Women's Voice Magazine - Volume 10 Canada by Women's Voice Magazine

Spring IS HERE

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HEART HEALTH page 40

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Aube Giroux

Democracy: An Essential Ingredient for Healthy Food

Photo: Aube Giroux

Stress on the Rise in Children & Young Adults

7 Important Supplements for Men’s Health – by Marita Schauch, ND

– by Karen Jensen, ND

19 Revealing the Power of Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) – by Stephanie Rubino, ND

29 Probiotics & Fibre For Peak Mental Health

It Is Never too Early to Talk Heart Health

– by Jennifer Brix, ND

Spring Is Here, and It’s Never Too Late to Start Exercising – by Marita Schauch, ND

– by Karen Jensen, ND

Synthetic Biology the Path to Destroy Our Planet – by Rachel Parent (Guest Contributor)

36 New Bioengineered Label Sows Confusion to Hide GMOs

SPRING 2020 | WOMENSVOICEMAGAZINE.COM

MEDICAL & SCIENCE EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE At Women’s Voice®, we are committed to providing our readers with real health solutions from real physicians. To ensure our editorial excellence, we have assembled medical professionals who are dedicated experts and leaders in natural health to serve on Women’s Voice Medical and Science Editorial Advisory Committee.

KAREN JENSEN, ND

MARITA SCHAUCH, ND

Karen Jensen was in clinical practice for 25 years and although she is retired, she continues to write books and educate on the naturopathic approach to wellness. She is author or co-author of seven books, her most recent is Women's Health Matters: The Influence of Gender on Disease.

Dr. Marita Schauch is the author of two books Making Sense of Women’s Health and Collagen Myths & Misconceptions. She also co-authored The Adrenal Stress Connection. In addition to her clinical practice, she lectures across North America educating people on positive lifestyle choices.

KARLENE KARST, BSc Nutrition

Karlene Karst holds a BSc in Nutrition and is an expert in natural health and wellness. Karlene is the author of several books, and is an upbeat, knowledgeable TV personality and spokesperson appearing on the cover of magazines and TV shows including The Marilyn Denis Show, CTV Morning Live, Global Morning News, and Breakfast TV.

Dr. Jennifer Brix is a licensed naturopathic doctor. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with distinction from the University of Victoria and completed her professional training at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster, BC.

KATE RHÉAUME, ND

ARYA SHARMA, MD/PhD

Dr. Kate Rhéaume graduated from McMaster University and completed her professional training at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, class of 2002. She followed with a two-year residency during which she taught classes and supervised at various teaching clinics.

Dr. Arya Sharma, MD/PhD, FRCPC, is Professor of Medicine and holds the Alberta Health Services Chair in Obesity Research and Management at the University of Alberta. He founded and is currently Scientific Director of the Canadian Obesity Network and Past-President of the Canadian Association of Bariatric Physicians and Surgeons.

JULIE REIL, MD

STEPHANIE RUBINO, ND

Dr. Julie Reil is an internationally recognized physician, health and nutrition advocate, speaker and Women’s Voice author. She developed the Genityte® urinary incontinence procedure and the Triple Tone Treatment®. Dr. Reil founded Shiloh Medical Clinic in Billings, Montana.

Dr. Stephanie Rubino operates a general naturopathic practice with a focus on women’s health, pediatrics, and digestive health. She has a special interest in educating the public and other health professionals about a range of health topics and natural health product issues.

GAETANO MORELLO, ND

MICHAEL LYON, MD

Dr. Gaetano Morello is a published author and licensed naturopathic physician. Recently he has been appointed as a Clinician at the newly created Complex Chronic Disease Program located at BC Women’s Hospital in Vancouver. He is the first naturopathic doctor to hold such a position at a major North American hospital.

Dr. Michael Lyon is a UBC faculty member and is a published researcher in the fields of nutrition, appetite regulation, dietary fibre, and blood sugar regulation. He is Board Certified in Obesity Medicine through the American Board of Obesity Medicine and he completed a three-year family practice residency in 1988.

Editor: Nancy Cheeseman Editorial Assistant: Brinda Navjee Art Direction: Stephen Rank, Beata Stolarska Graphic Designers: Celia Bowes, Rut Shapira, Jasper Van Meurs, Jose Rosales, and Jessica Ranallo PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY Assured Natural Distribution, Inc. 104–3686 Bonneville Place Burnaby, BC V3N 4T6 Phone: 1-888-826-9625 Fax: 1-844-384-7503

ADVERTISING POLICY

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KAREN JENSEN, ND

Only products exclusively distributed to natural health food stores will be advertised in this magazine.

•

KARLENE KARST, BSc Nutrition

•

KATE RHÉAUME, ND

•

JULIE REIL, MD

•

GAETANO MORELLO, ND

•

MARITA SCHAUCH, ND

•

JENNIFER BRIX, ND

•

ARYA SHARMA, MD/PhD

•

STEPHANIE RUBINO, ND

•

MICHAEL LYON, MD

EDITORIAL NOTE The information in this magazine is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified and licensed practitioner or health care provider. Articles in Women’s Voice® are copyrighted and must not be reprinted, duplicated, or transmitted without permission. Women’s Voice® is a registered magazine in Canada and the United States. Canada: 1811559 / USA: 87249676 Real Solutions by Real Physicians for Real Women’s Needs®

LET’S BE FRIENDS!

JENNIFER BRIX, ND

WOMENSVOICEMAGAZINE.COM

Cover Photo: Aube Giroux

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peanut butter, When it comes to

always buy certified organic and non-GMO

Ah, peanut butter, always a lunch-time hit, especially with kids. And, why shouldn’t it be? Well, besides the allergens to which some people are dangerously sensitive, there are additives and pesticides in peanut butter – and those are just two big reasons we ought to be looking closely at the spreads we buy.

Peanuts are grown underground, often in the same fields where heavily sprayed cotton crops are rotated. This means the legumes can become GMO-contaminated via the cotton plants. Peanut skins are also soft before they’re roasted, allowing not only pesticides (including glyphosate) to seep in, but also molds and fungi (which can be sources of aflatoxins). After harvest, non-moldy peanuts are sold whole. Moldy nuts – which have been chemically treated to remove the molds and fungi – become peanut butter. Then there’s the fact that peanut butter is a heavily processed food. In addition to salt, commercially available peanut butter often contains sugar or molasses as well as partially or fully hydrogenated oils. 6

None of us need more sugar in our diet, to be sure, and trans fats are known contributors to heart disease.

So, what’s a peanut butter lover to do? If your first thought is to “grind my own at the grocery store,” be aware that tests have found some of the highest levels of aflatoxins in freshly ground peanut butter! But don’t give up your nutty treat – just consider when you buy – it’s always certified, non-GMO verified organic, and additive free. Or, consider almond and other butters from nuts that grow above ground. Almond CONSIDER ALMOND butter contains more AND OTHER BUTTERS nutrients, healthier FROM NUTS THAT fats, more iron, and it GROW ABOVE is a good source of GROUND calcium. To all of that, we say yum!

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Look for the seal of quality NON-GMO · MASS SPEC Documentation

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BY JULIE REIL, MD I am a firm believer in taking dietary supplements, and I have spent over 20 years looking for safe supplements, of the highest quality, for my patients. As a physician, we take an oath to FIRST, DO NO HARM, and this commitment is foremost in my thoughts when making any recommendations for my patients. Very recently, a breakthrough happened in the supplement industry. It is something that has raised the bar and gives physicians like me a reassurance that some supplements are of pharmaceutical grade quality and manufactured under the strictest of standards. ISURA, a not-forprofit organization, was created to test nutritional supplements using criteria required to verify prescription medication. ISURA substantiates commercial supplements by measuring every ingredient, affirming that the stated amount is present, and also, ISURA uses mass spectrometry to test supplements for more than 700 contaminants including pesticides, solvent residues, heavy metals, GMOs, and toxins. I choose supplements with the ISURA seal for my patients. ISURA is the highest standard for nutritional supplements to date. I hope you will vote with your wallet and choose ISURA-certified products.

