Organic Chlorella VS Organic Spirulina

(www.Borganic.org) Chlorella vs. spirulina

In this section, I've talked about chlorella and spirulina as if they were twins. But they aren't: each has a unique nutritional profile. Although I strongly recommend using them both as part of every meal (I do), you may find yourself needing one or the other based on certain circumstances. So here's the score:

Chlorella:

• A better source of chlorophyll, which makes it more detoxifying and cleansing.
• It is especially good for people with liver disorders or people who drink or smoke.
• It is very helpful for people with dry stools who suffer from constipation.
• It is especially good for people who need "rebuilding" -- people who suffer from degenerative diseases (muscle, nervous system, etc.) or people who are frail.
• Contains Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF), which boosts the immune system, reverses cancer, and offers other health benefits.
• CGF also helps repair nerve tissues throughout the body and is excellent for treating degenerative brain and nerve disorders.

Spirulina:

• A superior source of digestible protein. Contains 12 times the protein of beef.
• Easier on the digestive system than chlorella, which can cause diarrhea in sensitive individuals.
• The best source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a "good" fat necessary for the human brain, proper heart function, and other body systems.
• Contains phycocyanin, a potent anti-cancer phytochemical that also gives spirulina its characteristic blue hue.

As you can see, both chlorella and spirulina offer a vast range of health benefits, and many of their strengths overlap. That's why I generally recommend that people consume both in substantial quantities. As a general rule, you should consume spirulina and chlorella in a 2:1 ratio. In other words, if you take 10 grams of spirulina a day, take 5 grams of chlorella, too.

If you are suffering from a particular health condition, increase your consumption of the micro-algae best suited for that condition. These health conditions are discussed in more detail below. Recommended dosages of chlorella and spirulina are also covered in more detail in the "how to take chlorella and spirulina" section later in this guide.

Now we'll take a look at the use of chlorella and spirulina for specific health conditions and dietary patterns.

By Mike Adams

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Commercial beef really is made out of chicken feces

(www.Borganic.org) A recent investigation into industrialized agriculture feeding practices has revealed some disturbing information of which many may not be aware. Commercial animal husbandry practices often involve feeding livestock mass amounts of animal waste, including chicken litter, which contains chicken feces, bedding, feathers, and other unknown residue.

Long before the days of industrialized agriculture, leftover table scraps and produce unfit to be sold were the type of waste products farmers fed to cows and other livestock, in addition to the grasses and other natural food they already ate. The waste of old was edible, nutritious and suitable for animals.

What passes for waste feed today is a far cry from what it once was, containing all sorts of inedible and often dangerous waste material. Besides the obvious vileness of feeding cows chicken excrement, chicken litter contains other dangerous materials like toxic heavy metals, antibiotics, the flesh and bones of dead cattle and even nails and small shards of glass.

According to the Consumers Union, the materials present in the chicken litter commonly fed to cows is responsible for helping to spread mad cow and other related human neurological diseases. It also encourages the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and exposes cattle to environmental and bacterial toxins.

Chicken litter works great as a soil fertilizer because it adds nitrogen, nutrients and other organic matter to soil. It has long been common practice to recycle it on nearby land.

However, today's massive chicken factories produce a glut of litter that these factory farms do not know what to do with. Their solution has been to sell it to cattle feedlots, where cows consume up to two million tons of it every year.

Chicken litter is not the only disgusting waste product being fed to cows that millions of Americans end up eating as beef. Feedlot operators are also feeding leftover waste products from corn-ethanol production. Such byproducts contain antibiotic residues and are implicated in prompting the proliferation of the E. coli virus.

The biodiesel industry has also jumped onboard, pedaling its primary waste product, glycerin, to feedlots. Glycerin is typically refined and purified for use in cosmetics, but the kind sold to feedlots has not been purified. To put it more simply, commercial beef cows are being fed a crude waste product from biodiesel production.

Industrial meat production has become a horrific nightmare of epic proportions. The conscious public will do itself a favor and seek out wholesome, nutritious, pasture-raised and grass-fed meat from animals that are treated humanely.

Sources for this story include:

http://www.grist.org/article/2010-0...

By Ethan A. Huff
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San Francisco's toxic sludge is good for you! Its Not Organic

(www.Borganic.org) If someone were to begin marketing toxic sewer sludge as "high-quality, nutrient-rich, organic" compost, he or she would likely be considered a crook and possibly sued for false advertising. Unfortunately, this is what the city of San Francisco and Synagro, "the largest recycler of organic residuals in the United States," have begun doing to the people of San Francisco.

Most waste treatment facilities across the U.S. contract treatment and disposal responsibilities to Synagro. Because it is no longer permissible to dump toxic sewage directly in the ocean, most of it ends up being reused on farm fields as "fertilizer." However, San Francisco is the first city to have launched an aggressive public relations campaign to trick its citizens into thinking that the toxic sewage is an organic compost.

A 2008 issue of the magazine Organic Style named San Francisco's mayor, Gavin Newsom, the "World's Greenest Mayor." It lauded his many "green" initiatives which include expanded recycling programs, green building programs, and energy audits.

The latest scam being launched against San Franciscans may have the magazine's editors reeling back their praise. Recognizing that San Franciscans are known for being aggressive against programs that harm the environment, Synagro worked with city officials to devise a unique plan for disposing of the city's toxic waste. Their solution? Name the waste "high-quality, nutrient-rich, organic Biosolids Compost" and give it away to local gardeners.

In a letter to Mayor Newsom, the Organic Consumers Assocation (OCA) urged an end to the practice, citing that "municipal sewage sludge routinely contains thousands of dangerous pathogens, toxic heavy metals, flame retardants, endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, pharmaceutical drugs and other hazardous chemicals coming from residential drains, storm water runoff, hospitals, and industrial plants."

These are hardly the types of things gardeners would willingly dump on their plants and in their soil, but the facts surrounding the source of the "compost" are being withheld. The fact that the city is basically lying to its citizens by claiming that toxic waste is both organic and rich in nutrients is not only shocking but abhorrent.

The Grassroots Netroots Alliance, in conjunction with OCA, have created an "Action Alert" contact page that allows people to contact the City and County of San Francisco and Ed Harrington, Public Utilities Commissioner, to insist that the program be stopped. The last thing America's farms and gardens need is more toxic waste contamination.

Sources for this story include:

http://www.prwatch.org/node/8885

http://www.organicconsumers.org/slu...

By Ethan A. Huff
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Bipolar Disorder: Try Effective Natural Alternatives, Part I

(www.Borganic.org) Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, is an illness characterized by two components: extreme highs and extreme lows. It is a disease that can incapacitate a person's life, leaving them with a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness. This disorder has become a household term, now affecting 5.7 million Americans. The cause is not completely understood, but it is thought that lack of proper nutrition may play a part in the growing number of people suffering from this condition. Therefore, supplying the body with the proper nutrients and supplements may provide important help in correcting this disorder.

Although we all experience ups and downs due to everyday stress, they are nothing compared to the ups and downs that a person with a bipolar disorder experiences. The "ups" is called the manic phase where the person experiences almost a wild ecstasy, sometimes causing them to behave irresponsibly while taking serious risks. Those undergoing the manic phase of the disease may experience a feeling of elation, coupled with over-inflated self-esteem. This is a time where they think that the world is at their feet and that nothing is impossible. Other symptoms consist of irritability, decreased need for sleep, rapid speech, increased libido, delusions, and the inability to focus on a specific task.

The other side of the coin, the depressive phase, eventually surfaces. During this phase, the person can experience the deepest pit of depression. The depressive phase presents itself with loss of energy, sadness, loss of interest in activities, significant changes in appetite, difficulty in sleeping or oversleeping, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, and suicidal thoughts.

These highs and lows can range from mild to extreme. They may come on slowly over a period of time, or they can surface within a matter of hours. A bipolar disorder can cause behavior extreme enough that it may be impossible to function in society. It affects family, work, and social relationships. As a likely result of the depression and extreme mood swings, as many as one in five people with bipolar disorder commit suicide.

The cause of a bipolar disorder is thought to be both physical and emotional. Some studies suggest that high or low levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine are among the chief causes. Another cause could be imbalanced hormones and stress triggers are thought to be a third cause.

In addressing a bipolar disorder, just as with any other health condition, diet is crucial. It is important to give the body the proper nutrients it needs. Oftentimes, poor nutrition is at least partly responsible for an impending condition. It is thought that the decreasing amounts of vitamins and minerals in our food supply and the SADs diet is responsible for the increasing numbers of people diagnosed as bipolar.

Removing unhealthy foods and stimulants that can aggravate symptoms should be a priority. Sugar, fatty foods, and caffeine are all irritants which contribute to manic episodes. On the other hand, alcohol, a depressant in its own right, will contribute to the depressive episodes. Removing these harmful ingredients from one's diet may improve, if not eliminate, these symptoms.

In Part II of this segment we will go into detail as to how proper nutrition, together with the appropriate supplements can lessen to eliminate bipolar symptoms.

