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There has been much controversy over the subject of GMO (genetically modified organisms) food and the harm they may cause to our health. While there are some corporations that support genetically enhanced foods, there has also been a lot of worry on the long term impact of ingesting food that was engineered in a laboratory.

GMO foods are suspected of heightening the reactions to food allergies, damaging our DNA and promoting autoimmune conditions. Overall, the impact on human health by GMOs is still unknown. All human studies have been considered non-conclusive. However, animal studies have shown some worrying results. A European study published in 2011 observed that animals that had been fed GMO foods showed signs of kidney and liver disease after ninety days.

The concern is great enough that many European and Middle Eastern regions have completely banned the import or sale of GMO foods. Some US states and cities have issued their own bans but there is no federal prohibition on GMO foods to date. It is also currently not an FDA requirement for GMO foods to be labeled as such in stores.

So how is Disney involved with GMO Foods that are Harmful?

Through EPCOT, which stands for ‘Environmental Prototype Community of Tomorrow’, a Florida based center that is host to numerous biologist from the United States Department of Agriculture. One of the largest pro-GMO corporations, Nestle USA, helped Disney by funding the 2.5 million square foot greenhouse that is the main exhibit within the ‘Living with the Land’ portion of EPCOT.

This greenhouse displays the results of the scientists’ labor and sports fruits and vegetables in the shape of Mickey Mouse’s head. There are also plants that are much larger than they would be if grown naturally, such as a nine-pound lemon and over-sized pumpkins.

Within ‘Living with the Land’, there is tour called ‘Behind the Seeds’ that shows visitors the labs used to genetically modified seeds and provides an explanatory guide through the greenhouse. Visitors can also buy a product known as Mickey’s Mini Garden. These consist of a plant within a tube that is intended to be used to help start home gardens. However, the plants in these tubes are created through cloned plant cells within EPCOT’s Biotechnology Lab rather than being naturally formed. Almost everything within the attraction is in promotion of producing GMO products. Even the food served in the park’s cafeterias is known to be genetically altered in some way.

GMO Foods Are Harmful and Disney Promotes Them to Children :(

Within this attraction, Disney has provided a display to make Genetically Modified Organisms appear wholesome and family-friendly, which is only added to by Disney’s family-oriented reputation. The moral obligations of this are up in the air, but considering the unknown impact of the GMO on long term health and the negative results of animal studies, I feel this ultimately may be sending the wrong message.

But, if you stop to think about it, there are dangerous chemicals elsewhere in our lives! The cosmetics we use on a daily basis can be just as dangerous – if not more! – to our health than processed heavily sprayed food.

Adults absorb 60% of the chemicals we put on our skin; and when it comes to babies, the number can go up to 100%! Plus, they have higher risk of developing diseases later in life if exposed to certain toxins.

The health issues that are most commonly liked to toxic chemicals that humans consume (eating, drinking or through absorption) are learning disabilities, skin allergies, infertility, birth defects, reproductive problems and even cancer!

As you can see, there are a lot of reproductive-related issues linked to the chemicals we consume, and most of the toxins responsible for that are found in cosmetics! That happens because many of the chemicals used in the beauty/ toiletries industry cause hormonal disruption.

Now, this is not only affecting woman around the world. Make up is filled with chemicals, trendy beauty and health care products are as well. But so is your toothpaste and even the soap you use to wash your hands. This is really a hazard for the entire family. Those names are not always on the labels, so we have to be extra careful.

The top toxins you will find (and should avoid) in cosmetics:

• Parabens: These synthetic preservatives largely used in cosmetics and personal care product, and even in baby’s lotions, parabens are known to interrupt the normal function of the endocrine system and cause severe allergies.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: This industrial chemical detergent was created to clean and produce foam and it is found in shampoo, toothpaste and liquid soap.
• Aluminum: This is a toxic metal and it is the base-compound for a wide variety of cosmetics; it can be found in shampoo, antiperspirant deodorant and even nasal spray.
• Synthetic Formaldehyde: This one is famous! It is a highly toxic Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) often found in nail polish and hair relaxer. It is forbidden in some countries (although tome salons will fail to mention that to you), and that is never a good sign! Its vapor causes air pollution and extreme allergies and it is toxic to the liver and carcinogenic
• Toluene: This is a neurotoxin found in many cosmetics, mainly in nail polish. It can affect the brain function and your central nervous system and it can also interfere with normal fetal and childhood development.

