A diet comprised of 100% uncooked food when used for the purpose of detoxification of the body is referred to as a raw food detox diet. Detoxification or detox refers to the process of elimination of toxins - produced either internally from metabolic wastes or coming from external sources such food and environment - that get accumulated in the body over a period of time, giving rise to a host of diseases.

A raw food detox diet primarily includes vegetarian or vegan foods, though sometimes meat and fish may be allowed too if one can manage to eat them raw. Such a diet promotes the elimination of harmful substances from the body through the body’s excretory organs like kidneys, bowel and skin.

How a raw food diet detox works
The principle behind a raw food detox diet is the belief that food in its natural uncooked form has all the vital nutrients and enzymes intact, whereas cooking by conventional methods devitalizes the food due to breakdown of these substances. In a sense, raw food is a kind of living food, with a latent life force that under appropriate conditions facilitates germination and growth of a new plant from a seed.

Advocates of the raw food diet detox believe that when the body is fed with foods that are rich in life force, digestive enzymes, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, while at the same time being deprived of devitalized and toxin-laden foods, it gets into the self-detoxification and cleansing mode.

The problem with cooked foods
When food is heated to temperatures above 117 ºF (47 ºC) for more than a few minutes: (i) a substantial amount of vital digestive enzymes and nutrients get destroyed; (ii) proteins get denatured and coagulated, causing deficiency of many amino acids; (iii) fats when overheated result in the formation of carcinogenic substances.

When the food is cooked in water, the water-soluble minerals get lost due to leaching (even more intensely if one adds salt while cooking), unless one uses the leftover water for gravies or soups. In fact, scientific studies have shown that many of the vegetables lose their antioxidant benefits when boiled or microwaved.

It only gets worse when it comes to ready-to-eat commercially manufactured foods, which may even contain highly detrimental substances like acrylamides. It is for all these reasons that a
raw food diet has emerged as the favorite detox diet.

What constitutes a raw food diet detox
The following foods should be eaten while on a raw food detox diet:

• Whole organic fresh fruits and vegetables(preferred over juices)
• Herbs and wild greens
• Sprouted grains, pulses and seeds
• Nuts soaked in pure water for 12 hours * Sea plants like Nori, Dulse, Kelp, Algaes
• Foods dehydrated at room temperature so as to preserve life force, enzymes and nutrients
• Herbal teas, preferably organic

What to expect while on a raw food detox diet
There could be many health reasons for which people go on a raw food detox diet: e.g., weight loss, general health improvement, and chronic health problems arising from accumulation of toxins in the body (such as joint pains, headaches, chronic fatigue, constipation, etc.).

During the first two weeks of the raw food diet detox when the process of detoxification starts, initially one is likely to experience some negative detox reactions, such as nausea, headache, tiredness, coated tongue, foul breath, skin eruptions, depression, etc. This is because of the released toxins; it is very important to drink lots of water, take plenty of rest, and resist cooked food - otherwise, detox will discontinue. In the next phase, one starts experiencing the benefits of detoxification.

Benefits of a raw food detox diet
The following benefits are experienced after going on a raw food detox diet:

• Feel rejuvenated and energetic with increased stamina
• Improved digestion and stable blood sugar levels
• Reduction in joint and muscle pain
• Improvement in concentration

Conclusion
Sticking to a raw food diet detox plan is not difficult: a whole range of raw detox foods are available in health stores and farmers’ markets. And there is a wealth of information available
on the Internet, books/magazines to motivate and help you. Learn more about detoxification in my brand new free ebook at http://www.thedetoxspecialist.com

Author: Sandy Halliday
About the author: Sandy Halliday, a former nurse, is a nutritionist and health researcher with over 20 years experience with many different types of detoxification. She is passionate about the role of nutrition and detoxification for the prevention of illness and aging as well as the improvement of many health conditions.
Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/wiedmaier/138381828/

The use of herbal formulas to cleanse and detox the body has been used throughout the world and throughout the ages. Herbs can be used alone for their individual functions or together for a more complete cleanse. They are often used in conjunction with a fasting detox to accelerate and enhance the cleanse.

Herbs come in many forms such as tinctures, teas, powders, fresh, or dried. They can also be purchased as combinations as part of a cleanse program. Please be aware of potential drug interactions prior to taking any herbal remedies and check with your physician if you are pregnant or nursing.

Some of the more commonly used detox herbs are:

Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle helps cleanse the liver from alcohol, drugs, heavy metals as well as protecting the liver from future toxins. It is also a mild laxative and soothes and moistens mucus membranes.

Spirulina
Spirulina is actually a very safe whole food (not an herb) and can be eaten every day. It is a blue/green algae containing chlorophyll which is known as nature’s green magic for its cleansing capabilities. It also builds the immune system, lowers cholesterol, rebuilds intestinal flora. Effective in eliminating heavy metals and dioxins, spirulina is also a terrific source of protein, beta carotene, iron and GLA (an essential fatty acid).

Red Clover
Red clover cleanses the blood, increases urine & mucous production, improves circulation, and stimulates bile production.

Echinacea
Echinacea is used to cleanse and detox the lymphatic system.

Licorice Root
Licorice Root cleanses the colon, supports lung & spleen function, and promotes adrenal gland function. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and increases mucous fluidity in lungs.

