Nestle, the company whose Chairman has famously stated that water is not a human right, has been extracting an average of 62.6 million gallons of water a year from the San Bernardino National Forest without proper permits, according to the California State Water Board. This extraction has occurred from 1947 to 2015 for the company’s Arrowhead bottled water. The two-year investigation came after complaints concerning Nestle’s diversions were registered during California’s recent drought, and regulators have found that the company was taking water in excess of the roughly 8.5 million gallons of water it has a legal permit for. Victor Vasquez, a senior water resource control engineer in the board’s water rights division, says that

…current operations do not appear to be supported by rights to the diversion or use of water exceeding 26 acre-feet…Any diversions in excess of that amount may be unauthorized,” adding that the company “must limit its appropriative diversion and use of water to 26 (acre-feet per year) unless it has evidence of valid water rights to water within the permitting authority of the State Water Board and/or evidence documenting the extent of additional water claimed to be percolating groundwater.”

Related: Inexpensive, Easy Detox – The One Gallon Challenge

Who Owns the Water?

Nestle traces its claim to the water in Strawberry Canyon to a 150-year-old claim by David Noble Smith, whose property later became the Arrowhead Springs Hotel. The State Water Board has recognized that claim to the spring water, though they want statements referring to unauthorized diversions within 30 days. They’re also giving the company 60 days to submit a compliance plan and an additional 90 days for an investigation and monitoring plan.

Related: What’s the Best Water for Detoxifying and For Drinking?

In their thirst to claim the bottled water market, Nestle has encountered pushback from environmental groups. This is not the company’s only bottled water brand, and the North America division of the Nestle Water company had 4.5 billion dollars in sales last year. It’s clear why Nestle Chariman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe doesn’t water guaranteed public access to water – it cuts into his profits.

Sources:

• Nestlé appears to be taking too much water from California forest, regulators say – Desert Sun
• California Says Nestle Lacks Permits To Extract Millions Of Gallons Of Water – NPR
• Nestle has been bottling and selling water it has no right to in drought-stricken California, state says – Independent

Governments are brainstorming for ways to combat the devastating environmental effects of factory farming, and several countries in Europe are calling for a tax on meat. No other industry involves the most pressing environmental and health issues of today, like GMOs, increased greenhouse gases, the destruction of natural habitats, herbicides, pesticides, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, quite like factory farming. Even worse, the meat and the corn and soy that feed them are on the receiving end of a massive amount government subsidies. Our government pays nearly 38 billion dollars a year to hasten the death of our eco-system and ourselves.

Yet meat is still powerfully entrenched in cultures worldwide, and the likelihood of a completely vegan or even vegetarian world is not high. 84% of vegetarians and 70% of vegans return to eating meat at some point in their lives. Our current carnivorous habits are not sustainable. Is a meat tax the way to fix it?

Recommended: Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included

Progressive Europe

Denmark

The Danish Ethics Council started with a call for a tax on beef. That measure was passed by the council and is now scheduled for government consideration. While beef causes 10 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions, more than chicken and pork, the council has plans to extend the proposed tax to other red meats.

The United Kingdom

Several studies in the United Kingdom have resulted in a national conversation likely to result in meat taxes within the next 10 years. Analysis from Glasglow University and Chatham House, an international thinktank, indicate that public would see government intervention in this issue as a positive. According to Laura Wellesley from Chatham House, lead author of the research,

Governments are ignoring what should be a hugely appealing, win-win policy…The idea that interventions like this are too politically sensitive and too difficult to implement is unjustified. Our focus groups show people expect governments to lead action on issues that are for the global good. Our research indicates any backlash to unpopular policies would likely be short-lived as long as the rationale for action was strong.”

The survey analysis also found that many were surprised to learn of government subsidies for meat production, particularly in the large amounts given by the U.S. government.

Recommended: Start Eating Like That and Start Eating Like This – Your Guide to Homeostasis Through Diet

Germany

Germany already has a tax of 7 percent on animal products. The German federal environment agency has expressed a desire to raise that number to 19 percent, in order to keep with the Paris climate accords. Consumers would be the ones to pay this fine, although the agency has suggested that the estimated 5.2 billion euro tax revenue would lower consumption taxes on other food items.

My Opinion: We Pay to Produce It, Now We Pay to Eat It…?