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Stress on the Rise

in Children & Young Adults BY KAREN JENSEN, ND

With the increased levels of stress and anxiety, the majority of us would think that adults are the most affected. We would be wrong. Anxiety is one of the prevailing mental health concerns affecting more than 20% of children and adolescents, and the median age of onset is 11 years old. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teens are the most anxious generation in history, and over 50% of school-aged students feel some form of stress. A certain amount of stress and anxiety is perfectly reasonable as young children and teens learn to adapt and respond to different situations both in and out of the classrooms. Stressing

about a test or worrying about fitting in with friends is part of any childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s healthy development. Still, for many kids, worries and fears take over their emotional well-being and can even cause severe physical and mental symptoms.

Warning Signs:

Trouble falling asleep, nail biting, fear of being alone, being clingy, concentration problems, and a strong startle response.

SPRING 2020 | WOMENSVOICEMAGAZINE.COM

Why are we seeing increased stress levels and anxiety in our children and teens? Some experts suggest childhood stress has significant implications for how children develop and increases their vulnerability for anxiety and depression. Other factors can include poor diet, lack of exercise, the role of the family, electromagnetic frequencies, social media, and cyberbullying. For example, different studies have found that media portrayals of body image and the “ideal” life create very unrealistic expectations for teenagers, disrupting their “normal identity development,” thus leading to depression, anxiety, and increased insecurities. In addition, other factors seldom addressed in Western medicine include:

Support for Teen Mental Health Diet, exercise, and natural supplements can play a significant role in mental health for people of all ages.

OMEGA-3S The American Psychiatric Association has concluded that there is strong evidence to support the use of omega-3s in depression and bipolar disorder, and preliminary research supports its effectiveness in anxiety issues. Recent evidence shows that omega-3s help protect the brain’s neurotransmission (communication) system from damage induced by stress.

PROBIOTICS (particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) exert a profound anxiolytic influence through the production of neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids, and by dampening the stress reaction.

GABA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID (GABA) is the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and acts as a brake in times of increased stress. Researchers have found that GABA supplementation helped children and teens with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) to focus mentally

WOMENSVOICEMAGAZINE.COM

CHRONIC STRESS at any age, which can cause adrenal fatigue, thus resulting in many symptoms similar to the classic anxiety or depression diagnosis criteria. Symptoms such as low energy, sleep problems, mood swings, depression, anxiety, and weight loss or weight gain are common in people with adrenal fatigue. SUGAR consumption is usually very high in children and teens, and it has been linked to depression, anxiety, suicide, irritability, anger outbursts, anxiety, fatigue, and lethargy. Many people are not aware, but sugar is a “mood-altering drug.”

and to deal with routine stress more effectively. Natural GABA is preferred over synthetic. Natural GABA is produced via a fermentation process that utilizes Lactobacillus hilgardii, the same bacteria that is used to ferment cabbage in kimchi.

L-THEANINE stimulates the production of alpha brain waves for relaxation and reduces beta waves associated with nervousness, scattered thoughts, and hyperactivity and difficulty sleeping. The supplements mentioned above are safe for teens; however, there have been no studies explicitly done on anxiety in young children.

VITAMIN D deficiency can also contribute, and vitamin D deficiency has been repeatedly observed in conditions involving inflammation, such as anxiety and depression. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS are other possible causes of anxiety and mood disorders in both teens and adults. Adolescence is also a time of considerable changes in hormones and brain chemistry making this group more vulnerable. It is essential for kids to understand the risks and causes, and how to make changes to prevent a disorder from occurring.

LAVENDER OIL is effective in the treatment of mood issues, as well as disturbed sleep and general well-being. In one study, 80 mg of lavender oil taken orally was compared to 0.5 mg of lorazepam in patients with a generalized anxiety. After six weeks, the lavender group had a response rate of 52.5% compared to 40.5% of those on the drug. Drops of lavender oil can be applied under the nose or on temples to help in stressful situations for relaxation and is safe in children of all ages.

Other treatment options for children and teens with depression include:

anxiety and mild depression in teens.

COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY – Counselling with a

EXERCISE – A recent study indicated that exercise might help reduce mild-to-moderate depression symptoms among adolescents and can potentially be used as an alternative treatment to medication and therapy.

mental health professional to improve coping skills, communication, and problem-solving can be beneficial.

MINDFULNESS – Practising mindfulness has numerous positive effects on well-being and can be used as a powerful intervention for teens. Research has shown that meditation is just as effective as medication for

Finding solutions to help children cope, and encouraging children and young adults to share their feelings go a long way in assisting them with options.

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DEMOCRACY: AN ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT FOR

Healthy Food BY AUBE GIROUX

WE RECENTLY WATCHED A FILM THAT INCREASED OUR DESIRE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS THAT THE TIME HAS COME TO START MAKING PURCHASING DECISIONS WITH A STRONG CONCERN FOR OUR PLANET. We are honoured to have the award-winning filmmaker, Aube Giroux, grace the cover of WV and share the story of making the film Modified – A Food Lover’s Journey Into GMOs.

y earliest memories are in my mom’s garden. It has always been my “happy place.” It’s where my mom first showed me the pleasures of plucking a tender pea pod off the vine, and savouring a freshly picked strawberry, its juices still warm from the sun. It’s where she taught me about resilience, self-sufficiency, and how food tastes so much better when we know the story behind how it was grown.

After she passed away from cancer in my early thirties, my mom’s garden became my place of comfort, a refuge where I could let the wind wash away my grief and feel her presence all around me, in every plant, and every bird song. So, it’s fitting that my documentary film, Modified, begins in her garden.

Seeds Under Threat For as long as I can remember, my mom practised the age-old tradition of seed saving. Like farmers have done for thousands of years, she saved and replanted her own seeds each year. In the mid-1990s, an entirely new kind of seed came on the market: corn varieties genetically modified to produce insecticide from within the plant, and soybeans engineered to survive the spraying of herbicides. Farmers in our neighbourhood started to grow these new crops (known as GMOs), but my mom had concerns. Would these crops actually lead to reduced pesticide use and higher yields as the companies selling them claimed? Could they inadvertently cross-pollinate with the plants in her garden, thereby imparting their lab-created genetics? Perhaps what bothered her most was that some of the world’s largest chemical companies had created these new crops and then placed patents on them. This meant that farmers growing them had to pay higher prices for the patented seeds and sign technology licence agreements promising never to save or replant them, thus forcing farmers to purchase from the companies year after year. My mom believed that seeds belong in the hands of people, and should not be owned and controlled

Our right to know MY MOM BELIEVED THAT SEEDS BELONGED IN THE HANDS OF PEOPLE, AND SHOULD NOT BE OWNED AND CONTROLLED BY THE WORLD’S LARGEST MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS.

by the world’s largest multinational corporations. She also believed that we all have a right to know how our food is produced. Yet, unlike many countries around the world, Canada and the United States decided not to label GMOs on food products.

Around the world, 64 countries label GMOs, and over 20 years of polling has shown that approximately 90% of Canadians and Americans want them labelled so they can make an informed choice at the grocery store. Genetic engineering is, after all, a relatively new technology that has radically transformed the way some of our foods are produced. It allows scientists to alter the cellular makeup of living organisms by moving genes around, turning them on or off, and often transferring genes across different species, something that doesn’t happen in nature or through conventional breeding.

SPRING 2020 | WOMENSVOICEMAGAZINE.COM

COUNTRIES LABEL GMOs

90%

OF CANADIANS AND AMERICANS WANT GMOs LABELLED TOO

When I started the film, I had just returned home after two years of living in Europe. I had witnessed how Europeans took a more cautious approach to approving new GMOs and mandated that they be labelled on food products. My time in Europe had solidified my passion for cooking, as well as my curiosity to better understand how our meals get to our dinner plates. Upon returning to North America, I had many unanswered questions about the foods in our grocery store aisles. For instance, why were Kellogg’s cornflakes manufactured with GMO corn here, but produced with non-GMO corn for the European market? Why was the Canadian government repeatedly voting against the labelling of GMOs despite overwhelming support from the vast majority of Canadians? And why were American states unable to pass GMO labelling laws despite massive citizen-led campaigns and polls showing the majority of people wanted the right to choose? These were the questions that led me on my filmmaking journey with Modified.

