Health action winter 2015-16 issue by Health Action Network Society

Health Acti n S h a r i n g W e l l n ess O p t io n s wi t h C a n a d ia n s

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Hunger and Health: Food Insecurity in Canada According to a recent report, food insecurity is on the rise. Sasha McNicoll of Food Secure Canada points out how the lack of access to healthy food takes a serious toll on health, along with opportunities to combat this issue.

European Demise of GMOs The majority of European Union member states have decided to opt out of genetically modified food cultivation. Here, the latest European GM trends are reported by Drs. Eva Sirinathsinghji and Mae-Wan Ho.

Mega Benefits with Omega-3s Not all fats are created equal. In this issue, Colin Medhurst of Feedlife shares delicious, healthy recipes that contain—you guessed it— beneficial fats that are essential to optimal health.

Executive Director: Lorna Hancock Managing Editor: Michelle Hancock

If inflammation in the body becomes chronic, you can develop a host of diseases. But not with the help of these anti-inflammatory recipes by Sondi Bruner, holistic nutritionist and co-author of The Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Action Plans.

Chelation Therapy—Heart Health and More Chelation can be a useful therapy in decreasing cancer risk, reducing atherosclerosis, removing toxic metals and minimizing diabetic damage. This broad list of benefits often makes people skeptical, but not after naturopathic doctor Andrew Eberding shares how chelation works.

Also in this issue GMO Science or Public Relations?..................................... 8 For the Love of Farming—Danish Style...................12 HANS Member News.................................................................... 14 The Big Fat Lie......................................................................................... 18 Cholesterol and the Water Connection................. 26 Taking Measure of Heart Disease.................................... 27 Drug-free Prevention of Hypertension.................... 30 Pioneer Profile: Jim Strauss, Healing from the Heart................................................................ 31 A Good Cup of Tea........................................................................... 36 Cognitive Technique to Anxiety and Problem Eating............................................................................ 38 Releasing Guilt......................................................................................... 39 At the Very Heart of the Matter...................................... 40

Published quarterly by: Health Action Network Society Director of Operations: Michael Volker

The AntiInflammatory Diet

Health Action Winter 2015

German New Medicine: The Shock and Cancer Link.................................................... 46 Glycemic Levels and Cancer Recurrence............... 47 Osteoporosis from the Chiropractic Perspective................................................................................................... 50 So You Smoke........................................................................................... 52 Integrative Fertility Symposium 2016.......................... 54 Blaming TCM Herbs......................................................................... 56

Assistant Editor/Proofreader: Julie Cheng Layout & Design: Annette Spreeuw Contributors: Karen Bowers, Sondi Bruner, Shawn Buckley, Melissa Carr, Sabrina Chen-See, Alexis Costello, Kim Louise Easterbrook, Andrew Eberding, Francesca Fabbri, Denise Galbraith, Ron Gale, Mae-Wan Ho, Bryn Hyndman, Nelie Johnson, Trish Lim O’Donnell, Deanna LoTerzo, Adam McLeod, Sacha McNicoll, Colin Medhurst, Cathy Sevcik, Lucy Sharratt, Olga Sheean, Eva Sirinathsinghji, Shelley Ugyan, Michael Volker, David Wang, William Ware, Naomi Wolfman Submissions: editorial@hans.org Letters to the editor and requests for article references may be sent to editorial@hans.org. HANS reserves the right to edit letters for space and clarity. Health Action Network Society 214-5589 Byrne Rd. Burnaby, B.C. V5J 3J1 T: (604) 435-0512 F: 604-435-1561 www.hans.org | hans@hans.org publication mail agreement #40050050 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: 330-123 Main St., Toronto, ON M5W 1A1 circdept@publisher.com

Three Questions to Ask Before Buying Vitamins....................................................................................... 60

Health Action magazine is a free publication to its membership. The opinions expressed within are those of the writer and not necessarily those of HANS. Those with health concerns should contact their health-care provider.

Pharmacogenetics—A Cornerstone of Personalized, Precision Medicine...................................... 62

We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia

Evaluation of the Natural Health Products Program................................................................................ 58

Embracing Change............................................................................... 42

Do Statins Promote Development of Type 2 Diabetes?........................................................................... 64

Clearing Unconscious Clutter..............................................44

A Family History of Heart Disease................................ 66 Health Action | www.hans.org

Letter from the Editor Health Action magazine represents the interests of natural health enthusiasts, and these people, for the most part, are highly educated and healthier than most.

by Lorna Hancock

bsolutely the best of the season to all of you! This is a time when most of us are thinking of family, and reconnecting with them at either a festive event or over a hearty winter meal. I don’t know how it works for you but our three generations of family meet with heartfelt celebration. Good timing, then. This edition of Health Action magazine contains some articles that remind us of the role the heart has in our health, the need to pay attention to it both physically and emotionally. Just think about that for

a second—there’s a huge organ beating in the middle of our chests and we don’t usually even give it the courtesy of thinking of it. It just works without being told. It encourages me to read that there is non-invasive heart testing technology now being used in some naturopathic clinics—see Cathy Sevcik’s article on page 27. It also encourages me to consider how thoughts and feelings impact the heart, such as Dr. Nelie Johnson writes about HeartMath. So, I don’t know about you, but I will be paying more attention to this often forgotten friend of mine, my own heart. Which leads me, as always, to the question of the food that we put into our bodies. With the research on genetically modified food being suspect,

that is, essentially non-existent, we can see that questioning this technology remains absolutely critical, as Lucy Sharratt does on page 8. So must we promote greater food security in Canada through efforts such as those by Food Secure Canada (page 6). Health Action magazine represents the interests of natural health enthusiasts, and these people, for the most part, are highly educated and healthier than most. We want to know what we are eating, and we want to choose the best nutrient-rich possibilities. Don’t you agree? Freedom to choose an organic or non-genetically modified product remains high on our to-do list. This is a great community of people who have stood against the stream for many decades and have insisted on better

quality information. I hope you will agree that Health Action magazine, the flagship publication of Health Action Network Society, carries the same torch as it carried for decades. Quality over quantity, genuine nutritious food over artificial. We give thanks to the members of HANS who have essentially brought this information to you. Bravo, members! Let us plan and embrace a great new year full of enthusiasm and hope for a healthier world. All the very best,

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New Opportunities to Address Hunger and Health by Sasha McNicoll

or those of us who were dismayed by the political parties’ overwhelming emphasis on the middle class during the 2015 federal election campaign, the mandate letter to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development provides a cautious sense of optimism. Since well before the writ was dropped, we heard much from the party leaders about the need to support the middle class. We heard much less about Canada’s poorest citizens and almost nothing about the millions of Canadians suffering from food insecurity.

The cost of food insecurity in Canada A recent report released by the research project PROOF demonstrates that food insecurity, the lack of financial access to adequate food, is on the rise. In 2013, the most recent year for which we have data, 2.4 million adults and nearly one million children faced financial barriers to putting food on the table. Four jurisdictions, however, opted out of collecting this data, so these numbers do not include people living in British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, or the Yukon. Based on 2012 data, it is likely the number of food-insecure Canadians exceeds four million people, among them well over one million children. A lack of access to healthy

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A moral imperative should give us reason to ask why our most vulnerable citizens suffer from disproportionate levels of food insecurity.

food takes a serious toll on people’s physical and mental health. Food insecurity leads to increased rates of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes and to decreased fruit and vegetable consumption. It can lead to nutrient inadequacies, which have especially serious consequences for children, leading to stunted growth and anemia. And for many parents, as well as others experiencing food insecurity, the all-too-common choice to forego meals proves both mentally and physically debilitating. Unsurprisingly, the healthcare costs associated with food insecurity are immense. A

study recently published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal looked at over 67,000 18- to 64-year-old Ontarians to compare the administrative health-care costs of the food secure and people living in various stages of food insecurity. The study found that costs rise significantly with each level of food insecurity, up to an additional $1,833 per capita—well over double—for those living in severe food insecurity. Extrapolating these figures nationally gives a conservative estimate exceeding $3 billion per year. This considerable expense is reason enough to address the alarming rates of food insecurity in this country. But it is the

moral imperative of eradicating hunger and poverty that should give reason to our new government to discuss what it will do to support the 12.5 percent of Canadian households who cannot regularly put enough food on the table. This imperative should give us reason to ask why our most vulnerable citizens suffer from disproportionate levels of food insecurity: 16.5 percent of children; nearly 30 percent of Latin American, indigenous and black people; 45 percent of Nunavummiut; and 68 percent of those living in households whose main income is social assistance.

Policy solutions Only effective governmental action can address the growing and seemingly intractable problem of food insecurity at the scale required. Indeed, several points in the mandate letter to Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Jean-Yves Duclos give us much to be encouraged about: the creation of a Canada Child Benefit to lift Canadian children out of poverty, the 10percent increase of the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors, the consultations on a National Early Learning and Childcare Framework as a step toward delivering child care, and the development of both a Canadian Poverty Reduction Strategy and an affordable housing strategy, if properly executed, will undoubtedly

help to lower rates of food insecurity in Canada. Another solution, proposed by Food Secure Canada and others during its Eat Think Vote election campaign, is basic income. Basic income—which would set an income floor beneath which no Canadian could fall—has been proposed by prominent economists, politicians and social activists for decades and piloted in five North American regions, including Manitoba. Any Canadian whose income fell below a certain level would receive a top-up through the tax system, effectively ensuring that no Canadian would ever again have to try to make a life on the absurd monthly income of $681 (the monthly allowance of a single person on income assistance in Ontario). Aspects of basic income exist

in some of Canada’s children and seniors’ benefits, which have proven effective at decreasing poverty rates in both populations. The risk of food insecurity, for instance, is cut by half once Canadians reach the age of 65 and become eligible for Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

A new era for food policy There’s no question we are in a different place with regards to food policy with the election of the Trudeau government. In addition to the priorities set out to reduce poverty, the Prime Minister has instructed Lawrence MacAulay, the Minister of Agriculture, to develop a national food policy seeking to put healthier, local food on

A lack of access to healthy food takes a serious toll on people’s physical and mental health. the tables of Canadians, a commitment to which Food Secure Canada has been working since the publication of Resetting the Table back in 2011. Jane Philpott, the Minister of Health, has been instructed to promote public health by introducing new restrictions on the commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children, by bringing in tougher regulations to eliminate trans fats and reduce salt in processed foods, and by improving food labels to give more information

on added sugars and artificial dyes in processed foods. So there is cause to be optimistic about the future of our food system and a national food policy in Canada, but there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that this new policy brings us toward food sovereignty and Food Secure Canada’s goals of zero hunger and healthy, safe and sustainable food. That everyone has sufficient and consistent access to healthy food must be a priority of our new government, not only because of how much it costs our health-care system, but because of how much it costs our collective conscience. Sasha McNicoll is the coordinator of the Coalition for Healthy School Food, Food Secure Canada. www. foodsecurecanada.org

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GMO Science or Public Relations? by Lucy Sharratt

here is a huge amount of money to be made from getting new genetically modified (GM, or genetically engineered) foods to market. With so much public controversy, however, securing a future for GM foods also requires convincing consumers that they’re safe to eat. But with little independent science to actually prove safety, the industry is engaged in a major public relations battle to depict GM opponents and concerned consumers as “anti-science” and GM proponents as “science-defenders.” Are consumers waging a “war against science” when they question the safety and benefits of GM foods? As early as 1998, U.S. biotechnology critic Jeremy Rifkin wrote: “Genuine debate has been marginalized and, on occasion, stifled by an establishment that views every question, query, and reservation as a direct and immediate assault on free inquiry and science itself.” In 1999, Canadian author and activist Brewster Kneen said in his book Farmageddon, “With biotechnology there is no middle ground … Biotechnology has been turned by its promoters, from a science into a cult. If you do not accept bio-

tech, you are against it.” You either believe or not.

Where’s the science? Seeing is believing—but there’s little meaningful science on GM foods to see. To counter ongoing demands for more independent science and long-term testing, the industry is trying hard to sell the idea that there is a scientific consensus on this issue. If scientists already agree that GM foods are safe, there would be no need to do any more testing. This would undoubtedly be a huge relief to companies like Monsanto. Not only are long-term safety tests

Food for Thought

The id

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expensive, but they also have the potential to expose problems that can keep products off the shelves. However, the idea of a scientific consensus on GM food safety is simply not true, and it’s a dangerous assertion that encourages weaker regulation. In 2013, a group of almost 100 (now endorsed by over 300) scientists, academics and researchers wrote a statement of “no scientific consensus” in response to claims “by GM seed developers and some scientists, commentators, and journalists that there is a ‘scientific consensus’ on GMO safety” and that the debate on this topic is over (www.ensser.org). This

Where’s the line between public engagement and public relations?

statement by the European Network of Scientists for Social and Environmental Responsibility was later published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Sciences Europe with the conclusion, “the scarcity and contradictory nature of the scientific evidence published to date prevents conclusive claims

ic consensus on GM food safety is simply f i t n e i not tr of a sc

ue .

GM foods have not been extensively and consistently tested, and the quality and rigour of existing studies is in dispute.

of safety, or of lack of safety, of GMOs. Claims of consensus on the safety of GMOs are not supported by an objective analysis of the refereed literature.” As detailed in the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network’s recent report, Are GM Foods Better for Consumers? (w w w.gmoinquiry.ca/consumers), GM foods have not been extensively and consistently tested, and the quality and rigour of existing studies is in dispute. Testing on GM foods has increased over the past 10 years but the global scientific literature is still inadequate and has left many questions unexamined. Moreover, the majority of the science used by our government to assess the safety of GM foods is provided by the companies that want products approved for sale. This also means that most of the science behind government decisions is not available to the public. In fact, it’s classified as “confidential business information.” The public is sometimes presented with long lists of studies, as evidence of GM food safety. But these lists are full of short-term studies on different GM foods, using different test animals, methodologies

and different durations— it’s (literally) like comparing apples and oranges. In fact, many such big lists also include animal feeding studies that do not actually examine food safety questions but look at production issues for animal farming. As the network of scientists said, “many unanswered questions remain and in some cases there is serious cause for concern.”

Science dressed up In the absence of science to make the case for GM safety, Monsanto is relying on scientists, or more accurately, “science educators” to make the case. Enlisting independent third-party endorsements for corporate products is a well-worn strategy for companies but it is dangerous territory for academics. Scientists are required to declare any conflicts of interest when they publish their papers in academic journals. Academics who speak to the public should also disclose any funding they receive from corporations, but this does not always happen. At a recent McGill University (Montreal) symposium called A Question of Evidence, the

speaker on GM foods (Kevin Folta from the University of Florida) declared his conflict of interest to the audience—a $25,000 grant from Monsanto for research and outreach. But this declaration only came after his funding was exposed in the New York Times, and after the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network called on the university to ensure this transparency. Up to that point, Kevin Folta had repeatedly denied any connection with Monsanto, while promoting GM foods, according to GM Watch. This conflict of interest is just one instance that points to a deeper problem. Academic independence can be compromised even without funding conflicts. It is, of course, important for academics to share their research and analysis, but where’s the line between public engagement and public relations? In one recent instance that blurs this line, Monsanto encouraged Peter Phillips, a policy professor at the University of Saskatchewan, to write about “over burdensome regulation of GMO crops and food.” Phillips did write an article on this issue, though no connection to Monsanto was mentioned.

Other emails found through U.S. Freedom of Information requests exposed Monsanto’s requests to other academics to write “short policy briefs on important topics in the agricultural biotechnology arena,” in a project that was then administered by a third-party institute and a PR firm to protect “independence and reputations.” The academics were not funded by Monsanto, but can their articles be considered reliable and independent? Consumers can expect more biotechnology promotion dressed up as “science education” thanks to Cornel University’s new Alliance for Science. The project describes itself as a “global initiative for sciencebased communications.” It was set up with the support of a $5.6-million grant from the Gates Foundation and will train people across the world in “pro-science communications.” The alliance is set up to promote “evidence-based decisionmaking”—which is presumably the antidote to consumers making decisions based on emotions. However, the plea for evidence-based decisionmaking is empty and misleading if there is actually a lack of evidence. Manufacturing the idea of evidence where there is none is good public relations, but poor science. Lucy Sharratt is the coordinator of the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network. www.cban.ca

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European Demise of GMOs GM crop bans sweep across the EU by Dr. Eva Sirinathsinghji and Dr. Mae-Wan Ho

he majority of European Union member states (two-thirds) have decided to opt out of genetically modified (GM) food cultivation after new legislation brought into force in spring 2015 gives individual member states the power to restrict GM cultivation in their own territories. Following the October 2015 deadline, European Commission spokesperson Enrico Brivio confirmed that 19 of the 28 members that belong to the EU block have requested “opt-outs”: Austria, Belgium for the Wallonia region (constituting over half of Belgium’s territory), Britain (for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland and Slovenia. Germany has a partial opt-out that will still allow research into GM crops without commercial cultivation. Altogether these nations represent roughly 70 percent of the EU population and over two-thirds of its arable land. Serbia and Russia, not members of the EU, have also made a point of rejecting the technology, with Serbia now marketing itself as an exclusively non-GM soy producer. Switzerland, not a member of the EU, already has a moratorium against GM crops.

Concerns over safety, conflict of interest, corruption and demand Scotland was the first to announce its opt-out, with environment secretary Richard Lochhead saying they intend to uphold the precautionary principle— which states that when there is reasonable suspicion of harm, lack of scientific certainty or consensus must not be used

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“There is no evidence of significant demand for GM products by Scottish consumers” – Scotland environment secretary Richard Lochhead

to postpone preventative action. “There is no evidence of significant demand for GM products by Scottish consumers and I am concerned that allowing GM crops to be grown in Scotland would damage our clean and green brand, thereby gambling with the future of our £14 billion food and drink sector,” said Lochhead. “GM policy in Scotland should be guided by what’s best for our economy and our own agricultural sector rather than the priorities of others.” U.K.-based pro-GM lobbyist Sense about Science orchestrated a letter signed by a number of organizations, including certain universities, claiming that Scotland

will be missing out on future innovations such as enriched GM fishmeal or GM potatoes, despite Scotland having some of the world’s most renowned wild salmon and fish stocks. They have completely ignored the lack of scientific consensus on the safety of GM crops. The risks were summarized in the Institute of Science in Society’s “Open Letter in Support of Scotland’s Ban on GMOs” in response to Sense about Science’s letter, together with another open letter (“Global Scientists Support Scottish GM Crops Ban”) signed by dozens of independent scientists that refers to the conflict of interest by many who endorse GM crops, and highlighting rising pesticide use associated with GM crops, lack of increased yields and safety concerns to health and environment. Regulation is permissive, to say the least. GM crops are never tested with their associated pesticides, as in the case of glyphosate-tolerant GM crops. At worst, it is corrupt, as risk assessment is essentially left to the chemical industry (see “Scandal of Glyphosate Re-assessment in Europe,” ISIS Report, Sept. 7, 2014).