America is much more attached to its meat products than Europe. The average American eats 200 pounds of meat a year, and for that American to be eating healthy (as it pertains to cancer and heart disease) levels of meat, those 200 pounds need to be reduced by two-thirds. But would Americans be so gung-ho about meat if they knew they’re actually paying an extra 8 dollars in hidden costs (healthcare, subsidies, and environmental degradation) for each Big Mac?

Here’s an idea…rather than tax consumers and charge them twice, slowly pull subsidies away from corporations running businesses contributing to climate change. This likely won’t happen, as the U.S. government cares about businesses, not people. Maybe if businesses weren’t so short-sighted, they would realize that people with more money buy more products.

In our current iteration, a meat tax in the United States is more likely to leave poor people without the funds or the knowledge for proper nutrition. Replacing everything meat with a version of tofurky isn’t sustainable or healthy either. In our school systems, we need real health and real food education that includes gardening.

On the other hand, if the tax happens, and it does promote awareness and reduced meat consumption, we’re not going to be too angry.

Recommended Reading:

• How to Make the Healthiest Smoothies – 4 Recipes
• Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones
• How to Detoxify and Heal the Lymphatic System
• Candida, Gut Flora, Allergies, and Disease
• Gluten, Candida, Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Autoimmune Diseases

Sources:

• Here Comes the Meat Tax – The Atlantic
• Meat tax far less unpalatable than government thinks, research finds – The Guardian
• Denmark ethics council calls for tax on red meat to fight ‘ethical problem’ of climate change – Independent
• Germany pushes for tax hike on meat and cheese – Politico
• 10 Things We Wish Everyone Knew About the Meat and Dairy Industries – PETA
• The 9 Foods the U.S. Government is Paying You to Eat – Dr. Mercola
• 84% of Vegetarians and Vegans Return to Meat. Why? – Psychology Today

The Environmental Protection Agency released a draft assessment report this week that concludes glyphosate is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans, contradicting findings from both the World Health Organization and the State of California. The EPA is not the only organization to oppose the link between glyphosate and cancer, agricultural giant Monsanto being the most vocal critic of the WHO’s findings. The president of the National Association of Wheat Growers, Gordon Stoner, was pleased the EPA panel “confirms exactly what we’re saying: that agencies across the world say glyphosate is safe and the IARC report is a flawed analysis…”

Related: Dicamba – The Herbicide Monsanto is Promoting to Replace Roundup’s Glyphosate 

The wheat industry is particularly invested in this assessment, as they are among the farm groups who have joined with Monsanto to sue the State of California. As a part of its Proposition 65 initiative, California will be labeling all glyphosate products as cancer-causing by July of 2018. The lawsuit is an attempt to halt a measure guaranteed to negatively impact several industries like farming and gardening.

Business as Usual

If you’re a group currently suing a government agency claiming that your product does not cause cancer, it must be a relief to hear another government agency conclude that it probably doesn’t. For Monsanto, there wasn’t really a question. Since the release of glyphosate in 1974, upper-level management at the EPA has ignored or reversed studies that found issues with the herbicide. Monsanto emails recently released in regards to a different court case confirm that EPA employee Jess Rowland deliberately squashed an investigation into glyphosate around the same time that the WHO released its findings.

Related: Monsanto’s Glyphosate, Fatty Liver Disease Link Proven – Published, Peer-reviewed, Scrutinized Study

Monsanto is currently in the middle of a merger with German company Bayer AG, which will give them an unprecedented amount of control over the food supply. But they don’t even really need it. The necessary United States government agencies have been trained to put Monsanto first, even to the point of doing the company’s dirty work for them. Rather than issuing press releases with new studies or data reviews concerning glyphosate, the EPA has only now begun monitoring glyphosate in food. The USDA and the CDC don’t even bother. The new “findings” from the EPA are unlikely to change that anytime soon.

Related Reading:

• The Difference Between Heirlooms, Hybrids, and GMOs
• Understanding and Detoxifying Genetically Modified Foods
• Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included
• Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones
• How to Start a Vegetable Garden – How to Grow Vegetables

Sources:

• U.S. EPA says glyphosate not likely to be carcinogenic to people – Reuters
• How Monsanto Captured the EPA (And Twisted Science) To Keep Glyphosate on the Market – In These Times
• USDA Drops Glyphosate Testing Plans, Makes Monsanto’s Life Easier – Organic Lifestyle Magazine

The Food and Drug Administration has announced a new risk-based approach to regulating homeopathic medicines with an increased focus on products administered by injection, intended for children or the elderly, and those marketed for serious diseases. Per the Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act of 1994, homeopathic medicines will not need FDA approval to be on the market, but this proposal brings an increased level of inspection to the 3 billion dollar homeopathy industry.