SO THAT THEY CAN MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE AT THE GROCERY STORE.

Our democracy at the mercy of industry interests During the 10 years it took me to make this film, I learned that the agribusiness and the food industry have spent more than 400 million dollars to fight against GMO labelling legislation in the United States. I learned about the very cozy relationship between the agribusiness industry and our governments, including a revolving door that sees Big Ag executives move into government positions, and vice versa. I also learned that our governments and regulatory agencies are often controlled by the industries they are meant to be regulating. I had started off making a film about food, but it ended up becoming a film about democracy. Proper regulations should protect the well-being of citizens. The World Health Organization (WHO) addresses the safety of GMOs as follows: “Different GM organisms include different genes inserted in different ways.

WOMENSVOICEMAGAZINE.COM

This means that individual GM foods and their safety must be assessed on a case-by-case basis and that it is not possible to make general statements on the safety of all GM foods.” Therefore, generalized claims such as “all GMOs are safe” or “all GMOs are dangerous” are inaccurate. Instead, the risks of each individual GMO need to be carefully assessed case by case, and this can only be done through a robust and functional regulatory system that operates at arms-length from the industry.

A lesson learned from Canada In 1999, just four years after the first GMOs entered the food supply, the Canadian government asked the country’s most eminent body of academics and scientists – the Royal Society of Canada – to engage in a thorough assessment of the Canadian GMO regulatory system. The result was a 245-page report, released in 2001, which uncovered a profound lack of transparency and scientific rigour within the regulatory system. The Toronto Star described the report as “a polite but scathing indictment” of the industry and

the government. The report showed that our regulatory system is designed to benefit the agribusiness industry rather than protect the public interest. When a new GMO product comes on the market, Health Canada evaluates the studies provided by the company that produced it. It does not conduct any independent testing. Further, its assessment of the industry science is done behind closed doors. Neither the industry studies, nor the Canadian government’s assessments are peer-reviewed. The Royal Society’s expert panel recommended an overhaul of the regulatory system by way of 53 recommendations – intended to make GMO regulations more transparent, scientific, and democratic. But almost 20 years after the report was published, the Canadian government has only implemented two of its 53 recommendations.

A fake GMO labelling law in the United States In the United States, individual states that have tried to pass GMO labelling laws have been met with an onslaught of anti-labelling ad campaigns and lobbying from the agribusiness industry to defeat them. Despite this, on July 1, 2016, Vermont became the first state to succeed in implementing a GMO labelling law. Food companies began to label GMOs on food products at the national level, to avoid having to create unique packaging just for Vermont. However, Vermont’s law

was short-lived. Only one week after its implementation, Congress passed federal legislation banning any state from having a GMO labelling law, overturning Vermont’s hard-fought law. The new federal law claimed it would mandate the disclosure of GMOs at the national level. But the law (developed with heavy lobbying from industry) is so full of loopholes that many food organizations called it the D.A.R.K. Act (Deny Americans Right to Know). This past January 2020 marked the voluntary implementation of the law, officially titled

“The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Law,” though companies have until January 2022 to comply. Many have dubbed it a “fake GMO labelling law” since most GMOs won’t be labelled under it, due to its numerous loopholes. The agribusiness industry had, after all, spent 192.8 million dollars between 2013 and 2015 to influence its outcome and keep Americans in the dark, while continuing to profit from GMOs.

Informed food choices are part of a healthy democracy THE AGRIBUSINESS AND THE FOOD INDUSTRY HAD SPENT MORE THAN 400 MILLION DOLLARS TO FIGHT AGAINST GMO LABELLING LEGISLATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

Eating is an intimate, personal act, and we make food choices based on many factors, namely our religious or cultural backgrounds, our ethical and environmental concerns, or simply our personal tastes. A technology that fundamentally changes the makeup of what we eat is worthy of discussion and should be a personal choice. When governments refuse to provide fundamental transparency about how our food is produced, we have to wonder whose interests are being served? Our governments’ failure to listen to their citizens on this issue points to the broader problem of regulatory capture, whereby our regulatory institutions and governments, which should act in the public interest, instead, advance the commercial interests of the industries whose products they are in charge of regulating. Sadly, this phenomenon is not limited to the agribusiness industry. It is endemic across the corporate sector including the pharmaceutical, tobacco, oil and gas, aviation, and chemical industries.

Corporate interests should not come first Three billion kilograms of pesticides are sprayed each year across the globe and the use of glyphosate-based herbicides has risen over 15-fold since GMOs entered the market. Our farmland is now 48 times more toxic than it was 25 years ago. We have pesticide residues in our drinking water, air, food, and in our bodies. Scientists estimate that close to 200 species of plants, insects, birds, and mammals become extinct every day and have linked much of this species loss to pesticide use. This rate of extinction is nearly 1,000 times the natural rate, and has not been seen since the vanishing of the dinosaurs millions of years ago. We are in a climate emergency and the beginning of mass extinction. If we want to adequately address these urgent problems, we need to force our governments to place public interest ahead of corporate profits. Yet currently, for every member of Congress in the United States, there are two Big Pharma lobbyists. Every year, the world’s five largest oil and gas companies spend around $200 million on lobbying to delay or block binding climate policy. The recent death of 346 people in two Boeing Max 737 plane crashes could have been avoided if Boeing had not been allowed to regulate its own airplanes. The tobacco industry spent millions of dollars fighting public health

SPRING 2020 | WOMENSVOICEMAGAZINE.COM

policies when medical science knew of the dangers of smoking. Volkswagen purposely designed its cars to cheat emissions regulations testing, and didn’t stop until they got caught. Monsanto (owned by Bayer) continues to legally challenge victims who got sick from using the herbicide Roundup. Dupont knew about the dangers of PFOAs and did nothing. History has shown us that companies will cheat, lie, and jeopardize public safety to increase their profits unless governments are watching closely and regulating carefully.

“WITH EVERY MEAL WE EAT, WE’RE MAKING A CHOICE ABOUT THE KIND OF WORLD WE WANT TO LIVE IN AND THE KIND OF AGRICULTURE WE WISH TO SUPPORT.”

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE FILM Modified has been shown at over 70 international film festivals and has received 15 awards including the 2019 James Beard Foundation Award for Best Documentary. It is available on DVD and for online rental at: modifiedthefilm.com

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THREE BILLION KILOGRAMS OF PESTICIDES ARE SPRAYED EACH YEAR ACROSS THE GLOBE. OUR FARMLAND IS NOW 48 TIMES MORE TOXIC THAN IT WAS 25 YEARS AGO.

To secure a healthy future for our planet and the generations to come, we must elect government officials who can resist bowing to the world’s most powerful corporate interests and ensure our regulatory agencies are transparent and fully independent from industry. My sincere hope is that my film Modified will motivate people to take action to transform our food system. A different world is possible. We see it in the colours and textures at our local farmers’ markets, in the abundance of pollinators and birdlife on organic farms, and in the incomparable flavour of food grown without toxic chemicals and the seeds genetically engineered to withstand them. My mom said it best and my film ends on her words, “With every meal we eat, we’re making a choice about the kind of world we want to live in and the kind of agriculture we wish to support.”

Aube Giroux is the writer, director, and producer of Modified. She is also an avid gardener and the creator of the acclaimed PBS food blog and cooking show, Kitchen Vignettes, which features whimsical and thoughtprovoking video recipes from farmers’ fields and kitchens. Watch Kitchen Vignettes at: pbs.org/kitchenvignettes and follow Aube’s food adventures on Instagram at @kitchenvignettes

HOW CAN I TAKE

ACTION?

Know your farmer! Shop at your local farmers market. Choose organic! Support your local organic farmers. The more we support organic agriculture, the more it will become a viable livelihood for farmers and the healthier our agriculture system (and our bodies) will become. Most GMOs and heavily sprayed monoculture crops such as corn and soybeans are used in livestock feed. Choose 100% grass-fed or organically fed animal products when it comes to meat, dairy, and eggs. Or opt for organically produced plant-based alternatives. Food is political! Get politically involved and support candidates committed to getting big money out of politics and stopping industry from regulating itself. GMOs are not the only crops sprayed with Roundup herbicide. Grains (such as wheat and oats) and legumes (such as beans, chickpeas, and lentils) are often sprayed with Roundup in the days right before harvest. Choose organic! Let companies know you care. Call the 1-800 number on food packages or write to companies to let them know you want GMOs clearly labelled, and foods that are free of pesticides, antibiotics, and other harmful residues. Host a film screening or bring in a speaker. Find ways to talk about these issues in your community. Grow your own food! Plant a garden and compost your food waste. Even if it’s just a few tomato plants and herbs on your patio, you can enjoy fresh food and know how it was grown.

