Organics Boast More Nutrients, Fewer Toxins
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onventionally grown foods contain pesticide residues that are three to four times higher than those found in organic foods (traces may be due to atmospheric drift from other fields or soils), according to a review of 343 research studies published last June in the British Journal of Nutrition. The review, which included studies of food grown in different regions and seasons, also determined that organic foods contained higher levels of healthy nutrients such as minerals, vitamins and antioxidants (specifically polyphenols), compared to conventional foods, which also contained significantly higher levels of cadmium, a heavy metal toxin. The study’s authors found evidence that the higher antioxidant and lower cadmium concentrations are linked to specific organic growing practices such as avoiding mineral nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, respectively. They commented, “Results indicate that switching from conventional to organic crop consumption would result in a 20 to 40 percent increase in crop-based antioxidant/polyphenolic intake levels.”
Thinking about hormones? Do it right!
Natural Approaches for Asthma
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sthma is a condition of the lungs whereby, the small air sacs in the lungs are unable to expand and contract. When this occurs wheezing can be heard with a stethoscope and sometimes audible. The chronic inflammation of the bronchi tiny air sacs in the lungs cause the constricting spasms and wheezing. Hilda Lauderman, who is licensed as a Dr. of ® ˇ Nedicine , Natural Medicine, Homeopathy and an R.N., explains that "Asthma can be the result of vaccinations, coming in contact with an allergen or a stressful event." "According to The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia," she says, "the allergen, or other irritant, could be chemicals, drugs, dust mites, feathers, food additives, pollutants, fumes, mold, animal dander, tobacco smoke, anxiety, fear, laughing, stress, low blood sugar, adrenal disorders, temperature changes, extremes of dryness or humidity or respiratory infections. Asthmatics are frequently very sensitive to foods containing additives such as sulfites. Many other fumes and/or strong odors may also be an allergen." "The first approach in natural medicine, "Lauderman explains, "is to try to determine the root cause. If it is due to allergies, homeopathics remedies will be used to help decrease the allergic response. Low cortisol levels may also be a problem. In this case, an adrenal stress test will be done to check for low cortisol levels. Cortisol is an anti-inflammatory that helps decrease inflammation in the body, including inflammation in the lungs." "The goal," she says, "is to decrease the inflammation and expand the tiny air sacs in the lungs. This can be done by using an herb to decrease inflammation Boswellia is the herb of choice. Magnesium Complex can also be used for asthma conditions. Magnesium dialates, or expands, the tiny air sacs in the lungs and breathing becomes easier." Dr. Hilda Lauderman serves the east Michigan region from her offices in Davison, MI. For more information, call 810-503-4056 or see her ad on page 14. Ref: Vance H. Ferrell, Harold M. Cherne M.D., The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia: Asthma (Altamont, RN: Harvestime Books, 2010) 852.
Individualized assessment, prescriptions and monitoring for bio-identical hormones and other supportive therapies for menopause and andropause symptoms. The Downing Clinic Working with natural hormone replacement for men and women since 1991. Dr. Laura Kovalcik, DO, FACOI, Board-Certified in Internal Medicine
The Downing Clinic www.TheDowningClinic.com Clarkston, MI
248-625-6677 December 2014
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