The Need for Stress Reduction in Gestational Hypertension

A significant increase  in blood volume (approximately 40-50%) naturally occurs during pregnancy to ensure there is an adequate blood supply to nourish the placenta, to protect the mother from going into shock during labour (due to excessive blood loss), and to provide a storage of fluids for breast milk production. This considerable increase often predisposes the pregnant mother to high blood pressure (hypertension) and excess swelling, especially around the feet and or ankles.

Pharmaceutical and natural diuretics decrease the body’s fluid volume, which may initially lower blood pressure due to a decrease in blood volume, but may reduce blood volume below the requirements for a healthy pregnancy, causing the kidneys to compensate by conserving fluids even more. This will consequently raise blood pressure once again and defy the purpose of taking diuretics in the first place. Therefore, a natural diuretic may be risky during pregnancy, especially if used concomitantly with hypertension medication.  I, therefore, do not give suggestions that may significantly lower the woman’s  blood pressure even more, particularly if she is already on blood pressure medication for hypertension,  as this may induce a hypotensive state (very low blood pressure) and pose a risk for mother and baby.

Instead, below I have made general suggestions to support stress management, optimal circulation, and blood vessel integrity.

Stress Management and Blood Pressure Regulation

  • During periods of stress, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is activated and prompts the blood vessels to constrict. Maternal stress in any form is, therefore, a risk factor for hypertension, especially if it continues over an extended period of time. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and gentle physical exercise are all useful ways to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS), which is associated with a healthy regulation of blood pressure. In short: when the body and mind are relaxed, muscles and capillaries relax and allow proper blood pressure regulation and blood circulation.
  • Emotional support and connection with loved ones are powerful strategies to induce a relaxed, stress-free state. She can make a daily practice of connecting with her partner for at least 10-15 minutes, with no phones or other disruptions. Over and above the cardiovascular benefits reaped from this habit, it may also ensure their foundation as a couple is strong when the little one arrives.

Promoting Circulation

  • Some foods and spices are associated with improved circulation: raw ginger, sunflower seeds, olive oil, cherries, goji berries, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, and rosemary. Including these food sources regularly in meals and snacks may support circulation and also ensure the intake of a broad variety of nutrients to support the overall health of the mother and foetus.
  • If she is in a state of dehydration, the kidneys may compensate by retaining body fluids. 1.5-2 litres of water per day should ensure hydration during pregnancy.
  • Dry skin brushing from the feet upwards in clockwise circles is invigorating for the skin, improves overall blood circulation and prevents “pooling” of fluids in the lower legs.
  • Being sedentary for extended periods of time can impair circulation, especially if she sits on hard surfaces, which may impede blood flow from the lower legs upwards. Using a footrest while sitting on a chair to lift the feet in line with the hips may improve the blood flow from the lower legs to the rest of the body.
  • Gentle exercises tailored for pregnant women may be useful in stress management and also in mobilising fluids throughout her body.
  • Wearing loose-fitting flat shoes will improve comfort and reduce constrictions around the feet.

Supporting Blood Vessel Integrity

  • Throughout the day, pregnant women can enjoy the following drink: a cup of lukewarm water with juice of ½ a lemon, 1 teaspoon raw unfiltered honey, and 2-3 small pieces of raw ginger. Lemon juice contains citrate and vitamin C: nutrients associated with blood pressure regulation, improved circulation, and maintenance of arterial flexibility. Raw honey tends to have a relaxing effect on the arteries and ginger acts as a “warming” food to support circulation.
  • Maternal intake of omega 3 fatty acids in adequate amounts is essential for foetal development, but it also exhibits various cardio-protective properties for the mother: regulation of blood pressure, boosting circulation, reduced risk of thrombosis (blood clots), and increased arterial flexibility. A daily dose of high quality, purified fish oil supplement (with at least 1000mg EPA and DHA) is recommended during pregnancy.
About the Author:

Jeanne van Zyl is a qualified Dietary Educator (through CNELM), with a post-graduate diploma in Personalised Nutrition. She is currently studying for an M.Sc. in Personalised Nutrition through Middlesex University. Jeanne also lectures in Nutrition for the group of colleges that includes CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine), in Europe, and CNH (College of Natural Health) in South Africa.



How Constipation Becomes Dangerous

After nutrients are absorbed from the food we eat,  undigested material and waste products form fecal waste, which is temporarily stored in the colon. When a person is constipated, the fecal waste is not expelled normally; it accumulates. Constipation can be caused by several factors. The most common are dehydration, insufficient intake of dietary fiber, and stress. Occasional constipation does not usually pose a danger to your health. However, being constipated often, or suffering from what medical practitioners call chronic constipation can lead to serious health issues.