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Revealing the Power of Medium

Chain

Triglycerides (MCTs) BY STEPHANIE RUBINO, ND

FATS – are an essential and very misunderstood macronutrient. Every day our bodies are supported by our intake of three vital macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and of course, fats! Each of these “macros” plays an essential role in the body by supporting energy, hormones, growth, repair, and so much more. However, conflicting information about fats has led to a lot of confusion about which ones we should consume and which ones to avoid. Let’s explore this vital nutrient that is significant to peak health.

FATS 101 Everyone needs fats. Fats help maintain healthy hair and skin; support the nervous, cardiovascular, and immune systems; regulate hormones; and absorb nutrients. Fats are also the most concentrated energy source for the body. However, not all fats provide similar benefits. THE THREE MAIN TYPES OF FATS INCLUDE MONOUNSATURATED, POLYUNSATURATED (OMEGA-3 AND OMEGA-6), AND SATURATED FATS.

Monounsaturated fats are in food sources such as avocados, olive oil, and nuts. Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids are in fish (salmon, sardines, anchovies) and plant sources, such as flax and chia, while polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids are found in soybeans, corn, sunflower, and safflower oils. It is very important to maintain an appropriate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support health. Of all the fats, saturated fats have led to the most confusion since it was believed that their consumption could lead to adverse health effects such as increased heart disease risk. We now know this link is no longer supported, and not all saturated fats are harmful. In particular, medium chain triglycerides or MCTs, a type of saturated fat, have received much attention and support for their impact on energy, weight management, brain health, and more.

SPRING 2020 | WOMENSVOICEMAGAZINE.COM

THE POWER OF MCTS

THE NEXT STEPS

MCTs differ in structure compared to long-chain and short-chain saturated fats. MCTs have a chain length of 6–12 carbons, whereas long-chain fatty acids have 13–21 carbons, short-chain fatty acids have less than six carbons. As a result of their structure and shorter chain length, MCTs are absorbed directly into the blood and transported to the liver, where they convert into usable energy. It’s an instant energy source for the body, and best of all, they don’t store as fat in IT’S AN INSTANT our cells! Rich sources of MCTs include coconut oil, palm oil, dairy, ENERGY SOURCE and concentrated MCT oil. Each varies in the types of MCTs they FOR THE BODY, provide. For example, coconut oil contains lauric, capric, caprylic, AND BEST OF and caproic acids, while MCT oil provides capric and caprylic acids. MCTs offer support for weight loss and brain health. ALL, THEY DON’T

Are you interested in increasing your intake of good fats? Are you interested in increasing your intake of good fats? Increasing your consumption of fats doesn’t mean you have to change your eating style to a ketogenic diet. You can improve your fat intake by avoiding transfatty acids, hydrogenated fats, and chemically processed omega-6 cooking oils. Ensure a healthy intake of good fats from sources such as nuts and seeds, coconut oil, avocados, olive oil, chia seeds, and/or wild fish. To gain the benefits of MCTs, look at including a high-quality organic MCT oil that is 100% sourced from coconut oil, does not contain palm oil, provides caprylic and capric acids, and does not contain additives or fillers. When you begin using an MCT oil, start with a low dosage to avoid digestive upset and ensure it is stored away from heat, light, and air.

STORE AS FAT IN OUR CELLS!

MCTs ARE ABSORBED DIRECTLY INTO THE BLOOD AND TRANSPORTED TO THE LIVER, WHERE THEY CONVERT INTO USABLE ENERGY.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT Various studies have shown that increased consumption of MCTs may lead to modest reductions in weight management and composition. Among its many effects is the ability of MCTs to increase a feeling of fullness (satiety), enhance the body’s ability to burn fat, and reduce food intake. (5,6) In one study of overweight men and women aged 19–50, participants consumed either 18–24 g per day of MCT oil or olive oil as part of a weight loss program for 16 weeks. Researchers found that trunk fat mass, total fat mass, and intra-abdominal fatty tissue were all lower with MCT consumption than with olive oil, thereby supporting the use of MCTs as part of a weight loss plan. Consumption of MCTs as part of this type of protocol has also shown to not have a negative impact on cardiovascular risk factors such as cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.

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BRAIN SUPPORT MCTs have also been noted for their benefits for brain health and improved memory. The brain commonly uses sugar or glucose as an energy source; however, in specific individuals, such as those with Alzheimer’s disease, glucose uptake by the brain is impaired. Alternatively, the brain can use ketones as an energy source. When MCTs are rapidly absorbed and metabolized, ketones are produced that cross the bloodbrain barrier! Ketones provided by MCTs may compensate for deficits in blood glucose in Alzheimer’s disease and increase total brain metabolism. Clinical trials have shown that nutritional ketosis, either by a high-fat ketogenic diet or by providing 20–70 g of MCTs (mainly C8 and C10 MCTs, commonly found in high-quality MCT oils) has modest beneficial effects on cognitive outcomes in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease and in mild cognitive impairment.

YOU CAN ADD MCT OILS TO YOUR SMOOTHIES, MAKE BULLETPROOF COFFEE, OR ADD TO YOUR SALAD DRESSING. ENJOY!

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BY MARITA SCHAUCH, ND

en seem to be challenged when it comes to talking about their health issues and seeking support when they need it. While the times are changing, there’s still a lot of stigma for men around admitting their physical and mental ailments, much less seeking treatment for them. I hope to shed light on a few key issues men face to assist them in taking necessary and proactive steps for their health. Modern men face unique challenges such as prostate health and increased stress, which create adrenal fatigue, and testosterone regulation, to name a few. My husband has a very stressful job, and I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact focusing on his health can have on the quality of his life, work performance, and on our relationship. Moving into spring, a time of natural detoxification, I find this is an excellent opportunity to take stock of our health, whether you’re a man or a woman.

SPRING 2020 | WOMENSVOICEMAGAZINE.COM

Below are my top recommendations for supplements that men can take to improve their health based on what’s worked for my husband as well as the vast number of men I see in my naturopathic practice. The seven herbs, minerals, and vitamins below each target a unique challenge in men’s health. These supplements will help promote

ENERGY, VITALITY, AND WELL-BEING.

Curcumin Saw Palmetto Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a supplement I recommend to all of my patients, regardless of their gender. For those of us who live near the 49 parallel, sun exposure is incredibly low in the winter months. Vitamin D may be useful for preventing and treating mental health, fatigue, diabetes, cancer, and low immunity. th

Coenzyme Q10

Saw palmetto is the fat-soluble extract of the fruit of the saw palmetto tree and shown to significantly diminish the signs and symptoms of BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, aka enlarged prostate. Saw Palmetto blocks the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosdihydrotestos terone (DHT), the stronger and more potent form of testosterone that causes conditions like male pattern baldness and BPH.

Lycopene

Unfortunately, the widely prescribed drugs for high cholesterol and blood pressure issues – which affect more men than women – deplete the amount of Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10 in the body. CoQ10, is used by nearly all cells in the body to transform food into the energy on which the body runs. Energydependent tissues, such as the heart and brain, have exceptionally high requirements for CoQ10. Supplementing with CoQ10 may also be helpful for high blood pressure, and can reduce the frequency of migraines amongst sufferers as well as prevent various chronic health conditions.

As a powerful antioxidant from the family of red, orange, and yellow fat-soluble pigments called carotenoids, lycopene is best known for giving carrots their orange colour. Lycopene is excellent for men with a family history of prostate cancer, and this powerful nutrient can help minimize the risk of all cancer, but in particular, cancer of the prostate. To get lycopene from food, tomatoes are the best source, but it is also present in watermelon, pink grapefruit, and guava.