Among the copious evidence of harm to health and the environment are a recent letter signed by 300 scientists published in a peer-reviewed journal (see “Scientists Declare No Consensus on GMO Safety” at ensser.org, and Ban GMOs Now, an ISIS special report). Preventing contamination of non-GM crops is also a major issue. Germany’s concerns were stated in their application to the European Commission, signed by Dr. Robert Kloos, the deputy food and agriculture minister: “The cultivation of genetically modified maize is incompatible with the usual agricultural land use in Germany. It would have negative effects on the cultivation of conventional and organic maize. [It] would increase the risk that domestic agricultural products including the conventional and organic maize seeds may be contaminated with genetically modified maize ingredients.” These bans have come on the heels of the fallout from glyphosate being reclassified a “probable human carcinogen” by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2015. Campaigns to ban and phase out the chemical across the world have intensified with major successes, and lawsuits are being mounted against Monsanto for false claims of safety. This is bound to hurt sales of Monsanto’s flagship product.

Monsanto’s flagging fortunes get worse The fortunes of ag-biotech giants including Monsanto have been flagging since at least 2014, when China, the world’s largest importer of grain and GM produce, began rejecting major shipments

Sign of the Times

The fortunes of ag-biotech giants including Monsanto have been flagging since at least 2014, when China, the world’s largest importer of grain and GM produce, began rejecting major shipments of maize on account of contamination with non-approved GMOs.

of maize on account of contamination with non-approved GMOs. At the same time, the rising popularity of non-GMO and organic food, and increasing problems with glyphosateresistant weeds and Bt-resistant pests have prompted record numbers of U.S. farmers to switch back to non-GMO or to organic production. The WHO’s reassessment of glyphosate may be the last straw. In January 2015, Monsanto announced its earnings fell by 34 percent in the first fiscal quarter; a further loss of 15 percent was announced for the second fiscal quarter in April 2015. Monsanto’s vice-president sold 27,580 shares of Monsanto stock, just over 40 percent of his holding. In October 2015, Monsanto said it will cut 2,600 jobs (12 percent of its workforce) to restructure and save on costs over the next 18 to 24 months. In the fourth quarter, Monsanto reported a loss of $495 million, compared to a loss of $156 million during the same quarter the year before. To add to its woes, Monsanto shares have plunged 25 percent in spring 2015 while market prices for corn and soybean have dropped below production costs. The company’s long attempt to buy up rival pesticide giant Syngenta collapsed in

August 2015. The future does not look so bright. Monsanto is now forecasting per-share earnings for the new fiscal year of $5.10 to $5.60, well below analyst forecasts of $6.19. Apart from cutting jobs, it announced a new $3 billion accelerated share repurchase program. Tom Philpott of Mother Jones explains: “Share buybacks are a form of financial (as opposed to genetic) engineering—they magically boost a company’s earningsper-share ratio (a metric closely watched by investors) simply by removing shares from the market.” Philpott also sums up the situation: “Research-and-development investments in the ag-biotech/agrichemical sector aren’t paying off—not enough blockbuster new products—so the few companies remaining in the field (there are six) are going to start swallowing each other up.” Originally published October 14, 2015 by the U.K.-based Institute of Science in Society (ISIS), which was co-founded in 1999 by scientists Mae-Wan Ho and Peter Saunders to provide critical yet accessible and reliable information to the public and policy makers. Sign up for their free e-letter at www.i-sis.org.uk

ity of non-GMO and organic food r a l u p g po n i s i r e umber s of U. S. far mer s to switch Th n d r o back d r ec e t p a n g i r c o p r o o t m d u r c t io n . o has pro - G MO n o n to Health Action | www.hans.org

For the Love of Farming— Danish Style Organic crusader Erik Nielsen goes from public accounting to public policy by Michael Volker

hen Erik Nielsen was growing up in the countryside of Denmark he always wanted to be a farmer. And although his schooling took him in another direction Nielsen is now fulfilling his dream. Through his journey, he has authored public policies for farming in Denmark and ushered in some of the most progressive organic farming legislature in Europe. His life is a glowing example of how believing in a cause defines more than just your actions but defines you. When Nielsen left public school at age 18, he had three choices for his future: become a farmer, become a veterinary doctor like his two uncles or become a businessman. He ended up going to business school in Copenhagen and after further studies to become a public accountant, Nielsen was well on his way to building a successful business career. He further progressed into a teacher of business law and a publisher of books on the subject, all before the age of 35. One day the chairman of a large corporation put Nielsen into a moral dilemma where the only outcome would force him to severely compromise his principals. That was the tipping point and from that day forward Nielsen “made a promise to not work for purely money,”

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he says. Working “purely for profit” was just not consistent with his principals. Nielsen’s return to his dream of becoming a farmer took a circuitous route. In 1982, he became one of the founders of the Merkur Cooperative Bank of Denmark (www.merkur. dk), a bank that began by lending money to farmers under terms that worked with farmers and not against them. And although Nielsen still hadn’t become a farmer he was working closely with farmers and especially a group that called themselves “biodynamic farmers.”

Biodynamic farming Biodynamic farming was part of the philosophy and the social advocacy of early 20th century philosopher Rudolph Steiner (1861–1925). It is described in Organic Agriculture: A global perspective as “a holistic

understanding of agricultural processes” and it teaches that livestock, soil and plants are ecologically interrelated. Biodynamic farming is the predecessor of modern organic farming and was a farming practice that Nielsen would become passionate about. In the early 90s Nielsen decided life was better being in a field than staring at a computer and so he moved from the office to Dragon Hill farm, which he had purchased in 1985. In 1993 Nielsen’s life would take another turn. He would begin a process of self-discovery that lead him to Malaysia and from there to Thailand and the home of the Organic Farmer’s Association of Thailand. On the day that Nielsen visited— as he later described as an act of faith—he would meet Dr. Tuero Higa, who was visiting from Japan. Dr. Higa is a pioneer of effective microorganism technology, which is based on the concept that friendly microorganisms in the right setting can enhance sustainable farming practices and improve septic performance, among the benefits. Nielsen and Dr. Higa travelled through Thailand and on to his research facility in Japan. Nielsen’s passion for sustainable farming practices and Dr. Higa’s research were a perfect match and soon thereafter Dr. Higa sent a research student to Nielsen’s farm in Denmark.

In another dramatic twist of faith, before this student arrived Nielsen’s Dragon Hill farm burned to the ground. Ever the optimist, Nielsen looked at this event not as a tragedy but an opportunity. This “fortunate” event would allow him the financial means to rebuild the farm “organically” from the foundation to the roof using only sustainable materials.

Microorganism action In the new farm Nielsen would become totally immersed in the study and application of microorganisms. He would observe how different bacterium would react in different media and work to enhance earthworm and other Annelida (worm) production and therefore generate better and more fertile soil, which leads to better farm yields without damaging the ecosystem. Nielsen has gone on to commercialize some of his research and create a line of probiotics for everything from soil to animals to humans. During these times of discovery and enlightenment, Nielsen also came to recognize that organic farming practices were extremely important not only on his farm but for all farms in Denmark and the greater environment as a whole. Nielsen sat on the Organic Agriculture Council for seven years where he leveraged his skills in busi-

It’s natural health like you’ve never heard it before

Join us in December: In December, which is often filled with stress that can lead to unwanted cold and flu or digestive issues, our host Steve Herringer invites both holistic pharmacist Sherry Torkos and nutritionist Caroline Farquhar to the rescue. All this and more, because there is no show like The Natural Health Show. Erik at a trade show, promoting Olie Naturals

ness law and helped draft laws and policies that would make Denmark the leading country in Europe in support of organic farming practices. He would establish through the Merkur Cooperative Bank a government-funded farm subsidy program for organic farmers that is the envy of the European Union. In Denmark 10 percent of all farms are organic and Danish organic dairy farmers are exporting round the world and cannot keep up with demand. Thanks to the efforts of Nielsen and other like-minded organic crusaders the future of organic farming in Denmark is in very good hands and will continue to be a model for other countries around the world. Nielsen’s policy efforts have not waned. He is now very active in guiding a new political party in Denmark, the Alternative Party, whose website states, “The Alternative is a political

idea. About personal freedom, social dignity, and living, sustainable communities. A hope. A dream. A yearning. For meaning, sense and compassionate relationships. The Alternative is an answer to what is happening in the world today. All around us. With us.” A new professional member of Health Action Network Society, Nielsen is still crusading for better farming and more organic farming practices but his first love is still farming. He still loves to push the plough himself, feel the connection with the earth and know that, after all these years, he takes immense satisfaction in fulfilling his dream of being a farmer. For more information about Erik Nielsen’s work go to www.biosa. dk. For more information on the probiotic products he is importing to Canada under the name of New Beginnings go to www.olie naturals.ca.

With host:

Steve Herringer Listen every weekend: Toronto’s AM740, Saturday at 11AM (ET) Vancouver’s AM980, Sunday at 5PM (PT) Download your favourite shows and listen while travelling:

thenaturalhealthshow.ca Call toll free: 1.855.333.TNHS(8647)

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HANS Member News 1995. Over the past 20 years, their reputation has grown along with their product line and staff. In addition to the three Victoria-area stores, there is now a busy online store. Lifestyle Markets continues to be a proud supporter of many community organizations such as the Victoria Humane Society and The Mustard Seed, combined with their awareness-raising events and local work. www.lifestylemarkets.com

A Tribute to Eden Elizabeth At the HANS office, it was with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Eden Elizabeth, co-founder of Feed Life, holistic nutritionist, yoga instructor, regular contributor to Health Action magazine and all-around inspiration. Anyone who knew Eden Elizabeth couldn’t help but get enthused by her passion for health and nutrition. Her zest for life shone through in her articles and incredible recipes, which we have been very fortunate to share in our magazine. She will be long remembered for her compassion, her vibrancy and her commitment to helping others.

20 Years of Healthy Lifestyles It has been 20 years since Lorraine Peterson decided her new store in Victoria, B.C., Lifestyle Markets, would incorporate the largest selection of organic and local foods, with a complete range of nutritional supplements and vitamins and a natural foods deli. The first and only full-service marketstyle store opened on Douglas Street in

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New from Nature’s Way Holistic Health: Mind-body Solutions for Love Individual or couples sessions and group series overcome struggles to create more harmony. The latest treatments combine body work with Emotional Freedom Technique. A PhD client recently called it the “happy noodle” combo. Check the new menu at www.natureswaymassage.ca

Allergy Desensitization Treatment at Cornerstone Health Centre Cornerstone Health Centre now offers sublingual allergy desensitization therapy, which retrains your immune system to recognize pollens and other environmental inhalants as benign substances rather than foreign invaders. Symptoms have been shown to be substantially reduced in three to five sessions. Free consultation. cathy@ cornerstonehealthcentre.ca | 604-7326222 Marija Djordjevic: New Yaletown Clinic Marija Djordjevic has relocated her practice to Yaletown Wellness Center. The new facility is located in downtown Vancouver, a block away from Vancouver

Public Library at 878 Hamilton Street. Her contact info is the same: info@sanare.ca | www.sanare.ca | 604-727-4186

Neem: Nature’s Healing Gift to Humanity Klaus Ferlow, honorary master herbalist, professional herbal advocate and founder of Ferlow Botanicals, has just published Neem: Nature’s Healing Gift to Humanity. The book incorporates his 20-plus years of experience working with neem and shares how neem is beneficial for the health of humans, animals and the planet. www.neemresearch.ca

Introducing InspireHealth’s Guide to Supportive Cancer Care InspireHealth is proud to announce their stunning new, full-colour Guide to Supportive Cancer Care. This 80-page booklet covers their philosophy and model of care, and offers current research on ways to enhance your health and well-being. The cost is $20 plus postage if shipped by mail. www.inspirehealth.ca continued on page

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Our Strength iS in numberS The Health Action Network Society (HANS) is a non-profit society incorporated under the British Columbia Company Act on July 25, 1984 and the publisher of this magazine. The Society believes in the human body’s own healing power, a power derived from man’s dynamic integration with the natural order. This natural healing power (or vis medicatrix naturae, as Hippocrates described it) is mediated through the body’s immune response system in ways which modern science is only beginning to understand. These innate curative mechanisms, if not interrupted by physical or psychological stressors, are

capable of maintaining a high level of personal and social well-being. As Paracelsus has said, “Nature cures; the doctor nurses.” As the society’s name implies, it has been created to “network” – to put people (individuals, public and private organizations) in touch with one another in the constant effort to maintain and enhance health. But it also seeks to stimulate this journey towards individual and collective well-being by encouraging and supporting research into factors related to “health” and the self-care and preventative health care strategies conducive to high-level wellness.

Please join us by calling toll-free 1-855-787-1891 or online at www.hans.org

HANS Member News

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Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone Kwikfit4u Makes a Move Kwikfit4u Whole Body Vibration Equipment has moved to Westbank, B.C. www. kwikfit4u.com | 778-754-7400 | toll-free 1-877-348-5945

Manual Therapy Conference— April 16–18, 2016 Join the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of BC in April for an exciting two-day conference with post-conference workshops facilitated by the keynote speakers. Already confirmed are: n Eyal Lederman, PhD, DO: A Process Approach in Manual Therapy: Beyond the Structural Model n Sandy Hilton, DPT, MS: Importance of Assessment and Treatment for Complex Pelvic Pain Disorders in Women and Men n Walt Fritz, PT: Research Can Change Your Approach to Assessment and Treatment and Assist Your Evolution as a Health-care Professional n Ravensara Travillian, PhD, NAC, LMP: Working with Trauma and PTSD Affected Patients in the Manual Therapy Clinical Environment More details at www.rmtbc.ca/mt_2016 HANS Members, do you have news to share? Email enews@hans.org

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Own Herbal Preparations Review by Lorna Hancock

udrun Penselin is a Health Action Network Society member who lives in Alberta and who now shines the light on the use of plants and herbs that surround us. It’s been largely a selfless passion and gift to future generations and I highly recommend that everyone watch and take notes from Penselin’s DVD. She inspires interest in the plants that we see at our feet as we take a walk around even our own neighbourhoods. Have you ever wondered why some of these plants are called “weeds,” as if they have no value to us and are instead poisoned by toxic chemicals to eliminate them from our sight? Penselin shows us how those self-same weeds are treasures and they lay right in front of us. I must confess, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I watched Penselin’s DVD. Sure, I’m interested in plants and note how beautiful nature can be on a regular basis. But this was different and I knew it right away. I responded to the great warmth that Penselin and her colleague Adrian de Landa expressed as they showed you how to harvest herbs and prepare them for use. It took the mystery out of herbalism and made me feel that I, too, could do such a thing on my own. “I have created this DVD,” says Penselin, “out of my concern for the planet and the desire and necessity to provide people with tools that will allow them to take responsibility for their own wellbeing. It not only provides people with tools but at the same time encourages them to reconnect with nature. It helps

Seasoned herbalists and friends Gudrun Penselin & Adrian de Landa

people understand that we are part of the whole picture and would not be able to exist without the plants.” The DVD includes topics such as: nH arvesting, drying and storing herbs. nC reating herbal preparations: juices, infusions, tinctures, vinegars, flower essences, infused oils, ointments, powders and capsules, poultices, fomentations and compresses, suppositories, steam inhalations, foot and hand baths. n A supplement on how to make your own seed and nut milks as well as sprouting instructions. n Appendix with formulas and precise instructions. For more information or to order a copy of the DVD, visit www.herbalinstructions.com or call Gudrun Penselin at 780-532-2464.

ONE DAY FOR YOUR CAREER Join us at the Natural Wellness Career & Jobs Fair in Vancouver.

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The Big Fat Lie How we’ve been misled and misfed

by Olga Sheean

at. It’s amazing how such a small word can create so much fear and trepidation in so many people. A major staple in the diet of our early ancestors (who thrived on a high-fat, low-carb diet), fat is now seen as the dietary villain responsible for unwanted weight gain, cholesterol buildup and deadly heart attacks. We’ve been warned to eat less fat; we’re told to take cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins— now known to carry serious health risks of their own), and we shop at supermarkets full of low-fat and fat-free products. Yet there’s more heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and cancer than ever before. Although we’re beginning to understand the benefits of healthy saturated fats such as coconut oil, we’re still being grossly misinformed about fat—and many other foods. Many of us have relied on mainstream medicine for advice, despite the fact that most doctors have minimal nutritional training and do not keep up with scientific research. As a result, they often take us even further down the rabbit hole of ill health by prescribing drugs instead of life-saving fats

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and foods. Their ignorance, plus our own lack of awareness about what our bodies need, has created a cruel irony. Fueled by our unfounded fear of fats, there’s now a booming market for low-fat, fat-free and refined foods that are compounding the very problems they were meant to resolve. The truth is that fat is good, as long as it’s good fat. It’s the refined carbohydrates and polyunsaturated oils that are creating many of the health challenges we face. Studies now confirm that we need more saturated fat and fewer refined carbohydrates for good health. But don’t just take my word for it. Many progressive doctors and medical researchers are aware of the big fat lies we’ve been told for decades, and they’re setting the record straight. Cholesterol is not the problem. The true cause of heart disease is our low-fat, high-carb diet, and saturated fats such as coconut oil are actually very good for us, boosting cardiovascular health and protecting us from degenerative disease.

Debunking the cholesterol myth Dr. Dwight Lundell, an American heart surgeon with 25 years’ experience who has performed over 5,000 openheart surgeries, took a brave stand in 2012 by admitting online that he was wrong about cholesterol causing heart disease (see http://sott.net/ en242516). Like most doctors,

he firmly believed—and told his patients—that heart disease was the direct result of high cholesterol and that a low-fat diet and statins were the best ways to avoid it. But now he knows better. Forget what’s been drummed into your head for decades, says Lundell, because there is no scientific evidence that saturated fat alone causes heart disease. Mainstream medicine made a terrible mistake, he says, when it advised people to avoid saturated fat in favour of polyunsaturated vegetable oils (such as soy, sunflower, corn, canola and grapeseed oils), which contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, now known to cause inflammation in the body. “The cholesterol theory led to the no-fat, low-fat recommendations that, in turn, created the very foods now causing an epidemic of inflammation,” says Lundell. And inflammation is now considered to be a leading cause of disease, promoting obesity, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, chronic pain, bronchitis, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, infections and heart disease, as well as accelerating the signs of aging.

A superfood saturated fat Dr. Bruce Fife, nutritionist, naturopathic doctor and author of The Coconut Oil Miracle, reports that many researchers now consider coconut oil to

be the healthiest oil on earth. A dietary staple in tropical countries, where it’s prized for its health-enhancing, diseasepreventing properties, coconut oil is known to: n boost digestion, energy and mental clarity n strengthen the immune system n improve thyroid function n help regulate metabolism and blood sugar n promote weight loss and youthfulness n protect against heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis and other diseases n fight infection, viruses, fungi and parasites n have anti-aging antioxidant properties n alleviate insomnia n promote kidney and bladder health n reduce epileptic seizures in children “Coconut oil is truly one of nature’s most remarkable health tonics,” says Fife, and using this oil for cooking could be one of the healthiest things you could ever do. It has a high smoke point, which means that it doesn’t easily oxidize or become a source of unhealthy free radicals, even when used for frying and baking. Polyunsaturated vegetable oils, on the other hand, oxidize at relatively low temperatures, and it’s largely these oxidized polyunsaturated fats that cause inflammation (together with refined carbohydrates). When you also consider the fact that the liver makes 90 percent

of the body’s cholesterol itself (sometimes even converting the carbohydrates in fruits, vegetables and grains to make it), the whole saturated-fatartery-clogging theory makes no sense at all.