Dandelion
In addition to dandelions many nutritional benefits, it provides urinary & glandular benefits, acts as a liver & kidney tonic and as a blood purifier.

This preceding list is a very small selection of helpful detoxing herbs. To learn more about herbal cleansing please visit the following site: Herbal Detox: www.healthrecipes.com
Author: Sheryl Lyon
Image: NYC - Queens - Flushing: Queens Botanical Garden - Herb Garden

We all know how good it feels to get fresh air and sunshine. If you live in the north, you long for summer or your tropical winter vacation. Yet we are torn between what feels great and what the experts have been pounding in our heads for years. “The sun will kill you” “The sun causes cancer” “Make sure to use at least a shotglass full of sunscreen”. The expert advice has led to fear, hiding and a huge market for products to protect us from the sun.

It seems that your instincts were right on target. Just like plants, we need the sun. Our bodies crave sunlight, our mood lifts, our circadian rhythms are regulated and we look better, feel better and sleep better. In addition, it turns out that not only does the sun prevent, rather than cause cancer, but commercial sunscreens are loaded with chemicals and toxins that sunscreens are actually a cause of cancer rather than the sunlight they are supposed to protect us from.

“For decades, researchers have puzzled over why rich northern countries have cancer rates many times higher than those in developing countries — and many have laid the blame on dangerous pollutants spewed out by industry….[researchers found] the critical factor is more likely a lack of vitamin D. What’s more, researchers are linking low vitamin D status to a host of other serious ailments, including multiple sclerosis, juvenile diabetes, influenza, osteoporosis and bone fractures among the elderly.” TheGlobeandMail.com

Virtually everyone is Vitamin D deficient, and severely so. You simply cannot get enough Vitamin D from your food unless you drink 40 glasses of milk a day or have fish for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Synthetic, pharmaceutical forms of Vitamin D are toxic and not nearly as effective as your body’s own creation in response to direct sunlight.

Many experts recommend 15 minutes a day in direct sunlight but others say that 15 or 20 minutes is simply not enough. Our bodies evolved to need much more exposure to sunlight than that. Throughout history, humans have spent the majority of their day outside and it is only in the last few centuries that we have been working and then driving protected from the sun and in the last few decades we have gone a step further with sunscreen.

If you are a fan of Dr. Mercola or Mike Adams, you are very familiar with their views on sunshine. We are bombarded with the message to stay out of the sun, therefore missing out on this incredible nutrient, but to make matters worse, many of the ingredients in sunscreen are proven to cause skincancer. Getting adequate sunlight also helps you sleep better by regulating your circadian rhythms. If you never see bright sunlight, your brain may know the time but how does your body know what time it is? Why do you think people get depressed in the winter?

There are a few options for northerners. Either move south, become a snowbird, use a light simulating device or tanning bed during the winter months, or take Cod Liver Oil as Dr. Mercola recommends. This is a perfect example of trusting your instincts. Does it make sense to spend some time in the sun every day? It feels wonderful! It doesn’tt feel good to stay locked up indoors, behind the curtains, with the TV or computer on. What a wonderful prescription for health, fresh air and sunshine the way nature intended!

Additional Resources:
Vitamin D Council
Vitamin D and Ovarian Cancer
Sunlight and Endometrial Cancer
Vitamin D and Breast Cancer
Kidney Cancer and Sunlight
Prostate Cancer and Vitamin D
Colon Cancer and Vitamin D
The Case for Tanning Beds
Vitamin D and flu prevention

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/jalalspages/711161806/

By: Joel

Sprouting has long been known to provide numerous health advantages to individuals that incorporate fresh, organic sprouts into their daily diet. Organic sprouting is the process of soaking seeds in pure water, properly draining and then rinsing with more pure water until they mature into sprouts. There are many varieties of seeds that can be sprouted for food. The following outlines a few of the most common:

• Alfalfa
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Garlic
• Mustard
• Wheat
• Peas
• Radish
• Soybean

Health professionals everywhere agree that sprouts are excellent for providing the body with key nutrients. These nutrients, such as various vitamins, proteins, important amino acids and minerals, are the building blocks of life for the various functions within the body. Furthermore, when sprouts are grown organically, the seeds are not introduced to any common chemicals. This means that when they are consumed, dangerous toxins are not introduced to the body.

The raw food lifestyle continues to grow in popularity as doctors and dieticians agree that it is safe and effective. When a person consumes the diet that consists of raw foods, they are less likely to experience various sicknesses, diseases, and similar conditions. Organic sprouts are a very successful component of a raw food lifestyle. Sprouts can assist in weight loss, preventing heart disease, as well as preventing many different kinds of cancers.

“In a nut shell (no pun intended) the main benefit of sprouting is that it takes a seed or nut in the dormant state and brings it to life. During the sprouting process new and higher quality proteins and other nutrients are produced. Tests have shown that the nutrients in seeds and nuts are anywhere from 50% to 400% greater after sprouting or soaking.” The Benefits of Sprouting; EZhealthydiets.com

Many people enjoy growing their own sprouts. When you grow your own sprouts you can create sprouts that you like for a fraction of the cost of buying sprouts in the store. To begin your own organic sprouting, you may like to try the Easy-Sprouter. With the Easy-Sprouter you do not have to have any experience and it requires no rinsing. The Easy-Sprouter is inexpensive and efficient and allows anyone to perform organic with NO experience.