Increase in Blood Pressure and Heart Attack

A high blood pressure reading indicates that the blood is exerting a higher than normal pressure against the blood vessels. This increased pressure  can damage the walls of blood vessels, making them more susceptible to cholesterol buildup. When cholesterol builds up, plaques and blood clots may form, leading to blockages within the vessels. When blood flow to the heart is compromised, lack of oxygen supply can result in a heart attack.

There is no scientifically proven causative relationship between constipation and hypertension. However, blood pressure can increase when a person is straining to defecate, especially when the person is constipated. The association between hypertension and constipation, especially in a person with serious heart disease, can be attributed to the excessive or frequent straining, which increases the risk of heart attack. A high salt and fatty diet are some of the known causes of both hypertension and constipation.

Formation of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are large purple masses that form in the anal canal as a result of rectal vein dilation and rupturing. They can be classified as external or internal based on their location. External hemorrhoids are found outside the anal canal as grape-like protuberances covered with a layer of mucus. Internal hemorrhoids are found inside the anal canal.

When a person is often constipated, hemorrhoids can develop due to straining. As the person forcefully tries to defecate, the rectal veins begin to dilate and may rupture and bleed. Inflammation usually develops into hemorrhoids, which can be itchy and painful.

Fecal Impaction and Colon Toxicity

The colon is responsible for the last phase of digestion, which includes the reabsorption of most of the remaining fluid in the fecal waste. With constipation, fecal waste  may become impacted in the rectum as well as the terminal or end portion of the colon, the sigmoid. As fecal waste remains in the rectum and sigmoid, more fluid is absorbed causing the fecal matter to harden and making it more difficult to pass. This is referred as fecal impaction. The condition can cause irritation to the lining of the colon and can also lead to infection.

Fecal waste contains bacteria and waste materials from the digestive process. Constant accumulation can cause a distention and possible rupture of the colon, which is very dangerous. Infection of the colon may result in further swelling and inflammation known as toxic megacolon while rupture will release the waste materials and digestive bacteria into other areas of the abdomen, which is life-threatening.

Rectal Prolapse and Anal Fissures

Rectal prolapse, or the protrusion of loose rectal tissue to a point where it is seen externally outside the anus, can be a consequence of chronic constipation. It usually appears as a proboscis-like protrusion passing the anal sphincter muscles.During defecation, fecal waste is normally pushed out of the rectum and out of the anus. With constipation, fecal waste hardens which makes it relatively difficult for the stool to pass through. When constipation becomes chronic and constant straining is common, the rectum may eventually slip off from its normal position and protrude out of the anus. Oftentimes, the protrusion is temporary and goes back to normal after the bowel movement. However, in some cases, the protrusion can become permanent and may display mucosal discharge. Though not life-threatening, the condition can be embarrassing.

Anal fissures or tears in the lining of the anal canal can also be caused by excessive straining due to constipation. Normally, when a bowel movement takes place, fecal waste easily passes through as the anal sphincter muscles relax. This is because the stool is relatively soft from retaining some amount of fluid even after digestion. But as fecal waste accumulates in the sigmoid and rectum during constipation, where water is continuously reabsorbed, hardening the stool, it becomes relatively difficult for the stool to pass through. Straining to forcefully defecate can also result in tearing of the anal canal, which leads to bleeding and painful bowel movement.

Conclusion

Proper diet will certainly be important. A high fiber diet full of fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains promotes movement in your digestive system and increases stool bulk. Knowing how constipation can be much more dangerous in individuals who are hypertensive, it should be prevented as much as possible. You can search for high-fiber DASH diet recipes here. And of course, regular exercise and drinking at least 1 ½ quarts of water daily should also be upheld.

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Pulses – Beans, Peas, Lentils, Chickpeas – How to Soak, Recipes, and More

Do you avoid beans? Do you find them difficult to cook? Are they too time consuming with all the soaking? Do you buy a few cans to make chili or grab a container of hummus without ever thinking about the huge variety of bean dishes you’ve never tried?

Pulses are nutritious, tasty, and affordable. There are so many new recipes to choose from and a lot of classic recipes as well. Yes, there’s beans and rice, baked beans, split pea soup, bean soup, lentil stew and more. There’s also pasta made from pulses and nutritious gluten free flours to use for baking and frying.

Pulses make a great addition to any diet. They are a wonderful source of protein, fiber, and nutrition. And they are delicious!

Pulses include:

  • Dried peas – split and whole
  • Beans – all varieties
  • Lentils – multiple varieties
  • Chickpeas – also called garbanzo beans

Pulses and Digestion

Do you avoid beans because they are difficult to digest? Do they give you gas? Well, you’re not alone, but this, too, can change.

  • You need to start with small servings and work your way up to larger servings to increase your body’s natural enzymes.
  • Soak your pulses, including split peas and lentils.
  • Consider using added enzymes. Beano is a well-known example. Beanzyme is a vegan option.
  • Many people soak their beans overnight (but don’t soak lintels for more than 6 hours or they’ll get soggy).

