sharing the essence of health
www.vistamagonline.com
This issue of
M A G A Z I N E
proudly brought to you by:
Publisher’s
word S
Photo Credit: Erich Saide
ummer is on its way and I am super excited that it’s finally happening. There is no better time to get outside, move your body and reap the benefits of a healthier, more active lifestyle. Too much time in the sun obviously isn’t such a good idea, but we Canadians need that vitamin D after our long dark winters, so make sure to soak up some of that good stuff. With fresh air, exercise and vitamin D, you will notice a difference not only in your energy levels but also in your mood. If you’re still struggling with mood, however, stress is the likely culprit. While exercise and healthy eating are excellent Trent E. Nellis - Publisher, Vista Magazine methods of stress management, there are other key techniques to help you cope in today’s high-strung society. For starters, manage your time properly. When you’re rushing everywhere every minute of the day, you drive yourself crazy. Anxiety is exacerbated by feelings of irritation and anger, and by feeling overwhelmed. Try to slow down and focus on one task at a time, taking pleasure in your activities whether they involve work, play, lunch, or a conversation with your wife or child. A positive outlook focusing on “learned optimism” will help you relax and ultimately enjoy your day-to-day life. Senior’s week is in June so let’s stop to celebrate our parents and grandparents and help them get outside for a little of that summertime vitamin D! These folks are well equipped to give the rest of us some good advice on how to slow down in today’s high-tech world. This issue our celebrity cover interview is with Lorne Cardinal, actor/director and aboriginal rights activist. His message reminds us that our ancestors have a great deal to teach us. An accomplished comedian, Lorne Cardinal of Corner Gas fame also emphasizes to us of the importance of humour to our health. Laughter will always be the best remedy for stress and anxiety. It helps us release tension and toxins from our bodies, and has been proven beneficial for even the most severe illnesses. So lighten up, and laugh a little! And enjoy our awesome summer while it’s here. Life is good.
Trent E. Nellis, Publisher To contact Trent Nellis via e‑mail, write to thepub@shaw.ca
4
VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
Publisher: Trent Nellis Editor: Liberty Craig Marketing Director & Associate Editor: Shelly-Lynn Nellis Art Director:
Michelle Beaudry
Copy Editor: Dan Tidsbury Vice-President, Sales:
Paul Airut tel (778) 222-7775 e-mail paulairut@telus.net
COVER Photo: Dave Hamilton MAKEUP: Arrow Tyas
Contributing Writers: Angus Brody, Ann Barnes, Dr. Cory Holly, David Suzuki, Eoin Finn, Gloria Li, Ian Hanington, Liberty Craig, Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe, Marva Ward, Michael Bloch, Rose Macmillan, Stefan Kuprowsky, Tracy Holly Board of Advisors: Dr. Michael Colgan, PhD, CCN, Dr. Gloria Gilbère, Dr. Christian Guenette, DC, Cory Holly, DN, Dr. Stefan Kuprowsky, BSc, MA, ND, Tomás Nimmo, Dr. Terry Willard, ClH, PhD, Dr. Zoltan Rona, MD
vista Magazine publishes bi-monthly issues and is distributed through the health food retailers of Canada. Send all questions, comments, and inquiries to: VISTA Magazine 13256 55A Avenue Surrey, BC CANADA V3X 3B3 Tel (604) 591-9991 or (877) 905-7771 Fax (604) 591-1989e-mail vistamag@gmail.com www.vistamagonline.com
vista Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Opinions expressed herein are those of the a uthors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect those of the vista Magazine publisher, editors or staff. Readers are encouraged to consult with their health professional before embarking upon any exercise, medical or nutritional changes. Contents of vista Magazine are copyright 2010, all rights reserved. vista Magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without written permission of the publisher. To subscribe to vista Magazine and receive delivery to your home or office bimonthly, send $39.95 + HST $4.80 = $44.75 for 1year subscription. Include your address and we’ll ship you our next issue. Single copies are also available for $6.95 + HST $.80 = $7.75. Canadian Publications Mail Products Sales Agreement #40025872 ISSN #1715-8214
CONTENTS www.vistamagonline.com
CONTENTS Issue 77 | May/June/July 2011
10 Eight Herbs That Cleanse and Detoxify
By Gloria Li A traditional formula combats today’s environmental toxins.
12 Breakfast: The First Frontier
14
By Ann Barnes Research champions breakfast for better health.
A Healthful Alternative to Coffee
By Rose Macmillan What is your daily coffee doing to your body?
12
16
18
The Corner of Comedy and Canada: Interview with Lorne Cardinal
21
How Healthy Are You… On the Inside?
24
18
By Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe, MS Supplement correctly to prevent brittle bones.
By Liberty Craig Corner Gas funny man Lorne Cardinal on the healing power of humour.
22
24
Warning: Calcium Alone Will NOT Stop Osteoporosis
By Angus Brody Inner health is essential to overall wellness.
A Novice’s Guide to Sports Nutrition, Supplementation and Timing By Marva Ward, CNP Eat specific macronutrients at specific times to fuel effective workouts.
The Prana-Meter™: Eating Mindfully to Increase Life Force, Health and Bliss By Eoin Finn A better life through healthy food.
Hormone Health for Women AdrenaSense® Feeling stressed? n Low energy? n Losing Sleep? n
EstroSense® n n n
Heavy or painful periods? Breast health concerns? PMS?
MenoSense® Hot flashes? n Night sweats? n Irritable? n
ThyroSense®
Weight gain problems? n Tired? n Thinning hair? n
Look for the
at your local Health Food Store
Preferred Nutrition
www.pno.ca
Proud supporter of the Canadian Women’s Foundation
& Just Juice Field Berries Juice combines the finest, freshpressed, 100% organic, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries. Like all of our Just Juice products, our Field Berries Juice is never from concentrate, so that we preserve the fresh, fruit taste and natural, health benefits. The intense, black, red and blue colours of these particular berries place them among the 10 highest ranked, antioxidant-rich foods of Canada. Leading berry researchers have demonstrated that the natural anthocyanins found in field berries can have positive effects against inflammatory responses, age-induced oxidative stress, cardiovascular disorders, neuronal and cognitive brain functions, ocular deficits and a range of degenerative diseases. By combining the naturally-occurring nutritional goodness of these native fruits; we have delivered a powerhouse food engineered by nature.
1.800.265.7245 • www.vervenaturals.com
CONTENTS www.vistamagonline.com
CONTENTS Issue 77 | May/June/July 2011
26
By Gloria Li Numbing gels pose serious health risks for babies.
28
34
36
37 38
Benzocaine: The Wrong Teething Gel for Your Infant
The Obesity-Toxicity Connection: Part 3 By Stefan Kuprowsky, MA, ND Foods that improve metabolism and help our bodies detoxify.
The Equation for Health
By Dr. Cory Holly The no-fail formula for optimal health.
Stop Bugging Me!
By David Kilinger Harmless bug bite protection for the whole family.
40
Recipe for Health: Derishasu Miso Soup By Tracy Holly Delicious, nutritious, and simple to make!
44 New To Market 45 Healing a Major Disease
46
40
Ed Selects
By Rose Macmillan Natural approaches to cancer treatment.
Book Review: A Smart Woman’s Guide to Hormones By Liberty Craig
38
Fit For Performance! Interview with Canada Sings Choreographer Kelly Konno By Liberty Craig
Articles:
31
Backyard Chickens By Melissa Murphy How to Keep Your Backyard Chickens Healthy.
32 Sometimes It Does Take a Rocket Scientist...
To Take On Hollywood!
33
Ten Tips for Recycling Coffee Grounds
28
By David Suzuki and Ian Hanington Stardom and science aren’t mutually exclusive.
By Michael Bloch Your coffee grounds are more useful than you may think!
Editor’s Desk
www.vistamagonline.com
Photo Credit: Cindy Hughes
A
Liberty Craig - Editor, Vista Magazine
s we bid farewell to another Earth Day and revel in spring’s easy slide into summer, we tend to have health and wellness on the brain – both in relation to ourselves and our planet. With fresh local fruits and vegetables arriving at our roadside stands and stores by the truckload, we crave the brightly garnished salads and grilled delicacies of summertime. As our skin is bared a little more with each passing week, we are reminded of the importance of our fitness routines, and may begin making a few changes. And as our environment bursts into the fullness of summer, we appreciate the outdoors more than ever. It’s a good time to think about what you can do to keep our beautiful planet intact. This summer, pledge to change just one thing that will have a positive impact on your environment. Consider riding your bike to work at least once or twice a week. Buy your summer berries at local farms or farmers’ markets whenever possible to avoid the carbon footprint of food transportation as well as the over-packaging that we find in most grocery store chains. Dispose of disposable plates; use cheerful, recyclable plastics for your outdoor barbecues and picnics instead. Plant a tree in your backyard. Let’s remember what health and wellness mean: balance, harmony and enjoyment of life. Whether it’s our bodies or our planet, we need to treat our ecosystems with respect and give them what they need to thrive. Lorne Cardinal of Corner Gas fame reminds us of the importance of humour in staying well and loving life. In this issue of Vista, the inspirational and hilarious actor/director speaks about his role in Canadian theatre and aboriginal politics, as well as his television exploits. Plus, check out Dr. Kuprowsky’s third instalment in his obesity-toxicity series, and discover famed Canadian yogi Eoin Finn’s “prana-meter” to help feed your life force. We’ve also got an interview with Kelly Konno, choreographer to the stars, dishing the dirt on the hottest new singing and dancing series: Canada Sings; plus articles on all-natural bug repellent, uses of recycled coffee grounds, healthy recipes and more! Liberty Craig–Editor
www.vistamagonline.com
Eight Herbs that Cleanse and Detoxify
By Gloria Li
A
recent study conducted at Simon Fraser University found that environmental pollution and toxic wastes are accumulating in our bodies and contributing to disease. The study, by David Boyd and Stephen Genuis, estimates that environmental pollutants cause as many as 25,000 deaths, 24,000 new cases of cancer and 2,500 low birth-weight babies in Canada every year. As the levels of pollution and waste increase in our environment, they overwhelm our bodies’ ability to remove them. Add this to the plethora of preservatives and synthetic additives ingested daily in our normal diet. Wastes are deposited in cells and tissues, where they undermine the body’s ability to function effectively, leading to symptoms like fatigue, headaches, gas and bloating, body odour, constipation, skin irritation and rashes, and sleeplessness. These toxins and wastes sow the seeds of future chronic disease. In these times of rampant pollution and environmental degradation, it is more important than ever to do what we can to ensure our internal bodily ecology is as pristine and vibrant as possible. This means using nutritious antioxidants and cleansing herbs in water infusions, just as our ancestors did. There is a traditional Ojibwa formula of eight herbs that work together as a gentle, whole body, deep tissue cleanse to help rid the body of accumulated wastes and toxins. “Cleansing is much more than just detoxifying the bowels,” says Robert Dadd, master
10
herbalist. “The Ojibwa believed these herbs joined to form a ‘unified spirit’ with a synergy that supports the immune, digestive and eliminative systems to enhance the body’s natural healing mechanisms.” The eight herbs are: • Burdock Root: Traditionally used as a powerful and reliable blood cleanser, burdock root also promotes a healthy and clear complexion. It is an antioxidant and cleansing herb that supports liver function. • Sheep Sorrel: A very nutritious herb that promotes tissue oxygenation and reduces tissue damage, sheep sorrel works to support immunity. • Slippery Elm Bark: The bark of slippery elm contains soothing mucilage to help heal the digestive tract and relieve tissue damage and irritation. • Turkish Rhubarb Root: Rhubarb root detoxifies the bowels and colon and helps normalize bowel movements. • Red Clover: With pronounced anti-microbial effects, red clover combats bacterial, viral and fungal infections and contains specialized flavonoids that promote healthy cell proliferation and aid elimination of toxins. • Blessed Thistle: The bitter effects of blessed thistle on the taste buds stimulate digestion. This has a cascade effect of stimulating saliva,
bile, gastric juices and bowel motility for proper digestion and elimination. • Kelp: Kelp is a mineral-rich seaweed that promotes healthy bowels, healthy thyroid and proper immune function. • Watercress: This nutritious herb in the cruciferous vegetable family (like Brussels sprouts and broccoli) is beneficial for liver detoxification. Watercress is a known detoxifier of hormones and heavy metals. “These herbs work synergistically to flood the body with nutrients, boost immunity, prevent stagnation of the eliminative organs, provide antioxidant support and generally empower the body’s vital force to repair, renew and refresh,” says Dadd. If you have recently experienced fatigue, headaches, bloating, body odour, sleeplessness or skin irritation, you may be affected by the ubiquitous toxins in our environment. Combat these ailments and prevent chronic disease with this traditional eightherb Ojibwa formula. The herbs are ideal for those who are new to cleansing or who may have experienced side effects in the past from other cleanses, since they are gentle but effective. Return to the proven systems of our ancestors to rid your body of accumulated wastes and toxins, and restore your body’s health and vitality today.
purify
pure, balanced & radiant The 8 cleansing and rejuvenating herbs in Flor•Essence® work in harmony with your body to clear away toxins from cells, tissues and organs - leaving you beautiful inside and out. More energy, a brighter complexion, deeper sleep, and a greater sense of well-being. This is Flor•Essence®. This is what purification feels like.