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bi...
http://bipolar.about.com/cs/bpbasic...
http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disord...

By Luella May
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Maca Gives Potential Relief for Migraine Sufferers

(www.Borganic.org) People who suffer from the debilitating pain of migraine headaches need relief. Could the solution be found in a radish-like root vegetable that grows in an extreme climate where few other plants can survive? Might something the Incas consumed regularly 2,000 years ago be a modern day panacea for migraine sufferers?

Migraines Defined

The word migraine derives from the Greek word hemikrania meaning "half a skull". The disorder was so named because migraines are typically unilateral (affecting one half of the head). Migraines are severe, vascular headaches often accompanied by symptoms such as persistent pain in the temple or behind the ear, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to sounds and light. Some migraines are preceded by an aura, which is a type of unusual visual or auditory sensory experience. For some, a migraine will last only a couple of hours. For others, the intense pain and discomfort can last up to 72 hours.

Triggers & Causes

Some of the usual suspects such as stress, lack of exercise, allergies, irregular sleep patterns, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol (particularly red wine) are implicated as possible causes of migraines headaches. Migraines involve excessive dilation or contraction of the brain's blood vessels. Nicotine is known to constrict blood vessels and red wine can contain sulfites which will cause a reaction in some people. Other potential stressors on blood vessels can be elevated estrogen levels or progesterone levels that are too low.

The Hormonal Connection

Modern-day exposure to chemicals and pollution, along with the standard American diet and its accompanying toxic load, can wreak havoc on the endocrine system, leaving individuals with wild fluctuations and deficiencies in hormone levels. It is interesting to note that women are three times more likely to suffer from migraines than men. Low progesterone levels are often the reason for these terrible headaches in women over the age of 35. Also, when excessive estrogenic burdens (xenoestrogens from plastics, for example) are placed on the body, the endocrine system's homeostasis can be disrupted. This may indicate a relationship between migraines and fluctuating hormone levels.

Maca's Role

Maca is a superfood that grows at 14,000 feet elevation in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is both adaptogenic and restorative in that it helps the body to adapt to stress and can help to recalibrate the body's hormones. Maca has an incredible nutritional profile of potent phytonutrients that include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fiber, and fatty acids. This amazing plant can nutritionally fuel the endocrine system so that it is able to produce hormones regularly. Maca does not actually increase levels of any hormones but encourages the body to produce them on its own. This is accomplished through maca's targeted nourishment of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands (master glands of the body). These glands in turn regulate other glands, bringing balance to the adrenal, thyroid, pancreas, ovarian, and testicular glands. This can move the body toward a more optimal balance of estrogen and progesterone levels potentially reducing the severity and occurrence of migraine headaches.

Maca is easily enjoyed in its powdered form mixed in a smoothie, yogurt, or cereal.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Migraine

http://www.macamagic.com/index.html

https://www.medicine-plants.com/articles/64/

http://ezinearticles.com/?Superfood...

http://www.naturalnews.com/027797_m...

http://www.herbcompanion.com/Herb-P...

By William Rudolph
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The government has your baby's DNA!

(www.Borganic.org) According to Brad Therrell, director of the National Newborn Screening & Genetics Resource Center, all babies born in the United States are required to be screened for a host of genetic diseases. The government has mandated that all newborns be evaluated genetically to see whether or not they might be predisposed to developing a genetic disease and most parents are not informed about the tests.

The Browns from Mankato, Minnesota, are one such couple who was informed by their pediatrician that their daughter, Isabel, has a gene that allegedly heightens her risk of developing cystic fibrosis. Curious as to how the doctor obtained information about Isabel's genes, the couple inquired of her about this, only to find out that Isabel had undergone gene tests when she was born without their consent.

Many states not only conduct gene tests on newborns but they store them indefinitely in government labs, which has caused an uproar among concerned parents.

"Why do they need to store my baby's DNA indefinitely? Something on there could affect her ability to get a job later on, or get health insurance," explained Annie Brown, Isabel's mother. Her concern is shared by millions of parents across the country, many of whom have filed lawsuits in their own states against the government.

In Minnesota, the explanation for why DNA is stored indefinitely is so analysts can perform repeat tests if need be. The state claims that in case a child ever goes missing or dies, DNA blueprints can be used for tracking and identification purposes. It also admits that samples are used for "medical research".

Genetic testing on newborns first began in the 1960s to allegedly help detect serious conditions like retardation in order to save babies' lives. According to records, many newborns' lives were saved from such testing.

However, new tests were gradually added to the panel over the years. In some states, babies are screened for up to 54 different conditions. Their results are then stored in state labs for indefinite periods of time but, according to Therrell, parents need not worry about it.

"The states have in place very rigid controls on those specimens," he explained. "If my children's DNA were in one of these state labs, I wouldn't be worried a bit."

In reality, outside researchers often have access to the samples as well as the babies' names to whom they belong. One study conducted in Minnesota found that over 20 scientific papers published in the U.S. since the year 2000 used newborn blood samples.

In many states, parents can request that their babies' DNA be removed from labs and destroyed. Whether or not the state actually obeys is another story.

Sources for this story include:

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/...

By Ethan A. Huff
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Make Organic Homemade Natural Foot Balm, Splash-Ons and Hand Cream

(www.Borganic.org) Why waste money on commercially made bath and spa products which are expensive and contain harmful, synthetic chemicals? Try some easy recipes at home - the resultant products are a natural way to smell and feel delightful.

Honeysuckle Foot Balm with Beeswax

Beeswax is obtained by melting empty honeycombs. It gives foot balms a creamy consistency and a hint of honey fragrance. Beeswax applied to the skin helps to prevent skin dehydration and in foot balms, it prevents cracked, dry heels. In addition, the propolis can aid in healing minor infections.

A basic foot balm can be made with 1/3 cup each of beeswax, cocoa butter and almond oil combined with 2 tablespoons rosewater or an essential oil such as honeysuckle or jasmine.

Method:

Heat the beeswax and cocoa butter over a low heat. Do not allow to scorch or burn. Once melted, add the oils and continue to gently heat up until the oils and wax have combined and the solution is runny. Remove from the heat and add the rosewater or essential oil. Pour into a clean glass jar and allow to cool completely. The mixture will harden as it cools.

Chamomile Hand Cream

Chamomile is believed to soften hands. To prepare a chamomile infusion, pour boiling water over a quarter of a cup of chamomile flowers and allow to steep until cool. Strain and use as required.

1 tablespoon cocoa butter
1/4 cup vitamin E cream
3 tablespoons strong chamomile infusion

Method:

Gently melt cocoa butter in a small saucepan over a low heat. Remove and allow to cool; then, whisk in vitamin E cream and the chamomile infusion. Continue to whisk until mixture cools and begins to thicken. Pour into a glass jar and seal. Makes about a quarter cup of hand cream.

Spicy Splash-On

For a clean, spicy smell that will last throughout the day, try applying a splash on right after you get out of the shower. The splash-on makes a great home-made gift for men.

5 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon cloves
1 liter boiling water
2 tablespoons vodka

Method:

Place cinnamon and cloves in a glass jar and pour boiling water over the spices. Allow to cool; when lukewarm add the vodka, stir and seal. Allow to steep for 2 days; then, discard the spices. Pour liquid into a bottle and seal. Makes about 1 liter of splash on.

Floral Toilet Water

"Toilet water" does not sound as romantic as the French term "eau de toilette". Toilet water refers to a scented liquid used as a skin freshener. It is a refreshing and pleasantly fragrant, scented water that works wonders when sprayed on a hot, tired body.

2 cups fresh flower petals (roses, lavender, violets or a mixture of fragrant flower petals)
1 liter boiling water
2 tablespoons vodka

Method:

Fill a glass jar with flower petals and cover with boiling water. Allow to cool before adding the vodka; then, cover and cool completely. Strain through muslin, discard petals and pour into small spray bottles. Keep out of direct sunlight. This makes a delightful spray-on for ladies who are out in the hot sun and need to refresh every now and again.

Sources:

http://www.draperbee.com/info/propo...

http://www.essentialoils.co.za/crea...

http://www.essentialoils.co.za/crea...

By Fleur Hupston
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Make Your Own Safe, Organic Natural and Healthy Toothpastes

(www.Borganic.org) Virtually all commercial toothpastes contain one or both of two problematic ingredients: fluoride and glycerin. Fluoride, a mining by-product, is one of the bigger scams perpetrated on an unwitting public. Instead of being beneficial it actually damages teeth. Glycerin coats the enamel and prevents natural re-mineralization of teeth. The solution in avoiding those two items may be making your own tooth paste or tooth cleanser at home.

Here are some recipes you can make at home which contain neither fluoride or glycerin:

Old Fashioned Tooth Powder

Ingredients:

2 tbsp dried lemon or orange rind
1/4 cup baking soda
2 tsp salt

Directions:

Grind the rinds in a food processor until they become a fine powder. Add baking soda and salt then process for a few more seconds until you have a fine powder. Store in an airtight container. Dip moistened toothbrush into the mixture and brush as usual.