Anti-fat fiction Still not convinced? According to bestselling author, neurosurgeon and nutritionist Dr. Natasha CampbellMcBride, animal fat was, for millennia, considered a sacred food reserved for the most important members of the tribe or family—their leaders, warriors going into battle, couples trying to conceive, growing children, wise elders and those recovering from illness. “This ancient wisdom was passed [down] through generations, until the last few decades, when the infamous diet–heart hypothesis was born,” she says. “More than 50 years have passed since then, and the science has spoken: the diet–heart hypothesis is false! Natural animal fats and cholesterol-rich foods do not cause heart disease; they prevent it!” In her latest book, Put Your Heart in Your Mouth: What really causes heart disease and what we can do to prevent and even reverse it, CampbellMcBride explains how we’ve been subjected to anti-fat and anti-cholesterol propaganda for decades, with catastrophic results for our hearts and overall health. If natural fat and cholesterol-rich foods did, in fact, cause heart disease, she says, the rates of this disease would have fallen by now, given all the statins and low-fat foods

we’ve been consuming. Instead, they’re increasing. It’s like the Emperor’s New Clothes syndrome, says CampbellMcBride, and it’s time for this anti-fat fiction to be exposed for what it is. Yet another advocate of a fat-rich diet is award-winning neurologist Dr. David Perlmutter, author of Grain Brain: The surprising truth about wheat, carbs and sugar—your brain’s silent killers. Perlmutter believes in empowering people with information so they can protect and enhance their own health, and his books contain facts that will forever change the way you think about fat— and food, in general.

Cholesterol could save your life In Grain Brain, Perlmutter shares his decades of experience resolving all kinds of neurological and other diseases through a gluten-free, low-carb, fat-rich diet. Exposing grains and refined carbohydrates as unworthy usurpers of the leading role that should be played by fat (especially coconut oil), he explains how they trigger inflammation in the body. Documenting the many health benefits of cholesterol, he emphasizes the brain’s dependence on this vital form of fat, and the fact that many diseases are alleviated by cholesterol and many conditions caused by a deficiency. Even in the case of the devastating motor-neuron disease known as Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS, those with higher cholesterol levels tend to live longer. Based on his own findings, and on the numerous scientific studies referenced in his book,

Perlmutter presents the following conclusions: n Cholesterol is the brain’s favourite food and a critical nutrient for brain health. n Every cell in the body requires saturated fat. n Low cholesterol increases the risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological problems. n Higher cholesterol levels have been scientifically shown to boost intelligence. n More than 50 percent of those hospitalized for heart attacks have “normal” cholesterol. n Statins increase the risk of heart disease and reduce libido. n We need good saturated fat for healthy brains, hearts and hormones. n Grass-fed beef contains beneficial anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. n Inflammation is the cornerstone of all degenerative conditions/brain disorders. n Gluten, grains, refined carbohydrates and sugars trigger inflammation. n Gluten causes inflammation, even in those without gluten intolerance. Ironically, as early as 1995, cholesterol was already known to not be a problem. By then, studies had confirmed that there was no correlation whatsoever

between cholesterol and heart disease, yet nothing changed on the supermarket shelves or in the ads promoting lowfat/fat-free foods. The reason? An entire industry had been built around these foods, and manufacturers (such as those producing soybean oil and breakfast cereals loaded with refined starches and sugars) were making far too much money to be put off by concerns for people’s health. Consequently, as pointed out by Dr. George Mann, professor of biochemistry and medicine, and author of Coronary Heart Disease: The dietary sense and nonsense: “The public is being deceived by the greatest health scam of the century.” It will take time for the latest scientific and medical wisdom to turn the tide of confusion and fear about fat. But this emerging knowledge is, according to Lundell, leading to a paradigm shift in how heart disease and other chronic ailments will be treated. If so, perhaps all those low-fat lies and fat-free falsities will finally be put to rest. Olga Sheean is an empowerment coach, relationship therapist, holistic health-care practitioner and the author of The Alphabet of Powerful Existence. She’s based in Vancouver, B.C. www.olgasheean.com

The Skinny on the Fattening Oils

olyunsaturated oils such as soy, sunflower, safflower, corn, canola and grapeseed oils are now known to:

n h inder thyroid function and metabolism, causing weight gain n readily oxidize, causing free-radical damage n promote or even cause diabetes, by interfering with insulin levels n accelerate aging n deplete vitamin E and other antioxidant reserves in the body

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Mega Benefits with Omega-3s by Colin Medhurst, HHC, RYT

hanks to the fad diet industry, one of the most common misconceptions about nutrition is the benefit of whole-food, plant-based fats. The first thing to establish is not all fats are created equal. Consuming significant quantities of processed meat and dairy and, as a result, saturated and trans-fats foods, has been correlated to an increased risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. We, as a society, also consume an incredible amount of processed foods and oils (like corn and safflower oil) and, when combined with processed carbohydrates, we put an incredible amount of stress on the digestive system. We need to consistently include plant-based whole-food sources of fat as they enhance the body’s primary functions: metabolism, cell signalling, immunity, hormone production, the health of various body tissues, and the absorption of many nutrients such as vitamins A and D. Sources of healthy fats include nuts and seeds, avocados, coconut, olives and cacao. Whole-food plant-based sources of fat also are packaged with fibre, phytochemicals and often a large amount of clean protein—all of which are extremely beneficial for overall health. One type of fat that needs our focus is omega-3. Because of our fast-paced, demanding life, we are now consuming more packaged foods than ever

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The problem with our standard diet is we are consuming far too much omega-6.

before and what comes along with these foods is the use of processed oils, which are high in omega-6 fats. Traditionally, our hunter-gatherer diet had a ratio of around 1:1 when comparing omega-3s to 6s. In our modern Canadian diet, we’re getting around 20 times more omega6s to omega-3s. In other words, the problem with our standard diet is we are consuming far too much omega-6. Excess intake of omega-6 has been shown to promote the development of many diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.

The main challenge is getting a consistent amount of omega3s into your diet. A variety of whole-foods plant-based sources contain a large amount of omega-3s. The cleanest sources of omega-3 fats are those found in plant-based sources including chia, hemp, flax, walnuts, avocado, raw cacao and, most importantly, algae. Many people find supplementing with an algae-based omega-3 supplement the easiest way to consistently include it into your routine. The best practice to get all of the nutrients you need on a daily basis is to make sure most of

your diet is full of whole-food, plant-based and nutrient-dense ingredients. Colin Medhurst, HHC, RYT, is a holistic health coach, yoga teacher, cancer guide and herbalist in training. He is also a photographer/ videographer and full-time firefighter, though he’s not your stereotypical firefighter; he’s powered by plants, not steaks. He cofounded Feed Life, a Vancouver plant-based lifestyle company educating people on how to increase energy and heal their bodies through food. Courses are online and in person. www. feedlife.ca | 604-379-1774

Chia Cereal

Colin Medhurst

You gotta love the simplicity of this morning cereal. It’s packed full of fibre, omegas and protein. It tastes so good that it has become my go-to breakfast food. I sometimes make this the night before a busy morning and that way I won’t forget to eat breakfast. It also travels well as the chia absorbs the liquid and it becomes more like a pudding, so throw it in a glass container and bring it to work. Add in sweeter ingredients and enjoy it as a dessert. Pick one or two of the optional toppings, or go crazy and add them all. Ingredients: 2 tbsp chia seeds 1 cup hemp milk Method: Place chia in a bowl. Pour hemp milk over top and whisk until chia starts to absorb liquid. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes (in fridge or on counter). Stir again and add in toppings.

Mega Nutrient Milk

Optional toppings: 1 tsp cinnamon 1 apple or pear, chopped 1/4 cup coconut flakes 2 tbsp goji berries 1/2 cup fresh berries 1 banana, chopped 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds Turn the page for another great recipe

We use this versatile recipe for a power shake, cereal, chia pudding, as added liquid in baking and as a base for smoothies. The only thing that it’s not great in is a cream sauce. It’s packed full of omega-3s and protein, as well as selenium, from the Brazil nuts, that’s an important mineral that plays a key role in metabolism and immune function. Optional ingredients: 1 tsp maca 1 tsp lucuma 1 tsp cinnamon Colin Medhurst

Ingredients: 2 Brazil nuts 1/4 cup hemp seeds 1–2 cups water or chaga tea 1–2 dates or coconut nectar to taste Pinch salt 1 tsp vanilla

Method: Blend ingredients together in blender. Use as a nut milk or drink alone. Health Action | www.hans.org

Raw Almond Cheese with Fresh Herbs I used to love cheese. Now I love nut and seed cheeses. I don’t miss dairy cheese and I certainly don’t miss how it used to make me feel—tired, cranky and bloated. As you digest casein (a protein found in dairy cheese), it releases opiates called casomorphins. These opiates enter your bloodstream, pass to your brain and then attach to your opiate receptors. There you go, the real reason you can’t get enough of the mucus-causing stuff that smells like feet! This raw almond cheese is a great alternative and it’s packed full of protein, enzymes and high-quality fat. Ingredients: 2 cups almonds (raw and soaked for 24 hours, 12 hours minimum) 3 tbsp lemon juice 2 tbsp fresh herbs such as dill and chives 1 clove fresh garlic 1/2 tsp powdered garlic (optional) 1/2 tsp salt

Colin Medhurst

Method: Place all ingredients in a blender and add water until the mixture blends easily into a thick cream-cheese consistency. Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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A world famous iron supplement, Salus Floradix® effectively prevents iron deficiency and assists with the formation of red blood cells and their proper functions. It also supports tissue formation, proper growth and enhanced iron absorption and utilization through organically bound iron gluconate, vitamin C and B vitamins. Floradix® is non-constipating, safe for long-term, daily use and contains no dairy, lactose, alcohol, GMO, chemical preservatives, colouring or flavouring.

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Cholesterol and the Water Connection by Naomi Wolfman, GNC(C), NCA, BScN

veryone is concerned about high cholesterol levels nowadays and for good reason. If your cholesterol is high, experts say that taking steps to lower it reduces your chances of having a heart attack. Yet cholesterol is very useful as the precursor of most sex hormones, and also responsible for signalling and marking potential diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart and brain problems. In our bodies, cholesterol and water are intricately linked. Normally water seeps into cells at a predetermined, slow and exact rate. By the same token, cells have a mechanism for expelling excess water. When the environment outside the cells is comparatively drier than inside the cells, cholesterol seals off all the pores and keeps water inside the cells.

Digestive water ways When we eat food, water and enzymes are poured into the stomach and intestines. The enzymes break food into smaller bits—the building blocks—by allowing one molecule of water to join at each receptor bonding site of the amino acids and together they make the proteins. All this is ideally done with free water (the water that’s available after all systems have enough to perform their job), otherwise

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the body has less water available for transportation of the food stuffs into blood and lymph circulation. Some of the food load is taken up by the liver and some continues to the heart. Lymph from the intestine also pours into the blood and all the concentrated circulation continues to lungs. Water is lost as vapour though breathing. Blood gets oxygenated and returns to the heart to be pumped out first to the heart

create a needless accumulation of cholesterol on the lining of the arteries and the liver; all the cells have responded to the survivorship mechanism by using cholesterol to seal off water into cells. Not all cells form the cholesterol barrier and the ones that do not have to borrow cholesterol from circulation and apply it to their membranes. Over time, the liver keeps producing cholesterol and as cells develop a

High cholesterol levels show that the cells are exercising a defence mechanism that ultimately prevents the natural course of water to go freely in and out of the cells.

arteries, then to the brain arteries and finally to the large body artery, the aorta. Concentrated blood will draw water through the cell membranes, leaving less water for the inside of the cells. When this concentrated blood reaches the brain, a signal goes to the conscious mind saying there is not enough water. This translates into “thirst.”

Cholesterol as a waterproof There is a fairly wide gap of time between when the liver receives the concentrated blood and the actual signal of thirst. This time gap can

defence mechanism against the osmotic forces of the blood, they inhibit the passage of water normally occurring in a hydrated cell and the cells ultimately suffer.

Importance of drinking water Without enough water, organ functions, nutrient exchange, digestive processes, energy production, temperature regulation and immune function would suffer. Staying hydrated ensures that cholesterol is not needlessly accumulated in the arteries and the liver. So while cholesterol is part of the

body’s natural defences, high cholesterol levels show that the cells are exercising a defence mechanism that ultimately prevents the natural course of water to go freely in and out of the cells. The antidote is to regularly drink one full glass of water a half hour before each meal. This gives enough time for the processes to be activated as hydration by the time food is ingested. How do you know if you are properly hydrated? Take a look back in the bowl after emptying your bladder: if it is pale yellow, you are hydrated, and if it is darker than that, make a point to increase your intake. Naomi Wolfman, GNC(C), NCA, BScN, is a registered nurse specializing in continence. www. embrace-cs.ca

Taking Measure of Heart Disease Before it’s too late by Cathy Sevcik, ND

ou know that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading killer, but do you know how that applies to you? Blood markers such as cholesterol have long been the subject of debate regarding their predictability of actual CVD. If your cholesterol is high, are your arteries actually filling up with plaque? Is your heart losing function? The conventional medical system uses a few different techniques to assess heart disease progression, including electrocardiogram (ECG), stress test and echocardiogram. Unfortunately, getting into a cardiologist’s office is usually

There’s a new device that could revolutionize our ability to identify heart muscle decline.

only available to people with confirmed CVD. At this point, a lot of damage has already been done. It’s both a blessing and a curse that the coronary arteries that feed the left ventricle need to be blocked by more than 85 percent before symptoms are felt by the patient. This is a blessing because it means

that coronary artery disease is a very gradual process, which also means that there is plenty of time for prevention of the disease—the mantra of holistic wellness and naturopathic medicine. It’s a curse because people have a tendency to wait for symptoms before seeking medical attention.

How’s your heart function? Lucky for us, there’s a new device that could revolutionize our ability to identify heart muscle decline before it’s too late. The SPhENo-Cardiograph, now available at a few naturopathic clinics, has the capacity to measure tiny functional changes in the heart. Specifically the device meas-

ures the millisecond changes in the amount of time the left ventricle takes to fill and eject blood and calculates a functional measure called the systolic time interval (STI) ratio. Heart muscle changes are measurable long before symptoms appear, allowing a person to be alerted to a predictable and progressive future heart condition. Prior to now, the only type of equipment that could measure STI ratios was available in the intensive care unit and so was only used on people whose cardiovascular disease was undisputed and had already done extensive damage to their heart. I have used the SPhENoCardiograph since September with many patients for a variety of indications. My patients

with high risk and concern of CVD have been able to either feel confident that their heart function remains in the optimal range or be able to see that the function is declining despite lack of symptoms. This has given them the motivation to take action to reduce their risk and turn the situation around. We will be able to regularly monitor their progress to ensure that the strategies are working. I have also used the evaluation to rule in or rule out heart function as a cause of symptoms in less obvious cases—such as fatigue in women over 40 years old. Up until now, it has been difficult to make a diagnosis of coronary ischemia (not enough blood through the coronary arteries) due to the expense and inconvenience. It is reassuring that we now have a convenient, cost-effective way of assessing this risk. If you are wondering if your coronary arteries are heading toward 85 percent blockage, we now have a cost-effective way to find out. Cathy Sevcik, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor practising at Cornerstone Health Centre in the Kitsilano neighbourhood of Vancouver, B.C. She uses natural, noninvasive therapies including lifestyle and diet modifications, Bowen therapy, natural medicines, bioidentical hormone replacement and pharmaceuticals customized to the individual’s needs and goals. cathy@cornerstoneheathcentre. ca | 604-732-6222 Health Action | www.hans.org

Chelation Therapy— Health within Its Grasp by Andrew Eberding, ND, MSc

or many people, harmful elements of the modern world, like processed foods and environmental toxins, can overwhelm the body’s capacity to detoxify. It is this state that drives the development of disease. There is a strategy that can diminish your risks of developing disease and even reverse an already active condition. Chelation can be a useful therapy in decreasing cancer risk, reducing atherosclerosis, removing toxic metals and minimizing the advancement of diabetic damage. This broad list of benefits often makes people skeptical, but when you understand the nature of the development in these conditions, you will see how chelation can make a difference in all of them and others.

What is chelation? Chelation comes from a Greek term that means “claw”— the structure of the active molecules resemble a crab’s claw. The chelating compounds use this claw action to bind to metals within the body. There are many different types of chelators but the most effective

Did You Know?

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ones are delivered intravenously (IV). They circulate within the bloodstream for a short time (under 24 hours), binding rather indiscriminately to metal atoms that are within its grasp. The two most common IV chelators are ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid (DMPS) because of their ability to bind to particular target atoms like mercury and lead. There are oral chelators, including dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), vitamin C and

o t io n c a l e h C

n-acetyl-cysteine, but they act much slower and less efficiently.

How it helps There are several main actions that will reduce the risk of disease development and progression: reduced freeradical generation, increased cellular energy and improved calcium binding. Everywhere you look people are trying to impress on you the need to have antioxidants in

your diet. These highly touted nutrients prevent uncontrolled oxidation in the body. Antioxidants are valuable for health but they are not the only way to minimize the effects of these harmful reactions. Chelation therapy approaches the problem from the opposite perspective. Metals are freeradical generators in the body, which lead to oxidation. By removing the metals, the oxidative process driving disease formation and progression is averted.

mes from a Greek ter m that means “c law”.

The following conditions have oxidation as part of their generation or promotion: n Diabetes: The main culprit in diabetes promotion is excess blood sugar. However, the complications of the condition, including nerve damage, vision loss, kidney damage and atherosclerosis, are all due to oxidation. n Neurological disease: Conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis all have complex origins and development but oxidation plays a role in each. n Cataracts: The clouding of the lens within the eye is entirely an oxidative process. When the body struggles with ongoing high levels of circulating metals, it shunts them into compartments to improve overall function. When stored in the eye, the metals promote lens oxidation. n Cancer: A common feature in most cancers is genetic damage due to oxidation. Risk of development can be reduced by lowering the amount of free-radical promotors in the body. n Cardiovascular disease: Often cholesterol levels are blamed for hardening of the

arteries, but cholesterol is only deposited once the lining of the artery has been damaged. One of the damaging factors is oxidation. Aside from chelation’s effect on improving specific conditions, EDTA chelation improves cellular function by improving mitochondrial electron transport and adenosine triphosphate production. More plainly, it increases each cell’s energy production by returning it to healthy, normal levels.

Recent research has shown chelation treatments work especially well in patients who have diabetes and have had a previous heart attack.

Another positive effect chelation has is calcium binding; this mechanism is directed primarily at hardening of the arteries. Once the artery lining is damaged as mentioned above, oxidized cholesterol is driven under the lining. The

final step is calcification of the cholesterol plaque causing the vessel to truly harden. The plaque formed restricts blood flow and decreases elasticity of the vessel. EDTA chelation reverses the hardening. The calcium in the plaque is the cement that binds it together. Binding and removing the calcium out of the deposit allows the vessel to regain its normal volume and pliability. Recent research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has shown chelation treatments work especially well in patients who have diabetes and have had a previous heart attack. This process occurs only with EDTA and not with other chelators.

