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Food Safety Alert: Many GF Foods Contaminated with Glyphosate & Other Agrochemicals

The AHA! Team — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 06:07:58 +0000

Olivia Cook via Natural News – Recent tests on both organic and non-organic gluten-free food samples have produced disturbing results that could affect at least 20 million people who eat gluten-free food in the United States. Moms Across America tested 46 samples of gluten-free foods (including bread, pasta, crackers, snacks, flour, dessert mixes and chips) for glyphosate/AMPA, 236 pesticides, minerals and gluten. Approximately 600 million people worldwide avoid gluten, with many experiencing sensitivities and some having celiac disease, a condition that affects roughly one percent of the population. Approximately 600 million people worldwide avoid gluten Celiac disease is an autoimmune system disorder that occurs when gluten – a protein found in barley, rye and wheat – is ingested. This condition can cause damage to the small intestine’s lining, leading to various health issues and preventing the absorption of certain nutrients. The only effective way to manage celiac disease is by adhering to a gluten-free diet. Many people believe that gluten-free products are automatically healthier or safer, but these can actually be among the most misleadingly marketed and chemically contaminated foods on store shelves, according to the Health Ranger Mike Adams, author of “Food Forensics: The hidden toxins lurking in your food and how you can avoid them for lifelong health.” (Related: Health Ranger Mike Adams warns of shocking levels of GLYPHOSATE weed killer in some organic foods.) Zen Honeycutt, director of Moms Across America, noted that the organization comprises a large, committed network of mothers dealing with health challenges, both mental and physical, in their families. The belief that foods labeled as “clean” are truly free of contaminants, including organic options, is increasingly being called into question. Honeycutt pointed out that many people who have been eating gluten-free and mostly organic foods for years are suffering from health issues like anxiety and digestive problems. Testing results and food quality concerns The tests, conducted by the Health Research Institute Laboratories found glyphosate residues in 44 out of 46 gluten-free food samples. Glyphosate, the primary chemical in Roundup herbicides, was the most frequently detected among nearly 240 pesticides screened. This weed killer was detected in nearly 96 percent of the samples at levels above 0.1 parts per billion, and 21 percent of the samples had levels higher than 10 ppb, which is the European Union’s safety threshold for pesticide residues. Research suggests that even very low levels of glyphosate can affect gut health, disrupt hormones and have long-term health effects. (Related: Glyphosate warnings go mainstream as the dangerous truth about this toxic herbicide can no longer be denied.) The only two products without any detectable glyphosate were Lesser Evil Popcorn and Edward and Sons Rice Crackers. (Related: Glyphosate herbicide may be altering children’s genetics and causing BIRTH DEFECTS.) In addition to glyphosate, all tested samples had pesticide residues – including piperonyl butoxide (PBO), a chemical flagged by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a “possible human carcinogen.” Seven samples had only trace amounts, but 25 samples (54 percent) had measurable levels of another pesticide, 2,4-D. More troubling, the tests also showed that several products contained gluten levels above the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) maximum limit of 20 parts per million (ppm). The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) has an even stricter threshold of 10 ppm. In the analysis by Moms Across America, three samples had gluten levels that exceeded 20 ppm. Further tests revealed that almost all samples had very low levels of essential nutrients, like calcium, iron and magnesium, which is very concerning. Honeycutt emphasized that when people buy gluten-free food, they are really paying for nutritional value, including necessary minerals. Yet many convenient and inexpensive foods, such as those served in schools and fast food, lack proper nutrition. She made it clear that while Moms Across America acknowledges that gluten-free manufacturers aim to produce safer and healthier foods, the challenge lies in the contaminated ingredients available due to the use of harmful agrochemicals. (Related: Glyphosate worse than we could imagine. “It’s everywhere.”) Call for higher and stricter standards Moms Across America is now pushing for more stringent food regulations. Honeycutt emphasized the critical issue of contamination from glyphosate and other chemicals in foods intended for individuals with celiac disease and other conditions covered by the Americans with Disabilities. Honeycutt believes this kind of contamination could be avoided. She thinks policymakers in the U.S. should ban the use of glyphosate and other chemicals as drying agents on crops. This change alone could eliminate up to 80 percent of glyphosate exposure through food. (Related: Glyphosate to be banned across Europe? Massive war raging, and poison-pushing Monsanto is playing dirty.) Honeycutt urged gluten-free food manufacturers to advocate for stricter regulations to protect consumers. She also criticized government agencies like the FDA, EPA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for failing to prioritize public health over corporate profits. According to Honeycutt, Moms Across America is committed to exposing the truth about food safety and pushing for changes that will create healthier communities. Visit Glyphosate.news for more stories like this. Watch this video about gluten-free foods being found loaded with glyphosate. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Study: Glyphosate is present in both organic and genetically modified foods. Glyphosate’s undeniable connection to autism. Avoid harmful chemicals like glyphosate in food by ALWAYS choosing ORGANIC. Sources include: MomsAcrossAmerica.com FoodForensics.com BakeryAndSnacks.com NaturalHealth365.com Brighteon.com To read the original article, click here: https://www.naturalnews.com/2024-09-03-gluten-free-foods-loaded-glyphosate-agro-chemicals.html