The Easy-Sprouter creates an ideal environment for growing for a wide variety of seeds. There is no need to have a strong knowledge of sprouting and you can grow healthy sprouts with no experience. I believe, using this method of sprouting, you are saving yourself a lot of time and money and making a useful contribution to the environment.

If you are interested in reaping the health benefits associated with organic sprouting, there are many ways to do so. You can purchase these sprouts locally, at your local grocery store or simply grow your own. The growing process can be relatively frustrating if you have little or no experience, so, if you choose this method, it is best to use a sprouter. The Easy - Sprouter will make doing your own organic sprouting easy and convenient! Those who have no experience whatsoever in organic sprouting can greatly benefit from using this particular instrument. This will allow you to enjoy your food relatively cheaply, and share your creations with those that you are close to.

“More and more people are discovering the benefits that can be received by adding to the diet the condensed energy hidden within the seed and released in the form of sprouts. The Western Wisdom Teachings stress the importance of nutrition, not only for the health of the physical body, but also as an aid to one’s spiritual sensitivity. Therefore, anyone aspiring to the higher life should be aware of the healthful benefits to be obtained by the use of sprouts.” Sprouting for Health; rosicrucian.com

Purchase the Freshlife Automatic Sprout Grower
Purchase the EasySprouter

Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles

Don’t Miss!! Outstanding ,no cost Information from Gene Monson. Gene Monson is the inventor of the EasySprouter. Don’t reprint this article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.

By: mcomo

Many of us wake up in the morning being attacked by electromagnetic frequencies
(EMFs) from our clock radio which is usually a short distance from our head. If it’s a real cold night, some may even curl up with their electric blanket for another dose of EMFs. Before leaving the house in the morning we are exposed to more EMFs from blow dryers, electric shavers, electric tooth brushes, coffee makers and microwaves. On our way to work, we might make a few calls on our cell phone. Once we arrive at the office, we flip on the overhead florescent lights, power up the copier, fax machine, computer and talk on the phone throughout the day. When we go back home, we turn on the TV or stereo, stand in the kitchen and cook dinner while surrounded by all electrical appliances and repeat the same thing all over again the next day.

We are constantly being bombarded with electromagnetic frequencies. All electrical devices emit these frequencies. Some experts believe that EMFs are a real threat and can cause or contribute to cancer, brain tumors, leukemia, birth defects, miscarriages, chronic fatigue, poor immunity, heart problems and stress, as well as zap your overall energy.

Dr. David Carpenter, Dean at the School of Public Health, State University of New York believes it is likely that up to 30% of childhood cancers come from exposure to EMF. Some scientists believe that over exposure to EMFs are responsible for a high rate of suicide among electric utility workers. Researchers at the University of North Carolina believe that EMFs contribute to the decrease in melatonin levels which in turn can cause sleeplessness, depression and suicide.

Advanced technology is wonderful and most people are not willing to give up modern day conveniences, but there are things that you can do to reduce EMF exposure. You can purchase a devise called a gauss meter and it will help you measure the amount of EMFs being emitted from appliances, electronics, power outlets, etc. When the meter measures something high in EMFs, the gauge will register in the red zone and beep.

“In addition to the long-term health concerns, buying a house with high fields will be an economic disaster. In a few years, when power line radiation is as well known as asbestos and radon, a house with high fields will be practically impossible to sell. Already there are hundreds of lawsuits regarding EMFs and property devaluation.” Mercola.com

I took a gauss meter through my whole house and office and did a lot of rearranging to minimize exposure. The most amazing thing I found was that my alarm clock emitted EMFs 5 feet in every direction. I moved it across the room, then I noticed one of my cats was sleeping next to it so I got rid of it altogether and purchased a little battery operated one. It’s the digital display LED type that is high in EMFs. The TV, which I thought would be the worst, only emitted harmful EMFs 3 feet out from the front and 5 feet out from the sides. TV Manufacturers have really improved on this. The refrigerator was another shocker. It was in the (high) red zone 3 feet out from the front and sides. The oven also measured high. I don’t have a microwave, so I went to a friend’s house and my meter measured EMF 5 to 6 feet in every direction when running and 3-4 feet when it was not. All I could think of was all the children standing in front of the microwave oven waiting for their food; day after day. That’s scary. I also wonder what it does to the food. Please keep this in mind when storing nutritional supplements. Keep them away from EMF, for it will reduce their potency. My computer also measured very high for a good 3 feet.

There are many things that can be done to minimize exposure. Try not to stay in the kitchen when appliances are in use, especially the microwave. Keep phones and alarm clocks away from your body while sleeping. Avoid sleeping with an electric blanket. Turn it on to warm the bed and then unplug it. Waterbeds that heat the water with electricity are bad news. Position your computer as far away as possible from where you sit. A flat screen monitor reduces EMF exposure. Change all fluorescent lights to incandescent ones. If using a cell phone, try to keep it as far away from your body as possible. Consider an ear piece to use with your cell phone; otherwise the transmitter is only a few inches from your brain.