Long Soak Method

Soak beans in a glass or stainless steel bowl or pot. Use filtered water. Cover beans with at least 4 extra inches of water. (They soak up a lot of water). When you’re done soaking them, drain and replace the water.

Quick Soak Method

Bring beans to a boil. Remove from heat and allow beans to soak for 1-4 hours. Drain, rinse beans, replace water, and cook.

Peas

Split peas make a quick an easy soup. For every cup split peas, add 2-4 cups or more of water. (Depending on how thick you want it and whether or not you add other vegetables.) Bring to a boil then turn it down to a simmer. Cook for 30-45 minutes – until peas are soft. You can eat it as it is, process it in a food processor or blender, or process half and recombine.

That’s the basic recipe. Where you go from there is up to you. Some choose to use chicken stock or vegetable broth instead of water. Many recipes call for finely chopped onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Some also include potatoes. You can add butter, bacon fat, or a dash of olive oil. Consider adding bay leaves, thyme, mint, pepper, marjoram, rosemary, parsley, or a combination of spices. Add salt when it is cooked.

  • Meat eater? Include bacon, ham, or sausage.
  • Vegetarian? Top soup bowls with shredded mozzarella and chopped tomatoes.
  • Vegan? Add garlic and caramelized onions for a simple soup. Add other veggies for a more complex soup.

Garbanzo Beans

These beans have garnered quite a reputation in the last decade as hummus gained in popularity. The rather expensive store bought dip is easily made at home for a fraction of the price, and it’s fun to play with.

Soak your beans overnight or use the quick soak method. Before cooking, strain the beans and rinse well.

Cover with 2-3 inches of water, bring it to a boil, and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 1-1 ½ hours. You can use a pressure cooker for faster results or a slow cooker if you have the time and patience. Check the water level and add water if needed.

You can also make hummus with raw garbanzo beans. First soak them for 24 hours. Change the water and rinse the beans at least once during that time.

Hummus

  • 2 cups of cooked garbanzo beans
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 TBL tahini or another nut butter (peanut, cashew, almond)
  • 2-2 ½ TBL lemon juice

Add ingredients to a food processor with an S blade or a blender.

You can add whatever you want to add to make variations. Try adding any of the following:

  • Cooked or raw red pepper
  • Jalapeno or habanero peppers
  • Orange and orange zest
  • Lemon zest
  • Garlic (2-3 cloves or more, cooked or raw)
  • Avocado (use lime instead of lemon and add a pinch of cumin)
  • Spinach or zucchini
  • Artichokes
  • Sundried tomatoes or oven roasted tomatoes
  • Pumpkin (1 cup pumpkin puree plus a little cinnamon and cayenne)

Lentils

Like beans, there a million recipes for lentils. You can make soups, casseroles, curries, fillings, spreads, salads, baked goods, and more. Our current favorite is a weekly creation using whatever leftover greens we have in the fridge.

Kristina’s Lentil Stew Recipe

  • 8 cups green lentils (you don’t have to, but I prefer to soak them)
  • 2 medium onions
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 3 cups roughly chopped greens (can be spinach, kale, collards, chard…whatever you like)
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
  • 1 zucchini, quartered
  • 1 dash garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp curry powder
  • 1/4 tsp cumin seed
  • 1/2 tsp dried ginger
  • 1 dash smoked paprika
  • 1 dash chili flakes (more if you like spice!)
  • 1/4 tsp dried coriander
  • 6-10 whole cloves
  • 5-10 bay leaves
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 tbsps coconut oil
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 4-6 cups vegetable broth
  • Cilantro and lime wedge to garnish

Let the oil heat in the pressure cooker (if you don’t have a pressure cooker, use a large stew or stock pot) on low heat. Put the garam masala, curry powder, cumin seed, dried ginger, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and coriander in the oil to toast them, stirring occasionally.

Add the onions and garlic after about 30 seconds. Let them simmer 2-5 minutes or until they soften.

Pour in the apple cider vinegar, coconut milk, and tomato paste. Stir. Let those combine for a minute. Turn up the heat to a medium and add in the greens, sweet potatoes, and zucchini. You can use these specific vegetables or what you have on hand or those you prefer, like carrots, other squash or something else (I do not recommend broccoli). Give the greens and other vegetables about 5 minutes to simmer and soften. If at any time in the cooking process you need more liquid, add some of the stock.

Add the lentils in on top of your mixture. Fill the pot to the top of the lentils with broth. Put the bay leaves and the cloves in a spice ball or tea strainer and add them on top.

Seal the pressure cooker, turn the heat on high, and leave the lentils to cook for roughly 12 minutes (times may vary based on your individual pressure cooker).

