GMO's , Thyroid Conditions, and Premature Babies - Connected?

In the newspaper today there were three seemingly separate news articles. One was in a column that appears weekly called Healthy Living written by Joe and Teresa Graedon (PeoplesPharmacy.com). The headline read: Thyroid dysfunction is almost at epidemic levels. It goes on to say that there are about 100 million thyroid prescriptions filled yearly, and that it is one of the most common health problems we are have in America, and no one seems to know the reason for this.

Another article, from Associated Press, announced More than 1 in 10 births is premature, calling this an obstetric epidemic. Most of the world's preemies are born in Africa and Asia, but it's a problem in America too. Worse, experts don't have an explanation for the high U.S. preemie rate. There is some speculation that it has to do with poor prenatal care and poverty. Perhaps, but the third article I read today makes me think something in our food has more to do with thyroid dysfunction and the high preemie rate than simply poverty.

You may have heard of the ballot initiative to require labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods. There was coverage of the dozens of people who gathered in front of the Board of Elections office in Norwalk, CA and elsewhere in the state to deliver the nearly 1 MILLION signatures to get the initiative on the ballot. What does this political story have to do with the first two? Well, in my opinion, I believe that the thyroid issues, and the preemie issues and many other unexplained health issues are long term outcomes of consuming genetically engineered foods.

Consider this: Monsanto's RoundUp is a known endocrine disruptor, and has been linked to non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, and even highly diluted can destroy human DNA. Yet more than 80% of the U.S. soy crops are RoundUp Ready. Those crops are fed to livestock, its byproducts of oil, lecithin etc are used in processed foods and fast foods. That's just one GMO food most of us has been eating for years without our awareness. Is it no wonder that babies are being born early and there is a near epidemic in metabolic diseases?

More Genetically Engineered health articles for your consideration:

Toxicity of GM Corn on Mammalian Health :

"Our analysis clearly reveals for the 3 GMOs new side effects linked with GM maize consumption, which were sex- and often dose-dependent. Effects were mostly associated with the kidney and liver, the dietary detoxifying organs, although different between the 3 GMOs. Other effects were also noticed in the heart, adrenal glands, spleen and haematopoietic system. We conclude that these data highlight signs of hepatorenal toxicity, possibly due to the new pesticides specific to each GM corn. In addition, unintended direct or indirect metabolic consequences of the genetic modification cannot be excluded."

Genetically Modified Foods: Are They a Risk to Human/Animal Health? :

"GM foods may cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.

They can also produce allergies."

Monsanto and GM Foods: Health Risks :

"Out of 20 female rats fed the GM tomato, 7 developed stomach lesions."

Frankly, I am of the opinion that we need, as a nation, to get back to basics. Grow our own foods, cook our own meals and heal our wounds and diseases with fresh herbs and whole foods. This track we're on, where we spray to kill, pop a pill to heal, it's all wrong and we're paying the long term price.

Naturally Managing Arthritis Pain

Tips for Natural Arthritis Pain Management

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis are painful conditions that affect millions of people all over the world. Though the arthritis cause for each is different, it doesn’t change the fact that the pain can be constant and a drain on the sufferers energy levels thereby decreasing their quality of life.

If you are an arthritis sufferer, you should see your doctor for advice on a treatment plan that’s best for you. But if you’re not interested in popping pills for managing rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis pain, then consider this sampling of natural arthritis pain relief remedies.

Essential oils:

Six drops each of rosemary and chamomile mixed into four ounces of sesame oil. Gently warm the oil and massage into the arthritic joints. A little oil goes a long way so use just a dab at a time. It’s better to apply a little of this remedy several times a day instead of a lot all at once.

Two Essential oil blends for Rheumatoid Arthritis pain relief:

• Eight drops German Chamomile 
• 10 drops Lavender 
• Two drops Peppermint 
• Eight drops Eucalyptus
• Mix this blend in two tablespoons grape seed oil and massage into joints morning and before bed.
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•  Eight drops Rosemary 
•  Seven drops Lavender
• 10 drops Frankincense 
•  Five drops Ginger 
• Mix the essential oils in two tablespoons grape seed oil and massage into joints as above.

Two Essential oil blends for Osteoarthritis pain relief:

• 13 drops Ginger
•  Eight drops Black Pepper 
•  Four drops Cedarwood 
•  Five drops Cypress 
• Mix the essential oils in two tablespoons grape seed oil and massage into joints as above.
• ------------------------------------------------------

• 15 drops Sandalwood
• Five drops Ginger 
• 10 drops Nutmeg  
• Mix the essential oils in two tablespoons grape seed oil and massage into joints as above.

 Juice therapy for chronic arthritis pain:

•  Drink two 8 oz glasses of black cherry juice a day. Fresh, organic juice is the best choice, but jarred juice from concentrate provides arthritic pain relief.   
•  Juice fresh veggies high in beta-carotene such as broccoli and spinach, those high in copper such as ginger and carrots. 
• Pineapple juice is high in bromelain an enzyme that is a strong anti-inflammatory.

 Avoid citrus fruits and vegetables in the nightshade family which include eggplant and tomatoes.

Tea:

            A cup of ginger tea with one tablespoon of castor oil added and drunk before bed is helpful to manage arthritis pain.

Hydrotherapy:

•  Immersing the affected arthritic joints and exercising in a warm pool heated to 85 degrees is beneficial.  
•  Warm moist heat packs applied to the painful joint for up to 20 minutes every four hours is helpful. 
• During severe flare-ups, use a cold pack for no longer than 20 minutes every four hours. When pain lessens after a day or two of cold treatment, switch to the warm compress.

           

           

Easy Home Remedies for Sinus Congestion

Tis the season for colds, allergies and general sinus congestion, and it seems I’m surrounded by folks with stuffy heads. Here are some quick tips for getting natural sinus congestion relief.

• An Ayurvedic method to relieve sinus congestion: Using a few drops of fresh squeezed garlic juice in an eyedropper (yes, garlic juice, preferably organic, use a garlic press,) tilt your head back and put the drops into your nose. Remain with your head back for about five minutes, then straighten up and let juice drain into a tissue. This method may be used once a day to clear sinus congestion, and up to three times a day during a severe sinus conditions – morning, mid-day and at night.
• Barley Green can be helpful for sinus problems.
• Juice organic apples and dark grapes and drink at room temperature on an empty stomach.
• Fill a medium sized mixing bowl halfway with boiling water; put in two to three drops of eucalyptus essential oil along with a drop of peppermint oil in the water. Hover your head over the bowl with a towel draped over your head and bowl. (Essentially you’re creating your own mini steam sauna for your head.) Breathe normally. You should feel relief within a few minutes.

Note: You may have a sinus infection if:

·       your sinus pain doesn’t improve after three to five days

·       your eyelids and/or nose swell up

·       you have green or bright yellowish mucous discharge

See your doctor if you think you have a sinus infection!