There are also a variety of products on the market to help reduce the harmful effects of EMF such as diodes, special crystals, magnets and pendants. Some are placed directly on the electrical device and others are worn on the body. Of these devices, the Q link pendant is my personal favorite and has undergone many studies and has numerous testimonials on its effectiveness in counteracting the ill effects of harmful EMFs.

Have a safe and happy spring and summer…and not to worry, for your gas grill is totally free from EMFs.

“We are not trying to sensationalize this health problem, we are trying desperately to wake people up to how big this problem is and what these radiations are doing to all of us, especially our children, grandchildren, and future generations.” Electropollution.org

Buy the E.L.F. Zone Gaussmeter

Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles

This Article provided by Michael Comeau is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always consult your doctor when seeking medical advice. Michael Comeau has been owner of many successful businesses over the years including his current online business which can be viewed at www.workfromhome4dollars.com/ Keep up to date on all of my articles with my FREE NewsLetter at www.workfromhome4dollars.com/NewsLetter.php

We are now living in a polluted and “chemicalized” world. The truth is that we are actually destroying our planet with artificial chemicals, toxins and materials that will never biodegrade. Don’t do the same with your body.

A Detox Diet will help rid your body of toxins found in the air. There are a multitude of toxins in the air and you are struggling under multiple environmental toxins with each breath you take. In 2002, US facilities released 4.7 billion pounds of toxins into the atmosphere. Whats worse is that 72 million pounds were known carcinogenss.

We also need to worry about global air pollution. Studies show an alarming amount of made-in-China pollution rides to America on the jet stream and ends up in our lungs. It seems that absolutely clean air is impossible to find anywhere on planet earth today.

Gasoline and diesel fuels contain toxic substances that can cause adverse health effects in people. Diesel exhaust is particularly concerning as it contains over 40 different substances identified as toxic air contaminants that have been linked to lung cancer. Air pollution is associated with more than just cardiovascular disease. It is also implicated in cancer, arthritis, asthma and premature death.

Our water also contributes to our chemical body burden. “Chemicalized” water is one of the factors that causes toxic overload. Here are some of the substances you may be drinking on a daily basis: chlorine, fluoride, pesticides, chemicals and heavy metals used by industry and agriculture, in addition to the second hand pharmaceuticals recently confirmed in many municipal drinking water sources.

Unless you eat strictly organic, the food you eat is also contributing to your toxic burden. Chemicals released by coal-burning power plants find their way into the food chain. Once released into the atmosphere, mercury, a highly toxic metal, settles in lakes and rivers, where it readily moves up the food chain to humans.

10 percent of American women carry mercury concentrations that can put a fetus at risk for neurological damage. Exposure to high levels of mercury can also harm our brains, hearts, kidneys, lungs and immune systems.

On top of that, commercially grown food is loaded with pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. With developing immune and nervous systems, children are the most susceptible victims. Research found that 84 percent of fruits and vegetables given to children at school contain one pesticide and 65 percent of the samples contain two or more pesticides. Every day an estimated 1 million children eat or drink unsafe levels of chemicals from food.

These poisons used in modern farming are known to cause cancer, birth defects, infertility and nervous system damage.

Although we have banned a few chemicals here in America such as DDT, chlorobenzilate, hexachloro, and aldrin, they are still making their way here through commercially grown foods from developing countries like Mexico and imported right back here. Know that more than half of winter produce comes from Mexico.

There was a point in time, as recently as fifty or so years ago when our bodies were capable of clearing daily exposure of toxins. That is no longer the case because we are inundated with unregulated, toxic chemicals in our air, water, food, cosmetics and personal care products. When our toxic load reaches a certain point, damage to the immune, neurological, and endocrine systems is inevitable.

While this all seems overwhelming, there are ways to approach the problem. A Detox Diet two to four times a year will make a huge difference not only for your health and the quality of your life, but also for the future of your children.

Buy the DVD: Detox to a Healthier You

Cathy Vignola (http://cathyshealthtips.com) is a staunch advocate for healthy living and an energized, productive lifestyle. Whether it’s finding the healthy diet right for you or which beneficial energy boosting supplements are the most effective, Cathy’s sound advice will help you make the right decisions in your body’s nourishment.

As a certified Holistic Health Counselor accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP) she has the qualification to make proper suggestion on virtually anything plaguing your body’s productivity.

Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles

What if the claim of preventing HPV is far fetched or even totally misleading in many cases? What if the vaccine actually caused more precancerous lesions in some women? What if HPV is not really a terrible disease but an extremely common virus that most people contract and get over rather quickly without incident? What if HPV doesn’t even cause cervical cancer? Would you still take the vaccine? Would you still make your daughter take it?

All cancer is serious business and people will do what they can to avoid getting it. As far as survival rates go, however, cervical cancer is one of the most favorable. It is very easy and inexpensive to detect, it can take up to 20 years to develop (which gives 8-20 pap smears a chance to catch it) and is due to the accessibility of the cervix, it is much easier to treat that many other types of cancer.

Cervical cancer is also very rare at only about 1 in 135 women (vs 1 in 8 women who will get breast cancer). There are many risk factors for cervical cancer including poor nutrition (specifically lack of folate and vitamin A), oral contraceptives, smoking and a weakened immune system. These are all very simple lifestyle choices that are very easy to change if a person is truly interested in avoiding cervical cancer or any other cancer for that matter. (Perhaps it seems easier to get a shot than to quit smoking?)