What are the risks? There are risks with chelation therapy as with any therapy. The greatest risk with chelation occurs if the administration is done too quickly. This reduces the amount of free calcium circulating in the blood, causing a sudden drop in blood pressure. Other risks include allergic reaction, bleeding, nausea/ vomiting, fainting and pain at the IV injection site. Do not be concerned that calcium binding will lead to a

loss of bone density. The opposite is true. Because of the transient changes in blood calcium levels, the cells responsible for depositing calcium into bones become activated, resulting in an overall increase in density. Given that we are living longer lives and our world is more highly contaminated than ever before, it is necessary that we make a real effort to support our health as much as possible. Chelation treatments work at the most basic level—the atomic level. Once you stop the oxidative attacks and promote free-flowing blood, you will have taken a large step towards improving your health and decreasing your disease risks. Andrew Eberding, ND, MSc, received a master’s degree from the University of B.C. researching the effectiveness of natural health products. This allowed a nice transition for his studies in naturopathic medicine at Boucher Institute of Natural Medicine. Since graduating, he has received extensive, advanced training, becoming an expert in prolotherapy for pain management, intravenous therapy and chelation therapy. He practises at Polo Health + Longevity Centre in downtown New Westminster, B.C. www.polohealth.com | 604 544 7656

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Drug-free Prevention of Hypertension by Francesca Fabbri

ypertension (high blood pressure) affects millions of people worldwide. The current Western medical approach is to prescribe antihypertensive drugs, after the disease has already manifested. Unfortunately, this approach does not support disease prevention. Maintaining a balanced blood pressure—not too low and not too high—is important because it is the force needed for your blood to reach the outlying areas of your body, such as your fingers, toes and your brain. A normal, healthy blood pressure should be between 100/60 mmHg to 140/90 mmHg. Chronic low blood pressure can also be dangerous.

What can cause hypertension? Causes of hypertension include high stress, both psychological and physiological; a diet of junk and salty foods, cured meats and sugary beverages; lack of sleep; congenital heart defects; kidney diseases; and drugs and medications.

Symptoms and complications What makes hypertension insidious is the almost complete absence of significant symptoms until a more serious event occurs. For example, hy-

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What makes hypertension insidious is the almost complete absence of significant symptoms until a more serious event occurs.

pertension sufferers may have difficulty breathing, fatigue, occipital headache, dizziness, tinnitus and severe nosebleeds. However, these symptoms do not appear until blood pressure has reached alarming levels, which can be life threatening. The three most commonly affected areas include your nervous system, heart and kidneys. Extremely high pressure in your blood vessels can eventually cause the rupture of an arterial wall, resulting in hemorrhage and damage to the

tissue that has been cut off from blood flow. It can also create blood clots that block peripheral vessels, causing complete obstruction and tissue death. These issues can cause heart palpitations, aneurysms and even renal failure.

Osteopathic treatment for hypertension Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a noninvasive, holistic method that can be used to effectively address high blood pressure. It is an excellent approach for treating and preventing hypertension as well as maintaining long-term health. Osteopathic practitioners do not prescribe any kind of medication or herbal remedies. They focus on specific hands-on tests and manual techniques, including relaxing cranial-sacral adjustments, energy rebalancing and visceral (internal or-

gan) manipulation of the areas of your body that are in dysfunction. The mobility of the vertebrae of your upper back and neck is essential. These are often stiff and painful and can be functional causes of hypertension. Rarely do people make this important connection. “Softening” the rib cage ensures the optimal contraction of your heart so it meets no resistance when it is pumping. Rebalancing your diaphragm and supporting your liver are important for the distribution of body fluids, thus avoiding excessive blood pressure to your brain, heart and kidneys. Moreover, for those on medication, the “cleansing” of your liver provides a rapid detoxification to your cells. This means building a strong foundation of health for your whole body. As a preventative approach to high blood pressure, OMT should always be associated with an optimal lifestyle that reduces all risk factors (such as smoking, obesity and drug use) combined with moderate but consistent daily exercise. OMT addresses the functional causes of your hypertension, enhancing the self-healing power of your body, rather than exclusively acting on the hypertension. Francesca Fabbri is a licensed osteopathic practitioner and member of Osteopathy B.C. She practises at Boda Health. Boda Health.ca | osteopatafabbri@ gmail.com | 604-733-2632

Pioneer Profile: Jim Strauss Healing from the heart by Alexis Costello

ong before our allopathic medical model of double-blind placebo controlled studies was the norm, medicine would be passed on through families, generation to generation, preserved and perfected over time. Strauss Heartdrops are an eighth-generation family formula that has been in use for 300 years. This formula has been proven with scientific studies, but far more telling is the anecdotal evidence. It seems like everyone knows someone who has used the heartdrops and had amazing results. Despite this history of use, up until a few years ago it seemed that the future of Strauss Heartdrops in Canada was in doubt. The company based in Kamloops, B.C., applied for a natural product number (NPN) back in 2005. It took seven years and roughly $7 million for them to finally get approval. In a televised interview with CFJC News in March 2012, employee Don Schultz says that they “submitted 68 scientific references in support of that application, two clinical trials, two pieces of research that hadn’t been done before, so it’s quite an arduous process.” Why did it take so long for the NPN application to go through? Though the NPN was finally granted in 2012, there was still a federal claim filed by Strauss against Health Canada, as they feel that the

“I had serious heart disease. I was in bed. I was dying. I took your heartdrops; I got well. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

application process hurt their company. “They made us do things that they didn’t make anyone else do and we feel that we’ve been singled out as a company,” a spokesperson said in the same interview. Lawyer Shawn Buckley, who has made a name for himself in Canada defending our right to choose natural health products and battling Bill C-51, has given many presentations and written papers on how Jim Strauss turned him into a believer when it comes to herbal medicine. Buckley refers to a case brought against Jim Strauss when he was in trouble for “practising medicine without a licence” by stating that he cures heart disease. Buckley couldn’t deny that Strauss was making health claims, as he was literally driving around town in a van with “I Cure Heart Disease” written across it, so he needed to find another angle to defend him. “Is there anything we can do to prove that you’re telling that the truth?” Buckley asked Strauss, who goes into the back and brings out boxes and boxes filled with letters. “I read all these letters and

they’re all literally the same,” Buckley recalls in a 2008 presentation that’s available on YouTube. “People voluntarily writing in just saying, ‘I had serious heart disease. I was in bed. I was dying. I took your heartdrops; I got well. Thank you, thank you, thank you.’ ”

Strauss Naturals is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Jim Strauss passed away in 2009, due to accidental aspiration, his heart never troubling him again after he rediscovered his family recipe for Heartdrops. His son Peter maintains the tradition and has finally won the right to help people in need in Canada. Alexis Costello is a natural health practitioner, instructor and speaker and the founder of Happily Holistic. She is moving to Costa Rica to write about herbs in the rainforest with her family. www. alexiscostello.com

Naturopathic Medicine Prevention | Treatment | Education | Wellness

BC’s Naturopathic Doctors: The Experts in Providing Science Based Natural Medicine

Link to the BC Naturopathic Association for: Physician Referrals Student Information Wellness News Health Updates Doctor Directory Newsletter

800.277.1128 www.bcna.ca Health Action | www.hans.org

Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Action Plans Recipes and tips to reduce inflammation by Sondi Bruner

our ability to regulate a proper inflammatory response, which may lead to many diseases. So take a walk, enjoy a movie, attend a yoga class or hire a babysitter—whatever you need to feel balanced, relaxed and supported. Catch plenty of ZZZs. Sleep is important. It’s the time when we repair, recharge and regenerate. A poor night’s sleep may lead to higher levels of inflammation, plus it leaves us vulnerable to weight gain, food cravings, moodiness and heart disease.

f you’ve ever had a cold, a cut, a rash or a bruise, then you’ve experienced inflammation. In urgent situations, inflammation is incredibly useful—similar to when emergency personnel are dispatched to help accident victims. It activates our immune system, destroys pathogens and delivers needed oxygen and nutrients to affected areas. However, if inflammation becomes chronic, or your immune system fails to work properly, you can develop a host of diseases that can impact all aspects of day-to-day existence. Inflammation—which is a growing problem worldwide— can be caused by such things as poor nutrition, environmental toxins, genetics, reliance on medication, stress and limited physical activity. However, when educated and prepared, you can take control of your health, both preventing inflammation from happening or managing it when it occurs. Choose plenty of fruits and vegetables. Our most potent warriors in the fight against inflammation are fruits and vegetables. They are packed with numerous macro- and micronutrients that support our health, including antioxidants, fibre, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, as well as phytonutrients that possess

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a nt i-i n f la m m ator y and anti-cancer properties. Consume healthy sources of fat. Fat is a super-hero, not a villain. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon, sardines, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed, hemp seeds, and even vegetables like dark leafy greens, are especially antiinflammatory. These powerhouse foods also boost mood, improve cardiovascular health, balance blood sugar, enhance your immune system, and keep skin hydrated and healthy looking. Eat enough protein. Protein is essential for growth, healing, and repair of tissues, so it’s crucial for managing an

inflammatory condition. Too much, however, is not a good thing. Animal protein can create excess inflammation, so moderate the amount you eat; aim for vegetable sources like beans, legumes, nuts, seeds and vegetables. Select water as your “signature” drink. The essential beverage, water sweeps away toxins, lubricates the digestive tract, reduces pain and minimizes allergy and asthma symptoms. Aim for at least eight glasses per day—more if you live in a warm climate or are extremely active. Manage stress levels. Chronic stress impacts the body as well as the mind, suppressing

Sondi Bruner is a Vancouver-based writer, holistic nutritionist and recipe developer who specializes in digestive health and allergenfriendly diets. Discover gluten-free and dairy-free recipe inspiration on her website www.sondibruner. com. Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Action Plans, by Dorothy Calimeris and Sondi Bruner, is available at Chapters/Indigo and online on Amazon.

Buddha Bowl Vegan, Mediterranean

Turn the page for more great recipes

Serves 4 to 6

Prep time: 15 minutes / Cook time: 35 minutes There are conflicting stories on how this dish got its name. Some say it reflects Buddha’s belly full of nourishment; others say it comes from Zen monks who go door to door with a bowl accepting whatever nourishment is offered. Basically, it’s a bowl of rice filled with whatever vegetables you like and seasoned however you like. It’s easy and stress-free. Ingredients: 1 cup brown basmati rice 2 cups vegetable broth 3 tbsp coconut oil, divided 2 tsp salt, divided 2 cups sliced mushrooms 2 garlic cloves, sliced thin 1/2 cup fresh snow peas, strings removed 2 carrots, sliced thin 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed 2 scallions, sliced thin 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil 1 tbsp coconut aminos 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes Method: In a medium saucepan set over high heat, stir together the basmati rice, vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cover the pot and cook the rice for 25 to 35 minutes or until tender. Stocksy.com / Davide Illini

In a large pan set over high heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Add the mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until they are slightly browned. Add the garlic, snow peas and carrots. Sauté for 3 minutes more. Add the thawed peas and cover the pan to warm them through. Add the sautéed vegetables to the rice and stir to combine. When ready to serve, stir in the scallions, cilantro, lime juice, sesame oil, coconut aminos, red pepper flakes and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Ingredient tip: Th is recipe calls for brown basmati rice because it cooks faster but any variety of brown rice will work. If you’re concerned the rice will boil over while it cooks, leave the cover slightly ajar. Per serving: Calories: 371; Total fat: 15 g; Total carbohydrates: 51 g; Sugar: 5 g; Fibre: 4 g; Protein: 9 g; Sodium: 1,591 mg Health Action | www.hans.org

Strawberry-Chia Ice Pops Vegan, Paleo, Mediterranean Makes 6 ice pops Prep time: 20 minutes / Freeze time: 5 hours Fresh and refreshing, you can make these ice pops with any frozen or fresh fruit you like. When using fresh fruit, it’s best to mash the fruit before combining it with the remaining ingredients. This way you avoid biting into overly large frozen chunks of fruit. Stocksy.com / Ina Peters

Ingredients: 2 cups frozen unsweetened strawberries, thawed 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 can (440-ml/15-ounce) coconut milk 1 tbsp chia seeds 1 tsp vanilla extract Method: In a medium bowl, stir together the strawberries, lemon juice, coconut milk, chia seeds and vanilla. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes so the chia seeds thicken slightly. This makes it easier to fill the molds. Evenly divide the mixture among the molds. Place 1 ice pop stick in each mold. Freeze the pops for about 5 hours, or overnight, until solid. Cooking tip: I f you don’t have ice pop molds, use muffin tins instead. Line the tins with parchment paper before filling. Freeze them for 2 hours before inserting sticks since it’s hard to get them to stay upright in the unfrozen mixture. Per serving: ( 1 ice pop): Calories: 187; Total fat: 17 g; Total carbohydrates: 9 g; Sugar: 6g; Fibre: 3 g; Protein: 2 g; Sodium: 11 mg

Coconut-Ginger Smoothie

Stocksy.com / Ina Peters

Vegan, Paleo, Mediterranean, Time-saving Serves 1 Prep time: 10 minutes

This is a coconut lover’s dream, as it has both shredded coconut and coconut milk. Avocado is added for protein and ginger contributes healing properties. Feeling adventurous? Add a small basil leaf before blending. Health Action | www.hans.org

Chicken Curry Paleo, Mediterranean

Serves 4 to 6

Prep time: 10 minutes / Cook time: 4 hours A classic curry begins with sautéing the aromatic vegetables in ghee. Ghee is butter that has been slowly cooked and strained of its solids, leaving behind a pure buttery oil. Even though ghee is made from dairy, once processed most people with dairy intolerances can digest it. Since this curry is made in the slow cooker, the sautéing step is skipped. Ingredients: 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp salt 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup coconut milk 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

Stocksy.com / J.R. Photography

Ingredients: 1 tbsp ghee 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs 2 onions, chopped 2 garlic cloves, sliced thin 2 tsp minced fresh ginger 1 tbsp curry powder

Method: In the slow cooker, combine the ghee, chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, curry powder, coriander, cumin, salt, chicken broth and coconut milk. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. Just before serving, stir in the cilantro. Substitution tip: If you don’t have ghee, use an equal amount of coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil. Variation tip: For a different taste that is still complementary, try swapping the cilantro with Thai basil. Per serving: Calories: 886; Total fat: 43 g; Total carbohydrates: 11 g; Sugar: 5 g; Fibre: 3 g; Protein: 103 g; Sodium: 1,270 mg

Ingredients: 1/2 cup coconut milk 1/2 cup coconut water 1/4 avocado 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut shreds, or flakes 1 tsp raw honey or maple syrup 1 thin slice fresh ginger Pinch ground cardamom (optional) Ice (optional)

Method: In a blender, combine the coconut milk, coconut water, avocado, coconut, honey, ginger, cardamom (if using) and ice (if using). Blend until smooth. Vegan tip: Use the maple syrup instead of the honey. Per serving: Calories: 238; Total fat: 18 g; Total carbohydrates: 16 g; Sugar: 14 g; Fibre: 10 g; Protein: 5 g; Sodium: 373 mg

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A Good Cup of Tea Infusing nourishment from the inside out by Karen Bowers

n abundance of teas are enjoyed in most parts of the world; it has been savoured during meals, enjoyed as an integral part of relaxation and included during celebrations. The earliest known record of tea consumption is 2700 BC. Findings from recent studies have shown that tea can be credited with multiple health benefits associated with the antioxidants found in them. A variety of teas acquire antioxidant properties that are able to be gained throughout their growth cycle as well as processing and different fermenting methods.

Green tea Originating in China, green tea is made from the leaves of an evergreen bush called the Camellia sinensis plant. The green leaves maintain their unique bold colour and remain fresh as they are not fermented nor dried before processing. Green tea is produced from steaming fresh leaves at high temperatures, thereby inactivating the oxidizing enzymes and leaving the antioxidant content intact. Green tea contains a powerful antioxidant compound that is referred to as polyphenols. Polyphenols has been linked to cell rejuvenation and it provides sun protection by reducing inflammation. This is good for people with rosacea or acne as it

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Indulging in tea regularly could provide benefits in a variety of ways.

promotes the health of collagen and elastin throughout all of the tissue in the body. In a documented study of 35 people who were suffering from chronic acne, researchers discovered that acne decreased by 80 to 90 percent and topical application of polyphenols from green tea soothed irritated skin. Recent studies of topical and oral application of green tea on mice prevented ultraviolet B-sun damage and skin tumour development. These studies suggest that green tea may help to block the development of non-melanoma skin cancer cells. Green tea polyphenols help to prevent, repair, break down and remove dense fibrous collagen, which is developed when sugar molecules cross-link with protein molecules, forming deep wrinkles in the skin’s tissue. Green tea also suppresses sugarbinding activity in our stem cells, and this improves our stem cells’ ability to produce healthy collagen in the future for our

health, beauty and longevity. A controlled study in Germany included 18 healthy volunteers who were randomly assigned to receive two cups of green tea or the placebo of water every day for four weeks. The blood and urine samples were collected before and after each intervention. The results of the study found a 20-percent reduction in levels of DNA damage, while measures of whole-body oxidative stress were unchanged. These findings indicate that regular consumption of green tea may protect against damage at a genetic level and slow the aging process.

Rooibos Rooibos tea is also considered to have powerful antioxidant properties. It is grown only in the small Cederberg region of South Africa, near Cape Town, and it is made from the leaves of the “red bush” plant. Rooibos is different than

regular tea and can also be considered an herbal drink. Unfermented rooibos tea is a tan/yellow colour rather than the rich reddish colour of fermented rooibos. The potent antioxidants in rooibos protect living cells from oxidative damage, which also slows or prevents cancer. Studies suggest rooibos may switch on certain genes that help to break down carcinogens stored in the body tissues for elimination. Rooibos has many benefits aside from its ability to fight cancer; it promotes healthier skin and contains enzymes that have excellent anti-aging properties. Studies from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa, discovered that as rooibos and green tea supplements were given to rats, the antioxidant “catalase” activity was significantly higher in the sperm of rats. (Catalase is an important enzyme in protecting the cell from freeradical damage.) The sperm of rats also contained higher concentrations of superoxide dismutase, an enzyme that helps break down potentially harmful oxygen molecules in cells.

Glutathione levels of rats consuming fermented and nonfermented “green” rooibos were also significantly higher. Glutathione protects the DNA from oxidative stress during cell division, which helps to prevent damage to skin tissue. Green tea and rooibos tea increase the immunity by adding protection against free-radical damage and increasing our internal antioxidant defence mechanisms.