Mix ingredients to make a paste, dip toothbrush into the mix and then brush as usual.

Basic Toothpaste

Ingredients:

1 Tsp of the above Old Fashioned Tooth Powder
1/4 Tsp Hydrogen peroxide

Directions:

Mix into a paste and brush as usual.

Vanilla, Geranium and Honey Toothpaste

Ingredients:

1/2 ounce powdered chalk
3 ounces powdered orris root
4 teaspoons of tincture of vanilla
15 drops oil of rose geranium
Raw honey, enough to make a paste

Directions:

Combine all ingredients and mix until you have the consistency you want. Scoop the paste onto brush. Store the paste in an airtight container.

Simple Mint Toothpaste

Ingredients:

Bicarbonate of soda
Salt
Water
Bentonite clay powder
Peppermint oil

Directions:

Mix 3 parts bicarbonate of soda with one part salt. Add 3 tsp of bentonite clay for every 1/4 cup of this mixture, and then add enough water to make a thick paste. Add a few drops of peppermint oil for better taste.

Herbal Mint Toothpaste Recipe

Ingredients:

1/4 tsp peppermint oil
1/4 tsp spearmint
1/4 cup arrowroot
1/4 cup powdered orrisroot
1/4 cup water
1 tsp ground sage

Directions:

Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl. Add water until paste is desired thickness/consistency. Store at room temperature in a tightly covered jar.

Substitute 1/2 tsp each of oil of cinnamon and oil of cloves for peppermint/spearmint if desired.

Refreshing Super Mint Toothpaste

Ingredients:

6 teaspoons baking soda
1/3 teaspoon sea salt
4 teaspoons bentonite clay powder
15 drops peppermint

Directions:

Mix thoroughly until you get the toothpaste consistency you desire. If desired, add a few drops of peppermint or wintergreen.

Strawberry Tooth Cleanser

Ingredients:

1 tsp of the above Old Fashioned Tooth Powder
1 tbsp crushed ripe strawberries

Directions:

Mix strawberries and powder into a paste and brush as usual.

Basic Tooth Cleanser

Ingredients:

Hydrogen peroxide (a few drops)
Baking soda

Directions:

Make a paste by combining the two ingredients. You can also gently rub this paste along your gums twice a week for maximum benefit.

Lemon and Cloves Herbal Tooth Cleanser

Ingredients:

Small amount of finely powdered sage
1 ounce of finely powdered myrrh
1 pound powdered arrow root
3 ounces powdered orris root
15 drops oil of lemon
8 drops oil of cloves
10 drops oil of bergamot
10 drops of coconut oil (you may have to warm slightly to melt)

Directions:

Mix the powdered ingredients first and then add and mix the oils into the mixture.

Notes:

Supercharge any of the above recipes by adding tea tree oil or plant derived mineral powder (or both).

When you use items which contain lemon, rinse your mouth and teeth thoroughly afterward to prevent damage to teeth enamel.

Sources included:

http://www.tbyil.com/Toothpastes_an...
http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/b...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/...

By Tony Isaacs
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Millions drink toxic water in the USA, but it's EPA-approved!

(www.Borganic.org) It has been so long since the federal law regulating tap water has been updated that since 2004, more than one-fifth of the U.S. population has consumed tap water that the government classifies as toxic, but still approves for human consumption.

"People don't understand that just because water is technically legal, it can still present health risks," said Pankaj Parekh, director of water quality for the City of Los Angeles.

Even though more than 60,000 chemicals are used in the United States each year and most have never been tested for human safety, the Safe Water Drinking Act regulates only 91 different toxins. Many of these are regulations have not been updated since the 1980s or even since the law was first passed in 1974. The law does not take into account newer findings that certain chemicals can be more toxic in combination than separately. To top it off, not a single chemical has been added to the law since 2000.

Science has passed the law by, as researchers have identified hundreds of new chemicals that can cause cancer or other diseases if consumed in tap water. Many of these chemicals are even regulated by some federal agencies, yet are still allowed in tap water. An analysis by the New York Times of 19 million drinking-water tests found that since 2004, more than 62 million people have consumed fully legal tap water that contained contaminants at levels violating at least one federal health guideline. Likewise, numerous scientific studies suggest that millions of people a year become sick from toxins contained in drinking water.

Yet many of these diseases take a long time to appear, and can never be definitively linked to tap water.

"These chemicals accumulate in body tissue. They affect developmental and hormonal systems in ways we don't understand," said Linda S. Birnbaum, director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. "There's growing evidence that numerous chemicals are more dangerous than previously thought, but the EPA still gives them a clean bill of health."

Sources for this story include: www.nytimes.com.

BY David Gutierrez
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Accutane acne drug dangerous for your health. Use organic remedies

(www.Borganic.org) Accutane, an anti-acne drug manufactured by Roche, is in the spotlight once again for causing a New Jersey man to have to get his colon removed. Following a lawsuit filed against Roche, alleging that Accutane gave him a severe inflammatory bowel disorder, the man was awarded a $25 million verdict.

The man is not the first to have had his colon removed because of Accutane. Accutane, also known generically as isotretinoin, can cause a whole host of serious problems that are far worse than having acne. The drug label warns that women should not get pregnant while taking the drug because the baby may develop birth defects or die. Accutane may even kill its users.

A few of the other serious side effects caused by Accutane include miscarriages, psychosis and other serious mental problems, suicidal tendencies, acute pancreatitis, "unknown" cardiovascular consequences, hepatitis, night blindness and sight loss, and increased internal skull pressure, just to name a few.

There have been so many lawsuits against Roche for damage caused by Accutane that the company has ceased all marketing for the drug. Rather than make the responsible choice to pull the dangerous drug off the market, Roche instead decided to keep Accutane on the market without promoting it.

In typical fashion, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is nowhere to be found in response to Accutane's numerous reprehensible side effects. The agency has decided to ignore the growing list of patients who become seriously injured or die from taking Accutane. Some patients have actually reported that their acne got worse when they started taking Accutane, leaving them with permanent scars.

People with severe cystic acne, the type for which Accutane is typically prescribed, are often told that they have no alternative to taking Accutane if they want to cure their acne. Truth be told, the active ingredient in Accutane is simply a synthetic form of vitamin A. Rather than take the synthetic form, acne sufferers would be better off researching natural, carotene forms of vitamin A that are safe and non-toxic.

Sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, goji berries, kale, collard greens, cilantro, broccoli, and many other fruits and vegetables are rich in natural vitamin A. Red palm oil, the richest natural source of beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, is an excellent food for combatting acne.

Since there are many natural approaches to fighting severe acne that are highly effective, there is no reason for anyone to put their health in jeopardy by taking Accutane.

Sources for this story include:

http://industry.bnet.com/pharma/100...

http://www.unu.edu/unupress/food/8F...

By Ethan A. Huff
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How much Organic Spirulina should I take

(www.Borganic.org) How much Organic Spirulina should I take. When to take it.

Best before a meal to aid with digestion.

Spirulina: A maintenance dosage of Spirulina is 3 -- 5 grams per day. Although their nutritional profile may appear to be quite similar, Spirulina and Chlorella are completely different foods. Spirulina is great before a physical workout. I take 5 – 6 grams religiously before any kind of physical training. Stamina, endurance and recovery are significantly improved with Spirulina. After a strenuous workout where the body is pushed to its limits, an additional 10 – 20 grams should be taken during the following 24 hours to rebuild the body and muscle tissue that has been torn down.

Spirulina should also be taken 15 – 30 minutes before a meal to help prepare the stomach for proper digestion since it also helps accelerate the reproductive rate of probiotics.

Maintenance Dosage: 3 – 5 grams/day
Significant Part of the Diet: 6 – 10 grams/day
Immune System Builder: 11 – 14 grams/day
Primary Source of Protein : 12 – 19 grams/day
Healing Purposes: 20 – 25+ grams/day

Also great before a workout.

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Omega-3: An Organic Vegetarian Perspective Identifies the Best Source (Opinion)

(www.Borganic.org) We are taught early in life that fish oil is the best source of omega-3 fatty acids. But, as you will see, this is not so. Only plants can make omega-3 fats. Fish cannot; cows cannot; and people cannot. So, how do fish acquire omega-3 fatty acids? From eating seaweeds, that`s how.

Because of the industrial pollution that inundates the oceans through various manufacturing processes, a metallic substance accumulates in the waterways and is converted in the environment as methylmercury. The fish that become heavily contaminated with this methylmercury are tuna, swordfish, and mackerel from the ocean and pike, walleye and bass from the rivers.

Fish, then, become heavily contaminated with mercury as does fish oil. In addition to the mercury, other pollutants like dioxins and PCB`s accumulate therein. To say that the fish and their oils are contaminated is an understatement.

It might be one thing to specially process the removal of cholesterol from the oils, but even so, the omega -3 fat will cause the "bad" cholesterol to rise. Why? Because the constant ingestion of mercury and other pollutants accumulates in the fat of the fish where the oil comes from, from day one.