Here is some scary information about some widely used cosmetics:

• Shampoo: The average number of chemicals found in shampoo is 15, the most dangerous of them being Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Tetrasodium and Propylene Glycol. The possible side effects of those chemicals are irritation and possible damage to the eyes.
• Eye shadow: The average number of chemicals found in eye shadows is 26, the most dangerous of them being PolyethyleneTerephthalate, a resin of the polyester family used in synthetic fibers that can cause hormonal disruption, infertility, damage to various organs and is even linked to cancer.
• Lipstick: The average number of chemicals found in a lipstick is 33, the most dangerous of them being Polymethyl Methacrylate, that can cause allergies and it’s linked to cancer.
• Fake Tan: The average number of chemicals found in fake tan lotions is 22, the most dangerous of them being Ethylparaben, Methylparaben and Propylparaben, that can cause irritation to the skin and hormonal disruption.
• Deodorant: The average number of chemicals found in deodorants is 15, the most dangerous of them being Isopropyl Myristate and Aluminum, that can cause irritation of the skin, eyes and lungs, headaches, dizziness, respiratory problems and hormonal disruption.

Depression is a common condition with 1 out of 10 Americans experiencing it at some point in their lifetime. There are multiple causes for it that include genetics, a chemical imbalance, or going through a rough time. Sometimes it can appear out of nowhere to ruin your day or it can form gradually. The common symptoms are a hopeless or negative feeling, a lack of energy or motivation, losing interest in things you’ve always liked, a change in appetite and sleeping patterns, unexplained aches and pains, and occasionally digestive issues.

This condition is often treated by anti-depressants but there are many natural ways to battle depression without a prescription:

Spend time outside.  UVB rays from sunlight effect the production of vitamin D. Depression and having a vitamin D deficiency have been closely linked and studies have shown that people who don’t get enough of the vitamin are at a raised risk for experiencing the symptoms of depression. When you start feeling the blues, take a trip out the front door and enjoy the warmth of sunlight on your skin.

While you’re out there, you can also enjoy some…

Exercise. This has always been a recommended feel-good tactic. Exercising causes your body to release endorphins, which give you a positive feeling and ease stress. It has also been known to improve sleeping patterns. The ‘getting in shape’ side effect of exercise is a self-esteem boost that can put you in a much better mood.

To help you get fit, you can also…

Change your diet. When feeling down, we have a tendency to turn to the ‘comfort food’ that is tasty but almost always less than healthy. This can actually make the depression worse. However, there are a few foods that will make you feel good. Fish and poultry contain vitamin B, which has an effect on your neural function and is known to improve moods. The amino acid, L-theanine, is found in many varieties of green tea and has a calming effect. And, the magnesium found in almonds, cashews, and leafy vegetables promotes the release of serotonin and makes you feel happier.

Another good way to alter your diet is to…

Cut out alcohol. Turning to the bottle will have the opposite effect of making you feel better. In fact, alcohol can be a cause of depression and can worsen the symptoms you’re already feeling. ‘Drinking away your feelings’ can also lead to an alcohol dependency, which has never made anyone feel good and only adds to the feeling of hopelessness.

Rather than reaching for a drink in an attempt to feel better, you could instead…

Find an outlet. Having a healthy way to let out your feelings and stress can be highly beneficial to your mental health. Starting a diary to vent or reflect in keeps you from bottling up all the negative emotions and gaining a new hobby can give you something exciting to look forward to. Activities that allow you to create are especially helpful and can even lead to a self-esteem boost when you see the final product of your creativity.

Joining an art, gardening, or writing class could improve your mood, as well as give you the chance to…

Be social. Creating stable friendships or spending time with family can chase away the feelings of isolation and give you a self-confidence boost. Having a good support system around you during the tough times can greatly help you avoid falling into depression again in the future. Get out there, meet new people, and enjoy not feeling so alone.