Black tea Fermented black oolong tea also contains polyphenol compounds that are responsible for the removal of free-radical formation in the body. In Japan, a 2001 study conducted on patients diagnosed with eczema discovered that they could benefit from drinking three

cups of oolong tea throughout the day. The research showed 54 percent of test subjects were found to show positive, longlasting results in terms of skin conditions after six months of daily intake. It appears that drinking, sipping or indulging in tea regularly could provide benefits in a variety of ways. Research continues and scientists may identify more beneficial remedies. Simply applying tea bags topically to the face may not give desired beautifying results, however, it is clear that enjoying tea as a beverage is an added bonus worth celebrating. Founder of New Visage Advanced Skin Care and Anti Aging, Karen Bowers has 38 years of international training in natural skin care. www.newvisage.ca | 604-893-8872

Integrative Health & Healing Workshop Learn how to Harness the Creative Power of Mind, Emotion and Neuroscience You will be practicing simple & powerful tools which will enable you to: • Instantly release limiting beliefs, fears and negative emotions • Reprogram unhealthy thought patterns & behaviors • Create effective change at cellular level • Experience & enjoy immediate results Register now for an inspiring, transformational weekend! Downtown Vancouver, BC

Sat 6 & Sun 7 February, 2016

Easy Online Registration – EarlyBird Offer! www.deannaloterzo.com/events 778 -872-1434

Deanna LoTerzo

A New Beginning for Probiotics Organic Fermented Herbal Probiotic Drink

Non GMO

No Sugar

No Dairy

No Gluten

No Preservatives

Olie™ Naturals New Beginnings™ is an organic European probiotic drink that links old traditions, innovative technologies and global leaders in the art and science of probiotics. Produced in Denmark, where it was developed over 20 years ago and is now available in over 30 countries. Olie™ Naturals, a Canadian company, is dedicated to producing high quality products that we believe enhance the health of people, pets and our planet. Distributed by

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Cognitive Technique to Anxiety and Problem Eating Regain a solid relationship with food, health and weight by Shelley Ugyan

tress and anxiety are often linked to problem eating. When the body goes into a stressed state, the nervous system is activated, cortisol becomes heightened, adrenaline kicks in, and we make decisions in a fight-or-flight mode. Becoming aware of the daily stressors in our lives and how we react to them is essential. Stress starts with a thought, which quickly turns into an emotion. The emotion feeds the thought, and the spiral through self-destructive behaviours begins. Most problematic eaters turn to food when encountering intense stress, anxiety or unwanted negative emotions.

General anxiety disorder There is also a high correlation between emotional/compulsive eating and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a diagnosis that describes people who experience strong, persistent and damaging anxiety. Many people focus on their diet when they are stuck in unwanted food patterns, but when GAD is involved, it’s the anxiety that’s the major problem. When the person starts to deal with this, the food tends to fall into place. “Generalized anxiety affects at least 5.1 percent of the population and … at least one in four people will meet the criteria for one or more of the psychological conditions called anxiety disorders,” according to John White, author of Overcoming Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Many sufferers of GAD never get tested and simply assume they are chronic worriers. Many still go on medication and benefit from various forms of therapy. One common approach with those suffering with

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Many people focus on their diet when they are stuck in unwanted food patterns, but when GAD is involved, it’s the anxiety that’s the major problem.

anxiety as well as problematic eating is the cognitive behavioural approach, whereby the client learns first how to identify his or her distorted thinking.

Get to the source Understanding where the emotions come from and the thought responsible for the emotion is the first step to stopping the downward spiral of anxiety and most unwanted food behaviours. Ask yourself: 1. Do you find yourself acting out destructively in an emotional state of mind? 2. Do you fall into destructive patterns when you are sleep deprived or have too much on the go? 3. Do you restrict your food intake because of a thought you believe? 4. Do you feel like you’re always in an unwanted emotional state?

Break free of the destructive cycle When you aren’t conscious of your thinking, it is easy to find yourself in

destructive behaviours stemming from untamed thoughts. What you require is the willingness to question your thinking and decide that you will be honest about each thought. Deciphering truth from falsehood may be difficult in the beginning, so it is helpful to work with a mentor in this process. If your anxiety is a serious problem in your life, it is a good idea to be tested for an anxiety disorder and get appropriate help. Dealing with the underlying issues that affect a problematic eater is the only way to have long-term recovery and a solid relationship with food, health and weight. Shelley Ugyan is a board-certified integrative health counsellor, teacher, public speaker and author who has been featured in Canadian Living and Huffington Post Canada. Having recovered from her own battles with problematic eating, she has used education and cognitive techniques to transform the lives of women who suffer from weight loss and body image issues and compulsive/emotional eating. emerging jewel.com | shelley@emergingjewel.com | 604-780-8839

Releasing Guilt

“Let each burning human tear drop on thy heart and there remain; nor ever brush it off until the pain that caused it is removed.” – Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, The Voice of the Silence by Trish Lim-O’Donnell, CCP

f you have a natural sensitivity or compassion for others, you will experience the accompanying emotion of guilt. In my life’s work, I have heard, experienced and dealt with this gigantic burden we carry in ourselves. Guilt as a spiritual lesson is part of our spiritual evolution through this earth. Rich or poor, you can’t escape it or delete it; you can only face it so as to make peace with it in this life. We experience guilt every day whether or not we are in the company of others. We just have to know we have “more” than someone in any area before

discomfort sets in. You may do so many things out of guilt as opposed to a more affirmative and authentic approach, which is doing things for others out of sheer love, desire and generosity—that is, doing what calls you, what calls your heart to do. Sometimes it is our own inability to be or do something for others that keeps us feeling guilty. Some individuals in your life may still be operating through the games of guilt, blame and resentment. This is part of your journey into self-expression to tackle head on—with the most gracious and humorous spirit you can muster. Some may require you to be frank before they can get it. Don’t hate, resent or put

undue blame on them for your guilt—they are your teachers who are here for you to practice with so you ace this life. Guilt teaches us something very precious. It teaches us to walk aware, heart fully loaded with compassion and care for others. To feel with an open heart and spirit is a great thing,

not to be shut down but to walk mindfully—not arrogantly as if you have made it so you don’t need to care. To cease to care would be a great wrong to your advancement as a fully conscious human being. Guilt is here to give us a chance to inspect what we can or can’t do happily. To walk aware means to care to your capacity in a way that heals you and makes you whole; to walk aware means to allow your heart to be touched with stories of our collective humanity. If you feel guilty because you have not done enough, then you have the greatest power to do something about it. Go positively into your light and make it right. Do what frees you from the burden of guilt that has kept you unhappy for so long. Do it in the most beautiful spirit you can muster—that is affirmative action. Trish Lim-O’Donnell, CCP, is a relationship coach and spiritual guide, writer, ISMT teacher and E.Q. Music recording artist with 28 years of personal and professional life coaching experience. www. trishlimodonnell.com

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At the Very Heart of the Matter by Nelie Johnson, MD

hen people talk about heart health they are usually referring to lifestyle strategies of regular exercise, avoiding salt and junk foods, and following a low-fat nutrition program to keep the lipids in check. However, there is much more to taking care of your heart. The heart really is at “the heart of the matter.” It is the most powerful and highly organized muscular organ of the body that is in constant activity from the second month of fetal life. However, it is much more than a muscular pump to circulate blood but is a huge source of energy. The heart has a measurable electromagnetic field that is 60 times greater than that of the brain and more than 5,000 times stronger than that generated by the brain. The heart’s electromagnetic field, measured as the electrocardiogram (ECG), can be measured all over the body’s surface and extends several feet out away from the body in all directions. A lot more is now known about the heart’s leading role in our overall health and wellbeing thanks to the findings of the HeartMath Institute (www.HeartMath.org), whose scientists have been studying the neurophysiology of the heart and its influence on the brain for over 20 years. HeartMath scientists are seeking the answers to questions such as how different emotions affect the autonomic nervous

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The heart has a measurable electromagnetic field that is 60 times greater than that of the brain and more than 5,000 times stronger than that generated by the brain. system, the hormonal and immune systems, the heart and the brain. What impact do different emotional states and stress have on health? What role does the heart play in overall health?

Astounding research findings Their research has found an intricate web of communication between the heart and the brain through the nervous system, the pulse wave of the heart,

hormones and electromagnetic fields. Positive emotions have a calming effect on the heart rhythm as measured by heart rate variability. Feelings of love, appreciation, gratitude, joy and contentment are associated with greater coherence or regularity of the heart rhythm, whereas feelings of anger, anxiety, fear and frustration generate disorganized or incoherent patterns. When the heart is flooded with positive emotions, there

is increased coherence of the heart rhythm and this has direct positive effects on the whole nervous system and hormonal and immune systems, including: n greater balance and stabilization of brain function n improved cognitive performance—enhanced memory and decisionmaking n increased resilience and adaptability to stress n greater emotional stability

n a more efficient and balanced functioning of the cardiovascular, neural, hormonal and immune systems in the body

Tools for a positive heart HeartMath scientists and associates have developed several simple and very effective emotional self-management tools that use a focus on the heart and good feelings and memories to increase positive feelings states. The results: positive effects on the heart rate and rhythm and in turn on the immune, hormonal and nervous systems. The message here is: along with healthy nutrition and exercise, we have to also pay attention to our emotional health if we are to take care of our heart. These are a few questions that came up for me when I was thinking about this: n Do I find myself complaining or focusing on what is wrong in a situation? Or do I look for what I can be grateful and thankful for? n A m I more likely to be critical than appreciative, kind and supportive of others? n Do I hold onto upsets, anger and annoyances, or do I get off them quickly and forgive? n Do I have strategies for getting out of low energy states or bad moods? n W hat ways do I have to fill up my heart with positive emotions of joy, love, contentment and appreciation? n Do I give and receive random acts of kindness? One practice I have is to keep a gratitude journal and write at the beginning of each day what I am intending for my day and looking forward to and at

the close of the day what I am grateful for. I find ways to bring up my energy with doing things that I enjoy and relax me such as a walk in nature, dancing to upbeat music or simply taking a break and having a cup of tea. Recently I have reconnected with my yoga practice, which is both calming and energizing for my whole body. What HeartMath research is showing us, and what my own life experience and medical practice has, and is showing me, is that there is nothing more powerful for health and

Would you like to be a part of something incredible? Our New Year’s Resolution is to collect a tonne of food (1000 kg = 2204 lbs) for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society! Last Year, we collected 2129 lbs but this year with your help, we can help feed even more people in our community!

When the heart is flooded with positive emotions, there is increased coherence of the heart rhythm.

happiness than a grateful and joyful heart. For more information about HeartMath go to www.heart math.org/research/scienceof-the-heart/introduction. html. Self-management tools for well-being are under the Free Services tab at www. HeartMath.org. Nelie Johnson, MD, is an expert in major health issues, helping her clients experience relief from fear and helplessness, regain a sense of control and restore their health and vitality. Her passion is helping people understand that they are their very own powerful healer and that healing is possible. www. awarenessheals.ca | 604-467-1794

Better health (mental, physical, spiritual) are among the top New Year’s resolutions for most people. Improving health is our core mission, so we want to help you meet and exceed your health goals in 2016. That is why, from Jan. 1st to Feb. 14th, we are giving you an opportunity to get a FREE initial consultation, examination, x-rays (if necessary) & report with a minimum 10 lb food donation. ($325 value). If you are serious about your health, you will want to take advantage of this special opportunity. Please share the love and help us help others while we help you! Call (604) 566-9088 to book your appointment!

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Embracing Change Open your heart and your mind to adventure by Deanna LoTerzo

e each have a unique life story that gave rise to the way in which we interpret and negotiate the world around us and our relationships. The imprint of that journey can be found hidden deep within cellular memory, and the expression of it is determined, in large part, by our emotive response to future life events, whether personal or professional challenges. But when it comes to change, you have a choice. Does the mere prospect of change create overwhelming fear and distress for you, or an exhilarating surge of anticipation? When we choose fear as our response, the consequences are typically self-destructive, unless it is a genuine fight-or-flight situation. If we attune to our body, we become aware of a tightening, as more tension arises: a sense of being stuck, unable to move forward—not only in relation to the problem at hand, but beyond into other aspects of our lives. We become more cautious, tentative in our decision-making, and often start questioning whether or not we have the capacity to make positive, life-affirming decisions. Living in fear generates a sense of being small, not in control of our lives. In that state of mind and emotion, we can become susceptible to the control and manipulation of others. Fear causes stagnation,

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Change is the only way forward. disappointment, confusion and helplessness—and begets even more fear.

Comfort in the familiar Recently, I found myself in my old neighbourhood where I’d set up my first apartment since arriving from Australia. I’ll never forget the happy memories of my time there, like my very first white Christmas. I’d taken photos of snowladen trees, cars blanketed in snow, people sloshing around in gumboots and heavy winter coats, and of others unsuccessfully controlling their cars on the black ice. This was a totally new and magical experience for me!

I felt safe and accepted there; I was in the right place at the right time. I knew where to go for fresh, organic produce, for the best coffee, the ideal meeting place to chat quietly with a friend or somewhere noisier to immerse myself in the everyday hum. Fast forward a few years. In part, I returned there to recapture that sense of well-being and joy, the comfort of places familiar. On arrival, though, I noticed significant change— new storefronts, more shopping options, upscale food outlets, more traffic, a younger familyoriented community, trendier clothing stores and the high-profile chains. One of my favourite restaurants had

disappeared as had other stores that were intrinsic to my memories. My expectations were crushed! As I wandered about feeling disoriented, a sudden and surprising shift occurred. Some of my old faithfuls were still there, looking as welcoming as I remembered them. The community now felt different and vibrant. It had taken on a new identity—and that’s OK!

Change as an adventure I am no different from anyone else when confronted unexpectedly by change. The familiar represents safety, security and comfort. So why do we need to change? And how

can we process change in a positive, more constructive way? Sometimes the burden of our familiar past weighs like an anchor—even though it may have been filled with happy memories. Look around. Our presentday reality is that life is change. We are living in times of profound technological advancement, the capability to connect to people across the globe with only a few clicks, and new discoveries in both quantum and neuroscience that have forever changed our perspective towards health and well-being. Yet we continue to adapt and respond, because it is in our very nature to do so. From the moment we are born we become responsive to both our internal and external environments. As infants, we respond instinctively to our mother’s proximity and her voice—we are comforted by it and feel safe. When our needs are not being met, we immediately begin experimenting with the potential benefits of open communication! Not only do we adapt, we become creative in our efforts to manipulate the outcomes. Within the first 12 months, we are typically able to recog-

Have you ever seen a toddler try time and again to climb from the floor to the sofa, or beyond? Their focus, creativity and determination are inspiring. When finally they arrive, the look of triumph is undeniable. “Look at me—I’m awesome! What’s next?”

Allow yourself to flourish

Retreating to a place of fear is not the ideal choice—it merely serves to slow your progress.

nize and differentiate between female and male voices and facial features; we learn to categorize and acclimatize to a shifting landscape. The sheer excitement with which we transition from crawling to walking independently is a joy to watch. We ache to explore what’s beyond—to touch it, feel it, talk to it—always pushing, testing the boundaries of our everexpanding capacities. Everyday life becomes a new adventure, curiosities are satisfied, and momentous milestones are met and overcome—with increasing self-confidence!

We forget we have emerged from the womb with all the tools needed to support our transition to adulthood, in fact, to our journey’s end. Our creativity, curiosity, enthusiasm, spontaneity, determination, selfconfidence and sense of fun are all aspects of an inherent wisdom. When allowed to flourish, we each have the capacity to live productive, interesting and rewarding lives, respond intuitively to the demands of daily life, and to achieve success—all the time seeking “what’s next?” In truth, change is the only way forward, although sometimes, at the outset, it may not appear so. It may present at the wrong time, be on a grander scale than you think you can cope with, may result from a surprise or a shock or may be expected but unwelcome.

Whatever the circumstance, you have a choice in how to respond. Retreating to a place of fear is not the ideal choice— it merely serves to slow your progress. Acceptance of the new reality is a reasonable starting point. A quiet, or even optimistic, curiosity would be preferred. Even better would be a sense of excitement about the potential of forward momentum, accompanied by the kind of creative thinking that will produce only the best potential outcomes. Remember that you have a lifetime of adaptive experience supporting you. So when change is looming, take the chance—embrace it and live as the person you were born to be. Deanna LoTerzo is a certified life coach and the founder of Integrative Reprogramming (IRT), a program based on the work of epigenetics pioneer Dr. Bruce Lipton. With more than 20 years’ experience and training she provides meaningful outcomes with compassion and integrity. She attributes her survival from an episode of life-threatening cancer largely to therapies directed at the mind-body-spirit connection. www.deannaloterzo.com | coaching@deannaloterzo.com | 778-872-1434

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(604) 544-2902 Cell: (503) 701-5102 trishlimodonnell@aol.com For more info: www.trishlimodonnell.com Email:

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Clearing Unconscious Clutter The key to attracting a better life by Kim Louise Easterbrook

owadays, the subject of clutter can be seen everywhere you walk, shop or travel. You can learn to escape clutter from TV programs and Oprah, blogs and books, magazines and weekend seminars. What is the real reason behind this obsession? For some time now, there has been a rise in consciousness on our planet. We are becoming more and more aware of our own truth.

Unconscious clutter Wanting to question truth uproots our belief system, our desires, our dreams, our health and everything about our life. Have you been questioning yourself lately: “Who am I really?” “Is this really what I am supposed to do with my life?” “What is my purpose?” “Do I really want to live here?” “Am I happy?” “Is this all there is to life?” If you have said yes to any of these questions, then before you take an inner soul journey to find answers, I would ask you to try out this little exercise below first. You might be surprised to answer some of those questions through the view of your own environment. Quite quickly, as a matter of fact! First step, pick a day that you have no responsibilities, or a full day or a weekend. Prepare your day with yellow sticky notes and a black felt pen. If you don’t have any, go to the store and get some; you may need a few! Now, stand inside your front door and face your home. Begin to walk, either to the left or right of your doorway. It’s your choice. You will be walking through the whole inside of your home! With your first gut reaction, put a sticky note on anything that you immediately don’t like—maybe it just doesn’t do

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We are not our stuff. Our clutter controls us. When we leave this planet, we are not taking our stuff.

anything for you anymore or you may not like the colour or there’s a chip on it—and that bugs you every time you walk by. There are no “slow turtles” allowed in this exercise! No deep thinking; just plain gut reaction. Put a sticky note on a gift that you really don’t like but you are only keeping it because it’s from family. Put a sticky note on the walls if you don’t like the colour. Put a sticky note on anything that is outdated, even old magazines in your magazine rack and old towels in your closet. Everything! This might take you a couple of hours. When you are finished, sit down in the best place in your home where you can

see most of the largest area of your sticky notes. Are you ready? Look at all the sticky notes just in that part of the house. You are looking at the first sign of your “unconscious clutter.”

Let’s go deeper Let’s take the subject of unconscious clutter one step deeper. I am sure you all have heard of the saying “everything is energy.” Even Oprah quotes: “Please take responsibility for the energy that you bring into this space.” Think about the times when you have cleaned out your car, your storage room, your closet. Do you remember how you felt? Maybe lighter? Refreshed? You may even have felt open to more opportunities to come your way? Then there is the opposite. Think about when you have walked into a room and something just didn’t feel right, and you made a beeline for the door. Or someone comes too close into your energy field, and you just have that gut feeling that they

don’t have good energy and you politely excuse yourself. There is a difference between those sticky notes and those rooms or people you encountered. You can’t walk away from the sticky notes like you can with the rooms and the people. Those yellow sticky notes are really unconscious, stuck energy that you don’t like! And you live with them every single day of your life! Get the picture? You are so used to looking at all these pieces that you have become immune to them, just like you’ve become immune to your partner’s little idiosyncrasies that may bug you, or your neighbour’s loud lawn mower or the traffic or trains that you hear in the distance at night. If not dealt with, this clutter energetically will manifest into “issues in the tissues!” Issues in the tissues lead to unbalanced emotions, which lead to dissatisfaction in your life, unhappiness, lack of motivation, depression, restlessness, acidity in the body and a whole gamut of health and emotional problems. Clutter will even affect your career, finances and your relationships. It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? Well, here are some feng shui messages you might want to consider.