In addition to cervical cancer being very rare to contract and very easy to diagnose, the prognosis is excellent relative to other cancers: The survival rate for cervical cancer with early detection is over 90%. “With treatment, 80 to 90% of women with stage I cancer and 50 to 65% of those with stage II cancer are alive 5 years after diagnosis. Only 25 to 35% of women with stage III cancer and 15% or fewer of those with stage IV cancer are alive after 5 years.” (Wikipedia)

So what we have here is a cancer that very rare, easy to diagnose, easy to treat and has an incredible survival rate. Those facts are small comfort to the 4,000 (or less) women in the US who die from cervical cancer every year. Who wouldn’t want to be one less? If the vaccine can lower the death rate, then what can it hurt, right? It might hurt if HPV does not even cause cervical cancer.

As it turns out, no one has ever proven that HPV actually causes cervical cancer. They have identified an almost 100% correlation between HPV and cervical cancer. In other words, HPV cells are found in virtually all cervical cancers, but that does not mean that HPV caused it. In fact, in 2003, the FDA admitted that they know that HPV does not cause cervical cancer and Natural News uncovered the FDA documents to prove it.

“Since at least 2003, the FDA has changed its position on the relationship between Human Papilloma Virus and cervical cancer, stating that the HPV strain is “not associated with cervical cancer.” Natural News

Researchers do know that sexual history seems to play a large role in cervical cancer. Nuns, for example rarely get cervical cancer unless they were sexually active before they entered the convent. The risk of cervical cancer also seems to go up in relation to the number of sex partners a woman has. The most interesting finding of all, is that the second wives of men whose first wives died of cervical cancer are more likely to get cervical cancer themselves. (Wikipedia)

It seems fairly logical to conclude that cervical cancer could be caused by the sperm, a variety of semen or something abnormal in the ejaculate of certain males. Since 80% of women have HPV by the time they are 50 and less than 1% of women contract cervical cancer then certainly there must be more to the story than only HPV. In fact, one study did find that prostglandins in semen fuel the growth of cervical and uterine tumors. (Wikipedia)

In 1992, 2 molecular biologists at the University of California at Berkely proposed that HPV is a marker rather than a cause of cervical cancer. “In short, Duesberg and Schwartz were pointing to the possibility that “carcinogens may be primary inducers of abnormal cell proliferation rather than HPV or HSV.” And here’s the key point: “Since proliferating cells [cancer cells dividing wildly] would be more susceptible to infection than resting cells, the viruses would just be indicators rather than causes of abnormal proliferation.”: …..and from the same article, “Even the National Cancer Institute (NCI) says that “direct” causation has not been demonstrated” Mercola.com

So maybe the vaccine will not make you “one less” if there is something else about sex that causes cervical cancer but HPV must be a really horrible thing to contract, right? Shouldn’t we still do everything we can to avoid this terrible virus? Not really. Over 3/4 of the population has HPV and it is rarely a problem. HPV normally cures itself in healthy women.

• The large majority of people cure themselves (usually without ever knowing that they had been infected). Average length of time from infection to cure is about 8 months. Most times, if low risk HPV is detected in a woman without symptoms, we would recommend only “watchful waiting” as treatment.
• Early changes on the cervix which could lead to cancer are nearly always discovered on Pap tests.
• Warts, if they develop, are usually treatable.
• The HPV virus is so common that it can almost be considered normal to have it. (Health.rutgers.edu)

Persistent infections of HPV only occur when the host female is already in an unhealthy, low immunity state. Interestingly, this unhealthy state is the same prime environment for cancer to take hold forty or fifty years later.

Let’s reiterate: We are vaccinating young, healthy girls against a virus that is extremely common, essentially harmless and goes away on its own and it has never been proven to cause a cancer that is very rare, easy to diagnose and treat and has a magnificent survival rate. Hmmmmm. There must be a great reason to drop $400 on this vaccination! What could it be?

OK, let’s say for sake of argument that HPV might cause cervical cancer (even though it has never been proven and the FDA claims it does not). On the off chance that it is in fact the cause of cervical cancer, then maybe we should get in line for this wonderful vaccine? What could it hurt? Shouldn’t we err on the side of caution?

Well, as it turns out there is a lot to be afraid of from the vaccine itself. As of October 2007, there have been almost 3,500 reported adverse reactions to Gardasil, including 11 deaths and 347 serious reactions. Keep in mind that historically, adverse reactions are seriously underreported both from the patients and more importantly the doctors who take the information after the fact and have a moral and ethical responsibility to report such reactions but for some reason ($$$$) fail to do so.