Rhodiola

Rhodiola belongs to a class of herbs called adaptogens, which help the body cope with stress and come back into homeostasis. Rhodiola is one of the most effective adaptogens, helping to increase attention span, boost energy, and improve memory. 24

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Curcumin is one of the most potent, natural anti-inflammatory substances available. It may be beneficial for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease as well as other brain disorders such as depression, and symptoms related to traumatic brain injuries. Curcumin has demonstrated the ability to enter the brain, bind and destroy the beta-amyloid plaques present in Alzheimer’s disease with reduced toxicity.

Pomegranate

This amazing fruit is a potent source of punicalagin, a potent antioxidant. Research suggests that punicalagin may inhibit colon and prostate cancer cell growth by destroying the cancer cells through a process known as apoptosis. Punicalagin may also slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by inhibiting an enzyme called beta-secretase. Each of these ingredients targets a specific issue (or set of issues) about men’s health; however, men don’t have to take all seven to make steps towards improving their health. Any changes must be made in a sustainable way so that compliance becomes a daily habit. A CONSIDERABLE PART OF HEALTH IS THE ABILITY TO TAKE YOUR WELL-BEING INTO YOUR OWN HANDS. If you’re a man struggling with health concerns, try having an honest look at your current state, your risk factors, and family history. From there, choose one or two supplements that could have a positive impact on your well-being. Small steps can make a big difference, so focus on preventive measures and be consistent.

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p e e l S p e e D & BRAIN FLUSHING Research shows that our brains consider fourth-stage sleep a great time to do a little housecleaning. As a result, neuroscientists are coming to believe that sleeping well and spending adequate time in all four stages of sleep, but especially the deepest fourth stage may be vital to maintaining good brain health and function.

Now, if you’re picturing one of those round, robotic vacuum cleaners working endlessly to clean up your brain while you’re in your nightly 30 minutes of dreamless sleep – well, that’s not quite how it works. It turns out the cleaning is more like running a washing machine through its rinse cycle. Researchers from Boston University used imaging to watch 11 people sleep, and they found that when the brain emits the slow waves associated with deep sleep, what follows is a pulse of cerebrospinal fluid

that seems to flush out the toxins that may contribute to brain disease. Helpfully, the brain also reduces blood flow during deep sleep to facilitate the cleaning. What’s remarkable about this? For many years, it’s been clear that people with Alzheimer’s and similar degenerative brain diseases have trouble sleeping. Now it seems clear that it could work the other way around, too. Having difficulty sleeping could contribute to causing brain disease, or at least assisting its advance.

Earthing

Here are a few tips to help you get a good night’s sleep. Get on a schedule – go to bed and get up at the same time each day. Avoid naps during the day – this will keep you on a schedule. Be careful about what you eat or drink late in the day. Don’t use your smart phone in bed. Leave your phone in another room while you sleep.

IT DOES A BODY GOOD!

If you’re the kind of person who can’t keep your shoes on, even outside, you now have an excuse – no, actually an excellent reason – to remain the barefoot child, you’ve always been! It turns out being barefoot is good for you, no matter how often mom and others warned of cuts, thorns, flat feet, and even disease. Scientists, calling it “earthing,” are finding that going barefoot outside connects you to the physical world in a very unique and powerful way. How? Well, to explain it, we have to go back to 1952, when German physicist, W.O. Schumann, theorized that our earth emits a sound frequency, which he and another scientist later determined to be 7.83 Hz. That measurement is now known as the Schumann resonances (SR). What else, besides earth, vibrates at 7–10 Hz? The deepest frequencies a human can hear are in that range, and the lowest notes on a piano are at the high end of it. But don’t expect to listen to the world humming under your feet – it’s more a measure of how electronic energy transfers from the earth and, possibly, into your body. Scientists say connecting to the earth can reduce pain, improve sleep,

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thin the blood, reduce inflammation, minimize the physical impact of stress, improve healing, and assist the body’s minute-by-minute efforts to take in oxygen, keep blood flowing, and maintain a healthy pulse. While larger, longerterm studies need to be conducted, there are indications that “earthing” can have positive effects on the endocrine system for people with diabetes and those with thyroid disorders. But why wait for more data when you can enjoy some of the other benefits of a barefoot walk in your yard right now? Orthopedists say that walking barefoot improves balance and proprioception (awareness of your body’s position and movement), while encouraging proper structural alignment of the body, and the strengthening of legs and hips. Of course, if you’re unaccustomed to walking barefoot, start indoors or in a yoga class before taking your treks to the wild!

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< GUT-BRAIN AXIS >

DEPRESSION IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS) ANXIETY BLOATING What do these health issues have in common? Digestive and emotional health seem like strangers living in the same building, but these not-so-distant cousins can be intricately connected, and one may directly impact the other.

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MENTAL HEALTH BY JENNIFER BRIX, ND

“Gut feelings,” butterflies in your stomach, and gut-wrenching reactions are all examples of our gut-brain connection at work. It is also responsible for your mouth salivating when you merely think of eating something sour, such as a lemon or a pickle, when neither is close! Also known as the gut-brain axis, it is the communication that occurs between the enteric nervous system in your gut and the central nervous system in your brain. A significant player in the gut-brain axis is the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is the collection of microorganisms, namely bacteria, which live inside the human gastrointestinal tract. Many recent studies reveal that this bacterial community is connected to a person’s mental health, and there is a link between gut health and the development of mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.

SPRING 2020 | WOMENSVOICEMAGAZINE.COM

Digestive symptoms such as those found in IBS, which may include BLOATING, INDIGESTION, DIARRHEA, AND CONSTIPATION, can also be linked to a suboptimal microbiome. New observational data has shown that a higher-than-average number of people with IBS also develop depression and anxiety. Another study showed that fecal microbiota transplanted from depressed patients into rodents could induce certain features characteristic of depression in the recipient animals, such as anhedonia (the inability to feel pleasure) and anxietylike behaviours!

I SHARE WITH MY PATIENTS THE IMPORTANCE OF A DAILY DIET FILLED WITH SOLUBLE FIBRE AND PROBIOTICS

In addition to prebiotics and soluble fibre, certain PROBIOTIC STRAINS support both our gut and brain. A combination of Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175 is proven to balance the stress response by both subjectively (how participants felt) and objectively (measured cortisol) reducing stress levels. In animal studies, oral probiotics increase BDNF, impart significant anxiety-reducing effects, and reduce inflammation in the brain.

Nutritional meals high in SOLUBLE FIBRE, and supplementation with PROBIOTICS and PREBIOTICS help stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria and can support both digestive and mental/emotional health. SOLUBLE FIBRE is found in grains such as oats and barley; fruits, vegetables, and legumes including apples, pears, avocados, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and beans. This type of fibre dissolves in water and is fermented by the large intestineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bacteria. Further to this, is PREBIOTIC FIBRE, which is a soluble fibre with an extra ability of favourably changing the bacterial community in the gut. It can be found in foods such as Jerusalem artichoke, chicory root, garlic, onions, and bananas. When this category of fibre is fermented by our bacteria, shortchain fatty acids (SCFAs) are generated. SCFAs, in turn, provide energy for the cells that line the intestinal tract wall, but also influence serotonin production, a neurotransmitter responsible for affecting mood and may be reduced in depressed states. Strong evidence also suggests that prebiotics can help modulate emotional processes and certain stress responses that underlie anxiety by affecting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cortisol. 30

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Lastly, breaking the vicious cycle of GUT-BRAIN DYSFUNCTION needs to be addressed. For example, when a stressful event occurs and our bodies enter fight-or-flight sympathetic mode, our gut is directly impacted. Deep breathing, light exercise, and mindful meditation have been shown to help reduce the fight-or-flight reaction. Increasing GABA neurotransmitter levels in the brain support alpha brain waves, which contribute to a calm, collected, and present state of being. Supplements that increase this include GABA and L-theanine from green tea.

PREBIOTICS

ENERGY + SEROTONIN, responsible for affecting mood and may be reduced in depressed states.

Optimizing gastrointestinal physiology and function are paramount to supporting a healthy body and mind. From anxiety and depression to inflammation and immune health, the systemic effects of a strong gastrointestinal tract are immense. I share with my patients the importance of a daily diet filled with soluble fibre, and probiotics for the prevention and maintenance of this vital foundation to our health.