Flor •Essence
®
Cleanse for Balance and Well-Being
Available at health food stores nationwide | visit www.florahealth.com to find a retail location | 888-436-6697
Breakfast: The First
12
VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
Frontier By Ann Barnes
www.vistamagonline.com
O
n mornings while running emptyhanded out the door, my Mom used to holler at me: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!” Years later, I know this is true, but let’s face it: when life gets busy, it’s often the first thing to go. Studies show that fewer than half of us are eating breakfast. But does jetting out the door with no fuel have any real adverse effects? Turns out Mom was right. Having breakfast is essential.
Faster is Not Better
Breakfast literally means “breaking the fast” from the previous night’s dinner (say 7 pm) until the next day’s first meal. If you don’t eat until midday, you’ll have fasted for 17 hours! Fasting creates stress on your body as it is functioning for long periods of time without energy. Insulin and glucose levels rise, creating stress as your body tries to rebalance itself while increasing your risk for type 2 diabetes. When finally fed, your body stockpiles the energy – meaning it stores food as fat. Overall, the results of consistent fasting are stress on your body and weight gain.
Eat to Lose
By regularly eating a healthy breakfast, you’re more likely to lose excess weight and maintain weight loss. A study published in the journal Pediatrics followed thousands of adolescents for five years. Teens that often ate breakfast (with more daily calories consumed) had a lower Body Mass Index than those who infrequently ate breakfast. Additionally, the National Weight Control Registry found that 80 percent of adults who maintain a 30-plus pound weight loss for a year ate breakfast every day. Obesity has also been studied and is significantly associated with omitting breakfast, late eating and larger portions. A healthy start to the day jump starts the metabolism, leaving you feeling fuller for lon-
ger while decreasing unhealthy snacking habits. Eating breakfast nourishes your body and allows for better food choices throughout the day. Several studies done on school-age children found that simply by eating breakfast, they showed improved results for attendance, memory, concentration, problem-solving ability and test scores. Researchers from the Imperial College of London also found that the reward centres of the brain respond differently to lunchtime food choices depending on whether a person has eaten breakfast: the brains of those who eat breakfast are far less likely to be enticed by trans-fatty foods at lunchtime. Simply by taking the time to feed your body and get the energy it needs, you will be better focused and better able to make good nutritional choices for the remainder of the day.
meal” instead of breakfast. Try starting with a healthy breakfast that is high in protein and fibre with limited or no bad fats. Studies show that a high-protein breakfast results in feelings of satiety for longer periods and fibre helps eliminate toxins and reduce cholesterol. Avoid processed cereals, and opt for whole grains and seeds or homemade granola. High-fibre fruit is good for those who wake up “not hungry,” as it will get things moving and trigger your appetite by mid-morning. Remember, though: too much is just as bad as too little. To eat like a king, opt for quality over quantity. The more nutrient-rich foods you eat, the less you will need.
Breakfast of Champions
This recipe is fast and easy. Rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals, the combination of oats, coconut oil, chia, hemp, goji, and coconut sugar help boost immunity and energy, decrease inflammation, provide whole protein Starting the day off on the right foot not only and EFAs, lower blood sugar levels and enbenefits that day, but can also have long- sure great digestive health. term effects on overall health and wellness. 1/2 cup water boiled Research published in the American Journal 1/3 cup quick flake oats (gluten free) of Clinical Nutrition found that children and 1 tablespoon extra virgin coconut oil adults who skip breakfast, when compared to 1 tablespoon white chia those that don’t, have higher cholesterol and 1 tablespoon slow-roasted hemp hearts insulin levels and are more likely to have poor 1 teaspoon cacao nibs eating behaviours and exercise routines. One 1 teaspoon goji berries long-term study on American centenarians 1/2 teaspoon coconut sugar found that those who ate breakfast regularly 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon lowered the rates and risks of developing type 2 diabetes and heart failure over their lifeBoil water. Assemble dry ingredients and time. By eating a healthy breakfast on a regular basis, you may increase your average life place in a bowl. Pour water on top, stir and let sit for a minute. Top with rice milk. span and your overall health.
Breakfast for Life
How Much is Enough?
An old German proverb says: “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.” In our fast-paced culture, we tend to make dinner the super-sized “king’s
Ann Barnes, LLB, is the author of the healthy living book Better Being, which provides simple answers and recipes for clean and balanced living. As a mother of two, she leads an organic, gluten-free and vegetarian lifestyle and acts as a spokesperson for the Mum’s Original line of superfoods.
VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
13
www.vistamagonline.com
A Healthful Alternative
to Coffee
By Rose Macmillan
H
ow much coffee do you drink in any given week? If you are anything like the 63 percent of Canadians who can’t face the morning without their daily java, it may be time to rethink this potentially harmful habit.
Why Coffee?
Coffee is the most popular beverage in Canada, with a whopping 81 percent of Canadians being at least occasional coffee drinkers, according to the Coffee Association of Canada. But why do we reach for coffee above all other beverages? For starters, of course, we like the mental “jolt” of alertness it brings us. Many people rely on a morning coffee to clear the cobwebs of sleep and prepare them for their day. Sometimes we crave an afternoon coffee to get us through a sleepy moment or an evening brew to allow us to push on into the night. The caffeine in coffee can also act as an appetite suppressant, which may be attractive to some. And if we’re being totally honest, many of us will admit that we use coffee as a convenient form of laxative, to help move waste through our systems and keep our bowels regular. So what is wrong with these handy quick-fixes? Do we really need to give up the coffee habit?
The Juice on Java
While experts agree that moderate coffee consumption shouldn’t affect our health to any great extent, there are a number of known health concerns related to regular or excess coffee drinking, including the following: • • • • • •
Sleep and anxiety disorders Dehydration Increased risk of ulcers Increase in bone thinning (osteoporosis) Heartburn and other digestive ailments Increased incidence of urinary incontinence
Other problems associated with the coffee habit include increases in halitosis (“coffee breath”) and staining of the teeth. Furthermore, habitual coffee drinking tends to increase in quantity over time, as the body becomes used to certain caffeine quantities and begins to require more and more to get that “boost.”
Alternatives to Coffee
Anyone will tell you that green tea is a great alternative to coffee for those trying to live a cleaner, healthier lifestyle. However, for those who simply don’t like green tea or don’t find it gives them the boost they need, there is another excellent option: drink supplements. A good-quality, nutritional drink supplement can offer a caf-
14
VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
feine-free way to get that mental and physical boost – all while doing your body good, rather than harm. With ingredients such as ginkgo biloba, Asian ginseng, and other energy-boosting herbs, you can feel energized, revitalized and refreshed, safely and naturally. The right formula provides nutrients to aid in mental clarity and digestion, plus botanicals that boost your immune system and energy levels. A drink mix like this does much more for you than your cuppa joe ever could. Rather than depleting your body of key nutrients by drinking coffee, you could be taking in healthful nutrients and feeling your best. Avoid dehydration and “the jitters” by consuming a drink supplement with proven medicinal ingredients such as: • Red Clover – an excellent blood purifier that soothes the nerves and stimulates the immune system. • Korean Ginseng – increases the body’s resistance to stress, anxiety and fatigue, while also strengthening the immune system. Korean ginseng is considered effective for both mental and physical health. • Siberian Ginseng – a different kind of ginseng that helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels, balances the pituitary and adrenal glands, and also regulates other endocrine glands. • Fo Ti Tieng – this herb strengthens the body, balances the endocrine system, and is also known to have aphrodisiac properties. It is also used as an anti-aging remedy. • Ginkgo Biloba – a memory-enhancing substance that can also reduce instances of depression. • California Poppy – a flower traditionally used as a sedative and hypnotic for those experiencing over-excitability and sleeplessness. • Licorice Root – a flavourful root that stimulates the adrenal cortex to mediate stress response, and stimulates the thyroid gland. • Oregon Grape Root – a blood purifier that provides an abundance of iron and increases insulin production. • Burdock Root – cleanses the liver while aiding blood circulation. • Jamaican Sarsaparilla – used to help improve glandular function; also balances hormones and improves digestion. • Echinacea – a great immune stimulant with antiviral and antibiotic properties. Say goodbye to yellow teeth and overproduction of stomach acids once and for all! The right high-quality drink mix gives you a delicious alternative to coffee, with a wide range of additional benefits from enhanced energy and mental clarity to blood sugar balance and improved digestion.
Tap into yours Intuition is a line of preventative products that offer a variety of health benefits. They are a special blend of medicinal herbal tinctures, juice concentrates and natural flavours delivered in a delicious add-to-water mix. Intuition has created a whole new category, the Natural Health Product liquid concentrate.
NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCT
LOW IN CALORIES
NO ADDED SUGAR
AVAILABLE IN HEALTH STORES ACROSS CANADA
TRADITIONALLY USED TO NATURALLY INCREASE & BALANCE ENERGY LEVELS WHILE REDUCING THE EFFECTS OF STRESS.
