I just finished listening to the Doc's chapter 5 audio. I must say that I strongly agree with the ideas regarding milk and dairy products being potentially harmful to our human bodies, simply because this milk was not designed for our bodies. I was a vegetarian for 7 years, and vegan for one of those, and can say that these days it's really not difficult to avoid dairy products at all, especially if you tend to avoid processed foods in general. Dairy and dairy derivatives are used everywhere in boxed foods and breads, as conditioners, sweeteners, texturizers, and other nasty things, but if you're making your own food, dairy should be relatively simple to replace.
However.
I am a huge proponent of a system of medicine which was mentioned in Dr. Henele's presentation, Ayurveda. Ayurveda is a sister science of Yoga, and the two are intertwined and were developed at the same time. The oldest medical system in the world, it dates back at least 6 millenia and is likely at least 10 thousand years old. I utilize Ayurvedic nutrition, medicine, and skin care on a daily basis, and have a found a major contradiction between Ayurveda and current Western nutrition, and that is on the subject of dairy. I am mostly writing this because I would like some feedback from Dr.Henele on the subject.
I think conventional dairy is bad, pretty much, but I still consume it if it is organic, or if I'm in someone's home and prefer not to be rude by rejecting what is offered. Ayurveda states that the use of dairy can be very therapeutic for the Vata dosha, and other combinations of doshas (dosha means constitution of body, mind, and spirit). I am primarily a vata with some pitta influence, and have found that milk has a very stabilizing and grounding effect on my body, but overuse contributes to respiratory inflammation and overproduction of mucus in the lungs. Every morning I make chai from scratch, and I have not found a milk subsitute that has the same vata balancing effect as milk, but I would really love to.
Consuming cheese is probably the most difficult thing for non vegans to discontinue, and there really are NO GOOD CHEESE ALTERNATIVES. So if anyone knows something I don't, please tell me!
On those notes, I'd like to offer a really simple almond milk recipe that is more tasty than what you buy in the store, and fresher. It's easy and I assure you that it can't be screwed up. I never measure anything so you'll just have to let intuition guide you.
Soak almonds overnight. I'd say about a cup of almonds is a good place to start.
Put soaked almonds in a blender with about 4-6 cups of water.
Add a pinch of salt, a tablespoon of honey or agave nectar or a pinch of stevia,
and Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Blend on low first, then gradually go up to the highest setting, for a minute or two.
Let the blades cool down then blend again.
Strain and enjoy.
This is deliciously frothy and you can useit for anything! Save the almond pulp
to make cookies or crackers...yummy!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Resources
Search the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/
Nutrition Tracker - input your daily food intake, activities, and goals, and see how much you are getting of specific nutrients
www.fitday.com
Trade Produce!
http://www.veggietrader.com/index.php
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/
Nutrition Tracker - input your daily food intake, activities, and goals, and see how much you are getting of specific nutrients
www.fitday.com
Trade Produce!
http://www.veggietrader.com/index.php
Random Thoughts on Amino Acids, and Week 4 Post
Proteins are built of 22 amino acids, 9 of which are considered ESSENTIAL because humans must get them from foods, as they are not formed in our bodies.
*My opinion on the amino acid/protein discussion is that foods that come from living animals are the most complete sources with the highest levels of these nutrients. However, I am a big advocate of vegetarian and vegan diets if they are well organized, balanced, and originating from a holistic perspective of health of people, earth, and ecosystems.
In Becoming Vegan, the authors state that "In our tissues, the EAAs (Essential Amino Acids) from animal foods and plant foods are indistinguishable," because the amino acids in all animals originally came from plants.
Supplementing the diet with single or multiple amino acids must be done with caution for vegetarians/vegans, as many amino acid supplements come from egg whites. (Becoming Vegan, p 236)
*"Amino acid deficiencies appear more commonly as a result of total protein deficiencies." (Complete Guide to Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements p 210)
*"Amino acids are a chemical group containing nitrogen, carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. The amino acids form the chief structure of proteins, several of which are essential for human growth, development and nutrition."