Among other reasons, these guidelines have been introduced shortly after the discovery of inconsistent amounts of belladonna (otherwise known as deadly nightshade) were found in teething tablets, causing 400 injuries and 10 deaths.

NBC News reported that when Little Blaine Talbott started teething, his mom, Karina, saw homeopathic teething tablets in the store, she grabbed them. “It said homeopathic, all natural, you know, organic stuff, and so you think that stuff is going to be safe for your child.” Coon Blaine began having seizures. Neurologistsdidn’t know what was causing them, but the seizures stopped when Karina ran out of the tablets.

Supplements the FDA Will Focus On

While the FDA has made it clear they will not be changing the way the majority of homeopathic are regulated, some medications have been put on notice. These include

• Products that have or are associated with a history of manufacturing errors, adverse health incidences or other safety issues
• Products with infectious agents, controlled substances, and potentially toxic ingredients
• Products administered through non-oral or non-topical method, such as injection
• Products meant to treat serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease, or addiction issues
• Products aimed at children or elderly populations
• Products that have been altered or where the strength, quality, or purity differs from established standards

Mild or Truly Terrifying?

It is possible to see this as the end of being able to treat yourself in the way you see fit. There is some truth in that, and as Americans being told what we can or can’t do is unsettling. “It’s a slippery slope…” But the good news is that this is on the mild side of medication regulation, and there is certainly an argument made for a greater level of regulation – with the right intentions. The FDA has released guidelines, as opposed to hard and fast rules. It’s entirely possible that many supplements will be left alone. If we learned one thing from Nestle’s recent acquisition of Pure Encapsulations, Garden of Life, and Douglas Labs, supplements are big business, and our government is extremely friendly to big business, which brings up the other possibility. We can see a future where large supplement manufacturers, of whom put the profits over our health, could ruin the health of the natural health industry.

Sources:

• FDA takes more aggressive stance toward homeopathic drugs – Washington Post
• Drug Products Labeled as Homeopathic Guidance for FDA Staff and Industry – FDA.gov

It turns out that both the active and the inert ingredients in the world’s most common herbicides can produce antibiotic resistance. A team of researchers in New Zealand, building on their 2015 research that identified Roundup, 2,4-D, and dicamba as triggers for antibiotic-resistant Salmonella eterica and Escherichia coli, has found that this resistance occurred with doses below reasonable levels. According to the lead author of the study, Jack Heinemann, Ph.D., University Canterbury’s School of Biological Sciences,

The sub-lethal effects of industrially manufactured chemical products should be considered by regulators when deciding whether the products are safe for their intended use…These products are sold in the local hardware store and may be used without training, and there are no controls that prevent children and pets from being exposed in home gardens or parks. Despite their ubiquitous use… herbicides may be undermining the use of a fundamental medicine-antibiotics.”

Recommended: How to Detoxify From Antibiotics and Other Chemical Antimicrobials

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz5MYfpzoJA

To achieve these findings, scientists first exposed S. eterica to pure dicamba, glyphosate, and 2,4-D. The bacteria were then treated with select antibiotics. The inert ingredients polysorbate 80 and CMC were applied to both S. eterica and E. coli, and they were treated with the same group of antibiotics, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, kanamycin, and tetracycline. The active ingredients had a more pronounced effect on the bacteria than the inert ingredients did, and the results, though varied, confirmed that these herbicides can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Related: Gluten, Candida, Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Autoimmune Diseases

These Herbicides are Everywhere

So what does this mean in the current quest to solve antibiotic resistance? The current push by scientists and medical professionals to find answers to this issue focus on the excessive use of antibiotic in factory farming. But glyphosate is found in the urine of 93% of Americans, and this doesn’t take into account the other herbicides tested here. Is everything in our current food system designed to undermine our health? Have we gone too far to come back?

Sources:

• WHO Says the World Will Run Out of Antibiotics Able to Treat Bacteria Superbugs – OLM
• Monsanto’s Roundup Causes Antibiotic Resistance—a Fact That’s Not Considered by Regulators – Alternet
• New research finds common herbicides cause antibiotic resistance – University of Canterbury

The yearly Food and Drug Administration report on the sale of “medically important” antibiotics for food-producing animals has been released, and it’s good news. For the first time since the FDA started tracking these sales in 2009, sales of medically important antibiotics have gone down. They decreased by 14 percent in 2016, and a new FDA policy makes it likely that the trend will continue.