If you aren’t using a pressure cooker, bring the whole pot to a boil then reduce to a slow simmer and let it cook for 20-30 minutes until the lentils reach the consistency you want. Serve in bowls topped with cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

The recipe itself is vegan, but you can add meat if you like or substitute chicken broth. Sausage works well with this recipe. You can also top it with some feta cheese or yogurt. Play around with your veggies and spices to see what you like best.

The end result will be a hearty, healthy, warming stew with minimal fuss and lots of flavor.

Conclusion

If you are ready to cook with pulses, you can easily find thousands of great recipes on the Internet. Don’t be afraid to make them from scratch. A little planning is all it takes to save money, make the best, and avoid adding cans to the landfill. Just remember – soak well, rinse well, and start off with small servings.

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The True Cost of Industrialized Meat Production – And What You Can Do About It

We have all heard the perpetual argument about the meat industry. On one side, unwavering pro-meat eaters assert that some animals were put on this earth for our consumption, as a means for our survival. On the other side, vegan individuals claim that eating animals is not only cruel but evolutionarily outdated. Regardless of one’s moral compass or core beliefs, finding the facts can be difficult. Beyond “he said/she said,” there are some very tangible things happening around the globe that are a detriment to our health and to our planet. Sifting through what is fact and what is opinionated fiction can be difficult. Here are some of the unbiased facts.

Beef is raised in some of the most sensitive regions of the world creating a destructive path in places like the North America’s Great Plains, the Brazilian Amazon, the savannahs of Southern Africa, and the Great Barrier Reef watershed of Australia.

The meat industry is a large contributor to greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). The amount ranges from 18% – to an astonishing 51% depending on the study. The numbers differ depending on the exclusion or inclusion of emissions due to deforestation and land use.

Since the 1950s antibiotics have been used in industrial farming to increase the growth of the animals, which has created an antibiotic resistance in those who consume the meat. According to a recent study by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), about 80% of the antibiotics sold in the U.S. are used for farm animals, not for human beings, and 90% of that amount is distributed through feed or water.

The amount of water used to sustain the meat industry is astronomical. Beef is the largest offender using 2,000 gallons of water for just 1lb of meat. Beef, meat manufacturing as a whole, and consumption are water intensive and a drain on our world water supply. A good example of this is California. California produces more food than any other state and is also in a historic drought putting tremendous pressure on the water supply of the entire southwest. One-third of all fresh water in the world today is used for the meat industry.

Industrial farm waste does not stay on the farms. The antibiotics pumped into the animals is eventually excreted and ends up in waterways and our oceans. The once natural flow of water into the ocean is being replaced with flows of polluted farm runoff contributing to nutrient pollution among other things.

It’s no secret that the population continues to grow with each passing year. With that growth comes expansion. The current population is 7.2 billion by 2050 it is estimated to be  a whopping 9.6 billion. The meat industry was reported to use 26% of the Earth’s ice-free terrestrial surface for grazing making it the largest user of land resources. Pasture and land dedicated to the production of feed embodying almost 80% of the total agricultural land.

There are many conflicting ideas, statistics, and ideologies. Whether actually consuming meat is necessary for a healthy diet or not is highly controversial, but there is no denying the facts behind the environmental destruction that the meat industry has created. The science and research are undeniable. Understanding the harm caused by industrialized meat production is only half of the battle. As a concerned citizen, how can each of us impact change in such an overwhelmingly large industry, by starting right at home? Here are 5 changes you can make to impact tomorrow’s environment.

Meatless Mondays

As stated above, it is estimated that it takes 2,000 gallons of water to produce 1lb of beef. Americans lead meat consumption, eating an average of 270 lbs of meat per year, twice as much meat as is recommended for a healthy diet. Eating less meat of higher quality may be just what the doctor ordered.

Local Butcher

Buying from a small farm or local butcher is an easy way to make sure that the meat you are consuming was pasture raised without hormones and doesn’t come from a factory farm.

Raising Your Own Meat

Another option, if you live in a rural area, is to raise your own meat. There are many reasons to grow your own beef, but not supporting the industrial factories and knowing where the meat came from and has been exposed to are the most important.

Labels

If the city life is for you, learn about labels. Some are meaningless. Some are fraudulent.  Kroger and Perdue Farms both used a label  “humane.” A recent lawsuit filed by The Humane Society of The United States ended up being settled out of court. Kroger and Perdue Farms took the “humane” label off of their packaging. Similarly, there are no standards for labeling products “All Natural,” or “Antibiotic-free.”

Vegetarian/Vegan Lifestyle

Choosing a vegetarian or vegan diet is another option.  This is a hard one for a lot of people to swallow . It is a radical lifestyle change, but the benefits far outweigh the initial difficulties not only for the environment but for your conscience and your health.