Lysine stands out because it is an amino acid I have used to supplement my diet for its stress reducing effect. However, I have not found any resources suggesting that it actually does this, except in cases of severe deficiencies, where symptoms include apathy, lethargy, and weakness. Other symptoms of Lysine deficiencies include: anemia, bloodshot eyes, poor appetite, inability to concentrate, weight loss, and others. (Prescription for Nutritional Healing p 115)
Lysine promotes growth, tissue repair, production of antibodies, hormones, and enzymes, and also reduces the symptoms of herpes viruses. It also aides in calcium absorption, nitrogen balance, and lowers high serum triglyceride levels Lysine can be found in:
Cheese, Eggs, Fish, Lima Beans, Milk, Potatoes, Red Meat, Soy, Yeast
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body. It is possibly the most essential of all the amino acids, as it is absolutely necessary for creation of a variety of the body's molecules, and is also considered to be fuel for the brain. It is a vital amino acid which through several transformations produces GABA, which is necessary for sustaining proper brain function and mental activity (Prescription for Nutrition Healing p 109). Other important functions of glutamine include: building block for DNA and RNA, balances pH, promotes healthy digestion, helps build/maintain muscle, and can treat arthritis, autoimmune diseases, ulcers, connective tissue damage/disorders, and enhances mental functioning on a great number of levels. It can be useful for people who suffer addictions and cravings, as it reduces desire for sugar and alcohol.
Glutamine is found in plant and animal foods, but is easily destroyed in cooking, and if the powdered form becomes wet it will turn into ammonia. It should be avoided by people who have liver and kidney disfunction that causes ammonia to buildup.
Good sources of glutamine: whey protein, eggs, spinach, parsley.
*Arginine is an interesting amino acid because it plays an important rolein detoxifying the body, as well as in healing wounds and supporting immune functions. It relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow. Unfortunately it should be avoided by individuals with herpes viruses as it can increase risk of breakouts.
Arginine is beneficial because it: increases metabolism of fat cells, builds muscle, inhibits cancer, increases sperm counts, and speeds wound healing. It can be found in the following foods:
brown rice, carob, chocolate, nuts,oatmeal, popcorn, raisins, raw cereals, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, whole wheat products. The vitamins and supplements guide I use suggests that Arginine supplements should be avoidedbypeople with food allergies, poor nutrition, or bone diseases, without first consulting a health practitioner.
*My opinion on the amino acid/protein discussion is that foods that come from living animals are the most complete sources with the highest levels of these nutrients. However, I am a big advocate of vegetarian and vegan diets if they are well organized, balanced, and originating from a holistic perspective of health of people, earth, and ecosystems.
In Becoming Vegan, the authors state that "In our tissues, the EAAs (Essential Amino Acids) from animal foods and plant foods are indistinguishable," because the amino acids in all animals originally came from plants.
Supplementing the diet with single or multiple amino acids must be done with caution for vegetarians/vegans, as many amino acid supplements come from egg whites. (Becoming Vegan, p 236)
*"Amino acid deficiencies appear more commonly as a result of total protein deficiencies." (Complete Guide to Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements p 210)
*"Amino acids are a chemical group containing nitrogen, carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. The amino acids form the chief structure of proteins, several of which are essential for human growth, development and nutrition."
Lysine stands out because it is an amino acid I have used to supplement my diet for its stress reducing effect. However, I have not found any resources suggesting that it actually does this, except in cases of severe deficiencies, where symptoms include apathy, lethargy, and weakness. Other symptoms of Lysine deficiencies include: anemia, bloodshot eyes, poor appetite, inability to concentrate, weight loss, and others. (Prescription for Nutritional Healing p 115)
Lysine promotes growth, tissue repair, production of antibodies, hormones, and enzymes, and also reduces the symptoms of herpes viruses. It also aides in calcium absorption, nitrogen balance, and lowers high serum triglyceride levels Lysine can be found in:
Cheese, Eggs, Fish, Lima Beans, Milk, Potatoes, Red Meat, Soy, Yeast
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body. It is possibly the most essential of all the amino acids, as it is absolutely necessary for creation of a variety of the body's molecules, and is also considered to be fuel for the brain. It is a vital amino acid which through several transformations produces GABA, which is necessary for sustaining proper brain function and mental activity (Prescription for Nutrition Healing p 109). Other important functions of glutamine include: building block for DNA and RNA, balances pH, promotes healthy digestion, helps build/maintain muscle, and can treat arthritis, autoimmune diseases, ulcers, connective tissue damage/disorders, and enhances mental functioning on a great number of levels. It can be useful for people who suffer addictions and cravings, as it reduces desire for sugar and alcohol.