Feng shui speaks In my days of studying feng shui, a phrase I learned from feng shui practitioner Carol Olmstead, known as the Feng Shui Maven, has always stuck with me. Carol states, “Where and why you have clutter says a lot about what is going on in your life. If you look at clutter all day, clutter is what you will attract into your life.” These are a few examples of Carol’s teachings: Clutter in your closets reveals an unwillingness to examine your emotions. Clutter in the kitchen represents resentment of care-taking. Clutter under your bed represents a fear

New Year ’s Resolutio

of relationships. Clutter on a desk reveals frustration, fear of letting go and need to control. Clutter under furniture represents concern with appearances. Clutter in a basement reveals procrastination. Clutter in an attic symbolizes living in the past. Clutter in a garage reveals the inability to reach your potential. Clutter all over reveals anger and low self-esteem.

something like this and who would enjoy it. It will turn into a more enjoyable project. Label the boxes and watch how you react emotionally, how your body changes form and how light you will start to feel by doing this. As you pack up each item, know this: It is not about losing your identity. We are not our stuff. Our clutter controls us. When we leave this planet, we are not taking our stuff.

Time to detox

Once you let go of everything you don’t like and the feeling of having everything gone sinks in, choose to only surround yourself with the essence of you and what brings you joy from now on. The best way you could ever live is to surround yourself with all the pleasures of life that bring you joy, but do not be attached to them so much so that if you lose them your life falls apart. This approach will not only help you to live a more conscious and healthier life, but you will be able to see your life more clearly, answer those burning questions you have been asking yourself, and find answers immediately because you have cleared the space for more energy to enter your life to fuel you up! So take that bold step and start to detox your clutter today. The energy of joy is waiting to embrace you and help you live a better life tomorrow.

Now that you know a little more about this unconscious, stuck energy, do you see why I asked you to hold off taking an inward journey to the unanswered questions? You must first witness what you are surrounded by in your environment. If you are asking “Is this all there is?” then you look at your garage and it is full of clutter, where are there any openings for possibilities to enter your life? We have to clear the old energy to make way for the new energy. Now let’s make that bold move and take it one step further. Go get all your boxes, crates, garbage bags, whatever you need. Then take a big deep breath and start to detox your life by addressing each yellow sticky note, one at time. You may be thinking, “Well if I do this my house will look bare.” That is just the point. We need to detox the old energy to open up space for new energy to have a chance to come in. You don’t need to rush, you can take however long you need. Remember this: As you take all the things you don’t like off the walls and shelves or out of your closets and drawers—wherever there is energy you don’t like—put a loving intention into that object and think about who can you give it away to, who needs

r t he a e l c ave to We h

Embraced with joy

Kim Louise Easterbrook brings over three decades of home and office interior styling expertise. She uses a holistic approach to help her clients align their purpose, career and environments for healthier living. She is also a living well workshop educator and has been a longevity research writer for more than 18 years. www.tranquilplaces consultinggroup.com | 778-823-6960

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German New Medicine: The Shock and Cancer Link by Alexis Costello

erman New Medicine (GNM) explains the cause, development and eventual healing of disease through the understanding of five biological laws. These laws convey the idea that disease is not a flaw or problem in the body but is a specific natural program designed to help the individual through a period of stress. GNM is based on the work of Ryke Geerd Hamer, MD, who was the head internist in the oncology clinic at the University of Munich, Germany, in the late 1970s. After experiencing a terrible shock followed by a cancer diagnosis a few months later, Dr. Hamer began to see a correlation in other cancer patients. He concluded that he should be able to see evidence of this in patient’s brain scans. GNM contends that every disease is controlled from its own specific area in the brain and linked to a particular, identifiable, “conflict shock.” Like so many of us, Bernice Hayibor started her research into alternative health and therapies while trying to assist her loved ones. “My story is really dull,” she laughs. “I watched my mother be treated for Parkinson’s with drugs and became convinced that they were

Ryke Geerd Hamer, MD

GNM is much more about understanding “disease” and biological processes in the body than about trying to cure someone.

making her worse, not better. I looked for more natural ways of dealing with symptoms.” This exploration took her to live blood analysis, reflexology, acupuncture and, eventually, Germanic New Medicine. “My main concern then was my husband. His father died at age 74 of lung cancer. When I met my husband, his mother was being treated for breast cancer … her brother and three of four sisters had cancer and

his (husband’s) brother was 59 and had a variety of cancers throughout his body.” With this daunting family history, Hayibor thought that, if cancer is genetic, she would need to find a way to keep her husband healthy and she began to look into different ways of understanding cancer. GNM is much more about understanding “disease” and biological processes in the body than about trying to cure

www.hans.org Find a professional practitioner near you

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someone. “It’s not a healing modality,” Hayibor says. “It’s a way of understanding the body and how the body works and does its own healing.” A facilitator of GNM might ask questions to help individuals realize whether they are in conflict or in the healing phase and then “close the program,” meaning to put the inciting incident behind them forever and not keep revisiting it in their minds. A good counsellor might be useful for this, or maybe a nutritionist is needed to help someone get the nutrients needed to support the body’s healing process. Ultimately though, healing belongs to the individual: “The only health you can really have an influence over is your own.” Hayibor worked as a teacher for 24 years and as a school administrator for another 10 and now uses this extensive background in education to run study sessions in Vancouver for people who wish to learn more about GNM. For more information about GNM or study sessions, visit www.learninggnm.com. Alexis Costello is a natural health practitioner, instructor and speaker and the founder of Happily Holistic. She is moving to Costa Rica to write about herbs in the rainforest. www.alexiscostello.com

Glycemic Levels and Cancer Recurrence by Adam McLeod, ND, BSc (Hons)

ome doctors insist that sugar has no effect on cancer. This is simply not what the scientific literature states. If you are trying to fight cancer or prevent the recurrence of cancer, then you should make an effort to reduce your sugar intake. I tell this to virtually every cancer patient I have. Study after study has demonstrated a direct connection between sugar intake and cancer risk. A wide range of cancers are associated with increased sugar intake, including breast, colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Cancer cells often have significantly more insulin receptors than normal cells. In other words, they respond very rapidly to insulin and they will always be more effective at grabbing sugar from the bloodstream and utilizing it as an energy source. Cancer cells will always grab the sugar before normal cells

due to this fundamental shift in their metabolism.

Fuel for cancer The sugar acts as a direct source of energy for the cancer cells. These abnormal cells are often dependent on a constant supply of sugar, which provides them with energy. Essentially the sugar acts as fuel, which directly stimulates the growth of cancerous cells. The fundamental challenge is that normal cells also require sugar and it is simply not possible to eliminate sugar completely. Although sugar acts as fuel to cancer cells, the mechanism for the enhanced tumour growth from sugar is different than what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d expect. There is a big difference in the metabolism of a food rich in simple sugars compared to a food that contains complex carbohydrates. When you eat a food rich in simple sugars, such as candy,

the body rapidly absorbs the sugar. This causes a rapid and significant elevation of the sugar concentration in your blood. In response to this sugar spike, the pancreas secretes insulin, which circulates through the entire body in an effort to bring the sugar levels back to normal. Insulin helps both normal and cancerous cells to pull sugar in from the blood until the blood sugar level drops back to a normal level. Remember that cancer cells have more insulin receptors, so they will always take advantage of this insulin spike more effectively than normal cells. It is this spike in insulin and insulin-like growth factors that stimulate the growth of cancerous cells. In other words, it is not the sugar content that is stimulating cancer growth, it is the response to sudden increases in sugar levels. Complex carbohydrates are metabolized continued on page

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Glycemic Levels and Cancer continued from page 47 very differently in the body. They do not cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. The sugar in complex carbohydrates is slowly released as the food passes through the gastrointestinal tract. As the sugar is being slowly released, it is also being metabolized by cells within the body at a similar rate. As a result, it is not necessary for the pancreas to secrete as much insulin because there is no spike in blood sugar that needs to be controlled. Despite the overwhelming evidence, some skeptical health-care professionals insist that avoiding sugar makes no difference because everything we consume has sugar in it. Although it is true that virtually everything we eat contains some sugar, this simple logic is completely incorrect and demonstrates a lack of understanding of the mechanism. The sugar is not directly stimulating the growth of cancer, but there is no question that our bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s response to sugar does stimulate cancer.

Sugar, inflammation and recurrence There are several key metabolic changes that occur in the body when exposed to simple sugars such as those in candy. High levels of sugar in the blood seem to inhibit the function of the immune system and stimulate inflammation. This inflammation is not localized; it is a true systemic inflammatory response. Countless studies strongly suggest that chronic inflammation is a significant factor in the development and progression of cancer. This inflammatory response makes it easier for cancer cells to evade detection by the immune system and it enhances

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the rate of spread. Any effective cancer treatment plan must make a significant effort to control systemic inflammation in a balanced way. Obviously when fighting cancer, it is critical to use every tool at your disposal to keep the immune system strong so that it can focus on the task at hand. Hyperglycemia (high levels of sugar in the blood) inhibits the function of the immune system on a number of different levels. This immune-suppressing effect is not something that would be readily detected from any blood work. The number of white blood cells in the blood will remain the same; however, these cells will not be working as effectively. The immune cells will not attack cancer cells as effectively when they are exposed to high levels of sugar.

Go for low glycemic It is logical that if sugar inhibits the immune system and stimulates inflammation, then you would expect high levels of sugar to be associated with an increased cancer risk. The correlation between high-glycemic diets (which

of sugar in their blood had a higher risk of developing cancer. This is really not surprising given what we know about the relationship between sugar and cancer.

Dietary approach What can be done to decrease the levels of sugar in the blood? The safest approach is modifying your diet so that you are not putting large amounts of sugar into your body in the first place. Start reading labels and become familiar with the foods that you are putting into your body. If it looks sugary and tastes sugary, then it is probably sugary and it is best to avoid it. The first step is obvious: avoid putting simple sugars into your body. Another helpful dietary change is increasing your fibre intake. When you consume fibre, it essentially slows the release of sugar into the bloodstream. This results in less insulin being secreted and consequently less stimulation of any residual cancer cells. The data on fibre consumption and cancer prevention is mixed but generally positive. The large study on the HEAL cohort determined that fibre decreased risk of recurrence,

It is not the sugar content that is stimulating cancer growth, it is the response to sudden increases in sugar levels.

causes high blood sugar; foods such as white bread and corn flakes) and cancer risk is well established. It is essential that patients looking to prevent recurrence of cancer adhere to a low-glycemic diet, which includes foods like rolled oats and dried beans. In a recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, researchers found a strong correlation between high fasting blood-glucose levels and cancer recurrence in women with a history of breast cancer (known as the HEAL cohort). In other words, the women who consistently had high levels

but the improvement was not considered statistically significant. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology concluded that higher levels of fibre consumption provided significant benefit to overall survival, but this benefit was not necessarily related to cancer. Many patients immediately focus on avoiding gluten when they get the diagnosis of cancer. It is important to mention that avoiding gluten is not usually a critical component of a diet designed to fight cancer. Generally speaking you want to avoid foods that will stimulate inflammation in the body, and, in some

people, consumption of gluten certainly triggers a systemic inflammatory response. Patients who are sensitive to gluten should certainly avoid it. In those who are not particularly sensitive to gluten, going gluten free is not the number-one priority. We have to focus on getting the essential nutrients into the cells so that they can more effectively fight the cancer. It is also worth pointing out that many of the better-tasting gluten-free products contain significant amounts of sugar added. In the context of cancer, this added sugar will cause more problems than any benefit that would be gained from the absence of gluten. If avoiding gluten makes you feel healthier and more vital, then by all means avoid it. It is critical to recognize that just because it is gluten free does not mean that it is healthy. The sugar content of fruits is generally not a concern. In my experience, most patients could benefit from having more fruits in their diet. Any negative impact from the sugar in fruits is far outweighed

It is critical to recognize that just because it is gluten free does not mean that it is healthy.

by the positive effects of the nutrients and the natural antioxidants. Sugar-rich fruits such as mangos, kiwis, bananas and dried fruits should be consumed in moderation. It can be helpful to look at the glycemic load (not the glycemic index) of your favourite fruits and modify your diet accordingly to reduce your intake of sugar. It is not necessary to strictly avoid these sugar-rich fruits but by eating them in moderation you can substantially reduce your overall sugar consumption.

The bottom line It is not hard to connect the dots. When you consume high levels of sugar, it has a

number of effects on the body. It promotes inflammation, weakens the immune system and stimulates the growth of cancerous cells. If patients consume a lowglycemic diet, then they are less likely to develop cancer and any cancer cells that are present will not grow as quickly. Fibre helps to further enhance a low-glycemic diet by reducing your bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s response to sugar. At the end of the day the goal is to develop a diet plan that you can maintain for the rest of your life. There is no benefit adhering to a strict diet for only a short period of time. When it comes to cancer prevention, it is best to develop a simple and sustainable long-term treatment plan that you can easily maintain.Â Adam McLeod, ND, BSc (Hons), is a naturopathic doctor, First Nations healer, motivational speaker and international bestselling author. Dr. McLeod practises at Yaletown Naturopathic Clinic, in Vancouver, B.C., where he focuses on integrative oncology.

Experience Homeopathy as a distinct and unique system of medicine. For acute or chronic conditions visit our website to find a qualified practitioner near you.

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Osteoporosis from the Chiropractic Perspective by Sabrina Chen-See, DC

hiropractors have long been known as “bone doctors” that help with neck and back pain. Many don’t know that chiropractic can also help with bone issues that don’t involve pain—like osteoporosis. Osteoporosis has been called a “silent killer” because there are no symptoms to alert someone to the condition, and because osteoporotic fractures often lead to reduced mobility and early death. From the chiropractic perspective, osteoporosis isn’t a disease; it is an intelligent adaptation to altered biomechanics or nutrition. Our bones are living matter that are constantly remodelling throughout our entire lives. In addition our bones store calcium, which they use as structural support, and release calcium back into the blood for necessary bodily functions like the relaxation of muscle fibres. We have an innate intelligence that designed our bones to take what calcium it needs to support ourselves structurally and hormones to keep our blood calcium in necessary concentrations.

Factors for bone density The core factors determining bone density is the availability of building blocks and the body’s blueprint for calcium deposition into the bone. The building block for bone density is calcium, which we should be getting from our

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From the chiropractic perspective, osteoporosis isn’t a disease; it is an intelligent adaptation to altered biomechanics or nutrition. diet. In nature, calcium is present with other co-factors that are necessary for digestion, absorption and deposition of calcium, such as vitamin D, magnesium, manganese and selenium. Not all vitamins are created equal. Calcium carbonate, the most common and least expensive form of calcium in vitamins, is the least digestible form. Calcium citrate is a better option. Digestion and absorption are also dependent on overall nutrition, pH of the body, digestive system health and age. The way calcium is deposited into the bone is dependent on what’s called Wolff’s Law. Calcium is deposited in the bone

where the weight is greatest. Therefore, if bones are aligned properly, the calcium becomes deposited evenly around the bone. The more weight-bearing exercise done, the more calcium is deposited in the bones. If, however, the bones are misaligned, then the calcium supports the areas under excess stress, even forming bone spurs on one side and leaching calcium from the other side. Over time, this adaptation to abnormal stress results in both osteoarthritis (bone spurs) and osteoporosis on the rest of the bone.

Regain bone health Chiropractic, therefore, op-

erates on four levels to reverse the process of osteoporosis. 1. Chiropractors look at your nutrition and make suggestions, which may include consultation with a holistic nutritionist or naturopath. 2. Chiropractic adjustments over time align the bones better to stop further deposition of calcium into spurs and osteoporosis. 3. Chiropractic adjustments to the entire spine help the entire nervous system and musculoskeletal system such that circulation, digestion, hormones and immunity can be improved and functioning at their best. 4. Chiropractors advise on lifestyle changes, including posture, stretches and exercises, to support the body in healing, proper alignment and optimum functioning. The key is that osteoporosis is not an isolated disease process. Chiropractic looks at the body as a whole and so care for a person who has osteoporosis is care for the whole person, body, mind and spirit. If you want good bone health and overall health, visit a chiropractor for corrective and wellness care. A board-certified atlas orthogonal chiropractor, Sabrina Chen-See, DC, has advanced training in head and neck traumas, concussions and brainstem-related issues. She is also certified in chiropractic pediatrics and the Webster technique to help pregnant women and children. www.DrChenSee.com | 604-566-9088

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highlights. Drink lots of water—two to three litres per day. This includes soup and herbal tea but not juice, coffee, black tea, pop or alcohol. Green tea is highly antioxidant and cancer preventative. Be sure you have a substantial bowel movement at least once per day. Toxins need to have a clear exit from the body or they are reabsorbed. Eat two servings of fruit and five to 10 servings of vegetables. These are high in antioxidants, and also in fibre, which binds toxins for removal with the stool. Eat more fibrerich foods like beans and oatmeal and detoxifying (and cancer preventative) foods like

When you take toxins into your body, there is cellular damage, which leads to tissue damage, then organ damage.

So You Smoke by Denise Galbraith CHT, RHT

ou know smoking is bad for you. You’ll keep trying to quit and one day succeed. In the meantime, there are many steps you can take to minimize the negative impact on your health from taking in the toxins. As a bonus, by beginning some of these changes now, you’ll find it easier to quit

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when the time comes. When you take toxins into your body, there is cellular damage, which leads to tissue damage, then organ damage. To protect your cells, you must take a lot of antioxidants. There really is no upper limit in most cases; variety is the key. Food is the first place to start, supplements are a close second. If you currently have high blood pressure or high cholesterol,

you are in red flag territory and it is imperative that you make these changes. And, as always before beginning a new regimen, consult a qualified practitioner if you have any health concerns.

Foods to detox Following a comprehensive detoxification diet would be best, but the following are

cruciferous vegetables (broccoli family). Take acidophilus or a fibre supplement; if all else fails, take an herbal stool softener or gentle laxative (short term while your colon adjusts). Magnesium and vitamin C are osmotic laxatives, which act as stool softeners by drawing water to themselves in the colon. Use with care and only if you are drinking lots of water. Eat less red meat. Try to keep it to one card-sized serving per day or less. Red meat

creates a by-product called homocysteine, which can damage blood vessel walls— the last thing you need. Eat lots of garlic and onions. They are very high in antioxidants and contain sulphur compounds that facilitate liver detoxification. Watercress is currently being studied to protect smokers from lung cancer. A lung cancer chemopreventative agent called phenethyl isothiocyanate is released upon chewing watercress.