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Why We Need Informed Consent for Vaccinations

We all love our children and want the absolute best for them. That’s why we research and read reviews on daycares, car seats, bouncers, highchairs, and toys. We scrutinize products from baby soap to diapers to sunscreen along with the food they eat. We just want them healthy and happy.

When it comes time for childhood vaccinations, are we doing the same research? Are we learning about what is in them and about the side effects and adverse reactions that can happen? Or do we blindly put our trust in our doctors, the CDC, and the FDA? Certainly, vaccines are not harmful, right?

Related: How To Heal Your Gut

Well, data from the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) along with the National Childhood Injury Act of 1986 (NCVIA) tell us otherwise.

Informed Consent

The definition of informed consent is, “The permission granted in the knowledge of the possible consequences, typically that which is given by a patient to a doctor for treatment with full knowledge of the possible risks and benefits.”  Being informed is having full knowledge of both the positive and negative side effects of any medical procedure or prescription – in other words, having and understanding all of the facts and possible outcomes.

  • When you go to the pediatrician or doctor’s office, do they go over the complete vaccine insert with you? If not, there is no possible way for you to give them informed consent to vaccinate.
  • Do they discuss the benefits and risks of the vaccine? If they don’t, you cannot give informed consent and they are not complying with the legal requirements put in place for vaccine providers. (Refer to the link in sources.)
  • Do they talk to you about the live viruses that could shed up to six weeks and longer? If not, you cannot give informed consent.

It is sad and scary that they can just hand you a brochure about all the “benefits” of the vaccines and think that you will be informed enough to give proper consent, especially if they do not disclose all of the relevant aspects of the vaccine. When you give doctors or nurses consent to vaccinate, you are acknowledging that if you or your child has a severe adverse reaction or dies, you will not be able to hold them legally accountable. The vaccine manufacturers, the medical professional who administered the vaccine, and the CDC will not take responsibility for any adverse effect that vaccines can cause. That is a sad reality and a very heavy truth.

The MMR sheds because it contains live viruses. If your child is vaccinated, your child can potentially infect other individuals even those who are already vaccinated. Vaccines are not 100% effective. The insert admits this. Did your pediatrician tell you about viral shedding? If not, once again, you did not give informed consent.

The chance of actually dying from the measles is microscopic compared to the chance of having a severe adverse reaction from the vaccine. In 2015, only 189 cases of measles were reported. Out of those 189 cases, there were zero deaths. In fact, there has not been a single death from the measles since 2003.

Sixty-seven percent of individuals who were admitted due to febrile seizures were linked to the MMR vaccine and seizures are just one of many possible adverse reactions. Another is encephalitis, swelling of the brain. This happens to 1 out of every 1000 who are vaccinated, and 50% of them end up with neurological brain issues.

In the first half of 2016, 57 deaths due to the MMR vaccine were reported, but we know these numbers are highly inaccurate. Only 1% to 10 % of doctors report vaccine adverse reactions to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System(VAERS), the program created to gather vaccine adverse reaction data and make it available to the public. (See link below.) Many do not recognize or acknowledge the connection between vaccine adverse reactions and the vaccine, even when a reaction occurs hours or days after the vaccine.

The media and medical professionals portray measles as a scary, horrible disease that always ends in death. That is simply not the case. Measles usually starts out with a mild to moderate fever, a cough, a runny nose, and a sore throat. Sometimes conjunctivitis is a symptom as well. After 2 to 3 days, the body breaks out in small red spots from the head down. While this is happening, the fever can rise as high as 104 to 105.8.

High fevers can scare us, especially if we don’t understand that fevers are good, that they are a sign that the immune system is working to fight off a virus. The increase in body temperature is the body’s reaction to kill the virus by making the body uninhabitable for the virus. (See link below.)

In the 50’s, catching the measles wasn’t a big deal. Kids were just happy to stay home from school.  Today, the pharmaceutical industry and vaccine manufacturers have indoctrinated the medical field to believe that measles is a horrific disease and refusal to vaccinate is one step away from signing your child’s death certificate. In reality, measles is usually nothing more than a scary looking rash and fever.

Related: Vaccine Articles

Think about it, what would you and your child rather have? Measles for a few uncomfortable days followed by natural immunity that lasts a lifetime or daily seizures from a vaccine that still may not guarantee 100% immunity? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also known as the CDC, recommends vaccination with the MMR at 12-15 months and then again between the ages of 4-6, and again as an adult if your blood-work does not show immunity. How can they recommend a vaccine so many times when it has numerous adverse reactions and even death associated with them?

Vaccination Timeline Graphs

Did you know that the mortality of measles was almost 100% wiped out right before the measles vaccine was introduced? This 1900-1963 measles graph from the CDC tells us so. The measles vaccine was introduced in 1963.

CDC Graph Measles Death Rates

Then here we have the diphtheria graph. The diphtheria toxoid was licensed in 1923 and again, the decline of death from the disease had already started before the vaccine was introduced. 