To get the cholesterol lowering effects of fish oil you would need to consume about 2.5 to 3.5 ounces daily, which equates to an additional 675 to 900 extra calories a day and weight gain.

So, assuming the above is not believed, it has already been proven that mercury is toxic to the nervous system and kidneys. Too bad the American Dental Association is in disbelief of that. Taken over a long period of time the acceleration of hardening of the arteries is imminent due to the free radical damage to the arteries.

Fish oil being high in fat can increase a person`s risk of cancer and also increase the risk of spreading cancer to other parts of the body. Not only that, but fish fat can also inhibit the actions of insulin thereby increasing high blood sugar, leading to diabetes and suppressing the immune system.

Okay smarty-pants, how do I then get a healthy dose of omega-3`s without resorting to flax seeds? Easy!
There is a supplement on the market which is composed of DHA-rich marine algae oil in a vegetable-based capsule. Each capsule contains 300mg. of DHA which is more than the non-vegan varieties. It will greatly benefit the cardiovascular system as well as the brain and central nervous system.

The one thing you must realize is that fish IS NOT a health food. It is the muscle of a cold-blooded creature. It has no carbohydrate, no dietary fiber and no vitamin C. It is a creature high on the ocean food chain, highly contaminated with industrial pollutants and possesses only fat and protein. And we know that excess fat leads to heart disease and excess protein leads to osteoporosis (due to the body`s innate wisdom of counteracting excess protein with calcium taken from the bones). Besides, like it or not, physiologically we are designed to consume plant foods. Dying of a heart attack in your 50`s, on a plant based diet, is unheard of unless you have really bad karma.

Aloha!

Reference: www.drmcdougall.com
"Fish is Not Health Food"
February, 2003

By Hesh Goldstein
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Cannot See the Forest through the GMO Trees

(www.Borganic.org) "What'll they think of next?" That was a common awestruck question regarding scientific and technological achievements during the 1950s and '60s. It was a naive era, which was the beginning of our being poisoned by science through food and medicine. Now it should be a horrified "what's next"? Man's scientific assault on nature has added even more peril by adding trees to the list of GMOs.

As attorney/activist Andrew Kimbrell commented in the documentary "Unnatural Selection", these genetic changes in food crops, fish, animals, and trees are not recallable. Once they're out, that's it for good. And they do endanger non-GMO life forms through contamination or reproduction.

Calling Dr. Frankenstein!

The Greatest Threat to Forests Since the Chain Saw

That's the phrase used in the documentary "Silent Forest", and it refers to the ongoing field testing of GM trees for monoculture (cultivating only one type) industrial tree plantations. As the antithesis of nature's natural biodiversity, even non-GMO monoculture crops and tree plantations endanger future generations while ruining the soil.

Combining monoculture seeding with GMO seeds really pushes all of life toward extinction.

Monoculture GMO tree plantations exist today in field trails all over the world, and many of them are near diverse wild tree regions. Millions of hectares throughout the world are planned for genetically engineered (GE) trees on industrial monoculture plantations. A hectare is 2.5 acres, so multiply the millions by 2.5 to get the acreage.

It seems that a component of trees' wood, lignin, is a bit of a bother when it comes to making paper from wood. So the lignin is genetically reduced. But lignin is what gives trees the flexible strength to withstand high winds and insects. These GE trees are going to be weaker.

Meanwhile the durable, easy to grow recyclable cash crop called hemp, which can be used to make paper, is still banned almost everywhere.

GMO trees are also genetically designed to create their own pesticide. So if you eat fruits or nuts from one of those trees, you will have your own pesticides mingling in your gut and messing with those friendly bacteria permanently.

Not to worry, they are genetically engineered to not flower or bear nuts or fruits to ensure against contamination of non-GMO plants and trees. In other words, they're sterile.

But Rod Harbinson, a GEFF (GE Free Forest) spokesperson said in 1999,"The science is moving so fast they are not considering the effect on the environment. (...) There has already been a case with GM aspens in Germany flowering [enabling pollination of other trees] when they were supposed not to be able to. We are alarmed that these trees will pollute the environment." (emphasis added)

Well what about GE trees ability to resist herbicides? It seems some weeds have figured GE implanted herbicides out enough to survive and say "bring it on, baby"! Antibiotics breed super bugs while killer herbicides breed super weeds which demand more spraying.

Conclusion

Deforestation for other farming and industrial purposes has already taken a huge toll on that section of our environment, which converts CO2 to oxygen world wide. Creating monoculture plantations is a bad solution made worse with GMO seeding.

Try to learn more and figure out a way to help resist this madness at any level within your reach. The arrogant zeal of mechanistic scientists who think they know better than creation's consciousness, aka nature, is harnessed by industrial corporations' sociopathic greed and lust for power over all life. It needs to stop.

And you can learn more through these sources:

Free On Line Documentary "Unnatural Selection" (includes a preview of "Silent Forest")
http://freeviewdocumentaries.com/20...

Genetically Modified Trees: The Ultimate Threat to Forests (has access to free 100 page pdf with of anti GMO forest orgs) http://www.wrm.org.uy/subjects/GMTr...

Deliberate Release of GMO Trees - An Abundance of Poplars
http://www.gmo-safety.eu/en/wood/po...

By Paul Fassa
Read full article here (Opinion)

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U.S. government continues its war on raw milk

(www.Borganic.org) Growing awareness among the American populace about the health benefits of wholesome, raw milk has been steadily increasing over the past decade, putting many state and federal officials into a frenzy. The harsh crackdown tactics used in the past to deter farmers from selling, and consumers from buying, raw milk are giving way to a new approach that anti-raw milk fanatics hope will put an end to the sale of raw milk.

Stopping people from consuming raw milk is a top priority for federal and state officials. While millions of Americans are seriously injured by or die from pharmaceutical drugs every year, U.S. regulatory agencies are busy devising new ways to prevent family farmers from selling a natural, health-promoting food to their fellow citizens.

Despite hordes of evidence to the contrary, officials continue to repeat mindless mantras about the dangers of raw milk in an effort to steer people back to the cooked and crushed milk product sold on store shelves. When that fails, they resort to guerilla-style terrorist tactics instead.

For years, these rogue agencies, which include state Departments of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have raided raw dairies, assaulted farmers and terrorized families. A few of the many cases include:

-In 2006, Kentucky farmer Gary Oakes was hospitalized three times for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder after he was interrogated by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the FDA.
-Also in 2006, officials raided Michigan farmer Richard Hebron's property, confiscating $8,000 worth of dairy products and threatening him with criminal prosecution for selling raw milk in a local cooperative.
-Between 2007 and 2008, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the FDA, and state police, raided Mennonite farmer Mark Nolt's farm three times, confiscating expensive milk and cheese-making equipment.

Realizing that such atrocious and unlawful behavior was not being received well by the public, the agencies decided to take a different route and target private buying groups instead.

In states where it is illegal to sell raw milk in retail stores, people have formed private buying cooperatives that collectively purchase milk from nearby states where it is legal or buy "cow shares" from local farms and share the milk. As private buying clubs have been gaining popularity, officials have begun targeting them to shut them down.

Several buying clubs have recently been targeted in Georgia, Missouri, Wisconsin, and even Massachusetts where raw milk laws are more lax. Recent emails obtained through freedom-of-information requests revealed that the FDA, the Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection, and other public health and agriculture officials have been planning to raid up to 20 different buying groups in Illinois as well.

With as many as ten million Americans – and growing – now drinking raw milk, the survival of the industrial dairy system is at stake. Americans are increasingly choosing to drink grass-fed, farm-fresh, nutritious raw milk rather than the filthy, processed milk substance available at the grocery store.

Raw milk is good for family farmers and consumers, but not for Big Dairy and the bureaucrats they own. Americans must stand up and resist the tyranny or else face the elimination of one of nature's perfect foods.

Sources for this story include:

http://www.grist.org/article/whatev...
By Ethan A. Huff
Read full article here

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Artificial sweeteners alter how body handles real sugar

(www.Borganic.org) Artificial sweeteners may cause metabolic changes in how the body reacts to real sugar, according to a study conducted by researchers from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Conventional scientific wisdom has been that because artificial sweeteners such as saccharin, aspartame and sucralose do not contain significant amounts of carbohydrates, they are simply ignored by the body's sugar-regulating functions. Researchers tested this premise by assigning 22 healthy young volunteers of normal weight to fast for several hours, then drink either a diet soda (about two-thirds of a can) or an equivalent amount of carbonated water. Ten minutes later, all participants drank a sugary beverage and their body's response was measured.

Increases in blood glucose levels were identical in both groups, but participants who had consumed the artificially sweetened drink first showed larger increases in circulating levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone, which is released by the gut when food enters the stomach, signals the brain to create the sensation of "fullness." This reaction has not been observed in people consuming artificial sweeteners on their own.

"Our data demonstrate that artificial sweeteners synergize with glucose to enhance GLP-1 release in healthy volunteers," the researchers wrote.