TRADITIONALLY USED TO SUPPRESS APPETITE AND HELP PROMOTE A HEALTHY WEIGHT.
drinkintuition.com
www.vistamagonline.com
Warning:
Calcium Alone Will NOT Stop Osteoporosis
By Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe, MS
O
ur bones are constantly being broken down and rebuilt. Osteoporosis, meaning “porous bone,” arises when bone is broken down faster than it can be rebuilt. One in four women has osteoporosis, as does one in eight men. Bone fracture is a dangerous result of osteoporosis. Many people who have hip fractures as a result of osteoporosis never get out of long-term care facilities, and hip fractures result in death in up to 20 percent of cases. Bone is a matrix that contains not just bone-building minerals, but also collagen, which is the protein that makes our bones strong and malleable. If bone health were attainable with a simple calcium supplement, we would see a reduction in the rates of osteoporosis as women are taking calcium supplements in record numbers. But osteoporosis rates remain high. Clearly, there is more to strong bones than just calcium. Vitamin D3, for example, is essential to calcium absorption; unfortunately, research has shown that many people are deficient in this nutrient, particularly at northern latitudes and during the darker months of winter. Vitamin K2, meanwhile, guides calcium into bones and locks it in. Without enough vitamin K2, calcium can lodge in places where it does not belong, such as in the breasts, arteries and kidneys (kidney stones). Calcification causes hardening of the arteries and contributes to high blood pressure and calcium deposits in the breasts. Vitamin K2 MK-7 and Bone Health The “K” in vitamin K comes from the word koagulation. Vitamin K1 is a blood clotter and acts very differently than vitamin K2. Calcium in the bones and arteries is regulated by vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 is associated with osteoblasts. Osteoblasts are cells that build bone and produce a protein called osteocalcin, which incorporates calcium into the bones. Without vitamin K2, osteocalcin cannot be produced in the body and proteins can’t hold onto calcium. Vitamin K2 redirects calcium into bones. Vitamin K2 (menaquinone MK-7) from the Japanese food natto is the best form of vitamin K2. Half of the vitamin K that our body absorbs is from green leafy vegetables. Unfortunately, most foods thought to be rich in vitamin K have less vitamin K than previously thought. Most multivitamins don’t even contain vitamin K and those that do don’t have enough. To prevent and treat osteoporosis, supplement with Vitamin K2 MK-7. Vitamin D3 for Strong Bones Another important bone vitamin is Vitamin D. Vitamin D is formed
16
VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
in the body by the sun’s rays on the skin, which then makes vitamin D3. As we age, our bodies are less efficient at making vitamin D, so you must take a vitamin D supplement. Like vitamin K2 MK-7, vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption. A deficiency in vitamin D leads to decreased calcium absorption and increased excretion of calcium via the kidneys, promoting osteoporosis and other conditions such as osteoarthritis, muscle cramps and twitching, backache and tooth decay. It is important to choose the most active and powerful form of vitamin D, which is vitamin D3. A December 2010 study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism reported that the two major forms of vitamin D, D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol), are not absorbed by the body in the same way. In 33 healthy adults taking 50,000 IU of either vitamin D2 or D3 weekly for 12 weeks, blood vitamin D levels increased significantly more in the D3 group than in the D2 group. Collagen Bone Support Yet another important component for your bones is collagen. Over one-quarter of all the protein in the body is made up of collagen. Collagen makes your bones, nails, teeth and hair strong. Collagen connective tissues run throughout the body and provide structure for your skeleton, tendons, cartilage and muscles, all of which support your internal organs and protect your softer tissues. Silicon is a trace mineral required by the body to make collagen. Specifically, silicon is converted into silicic acid that the body requires to manufacture collagen and elastin. Unfortunately, silicon from food and herbs is poorly absorbed, resulting in a lack of the building blocks required to make collagen. Silicic acid in supplement form, on the other hand, is used directly by the body to make collagen. Silicic acid is a fabulous bone booster. Receding gums are an early indicator of osteoporosis, and dentists have reported that supplementing with silicic acid stops receding gums. Your Best Bone-Boosting Supplement Program To build strong bones, combine an excellent calcium and magnesium supplement that contains the right forms of calcium such as aspartate, glycinate or citrate along with vitamin D3, vitamin K2 MK-7 and the collagen-builder silicic acid. Lorna Vanderhaeghe, MS, is Canada’s leading women’s health expert. With degrees in nutrition and biochemistry, she is the author of 11 books including A Smart Woman’s Guide to Hormones and A Smart Woman’s Guide to Weight Loss. Sign up for her free monthly newsletter at www.hormonehelp.com.
Research shows calcium alone will NOT build strong bones
Osteoporosis Is 100% Preventable Lorna’s ’s Lorna Bone-Building Program ◗ Bone Booster
with Vitamin K2-MK7 and Vitamin D3
◗
Collagen Plus
with OSA and Biotin ◗
Multismart
containing the right forms of Calcium Aspartate, Glycinate and Citrate Authentic Lorna Vanderhaeghe products bear her name and face – Accept no substitutes
Visit us at
w w w. h o r m o n e h e l p . c o m
www.vistamagonline.com
The Corner of Comedy and Canada:
Interview with Lorne Cardinal By Liberty Craig
Photographer: dave hamilton makeup: Arrow Tyas creative direction: Michelle beaudry
18
VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
W
idely known for his hilarious portrayal of Officer Davis Quinton in the hit Canadian TV series Corner Gas, Lorne Cardinal is also the wearer of many other hats. The classically trained Shakespearean actor is heavily involved in the Canadian theatre community as both actor and director. Hailing from a politically active Cree family, Cardinal continues to support the aboriginal community through theatre, and received an honorary PhD from Thompson Rivers University in recognition of his efforts in the theatre as a vehicle of social change. With his other life’s passion, rugby, he gives back to communities around the world. But it is through the universal language of humour that Lorne touches the hearts of Canadians from coast to coast.
Vista: What was it like growing up in the Cree nation of Sucker Creek?
Lorne: Growing up in Sucker Creek was great! I was surrounded by lots of cousins and we would roam around the bush playing games, riding horses, climbing trees. We were four hours north of Edmonton, and back in the 70s, it was a lot more remote. We spent time on the shores of Lesser Slave Lake, ice fishing and skating in the winter. We’d just walk out until we saw wolves and then head back! A couple of times people fell through the ice. It’s amazing we’re still alive!
Vista: You come from a very political family…
Lorne: I grew up with politics and our Cree culture. My dad, who raised my brother and me, was vice president of the Indian Association. This was back in the day when Chrétien, as Minister of Indian Affairs, issued the “White Paper,” which was meant to assimilate all native people and eradicate all treaty rights. My uncle, Dr Harold Cardinal, my dad, and other leaders from Alberta came up with their response, the “Red Paper,” and presented it to the government of Canada. It was quite a heightened political state. I remember my dad telling us to be careful when we crossed the street after receiving threats about targeting his kids.
Vista: Would you say that what you do now is politically motivated?
Lorne: I always say that it’s hard not to be politically motivated when you’re born brown in this country. We have to think of all our ancestors who fought so hard just to get us where we are. They endured a lot of hardships, and we have to carry that battle on. I come from a long line of headmen and healers, and there’s a certain amount of responsibil-
ity that comes with being a leader. I don’t really consider myself a role model, but when you’re successful in your chosen field there is a certain amount of responsibility that comes with it, helping others succeed and setting a benchmark for others to follow.
Vista: Corner Gas, the show for which you are most well known, was a smash hit that ran for six seasons. What made the show so successful?
Lorne: It was amazing – we actually set Canadian TV records! We never had fewer than a million viewers in all our episodes, which is not big in American terms but it’s pretty huge in Canadian terms. The writers were fantastic, the directors, the producers, and the casting – we had a great cast, great chemistry. It was just one of those things – I don’t think it happens that often and when it does it’s amazing. Vista: What was it like to play the character of Officer Davis Quinton? Lorne: It was fun! Davis was a keener – he was totally committed to everything he went for! The challenge with a role like that was the two-dimensional character, keeping it interesting and trying not to repeat material, while also preserving his innocence. Vista: What are your current projects? Lorne: Right now I’m the Phil Lind Multicultural Artist in Residence for the UBC Film Production Program. Whew! Put that on a sweater! I’m talking to film students, answering questions, giving them advice. I’ve got lots of advice. Don’t wear plaid after spring! Then I’m heading out to Saskatoon to rehearse Thunderstick by Ken Williams. I just directed Three Little Birds – another play by Ken Williams – out in Saskatoon. In early 2012, I will play the lead role in The Pleasure of Seeing Her Again by Michel Tremblay, with the Western Canada Theatre Company in Kamloops. My partner Monique [Hurteau] and I are also doing health and humour workshops around BC.
Vista: How does humour contribute to good health? Lorne: Physiologically, laughter helps release stress and toxins from the body. It adds years to your life and helps you look at things in a different way – you find the humour in bad things. That’s what I
www.vistamagonline.com
Interview with Lorne Cardinal Cont’d
love about the aboriginal community – you can definitely tell where the aboriginals are when you start hearing peals of laughter. Big belly laughs, not little snickers!
Vista: Tell us about your involvement with the Saskatchewan Na-
tive Theatre Company. Lorne: The Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company started a program that focuses on kids at risk on the streets of Saskatoon, ages 12 to 19. I worked with kids who started on the streets, dealing dope, then took theatre classes and found their voices and started writing plays. It’s done a lot for a lot of people, and it does work. Young people need a venue for their voices to be heard, and it keeps them off the streets and out of prison. The best thing you can give a kid is self-confidence, and the knowledge that their voice matters.
Vista: Do you still play rugby? Lorne: When I can! I had surgery on my knee over a year ago and I’ve been trying to rehab it. Rugby is my number-one sport. I’m the honorary captain of the Dog River Howlers, which started as a team for the older guys who couldn’t play first division rugby anymore, and we’ve found a way to give back to developing nations, giving back to the game of rugby. We support rugby by supplying equipment and doing clinics in Rwanda, Yugoslavia, the Philippines, Cuba…
Vista: What kinds of foods do you eat? Lorne: We’re knuckling down right now because I need to drop a few L-Bs! We eat a lot of salads, greens and proteins, and just try to stay away from fried foods and carbs. Monique has been recovering from whiplash and I’ve had this knee problem, but we’re both recovering and we’re getting back into running. We also take our vitamins, especially vitamin D, and drink protein shakes, so we’ll get lean and fit in no time. Wanting to do it is half the battle!
20
VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
Vista: Now that you live in Squamish, BC, do you spend a lot of time outdoors? Lorne: Hiking, biking… I love it. It’s one of the reasons I moved to Squamish instead of Vancouver. I spent a number of years in Toronto and got tired of city living.
Vista: What will we see next from Lorne Cardinal? Lorne: I have some TV projects I’m trying to get going. It’s a grind and I hate the business side. I’m working with some producers to figure out what the next steps are and how to pitch it to a network, because this is something that should be done. I have a bunch of film ideas in my head as well! Vista: What would you do if you weren’t an actor and director? Lorne: I hope I’d be at the end of my professional rugby career!
How Healthy Are You…
On the Inside? By Angus Brody
I
t makes sense that our inner health is essential to our wellbeing. We can exercise regularly, slap on sunscreen, and stay in the shade until the cows come home, but unless we’re taking care of ourselves on the inside as well, there is little point. The trouble is that it can be more difficult to spot health issues that occur deep inside our bodies. If we wore them on the outside, we’d likely be much more diligent about maintaining the beauty and functionality of vital organs like the liver, colon, and kidneys. But there are key signs that indicate problems with your digestion and your body’s absorption of nutrients. Unfortunately, the signs and symptoms of these ailments all too often become an accepted part of many people’s daily lives. See how many of these problems you have experienced in the past year: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Abdominal bloating Constipation Headaches Back aches Lethargy Weight gain Low energy Sluggish metabolism High cholesterol levels Bad breath or body odour Diarrhea Sciatica Skin irritations
The unpleasant reality is that these symptoms are often caused by parasites that are feeding on bacteria in your digestive tract, specifically in your colon. But by removing the bacteria, you can effectively remove the food chain that allows these parasites to thrive.
Remove the Problem; Love the Results
By ridding your body of excess bacteria by way of cleansing, you can shed between one and five pounds of toxic fecal matter that could be literally stuck to your intestinal wall, wreaking havoc on your health. This not only allows your colon to function properly and absorb nutrients as it is designed to do; it also allows your liver to do its job, eliminating excess cholesterol and fat from your blood. Other eliminative organs, such as the skin, lungs and kidneys, also benefit greatly when toxicity is removed.
Restoring Nature’s Balance
Our miraculously balanced bodies are innately capable of proper elimination, yet in today’s industrialized society we are inundated with chemicals and toxins that our bodies are simply unable to process. This leads to buildup within our digestive organs, and ultimately, toxicity. We clean our bodies externally on a daily basis. We shower, brush our teeth, wash our faces. But how often do you contemplate how clean you are on the inside? Targeting your colon and liver with a high-quality cleansing product allows your body to function at its absolute best, giving you the energy levels, digestive comfort, and good health that you may not know you’ve been missing.
www.vistamagonline.com
A Novice’s Guide to Sports Nutrition,
Supplementation and Timing By Marva Ward, CNP
T
he science of nutrition, supplementation and timing are the building blocks for success in any athletic program, from the novice to the experienced athlete. Specific nutrient consumption before and after workouts plays a significant role in maintaining health and in reaching personal goals. Precisely timed supplementation and nutrition help to reduce incidents of “hitting the wall” and play a key role in eliminating adrenal fatigue or adrenal burnout.