However, don’t get too crazy with a social life and make sure you still have time to get some…

Sleep. Lacking the proper sleep can worsen your depression symptoms, as well as make you very irritable. Avoid naps during the day and instead, get a full night of rest. Don’t worry about what’s happening online or on the TV; you can catch up on it in the morning. People who get a solid six to eight hours of sleep tend to wake up feeling refreshed and with a more positive outlook on the day.

Of course you know by now how important nerve supply is to a functioning body. Nerve supply is what allows every single cell in your body to communicate. Nerve supply relays critical information to and from the brain that allows us to repair, heal and protect ourselves from every day stress. Like Nerve Supply, water is critical for cell to cell communication because it acts as a medium for the nerve signals.

The Percentage of Water in Different Parts of Our Body:

Many Conditions We Suffer from are Made Worse from Dehydration

Because water is so vital for cell function – many of the conditions that we suffer from on a day to day basis come from dehydration. Some of the more common symptoms related to dehydration include: Headaches, Migraines, Fatigue, Muscle Spasm, Digestive Disorders, Mood Swings and Depression, Generalized Pain and aches and even Hunger! The most common thing I hear when bringing up water is “That’s all I drink doc!”

True, you might only be drinking water, but are you drinking enough? The amount of water we should be drinking daily is ½ our body weight in ounces. You very well could be drinking only water, but is it enough to keep you healthy?

We continually lose water through several biological processes.

Every day we are losing water. From breathing to sweating and urinating the we water we consume is used up just like the gas you put into your car. Therefore, in order to maintain a healthy state of hydration, we need to continuously replenish what we lose.

Another important concept is the idea of toxicity.

The Solution to Our Body’s Pollution is Dilution!

By drinking enough water, you can make sure that your body’s natural detoxification processes work. By drinking enough water, you will dilute harmful toxins that are almost impossible for us to eliminate!

Tips to Keep You Healthy & Hydrated

• Keep a water bottle with you at all times. A good stainless steel bottle can be used indefinitely.
• Filter your water. The public water supply is filled with chlorine, heavy metals, pharmaceutical run off as well as other contaminants.
• Take frequent sips and try to practice “slow, steady saturation” of water rather than huge gulps one at a time.
• Eat plenty of foods that are high in water content: VEGGIES!
• Increase water intake in the summer and/or when you’re stepping up your workouts.

Remember: Drink ½ Your Body Weight in Ounces to achieve health!

The leaky gut syndrome (also called increased intestinal permeability) is the result of damage in the intestinal lining caused by autoimmune diseases, multiple food allergies, excessive alcohol consumption, taking large amounts of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), chronic inflammation as well as other internal contributing factors, such as inflammatory bowel disease and poor digestion.

Since this is not a condition largely recognized by conventional physicians, there is very little if any technical information about it, but evidences says that in the leaky gut syndrome, the damage can cause small openings on the “walls” of the intestine, allowing molecules of undigested food to leak out of your intestines and enter the bloodstream. The fact that the intestine isn’t able to protect the internal environment as it should also makes it unable to filter nutrients and other biological substances from the food.

A person who suffers with a leaky gut syndrome can have autoimmune reactions, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal bloating, excessive gas and cramps, fatigue, food sensitivity, joint pain, skin rashes, and autoimmunity.

This syndrome can strike on anyone, at any age; we can even see kids with the leaky gut syndrome. Today, the Intestinal Permeability can be linked to many autoimmune diseases such as Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, migraines, attention deficit, autism, eczema, acne, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, chronic fatigue and even depression!

However, there are ways of healing the gut and reduce the inflammatory and immune processes involved in such diseases. Here we will present you with four basic steps you can follow to heal your leaky gut and maintain a healthier life:

1. Help your body Re-establish intestinal flora! The walls of your intestine are damaged, which means that your natural intestinal flora, the little good bacteria that live inside of us, are not functioning – or surviving – well there. You can help your body to naturally regain balance of the intestinal flora by adding probiotics, anti-fungals and fermented foods to your daily diet. Things like yogurt, naturally fermented vegetables, sourdough bread and probiotic drinks. Other thing that can help your body on this process is eliminating all the process food from your diet and incorporating only natural and organic foods. Avoid genetically modified anything, refined sugar and white flour by all means!