The implications of the finding are not clear. Although they appear to suggest that consuming artificially sweetened products might actually cause people to eat less over the long term, previous studies have shown the opposite result. Whether artificial sweeteners produce more fullness, damage the brain's ability to regulate calorie intake, or produce some more complex reaction remains unknown.

It is becoming increasingly clear, however, that artificial sweeteners do have a significant effect on the body's reaction to other food.

"In light of the large number of individuals using artificial sweeteners on a daily basis, it appears essential to carefully investigate the associated effects on metabolism and weight," the researchers wrote.

Sources for this story include: www.reuters.com; childrenshospitalblog.org.

By David Gutierrez
Read full article here

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Bayer admits GMO contamination out of control

(www.Borganic.org) Drug and chemical giant Bayer AG has admitted that there is no way to stop the uncontrolled spread of its genetically modified crops.

"Even the best practices can't guarantee perfection," said Mark Ferguson, the company's defense lawyer in a recent trial.

Two Missouri farmers sued Bayer for contaminating their crop with modified genes from an experimental strain of rice engineered to be resistant to the company's Liberty-brand herbicide. The contamination occurred in 2006, during an open field test of the new rice, which was not approved for human consumption. According to the plaintiffs' lawyer, Don Downing, genetic material from the unapproved rice contaminated more than 30 percent of all rice cropland in the United States.

"Bayer was supposed to be careful," Downing said. "Bayer was not careful and that rice did escape into our commercial rice supplies."

The plaintiffs alleged that in addition to contaminating their fields, Bayer further harmed them financially by undermining their export market. When the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the widespread rice contamination, important export markets were closed to U.S. producers. A report from Greenpeace International estimates the financial damage of the contamination at between $741 million and $1.3 billion.

Bayer claimed that there was no possible way it could have prevented the contamination, insisting that it followed not only the law but also the best industry practices. The jury disagreed, finding Bayer guilty of carelessness in handling the genetically modified crops. The company was ordered to pay farmers Kenneth Bell and Johnny Hunter $2 million.

"This is a huge victory, not only for Kenny and me, but for every farmer in America who was harmed by Bayer's LibertyLink rice contamination," Hunter said.

According to Hunter, the company got "the wake-up call they deserved."

Bayer is still being sued by more than 1,000 other farmers from Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

Sources for this story include: www.organicconsumers.org; www.bloomberg.com.

By David Gutierrez
Read full article here

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Organic Green tea prevents eye disease

(www.Borganic.org) Recent research out of Hong Kong is indicating that certain substances found in green tea work to penetrate eye tissue and prevent eye disease. Catechins, a type of antioxidant, are one such substance that researchers say helps to prevent ocular degeneration and oxidative stress.

Published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the paper presented by the research team from the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Hong Kong explains how eye tissues, such as the lens and retina, actually absorb beneficial nutrients and protect the overall eye structure from disease. The paper is one of the first of its kind to illustrate this specific benefit.

The growing list of health benefits that can be derived from consuming green tea is noteworthy. It is chock full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that protect the body against a host of different ailments. Vitamins C and E, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are all present in green tea, happen to provide specific protection to the eyes against diseases like glaucoma.

For the study, scientists fed laboratory rats green tea for a period of time and later dissected and analyzed their eye tissues. They found that significant amounts of catechins had been absorbed into the rats' eyes. The retina absorbed the most gallocatechins while the aqueous humor absorbed the most epigallocatechins.

Prior to the study, researchers had only speculated about potential ocular benefits from drinking green tea. It was unknown whether or not the nutrients in green tea were actually capable of making their way through a person's system, permeating eye tissue, and offering any substantial benefit. The study has verified that green tea's components are, indeed, capable of spreading throughout the body and into the eye, offering up to 20 hours of protection.

The epigallocatechin-3-gallates (EGCG) in green tea have been shown to stop the growth of malignant cancer cells. A study conducted in China revealed that the more green tea a person drinks, the less risk he or she has of developing stomach, esophageal, prostate, pancreatic and colorectal cancers.

Green tea's catechins also help to prevent blood clots, atherosclerosis, heart disease, diabetes, stroke and dementia, and they effectively lower bad cholesterol levels.

Research seems to indicate that regular consumption of green tea offers the greatest benefits. As opposed to black tea, green tea is unfermented, which for tea means that it contains the highest level of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants.

Sources for this story include:

http://www.allabouttea.co.uk/tea-ne...

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/f...

By Ethan A. Huff
Read full article here

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Organic Seed Starting Tips: Start Your Sustainable Garden Today

(www.Borganic.org) Growing your own food for health, fun, and sustainability is a no-brainer. You can grow your own superfoods,¹ tasty morsels, and more and you don`t need a lot of space or know-how to do it. Now is the time to get started if you plan to grow your own food this year.

Seed starting is simply getting your seeds to sprout into tiny little plants. Many prefer to do this early in the spring, indoors, before the weather has cleared and outdoor gardening is possible.

First, find out when the last frost date for your location is by visiting the Farmer`s Almanac (where you can also find information about moon phase calculations for growth timing, which is optional).² Many say that beginning seeds indoors achieves better growth results.

Generally, indoor seed starting should take place about three to four weeks before the last frost date. So if your area`s last frost date is predicted to be April 15, you should start your seeds in mid-late March. Traditionally, many people in the northern hemisphere begin their seeds late in March or the week before Easter.

The tools required are simple:

• containers for the seeds to start growing in,


• good soil to fill the containers,


• something to poke holes in the soil,


• and a little water and patience.

Most varieties of heirloom seeds will grow quickly and easily and are widely available from small markets, online, and through gardening centers.³ Heirlooms tend to be hardier plants that have gained their name because they are long-popular seed varieties with a rich history.

For containers, you can either purchase them from a garden store or make your own. A piece of 1-1/2" pipe, a dowel, or something round and at least an inch and a half in diameter can be used in conjunction with damp newspaper. Wrap the paper around the object to make several layers (3-4 layers thick) in a cup-like shape. Let dry and fill with dirt. These are temporary, but work well and are completely biodegradable. Eggshells, old plastic containers, and more can all be used to make planters too.⁴

For poking holes in the soil to put in seeds, anything that is about the right size will work: a screwdriver, pencil, etc. The seed packet will tell you how deep for each type to go. For small-seed plants (tomatoes, lettuce) 3-4 seeds per starter cup is best. For larger seeds, one or two is enough.

When the seeds sprout, you will "thin" the crops by cutting out those that aren`t as healthy as their companions in each cup. This ensures that you don`t waste a cup on a dead seed and lets you select the strongest for growth.

Once you have all the seeds planted, they can be kept anywhere that is warm. Watering them every few days with a light sprinkle or through the bottom of a tray (depending on your setup) will keep them moist and growing. After the sprouts poke through the soil and begin showing leaves, they`ll need sunlight for a few hours a day.

When you`re nearing the final frost date, or once you`re past it, you should harden the new plants by putting them outside for a few hours a day for 4-5 days. Then transplant them into your garden and tend them there.

Seed starting is easy, fun, and gives you and your family something to do on those cold pre-spring days when you`re just itching to get outside and do something, but the weather isn`t cooperating.

Resources:
1 - Grow Your Own Superfoods in Your Home Garden This Year, by Aaron Turpen, NaturalNews

2 - 2010 Best Planting Dates for Seeds The Old Farmer`s Almanac

3 - Some Advantages and Disadvantages to Consider When Looking at Hybrids Vs. Heirloom Vegetables by Aaron Turpen, Aarons Environmental Corner

4 - DIY Home Gardening Containers by Aaron Turpen, Aarons Environmental Corner

By Aaron Turpen
Read full article here

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Coconut Water: Nature Provides Its Own Sports Drink

(www.Borganic.org) Coconut water has been a staple for tropical regions around the world for centuries. Recently it has been grabbing the attention of athletes, sports enthusiasts, and health-conscious individuals as a natural and healthy alternative to sports drinks.

Not to be confused with thick, white coconut milk that comes from mature coconuts, coconut water is the clear juice of a young green coconut. Refreshing and naturally sweet, this powerful antioxidant can be considered Nature's isotonic beverage.

The desire to replenish lost electrolytes and essential minerals after a heavy workout has sent many sectors of the Western world's soft drink industries on a frenzy to satisfy this demand. There has been enormous growth in experiments to find the perfect beverage that has sent new product development into the millions. Yet with the sugar and food coloring added to most of these energy drinks, lost minerals and electrolytes may not be the only thing being put into the body.

Artificial colors are added to these beverages to enhance color or to mask undesirable colors. Many of these dyes have their source from crude oil and can contain unsafe levels of heavy metals. In addition, some artificial coloring has also been linked to numerous disease processes like cancer. Sugar is added to enhance flavor, to make things taste sweet and flavorful, and to lure you into wanting more. Many times these drinks never contain any fruit even though they are marketed specifically as fruit flavored.