Pre-workout and Workout Phase – The Energy Phase The primary metabolic objective of the muscle during a workout is to release sufficient energy to drive muscle contraction. This is done by utilizing glycogen stores (simple sugars that are stored in the liver and muscles as an energy source). Thirty minutes to an hour prior to working out, consuming a snack in the convenient form of a shake allows for the necessary combination of simple carbohydrates and protein, resulting in: • Increased nutrient delivery to the muscles, sparing muscle glycogen and protein • Limited immune system suppression – control of cortisol release • Minimized muscle damage • Preparation for a faster recovery following your workout Supporting Nutritional Strategy: Pre-workout nutrition starts with protein, perhaps in the form of whey protein isolate or concentrate, egg white protein, pea protein or fermented soy protein, along with a carbohydrate component such as berries, bananas or grapes. Additional supplements to consider include L-arginine, which can be converted into glycogen or glucose if needed, and creatine monohydrate, which hydrates muscles with water and enhances muscle growth.
22
VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
Post-workout Phase – The Anabolic Phase There is a 45- to 60-minute window following a workout in which the presence of the right nutrients begins to repair damaged muscle protein and replenish muscle glycogen stores. Immediately after exercise, muscle cells are extremely sensitive to the anabolic effect of the hormone insulin. This sensitivity declines rapidly and after several hours muscle cells may even become insulin resistant. Insulin resistance dramatically slows muscle glycogen recovery, repair of existing muscle and synthesis of new muscle; however, the consumption of protein in the presence of insulin results in the greater synthesis of new protein. Specific macronutrients that include protein and simple carbohydrates, consumed shortly after exercise, help to: • Shift the body from a catabolic to an anabolic state • Replenish muscle glycogen stores • Initiate tissue repair and support an environment for muscle growth • Reduce muscle damage and bolster the immune system • Support healthy adrenal function Supporting Nutritional Strategy: Protein and simple carbohydrates in combination support your post-workout needs. There are numerous protein powder options available to satisfy every lifestyle. As with the preworkout formula, consider a combination of a protein powder along with a carbohydrate option such as fresh or frozen berries, banana or fruit juice. Supplemental additions may include Lglutamine, which is greatly depleted during a workout. It impacts recovery time, stamina and strength, and is effective in muscle recovery due to its anti-catabolic ability. As glutamine plays a significant role in the small intestine and the immune system, it is an
extremely effective choice as a post-workout immune supporter. Adding the amino acid taurine helps to boost nutrient absorption and can be used in both the pre- and postworkout formulas. Attention to diet, as a whole, becomes another equally important component to the success of sports-minded individuals. Effective ratios of all macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) for any level of activity, including overall health, should also become a priority. This is where you may want to consider getting advice from a qualified sports trainer. There are many to choose from; however, a more recent phenomenon in the sports world is the emergence of holistic sports trainers. The holistic approach is often profoundly different from the traditional approach, taking proven sports nutrition and timing methods to another level. Jeff Boris, a leading holistic sports trainer from London, Ontario, speaks to the basics of this methodology as a “cellular approach to the response of nutrients to the specific individual”; the bioavailability of the nutrients based on the individual’s digestive health and even considering the specific genetic profile. Jeff has studied the science of epigenetics (switching on good gene tags while turning off destructive gene tags) and nutrigenomics, two science models that work together to find effective foods, tailoring them to the individual type. According to Jeff, the application of these sciences in sports nutrition is an exciting prospect and worth researching. Whatever science you ascribe to, following the basic rules of supplementation, nutrition and timing contributes to the success and health of every individual pursuing sports excellence at any level. Marva Ward, CNP, is a registered nutritionist
Jennifer Phillips Provincially Qualified Figure Athlete and Fitness Model
Supplementing your body to protect and restore during periods of higher than normal physical activity can improve your recovery time and add to your overall wellbeing. NOW® offers a broad range of supplements to help you balance your inner athlete’s drive for success with guaranteed formula’s that are exceptional in potency, purity and quality.
Join the Orange Revolution www.nowsportsproducts.com
www.vistamagonline.com
The Prana-Meter : Eating Mindfully to Increase Life Force, Health and Bliss ™
By Eoin Finn
F
ood is life. Watch any creatures from tiny bugs and birds to jungle cats and you’ll see that eating is their primary concern. Food is important because it is the fuel we take in from the world that becomes a part of us. What we eat and how we eat are reflections of our attitudes towards living. All too often, we don’t give our food much thought; we eat what is convenient or habit-
24
VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
ual, as though on “autopilot.” Food, like life, should never be something that happens passively. It should be a mindful celebration of the wondrous experience of being alive. The Blissology Project, a four-week commitment to a better life through yoga, meditation, nature appreciation, food awareness and gratitude, has a mission to create an “upward spiral.” We recognize that our bodies and our attitudes are intimately connected.
When our bodies feel better, our attitudes follow and this creates the momentum in life to propel us upwards. When we feel good, we do good and live fuller lives. There are two major problems with how we eat food in our modern society. First, we have bought into the idea that nutritionally compromised, industrialized food grown for maximum profit is normal. Second, we have a tendency to allow what and
how we eat to be determined by external factors and not by how we feel after eating.
Industrial Food is Not the Norm
Not so long ago, before the dawn of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and technology that allowed for massive yields of crops and meat, there was simply food. There was no such thing as health food or organic food. It was only in the mid 20th century that we learned how to grow more food cheaply, in the same way that we learned how to make fibres out of synthetic materials like polyester instead of continuing to use natural fibres like silk and cotton. Take a look at most of the food sold in an average supermarket, almost anywhere in the world. It is full of chemicals and has been processed on a factory’s large-scale production lines. This is true of a variety of foods, from meats to cereals to vegetables. What is incredible is that because most people want a convenient life, they don’t question the values of their world but live habitually, and as a result, we now consider this type of food to be normal and have created a special category for health food or organic food. We’ve got it wrong. Food should be healthy and health food should never be the exception to the rule. There should simply be food, while the special category should be labelled “nutritionally compromised, industrialized food.” Let’s drop the overused terms “health food” or “organic”!
Feed Your Prana
The true value of mindful eating is related to what the yogis call “prana.” Prana is typically defined as “life force,” but more specifically, prana is the experience of something that we can recognize but can’t put under a microscope. It’s like the word “mojo” – you can’t dissect it in a lab, but you can certainly tell whether or not a person has it. Let’s view the basic component of organic matter, the cell. Cells are continually reproducing themselves, being maintained and dying. In the process of creation and maintenance, what do the cells need? Fuel. Prana is the factor that increases the ability of organic matter to reproduce itself in a healthy way. It encourages growth. Consider normal life experiences that decrease our prana, like jet lag or illness. In these situations we feel not growth, but merely survival. We are alive, but there is not a lot of passion or zest for being alive. Our cells are protecting themselves and have to overcome more hurdles to grow than when we
are healthy or well rested. I am not suggesting that we should start measuring cell growth to test prana. It is ultimately a feeling, and fresh, healthy food without chemicals makes us feel it more.
The Prana-Meter™
During the four-week Blissology Project, we log the prana of each day’s meals. At the end of each day, we all share in a journal or on our blissology.com site what the prana was in our food. Here are five questions to help you distinguish the prana in your food. Rate the prana on the Prana-Meter™ from one to 10. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Is there a factory between you and your food? Are unpronounceable ingredients (chemicals and pesticides) used on or in your food? Does it taste fresh and flavourful or bland? After you eat it, do you feel light, clear and happy, or sluggish and bogged down? Do you stop for one minute before eating and recognize all the people and beings that contributed to you eating this meal?
Ultimately, we want to tune into how we feel. We want to be aware of body feedback such as energy level, enthusiasm, digestion and zest for living. If your food is providing you with these “nutrients,” then you are eating a balanced diet. By practicing the blissology commitments, you will overrule your brain that tells you that you should only eat these many carbohydrates and this much protein. Instead, you will connect to a place deep within that is radiantly alive and realize what balance and harmony feel like. This is your inner blissologist. Over eating, under eating or indulging on prana-deprived foods will not occur when you tune into this state of being. And yes, you will continue along that upward spiral. One of Canada’s most well-known yoga instructors, Eoin Finn has been teaching his unique, authentic and transformative style of yoga and Blissology for over a decade. Eoin leads YES (Yoga, Ecology and Surf) retreats around the world. His writings on yoga and happiness were recently included in USA Books Today’s “Best Self Help Book of 2008,” the anthology Peak Vitality, which also contains insights by Deepak Chopra and Eckhardt Tolle. Eoin’s best-selling line of vinyasa yoga DVDs are sold on amazon.com and lululemon athletica stores around the world. www.blissology.com
www.vistamagonline.com
Benzocaine:
The Wrong Teething Gel for Your Infant By Gloria Li
W
hen your baby is crying, red-cheeked, and clearly uncomfortable from those sharp teeth pushing through her sensitive little gums, you may feel you’ll do anything possible to help soothe her pain and inflammation. But before you reach for regular drugstore teething gels, take note: teething gels containing the numbing agent benzocaine can be downright dangerous for your infant, for a number of reasons.
baby’s sore mouth and gums that do not contain benzocaine or the risks associated with this ingredient. Look for an all-natural teething remedy that includes the following ingredients: •
Calcarea Phosphorica 6X: This tissue salt is one of the most abundant mineral salts in the human body and is thus of great importance in supporting your baby’s growth and development. It’s a perfect remedy for dentition because it plays an important role in building strong bones and teeth.
•
Chamomilla: This homeopathic remedy is useful if your infant is excessively irritable and wishes to be carried. Often one cheek will be hot and red while the other cheek appears pale.
•
Coffea Cruda: Coffea is useful if your baby seems super sensitive to the pain of teething and suffers with restlessness and sleeplessness.
•
Belladonna: Belladonna helps to relieve the inflammation associated with teething. If your baby needs Belladonna, he’ll appear flushed and hot with wide, staring pupils.
Benzocaine and MHb
In 2006, Health Canada issued a warning to all Canadians – adults and children – about the risks associated with using oral anaesthetics containing benzocaine. The organization noted “a link between the local anesthetic benzocaine and a potentially serious blood condition known as methemoglobinemia (MHb).” The report states that MHb is a condition that “reduces the ability of red blood cells to deliver oxygen throughout the body, which can lead to bluish discoloration of the skin, nausea and fatigue. It can progress to stupor, coma and death.” The health warning goes on to state that the reported instances of MHb typically occurred in instances where large doses of benzocaine were administered. However, for a tiny infant, it’s fair to assume that the dose can’t be small enough.
Benzocaine Can Cause Choking
Another risk of using numbing agents like benzocaine is that they reduce pain by numbing the area. While this can offer temporary relief for the pain of teething, it can also affect the baby’s throat. With a numbed throat, your baby’s gag reflex is no longer responsive and there is an increased risk of choking from saliva or vomit (especially if the baby is lying down) or foreign objects. As any mother knows, teething babies love to chew on anything they can find to help relieve that pain, so the risk of foreign objects finding their way into a baby’s mouth is all too real.
PABA Allergies are Common
Another risk associated with benzocaine is the risk of allergic reaction. Benzocaine is made from p-aminobenzoic acid, or PABA, which is a known allergen. PABA was once commonly used in sunscreens but fell out of favour due to its allergenic properties as well as potential skin cell health risks. Signs of a PABA allergy can include diarrhea, fever, liver damage, nausea and vomiting, skin rashes, shortness of breath or slowed breathing, stupor or coma.
Alternative Remedies for Teething Babies
There are effective homeopathic treatments you can use to treat your
26
VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
Avoid the risk associated with most drugstore variety teething gels by opting instead for an all-natural, homeopathic remedy for your precious baby’s sore gums.
