Disturbingly high levels of toxic metals (mercury, lead, cadmium, aluminum) were recently found in the blubber of sperm whales. The scientists were so disturbed by the alarming results that they worry about the fate of the whales, as well as the populations of people who rely on fish as a food source. (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/06/24/tech/main6614750.shtml)
Sperm whales are on the top of the food chain, just like humans, so they can accumulate toxins. Although a good a source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids, I am concerned about the regular consumption of fish because the toxic metals, mostly mercury, can bioaccumulate in people. I believe that most fish are just too polluted and therefore can cause significant health problems when included regularly in the diet.
Kids that eat non-organic food that has been sprayed with pesticides are more likely to get attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A recent study done at Harvard University showed that pesticide metabolites were commonly found among the children in the study (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20478945). This study shows us that too many children eat foods with pesticides and gives yet another reason to buy organic food that is free from chemicals, such as pesticides and hormones.
The common allopathic treatment for ADHD is prescription stimulant medications, which are heavily prescribed and have extreme side effects. It seems obvious that BEFORE prescribing any medication that dietary changes which eliminate pesticides should be tried first.
Starting in the late 20th century, soy has been thought of as a health food in this country. Since then, research has shown that processed soy may be linked to several health problems, like allergies, thyroid disorders, and digestive trouble. Phytic acid in soy binds to certain minerals in our bodies, thus depleting them from our bodies. In addition, since soy is a phytoestrogen (has an estrogen-like role in the body), the regular consumption through soy milk, tofu, and other soy protein products, is linked to altering the menstrual cycle of women, lowering testosterone in men, and creating early menstruation in girls and delayed puberty in boys.
On the other hand, fermented soy foods, like tempeh, miso, tarami and soy sauces, and natto (if you like it!) block the effects of phytic acid and have great health benefits. The beneficial bacteria that are present in the fermented soy greatly affect the health of the digestive tract therefore increasing absorption of nutrients.
Generally I believe in moderation and it seems that soy in its many forms is very overdone, especially in the health food industry.I recommend limiting consumption of soy and leaning towards eating only fermented soy.
A December study in the International Journal of Biological Sciences showed that eating genetically modified (GM) corn damaged several organs, especially the kidneys and liver (http://www.biolsci.org/v05p0706.htm). “Genetically modified” means that the corn DNA has had foreign genes, such as a bacteria, forced into it with the idea that this new type of corn will be more resistant to herbicides and able to produce its own insecticides. This is concerning because 85% of commercial corn grown in the USA is GM, therefore most Americans are eating it regularly. It is “hidden” in many products as corn flour, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and corn starch. It has also been fed to animals that are raised non-organically, commonly cows, chicken, and pigs.
The topic of GM foods is controversial, but I agree with the American Academy of Environmental Medicine who are concerned about the negative health effects associated with eating these foods and advise patients to avoid them. Since corn and soy are the most abundant GM crops, buy only organic corn and soy products!
I was shocked when I recently came upon research done by the Hawaii Department of Health that showed opah, also known as moonfish, has about 25% more methylmercury than any species of tuna! Out of the nine different fish species tested, opah topped the list with the highest mercury, followed by bigeye and albacore tuna, with mahimahi having the lowest levels. Obviously this is concerning because it is fairly widely known that tuna, swordfish, and marlin are high in mercury and should be ate sparingly or not at all, but now we need to add opah to the top of that list.
Unfortunately mercury toxicity is rather common here in Hawaii due to lots of fish consumption, including sushi and poke. Some common symptoms include irritability, anxiety, depression, insomnia, headaches, fatigue, thyroid disorders, and immune system suppression. If you suspect mercury toxicity, contact me for the best method of testing and the safest and most efficient way to remove it.
We are very lucky to live on Kauai where we have locally raised grass-fed beef.There is a HUGE difference between grass-fed and grain-fed beef (which is what is generally found in your standard grocery store). As compared to grain-fed beef, grass-fed beef: is lower in fat and calories, has more than double the healthy omega 3 fatty acids, has more vitamins (like vitamin E, beta carotene, B vitamins) and minerals, and has conjugated linoleic acid (a healthy fat that can help weight loss and is a potential cancer fighter).
If you are a meat-eater, I urge you to switch to grass-fed beef to better your health.Here on Kauai, it can be bought at the Wailua Country Sore, Kojima’s, Chevron Station in Princeville, Sueoka’s, and Ishihara markets. Elsewhere, check your local health food store.