Simply drinking pure coconut water - or juice, as they are used interchangeably - can super-charge your metabolism without any ill effects of added sugar, caffeine or chemicals. Rehydrating one's body in this natural way also includes other benefits: aiding in weight loss, cleansing the kidney, and boosting the immune system, while providing Nature's pure energy. With no side effects or preservatives it is safe for any age. This liquid nourishment improves digestion, balances body pH, enhances the metabolism, and beats dehydration, so it's the perfect beverage to replenish essential body fluids.

An amazing antioxidant, this pure water contains essential salts and minerals in the same concentration as the body and can replace those electrolytes and minerals that are lost as a result of sweating during vigorous exercise. As a natural source of nutrition and hydration, coconut water contains the five essential electrolytes your body needs to keep the body's temperature regulated, and muscles and nerves performing at optimal levels.

Coconut water has even been used throughout history as an intravenous fluid, actually saving many lives. It is similar to human blood plasma and is the only natural substance that can be safely injected into the human blood stream.

Not to be mistaken as a fruit - or, in spite of its name, a nut - the coconut is actually a member of the palm tree family. It is the largest seed known, contains no cholesterol, and has more natural electrolytes than any other fruit or vegetable.

This low-calorie, fat-free, pure form of liquid nourishment is an excellent source of potassium. In fact, 8 ounces of this "fluid of life" has more potassium than a banana, and about 15 times more than most sports drinks.

The refreshing clean juice from Nature's perfect environment quenches the thirst and is best when chilled. The taste varies depending on the region the coconut is grown. The nectar of this young drupe provides its own rather unique flavor that most would say tastes nothing like coconut. It's extremely versatile and can be added to smoothies or you can drink it straight from a freshly opened, young green coconut.

http://www.bluedominoes.com/content...
http://www.feingold.org/overview.php
http://www.piccadillybooks.com/coco...
http://www.living-foods.com/article...
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/coco...

By Heidi Fagley
Read full article here

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Prevent and Fight Cancer through Correct Nutrition

(www.Borganic.org) Is there really such a thing as an anti-cancer food? According to The National Cancer Institute, roughly one third of all cancer deaths may be diet related. Recent studies show that there is not a single element in a particular food that fights cancer but overall eating patterns work towards preventing cancer. Eating a variety of healthy foods on a regular basis can fight and even reverse cancer. This article examines cancer fighting foods, drinks and spices to include in the diet.

How Cancer Starts

Cancer begins as a single abnormal cell that begins to multiply out of control. Soon, these rapidly multiplying cells form tumors that invade healthy tissue. Once cancerous cells begin, they rapidly invade surrounding tissue. Carcinogens from chemicals, radiation, smoke, pollution and foods can boost the development of tumors. Compounds known as inhibitors can keep the tumor cells from growing. Some vitamins and phytochemicals in plant foods are known to be inhibitors.

Foods that Prevent Cancer

Increase consumption of omega-3 rich foods, such as wild-caught cold-water fish like salmon, flaxseed oil, and walnuts.

Vegetables high in antioxidants and known to lower the risk of cancer are avocados, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, garlic, sweet potatoes, mushrooms and beans. Eat plenty of raw, unsalted nuts such as Brazil nuts, walnuts and almonds.

Fruits to add to the diet on a regular basis include grapefruit, figs, oranges, lemons, grapes, papayas, raspberries, blueberries, cherries, tomatoes and pears.

According to James A. Duke, author of The Green Pharmacy (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 1998), "a salad with cancer fighting properties would contain organically grown ingredients such as garlic, onions, red peppers, tomatoes, red clover flowers, chopped cooked beets, fresh calendula flowers, celery, fresh chicory flowers, chives, cucumbers, cumin, peanuts, purslane, and sage."

Adds James Duke: "I came up with a cancer prevention dressing to use with this salad. It includes flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, garlic, rosemary, a dash of lemon juice, and that Latin American favorite, hot peppers."

Teas and Drinks That Fight Cancer

To help prevent cancer, choose teas that are rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols. Polyphenols combine with free radicals at the cellular level to prevent them from damaging cells and, worst case scenario, degenerating into cancer.

Rooibos tea (red bush tea), green tea, ginger and green tea and black tea are all rich in antioxidants.

Drink red wine in moderation for its antioxidant effects. Choose organic, sulfite free red wine.

Drink plenty of fresh, pure water on a daily basis to flush out toxins from the body.

Herbs and Spices

Spices such as turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper, cinnamon and herbs such as rosemary, oregano, parsley and sage should be included in the diet as often as possible for their cancer fighting properties.

Sources:

http://www.west.net/~cure/cancer_fi...
http://www.naturalnews.com/000371.html
http://nutrition.suite101.com/artic...

By Fleur Hupston
Read full article here


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Boost the Immune System and Prevent Flu, Colds and Coughs

(www.Borganic.org) Many people think of colds and flu as inevitable and resort to going for a flu shot as a preventative measure or to taking plenty of medication in an attempt to cure colds and flu. Yet, by eating correctly, eliminating harmful foods, reducing stress and getting enough sleep, the immune system can be boosted to fight off colds and flu. Eat super foods and try simple lifestyle changes in order to combat sickness the natural way.

Boost the Immune System with Super Foods

Include fresh, organic vegetables such as broccoli, tomatoes, chicory, cabbage, garlic, mushrooms and spinach in the diet as often as possible to boost the immune system. Eat vegetables raw wherever possible to maximize health benefits.

Fruits to include would be lemons, grapefruit, oranges, bananas and dark colored fruit such as blueberries, black cherries, blackberries, black currants and black grapes.

Spicing up meals with ginger, cinnamon, cumin, oregano and cayenne will help to build the immune system in order to fight off colds and can even be taken at the onset of a cold to reduce the effects.

Drinks to Boost the Immune System

Drinking freshly squeezed lemon juice or tea helps to restore the body's pH balance. An imbalance of alkalinity creates a condition favorable to the growth of bacteria, yeast and unwanted organisms which thrive in a more acidic environment.

Drink plenty of pure water each day to flush the body of toxins. Drinking green tea, or Rooibos tea (African redbush tea) will promote overall good health.

Foods to Eliminate in Order to Boost Immunity

According to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, sugar can suppress the immune system and impair the body's defenses against infectious disease. Refined sugar has no nutritional value whatsoever and is associated with a plethora of illness and disease.

The immune system will not be helped by consuming refined, processed, junk food. Eliminate nutritionally deficient foods such as fast foods, cookies, crisps, candy, cake and so on that are made with refined and processed ingredients. This alone will increase energy levels and help the immune system to function as it should.

Make Lifestyle Changes to Boost the Immune System

Get enough sleep each night - research indicates that sleep deprivation can adversely affect the body's ability to fight infections.

Exercise regularly - moderate, consistent exercise can lead to substantial benefits in immune system health in the long-term.

Control stress - Stress can raise cortisol levels and weaken the body's immune system, making it more susceptible to colds and flu.

http://www.nativeremedies.com/boost...

http://www.naturalnews.com/025461_g...

http://www.microsoft.com/canada/hom...

By Fleur Hupston

Read full article here

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Optician cures his own blindness with organic herbal medicine made with marigolds

(www.Borganic.org) A retired optician says he has cured his own case of age-related blindness by self-medicating with a supplement containing a marigold derivative.

"I decided to this off my own back," said 73-year-old Harry Marsland. "I treated myself, which is the very thing you're not supposed to do in any profession. As a retired professional, I feel a responsibility to get this message across to as many people as possible."

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in people over the age of 60, and causes loss of vision in the center of the eye. "Wet" AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessel growth leads to the destruction of the eye's light-sensitive (photoreceptor) cells. "Dry" AMD occurs when the photoreceptors atrophy without blood vessel damage.

Marsland lost vision in his right eye to wet AMD in 2001, and soon after began to suffer from dry AMD in his left. Eventually, he lost so much vision that he could no longer move around on his own, and began to consider learning Braille.

The retired doctor tried experimental laser, vitamin and supplement treatments, but nothing made any difference. Then in 2007, he was given a flier about a new AMD supplement containing a marigold extract, an ingredient he had yet to try. So Marsland spent £150 ($240) on a year's worth of the treatment.

"I now know, professionally, that I have recovered almost completely from the effects of the dry AMD in my left eye," Marsland said. "I am the first person to have such good fortune. I have recovered 95 per cent of the sight in my left eye which is miraculous, considering that at one point I was literally blind in the dark."

The supplement contained the marigold extract meso-zeaxanthin, as well as the spinach derivative lutein and the corn derivative zeaxanthin. Marsland had previously tried both lutein and zeaxanthin, which are recommended by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, but they had never had any effect.

Sources for this story include: www.telegraph.co.uk.

By David Gutierrez
Read full article here

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Soda Tax: Consider the Health Benefit and Paying for Healthcare

(www.Borganic.org) The new federal excise tax on soda and other sugary drinks is being considered by the Senate Finance Committee as they listen to proposals on how to pay for President Obama's universal health care plan, which is expected to cost more than $1 trillion. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that a three-cent tax would generate $24 billion over the next four years. The tax also has the full support of many in the health industry including Washington based Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), which pressures food companies to make healthier products. Strong opposition is likely to come from an already tax burdened electorate and the beverage industry.