Why does fibre make your gut hurt?

High FODMAPs Fibres such as inulin, bran, and wheat are high in FODMAPs and they irritate IBS and the digestive system. So what needs to change? Switching to a low-FODMAP diet, in other words a better digestible fibre, is a good idea.

A low-FODMAP diet can help an estimated 50â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 80% of IBS patients achieve improvement in their condition.

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START EXERCISING BY MARITA SCHAUCH, ND

ARE YOU TIRED, MOODY, AND FATIGUED? DO YOU LONG TO IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH? AS A NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR, I CAN SHARE THE SINGLE-BEST WAY TO IMPROVE ALL OF THESE HEALTH CONCERNS, WHICH IS BY STARTING AN EXERCISE ROUTINE. I know, I know, it feels like another addition to your already busy schedule, and a bit overwhelming. But here’s the thing: whether you exercise at age 20 or 70, it’s never too late to reap its health benefits, and contrary to what popular fitness Instagram accounts tell you, you don’t have to use an all-or-nothing approach to exercise, either. The simpler you keep your workouts, especially in the beginning, the more likely you’ll be able to stick with it. There’s a science-backed reason why this is the case: when you push your body to its limits, your body’s stress hormone, cortisol, is released. Cortisol activates your sympathetic nervous system, your fight-or-flight mode, and actually can slow your metabolism, signalling your body to store fat, and trigger anxiety. When you incorporate simple exercise into your life, such as walking, jogging, yoga, tennis, or a 30-minute gym session, you can keep your stress hormone at bay and start to make vast improvements you can see and feel in your health. I’ve seen this in my clinical practice. Day after day, a simple exercise routine, such as walking 30 minutes three times a week can benefit everyone, no matter what your age is.

HERE ARE SOME WAYS INCORPORATING SIMPLE MOVEMENT CAN POSITIVELY IMPACT YOUR HEALTH: MENTAL HEALTH Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin, the brain’s “feel-good,” moodboosting chemicals that help reduce stress, anxiety, and even depression. These chemicals also have a positive impact on attitude, support relaxation, and promote restful sleep.

WEIGHT LOSS Physical activity boosts your metabolism (as long as you’re not continually pushing yourself to the limit and producing excess cortisol) as well as burn calories, which is essential when losing weight. Plus, the positive feelings created after exercise improve self-esteem and overall wellness.

in your body produced by your adrenal glands. When your adrenals are consistently producing cortisol, they eventually become depleted, often leading to fatigue and exhaustion. Exercise plays an important role in assisting to bring the body back into balance, improving adrenal health and providing an increase in energy.

SLOWS AGING Research shows that regular exercise supports normal cholesterol, increases muscle mass, boosts immunity, and improves cognitive function as you age. Daily movement can actually slow aging at the cellular level, help prevent chronic illness, decrease blood pressure, and reduce insulin sensitivity.

MAINTAINS STRONG MUSCLES AND BONES Losing muscle mass is a natural part of aging, but with regular exercise, you can keep your muscles and bones healthy and strong. When you are physically active, the body produces hormones that allow your muscle mass to absorb amino acids better, which reduce the breakdown of muscle tissue, keeping you healthy and active as you age.

INCREASED ENERGY Perhaps you turn to a fresh cup of coffee in the morning to get energy for the day, but did you know that exercise can increase your energy – without the caffeine crash? When you exercise, your heart rate rises, feel-good serotonin, and endorphins are released, which improves cardiovascular health, and overall endurance. Plus, exercise aids in reducing stress, and when you’re stressed, there is excess cortisol

BEAUTIFUL SKIN Oxidative stress, which occurs due to free radical damage that the body’s antioxidant defences cannot repair, can affect your skin health and cause damage. By exercising regularly, your body can produce more antioxidants, which help protect cells against free radical damage. Plus, physical movement can stimulate blood flow, adapt skin cells that can slow the appearance of aging, increase circulation and nutrients to the surface of the skin, and release accumulated toxins.

TIPS TO GET STARTED Approach your new routine by taking it one day at a time. It’s normal to experience resistance when beginning any new routine, and it’s important to acknowledge that this is simply a part of the process. Get a workout buddy, schedule exercise into your weekly calendar, and focus on small, realistic goals that are achievable, to hold yourself accountable. Focus on progress over perfection, knowing that you are improving your health each day with the power of a simple exercise routine.

SPRING 2020 | WOMENSVOICEMAGAZINE.COM

Birds It’s 2020 and we’ve gotten cigarettes out of our homes, workplaces, cars, and public buildings – even restaurants and night clubs. The decadeslong transition has been far from easy, but all it took to ban the butts from our indoor environments was to prevent smokers from smoking within them. Outdoors, however, the butts persist. And it’s likely that they’re doing real harm to wildlife, especially birds. It’s estimated that about a trillion cigarette filters end up as litter worldwide. Finding a butt on a sidewalk, a hiking trail, or a beach is unsightly for us as humans, but with its nicotine and cellulose, a butt can pose a significant threat to a bird that mistakes it for food. By pecking at, or eating a discarded cigarette filter, birds run the risk of nausea, vomiting, seizures, and even death.

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Some birds are adapting to the butts. Scientists have reported that House Sparrows and House Finches, both city birds, have started weaving discarded cigarette butts into their nests. It’s believed to be a technique for warding off parasites. But even such smart birds can be vulnerable to the dangers of these pollutants over time. By carrying butts in their beaks during nest-building season, birds are exposed to toxins that cause genetic damage which, in turn, leads to cancer. The way to stop “butt pollution,” of course, is to make smoking extinct as a human habit, or ban the butts outright. But until then, many researchers are encouraging cigarette manufacturers to redouble their efforts to develop biodegradable filters and portable, spill-proof ashtrays!

“Scientists have reported that House Sparrows and House Finches, both city birds, have begun weaving discarded cigarette butts into their nests.”

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NEW BIOENGINEERED LABEL SOWS CONFUSION TO HIDE

GMOs W

hat’s in a governmentmandated food label? When seen on a product in the grocery aisle, does it give the consumer valuable information or does it create confusion? As is often the case when the government mandates new or different food-labelling practices, it isn’t easy to predict the answers to such questions. That’s why food producers and grocery shoppers alike are scratching their heads over the new “bioengineered” labels soon to hit store shelves in 2020.

THE AIM OF DESIGNING THE NEW BIOENGINEERED LABEL WAS TO CREATE ONE NATIONAL STANDARD FOR GMO LABELLING INSTEAD OF A DIZZYING ARRAY OF LABELS.

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e think the reason people are scratching their heads is because the law is flawed. The aim of designing the new bioengineered label was to create one national standard for GMO labelling instead of a dizzying array of labels. Many feel this is the excuse that was given by industry and government because the reality is that only one state had implemented a GMO labelling law. It was simple and modelled on other states’ proposed regulations.

he proposed rule agreed that products containing GMOs simply stated “produced from genetic engineering” in plain text right on the package. Although a handful of states had passed such GMO labelling laws, Vermont was the only state that succeeded in implementing its law which went into effect on July 1, 2016. As a result of Vermont’s law, food companies began to label GMOs on food products at the national level, to avoid having to create unique packaging just for Vermont. So there was not a patchwork of labels as was claimed by the industry as the reason for the new “bioengineered label.” Unfortunately, Vermont’s law was very short-lived, and following intense lobbying by the agribusiness industry, Congress swiftly passed federal legislation banning any state from passing a GMO labelling law. This federal legislation was dubbed by food transparency organizations as “the DARK Act” (Deny Americans Right to Know). Its official name is “The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Law.”

The word “BIOENGINEERED” is a new term that has not been used before. “GMO” is the terminology used GLOBALLY (including organizations such as the World Health Organization) and this term is well known to the American and Canadian consumer.

central concern of this new federal legislation is that it forces companies to use the confusing new term “bioengineered” instead of the well-known term “GMO” which is the terminology used globally (including by organizations such as the World Health Organization) and widely understood by consumers both here in North America and abroad. Do you wonder why would an industry want to introduce a brand-new term instead of using a widely established and understood word? And it is essential to know that ever since GMOs entered the market, polls have shown the vast majority of Americans and Canadians (over 90%) want to see these products labelled, just as they are in 64 countries around the world.