Signs and Symptoms of Teething
• • • • • • • • • •
Excessive crying Drooling Irritability and crankiness Sleeplessness or restless sleep Redness of the gums Mild fever and/or mild diarrhea Changes in behaviour Changes in appetite Chewing on toys or hands Pulling ears
50% MORE!!
In the Mouths of Babes The first and only natural teething gel on the market, this homeopathic formula contains no numbing benzocaine, no sugar, no flavouring, no dyes or artificial colouring agents and no parabens! It quickly and naturally relieves and calms teething infants, and helps those new teeth to come in - painlessly.
Safe. Gentle. Effective.
hylands.com / 800.363.8933
www.vistamagonline.com
The Obesity-Toxicity Connection:
Part 3 By Stefan Kuprowsky, MA, ND
I
n the last two issues of Vista, I introduced the concept that part of the obesity problem affecting western countries is due to chemical toxicity. An increasing number of studies have now demonstrated that many organic and inorganic pollutants are finding their way into our bodies and affecting blood-sugar metabolism, thyroid and hormonal balance, resulting in a slowing of energy metabolism and inevitable weight gain. The best course of action is avoidance of these chemicals, but this is easier said than done. In Part 1, I discussed how most persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are stored in the fat cells of our bodies. Losing fat involves two important goals: losing weight and eliminating the stored toxins. Last issue, I discussed dietary strategies to avoid the most common pollutants in food. Going organic is the foundation of avoiding chemicals that can cause weight gain. In this final segment, I am going to discuss which foods and supplements are the best to help our bodies detoxify chemicals, to improve metabolism and assist in weight loss. Foods and Supplements to Reduce Fat The first thing to do is to drink lots of green tea. Green tea and the compounds it contains (catechins) have been well studied. Green tea is a heavy-hitter when it comes to weight loss because the anti-oxidants it contains help to eliminate and detoxify toxins from the body. It is this feature that also gives green tea its cancer prevention and treatment properties. Green tea also contains caffeine, which increases metabolism and thermogenesis, resulting in weight loss. In one study of green tea’s effect on weight loss, 46 women were put on a low-calorie diet and given either green tea extract or a placebo. In the first month, those women on the green tea extract lost 21 percent of their starting weight. After two more months, they not only maintained their weight loss, they lost another 7 percent for a total of 28 percent weight loss. The caffeine in the green tea is responsible for the weight loss, while the catechins assist in detoxification. For the full effects of green tea, it is best to drink regular green tea that
28
VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
hasn’t been decaffeinated. Another heavy hitter for weight loss is hot peppers, which contain capsaicin. One study put 91 overweight people on a low-calorie diet for four weeks with one capsule of capsaicin or a placebo. These people lost weight and experienced more fat breakdown than the placebo group. Another study combined a very small amount of capsaicin (.4 mg) with 250 mg of green tea extract. After two weeks of taking this combination, participants decreased their percentage of body fat, lost an average of one pound and increased their rate of thermogenesis. If you are able to eat small amounts of hot peppers and drink several cups of green tea during the day, you will slowly begin to lose weight and body fat and eliminate toxins. The other alternative would be to take these as supplements. The third fat fighter and weight loss aid is CLA, or conjugated linoleic acid, which is an omega 6 oil. This supplement has been shown to safely reduce fat and weight while increasing lean body mass. A sixmonth study in Norway had participants taking 3 or 4 grams of CLA without going on any special diet. The women lost the most weight from their legs and improved their waist-hip ratio. They lost an average of 7 to 9 percent more weight than the placebo group. Most impressive is that those who took the CLA supplement lost weight without going on a diet or exercise program. Imagine the results if you combined CLA with exercise and a healthy diet! Supplements and Foods for Detoxification For detoxification, I recommend a multi-vitamin-mineral for everyone. The most important nutrients for detoxification are B1, B2, B6, C, magnesium and selenium, all of which are contained in multi-vitamins. Additional supplements I recommend are alpha-lipoic acid, NAC, whey powder, probiotics, L-carnitine and Coenzyme Q10. NAC, or n-aceytl cysteine, alpha-lipoic acid and whey powder are all important nutrients in replenishing the body’s levels of glutathione. Glutathione is one of the most important antioxidants that the human body makes itself to detoxify organic chemicals and heavy metals. Glu-
tathione is not well absorbed when taken orally, as it is broken down by stomach acids. Some glutathione is now being prepared with a fatty layer of phospholipids to avoid breakdown and enhance absorption. However, these are very expensive supplements, so it is more cost-effective to take either NAC or whey protein, which are glutathione precursors. Whey protein is a protein by-product in the making of cheese. Whey protein varies considerably in quality and price. The more expensive types use low-temperature extraction methods which preserve the quality of the whey protein. The cheaper types are not biologically active and a waste of money. The low-temperature whey proteins preserve the disulfide bond, which is necessary to make glutathione in the body. Studies have shown that 45 grams a day of a high-quality whey protein can significantly boost glutathione levels in the body. Another supplement to use is a high-quality probiotic. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that we need colonizing our digestive tracts. The most common species of probiotics are lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacteria bifidus. These bacteria as well as many other beneficial species help protect the digestive tract from pathogenic organisms such as yeast and disease-causing bacteria like staphylococcus and streptococcus. Some research indicates that it is not the probiotic itself that is most beneficial, rather it is the by-products these bacteria produce while inhabiting our intestinal tracts. In a large study of 900 people in the US with severe multiple chemical sensitivity, probiotics were found to be the most effective compared to any other supplement. The most useful treatment was to live in a chemical-free home, but probiotics were the most effective in lowering the levels of circulating toxins in the bloodstream. The final food I want to discuss is the family of foods related to broccoli called the brassicas, which includes broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale and kohlrabi. These all contain two major classes of disease-preventing organic compounds called sulforaphanes and indol-3-carbonols. The indole-3-carbinoles increase the levels of healthy estrogens (2-OH) while reducing the levels of the more-dangerous 16OH metabolites. The sulforaphanes are one of the best naturally occurring compounds that assist the breakdown of toxic chemicals in the liver through phase 1 and 2 detoxification. Multiple studies have shown that regular consumption of brassica vegetables can dramatically reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by 82 percent, prostate cancer by 42 percent, breast cancer by 40 percent and lung cancer by 39 percent. So no matter what former president George Bush says or does, eat your broccoli! Living a lifestyle that minimizes exposure to chemicals, eating healthpromoting organic foods and taking the right supplements will not only assist in breaking down fat and losing weight, it will prevent premature aging and the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer. I can’t think of a better way of living and eating. Not only will you keep the extra pounds off, you will prevent diseases and early death and save the health care system from economic collapse. C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Dr Stefan Kuprowsky is a Naturopathic Physician with over 25 year of practice experience. He is a professor at Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine and on the Board of the College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC. He works from clinics in Vancouver, BC and Gabriola Island. www.vancouvernaturopathicclinic.com VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
29
OR G A N I C
P L A NE T
Educating Today... For a Better Tomorrow
Feature Backyard Chicken Farming:
A Guide to Caring for Laying Hens By Melissa Murphy
RECYCLING COFFEE GROUNDS BY MICHAEL BLOCH
In This Section:
Sometimes it does take a rocket scientist... to take on Hollywood By David Suzuki
Educating Today... For a Better Tomorrow
Backyard Chicken Farming:
A Guide to Caring for Laying Hens By Melissa Murphy
A
long with vegetable gardening, raising chickens in the backyard is one of the easiest and most beneficial projects that modern families can undertake. Not only are chickens easy to maintain, there is nothing more satisfying and healthful than being able to harvest fresh, organic eggs. Having chickens can be very educational as well. Children benefit greatly from learning how to care for different kinds of animals and will thoroughly enjoy the different personalities that chickens possess. Keeping Laying Hens in the Backyard The first thing to consider when starting a small poultry flock in your backyard is city ordinances. In many urban and suburban areas, a certain number of chickens are allowed. Sometimes it’s just a matter of keeping your birds a specified number of feet away from other houses. After you make sure you are within the boundaries of the law, the next decision is how many chickens to get and where you will keep them. Since chickens are social creatures and don’t do well alone, you should plan on having at least two. That being said, it’s probably not a good idea to have a rooster – hens lay eggs without one and you can be sure that your neighbours will not appreciate the noise! It’s also a good idea to limit your flock to three or four hens. An average-sized backyard will support a small flock nicely without generating too much noise or odour. If you have a privacy fence, your neighbours may not even know the chickens are there. The Chicken Coop Providing adequate shelter from the elements and protection from predators are probably the most challenging components of caring for chickens, but good-quality chicken coops that address these needs can be purchased from reputable dealers online
or at local feed and poultry supply stores. Although the choices can range from very simple and modestly priced to very fancy and extremely expensive, a simple coop that houses two to four chickens can easily be purchased for about $100 to $300. In general, a coop will need a covered, weatherproof area that gives each chicken at least one square foot of nesting space for laying eggs. This nesting area will need to be lined with pine straw, shavings or hay for warmth. In addition, each chicken will need about four to five square feet of outside room to scratch, roam and peck the ground. Nature’s Pest Control One of the beneficial things about chickens is their natural habit of scouring their allotted area for all manner of bugs including crickets, worms, ticks, mosquitoes and ants. You can also count on them to enrich the yard with some of the best fertilizer around. If your chickens will have access to the whole yard, clipping their flight feathers will be necessary to prevent them from flying away. However, if you have landscaping that needs protection or dogs or other animals that may prey on your chickens, you may opt to take advantage of ready-made wire enclosures, called runs, which can be easily attached to your coop. These runs come in a variety of sizes to accommodate your flock’s space requirements. It’s important to note that if your chickens will not be allowed to roam a large area, you’ll need a chicken coop and run portable enough to be moved easily to ensure that your chickens have fresh ground to peruse. Nutritional Requirements Tending to the nutritional needs of chickens is easy and economical since they will eat just about anything. Two items to have on hand are commercial chicken feed as well as grit, which chickens consume and store in their gizzards in order to grind their food. Both of
these products can be bought at pet supply or feed stores. Chickens that have access to an average-sized yard will need less feed than chickens confined to a pen. Grit, which is necessary for proper digestion, should also be kept available to them; they will only consume what they need. If your chickens have dirt to scratch around in, then they are probably getting plenty of grit, otherwise supplementation is necessary. Along with bugs, seeds and other food that they find in the yard, chickens will eat fruit and vegetable peelings, bread, cereal or a number of other scraps from the kitchen. Chickens also need plenty of water, especially in the summer. A large container of clean water that is not easily tipped over is an important addition to your chicken coop. Cleaning the Coop Although chickens are not the cleanest critters, keeping the coop clean is not difficult, especially if your chickens are able to roam the yard most of the time. Every week or two, it is necessary to remove all material from the nesting areas and replace with clean pine shavings, hay, straw or other lining material. Every few months, it’s a good idea to spray the coop down with a solution of one part bleach, one part dishwashing soap and ten parts water. Be sure to let the coop dry thoroughly before replacing lining material. People everywhere are discovering the advantages of keeping a flock of laying hens in the backyard. Besides the obvious benefit of being able to enjoy fresh, organic eggs, chickens serve as natural predators for unwanted insects as well as providing rich, organic fertilizer for yard and garden. Fun and easy, raising chickens is a great project that the whole family can enjoy.
VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
31
Educating Today... For a Better Tomorrow
Sometimes It Does Take a Rocket Scientist... To Take On Hollywood! By David Suzuki and Ian Hanington
H
edy Lamarr was once regarded as the most beautiful woman in Hollywood. In 1933, she scandalously appeared nude in a Czech film called Ecstasy, which brought her to the attention of US movie moguls. Through the 1930s, ‘40s, and ‘50s, she starred in some of Hollywood’s biggest hits alongside leading male celluloid idols like Spencer Tracy and Clark Gable. She was also a part-time rocket scientist. In fact, we have her to thank for some of the technology used in cell phones and the Internet. In 1940, Ms. Lamarr and avant garde music composer George Antheil devised and patented a communications system based on frequency hopping for use in radio-guided torpedoes. Their invention was inspired by player piano rolls — spools of paper with holes that “told” automatic pianos which notes to play. Frequency hopping is now used in much of our wireless communications technology. Because the invention was long classified as top secret, her contribution wasn’t recognized for years, and many people were surprised to learn that a glamorous movie star could also have a brilliant scientific mind. Why should we be surprised? Are you surprised to learn that, during high school, Oscar winner Natalie Portman was a straight-A student and semi-finalist in the rigorous Intel Science Talent Search for her investigation into an environmentally friendly way to convert waste into energy, and that she went on to study neuroscience and the evolution of the mind at Harvard? During her studies, she still found time to act in a string of major movies. According to a recent article in the New York Times, Ms. Portman and Ms. Lamarr are not alone. Danica McKellar had roles in shows including The Wonder Years, The West Wing, and NYPD Blue. As a math student at the University of California, Los Angeles, she also helped come up with a mathematical theorem that was named after her and her collaborators. Mayim Bialik, who stars as neurobiologist Amy Farrah Fowler in the popular TV show The Big Bang Theory, really is a neurobiologist, with a PhD from UCLA. She also played the
32
VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
lead role in the ‘90s TV show Blossom. This isn’t about overachieving stars. Rather, it’s a way of pointing out that science isn’t just for geeky nerds — and it isn’t just for guys. But it also says something about Western society’s
obsession with celebrity and its lack of interest in science. We pay far more attention to these people for their movie roles and stardom than for their intellectual accomplishments. Contrary to what the endless columns in newspapers and magazines or minutes of broadcast time would lead you to believe, celebrity,
sports, business and politics are not the most important issues. The reality is that the most powerful force shaping our lives today is science, whether it’s in industry, medicine, or the military. We cannot control the ideas and inventions unleashed by science if we, as a society, are scientifically illiterate. We elect our politicians to represent us and lead us into the future, and they must make decisions to deal with climate change, overpopulation, endocrine disrupters, stem cells, cloning, genetically modified organisms, toxic pollution, deforestation and a host of other issues that require some understanding of science. The lesson we should take from people like Ms. Portman, who also created an environmental video in her childhood, is that it’s fine to be entertained and to entertain, but that shouldn’t preclude us from taking an interest in the world around us and in the science that shapes so much of our place in that world and helps us to understand it. We can’t all be scientists, just as we can’t all be movie stars, but we can take the time to learn more about science and its application in understanding and solving some of the challenges we face in the modern world. I’ve only had one small role in a short fictional film, and I can tell you, it’s tedious work. I’d much rather be a scientist. But I’m glad there are movie stars who are interested in science. With so many poor role models in the movie business and in politics, it’s refreshing to see some who are setting good examples.
David Suzuki is the Chair of the David Suzuki Foundation, and is an award-winning scientist and broadcaster. Dr. Suzuki has received a UNESCO prize for science, a United Nations Environment Program medal and the Order of Canada. Ian Hanington is a Communications and Editorial Specialist with the David Suzuki Foundation.
Educating Today... For a Better Tomorrow
Ten Tips for Recycling Coffee Grounds By Michael Bloch hands with used coffee grounds will remove strong smells such as onion or fish.
A
nice filter coffee – I don’t think there’s anything that tastes better. If I did anything else for a living, I think I would like to work in a shop that sells coffee beans! One of the great things about filter coffee is not only the better taste compared to instant, but the grounds can be recycled and used in a variety of ways. I use the term “recycle” rather loosely, as recycling means to make more of the same product out of waste from that product. A more accurate term in relation to coffee grounds would be reuse, repurpose, upcycle or downcycle. However, recycle is a word that seems to be an umbrella term these days – and some folks do actually recycle coffee grounds (read on). The following ten quick tips will help you reuse your coffee grounds: 1.
2.
Feed your worms: If you have a worm farm, dump the grounds in. I swear the caffeine jolt makes the worms chomp more. It doesn’t seem to do them any harm; but I’d recommend mixing the grounds through the pile so the worms don’t overdose on any residual caffeine. Fertilize your plants: To use coffee
grounds as a plant fertilizer, sprinkle the grounds around the base of the plant, then dig them in a little. They can also be sprinkled directly on your lawn. 3.
Enrich your compost: Add the grounds to compost piles to enrich nutrient content – the grounds contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur. Phosphorous is becoming scarce, so we need to conserve it as much as possible.
4.
Create a liquid fertilizer: Add water to the grounds and allow to stand for a day or two. Drain off and then use as a liquid plant fertilizer – cold coffee that you’d usually toss down the sink can also be used in this way.
5.
Absorb odours: After drying the grounds thoroughly, add them to an old stocking. Tie off the ends and use in cupboards and your refrigerator as an odour absorber. Alternatively, you can simply place the dried grounds in a container.
6.
Remove nasty smells: Rubbing your
7.
Scour your pots: Coffee grounds can also be used as a scouring agent for greasy pots and pans.
8.
Protect your plants: A ring of coffee grounds around sensitive plants can discourage ants and some other pests.
9.
Stain your wood: To use as a wood stain, allow coffee grounds to soak in a small amount of water overnight (or hot water for a shorter period), then drain off. The amount of water you use will determine how dark the stain is. Also good for touch-ups to mahogany furniture.
10. Make more coffee! This one’s interesting and I can’t say I’ve tried it. Dry out the coffee grounds in a warm (not hot) oven, add an equal quantity of fresh coffee grounds, then use that mix to brew another pot of coffee! After that brew, try one of the tips above – I wouldn’t recommend repeating the cycle. By the way, here’s a good tip for how not to use coffee grounds: don’t try to get rid of them via your kitchen sink. They’ll stick to grease in the drain and form the basis for further buildup. Over a period of time this will completely clog the drain. With all these wonderful reuse options for coffee grounds, perhaps hit your local coffee house and ask them if you can collect theirs on a regular basis. They’ll reduce waste and you’ll have a useful product, so everyone wins!
Michael Bloch publishes Green Living Tips, an online resource powered by renewable energy offering a wide variety of Earth-friendly tips and environment related news to help consumers reduce costs, consumption and environmental impact.www. greenlivingtips.com VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
33
www.vistamagonline.com
The Equation
for Health
By Dr. Cory Holly
F
or years, I’ve wanted a simple and elegant equation for health: something easy to remember and similar to Einstein’s E = MC². Albert Einstein proposed mass-energy equivalence in 1905, but until he proved it, few believed it. I propose that, like mass, life and good health are also equivalent to energy. Let’s analyze Einstein’s formula E = MC². “E,â€? or energy, equals mass times velocity squared (the speed of light squared). The speed of light is a constant (300,000 km/s), so to calculate the energy equivalence of any object with mass, you simply multiply its mass (weight) by the speed of light squared. How cool is that? Like Einstein’s formula, my equation for health submits to the sovereignty of nature:
H = (nf)² “Hâ€? stands for health, “nâ€? for nutrition and “f â€? for fitness. If we take the product of nutrition and fitness (n x f) and square that value (nf)², we get optimal health. But let’s clarify each letter of the equation in greater detail.
Defining Health
First, let’s define “H� because that’s our objective and the purpose of the equation. Health affects everyone everywhere, but what does “health� actually mean? Health is a state. The
7KH UG $QQXDO &+, 6SRUWV 1XWULWLRQ $QWL $JLQJ +HDOWK )LWQHVV &RQIHUHQFH
September 24th, 2011 Coquitlam BC CoryHolly.com 34
VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
quality of your state is equal to the quality of your nutrition and fitness. If you say someone is healthy, you’re literally saying they’re full of health, but what kind of health? Good or bad? Are they sick, morbidly obese or vertically ill? Are they functional, lean, energetic and vital? Are they truly well? Optimal health is the ability to get what you want and need with energy and enthusiasm. That’s what real health is and why it’s important to understand and use this equation. It generates optimal health as an outcome because optimal health is equal to the product of nutrition and fitness squared. Optimal health is the ability to endure mental, emotional and physical stress. This is best achieved by being well nourished and extremely fit, and by avoiding irrational behavior. Good health is a state of mind governed by intellect, positive emotion and objectivism. It’s the ability to recognize who and what we are. Are you self-directed? Do you have high self-esteem? If not, why not? You’re a homo sapien (wise man) with a highly developed brain, capable of abstract reasoning, language, introspection, and problem solving. Do you know how powerful you are? An individual with excellent health is loaded with passion, ambition and drive. They’re clear about what they want and take the necessary action to achieve their goals, both short and long term. Good health is directed by logic, headed in the direction of wellness. Progress is used as evidence. Good health flows from a health-centred consciousness. If you’re thinking, living, training, working, eating and sleeping optimal health, guess what you get as an outcome? A health-centered consciousness goes deeper than anything you can imagine.
Nutrition and Supplements
“n” = the science of nutrition. In my equation for health, n = optimal nutrition + di-
etary supplements. One without the other is incomplete and if one is omitted, the outcome of the equation will be negatively affected. Supplements are to the diet what carbon is to steel. Steel is stronger, more flexible and more resistant to rust than iron alone. Nutrition includes a diet free of chemically altered food, mutagens, toxins, pathogens and contaminants: a diet that’s fresh, whole and reinforced with essential micronutrients and antioxidants. Our genome evolved from an ancient, physically active, omnivorous whole food past and is still dependent on the same. The food we eat must be biochemically compatible with our genetic hardware, so that the influence of what we eat epigenetically, meaning “above” our genes, will have a beneficial influence on how our genes are individually expressed.
The Science of Fitness
Next is the science of fitness. To satisfy the elements of our health equation, we have to combine the best possible nutrition with the best possible fitness. “f ” = the science of fitness, fitness that puts the “e” in exercise and tears up the track! Good fitness is balanced and demands consistency. It includes warmup, resistance training, core training, cardio and stretching. Great fitness is precise, planned, structured, intense, tempered and performed with amazing skill. Almost all of us are capable of this. If you multiply great fitness by optimal nutrition and square that product, you will hold excellent health in your hands. I can’t think of anyone anywhere who wouldn’t improve as a result of applying with purpose the fundamental scientific principles of nutrition and fitness. If you encourage someone who’s infected, damaged or chronically ill to consume an ideal diet, to reinforce that same diet with supplements, and to engage in a sound fit-
ness program, they will eventually get well. They have to! But they must be persistent. They must stay on track and maintain their focus or their “state” of health will continue to decline.
Achieving Super Health
So what is the equation for health? H = (nf)² Go ahead, say it out loud. Health equals nutrition times fitness, squared. If you’re addressing both your nutrition and fitness correctly and consistently, the product is optimal health every time. If not, logic dictates there must be something wrong with either your nutrition input (n), your fitness input (f), or both. That’s how you fix things in a rational world. You always go back to the premise, formula or equation and check your math. If your invention doesn’t work, don’t blame nature. I don’t care who you are, or what you’re dealing with. If you get super fit the right way, slowly but surely, and if you eat clean and stick to a nutritious whole food diet, the product is inevitably super health! Let’s face it; health is wealth. Optimal health is a just reward for your commitment to quality nutrition and the best possible fitness. Anything less and you’ve got your own personal formula for obesity, chronic disease and premature death. Remember, health is a state, good or bad. Which one do you prefer? Like Einstein, let’s be fearless. Let’s live the science of good health. And let’s be mindful of what good health really is. Focus on creating optimal health rather than treating disease. Prevent what is otherwise inevitable. The next time someone complains about their health, listen carefully, then explain the equation for optimal health: H = (nf)². The 3rd Annual CHI Sports Nutrition, Anti-aging, Health & Fitness Conference & Trade Show is scheduled for September 24th, 2011 in Coquitlam, BC. Visit CoryHolly.com for details.
VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
35
Stop Bugging Me! By David Kilinger
T
Enclosed within each patch is one micro-capsule that holds eucalyptus citriodora and citronella essential oils. The anti-mosquito patch, when squeezed, releases a pleasant fragrance that repels mosquitoes and other flying insects. Works within 10 minutes and last up to 8 hours. Adhesive backing allows the patch to adhere to most surfaces such as clothing, baby strollers, outdoor furniture, tables, hats, bags, etc. Not a transdermal patch. No contact between the essential oils and the skin makes the patch totally safe, harmless and suitable for children.
Ideal for the whole family. The effectiveness of the ANTI-MOSQUITO PATCH by “Cer’8” has been tested and certified by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (London University), by Lab. TEC in France and by the North Carolina State University (The USA) with a very high certified assessment of protection efficiency.
Available at Health Food & Supplement Stores. For more information call 1-877-445-0292
hose of us who reside in the Great White North know all too well that our fleeting months of sunshine and warm weather must be capitalized on while they are here. That means spending as much time as possible outdoors, enjoying the spectacular scenery of our home and native land. However, it can also mean facing an unpleasant battle against bugs. Mosquitoes, black flies and no-see-ums can ruin any picnic, barbecue or camping trip. When the bugs are biting, it’s impossible to relax – especially if you have young children. But in this day and age of growing awareness about the health-related dangers of toxins and chemicals, the last thing we want to do is slather our children with potentially harmful creams and bug sprays. DEET, the chemical most commonly used in bug repellents, is an effective deterrent and is sure to reduce the number of bug bites you receive. However, there are a number of reasons why DEET use should be avoided at all costs, particularly on children. For starters, DEET is a registered pesticide. That in itself is enough to stop me from putting it on my children. More concerning is that when DEET comes into contact with the skin, up to 56 percent penetrates the skin and 17 percent is absorbed into the bloodstream. Though meant for use on top of clothing, contact with the skin seems likely since DEET is usually applied in spray form. Even more disturbing are the studies showing the effects of DEET on the central nervous system. We now know that the chemical can lead to motor skill, learning and memory dysfunction. Other reported side effects of DEET include seizures, insomnia, mood disturbances, and impaired cognitive function. Health Canada regulates the amount of DEET that can be used in any given product, with lower amounts for children – but be aware that other pesticides that increase the toxicity of DEET may be included in your bug spray as well. A better alternative to toxic chemical bug sprays is an all-natural, chemical-free product that is safe for the whole family. Look for a product that contains eucalyptus citriodora and citronella essential oils, both of which have a pleasant, tangy odour. Together, these fragrant oils help repel mosquitoes and other biting insects. For best results, use a patch system (non-transdermal) so the concentration of oils can be stronger, providing better protection without any irritation to the skin. Patches can be applied to clothing, camping equipment, patio furniture, and more. Enjoy your bug-free summer!
Editor Selects 1
Colourful Grass shoes is a up and coming eco-friendly vegan shoe company located on Vancouver island, Canada. The shoes are made with organic hemp canvas, organic cotton, recycled rubber and even coconut shell buttons. Colourful Grass designs shoes that reduce your carbon footprint without emptying your pocket. Available in various styles and colors for both men and women. www.colourfulgrass.com
2
iQ packs all the cleaning horsepower you need into tiny REFill® cartridges. Just fill the reusable spray bottle with tap water and insert the self-deploying REFill®. You get a guaranteed, non-toxic clean with 80% less plastic waste! Available at Wal-mart and Loblaws (Starter kits, $5.50 and REFill®, $2.5) www.iqclean.com
3
Whale Tail: For the older kids, there is the “Whale Tail” monofin, a larger, firmer version of the Dolphin Tail. These fins are tailored towards anyone over the age of 12 who is simply looking for a little fun while swimming. Designed for kids and adults with shoes sizes 1-7 for kids and 8-12 for adults, these adjustable fins make for fast underwater swimming. The Whale Tail retails at $49.99 for kids and $89.99 for adults and is available at www.FINISINC.com.
4
Z2 Gold: Softer than any other Zoomers® fins, the Z2 Zoomers® fin is the most comfortable and easiest to use of all the Zoomers® fins. With a short blade design, the Z2 Zoomers® fin promote a shorter and faster kick for a better workout. The Fluid Separator slices through the water on the down kick, allowing the Hydro Channels to capture more water on the up kick for stronger forward propulsion. The center Flex Box targets and strengthens hamstrings and glutes. The Z2 Gold Zoomer fins are available for $31.99 at www.FINISINC.com.
5
Swimmer’s Snorkel: At its most basic level, the Swimmer’s Snorkel allows athletes of any ability to swim at normal and much slower speeds with perfect stability and a full range of motion. These skills are the most critical aspect for novice level swimmers to master and for advanced swimmers to perfect. The Swimmer’s Snorkel places greater emphasis on proper body alignment as it is specifically designed to allow athletes to relax in the water and maintain a completely laid out, horizontal position. Swimming smart allows the athlete to adjust his or her stroke to the maximum efficiency. The Swimmer’s Snorkel is available at www. FINISINC.com for $29.99 to $39.99
www.vistamagonline.com
Fit For Performance! Interview with Canada Sings
Choreographer
Kelly Konno By Liberty Craig
T
op choreographer Kelly Konno has toured the world choreographing for superstars from Michael Jackson to Pink and Justin Timberlake. She has now turned her attention and skills toward Canada Sings, Global TV’s new six-part singing and dancing series that transforms workmates into cast mates and pits the unlikely office groups against one another. With Jann Arden, Simple Plan’s Pierre Bouvier and Vanilla Ice as celebrity judges, the winners of each episode are awarded a $10,000 donation to the charity of their choice, while the losing team gets $2,000. As employees from companies as diverse as the Hamilton Police, The Keg, and GoodLife Fitness battle it out for glee-style stardom, Kelly Konno is there to coach, guide, motivate and get these coworkers groovin’! Vista Magazine spoke with Kelly about fitness, fame, diet and motivation...
Vista: Tell us about some of the celebrities you’ve worked with in the past!
Kelly: There have been quite a few! Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, Prince, Justin Timberlake, Michael Bublé, Halle Berry, Pink, *NSYNC, SNL cast members, Deborah Cox, Selena Gomez, Hilary Duff...
Vista: For Canada Sings, you will be working with people of all fitness and skill levels. What’s your approach?
Kelly: I need to quickly determine what their strengths are, how much choreography I can realistically set on them, who are the strong dancers, who are the strong singers, and who can do both. And I have to make sure to warm them up physically, to avoid injuries!
Photo credit: Andrew MacNaughtan
Vista: What are your best beginner fitness tips?
38
VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
Kelly: Try to be realistic with your goals. Create a healthy way of life by combining a clean and healthy diet, along with exercise of some sort. Find something you love to do, like taking a weekly dance class where an hour breezes by before you even realize you’re drenched in sweat, or going for a hike or walk outside. And create a workout playlist on your iPod – I won’t work out without mine!
Vista: Advanced fitness tips? Kelly: If I’m training hardcore like I did in the months leading up to filming Canada Sings, or like Janet Jackson trains for a world tour,
I’d say cardio six days a week, plus circuit training at least four days a week. If you did that and ate a really clean and healthy diet, you’d see a difference in your body and how your clothes fit – guaranteed!
Vista: What diet tricks should your clients stick to when getting fit for an event? Kelly: I hate the word diet! I like the word “clean.” I’d advise them to get proper rest, eat lots of greens and healthy snacks, eat small meals throughout the day, and drink tons of water. And limit the alcohol!
Vista: How should we improve our eating habits on a day-to-day basis?
Kelly: Try not to eat processed foods; cook more instead of eating out. Cut out drinking pop and instead drink lots of water. Have healthy snacks readily available. Splurge every once in a while and enjoy every second of it!
Vista: Do your clients ever get performance anxiety? Kelly: Some of the Canada Sings team members have a little anxiety, but I just have to earn their trust so they let their guards down. I always tell them that it’s our job to make them look the best they can. I give them choreography they can pick up easily, and keep building on it without them even knowing they’re learning more. The next thing you know, they are loving the dancing and you can’t get them to stop practicing!
Vista: What are your motivational techniques? Kelly: Some of the Canada Sings team members needed a little more motivation than the others, but whenever I reminded them of what we’re doing this for, their charities, they put aside the desire to give up and we got back to work immediately. No one the entire season gave up. They are all amazing people with different individual stories.
Vista: What’s your favourite thing about your job? Kelly: Making my family proud. Travelling and meeting different creative people. Being able to inspire other dancers. Using the talent that I’ve been given to tackle challenging projects, like Canada Sings.
• Made with organic fruit juice & sweeteners • Fortified with Vitamin C • No Artificial Colors or Flavors • Free of corn syrup & GMOs • Gluten free • Peanut Free and Tree Nut Free
Recipe for Health:
Derishasu Miso Soup By Tracy Holly
Miso does have relatively high sodium content; however, it is not sodium alone in the diet that affects blood pressure, but a balance of all the essential elements including chloride, potassium, calcium and magnesium. For example, adding potassium to the diet helps to relax blood vessels and remove sodium from the blood, showing the same effect as reducing sodium in one’s diet. Japanese studies show that miso soup can reduce blood pressure, as well as prevent hypertension from occurring in people with normal blood pressure rates. This is due to its inherent natural constituents, including several minerals, isoflavones, saponins, soy protein (partly digested) and live enzymes (in non-pasteurized miso). The colour of miso can be a good indicator of its strength of flavour and saltiness. Miso comes in four forms: red, white, barley, and soybean. Generally speaking, the lighter the colour, the sweeter it is. There are exceptions to this rule, but if you are confronted with a selection and don’t know which to choose, here is a useful guide. • Red miso is made from equal portions of white rice, soybeans, and barley. The end result is a reddish-brown product with a high protein count. • White miso also blends a mixture of white rice and soybeans, but a higher concentration of white rice is used. This type of miso is typically lighter in colour and has a shorter shelf life than red miso. • Barley miso is made from a blend of barley and soybeans. It’s the cheapest miso to make, and consequently quite popular. • Soybean miso is made solely from soybeans, yeast, and salt. This type of miso has a very long fermentation process. It contains the highest levels of protein and the lowest percentage of carbohydrates. Choose miso as an appetizer or a main course and when you do, know you are drinking a nutritious liquid that your body will thank you for.
Simple Miso Soup
M
iso is a rich, salty condiment that characterizes the essence of Japanese cooking. Miso soup is one of the easiest soups to make. You can buy miso paste in a health food store or grocery store. It’s as easy as a simple liquid cup of soup or a symphony of ingredients for a filling main course soup. Traditionally, the Japanese begin their day with a bowl of homemade miso soup. They also use miso to flavour a variety of foods in other meals throughout the day. To make miso, soybeans and sometimes a grain such as rice or wheat are combined with salt and a mould culture called koji, then aged in cedar vats for one to three years. The addition of different ingredients and variations in length of fermentation produce different types of miso that vary greatly in flavour, texture, colour and aroma. For centuries, preparation of miso was a form of art in Japan. Miso was praised for its unique medicinal properties. Current research supports its use as a therapeutic aid in the prevention and treatment of certain cancers, radiation sickness, heart disease and hypertension (high blood pressure).
40
VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
In a large pot, bring to boil 8 cups of filtered water. Reduce heat to simmer. • Add ¼ cup either: wakame, kelp (shredded) or dried nori (cut in small pieces). Simmer for five minutes (the longer you simmer the seaweed, the less of a salty, fishy flavour it will have). • Add 3 heaping tablespoons miso paste. • Simmer until miso paste has dissolved (it’s best not to boil the miso, as this will ruin some of its healthy properties as well as change the flavour of the soup). • Add ¼ cup Bragg’s liquid soy (optional). • Add one cup medium/firm tofu (cut into small cubes). • Add 6 green onions, sliced (approximately one cup). • Simmer for 20 minutes and serve. • Makes 8-10 servings Serving suggestions: For a heartier main meal soup, add any or all of the following: shrimp, clams, scallops, buckwheat noodles, spinach, dried mushrooms, Japanese radish, bean sprouts or any other ingredients that you enjoy! Derishasu!