• “Information has been received … concerning a 17 year old female who in June 2007 … was vaccinated with a first dose of Gardasil … During the evening of the same day, the patient was found unconscious (lifeless) by the mother. Resuscitation was performed by the emergency physician but was unsuccessful. The patient subsequently died.”
• “Information has been received … concerning a 12 year old female with a history of aortic and mitral valve insufficiency … who on 01-MAR-2007 was vaccinated IM into the left arm with a first does of Gardasil … On 01-MAR-2007 the patient presented to the ED with ventricular tachycardia and died.”
• “Initial and follow-up information has been received from a physician concerning an ‘otherwise healthy’ 13 year old female who was vaccinated with her first and second doses of Gardasil. Subsequently, the patient experienced … paralysis from the chest down, lesions of the optic nerve…At the time of the report, the patient had not recovered.”
• One earlier report, No. 275438-1, describes the reaction as coronary artery thrombosis, sudden cardiac death. “Given Gardasil vaccine dose #1 3/12/07. Collapsed and died on 3/26/07… Echocardiogram revealed very enlarged right ventricle, small left ventricle as well as large blood clots within both the right atrium & right ventricle.”
• Another report noted that the woman was vaccinated and “died of a blood clot 8 hours after getting the Gardasil vaccine.” (WorldNetDaily)

That is eleven deaths. Maybe Gardasil’s slogan should be “One More” not “One Less”. In addition to the needless deaths, there are also cases of permanent disability such as paralysis, Bells Palsy, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and seizures. Gardasil can also cause serious complications if given to pregnant women or girls, including spontaneous abortion (c’mon Merck, what is it, one less or one more??) and serious fetal abnormalities. In fact, as of October 2007, of the 77 women who were pregnant when they received the vaccine, 33 had adverse reactions. That is almost half.

Gardasil is clearly not to be given to pregnant women, ever, under any circumstances. It should also not be given to women or girls who are sexually active at all. Why? Because they have already been exposed to HPV and the vaccine only works on women/girls who have never been exposed. In fact, Gardasil has been proven to activate dormant HPV in girls who already carry the virus causing an increase in precancerous lesions by almost 44%.

Gardasil is worthless for sexually active girls and women because they have most likely been exposed to HPV and could potentially be pregnant which creates serious risks for their fetus, including death. If Gardasil can only be given to virgins, how can that be proved? Should 9 year old girls submit to a pelvic exam to search for a hymen so Merck can make $400? Shouldn’t their sexual status be their business? Don’t they have a basic right to privacy? Maybe these 9 year old girls should simply undergo a pelvic swab for the presence of HPV. Is that more appropriate? Will Merck be responsible for parental reactions when the girl’s sexual status has been exposed?

“Clearly, this kind of patient questioning crosses all kinds of ethical barriers when such vaccinations are made mandatory (as they have been made in Texas). It puts the State in the positioning of ascertaining the sexual habits of very young teenage girls and then potentially causing them harm. It’s not hard to suppose that most sexually active teenage girls would claim to still be virgins (especially if their parents were present), creating a situation where vaccines would be routinely administered to precisely the HPV carrier subgroups for which it has been demonstrated to greatly increase the risk of precancerous lesions.” Natural News

And why on earth is Merck (and the supporting states) recommending or mandating this vaccine for all girls up to 26 years of age? Why aren’t they simply saying to get the vaccine before you are sexually active? Why isn’t it common knowledge that the vaccine is potentially dangerous for sexually active women? Because there are millions of girls and young women that will submit to this vaccine in the hopes that it will prevent cancer much later in life and most of them have already had sex. Each one of those girls represents $400. It is crazy profits when multiplied by millions of trusting girls. Since when do the drug companies really care about death or disability? It is simply collateral damage, the cost of doing business.

Lastly, there is one more hole in the argument for Gardasil. Even if there is a chance that HPV causes this cancer that is very easy to diagnose and treat and has a phenomenal survival rate, and even if HPV was not a relatively benign virus that everybody gets and most people get over in a few months, then maybe we should at least vaccinate all of our virgins, right? It would be unethical, wrong, dangerous and a tremendous waste of resources to vaccinate women and girls who are already sexually active, but the virgins can still be protected!

Here is the biggest problem of all with Gardasil. It is only good for 4-6 years. If you give it to a nine year old then we all hope she will still be a virgin in 4 years, right? So if a girl remains a virgin then Gardasil was totally worthless. If a virgin gets the vaccine and then has her first sexual experience the very next day (how fortuitous), then she will in fact, be protected from HPV for the next few years. This is the only case where HPV actually does what it is supposed to do. What if the girl is 16 when she gets vaccinated and has sex for the first time the very next day and the vaccine is effective until she is 20 or 22? Then what? What about the next 30+ years that she is sexually active? She is already sexually active so she cannot and should not under any circumstances get the vaccine again because she was already exposed to HPV and it could increase her likelihood of precancerous lesions. She could also potentially be pregnant and since Gardasil causes permanent and irreparable damage to almost 50% of the fetuses that it comes in contact with, then it would be murder to take it, right?

How much protection from cervical cancer do you think that 4-6 years of protection from HPV will offer that girl who had her first sexual experience the day after she received the Gardasil vaccine? Most women do not get cervical cancer until they are in their 50s. So does 4 years of immunity (from a benign virus that does not cause cervical cancer) when a girl is in her teens, protect her against cervical cancer in her 50s?

Gardasil only went through 3 1/2 years of testing and many experts question the findings (Mercola). It has not been proven to prevent any cancer at any time, only to protect women against HPV if they had never been exposed to it before. The risks of Gardasil are tremendous and widespread. The risks of HPV and cervical cancer are not. While all deaths from cervical cancer are tragic and not to be minimized, we should use those numbers as a platform to encourage healthy living and regular pap smears which are the real force behind the wonderful survival rates of cervical cancer.