2. Help your body digest the food you eat! Since your body can’t naturally digest and form the bulk in the colon, you must make the job easier for your body by adding soluble and insoluble fibers to your diet found in many fruits and vegetables as well as in all grains (always prefer the gluten-free ones!). Talking about gluten, by the way, another thing you should do to make the job of digesting and eliminating easier for your body is eliminate all the “hard-to-digest proteins” such as dairy and gluten from your diet and structure and rotation diet, which is basically not eating too much of the same thing, to assure that your body won’t became intolerant to any of them.

3. Avoid NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatories) and any Antibiotic pills whenever possible! The NSAIDs are known to worsen the symptoms of the leaky gut syndrome and the antibiotics will only kill the bacteria – even the good ones – that your body really needs right now.

4. Vitamin C and Bone Broth! Vitamin C can help to stabilize cells that often trigger the release of histamine and other allergy mediating chemicals and it is also often considered as an anti-allergy vitamin. The bone broth (preferably home made) is rich in magnesium, calcium, silicon, phosphorus and other minerals that will be easily absorbed by your body, supplies the amino acids that help detoxify your body and the gelatin in it will help to coat the digestive tract.

Have you checked out The Paleo Recipe Book yet?  Paleo is a great way to heal your body because it promotes an anti-inflammatory diet.  Check it out here:  https://www.familyhealthchiropractic.com/likes/paleorecipe

Wheat products are often advertised as organic health foods but recent research has shown that there can be some drawbacks to having a large amount of wheat in your diet. Wheat can be found in products such as flour, pasta, breads, and is used in many dips and sauces as a thickener. The condition of having a protruded stomach known as ‘beer belly’ is actually caused by wheat, which is found in most beers. The same effect can happen from eating wheat products on a regular basis. There are a few factors about wheat that can cause you to pack on pounds around the stomach.

1. It creates fat cells. Modern wheat contains a carbohydrate called amylopectin-A, which causes your glucose levels (blood sugar) to rise and your body to release large amounts of insulin. With an abundance of both glucose and insulin, your body stores a lot of fat. Fat can be used as used as energy but when there’s a lot of glucose in your system, a good amount gets directed to storage in fat cells. Every time this happens (i.e. every time you eat wheat), the process repeats and leads to fat building up. The fat that is mainly found in the stomach is called visceral fat. This type of fat tends to be insulin resistant and over a period of time can lead to type II diabetes –making wheat not only bad for your waistline but also for your health.

2. It’s addictive. Gluten is a protein that is found in almost all wheat products. The polypeptides from gluten can gain entry to the brain by penetrating the blood-brain barrier. Once in the brain, gluten acts much like an opiate and binds with the opioid receptors. This causes an addiction; making you crave more and more. There is even a withdrawal period after you stop eating wheat. It can last from a few days to a couple of weeks and includes symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and very strong cravings. Since this will make you crave and eat more wheat products, the cycle of spiking glucose levels, insulin, and fat storage continues and your belly gets larger.

3. It makes you eat more. Only a few hours after eating wheat, you will begin to feel hunger whether your body really needs food or not. This hunger is caused by gaining a high level of glucose then experiencing the effects of it rapidly dropping, which will happen roughly two hours after eating a wheat product. Due to this, people who have a substantial amount of wheat in their diets consume an average of almost 500 more calories per day than people who have a wheat-free diet.

Although wheat can cause you to gain weight, not all grains are considered bad. Buckwheat, rice, tapioca, quinoa, and einkorn are all considered safe substitutions and are less likely to cause weight gain. Turning to a gluten-free diet can definitely be of help but you also have to watch out for gluten-free products that have a high glucose index because large quantities of glucose play a big factor in weight gain as well.

If you want an easy way to go wheat or gluten free, check out The Paleo Recipe Book