Let’s take a look at the facts behind the new “bioengineered” label and why it is PROBLEMATIC ON MANY LEVELS. FIRST, instead of having to provide clear text identifying GMO content in food products – as is done in Europe – companies can instead opt for a symbol, a 1-800 number, or a digital QR code (the latter leaving over 100 million Americans who do not own smart phones in the dark). SECOND, the majority of GMOs actually won’t be labelled because of provisions in the law that exempt highly refined products that contain GMOs, such as cooking oils, candies, and soda. Another concern is under the new regulations, the threshold for the unintended presence of GMO ingredients is set high at 5%. This percentage is five times higher than what the European Union allows, at 0.9%. THIRD, instead of using the widely used and internationally recognized term “GMO,” the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has decided to create unnecessary confusion by forcing companies to use the term “bioengineered,” a previously unknown and unused word which is likely to confuse and mislead American consumers. FOURTH, the new symbol identifying “bioengineered” content is far from neutral, picturing a bucolic green field that seems to directly imply that the product with the label is healthy or natural. FIFTH, newer techniques such as gene editing, synthetic biology, and RNAi are not subject to labelling, and food serving establishments such as restaurants and food manufacturers making less than 2.5 million dollars per year are exempt from having to comply with the law, so once again, no disclosure.

SPRING 2020 | WOMENSVOICEMAGAZINE.COM

The USDA has betrayed the public trust by denying Americans the right to know how their food is produced. Instead of providing clarity and transparency, the USDA has created large scale confusion and uncertainty for consumers, food producers, and retailers. Andrew Kimbrell, Executive Director, Center for Food Safety

till, there are bigger questions. Does this new “bioengineered” label do anything to prove or disprove the safety of GMOs? The USDA itself says it doesn’t, noting that its task is labelling; it’s the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that would need to rule on the health and safety questions. Food manufacturers who have been certified organic are exempted from the labelling rule, since organic certification already strictly prohibits the use of any GMOs. The new labelling requirement applies to all, but the smallest food manufacturers. Participation is voluntary for those manufacturers under $2.5 million in annual receipts. All of this may seem straightforward, but as in most things, the devil is in the details. For example, how far up the food chain should the labelling requirements go? Some organic food purveyors think it’s inappropriate that the USDA intends to allow egg producers to avoid “bioengineered” labelling when they’re feeding their chickens GMO feed.

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Others complain that food manufacturers can effectively avoid labelling bioengineered ingredients simply by putting enough meat or egg in it, to list first in the ingredient panel. Lastly, critics wonder if the new label will really meet its goal of consumer education, especially if many manufacturers opt to offer “more information” to shoppers via a QR code instead of a clear text label. The USDA itself acknowledges that 85% of consumers are unaccustomed to that weird pattern of lines and squiggles, aka the QR code, but what’s worse is they don’t have a clue how to use it! Inaccessible information is the same as no information at all, say critics. To offer true transparency the industry needs to give the consumers information they want and simply label genetically modified food, just as they are in 64 countries around the world.

The new bioengineered law and label was created and designed by the GMO industry, to benefit the industry, not the consumer. Consumers should familiarize themselves with the new “bioengineered” logo and understand “bioengineered” is now the new term used by food companies to replace “GMO.” The new bioengineered law has many flaws and loopholes. When buying food, the best way to avoid GMOs is to buy non-GMO Project Verified foods and “certified organic.” For dietary supplements, look for the seal of quality. When you see the ISURA Seal of Approval on a product label, it means that the product has undergone a stringent battery of laboratory tests to confirm that its ingredients are: • • • •

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SPRING 2020 | WOMENSVOICEMAGAZINE.COM

It Is Never Too Early to Talk HEART

HEALTH BY KAREN JENSEN, ND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes all the diseases of the heart and circulation, including coronary heart disease (CHD), angina, heart attack, congenital heart disease, and stroke. In Canada, women die of heart disease every 20 minutes, and early signs of heart attack are missed in 78% of women. Women are also more likely to die or have a second heart attack within the first six months of a cardiac event. And yet, today two-thirds of the heart disease research still focuses on men.

WARNING SIGNS OF HEART ATTACK It is very important to recognize the warning signs of heart attack to ensure prompt medical attention. While chest pain, nausea or indigestion, heartburn, feeling light headed, pain radiating down both arms, jaw pain, sweating, and fatigue are easily the most common symptoms, womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s symptoms may be different. Many women have heart attacks without chest pain. If other symptoms are present but chest pain is missing, do not assume it is not a heart attack.

A number of causes and risk factors are associated with CVD, including increased age, smoking, poor diet, untreated thyroid disorders, inflammation, stress, hypertension, metabolic disorders, abnormal lipid levels, and LACK of exercise. Many of these causes lead to, or are associated with, inflammation, which is now considered the main underlying cause of CVD. It is interesting to note that 25% of people with premature heart attacks have no traditional risk factors at all and 50% of the people with heart attacks have normal cholesterol levels. 40

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In general, most people are aware of some of the common risk factors for CVD, but there are several less recognized contributors for heart risk in both men and women, including:

EMOTIONAL STRESS AND INFLAMMATION The Mayo Clinic reports that the most substantial risk factor for future cardiac events among individuals with existing coronary artery disease (CAD) is psychological – stressful emotions such as anger, anxiety, and worry can dramatically increase risk. Emotional stress causes increased production of stress hormones, which can lead to chronic inflammation, also characterized by high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). One study showed that people prone to anger have 2–3 times higher CRP levels than their calmer counterparts.

INFLAMMATION AND ATHEROSCLEROSIS Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is an inflammatory condition of the wall or inner lining of the mid- and larger-size blood vessels. Abnormal lipid levels (dyslipidemia) paired with inflammation cause a vicious circle in the development of atherosclerosis. These atherosclerotic lesions can remain asymptomatic for years, or progress into disease stages where clinical manifestations such as angina, heart attack, or stroke occur.

GUT MICROBIOME AND ATHEROSCLEROSIS The gut microbiome has been implicated in a variety of potential disease mechanisms, including inflammation, which can predispose people to heart disease. The level of diversity of the “good bacteria” in our digestive systems has been found to be linked to a feature of CVD – hardening of the arteries. Researchers found that women with atherosclerosis have lower gut microbial diversity, while women with healthier arteries have more diversity.

The research indicates that cardiovascular risk not explained by the usual risk factors could, in the future, be enhanced by analyzing the health of the gut microbiome. Heart disease is often called the “silent killer” because all tests may be in the normal range. Silent inflammation is inflammation that falls below the threshold of perceived pain and is one of the main underlying causes of CVD. The most common tests performed to assess for CVD include history, lifestyle review, physical exam, CRP to measure inflammation, blood pressure, lipid panel, fasting blood sugars, HBA1c, lifestyle review. Discuss with your health care practitioner.

PREVENTION OF CVD WITH DIET AND SUPPLEMENTS FOR MEN AND WOMEN The Mediterranean diet is based primarily on the following foods: olive oil, high vegetable and fruit intakes, moderate fish intake, whole grains, moderate dairy intake, limited red meat, and saturated fats. Strong evidence shows that following the traditional MedDiet is associated with better cardiovascular health outcomes, including reductions in rates of CHD, ischemic stroke, and total cardiovascular disease.

EXERCISE A more recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that increased relaxation time and physical activity decreased heart disease by 50%. Even walking 30 minutes three times per week decreased risk of heart attack by 30%. CardioSense® contains hawthorne, berberine, beet root, grapeseed, boswellia, and reishi mushrooms to support heart health by helping to prevent atherosclerosis, regulate blood sugar, decrease lipids, reduce inflammation, reduce blood pressure and stress. Magnesium deficiency can be subject to imbalances in sodium and potassium, which can through different mechanisms, lead to arrhythmias, arterial vasospasm, and increased blood thickening. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency has been identified in 50–75% of heart tissue biopsies in patients with various heart conditions. Many studies show its effectiveness in the treatment of high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, angina, congestive heart failure, and cardiomyopathy. It seems to work better when taken with vitamin E. For more information on cardiovascular disease, refer to Women’s Health Matters: The Influence of Gender on Disease by Dr. Karen Jensen.