Glutamine is found in plant and animal foods, but is easily destroyed in cooking, and if the powdered form becomes wet it will turn into ammonia. It should be avoided by people who have liver and kidney disfunction that causes ammonia to buildup.
Good sources of glutamine: whey protein, eggs, spinach, parsley.
*Arginine is an interesting amino acid because it plays an important rolein detoxifying the body, as well as in healing wounds and supporting immune functions. It relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow. Unfortunately it should be avoided by individuals with herpes viruses as it can increase risk of breakouts.
Arginine is beneficial because it: increases metabolism of fat cells, builds muscle, inhibits cancer, increases sperm counts, and speeds wound healing. It can be found in the following foods:
brown rice, carob, chocolate, nuts,oatmeal, popcorn, raisins, raw cereals, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, whole wheat products. The vitamins and supplements guide I use suggests that Arginine supplements should be avoidedbypeople with food allergies, poor nutrition, or bone diseases, without first consulting a health practitioner.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Food Politics
This week's reading and selected resources have reignited the flame under my agribusiness burner. I'm really grateful to have chosen a class with readings that force us to consider the major issues associated with how, from where, when, and what kinds of foods are available to us. The big question in my mind right now is "Why do we as a democratic society allow agricultural businesses to determine what we eat, and why do we stand by as the FDA determines what is safe based on the financial support they receive from the agri-industry?"
I have a degree in Political Science, and have wondered often about how I will combine that knowledge store with my current education in holistic health. I think I figured out at least part of it. Petitioning grocery stores to provide its customers with more information is a task I am setting before myself. I am particularly disturbed by the fact that although federal law mandates grocery stores inform shoppers about waxes, pesticides, and resins applied to produce after harvest, most are not in compliance. My goal is to address this issue with as many grocery stores in the area as possible ( I have never once seen an indicator of this process, but I never knew it was an illegal practice), and if they do not agree to adjust their policy, generate customer petitions. Ideally I would like to take this a step further and work towards getting grocery stores to provide information about pesticides and irradiation to customers just for the sake of their safety. Ignorance is not bliss when it causes cancer.
Previously I was unaware of the use of waxes to maintain produce hydration, but I feel I will definitely need to soak things in soapy water before using them. Even though I buy organic produce, I'm not fooled by the USDA's Organic Logo, because I know Certified Organic just means farmers have fewer options for the amounts and types of chemicals they can use, but they are still allowed to use chemical herbicides and pesticides in growing ORGANIC.
I plan to find a creative way to inform people about food safety, because it is ignored by pretty much everyone I know. A lot of individuals are subconsciously aware of the fact that preservatives, food colorings, pesticides, and artificial sweeteners are not 'good' for them, but so many ignore it. There must be a way to bring it to the top of people's minds. I'm looking forward to watching both Food Inc, and The Future of Food this week, as I think these videos might be the tools I'm looking for.
I have a degree in Political Science, and have wondered often about how I will combine that knowledge store with my current education in holistic health. I think I figured out at least part of it. Petitioning grocery stores to provide its customers with more information is a task I am setting before myself. I am particularly disturbed by the fact that although federal law mandates grocery stores inform shoppers about waxes, pesticides, and resins applied to produce after harvest, most are not in compliance. My goal is to address this issue with as many grocery stores in the area as possible ( I have never once seen an indicator of this process, but I never knew it was an illegal practice), and if they do not agree to adjust their policy, generate customer petitions. Ideally I would like to take this a step further and work towards getting grocery stores to provide information about pesticides and irradiation to customers just for the sake of their safety. Ignorance is not bliss when it causes cancer.
Previously I was unaware of the use of waxes to maintain produce hydration, but I feel I will definitely need to soak things in soapy water before using them. Even though I buy organic produce, I'm not fooled by the USDA's Organic Logo, because I know Certified Organic just means farmers have fewer options for the amounts and types of chemicals they can use, but they are still allowed to use chemical herbicides and pesticides in growing ORGANIC.
I plan to find a creative way to inform people about food safety, because it is ignored by pretty much everyone I know. A lot of individuals are subconsciously aware of the fact that preservatives, food colorings, pesticides, and artificial sweeteners are not 'good' for them, but so many ignore it. There must be a way to bring it to the top of people's minds. I'm looking forward to watching both Food Inc, and The Future of Food this week, as I think these videos might be the tools I'm looking for.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Week 2
So many possibilities...I wish I were in a position, financially and in my living situation, to eat the way I want to all the time. For now, there are a lot of these concepts I'll discuss that I'm interested in trying, but won't actually be able to do it until some things change in my personal life. Unfortunate, but at least I have goals.