Michael Jacobson of the CSPI states, "Soft drinks are nutritionally worthless...[and] are directly related to weight gain, partly because beverages are more conducive to weight gain than solid foods." "Beverage companies market more than 14 billion gallons of calorie-laden soft drinks annually. That is equivalent to about 506 12-oz. servings per year, for every man, woman, and child." He contends that consumption would be less by around one percent and overall health would be improved for each penny tax on a 12 ounce drink. He goes on to say that $1.5 billion could be raised annually with this tax.

The obesity epidemic in the United States, according to the journal Archives of Internal Medicine, costs the United States an estimated $147 billion a year in health costs.

A research team led by Kiyah Duffey of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill wrote, "While such policies will not solve the obesity epidemic in its entirety and may face considerable opposition from food manufacturers and sellers, they could prove an important strategy to address overconsumption, help reduce energy intake and potentially aid in weight loss and reduced rates of diabetes among U.S. adults."

"Our findings suggest that national, state or local policies to alter the price of less healthful foods and beverages may be one possible mechanism for steering U.S. adults toward a more healthful diet," Duffey and colleagues wrote.

Adding to the argument, a U.S. study found that increasing consumption of sugary soft drinks contributed to 130,000 new cases of diabetes and 14,000 new cases of heart disease in the last decade.

LSU Health Sciences Center at the New Orleans School of Public Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National reports that drinking more than five servings of sugar-sweetened cola per week before pregnancy appears to significantly increase diabetes risk.

Drs. Mitchell Katz and Rajiv Bhatia of the San Francisco Department of Public Health said taxes are a way to correct a market that favors unhealthy food choices over healthier options.
"Sadly, we subsidize the wrong things including corn, which makes the corn syrup in sweetened beverages so inexpensive," they wrote.

A group of prominent researchers in an article in the Sept. 17 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine think the tax strategy could help support health care reform, while also funding programs to prevent obesity.

However, Susan Neely of the American Beverage Association, which represents Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo Inc. and others, told the Wall Street Journal, consumption would not be lowered and poor Americans would feel the brunt of this tax the most. She said the industry actively supports programs in schools that encourage lower consumption of sugary drinks and that taxes won't teach or promote a healthy lifestyle for our children.

Mike Adams of Natural News has one of the most enticing ideas yet: "A far better option is educating consumers about the harm these products cause."

Your healthmate,
Deanna Dean

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_...
CBS News Politics/ May 12, 2009

U.S.|Health/Julie Steenhuysen
CHICAGOMon Mar 8, 2010 5:04pm EST

Amanda Gardner
HealthDay Reporter
http://www.usnews.com/health/diet-f...

By Deanna Dean
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Make Natural Organic, Fragrant Bath and Skin Products at Home

(www.Borganic.org) Commercially produced bubble bath, shower gels and body lotions are usually packed with synthetic chemicals. Yet, herbs, flowers and fruits have long been used in beauty treatments to refresh, cleanse and soothe, without the harmful effects that chemicals can have on the skin. Home made bath products are not expensive to produce, are beneficial to health and can also make wonderful gifts for loved ones.

Recipes for Bath Sachets, Body Lotions and Massage Oils

Natural, home made products have a shorter shelf life than commercially produced bath products because they do not contain preservatives, so be sure to store them in a cool place and use them up within a short period of time.

Lavender and Rose Geranium Massage Oil

1/4 cup lavender
1/4 cup rose geranium petals
1 cup apricot oil

Place the petals in a wide necked glass jar. Warm the apricot oil in a saucepan on a low heat, then pour over the petals and seal the jar. Leave in a warm spot for two weeks, shaking the jar each day. Once again, pour oil into a saucepan and gently warm it up over a low heat. Strain the oil through muslin and discard the petals. Pour into bottles and seal.

Peppermint Bath Sachets

25cm muslin
1 1/2 cups dried peppermint leaves
ribbon of choice

Cut muslin into circles, approximately 10cm in diameter. Place 2 tablespoons of dried peppermint leaves into the center of each circle; then, gather edges together to enclose the leaves and secure with a ribbon long enough to hang under a running tap.

Ensure that the peppermint leaves are large enough so they won't wash out of the bags, and rub the bag gently to crush the herbs and release their fragrance, just before running a bath.

Marigold Oil for Dry Skin

1 cup marigold petals
1 cup almond oil

This simple recipe is wonderful for dry skin if added to bathwater and can also be used when massaging dry hands and feet.

Place marigold petals in a glass jar, pour almond oil onto the petals and seal the jar. Stand in a warm place for three weeks, shaking the jar each day. Heat the oil and petals in a small saucepan on a medium heat until petals become crisp. Strain through wire strainer lined with muslin or a clean cloth, discard petals, decant into bottles and seal.

Orange Flower Body Lotion

An easy recipe that is especially good for soothing sun burnt skin.

2 tablespoons glycerine
1/3 cup orange flower water

Whisk orange flower water and glycerine together in a small bowl, pour into a small bottle, seal. Shake well before using.

http://possumsal.homestead.com/bath...

http://gardening.about.com/od/craft...

http://www.pioneerthinking.com/bath...

By Fleur Hupston
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Why Detoxification is Key to Upgrading Your Diet

(www.Borganic.org) Scientists recently found that changes in the brain happen with eating large amounts of junk food, and that junk food can be as addictive as cigarettes or heroin. That's bad news for the wellbeing of junk food eating folks, but fortunately, there's a solution that makes getting off junk foods much easier. Not surprisingly, the same solution is also effective for those breaking other addictive habits, like smoking or doing heroin. This solution is simply to detoxify your body to remove the remnants of the addictive substances that linger inside. Detoxification is key because those remnants are what are causing the cravings. Therefore, by removing them, you can end the cravings to make upgrading your diet much easier.

One important thing to understand about food cravings is that we crave what's already inside us - and crave what were used to eating. So, if you're used to eating pizza and hamburgers regularly, you'll crave them. It's because small particles of them from previous meals are still in your body.

A look at other addictive habits like smoking and drugs offers more insight into what the body craves. Put it this way: a heroin addict doesn't crave heroin before he's tried it. He only craves it because particles of it remain in his body. The same applies for cravings of cigarettes. Nobody has ever craved a cigarette before first smoking one. People only crave cigarettes after the chemicals and molecules from them are already inside the body. With these addictive habits too, when you remove the molecules that are causing the cravings through detoxification, you can effectively end the cravings.

Fortunately, this also applies to junk and proceeded foods and it's why it's common for folks who have deeply detoxified their bodies to switch to a pure diet that's based on nature's foods. It's because the cravings for junk, processed and even meat foods tend to disappear. It's also because nature's foods, like fruits and vegetables, begin tasting really good.

This training of the taste buds is one reason to start infants and children out on healthy diets based around foods from nature - because you're essentially mapping their taste buds. However, if your taste buds have started heading in the wrong direction, either in early childhood or later in life, it is possible to reprogram them and start enjoying nature's foods again. And this starts with deep detoxification.

There are many ways to detoxify your body. A common one includes spending four or five days drinking only large quantities of freshly squeezed juices, while taking daily enemas or colonics - which are always followed with probiotics. Especially if taste is stopping you from upgrading your diet, use only your favorite fruits and vegetables in your juices to be sure you enjoy them - and drink as much as you like. Flooding your body with the nutrition of fresh juice with colon cleansing can wipe away the immediate remnants that cause many food cravings. This, of course, makes switching to a natural diet and dropping junk foods much easier.

To completely cleanse your body from decades of processed food eating and chemical-oriented habits can require much more in the way of detoxification. But, even this rather small amount can be enough to put an end to many addictive cravings. However, don't be disappointed if you need to detoxify your body in this manner several times before you can completely upgrade your diet and drop junk foods entirely. You'll make progress each time, and progress is far more important than perfection.

More:
http://www.ehow.com/way_5332882_det...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/h...
http://www.altmd.com/Articles/Food-...

By Kim Evans
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Battle Depression and Anxiety with This Inexpensive Amino Acid

(www.Borganic.org) Billions of dollars are spent yearly on the costs associated with depression and anxiety disorders. It`s no surprise when you consider the statistic that about ten percent of the US population suffers from depression. Most Americans are not aware that a simple, inexpensive amino acid called 5htp can help relieve many mood issues that revolve around anxiety and depression.

Much of the significant profit made by pharmaceutical companies is made through sales of various antidepressants, anti anxiety, and mood related drugs. That`s pretty amazing considering that the average patient must try at least 3 different antidepressants before they find one that actually works for them.

Most antidepressants on the market have side effects so unsavory that the symptom may be better than the treatment. That doesn`t exactly make a great case for treating depression with these hard core meds.

These are both very good reasons to research other alternative options to help kick depression instead of going the conventional medicine route. That leads us to discuss the amino acid that many aren`t even aware of. This compound can help lessen anxiety and depression naturally, with minimal side effects. Oh, and another great thing about this supplement is that it`s dirt cheap compared to prescription medications.

