Thursday, January 26, 2006

'Suicide Seeds' Could Spell Death of Peasant Agriculture, UN Meeting Told

by Haider Rizvi

UNITED NATIONS - Groups fighting for the rights of peasant communities are stepping up pressure on governments to ban the use of genetically modified ''suicide seeds'' at UN-sponsored talks on biodiversity in Spain this week.

...genetically modified crops...offer the promise of fat profits for their developers, marketers, and political supporters while threatening farmers with lean times and consumers with ill-health.

''This technology is an assault on the traditional knowledge, innovation, and practices of local and indigenous communities,'' said Debra Harry, executive director of the U.S.-based Indigenous Peoples Council on Biocolonialism.

Saturday, January 14, 2006

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is often triggered by corn syrup

By Patty Butts PH.D.

In a study done by Dr. Chi Young at the University of Iowa, it was discovered that symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) could be triggered with increased ingestion of fructose. The most common form of fructose in the American diet is corn
syrup. IBS is a digestive disorder that causes abdominal pain and can affect people of all ages, including teens and children. It is estimated that one in five adult Americans has symptoms of the disease, but fewer than half of them seek a doctor. Twice as many women as men suffer from the disease than reported because men are less likely
to consult a physician. IBS is the most common digestive disorder seen by doctors.
IBS is a condition in which the large intestine, or colon, fails to function normally. Normal rhythmic contractions of the digestive tract become irregular, and this interferes with natural movement of food and waste materials, which allows
mucus and toxins to pile up in the gut. This material sets up a partial obstruction of the digestive tract, trapping gas and stools, which in turn can cause bloating, distention and constipation, sometimes followed by diarrhea. It is considered a functional disorder of the colon, since there is no evidence of structural damage to the intestine.
Symptoms include pain, constipation or diarrhea, anorexia, gas, anxiety, nausea, depression, flatulence, in tolerances to certain foods and mucus in the stools. Because of lack of absorption of nutrients, malnutrition may result. Increased minerals and trace elements can quickly be depleted by diarrhea.
Overuse of antibiotics contributes to IBS. According to Drs. Brenda Watson and Leonard Smith, authors of “the Gut Solution,” the cause of IBS is uncertain, although bacterial, fungal or parasites may be involved. In addition, irregularities in
intestinal hormones and nerves responsible for bowel motility, stress, dietary inadequacies, food intolernces, inadequate enzymes, not enough hydrochloric acid, lactose intolerance, medications (such as destruction of intestinal flora by antibiotics), and dysbiosis (too many bad bacteria, not enough good ones) may all be causative factors.
Evidence suggests food sensitivities and allergies play a major role in IBS.
Most common allergies are dairy products, heat, corn, coffee, tea, chocolate and citrus fruits or juices. Over-consumption of alcohol and nicotine can trigger intestinal spasms, and many people with IBS are intolerant of sugar, this includes other forms like mannitol, sorbitol and fructose.
Although the theory is controversial, Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, author of “From Fatigued to Fantastic,” writes, “I feel most people who have irritable bowel syndrome, or ‘spastic colon’, have yeast overgrowth or parasites.” He goes on, The best marker I half found for recurrent yeast overgrowth (candida) is a return of bowel symptoms, with gas,
bloating, diarrhea or constipation.” He recommends the book “The Yeast Connection,” by Dr. William G. Crook, for more information on the subject.

The traditional approach to treatment for IBS is dietary restrictions, stress management and medications. Most doctors will advise the patient to gradually increase intake of dietary fiber, including fruits, vegetables, millet, brown rice and buckwheat.
Dr. James Balch, author of “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” recommends acidophilus, flaxseed and borage oil, aloe vera juice and proteolytic enzymes. Balch says avoid all butter, animal fats, coffee, caffeine and carbonated beverages, candy
chocolate, dairy products, ice cream, wheat bran and foods, fried foods, sugar, nuts, and all junk and processed foods. Meat takes longer to digest and process than fresh foods, raw foods or lightly steamed foods. Chew your foods well because digestion becomes in the mouth. Do not eat right before going to bed - wait several hours before lying down.
If dietary modifications yield no relief, it is wise to consult a physician because IBS symptoms are similar to those of other disorders.

Herbal Fiberblend™ has been available from the AIM companies since 1988. It is sold in the US, Canada and several countries. I dare say that Herbal Fiberblend™ has saved the lives of many people. We receive phone calls and letters from users that are so grateful to AIM for having Herbal Fiberblend™ and for Teresa Schumacher for developing the formula..

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