Eating Organic. Most of the food I buy is organic or naturally grown. I think it's incredibly important for us to find out whether a food is grown without pesticides by calling the farmer. A lot of them just aren't certified yet, because that process is expensive and can take forever. Several really amazing local farms are in that state of being now. Not only are pesticides damaging to our bodies and minds, but they are destroying our earth, from whom all our needs are satisfied.
Keep a bowl of fruit at work. I love this idea. I try to take some bananas andnuts and things towork every day, but sometimes I just forget. I also think if I keep it there, it will encourage my coworkers to eat it too...which would be a great alternative to what they are currently eating!
Eat Fish. I wish I could eat as much amazing fresh fish as I did when I lived in Oregon. So instead of eating more fish, I think I'll start using cod liver oil again. It's filled with good fatty acids to help my brain function, and restores tissues throughout the body (I think).
Electrolytes. I drink a lot of water, but I'm sure I do not get enough magnesium and potassium. Actually an iridologist told me that my iris' illustrated a digestive issue that may be the result of deficient magnesium, and I assume that probably means my potassium is low too. So I'll be aware of the amount of salt I eat, and increase potassium/magnesium rich foods like bananas and oranges, and maybe take a good potassium/magnesium supplement.
Blood Sugar. I think this is something I really need to focus on. I have read that some psychological disorders or mental disfunction can be caused by unstable blood sugar levels, and I definitely do not eat enough or at appropriate times/intervals. I tend not to overeat on junk...except during a crisis or hormonal change, but I would really like to begin eating something small and powerful every couple of hours. As it is, I drink homemade chai in themorning, and don't eat any food until around 5pm if I forget to take something to work.
Dihiolthiones. I really want to start making kimchi and sauerkraut. Being from the cabbage family, and fermented as well, these foods are beneficial for digestion and cancer prevention. Our book also says they enhance detoxification, which is something I definitely need.
NEW HEALTHY FOOD:
I have decided to try cod liver oil. I'vedone this before, several years ago, but I want to do it again to see if I notice any changes in mood, function, or the way my skin looks.
Eating Organic. Most of the food I buy is organic or naturally grown. I think it's incredibly important for us to find out whether a food is grown without pesticides by calling the farmer. A lot of them just aren't certified yet, because that process is expensive and can take forever. Several really amazing local farms are in that state of being now. Not only are pesticides damaging to our bodies and minds, but they are destroying our earth, from whom all our needs are satisfied.
Keep a bowl of fruit at work. I love this idea. I try to take some bananas andnuts and things towork every day, but sometimes I just forget. I also think if I keep it there, it will encourage my coworkers to eat it too...which would be a great alternative to what they are currently eating!
Eat Fish. I wish I could eat as much amazing fresh fish as I did when I lived in Oregon. So instead of eating more fish, I think I'll start using cod liver oil again. It's filled with good fatty acids to help my brain function, and restores tissues throughout the body (I think).
Electrolytes. I drink a lot of water, but I'm sure I do not get enough magnesium and potassium. Actually an iridologist told me that my iris' illustrated a digestive issue that may be the result of deficient magnesium, and I assume that probably means my potassium is low too. So I'll be aware of the amount of salt I eat, and increase potassium/magnesium rich foods like bananas and oranges, and maybe take a good potassium/magnesium supplement.
Blood Sugar. I think this is something I really need to focus on. I have read that some psychological disorders or mental disfunction can be caused by unstable blood sugar levels, and I definitely do not eat enough or at appropriate times/intervals. I tend not to overeat on junk...except during a crisis or hormonal change, but I would really like to begin eating something small and powerful every couple of hours. As it is, I drink homemade chai in themorning, and don't eat any food until around 5pm if I forget to take something to work.
Dihiolthiones. I really want to start making kimchi and sauerkraut. Being from the cabbage family, and fermented as well, these foods are beneficial for digestion and cancer prevention. Our book also says they enhance detoxification, which is something I definitely need.
NEW HEALTHY FOOD:
I have decided to try cod liver oil. I'vedone this before, several years ago, but I want to do it again to see if I notice any changes in mood, function, or the way my skin looks.
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