If you are really interested in preventing cervical cancer, then optimize your fitness and nutrition levels (yes this is a bit more difficult than getting a shot but it actually works). Gets tons of fresh air, sunshine, vitamins and minerals. Minimize stress, stay happy and laugh. Try herbs that will bolster your immune system like Reishi mushrooms, bee propolis, and, echinacea. Cervical cancer seems to have a link to promiscuity so respecting yourself rather than freely giving yourself away should give you an advantage against cervical cancer as well as keeping your self esteem intact.

If you are really interested in avoiding HPV then either abstain or use a condom. Abstinence only works as long as you practice it obviously, but used in conjunction with carefully choosing your partners, it may limit your risk somewhat. Condom use has been shown to protect against HPV transmission to some extent but it is not foolproof and only lowers your risk by about 50%. If you are sexually active you can choose your partners wisely and use a condom but there is still a great chance you will contract HPV despite your efforts.

A better goal than avoiding infection, is avoiding persistent infection by following the same healthy lifestyle tips that will help prevent cervical cancer in the long run. In addition, if you need to treat a persistent case of HPV, many people take anti-viral susbtances both orally and topically with good results such as garlic, tea tree and Neem oil. Some other anti-viral herbs are Grapefruit seed extract, olive leaf extract, lemon balm, oil of oregano, lauric acid in coconut oil, and rosemary oil. Many people swear by Miracle II soap as well, which also contains a number of natural anti-viral ingredients.

I welcome comments from anyone who feels my logic and conclusions are way off base. Maybe you still believe that HPV is a terrible virus and four years of protection is worth the risks of the vaccine. Maybe you believe that cervical cancer isn’t rare, easy to diagnose or treat. Maybe you even have scientific evidence that HPV actually causes cervical cancer or maybe you believe Gardasil is truly safe (and the adverse reactions and deaths were caused by something else). Maybe you simply think that vaccinations are our civic duty and we should vaccinate ourselves and our loved ones whenever the government and/or Big Pharma suggests it (my favorite argument). If you believe any of this, please leave a comment, I would love to hear from you.

Here is a video playlist consisting of three youtube videos on the dangers of Gardasil in case you are still not convinced:

The primary health component of wine that researchers have uncovered is called resveratrol. It is a compound found in the skin and seeds of grapes and created during the fermentation process. Therefore if the juice is never fermented (as in grape juice) or if wine is made from juice concentrates that contain no skins (as in home winemaking kits), then you will not be receiving much of the incredible benefits of this tremendous antioxidant. In addition, white wine has lower amounts of resveratrol than red wine because the grape skins are removed earlier in the winemaking process.

Apparently, resveratrol exists in the skins as a protective mechanism for the grapes. It is a built in antibiotic to protect the plant against disease and infections and that protective ability carries over to our bodies when we consume it in the right form. Because colder climates have a higher incidence of fungus, grapes grown in colder climates have more resveratrol than their warmer grown counterparts.

Resveratrol is also found in a number of other foods and berries, such a peanuts and blueberries but grapes, particularly winemaking grapes such as Muscadine, are the clear winner. Resveratrol nutritional supplements are either made from the powdered and ground skin and seeds of grapes or more likely they are made from Japanese knotweed which contains a fairly high amount of resveratrol.

Researchers have studied the benefits of resveratrol extensively and found it to be a very potent antioxidant. Mice who take it live longer and essentially become olympic athletes without the training. It can prevent, slow or reverse coronary heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure and aging. According to Wikipedia, resveratrol has been proven in scientific studies to extend the lifespan of worms, mice, and fruit flies. The mice not only lived longer, but the resveratrol actually counteracted the effects of a high fat diet.

As a cancer preventer, resveratrol is most effective in studies when it comes in direct contact with the cancer, such as skin cancer or gastrointestinal tumors. According to resveratrolnews.com, “Other new discoveries show it [resveratrol] does still more — repairs alcohol -damaged livers, slows bone loss (osteoporosis), boosts endurance, promotes hair growth, and re-energizes cells.” In addition, resveratrol also seems to have anti-viral properties and can enhance the benefits of retrovirals use to treat HIV, and has been proven to block the Herpes and influenza virus. It is unclear whether resveratrol needs to be taken orally or topically to enjoy these benefits.

The alcohol itself may offer heart healthy benefits as well, which are not exclusive to red wine.

Various studies have indicated that moderate amounts of all types of alcohol benefit your heart, not just alcohol found in red wine. Some heart-healthy benefits of alcohol include:

• Raises high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol
• Lowers blood pressure
• Inhibits the formation of blood clots
• Helps prevent artery damage caused by high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol Mayclinic.com

Dr. Mercola has a different take on alcohol because he believes that alcohol is a neurotoxin which damages our brains and that it can easily disrupt our hormonal balance. He does not recommend alcohol in any amounts but suggests we should take our resveratrol in the form of grape skins. He also notes, that unless you know the source of your wine and it is organic, then it may not contain any resveratrol anyway.