CDC Diptheria Death Rates

We see the same thing happening with typhoid fever. The typhoid vaccine was introduced in 1914.

CDC Graph Thyphloid Death Rates

The FDA blows the whole “…un-vaccinated children give other children pertussis” argument out of the water. On their site, they say the following:

 This research suggests that although individuals immunized with an acellular pertussis vaccine may be protected from disease, they may still become infected with the bacteria without always getting sick and are able to spread infection to others, including young infants who are susceptible to pertussis disease.”

Read the link at the bottom to see what they have to say about the rising rates of pertussis, aka whooping cough.

Just like many other diseases, pertussis was already declining before the pertussis vaccine was licensed in 1949. Since the vaccine, cases are on the rise.

CDC Graph Pertussis Cases

The same thing again can be seen with polio. It was already nearly eradicated due to clean water and better sewer and sanitation systems. The vaccine was introduced in 1955.

CDC Graph Polio Cases

Ever since we started injecting the live virus back into people, there have been more outbreaks because vaccines contain the live viruses and those who are vaccinated shed the virus. The unvaccinated are being blamed for it, but how can that be? Healthy kids and adults don’t spread diseases because they simply don’t have any. Sick individuals who contain live viruses in their bodies are the ones who spread it to others. The data speaks the truth.

All of these diseases were declining at a rapid pace since the introduction of clean water, better sewer and sanitation systems, refrigeration systems, and better hygiene, but sadly, the CDC is taking extreme measures to have you believe that vaccines are responsible for the decline of diseases. Why? Because the vaccine industry is a multi-billion dollar industry with huge profit margins.

Dating back to 1880-1900, better sewer and sanitation systems were slowly being built across the states. Looking back at the 1850’s, they used clay for the sewer systems, which in turn caused poor coverage and many leaks in the pipeline. The degrading and primitive clay sewer system allowed sewage to leak out into the ground water that was then consumed by many citizens.

Polio is a disease spread by contaminated fecal matter. Once better sewer and sanitation systems were developed, polio started to decline before a vaccine was licensed and introduced.

By 1900, the importance of proper hygiene became known. It improved the lifespan by up to 6 years. This included not only washing hands but washing clothes as well, which took care of lice and vermin. Proper hygiene ended the typhoid epidemic.

Refrigeration systems were introduced in 1904. Refrigeration allowed food to be stored for longer periods without contamination.

The CDC graphs show that sewer, sanitation, and refrigeration systems were all introduced around the same time many diseases started their rapid decline. We were well on our way to the eradication of diseases before (and until) vaccines were introduced.

Healthcare physicians are taught to believe that vaccines are and always have been safe and effective. They were not taught to question the safety of them or what is in the vaccines.

Physicians’ textbooks are bought and paid for by the pharmaceutical industry. Every year the pharmaceutical companies spend $5 billion dollars in marketing. (See link below.)

If $5 billion dollars was spent in third world countries to build sanitation systems and provide access to clean water, widespread diseases would be dramatically decreased. Pharmaceutical companies do not want to eradicate disease. Without disease, they would lose their enormous profits.

Ingredients

Here are a few out of the many toxic ingredients found in vaccines. Did you know that there are aborted fetal cells in some vaccinations? It lists them in the vaccine inserts as MRC-5 and WI-38. Some also list it as human diploid cells. (See the CDC and NCBI link below.)

Glutaraldehyde

Glutaraldehyde is used as a sterilant and high-level disinfectant. It is so dangerous to those who work with it that they have to wear respirators, isolation gowns, gloves, eyewear, and sleeve protectors. If exposed, it can cause chronic asthma, constant itching of the eyes, rhinitis, dermatitis, and eczema. Not all reactions happen immediately. Studies show that reactions can be delayed from a few weeks to several years after exposure.

Polysorbate 80

Polysorbate 80 is a solubility agent found in ointments, creams, soaps, and common foods such as pickles and ice cream. It is a known carcinogen that can cause severe, non-immunologic anaphylactic shock, which means that it can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is also a known carcinogen. Scientists say any exposure to it can cause certain types of cancers.

2-phenoxyethanol

2-phenoxyethanol is used as an insecticide.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a neurotoxin linked to Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia as well as cancer.

Thimerosal

Thimerosal is a form of mercury. It is a known neurotoxin.

Phenol

Phenol is a germicidal agent that is highly toxic to the skin. It causes irritation to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. If contacted orally, it can cause ongoing weight loss, vertigo, diarrhea, and blood and liver effects. In animals, it causes abnormal development in their offspring. Injecting phenol can cause the skin to rub off, motor weakness, sensory loss, tremors, convulsions, chest pain, shortness of breath and drowsiness, and more. When injected, phenol acts as a nerve block that temporarily destroys nerves.