Supplements Selenium (an excellent form is selenomethionine) is required for liver detoxification and is a good scavenger of heavy metals. Take 200 mcg per day. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will boost glutathione levels in the liver in support of detoxification. It also protects and repairs lung tissue. Take 500 mg two times per day. Vitamin C to bowel tolerance, in divided doses. Bowel tolerance means that too much vitamin C will give you diarrhea; everyone has a different level, and with time you can raise yours. Start with 1,000 mg then go from there. When you get loose stools, back off to 500 mg per day until bowel movements are normal and stay there. The amount you can tolerate will rise during illness. Vitamin A is required for healthy mucous membranes. Use only 10,000 IU of

palmitate per day, 25,000 IU of natural beta-carotene. If you are suffering from a respiratory infection, allergies or compromised lung function, you may double this dose for a week or two only. Me t hy l s u l f ony l me t h a ne (MSM) is a good source of sulphur and is needed for glutathione production; take 2,000 mg per day. Alpha lipoic acid is a fat- and water-soluble antioxidant that is capable of recharging and extending the life of vitamins C and E and glutathione. Take 200 to 400 mg per day. Grapeseed extract is high in oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), a powerful antioxidant known to protect against blood vessel damage. Take between 100 and 300 mg daily. Resveratrol is a plant antioxidant that protects against blood vessel inflammation. Take 250 to 500 mg daily or as recommended by a health professional. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant capable of protecting cellular membranes and heart tissue. Take 200 to 400 mg daily. B vitamins are depleted by smoking, especially folic acid, B6, B5 and B12. Take a multi B complex. Magnesium is usually deficient in smokers and is needed for over 300 functions in the body. Take 300 to 750 mg per day if tolerated; magnesium is a laxative at high doses. Avoid oxide forms. Zinc is another mineral

y The Road to Recover

Herbal lung support will help protect and heal lung tissue.

found deficient in smokers. It is an important antioxidant and is needed for normal tissue formation and healing. Take 50 mg per day. Calcium is often deficient in smokers. Take 250 to 500 mg per day. Avoid carbonate forms. Any berry, in any form (except sweetened): blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, goji berries, acai berries, strawberries are high in antioxidants. Eat at least 1/8 cup dried or one cup fresh daily. Make sure you are getting enough good oils in your diet. These are used to create cell membranes and are therefore the first line of defence. Fried foods do not fall into this category. Raw nuts, seeds, fatty fish and their cold-extracted oils do. Read your label to be sure which ones can be heated and which cannot. Take as a supplement if necessary.

Herbs Herbal lung support will help protect and heal lung tissue. Some teas or tinctures you can use are elecampane, fenugreek, marshmallow root, plantain leaf, licorice root (watch if you have hypertension), mullen,

thyme, coltsfoot, cinnamon, angelica and ginger. You can have your herbalist create a custom combination for you. Micronized curcumin increases the secretion of dangerous metabolites produced by smoking. Don’t take if you are constipated.

To kick it up a notch There are other ways to detoxify and maintain health. n Use a sauna as often as possible. n Exercise regularly. Sweat. n Breathe deeply. Exhale completely. Slowly. Frequently. Sing. n Focus on posture. n Practice dry-skin brushing. n Jump on a rebounder.

Other considerations Dispose of your cigarette butts carefully. Animals will and do eat these; they are often found in the stomachs of dead birds, fish, dolphins and turtles. The poisons also disrupt aquatic ecosystems as they are lethal to zooplankton and crustaceans. Denise Galbraith, CHT, RHT, is a western medical herbalist who blends modern scientific knowledge with ancient wisdom to bring you the best of both worlds. She practises and teaches in Victoria, B.C. A registered clinical therapist, she is a director of the Canadian Herbalist’s Association of B.C. www.viprimary health.ca | denise@viprimary health.ca | 250-889-2176

lls, you must take a lot of antioxid e c r u o y a nt s . tec t To pro Health Action | www.hans.org

Integrative Fertility Symposium 2016 Learn from Western and alternative medicine experts in reproductive health by Sondi Bruner

undreds of medical specialists and natural health practitioners converged in Vancouver last spring to discuss how to enhance fertility at the first Integrative Fertility Symposium of its kind in Canada. Organized by Dr. Lorne Brown and his team at Acubalance Wellness Centre, the conference, which took place in April, welcomed a crowd of 400 people including

Infertility is on the rise in Canada.

acupuncturists, naturopathic physicians, traditional Chinese medicine doctors, reproductive endocrinologists, urologists, functional medicine specialists and chiropractors. Practitioners and speakers flew in from all over the world—Canada, the U.S., Israel, Spain, Australia, the U.K. and more—to learn from one another. Unfortunately, infertility is on the rise in Canada. According to a recent study, current infertility rates range from 11.5 percent to 15.7 percent, up from 8.5 percent in 1992 and 5.4 percent in 1984. In the United States, 6 percent of women (about 1.5 million) are unable to get pregnant. Infertility isn’t merely a North American problem—globally, fertility

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rates have remained unchanged since 1990. According to the World Health Organization, in developing countries one in four couples struggles with conceiving a child.

Opening up knowledge and collaboration The goal of the sold-out symposium was not only to discuss how to help couples conceive, but also how practitioners can use research, information, diet, lifestyle and alternative medicine to improve the chances of healthy pregnancies and live births.

Typically, conferences about infertility are directed at practitioners of specific modalities, either in Western or alternative medicine, but not both. This conference had speakers and attendees from both sides of the equation who were open to discovering new knowledge and ways to collaborate to benefit the health of their patients. “To be at the conference with all these practitioners who devote their entire working lives to this, you realize that we’re [MDs] only just one sliver or one tool of what’s available to patients,” says Dr.

Jason Hitkari, a reproductive endocrinologist and one of the conference speakers. “You can’t be all things to all people, and sometimes you have to go outside your slice of the pie.”

“One of the best conferences” Dr. Brown was thrilled at last year’s enthusiastic reception by all participants. “It was the perfect storm. We had great speakers, a great venue, and the practitioners that came to this are really motivated and passionate about fertility,” he says. “The energy

at the conference stayed high from the beginning to the last minute. There was a buzz. You could palpate it.” Many attendees and speakers certainly agreed. “I thought it was one of the best conferences for acupuncturists that I’ve ever been to in my whole career. And in 17 years, I’ve been to a lot,” commented Kirsten Karchmer, who spoke at the symposium about increasing live births. “It was very exciting to be surrounded by such brilliant people. The conversations people were having all around me were so provocative and amazing.” Dr. Randine Lewis, who presented twice, said the symposium completely exceeded her expectations. “It was the highlight of my professional career. It was really amazing. It was by far the highest level in this field that I have ever experienced,” she says. “To see how far the field has advanced since I started doing it, and to see a lot of the students that I’ve previously taught become experts in their own right, it put me in a state of awe and pride. I was just floored.”

Improving conception and pregnancy outcomes Given the broad scope of attendees, symposium content includes a range of information about how to help couples conceive a healthy baby, whether that process happens in the lab or in the bedroom. Presentations and panels included discussions of fertility diets, combining herbs with in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, male infertility,

“It was very exciting to be around such brilliant people.” –Kirsten K archmer

clinical strategies to reduce miscarriages, optimizing egg quality and the link between stress and infertility (for the full slate of conference recordings, visit https://ifsymposium. com/2015recordings). Dr. Randine Lewis presented on the Chinese philosophy wu wei and how it can be used to enhance success rates with infertility patients. Wu wei is based on the idea of “doing by not doing,” which she says can be enormously helpful for the goal-driven patients who tick off boxes or to-do lists in pursuit of a child. Dr. Lewis encouraged practitioners to embody the strength of the wu wei philosophy in order to get in touch with ancient wisdom and better help patients. “Whenever I teach, I try to help people learn the information and what needs to be known, but also gain a workable, ongoing connection to the knowledge that’s deep within the bones,” she says. “My goal in reaching an audience is to really try to convey the spirit of the information, get them to experience it within themselves, and bring them into a greater understanding about what we are actually doing.” Kirsten Karchmer, who spoke about increasing live births through better diagnoses and patient tracking, shared her secrets to improving outcomes by honing an important initial process: the patient intake. “We don’t need labs to collect

data—we need to ask better questions and more questions. We think of acupuncture as an art form, but it can also be addressed very scientifically,” she points out. “We have to collect very specific information. If you take patients saying, ‘It’s fine’ at face value, you miss a diagnostic point and how much you can help them.”

The latest in fertility care On the technical side, Dr. Jason Hitkari explained the latest in fertility screening techniques that can test for chromosomal abnormalities in embryos, so clinicians can implant normal embryos and boost the chance of implantation. Dr. Paul Magarelli, a renowned and pioneering reproductive endocrinologist, delivered the keynote address about the state of the field of fertility and how it has grown into the rigorous scientific discipline it is today. He also gave a talk about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and how TCM doctors can integrate with Western medical doctors, and vice versa, to provide holistic treatments that improve fertility care. Male fertility, a part of the equation that can sometimes be overlooked, was the topic of a number of presentations as well. “Men tend not to visit doctors, unless it impacts their sport or performance in bed,” Dr. Brown says, “and men are

very important in the fertility equation—they can be over 50 percent of the reason, and yet they are ignored and not involved enough.”

2016 symposium After the success of the 2015 conference, Dr. Brown expects that the 2016 symposium will be an equally enlightening and informative experience with themes including natural treatments for conception, how to improve the first trimester and how to reduce miscarriages. The 2016 keynote will be Jill Blakeway, co-author of Making Babies: A Proven 3-Month Program for Maximum Fertility, who has appeared on Dr. Oz and The View and hosts a CBS radio show. Some of the 2015 speakers—including Dr. Magarelli and Kirsten Karchmer—will be returning once again. For a while, at least, 2016 will be the last time the symposium will take place in Vancouver. Since 70 percent of this year’s attendees came from outside of Canada, the 2017 conference will go on the road to accommodate the conference’s global appeal. There will also be public talks and events as part of the 2016 conference. Visit www. ifsymposium.com for more details. Sondi Bruner is a freelance writer, holistic nutritionist and food blogger who can’t stop dreaming about what to create in the kitchen. Find out more about her writing services at www.sondibruner.com, and explore vegetarian, glutenfree and dairy-free recipes on her food blog, The Copycat Cook. www. thecopycatcook.wordpress.com Health Action | www.hans.org

Blaming TCM Herbs The media loves to write about “dangerous Chinese herbs”

by Melissa Carr, BSc, DrTCM

he Vancouver Sun recently wrote an article titled, “Chinese herbs mixed with medications can be hazardous.” The article doesn’t really say that Chinese herbs themselves are dangerous. It discusses how patients (particularly those from China) often take Chinese herbs but don’t tell their medical doctors about it. And the onus of blame for health risks from drug-herb interactions always lands on the herbs, not the pharmaceuticals.

The good side of awareness A group of medical students is working with an emergency medical doctor at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) to provide a checklist of common Chinese herbs with a listing of the herbs’ actions. The intent is to provide the list to traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, TCM herbalists and TCM doctors to have them check the box next to any of the herbs they prescribe to each of their patients. The idea is that the patient would then provide this

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checklist to his or her MD. I do agree that dangerous drug-herb interactions need to be avoided. I do agree that it’s important that patients notify their MDs about any herbs or supplements they are taking. And that they also tell their TCM health professional (and any other health providers) about medications they are taking. I do agree that Chinese herbs can have powerful medicinal effects. This actually is refreshing to me to hear medical students and a VGH ER doc note the potent physiological actions of Chinese herbs. TCM offers effective medicinal results, and too often the conventional side questions the efficacy. This group of conventional health providers do not question that there are medicinal effects. Bravo! But, is it really the Chinese herbs themselves that are the problem?

How herbs are being taken Part of the problem is it that patients may take herbs improperly, taking the health advice of a friend or family member

(or Dr. Google), rather than seek the help of a qualified TCM doctor or herbalist. As a registered doctor of traditional Chinese medicine, I know that when we prescribe Chinese herbs, the herbs are almost never prescribed as a single herb. We gather a lot of information from our patients about their health conditions, their medications (we too learn about drug-herb interactions), their other supplements, and a long list of symptoms, life patterns and medical history. We do this so that we can work to avoid side-effects and negative interactions. British Columbians are lucky. TCM is a regulated profession. TCM herbs are prescribed by health professionals who are registered, licensed and insured. We are held accountable, just like MDs, nurses, physiotherapists and other health professionals under the Health Professions Act. So, make sure the person who tells you to take your Chinese herbs is actually qualified to do so. Note that if you want Chinese herbs, check our regulatory body’s website (www.ctcma.bc.ca) and choose only those with DrTCM, R.TCM.P or R.TCM.H. Registered acupuncturists (RAc) are not qualified to prescribe Chinese herbs.

What about the pharmaceuticals? How about the pharmaceutical medications themselves? Do they hold some responsibility, or is it a dysfunctional blaming relationship? “It’s not me, it’s you.” For example, the blood-thinning drug warfarin (mentioned in the Vancouver Sun article) does not play well with others. Many others. Including ASA (e.g., Aspirin), ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) and acetominophen (e.g., Tylenol); thyroid medicine, some antibiotics and some antidepressants; and even many foods, like grapefruit, avocado, large amounts of kale or other dark leafy

greens, and store-bought mayo, salad dressings and margarine. I’m not against the proper use of pharmaceutical medicine. I work in an integrative medicine clinic with MDs and an ND who prescribe medications. My mother is a nurse practitioner. I will take an Advil or Tylenol if I am suffering pain and need quick relief. But, too many people are too over-medicated because it’s easy to do. Because the provincial medical service plan (MSP) or extended health plans pay for the medications, but not our herbs, vitamins and other supplements. Because of scary articles like this one in the Vancouver Sun.

Why aren’t patients telling? Then there’s the big question: why aren’t patients telling their MDs about the herbs, vitamins and other supplements they are taking? This article provides an answer: “A survey conducted of more than 300 Chinese immigrants to Vancouver

Too many people are too overmedicated because it’s easy to do.

revealed many don’t disclose their use of such remedies because they feel they’ll be harshly judged.” That is a problem! And it’s not just Chinese immigrants who feel that way. Many patients have told me that they take supplements or get treatments (like acupuncture, chiropractic, osteopathy) despite the flak they take from their MDs. Some have learned to just shut it when it comes to that discussion. Easier not to have to argue. Or justify. Or try to explain how it’s actually working for them. So, will my taking the time to print, fill out and hand that checklist to each patient who receives Chinese herbs from me help? Maybe a bit. Maybe it will open up some

much-needed dialogue between health professions so we can work better together. I’m lucky because I work in an integrative medical clinic alongside MDs who are open-minded and who practise functional medicine—which really actually uses TCM foundational principles. But, if only 1 percent of the herbal formula I make for someone is licorice root, will the MD still have them stop their herbs if they are taking warfarin? And, above all, if patients feel they can’t discuss their health choices with their MDs, will they even hand that list to their MD? Melissa Carr, BSc, DrTCM, is a registered doctor of traditional Chinese medicine with 14 years of clinical practice and a degree in kinesiology. In addition to using acupuncture, Chinese herbs, supplements, biopuncture and nutrition to treat pain, digestive issues, stress, fatigue, hormonal imbalance and more, Dr. Carr is also a natural health and nutrition consultant, lecturer and writer. www.activetcm.com | 604-733-4400

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Evaluation of the Natural Health Products Program by Shawn Buckley, LLB

anada’s Treasury Board has a policy to evaluate government programs. Health Canada’s Natural Health Products Program is currently being evaluated under this Treasury Board policy. Earlier this year, the Natural Health Products Protection Association (NHPPA) was contacted as a “key informant” (their words), and I was invited to provide input on behalf of the NHPPA. During the interview I discussed several themes for them to consider. I started with the history behind the Natural Health

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Products (NHP) Regulations. The regulations came about after a consumer rebellion against Health Canada’s restriction of natural products by applying the chemical drug regulations to push them off the market. The message from Canadians was clear: we wanted increased access to NHPs.

The U.S. example Rather than “increase” our access, Health Canada drafted the NHP Regulations which have, and which will continue to have, the opposite effect: the regulations are restricting our access.

How many lives will the regulations have saved? The answer is, of course, zero. If we wanted to increase our access to NHPs, we would have done what the United States did in response to their consumer rebellion. The U.S. classed NHPs as food, deemed them by law to be safe and mandated that the FDA could not remove one from the market without evidence of harm.

Health Canada did the opposite. In Canada, NHPs are classed as drugs (not food like in the U.S.), are deemed to be unsafe (opposite of the U.S. deeming them by law to be safe), are deemed to be ineffective, and must be removed from the market unless they succeed in getting a licence from Health Canada.

Regulations saving lives? I also discussed whether our NHP Regulations are safe. Even the idea the regulations may be unsafe appeared to be a new theme for them. I explained that no one can point to a single death caused by an NHP in Canada, despite rather strict adverse-reaction reporting since 1965. I then shared evidence that had come out in court where it was clear the restriction of NHPs had caused death. I also shared other instances where people relied on NHPs for their very lives. I then moved onto the restriction of nattokinase as an example where there was not a single adversereaction report in Canada and yet there is a total ban. I shared how, in my opinion, this ban has led and will continue to lead to deaths. My point in all of this was to drive home that their review is important as the NHP Regulations do affect health. I shared with them the questions I had posed to the Standing Committee on Health when I was called as an expert witness on Bill C-420 (the 2004 bill to amend the Food and Drugs Act, which did not become law shortly before the NHP Regulations came into effect). In sharing with the committee that there had never been a death in our history caused by an NHP, I then asked: if we come back in 10 years after the NHP Regulations have been in force (we are now at 11 years), how many lives will the regulations have saved? The

answer is, of course, zero. If there had not been a death we could point to since 1867 when we became a country, how could we expect even a single death in 10 years during which time we would be losing products? I then asked the committee: if you let the regulations come into force and we come back in 10 years, how many lives will the NHP Regulations have cost us? That was an unpopular question for which I have been criticized. Unfortunately, it is the one question that needs to be answered. It will not be. We also spoke about how the NHP Regulations have stifled innovation. I shared with them the background, effect, court evidence and clinical trial evidence of a couple of NHPs developed before the regulations that unquestionably have saved lives. I pointed out that these lifesavers would not be developed today as our regulations would prevent it. This necessitated a discussion on intellectual property rights, and how the regulations have dramatically raised the bar for introducing truly innovative products. I spoke about how the regulations have empowered Health Canada to beef up its censorship of truthful health information. Health Canada has taken the position that manufacturers can only repeat the label claim authorized by Health Canada in the licensing process. Manufacturers who find themselves with truthful information that could literally save lives or lead to a tremendous reduction in suffering, if shared, are prohibited from sharing it.

Keep the faith I also discussed how I am confident that the original intention was for the NHP Regulations to drive many more small and medium manufacturers out of business

by now. This has been slowed by the backlash years ago over Bill C-51 (the one to amend the Food and Drugs Act, not the Orwellian spy bill recently numbered Bill C-51), and by pressure created by groups like the NHPPA. I then discussed how we have not seen all the attrition we will see. I shared that cost recovery is still coming. I also shared how trade agreements like the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) could make our current NHP Regulations moot. When we were done the interview, they shared that these points were new to them. I was left with mixed feelings. On the one hand, I was alarmed that key questions like whether or not the regulations were actually causing deaths were clearly not going to be addressed. On the other hand, I was thankful that I had the opportunity to share them. It reminded me of when the NHPPA forced the Senate to call me as an expert witness on the Consumer Product Protection Act. I think I was one of three witnesses opposed to the bill. It seems that common sense opposition is still rare in Canada (excepting NHPPA supporters). I wanted to thank those of you who support the NHPPA as it is your support that creates the opportunity for us to be a voice. I feel that we are very shortly going to be experiencing some challenging times and I would like to encourage all of you to stick to your beliefs and be who you need to be to face yourself in the mirror each morning.Â Shawn Buckley, LLB, combines detailed knowledge of the Constitution of Canada and the Food and Drugs Act with 15 years of experience successfully defending natural health stakeholders from prosecution by Health Canada. He is president of the Natural Health Products Protection Association. www.nhppa.org

eemed them by law to be safe and d , d o mand s as fo e m h P t a r ated k m e o t r w f H i t h e o N n ut evide d o e s e s a v l c o . nce o The U. S t r em f har o n d l u m. o c A D F that the

The U.S. Example

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Three Questions to Ask Before Buying Vitamins David Wang, BSc, ND

ou probably take vitamins to ward off disease and reduce risks of a deficiency. But browsing supplement aisles with shelves of colourful brands of the same types of vitamins can be daunting and confusing. How do you decide which to buy? Before buying vitamins, consider the following three questions.