Why Have Sales Dropped?

There has been a concentrated effort from the scientific and medical communities to bring awareness to the issue of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In 2017, the FDA asked manufacturers to stop selling medically important antibiotics for the use of animal farming. Though this policy request occurred past the deadline for the 2016 yearly report, it does coincide with Canadian and European pushes for livestock raised with fewer antibiotics. With the United States government beginning to take this issue seriously, the sale and use of medically important antibiotics will likely continue to decrease.

Recommended: How to Detoxify From Antibiotics and Other Chemical Antimicrobials

Baby Steps

There are still quite a few questions though. Without a massive overhaul of the factory farming system, farmers need something to replace these antibiotics. Non-antibiotic treatments are in the work, but data on how that could potentially affect humans hasn’t surfaced.

Another concern is the language continually being used – medically important antibiotics. One of the most important reported cases of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is the development of a colistin-resistant bacteria. Colistin was not considered a medically important antibiotic because of the kidney damage it causes, and the product only became medically important when other antibiotics were failing. According to the World Health Organization, there are not enough antibiotics being developed to deal with superbugs. What is the likelihood that one of the medically non-important antibiotics becomes medically necessary?

Related: What Causes Chronic Inflammation, and How To Stop It For Good

Using Data for the Greater Good

In addition to tracking sales, this is the first year that the FDA broke down the sale of antibiotics by animal type, giving a clearer picture of the relationship between food-producing animals and our medication. Restaurants and supermarkets have focused on delivering antibiotic-free chicken, and that’s reflected in the numbers. Poultry accounts for only 15 percent of medically important antibiotic sales, while swine and cattle account for 37 and 43 percent, respectively. It’s not clear that changes in restaurant policy have changed those figures, but it’s silly to think that the company that sells the 37 million nuggets a day doesn’t change the way that chicken is produced.

Related: How to Detoxify and Heal the Lymphatic System

Progress!

This report is a good sign for a couple of reasons. First, we have a more detailed breakdown of which animals are receiving more antibiotics. Secondly, all of the consumer pressure placed on corporations and governments for healthier options can actually have an effect. The free flow of information can bring about change, but we’re running out of time for that. Continued progress is a must.

Sources:

• For the First Time, Antibiotic Use in Farm Animals Drops – The Atlantic
• FDA Announces Implementation of GFI #213, Outlines Continuing Efforts to Address Antimicrobial Resistance – FDA
• WHO Says the World Will Run Out of Antibiotics Able to Treat Bacteria Superbugs – Organic Lifestyle Magazine
• Pressure’s on for on-farm alternatives to antibiotics – Calgary Herald

Flu season is shaping up to be brutal this year, with many areas reporting influenza cases a month ahead of schedule. Australia, who experiences flu season before the United States and Europe, suffered from a particularly rough season with almost twice as many deaths and more than twice the number of infections in comparison to the previous season. In response the flu vaccine gospel is already being pushed harder than usual, but that’s not going to help much.

Back in September, Dr. Vicky Sheppeard, director of communicable diseases at New South Wales Health in Australia indicated that “the four flu strains in the vaccine are well-matched to circulating viruses…” It turns out that a good match doesn’t really guarantee anything, as the New England Journal of Medicine reports that early vaccine effectiveness estimates found that the vaccine was only ten percent effective in Australia. This is a far cry from the initial overall estimates of 42% effectiveness or the 34% predicted for H3N2, the dominant flu strain in Australia that’s notoriously difficult to match. Flu shots for the United States are essentially the same as the one used in Australia.

How to Win at the Flu Season

None of the debate about the flu shot changes the fact that the flu season is here (early), and if Australia is any indicator, it’s going to suck. It doesn’t have to. You’ve got a heads-up, so use this time to prep. Here are the most effective strategies for avoiding or mitigating the flu this season.

Related: Influenza Vaccine – A Comprehensive Overview of the Potential Dangers and Effectiveness of the Flu Shot

Load Up On Vitamins

Winter is not the best season for vitamin D, but it is critical for flu prevention. A review of 25 studies that included more than 10,000 participants found that vitamin d reduces the likelihood of respiratory infections like the cold and flu. It can be difficult to get all of your vitamin d from diet alone, especially in winter. If you suspect vitamin d deficiency, supplementation has proven to be effective.