Recombinant Human Albumin

Recombinant human albumin is a natural protein found in the body and taken from plasma and blood donators. It says not to mix it with any other types of blood or blood components, yet it is in a vaccine with fetal bovine serum. There are no studies to deem this safe and effective for pregnant woman or children younger than 12. Adverse reactions can include edema, tachycardia, fever, chills, vomiting and headaches. Since it is a blood product, there is also a small risk of the transmission of a viral disease. Fetal bovine serum is another name for fetal calf serum. It is the blood remaining after the natural coagulation and the removal of any remaining blood cells.

Other Ingredients

Other scary and toxic ingredients include, but are not limited to:

  • Potassium chloride, which can stop the heart
  • Monosodium L-glutamate (MSG). This can cause diabetes and is associated with dementia.
  • Sorbitol, which is said not to be injected
  • Sodium bicarbonate also known as baking soda.
  • Sodium borate, also known as Borax, which is used for insecticide and detergent. It is linked to seizures and convulsions.
  • Vero cells, which are cells from a monkey’s kidney.
  • Chick embryo cell cultures.
  • Embryonic guinea pig cultures.
  • Human lung cultures.
  • Antibiotics.

More about the vaccine ingredients can be found below and by reading vaccine inserts.

NVIC Act 1986

In 1986, the National Vaccination Information Center teamed up with Congress to come up with the National Childhood Injury Act of 1986 because far too many children were having adverse reactions and they didn’t want the manufacturers of the vaccines to be liable for any injury or death because the public’s trust in them would subside. In order to set this up, a percentage of every vaccine given is put into the fund. The vaccine manufacturer can no longer be sued even in cases of severe disability or death. The US Court of Claims has paid out $3 billion dollars to devastated vaccine injured victims, even though 2 out of 3 cases are denied compensation. (See link below.)

So how is it pharmaceutical companies and government agencies can claim vaccines are safe when people all around the world are having adverse reactions and even dying? Isn’t vaccinating your child like playing Russian Roulette since you have no way of knowing how their bodies will react to the heavy toxins?

Conclusion

We live in a time when IKEA dressers can be recalled due to 6 deaths, but vaccines continue to kill and maim both children and adults. We don’t recall the vaccines. Instead, our government claims they are safe, effective, and needed for the common good. They pass laws to mandate their use.

As long as pharmaceutical companies are allowed to wield their power over government regulatory agencies and the general practice of medicine as a whole, their profits will supersede public health. If we become informed – truly informed – will we continue to give consent, to place our children at risk of death or lifelong disability? 

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Natural Approaches to Combat Depression

Depression can be experienced on different levels and driven by various factors, including insufficient nutrient intake, unhealthy lifestyle, chronic disease, hormone imbalances, challenging circumstances, and emotional trauma, to name just a few.

Serotonin, a brain chemical referred to as the “happy hormone”, is at a biological level responsible for a happy, uplifted mood. The good news is that the body has the ability to produce sufficient amounts of serotonin naturally if the correct building blocks (nutrients) are adequately provided.

Foods That Aid in Serotonin Production

Several foods are particularly rich in nutrients required for serotonin production: whole rolled oats, free range chicken, avocados, bananas, cashews, almonds, and dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, mustard greens, etc.). Eggs, salmon, walnuts and chia seeds provide nutrients that support communication between brain cells, thereby improving the brain’s ability to regulate mood.

Organic sources of the mentioned foods may ensure optimal nutrient intake and minimum exposure to toxins, which is another factor to consider in depression. A diet rich in whole foods (unprocessed, unrefined and fresh) will contribute to the intake of a variety of nutrients that supports the body’s serotonin production and mood regulation.

Sunlight and Serotonin Production

Daily exposure to natural sunlight assists the body to produce its own vitamin D, which is required for serotonin production and hormone regulation. Aim for 10-15 minutes of unrestricted sun exposure per day, preferably not between 11h00 and 14h00 (11am and 2pm).

Physical Exercise and Mood

Physical exercise promotes the release of various brain chemicals involved in uplifting the mood. Partaking in a form of exercise that you truly enjoy adds to a general feeling of joy, over and above an increase in these brain chemicals. Aim for 2-3 sessions of physical exercise per week, even if it’s just 20 minutes at a moderate intensity.

Foods That Negatively Influence Mood

Regular intake of sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners may all negatively influence mood. They may contribute to mood swings, depression, anxiety, and a dysregulated mood in general. Avoiding these dietary components or reducing intake of them is suggested to support emotional well-being and overall health.

Blood Sugar and Mood

Imbalanced blood sugar levels have been shown to be a key driver in imbalanced mood and heightened appetite (especially for sugar and starchy foods). Balancing blood sugar levels can be attained by avoiding refined starches (white bread, pizza, pasta, pastries, sugar, etc.) and instead opting for high-quality carbohydrate sources: vegetables, fruit, whole rolled oats, brown rice, and quinoa. Combining carbohydrates with a protein source (e.g.: pulses, beans, a handful of nuts, etc.) is also useful to regulate blood sugar levels.