The amino acid is none other than 5htp. Perhaps more known in herbal and alternative medicine circles as a great sleep aid and anti anxiety aid, many are also finding solace from their depression in 5htp.

5htp is simply an amino acid compound which is a conduit, or precursor if you will, to help the body make tryptophan, which is that calming chemical that puts you to sleep after eating a turkey dinner. This in turn creates that all important mood enhancing chemical serotonin.

5htp also plays a role in helping the body produce melatonin, which is the body`s natural "sleep" hormone that is released at night. However, 5htp does much more than relax you. It has been found to be an excellent natural mood regulator, anxiety releaser, and even an appetite suppressant in many cases.

This makes sense considering binge eaters typically have low serotonin levels. It has even been reported to help those with fibromyalgia, another disorder associated with serotonin deficiency.

As you can see, 5htp can be quite a useful supplement for several reasons, not just for mood enhancement.

So, if you want to try this easily accessible natural compound for mood enhancement, how should you start? Well, it`s important to read labeling if you should suffer from other ailments such as heart disease, or if you are already on antidepressants, as it may have contraindications you need to be aware of.

Also be mindful that when starting 5htp, you should start with a low dosage, and work your way up if you find it is not working for you. Most people that take it with success say that they take their first dose in the morning, a second dose in the middle of the day, and a third at the end of the day. This way, there is a consistent release of the mood stabilizing effects throughout the day.

Potential side effects of 5htp supplementation is diarrhea, dizziness, initial sleepiness, and nausea. Allergic reactions are always a consideration with any herbal, natural, or medical remedy, so be mindful to listen to your body when first starting out.

Sources :
http://www.townsendletter.com/Dec20...
http://www.depression-help-resource...
http://depression.about.com/cs/altm...

By Danna Norek
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Social workers take baby boy after mom refuses to feed him processed junk food

(www.Borganic.org) British social workers took a toddler into custody after his parents refused to feed him junk food.

Paul and Lisa Hessey of Bolsover, England, took their two-year-old son Zak to a doctor when he began refusing to eat his mother's cooking and dropped to 17 pounds.

"I thought I was ... going to the best people for advice when Zak began to lose weight," his mother said. "Instead they basically accused me of neglecting him and implied it was all my fault."

Doctors advised Zak's parents to feed him junk food in order to stem his weight loss. His parents, firm believers in healthy eating, refused.

"I have four other children and they are perfectly healthy, it was just that Zak was refusing food for some reason," his mother said. "They said I should just feed Zak chocolate, cakes and junk food just to get calories into him. But I objected, saying that was only a short-term answer and not a proper solution."

The Hesseys were then informed that social services was going to take Zak into custody.

"They kept saying, 'If you love Zak and you want the best for him then you'll agree to this,' Lisa Hessey said." They said we had been negative about eating."

According to Mrs. Hessey, the social workers also said, "You have legal rights but be warned if you oppose this we will go straight to court and have all your parental rights taken away."

Intimidated, the Hesseys did not object. They were barred from seeing their son until they hired a lawyer and secured one three-hour accompanied visit per day. After four weeks of battling in court, the Hesseys won the return of their son. In spite of being fed junk food while in state custody, Zak had gained only one pound.

"The government and doctors are always drumming into parents the importance of healthy eating -- yet they were telling us to feed Zak all the wrong things," Mrs. Hessey said. "That is obviously what they were doing when he was in foster care so now it is hard to get him to eat anything else."

Sources for this story include: www.dailymail.co.uk.

By David Gutierrez
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Psychiatrists say that being angry is a mental illness

(www.Borganic.org) Proposed updates to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) are prompting many to question whether or not the psychiatric profession itself has gone crazy. The latest additions to the alleged "mentally ill" could include hoarders, people who get angry every now and again, lazy people, and even those who get outraged over things like sex and violence on television.

Since its first publication back in 1952, the DSM has grown exponentially larger with each subsequent edition. Many people are lambasting the American Psychiatric Association (APA) for trying to establish virtually all behavior as some sort of mental disorder that should be treated with psychiatric drugs.

"For this latest revision they've set up a special task force to decide if behaviors like bitterness, extreme shopping or overuse of the internet should be included," explained Professor Christopher Lane to a reporter from the the U.K.'s Daily Mail. "The science underlying all this is very shaky to non-existent."

Dr. David Kupfer, chairman of the APA's special task force, has come out in defense of the additions. He claims that each one is grounded in science, despite the fact that no biological markers can definitely identify any of the additions as actual disorders. In order to identify things like excessive shopping and extreme laziness as mental disorders, the team will simply call them as such and provide a description of the each one's symptoms.

If the additions themselves are not loony enough, the APA is actually recommending the inclusion of what it calls "risk syndromes", or early warning signs that could lead to one of its supposed mental disorders. By catching these "risk syndromes" early, doctors can begin prescribing medication for conditions that people do not even have.

The entire DSM charade is a ploy to characterize an ever-increasing segment of the population as being "sick" and in need of pharmaceutical drugs. There can be no variations in personality and individual characteristics; if a person does not live, think, and react in prescribed fashion, then he or she is sick and in need of treatment, according to the APA.

The latest DSM draft, which is set to be published in 2013, has already been posted on the internet for public viewing. Since being posted, there has been widespread outcry against many of the proposed additions. It remains to be seen what will be included in the final edition and whether or not people will continue to take the DSM and the APA seriously.

Sources for this story include:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/a...

By Ethan A. Huff
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Make Your Own Vitamin B Complex: Save Money and Ignore Supplement Restrictions

(www.Borganic.org) We are confronted with the prospects of worsening financial conditions for many, and the prospects of supplement suppression grow with new regulatory bills being introduced to hamper health freedom. It has already happened in the EU and Canada. It might be prudent to look into making your own Vitamin B Complex from yeast or simply ordering nutritional yeast products for your Vitamin B. "Yeastaphobia" shouldn't be a problem once you know the difference between good and bad yeasts, which will also be summarized in this article.

The Importance of Vitamin B Complex

Good digestion requires vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6 to help extract nutrients and provide the hydrochloric acid needed by the stomach. Increased energy and decreased wear and tear from stress are hallmarks of the B vitamins. Vitamin B1 converts carbohydrates into glucose, and other B vitamins help convert the glucose into cellular energy to combat lethargy or fatigue.

B Vitamins also promote healthy hair and nails. But more importantly, the B vitamins help protect the nervous system and promote brain functions. Sufficient B1, B5, B6, and B12 tend to minimize anxiety and stress.

B12 is especially vital for mental energy and stamina as well as important for producing red blood cells and preventing or curing anemia. It is plentiful in meat, so vegetarians may need to supplement B12 additionally by eating wholesome dairy products or free range eggs. Sublingual (absorbed under the tongue) B12 tablets work well also.

Yeast for B Complex

Dr. Richard Passwater of Whole Foods Magazine interviewed Dr. Seymour Pomper, who addressed "yeastaphobia": "...the term "yeast" should not be applied too broadly, not when one "yeast" (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been a servant of mankind for thousands of years and another "yeast" (Candida utilis) may cause disease."

There are two types of non-Candida Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast available to us: baker's and brewer's. And there are two types of those, active and inactive. Active is good for baking breads or brewing beer, but not for ingestion. The yeast is made inactive from the heat during the baking or brewing process. When yeast is inactive it is totally safe as it no longer actively reproduces spores. But it retains the vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Yeast does not contain B12 unless it is added. Nutritional inactive yeast flakes that display a T6635 code have B12 added. By chewing thoroughly you absorb the B12 through the small blood vessels in the mouth and avoid the gut's B12 trap. Nutritional yeast flakes with B12 is a cheaper way to take B Complex than using supplemental pills. But still not the cheapest.

The Cheapest B for Thee

Though you may need to find a source for B12 that suits your life style or diet, here's the cheapest way to supplement B Complex. Find a source for baker's yeast, like maybe a bakery. Tell them you want to eat it so please sell you the freshest. It should be very inexpensive. Buy a pound or more.

It's active, so you need to make it inactive by stirring a quarter pound at a time into a pan of water on low heat. Stir each quarter pound until the whole pound is ultimately dissolved, then bring it to a bubbling boil while still stirring. Put it into a ceramic or heat treated glass container, cover it and stick it into the fridge.

Two or three spoons full a day should be fine. You can flavor or sweeten it any healthy way you want. You've got a month or more of B Complex for one at low cost, and you can disregard potential legal restrictions. What a deal!

Sources for more information include:

How to Make Your Own B Vitamins by Chris Gupta
http://www.communicationagents.com/...

Nutritional Yeasts and Yeastophobia: Interview of Dr Seymour Pomper by Richard A. Passwater, PhD. http://www.drpasswater.com/nutritio...

5 Top Reasons to Take Vitamin B Complex by Nadine Nesseron ND
http://www.google.com/search?q=B-co...

Vegetarian Society Information Sheet
http://www.vegsoc.org/info/b12.html

By Paul Fassa
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