Related: Foods with Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 for those with Multiple Sclerosis

Vitamin C is also a critical part of preparing for flu season. One of the most powerful antioxidants available to us, it also boosts immune function. Vitamin C transporter molecules in the membranes of the immune cells actively pump the vitamin into the cells – especially in a stressful situation when the body is more likely to need vitamin C. While there are plenty of vitamin c supplements available, many of them are derived from corn and don’t absorb well in the body. To get the full benefit of vitamin c, whole food sources like berries, colored peppers, broccoli, and dark leafy greens.

Related: Homemade Vitamin C

Gargle

It’s not fun, but gargling apple cider vinegar, fire cider, or even salt water can inhibit harmful microbes trying to take up residency in the throat or sinuses. Some viruses are able to hang on, but that infection will likely be less severe. A fire cider has the added antioxidant benefits of hot peppers.

Related: Mother Earth Organic Root Cider

Hot and Cold

Get hot and sweaty! A fever happens when your body is fighting an infection, and treatments like hot baths, showers, and saunas can trick the body into behaving in that manner. Moving back and forth between hot and cold also provides flu relief, loosening congestion, improving circulation, and boosting the immune system. Always start with hot, and then switch to cold. Switching between very hot and very cold in the shower is the easiest method, but hydrotherapy can also be accomplished with a hot bath and a rubdown with a cold cloth. Also referred to as cold mitten friction, dip a washcloth in 50 to 60 degree water, and rub vigorously.

Related: Hot & Cold Hydrotherapy

Echinacea

In addition to the vitamins, there are plenty of natural remedies for flu prevention. One of the best known and verified of these is echinacea. Echinacea is most effective when it’s taken right before or at the very beginning of a developing case of the flu. Anti-inflammatory and antifungal, a good-quality echinacea tincture gives your mouth a fuzzy feeling, and the herb loses its effectiveness after ten days or so.

Related: Shillington’s Echinacea Plus

Hydrate

Dehydration makes the body more susceptible to harmful invaders, and many early flu symptoms like a runny nose and sweating can increase that. Water is the safe play here, but if you’re looking to improve your all-around health at the same time, reach for the cranberry lemonade. The vitamin c is a proven flu buster, and cranberry keeps the kidney processing things smoothly. Another comforting option is a loose leaf, herbal tea. The tea provides a variation on the hot treatment, though it is important to choose an organic tea from a company you trust.

Related: What’s the Best Water for Detoxifying and For Drinking?

Diet

If you do everything on this list, you’ll likely be able to take on the flu quickly and effectively, but to keep your immune system in tip-top condition, diet comes first. Emerging research has continued to confirm that our microbiome determines how healthy we are. Beneficial bacteria like beneficial food, and feeding them the vegetables and fruit creates a positive cycle the reverberates throughout the entire body. The opposite is true of potentially harmful microbes and viruses like the flu. Refined sugars, refined grains, and processed foods fuel harmful bacteria and can lead to a stressed and overworked immune system, perfect for flu viruses to take advantage of. Check out this salad recipe to get some ideas for loading up on the veggies.

Related: Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included

Always Be Prepared

The boy scout motto seems to be quoted often, but no one is applying it to our health. Then again, that’s what the vaccine is supposed to do. According to experts, this year’s flu vaccine is about as effective as going camping with a sheet instead and hoping it doesn’t rain or get cold. Don’t you want to be the person who actually prepared? It starts with diet.

Recommended: My Supplements & Organic Cider Review & Bullet Proof Immune System

Sources:

• Flu season could be bad this year, and experts are urging people to get their shots – Chicago Times
• Influenza Vaccine – A Comprehensive Overview of the Potential Dangers and Effectiveness of the Flu Shot – Organic Lifestyle Magazine
• Natural Remedies for Colds, Flus, and Other Common Viruses – Organic Lifestyle Magazine
• 12 Flu Natural Remedies – Dr. Axe
• What Australia’s bad flu season means for Europe, North America – CNN
• Early Flu Season Hits Mass., Amid Questions About Vaccine Match – Common Health
• Flu cases double as experts worry this season could be particularly bad – CNBC
• A Bit More Vitamin D Might Help Prevent Colds And Flu – NPR
• Vitamin C shown to reduce flu and cold symptoms by 85 percent – Natural Health 365
• Hot and Cold Hydrotherapy – Showers – Healthfree.com