Supplements don’t include phytonutrients or other “whole” nutrients found in food.

1. Have you found that they work? Some people haven’t. For the first 20 years of my practice as a naturopathic physician, some patients experienced headaches, nausea and vomiting after taking synthetic vitamin supplements I recommended. When I switched to food supplements, they no longer had these side-effects. More importantly, they felt healthier, more vital and levels of illness symptoms improved because the body was responding better to the increased nutrients. Research may confirm my findings: a 2012 medical review involving 297,000 people found little benefit from taking conventional vitamins A, C and E, selenium or beta-carotene. A 2002 study of 83,639 physicians found vitamin E, vitamin C and multivitamins were not associated with a significant decrease in cardiovascular or heart disease. A 2002 review showed that vitamin C from vegetables lowered stomach and breast cancer risks, but synthetic vitamin C (ascorbic acid) did not.

2. Why are foods better than synthetic supplements? Nutrients in food are bound to proteins, fats and carbohydrates because this is the way that the body recognizes and absorbs them. Nutrients don’t simply wander around

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inside the body; natural nutrient proteins have protein signals that determine which cells attract and absorb them after being delivered directly to appropriate receptors. Synthetic molecules are not readily delivered without these signals. You have heard about phytonutrients, the 5,000-plus nutrients in foods that protect against diseases. Supplements don’t include these or other “whole” nutrients found in food. For example, taking ascorbic acid for a vitamin C deficiency will have little effect (it doesn’t even prevent scurvy, like fruit-derived vitamin C famously does) because it lacks the cofactor/coenzyme nutrients required alongside this complex vitamin, including tyrosinase, rutin and bioflavonoids. Nutrients in plant foods have been constructed over millions of years to be in quantities and combinations that all work together. We can’t take individual nutrients out of that elaborate package and expect similar benefits, or split the whole without destroying its biological activity.

3. Are supplements natural? Synthetic vitamins are made from and processed using chemicals. For example,

vitamin A/beta-carotene supplements are made from methanol, vinyl, acetylene gas or coal tar. Synthetic niacin/B3 is made from coal-tar derivatives and 3-cyanopyridine in a process involving formaldehyde and ammonia. These are not beneficial and can cause side-effects. As a clinician, I was concerned about patients ingesting these unnatural substances, and that is why I now recommend only plant-food vitamins. Also important: supplements made of indigestible substances such as calcium from shells or rock are also not well absorbed. Kale, for example, is 40.9 percent more effective at raising serum ionic calcium levels than calcium carbonate or citrate supplements. So here’s one more question: why is the conversation about organic foods happening in the grocery aisle, but not in the supplement aisle? David Wang, BSc, ND, is past president of the B.C. Naturopathic Association and founder of the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine. He currently teaches at the Boucher Institute and offers seminars across Canada. Dr. Wang also maintains a practice in Vancouver, B.C. www.vancouverholistichealth.com | www.pranin.com

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Pharmacogenetics—A Cornerstone Customizing prescriptions to your unique molecular make-up and removing the risk of a by Bryn Hyndman, MD, ND

he 20 century has seen the creation of powerful pharmaceutical medicines. The discovery of penicillin in 1928 by Alexander Fleming marked the beginning of powerful antibiotic medications for serious infectious diseases, saving many lives. Since then monumental advances have been made in the areas of pain control and symptom control of a long list of maladies. But the arrival of these pharmaceutical medications has proven to be a double-edged sword: what cures one person may make another person critically ill, or even die.

Consider these recent statistics Each year in Canada, there are approximately 200,000 severe adverse drug events, causing significant harm to patients and claiming up to 22,000 lives. In 2008, University of B.C. researchers found that 7 percent of visits to Vancouver General Hospital’s emergency department were due to harmful sideeffects of a prescribed drug or an incorrect prescription, either in the type of drug or the dosage. A 2014 study in Ireland found that 35 percent of the typical general practitioner’s prescriptions for older people were “potentially inappropriate,” meaning the risks outweighed the benefits.

Potential for harm Nowadays, there is a growing realization that drugs and surgery, while valuable, constitute only one approach to restoring well-being and health. For those of us who offer a variety of natural medicines, including western and eastern herbs, vitamin and mineral supplements, homeopathic and nutritional medicines, we know these prescriptions collectively have

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an outstanding safety profile compared to pharmaceutical medicines. Though a natural health product does not automatically translate into a safer choice, in most instances, if used at the recommended strength and dose, it will not have nearly the potential to cause catastrophic and sometimes fatal drug reactions. Similarly, mixtures of different natural medications—referred to as polypharmacy in allopathic medicine—are drastically less likely to increase morbidity and mortality, a significant problem with prescription medications in the elderly cohort. The act itself of prescribing an appro-

priate medication seems like the easy finale. After reviewing a patient’s health history, performing the relevant physical exam and interpreting lab tests, a diagnosis is concluded. Physicians choose medication based on some patient factors (age, weight, known drug allergies) and some external factors (familiarity with the drug, knowledge of its action and efficacy, safety profile). One of the biggest challenges for prescribing physicians is keeping up to date with current medications and being familiar with their pros and cons and safety profiles. Even for the most informed and knowledgeable physicians, the shocking

of Personalized, Precision Medicine one-size-fits-all approach

The shocking fact is that 50 percent of medications don’t have their achieved effect.

Personalized prescriptions that include genetic information may lead to greater patient benefits and fewer adverse drug events. fact is that 50 percent of medications don’t have their achieved effect. They may lack efficacy, or they may produce unwanted side-effects or a serious drug reaction.

Biology of each patient’s genes Pharmacogenomics is the study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs. This relatively new field combines pharmacology (the science of drugs) and genomics (the study of genes and their function) to develop effective, safe medications and doses that will be tailored to a person’s genetic make-up. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the

body’s genetic “blueprint.” It is a long thread-like molecule that carries the “genetic code” that determines our individual characteristics. DNA is found in almost all of the billions of cells that make up our body. Pharmacogenetic testing detects certain parts or “markers” in the DNA molecule that are known to vary between people. These markers are called single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs (pronounced “snips”). Variations in these SNPs can affect a person’s reaction to prescribed medications. Ultimately, personalized prescriptions that include genetic information may lead to greater patient benefits and fewer adverse drug events. A single mutation can spell the difference between a drug being useful, or being deadly. For example, the CYP2C19 gene metabolites codeine. A mutation in this gene causes increased conversion of codeine to morphine, posing a high risk of toxicity in 1 percent to 2 percent of patients and posing a danger to babies drinking breast milk from women taking this common over-the-counter drug. A different mutation of this gene interferes with codeine metabolism, rendering the drug ineffective for pain control in roughly 5 percent of patients and potentially causing lethargy, nausea and vomiting. More than 150 medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now carry such pharmacogenomic warnings. But without knowing a patient’s genetic make-up, a doctor cannot act

upon the recommendations. But soon, all doctors will be able to prescribe the right dosage of codeine based on the patient’s unique genetic make-up.

Cells under scrutiny This fall a patient told me about the TreatGx study at the University of B.C., run by Dr. Martin Dawes, the department head of family medicine at UBC, and his wife Diana. I was one of five family physicians in the province who enrolled up to 50 patients for genetic testing, using saliva samples to study their DNA and specific SNPs. The results are just now available, in a database that indicates what medications can be recommended for their disease, and at what dose. The goal is for this database to be synced with their electronic health record so that it is part of their personal health information and B.C. PharmaNet record. I look forward to seeing my patients’ results and reviewing their medications. A wise integrative medical doctor told me that chronic diseases are not chronic, they are a result of lifestyle choices and an imbalanced body with deficiencies and excesses. The right medication does not equate to optimal health and wellness, but it is a step in the right direction. One size does not fit all, and the 0.1 percent of our DNA that differentiates us holds a lot of valuable information that we are just starting to uncover. We can do better, and follow safer prescribing practices. Bryn Hyndman, MD, ND, has more than 10 years of clinical experience as both a medical doctor and naturopathic practitioner. She treats the patient, not the disease, and prioritizes lifestyle modifications. Dr. Hyndman works at Denman Care Point Walk-in Clinic and Qi Integrated Health in Vancouver. www.vancouverfunctionalmedicine.com | 604-742-8383. Health Action | www.hans.org

Do Statins Promote Development of Type 2 Diabetes? by William Ware, PhD

hen the new American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines were announced, one wellknown critic of poor and flawed clinical trials, John Ioannidis of Stanford School of Medicine, published a viewpoint in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) pointing out the potential for more than a billion people worldwide becoming eligible for the recommendation of statin therapy to prevent cardiovascular disease. In the U.S., he estimated that there were about 100 million in the targeted age group of 40 to 79 years. The guidelines would qualify about 45 million. The U.S. prevalence of diabetes in this age group is approximately 10 million.

Slight benefits The decision to follow recommendations and take a statin should be based on risk/ benefit analyses. The benefits have been subjected to endless studies and meta-analysis. The general conclusion is that for primary prevention, mostly in populations with enhanced risk of cardiovascular disease events, the absolute benefit for the populations studied was between 1 percent and 1.5 percent. In other words, 98.5 to 99 percent do not benefit. For secondary prevention (prior heart disease), the numbers are

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The issue of diabetes and statins was successfully concealed from the general public for about a decade.

slightly higher and typically 97 to 98 percent do not benefit. Almost all studies have found no impact on mortality. However, and this is vital for such an analysis, when studies are restricted to women, for primary prevention there is no benefit and for secondary prevention it is similar to men. This view was considerably strengthened very recently in a new meta-analysis, although one would be led to the opposite conclusion by reading the discussion section in the paper. It is necessary to examine the tables that are only in the online supplemental material, which are very clear. For primary prevention of major coronary events and stroke, statins are not effective.

Risk of diabetes The other numbers needed for the risk/benefit analysis involve risk. Prior to 2012, the data on statins and diabetes was buried in the literature and had

not made it to the drug package inserts, the so-called label, which in the U.S. is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But the matter was not clarified much. For example, the label change for Lipitor was changed to read, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Increases in HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels have been reported with HMGCoA reductase inhibitors, including Lipitor.â&#x20AC;? This is a way of suggesting that there is a risk of new-onset diabetes, but to many it is intentional doublespeak since, for the general public, that statement may not bring up the notion of diabetes risk and it downplays the considerable set of data that recorded actual diabetes cases. Early randomized trials of statins that included checking for increased risk of diabetes mostly suggested enhanced risk with one trial, ASCOT, finding a statistically significant result. ASCOT used Lipitor, and Pfizer, the manufacturer of Lipitor, also carried out

two trials itself that looked for increased incidence of diabetes. These were called SPARCL and TNT and both reported findings in 2006 but failed to mention the results with regard to diabetes. It was not until 2011 that the information was released for publication. SPARCL is the interesting trial since it compared 80 mg/day of Lipitor with a placebo. Stated in terms of absolute numbers, there were nine new cases of diabetes per 10 patients protected from major cardiovascular events. In other words, the risk to benefit was essentially a wash. The absolute risk increase for diabetes was 2.64 percent with a number needed to treat to harm one individual (NNH) of 39. The subjects in the trial had previous stroke or transient ischemic attack history and the absolute risk reduction for these endpoints was 2.2 percent. This was the result for diabetes risk that was not published until six years after the trial. However, for women where there is no benefit, it is all risk based on numerous trials. The TNT results also released after about the same delay are less interesting because they relate to a comparison between 80 mg/day versus 10 mg/day, but nevertheless, there was an absolute risk increase with a dose of 1.13 percent. These results were also reported at about the same time by David Preiss at the large European diabetes meeting (European Association for the Study

of Diabetes—EASD, Lisbon, September 2011) where the speaker also gave the following for JUPITER: seven new cases of diabetes per 10 patients protected from major CVD events. In the follow-up study called the Woman’s Health Initiative, which involved postmenopausal women, Lipitor was found to increase the absolute rate of developing diabetes by 3 percent, a number consistent with the SPARCL randomized controlled trial. A similar result was obtained for simvastatin (Zocor). There is also a significant risk of diabetes associated with statins depending on the drug used. Carter et al found that when the comparison was with pravastatin, the risk was highest with Lipitor, followed by Crestor and Zocor, and both Lescol (fluvastatin) and Mevacor (lovastatin) were not associated with increased risk.

More evidence With this perspective, consider the latest and probably one of the best studies that examined the association of statin therapy with the risk of developing diabetes. This study is of particular interest because it recruited only healthy individuals who were enrolled in the San Antonio Military Area VA North Texas Health Care System called Tricare Prime/ Plus. A group of 3,351 statin users were matched through a so-called propensity score such that in terms of a number of relevant health parameters they would be similar to statin users and served as controls. Comparison between statin users and the matched cohort revealed that, for the non-users,

the incidence of diabetes was 19.4 percent whereas for statin users it was 30.9 percent. This gives an absolute risk increase of 11.5 percent or a number needed to treat to harm one individual of 9 over about five years. When high-intensity statin users were compared with low to moderate statin users, the incidence rates were 9.3 percent versus 29.7 percent, yielding an additional absolute risk increase of 9.6 percent and a number needed to treat to harm one individual (NNH) of 10 for this comparison based only on dose. When the entire cohort of almost 22,000 was compared with 3,982 statin users, the NNH was 5. Heavy users had a prevalence of 39 percent versus 19.4 percent for non-users; here we have a 19 percent absolute increase, giving an NNH of 5. A second study published about the same time is equally impressive. See the April 2015 issue of International Health News at www.yourhealthbase. com for a discussion of this study with similar shocking NNHs. The question of clinical predictors of new-onset diabetes associated with statin therapy has also been studied. Baseline fasting glucose and other features of the metabolic syndrome have been found predictive. However, statistical analysis revealed that statins were an independent predictor of high significance. These studies are consistent with the above recent study of the enrolled individuals with the metabolic syndrome.

Lack of warning launches lawsuits When Health Canada finally issued a warning about the risk

of Lipitor in increasing the risk of diabetes, they also mentioned predisposing factors. This is in strong contrast to the label change allowed by the FDA where diabetes is not even mentioned. Finally, it is interesting to note that both in the U.S. and Canada lawsuits have been initiated against Pfizer for not warning patients regarding the risks of Lipitor in new-onset diabetes until recently in spite of knowledge concerning the risks that went back years. Both are gathering individual lawsuits and are restricted to women because of the evidence that they derive no benefit from statins in the context of primary prevention. In the U.S. it is currently anticipated that there will be 10,000 suits that will be assembled into a class-action suit. In Canada, the suit from the start was class action.

The bottom line The issue of diabetes and statins was successfully concealed from the general public for about a decade. The evidence is compelling that the risk is real and that, for many men, is comparable if not greater than the benefits associated with either primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. For women, the risk is similar if not greater than for men, and there is no balancing benefit in terms of avoidance of cardiovascular events. In this case, any risk is unacceptable. It is also worth noting that diabetes is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular events and that it is believed by critics of the use of statins that there

are other adverse effects, the detection of which have been artificially lowered by study design or implementation, or outright suppressed, and that during the post-approval period only a few percent of adverse events are reported. Thus the now solid data on diabetes helps level the playing field with regard to risk/ benefit, but the worry is still that the total risk burden is vastly greater than the benefits, but unknown. Statins are widely viewed by mainstream medicine as highly beneficial drugs, essentially miracle drugs, and it is firmly believed that the benefits so clearly outweigh the risks that there is no issue at all, and that there is no problem with a significant fraction of the world’s population being on statins for life. This belief is bizarre considering that there has never been convincing evidence of significant benefit for mortality and cardiovascular benefits. Large relative risk reductions are highly touted, but statins rarely achieve greater than 3 to 4 percent absolute risk reduction, and this only in secondary prevention: 4 percent is equivalent to 96 percent having no benefit. Hardly miracle drugs! William Ware, PhD, is an emeritus professor of chemistry at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ont, whose retirement has been dedicated to evidence-based research in the preventive and complementary medicine field. Reprinted with permission from International Health News, Issue 259, July/August 2015. www.your healthbase.com Health Action | www.hans.org

A Family History of Heart Disease It’s not a life sentence by Ron Gale

“S

ergeant Gale, call home for a family emergency.” Twenty years later, these words are still vivid in my memory. At the time I was standing in the middle of Vancouver’s famous Georgia Viaduct supervising a police roadblock crew. Throughout many years of policing I had attended my share of emergency calls, but never one that involved my own family. I soon found out that my 72-year-old father had suffered a massive heart attack. Driving to the hospital, it occurred to me that this was the same age that my grandfather had passed away from a fatal heart attack. I wondered if this thought had occurred to my father as well. Although my father was a hard-working family man, his lifestyle choices were not a priority. He smoked heavily, never exercised, and his diet was awful. Surprisingly, at the time of his heart attack, he had normal cholesterol. In spring 2016, I will turn 70. Once in a while, I can’t help but reflect about the fact that no male in my family has lived past 72, without having had a massive heart attack. Should I be concerned? Yes and no. There is nothing I can do about the hereditary link; however, throughout my adult life I feel that I have made choices to turn the tide in my favour. As the majority of my career was spent in policing, it is safe to say that stress comes with the territory and I did my best to manage it. However, I did make a conscious choice not to smoke and made sure I stayed fit by exercising regularly. I even challenged myself by competing in marathons as well as the Hawaii Ironman—though contrary to what we believed in those days, this will not guarantee that I will be free of heart disease. Throughout the early years of my fitness journey, “carbo loading” while taking part in intense trainings was the norm. Today we

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Those of us running marathons were really the guinea pigs on whether consuming massive amounts of carbohydrates was good for us long term. It wasn’t!

understand how negatively carbohydrates affect our health. But back in the late 1970s through to the 80s, those of us running marathons were really the guinea pigs on whether consuming massive amounts of carbohydrates was good for us long term. It wasn’t! Just look at the increase in type 2 diabetes, obesity and Alzheimer’s. Exercising moderately, making healthy choices at the grocery store or in the restaurant, getting enough sleep and

making sure to drink enough water is definitely the way to go. My consumption of carbohydrates and sugars has been reduced drastically over the last number of years. Overall my diet follows the 80/20 rule, and I do confess to indulging in ice cream once in a while. I have come to understand the importance of supplementation, which, in my opinion, is critical to everyone’s overall health. Inflammation in particular is something that we need to be cognizant of when it comes to heart health. Ask your family physician for a C-reactive protein (CRP) test to measure your inflammation levels. It is my hope that everyone looks at their family history and makes proactive choices about their health. Living as healthy as one can is, after all, a choice. Ron Gale is the president of Healthy Business Consulting Ltd., past president of Health Action Network Society and the former fitness coordinator for the Vancouver Police Department. info@healthybusiness.ca

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