SPRING 2020 | WOMENSVOICEMAGAZINE.COM

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SYNTHETIC

BIOLOGY

The Path to Destroy Our Planet

For almost a decade, I have personally fought for the reform of our food system and the need for mandatory labelling of GMOs in Canada and the USA as well as worked on environmental, social, and political issues surrounding food. I’ve seen two GMO labelling bills defeated in Parliament, and various untested, unregulated, and unlabelled genetically engineered products such as GM apples, potatoes, alfalfa, and salmon line our grocery stores shelves without the consumer’s knowledge.

BY RACHEL PARENT

During the years of my never-ending campaigning, I’ve become disillusioned as to why the governments in Canada and the US continue to ignore the voices of their citizens who are demanding transparency in our food system and the fundamental right to choose the types of food we want to eat! I’ve also come to realize that the blame for GMOs and pesticides, and the resulting damage to our environment and public health can no longer be placed solely on industry.

Our government, regulatory agencies, and politicians are equally complicit, having succumbed to the pressure of political influence from money and corporate lobbying. As the world faces turbulent times, and we experience global issues such as climate change, food shortages, and ecological collapse, biotech corporations are only exacerbating the problems. They are behind the scenes developing new technologies, such as gene editing and promoting it as the answer to world

SPRING 2020 | WOMENSVOICEMAGAZINE.COM

Currently, almost every commercial organism is being experimented on using genetic engineering technologies. These foods have already reached mainstream markets and are landing on our plates, sadly, without the consumer’s knowledge. A clear example of this is the new “Impossible Burger,” available at many restaurants, including Burger King. The key ingredient in these burgers is the genetically engineered ingredient, “soy leghemeglobin.” This protein allows the plant-based burger to “bleed.” According to ETC (Action Group on Erosion, Technology, and Concentration) in discussion with FDA, Impossible Foods admitted that up to a quarter of its “heme” ingredient comprised of 46 “unexpected” additional proteins, some of which are unidentified and none of which have been assessed for safety. Yet, the Impossible Burger is being marketed and sold as a healthy alternative to meat!

A WORLD UTILIZING UNTESTED AND UNREGULATED TECHNOLOGIES SUCH AS GENEEDITING, GENE DRIVES, AND SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY THAT COULD CREATE IRREVERSIBLE BIODIVERSITY RISKS FOR NATURE.

As someone who eats a vegan diet and sees the massive marketing machine behind these products, it is horrifying to think of the lack of regulation behind these new so-called “vegan and vegetarian” products. The Impossible Burger was designated “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) by the FDA, which effectively is allowing manufacturers of products to now self-regulate and determine their own product’s safety. This, in essence, is a genuine and scary problem with our food system. If we continue to allow large corporations to determine the safety of their products, then what is the job of regulatory agencies such as Health Canada and the FDA? And who is protecting the consumer? How far do we allow unethical, irresponsible technology to advance before we say enough is enough?

To make matters worse, with cross pollination, there will be no way to verify if a food has been contaminated with a geneedited variety. This could contaminate all conventional and organic foods, completely taking away our ability to choose what we eat, and potentially affecting our health.

We’re moving into a new world that is facing issues unseen by generations before us. A world utilizing untested and unregulated technologies such as gene-editing, gene drives, and synthetic biology that could create irreversible biodiversity risks for nature. Are these technologies worth the risk of losing or forever contaminating thousands of species of plants and animals? We need to ask ourselves what is the real

famine, when, in reality, it’s just “greenwashing” propaganda. This technology is being used to manipulate DNA by deleting genes, turning them on or off, or dialing them up or down. By doing this, it gives the plant or animal a new trait, while at the same time giving corporations the freedom to claim their foods are non-GMO, because they haven’t introduced any foreign DNA.

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WE NEED TO PROTECT NATURE FROM THE VIOLENT APPROPRIATIONS OF CORPORATIONS, AND MUST TAKE TO THE STREETS, AND DEMAND THAT OUR POLITICIANS PROVIDE A FOOD SYSTEM WHICH SUPPORTS BIODIVERSITY AND REGENERATIVE PRACTICES.

cost of these technologies as well as what are the risks for future generations. We need to look at our food system and ask if patenting seeds, the very essence of all life on earth, is a moral, and ethical decision. We need to ask ourselves, should corporations be allowed to own and manipulate nature for profit? With intensive GMO crop production and massive agrochemical abuse across the world, we are already witnessing the rapid decline of insects, birds, bees, and butterflies. We need to protect nature from the violent appropriations of corporations, and must take to the streets, and demand that our politicians provide a food system which supports biodiversity and regenerative practices. If the environmental movement is to make strides towards a better and safer future, we must end the ownership and patenting of life. We must stop corporations from producing environmentally destructive solutions for problems that they created, or that do not exist. We don’t have time to wait for ecological systems to collapse, or for corporations to own our entire food supply. The time has come where we must say enough is enough!

To get involved contact: Info@kidsrighttoknow.com Or follow her on Twitter: @RachelsNews

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DID YOU

KNOW

A new decade calls for some changes, and one colossal health improvement you can make in your kitchen is to move away from heavily processed white sugar or even worse, aspartame, sucralose, and other fake sweeteners.

Sugar

Here are a few of the healthier sweeteners to introduce into your kitchen this year. These options will make your sweet tooth sing, without causing your blood sugar to spike.

DATES are a fantastic

ingredient to use in any recipe. Dates contain small amounts of nutrients, such as potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, and B6, and compared to figs or dried plums, dates appear to have the highest antioxidant content.

STEVIA leaves contain naturally sweet compounds. More than 200 studies support the health benefits and safety of stevia. A little stevia goes a long way.

COCONUT SUGAR is another great option. You can use coconut sugar in equal amounts to white sugar, and it causes less of a spike in blood sugar because it has a lower glycemic index than processed white sugar. It is also healthy for your gut.

Here’s a TOP-10 countdown from thestreet.com of the DO YOU BELIEVE

that your FOOD CHOICES contribute to the health of our planet? Well, they do. Buying processed foods filled with GMOs keeps companies growing GMO soy and corn. For our health, and the future of our planet’s birds and bees, please purchase organic non-GMO foods. Each dollar you spend on organic food ensures more organic crops will be planted and harvested. Need a quick reminder of where to focus your spending, especially when it comes to buying organic at the grocery store?

MAKE IT A PRIORITY TO GO ORGANIC thestreet.com/markets/10foods-you-should-only-buyand-eat-organic-12936251

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fresh foods most likely to contain lots of harmful pesticides and additives. Always make it a priority to go organic when buying these items:

10. BEEF. Always buy organic. Animal feed is often laced with antibiotics

and synthetic growth hormones. Research shows that there is a strong connection between some of the hormones given to cattle and medical issues in women, particularly of the breast, according to professor emeritus at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, Samuel Epstein, MD.

9. PEANUT BUTTER. Non-organic peanuts contain pesticides, fungi, and the potential carcinogen aflatoxin.

8. POTATOES. Pesticides can’t be washed or even peeled away in this crop. 7. MILK. The higher the fat level, the more you’re getting in terms of hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides (via non-organic feed fed to cows).

6. APPLES. The most nutritious and fibre-filled part of the apple is its peel, so

why buy non-organic apples you’re going to have to peel to avoid the pesticides?

5. STRAWBERRIES. This superfood fruit cannot be peeled, so when you want all the nutrition these berries offer, choose organic.

4. SPINACH. This powerhouse leaf is heavily sprayed and is almost impossible to clean off all pesticide residue.

3. GRAPES. Nutrient-packed but fast to spoil, grapes are a headache for growers. That’s why they spray them multiple times before harvest. Especially avoid Chilean grapes, where residues tend to run higher.

2. CELERY. Because celery is so porous, they catch and hold up to 13 different pesticides that are in everyday use.

1. CUCUMBERS. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG),

cucumbers are the 12 most contaminated food, due to the pesticides that reside both in the watery pulp and in the wax used to keep the skin intact for shipping. th

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