Natural Family Medicine

Arsenic in Brown Rice Syrup

nfm — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:07:36 +0000

Research has been revealing that rice extracts arsenic from soil and can therefore be an unwanted source of arsenic in our diets whether or not the rice has been grown “organically”. A consequence of arsenic in brown rice is that it is also showing up in brown rice syrup. Rice syrups are commonly used in packaged foods that are formulated without cane sugar. Understand, too, that rice syrup remains highly processed. For people over 2 years old, honey is best option. Maple syrup in small quantities is another OK option. Read more here.

Sleep and Immune Function

nfm — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:00:11 +0000

Yale researchers have discovered a gene that is important in identifying infections. It’s activity is related to our circadian rhythm–and when our sleep pattern is “off”, this gene doesn’t function as well. This finding shed more light on why sleep patterns are so important to our overall health! Read more here.

Omega-3′s for Retinitis Pigmentosa

nfm — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:23:31 +0000

While Vitamin A has long been used as supportive therapy for those with retinitis pigmentosa, the addition of omega-3 fatty acids has now been shown to be beneficial. Just another reason to include high quality fish oils in our diets and/or supplements. Click here.

Super-Foods for Diabetes

nfm — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:20:24 +0000

Foods which are high in anti-oxidants can be very beneficial for our health. This article summarizes a “Top Ten” list for diabetes. I agree with them all except for the grains. And use legumes (beans) only rarely. Eat more veggies to get that extra fiber!! Click here.

Geeking Out to Dark Chocolate

nfm — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:15:12 +0000

This is a great article which gives some of the background information as to why dark chocolate seems to be a treat that loves us back! Click here.

Tips for Brain Health

nfm — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:20:47 +0000

Some great ideas are summarized in this link. I agree with all except one: saturated fats are only “criminal” if they are from unhealthy sources. Butter from exclusively grass-fed cows can be an important part of our diets. Organic coconut oil is another source of healthy saturated fats. Do avoid animal products that have not been raised healthfully–for example, cows must be EXCLUSIVELY grass-fed. And definitely avoid all trans fats! NOTE: Commercially-raised organic “grass-fed” beef is typically grain-finished at the slaughterhouse. The healthy fats in grass-fed beef immediately deteriorate when grain is introduced into their feed.

Salt in Foods

nfm — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:20:38 +0000

This is a long post so I’m starting with the good news and bottom line: eat whole foods from local farmers; avoid grains; eat LOTS of veggies; include fruits and nuts.

Here’s the bad news: In a new CDC report, breads have been found to be a larger source of added salt in the American diet than snacks such as potato chips and pretzels. They go on to say that this is not necessarily because bread contains more salt (although it can), but that Americans are just eating a LOT of bread.

Poultry also made the list–but that is most likely because commercial poultry is injected with saline solution. In a quote from The Daily Green: “. . . a single-ingredient chicken breast and a chicken breast with added solution both may be labeled as ‘chicken breast,’ even though one package contains purely chicken breast and one may be comprised of 60 percent chicken breast and 40 percent solution.” I’ve included the link to The Daily Green article as well as links to an LATimes article and The Poultry Site.

Click for CDC report.

Click for The Daily Green report.

Click for LATimes article.

Click for The Poultry Site article.

Swimming for Your Health

nfm — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:44:11 +0000

I love that research is finding more health benefits of swimming. In this article, researchers have shown that swimming lowers blood pressure in adults. Give swimming a try–it’s great exercise and might lower your blood pressure, too!! Read more here.

Labelling Definitions

nfm — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:51:52 +0000

Read this article for great information regarding the restrictions (or NOT) on labels that manufacturers use. You will likely be surprised! Click here.

Research on Ionic Foot Baths

nfm — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:02:54 +0000

Many patients have asked me over the years my opinion on ionic foot baths. While I generally recommended steering clear of them, this is the first research I’ve seen on their ability to detox. The researchers found no evidence of improved detoxing using the units. Of particular concern is the potential risk of exposing oneself to toxic elements from the unit itself. You can read more here.