Essential Oils and Mood

If you enjoy taking relaxing baths, add a few drops of ylang-ylang, lavender, and rose essential oils to the water and soak in the bath for at least 15 minutes. These oils have been indicated in lifting the mood and calming the nervous system. Lavender is also indicated in promoting deep, restful sleep and thereby helping the body to recuperate and for the brain to discharge any deep-seated negative emotions. Inadequate or poor quality sleep may significantly influence mood.  Most people will attest to feeling groggy and moody the next day after too little sleep.

Gut Health and Mood

Digestive health is important for emotional well-being, first of all to ensure that nutrients required for serotonin production are absorbed, but also to support serotonin production in the gut. (It is estimated that 90% of serotonin is produced in the digestive tract). If you suspect that your gut health is sub-optimal, it may be useful to see a natural health practitioner who will tailor a personalised program to support your digestive function.

There are several useful herbal remedies associated with mood regulation and to alleviate depression, which you can also discuss with your natural health practitioner to make sure you’re given the most appropriate herbal remedy and dose according to your current health, presenting symptoms, and other factors such as age and medication.

Chronic Stress and Mood

Chronic stress may directly contribute to depression, especially if the stress is related to emotional and social challenges. Chronic stress may deplete the body’s nutrient stores and thereby reduce the amount of nutrients available to produce serotonin and support overall well-being. Chronic stress has also been shown to reduce the amount of circulating serotonin, thereby impacting mood. Chronic stress can be supported through a nutrient-dense diet, healthy lifestyle habits, deep breathing exercises, and identifying and dealing with its cause.

Regularly partake in hobbies or activities that you enjoy, whether it’s knitting a sweater, doing scrapbooking, or sitting in nature in solitude. Turn off those electronic devices that not only distract, but may be implicated in causing biological changes that contribute to depression!

Often a change in attitude can be the key turning point when it comes to overall emotional well-being. Self-limiting and self-sabotaging beliefs can keep us in a hopeless, helpless, and depressed state of mind. Gaining a fresh perspective on your life and your situation can shift your attitude towards a more self-nurturing attitude, which may bring about a deeper sense of contentment, acceptance, and appreciation of life, simply for the joy of being you and being alive.

Author:

Jeanne Van Zyl lectures in Nutrition for the group of colleges that includes CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine), in Europe, and CNH (College of Natural Health) in South Africa.

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How Negative Ions and Positive Ions Affect our Health

An atom or a molecule (a group of atoms) with more positive electrons than negative carries a positive charge. When there is an extra negative electron it has a negative charge. We call these positive and negative ions.

Positively charged ions do not have a positive effect on our physical and mental health. They are associated with an increase in allergies, infections, lethargy, depression, anxiety, suicide, and more.

Negatively charged ions have a positive effect. They elevate our mood by increasing serotonin levels, they help stabilize blood pressure, increase the body’s alkalinity, strengthen bones, heighten immunity, accelerate physical recovery, they purify and clean the air, and more.

Obviously, it is in our best interest to increase our exposure to negative ions. But how can we do this?

Spend more time outside. Negatively charged ions are abundant in nature with the highest concentrations forming near moving water and old growth forests. Have you ever noticed how you feel when you sit near a waterfall or walk along the beach? What about when you stand in a forest or stroll through a lush garden? You breathe in that fresh, clean air and you feel energized yet calm, alive, vibrant, refreshed.

Positively charged ions concentrate indoors. Electromagnetic fields, fluorescent lights, carpet, metal, plastics, and air pollution all increase the number of positive ions in an environment. Your first defense is to open the windows to fresh air! The next? Get rid of those fluorescent light bulbs! While you’re at it, toss the microwave.

While most of us will not give up our modern electrical conveniences, we can limit our exposure by turning off electronics that are not in use and by shutting it down at night. Turn off your “instant on” appliances. Yes, unplugging them and plugging them in again is a hassle. Why not plug them into a surge protector so you can just flip the switch?

Cell phones are great when you’re out and about, but many of us have done away with our landlines and use our cell phones exclusively. If you or a family member spends lots of time on the phone, consider the benefits of maintaining a landline. More evidence is mounting that links brain cancer to extensive cell phone use, especially when usage begins in the teen years.

In addition to stopping some of the electronic pollution at its source, you can invest in ways to produce negative ions in your home. How can we increase negative ions on the home? Open windows, eliminate carpet, buy an all-natural mattress, set up an indoor waterfall, use salt lamps, or try a negative ion generator. We recommend utilizing all of these options.

Increase your exposure to negative ions and start grounding (or earthing) each day as well, and your body will thank you!

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