If you are interested in adding resveratrol to your nutrition and supplement routine there are a number of great resveratrol products on the market but you might also consider purchasing organic winemaking grapes and making your own. You can also eat grape skins as Dr. Mercola suggests or if you enjoy having a glass of red wine with dinner, then continue to do so but do not start drinking a bottle a night looking for increased health benefits.

Imagine feeling great, having tons of energy, and enjoying incredible health all the time. If you eat the following healthy, great-tasting foods regularly (while avoiding unhealthy processed foods and sugar) you will be amazed at how incredible you’ll feel. Try it for a week and see what happens!

Almonds
Possibly the healthiest nut in the world, almonds are packed with good stuff like protein, fiber, magnesium, calcium, iron, vitamin E and monounsaturated fat. Eating a handful of raw almonds every day will boost your energy and help to lower your “bad” cholesterol levels.

Broccoli
When it comes to healthy vegetables, it’s tough to beat broccoli. This delicious green veggie has been shown to help prevent numerous health problems and will provide you with everything from fiber to calcium to cancer-fighting phytonutrients!

Red Beans
Red bean varieties (such as pinto beans and red kidney beans) are great sources of healthy protein, fiber, and antioxidants. They’re also full of important minerals like iron and magnesium. Beans are powerful “prevention” foods that have been shown to help fight cancer, stroke and heart disease. Plus, due to their high-fiber content, they’re great for anyone trying to lose weight and keep hunger in check.

Sweet Potatoes
Forget plain white potatoes. They’re simply not that healthy. Start eating great-tasting sweet potatoes and you’ll get a huge boost of beta-carotene, vitamin C, fiber and B vitamins. Plus, sweet potatoes rank much lower on the glycemic index than white potatoes so they’re less likely to spike your insulin and blood sugar levels (which can make your body store extra fat and zap your energy).

Salmon
This high-fat fish is one of the healthiest types of animal protein you can eat. It’s got the important omega-3 fatty acids everyone needs for optimal health and disease prevention. Always remember to choose grilled fish (not fried!) and, when possible, choose wild salmon as it is less likely to contain high levels of mercury.

Blueberries
All berries are healthy, but blueberries may be at the top of the list in terms
of ounce-for-ounce nutrition. These nutrient-dense fruits are loaded with powerful antioxidants and phytochemicals, not to mention fiber and healthy carbohydrates. If you want to stay young, there may be no better “anti-aging” food than blueberries … so eat a handful every day!

Apples
The common apple is an incredibly powerful health food. Apples contain lots of important vitamins and minerals, including significant amounts of vitamin C. But the apple’s most important nutrient may be pectin, a type of fiber shown to help lower cholesterol levels, maintain healthy blood glucose levels, and even help you lose body fat. The other great thing about apples is that they’re very portable and can be used as a quick snack just about anywhere you go.

Jamie Clark is a long-time health writer and is co-editor of FreshHealthyUseful.com. For more useful health news and articles, be sure to visit http://www.freshhealthyuseful.com/ .

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We are surrounded by different books and magazines that claim to know how we ’should’ be eating. It does not matter if we’re overweight or underweight, healthy or ill, there is a diet for us.

But the problem lies in the fact that there doesn’t seem to be one answer to our diet and health woes. However, the raw food craze seems to be stirring up the medical field and making people believers in what it can offer.

At its very basic sense, a raw food diet is one in which the food is organic, vegan (no animal products of any kind, except maybe honey), and unprocessed. The food is not cooked above a certain temperature point in order to allow it to retain its natural vitamins and minerals. It’s the benefits this kind of eating can provide that really has people thinking about making the switch.

First of all, the meat free diet is generally considered to be healthier than the typical nutritional style of adults. When you’re not eating meat, you’re not taking in cholesterol or the saturated fats associated with meats.

When you eat raw, you will also be avoiding things like trans fats that are found in processed foods as well as chemicals that are found in nearly every packaged food today. Without these kinds of ingredients, people on the raw food diet have reported:

• Fewer cases of heart disease
• Lowered cholesterol levels
• Clearer skin
• Lower weight
• Stronger immune system
• More energy
• Better digestion

The raw food diet incorporates a lot of fiber which leads doctors to believe that it may help in the prevention of certain cancers and other digestive issues.

A raw food diet doesn’t require a lot of cooking, though the actual preparation of such foods can be time consuming due to chopping, dehydrating or juicing. Another benefit of eating raw is that you will be buying fresh produce that allows local farmers and growers to benefit instead of larger companies.

The raw food diet has many converts because it has stripped away the counting and the difficulties associated with other kinds of diets. It doesn’t require you to focus on the numbers, but rather on the quality of the food that you are eating. And in many cases, you can create similar tasting foods to those that you would eat in packaged form.

There are also a number of raw food stores and restaurants popping up to help make raw food something that you can follow for the rest of your life.

Eating raw foods takes a bit of time to get used to. The preparation and planning is more intense than popping a frozen dinner into the microwave. It is recommended that you gradually
introduce raw foods into your diet.

Author: Lynn VanDyke
About the author: Lynn VanDyke is a master trainer and fitness nutritionist. Her fitness site, is ranked within the top 1% of all websites. She has authored the wildly popular ebook, Melt the Fat . It is ranked as one of the best fitness and nutrition ebooks available.

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