OxyLifttm is LESS than the price of 2 facials!
Need a lift? OXYLIFT: YOUR VERY OWN NON-SURGICAL FACELIFT IN A BOX
$225
$179.99
90 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE LESS SHIPPING & HANDLING LIMITED TIME OFFER
BEFORE AFTER To Order Call 1-866-612-4145 oxyliftcanada.com
Help Us Help You: 1. Do you use coupons?
q Yes q No
2. Would you like to see coupons in VISTA?
q Yes q No
3. Would you like to see downloadable coupons on our website at www.vistamagonline.com?
qYes q No
4. How many people read your copy of VISTA? 5. Would you like to see more information on: q sports supplements q cancer treatment q clothing q spas q success stories q weight loss q pet health q exercise equipment q health products
q healthy home products qpersonal hygiene q organic products q contests
6. Where do you buy the majority of your health products? q grocery store q health food store q pharmacy q online
q department store
Survey Win a VISTA Prize Package!
We would like to thank you for taking time to respond to this survey. Your feedback is very valuable. Five lucky readers will each win a VISTA Gift Package. Mail replies to: Survey, 13256 55A Avenue Surrey, BC V3X 3B3 or fax to (604) 591-1989 No Drop-Offs, Please
VISTA
Surveys must be received by July 21, 2011
7. What are some of the name brands of health products that you use?
Last issue’s winners
8. Do you exercise?
q Yes q No
9. How long have you been reading VISTA? 10. Have you ever visited our website at www.vistamagonline.com?
Susan Falk-Kiez Calgary AB, Mel Spotswood Nanoose Bay BC, Donna Rusnel Saskatoon, SK, Bruna Tamburri Woodbridge ON, Bohdan Klos Winnipeg MB
IF YOU SEE YOUR NAME HERE, CONTACT US AT 1-877-905-7771 TO CLAIM YOUR VISTA PRIZE PACKAGE.
qYes q No
Tell Us What You Think: Jot down the articles that most interested you and your rating.
great
good
needs improvement
q q q
q q q
q q q
q q q
q q q
q q q
Comments:
Discretionary: Name: Age: Gender: Address: E-mail: City: Province: Postal Code: Business Phone: ( ) Residential Phone: ( ) Where did you acquire VISTA?
42
VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
M q
Fq
Stay Cool During Men pause
se
ea Sag
s recommended by
NEW!
Dr.
Oz
U
Clinically proven: Hot flashes are significantly reduced after only 4 weeks... And that’s just the beginning!
The most powerful Sage remedy for hot flashes ! 3,400 mg of Organic Fresh Sage
100% e Natural and saf
Just t 1 table a day
I started taking Menopause I was having 15-20 hot flashes per day “ When and within two weeks they were reduced to two during the night and maybe two during the day. Your product is amazing and taking only one a day is very convenient. Thanks for making my menopausal days that much easier. Diane Lindsay, Picton, ON
”
Experience. True Swiss. www.avogel.ca • 1-800-361-6320 A.Vogel products can be found in all Health Food Stores and in the Natural Product Department of Drug Stores and Grocery Stores.
www.vistamagonline.com
new to the market new to the market North Coast Naturals – New 100% Natural ORANGE flavoured Fermented L-Glutamine New 100% Natural ORANGE flavoured Fermented L-Glutamine. Hailed by industry experts as the #1 glutamine mix at the recent Canadian Health show in Vancouver! Sweetened with our new exclusive herbal isolate sweetener with ZERO after taste. Exclusively from North Coast Naturals. Glutamine is for stomach health, recovery & tissue repair.
1
New PVL ESSENTIALS brand PVL ESSENTIALS is the world’s first complete SPORT brand to go 100% NATURAL – with over 16 items and growing! PVL is Canada’s own premium sports supplement brand and exports to over 82 countries. Formulated without banned substances, these are the exact formulas used & approved by many IOC, NHL, CFL & NFL athletes.
2
3
Collagen Plus Collagen is essential for beautiful, smooth skin, strong bones and nails and gorgeous hair. As we age, collagen declines, leading to wrinkles, osteoporosis, thinning hair and nails. Lorna Vanderhaeghe’s new Collagen Plus enhances collagen production to create smooth skin and to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen Plus helps your skin hold more moisture, making it dewy soft. Your hair will thicken and grow and your nails will become hard again with Collagen Plus. www.hormonehelp.com
4 Electrolyte-Stamina Electrolytes are crucial to maintain proper fluid balance and hydration. They are required for transporting all electrical impulses throughout the nervous system. Electrolytes are lost through regular metabolism, perspiration and any other fluid loss. Electrolyte-Stamina contains full spectrum ionic mineral and trace elements. Electrolyte Stamina is great for any athlete who wants to excel by working out longer and recover faster). Also excellent for anyone who works in the heat or anyone who loses large amounts of water and electrolytes through perspiration. www.monnol.com 1 800 463-0420
live probio+ o3mega Synergistic, Symbiotic, Stable and Effective! live probio+ o3mega provides the world’s first combination of a research-proven, shelf, gut and temperature stable probiotic, BB536 and Omega-3 from the highest quality fish oil, o3mega. Due to our patent-pending process, we guarantee stability of the probiotic in the fish oil. GENUINEHEALTH.COM 1-877-500-7888
5
HOT HOT NewNew Products Products
44
VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
YOU’LL YOU’LL LOVE!! LOVE!!
Healing
a Major Disease By Rose Macmillan
O
ur immune system is our greatest ally in healing cancer. Evidence shows that lifestyle changes and natural approaches to support the immune system can significantly decrease the risk of cancer recurrence and increase survival. A healthy whole foods diet, daily exercise, stress reduction techiques such as yoga, meditation and counselling, having a support group of friends and family, and cancer-specific natural treatments have shown, without a doubt, to aid in healing cancer. Although surgery plays a very important role in cancer treatment, it doesn’t address the underlying factors that predispose us to the disease and even prevent our healing. Cancer is not an alien being that has inhabited the body, but a growth of the body. It needs to be handled in a way that heals, rather than drastically trying to kill the invader at great expense to the rest of the body. Given the side effects and inconclusive results of chemotherapy and radiation, our best hope may be in therapies that enhance the body’s immune response to cancer cells. Dr. Mamdooh Ghoneum, PhD, Chief of Research, Department of Otolaryngology, Charles Drew University of Medicine in Los Angeles, has spent 20 years studying substances that affect immune response. While experimenting with natural extracts, he discovered a substance that he called MGN-3 – an extract of rice bran, modified by enzymes from shiitake mushrooms – which he found very effective for cancer treatment. Dr. Ghoneum’s research suggests that MGN-3 simulates anti-tumour effects within the body and activates the body’s Natural Killer cells, our immune system’s key defense cells. MGN-3 led to a significant increase in NK cell activity after only one to two weeks, which correlated with increased survival rates. It can be safely used in conjunction with conventional treatment, including chemotherapy. Other clinical studies have also verified its effectiveness. A 1996 study involving 27 patients with different forms of cancer (presented at the 87th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research), all taking conventional treatments and 3 grams of MGN3 per day, showed that patients had significant rises in NK cell activity when taking MGN-3. These ranged from 100 percent to 537 percent increases. In 1998, a study documented in the International Journal of Immunotherapy (XIV-2, pg 89-99) involved 24 patients taking MGN-3 in three different concentrations. NK cell activity was significantly increased after one week and peaked at two months in all individuals. Though conventional therapies reduce cancer cell numbers very effectively, unfortunately, it‘s impossible to achieve 100 percent kill rate without harming the patient. When 95 to 98 percent of the cancer cells with these therapies are killed, a patient may be considered “in remission” and treatment is stopped. However, these remissions are frequently shortlived. Chemotherapy and radiation suppress the immune system, lowering the fighting power of anti-cancer cells. Following treatment, the few hardy cancer cells that survive may be left to replicate largely unchallenged by a damaged immune system. Dr. Mamdooh Ghoneum feels that “watchful waiting,” monitoring patients in remission, wastes the opportunity to provide increased support to the immune system. At early stages of detection, or in advanced stages when the tumour has been reduced as far as possible by surgery and/or chemotherapy, boosting the immune system allows the body to eradicate the remaining cells that have escaped. MGN-3 cannot replace these therapies in advanced malignancies. Dr. Ghoneum recommends that cancer patients begin MGN-3 at the same time or immediately following other therapies. Cancer is not only preventable; research shows that it’s now curable in many cases. Consider lifestyle changes and natural approaches to support the immune system that can have a significant impact on your outcome and your future wellness.
BOOK REVIEW: By Liberty Craig
A Smart Woman’s Guide to
Hormones Lorna Vanderhaeghe, M.S., with Alvin Pettle, MD
coming next issue • September is National Health Food Month • Natural Skin Care products:Beauty Minerals for Body maintenance • Celebrity Cover Interview • Day Spahhhs: Treatments to Soothe across Canada • Better Balance Better Body • What Diet Works? • Organic Planet: How Canadians Teach their kids about the Environment • Recipe For Health • Sports Nutrition Update
Canada’s Favourite Health Magazine
Now! Subscribe05-777 1 call 1-877-9
Subscribe today and have VISTA delivered to your door six times a year. To purchase a subscription, call 1-877-905-7771 or Email Us vistamag@gmail.com
46
VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 77
W
omen’s health expert and author of Sexy Hormones and A Smart Woman’s Guide to Weight Loss, Lorna Vanderhaeghe has recently come out with her tenth book: A Smart Woman’s Guide to Hormones. The book is geared toward women wanting a better understanding of their complicated hormones through various stages of their lives, and how these hormones affect their health, stamina, vitality, sex drive, and more. The “hormone havoc” that has only worsened in recent years can be treated, postulates Vanderhaeghe, with the right course of treatment, and we can actually be rid of prevalent symptoms such as exhaustion, infertility, insomnia, fibroids, heavy menstrual bleeding, and night sweats that we accept as unfortunate elements of everyday life. The book runs us through the basics of our hormones and endocrine systems, and gives us charts and tools to monitor our menstrual cycles, xenoestrogen exposure, hormone imbalance, and more. Vanderhaeghe offers lifestyle solutions to help us get out of the “estrogen stew” of modern society, including a comprehensive list of xenoestrogen sources to avoid – some of which may come as a surprise. Also included are a full diet plan and a 42-day exercise program designed to balance and calm hormones. For the 43 percent of women who have no sex drive, Vanderhaeghe provides a convincing discussion of healthy sexuality and its purposes, plus tips and tricks for heating up your libido. She enters the synthetic-versus-bioidentical hormone debate and lands firmly on the bioidentical side, with compelling arguments as to why. Specific courses of treatment are recommended for a wide variety of hormone disorders and their associated conditions, such as depression, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and more. From urinary tract infections to birth control pills to thyroid function and sexual dysfunction, A Smart Woman’s Guide to Hormones gives us the tools we need to navigate menstruation, perimenopause, menopause, and other hormone disruptions in today’s “estrogen stew” society.
Recent medical studies have shown that many people may not receive enough vitamin D in their daily lives. Our bodies can make vitamin D3, but only when our skin is exposed to sunlight under the proper conditions. This production is dependent on the season, where we live and the time of day. Even using sunscreen may reduce the body’s production of vitamin D. Medical studies continue to show that adequate vitamin D intake helps in the development and maintenance of bones and teeth. Carlson Vitamin D soft gels are a great way to ensure that you and your loved ones receive the vitamin D you need. Ž
888-234-5656 | www.carlsonlabs.com
Live
Pain Free
Back Pain Hip Pain Knee Pain Neck Pain Muscle Pain Joint Stiffness Surgery Healing
Feeling
Sick? Tired? Anti-viral Anti-fungal Cold Prevention Increase Energy Serious Immune Conditions Protect yourself. Purica.com 1.877.746.9397
Purchase Purica products at your health retailer.