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Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System

AHA Publisher — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 08:00:35 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Did you know there’s one system in your body that’s responsible for the health of all other systems? Sure, if your nervous system or cardiovascular system fails, the whole body fails. However, there’s one system that functions to maintain the health of all other crucial organs. This one system is the digestive system. Your digestive health is paramount to your entire body’s health, and specifically your brain’s health. Unfortunately, it’s estimated that 60-70 million Americans suffer from chronic digestive issues each year (1). Some are severe. Some are more minor. All impede everyday life to some extent and affect every other system in the body. It’s for this reason that Dr. Colbert has created an amazing system to help you care for your digestive health: Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System. This complete kit includes the best probiotics available, a two-fiber supplement powder for complete digestive health, and Dr. Colbert’s Gut Zone book. With the Healthy Gut Zone System, you’ll learn how digestive health affects your entire body and what you can do to keep yours in top-notch shape! Digestive Health, Brain Health and Beyond Amazingly, your digestive health has direct implications for your brain health. In fact, it’s now known that: Gut inflammation promotes brain inflammation and declining function An unhealthy digestive tract promotes illness in other parts of the body Healing your gut can reduce brain fog, increase alertness, support youthful memory, and energize the body and brain Immune function is dependent on a healthy digestive tract Healthy digestion is first responsible for nourishing your body, from your hair to your toes. What’s more, there is an incredible gut-brain connection that impacts your brain health directly. In fact, your digestive tract is home to 75% of your immune system. The health of your brain depends on strong immunity and a healthy gut-brain connection! Are you convinced? Ready to take care of your digestive health above all else? Here are 5 steps you can take today to optimize digestive health and therefore, whole-body health with Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System. 5 Steps to Optimal Health 1. Take Care of the Good Bacteria Forty trillion. This is the number of bacteria in your body. Most are in your intestines. And, most are there to help you. It’s time to start helping them. How? It’s simple, really. The first thing to do is to replenish and fortify your healthy bacteria with probiotic supplements and foods. Within Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System, you’ll receive Dr. Colbert’s Beyond Biotics Ultra Blend. Beyond Biotics is a probiotic supplement that contains live, viable probiotic bacteria in pill form. It is specifically beneficial to modern-day humans since we have many food-supply, environmental, and chemical compounds that harm our digestive tracts and bacteria. Both anecdotal reports and studies show that probiotics help acute digestion symptoms. They can also produce beneficial effects on the bacteria in the gut (2). What’s more, they can affect other health issues within the body as they improve digestion comfort, nutrient absorption and microbiota (3, 4, 5). In addition, Dr. Colbert’s Gut Zone Book emphasizes healthy foods you can consume to fortify your digestive tract’s healthy bacteria. These include Divine Health® Fermented Greens Supremefoods, plain yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, tempeh, and more. Don’t leave your healthy bacteria to fend for themselves. Fortify them with probiotics each day. 2. Fortify Your Digestive Tract with Fiber Next, you can fortify your digestive tract with fiber. Dr. Colbert’s Keto Zone® Fiber Zone is included in the Healthy Gut Zone System. Dr. Colbert’s Keto Zone® Fiber Zone is a delicious fiber powder specially formulated using 2 of the most powerful, important fibers available. First, it contains psyllium husk. Psyllium husk is made of both soluble (70%) and insoluble fibers (30%). This means twice the benefits. It acts as a prebiotic, feeding and fortifying healthy gut bacteria. Its insoluble fiber passes through the digestive tract, providing bulk and softness to stools. This encourages digestive health, reduced inflammation, and a healthy gut-brain connection (6). Next, Fiber Zone contains inulin. Inulin is a prebiotic fiber. Like psyllium, it feeds the healthy bacteria and cells in our digestive tracts, making them stronger and healthier (7). Together, these fibers work to reduce hunger cravings, support healthy digestion, encourage optimal weight, support bone health and optimize the gut-brain connection (8). In addition, following Dr. Colbert’s Gut Zone Book, eat healthy high fiber and prebiotic foods. These include berries, artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, greens, onions, garlic, leaks, cacao, flaxseeds, hemp heart seeds, nuts, and more. 3. Nourish With Collagen Collagen is another great food for your digestive health! In fact, collagen supports healthy digestion, joint health, vibrant skin, healthy weight, and more! In particular, those who suffer from leaky gut syndrome can find relief by adding collagen to their diets. With this digestive issue, toxins, allergens and large particles are able to pass from your gut into your bloodstreams, causing negative reactions. Collagen can help fortify connective tissue in the protective lining of the digestive tract. It heals it and helps it seal out the offending particles. Further, it supports better digestive health in those who suffer from inflammatory digestive issues, acid reflux, and more (9). Keto Zone® Collagen Powder is a great source of collagen. It is enzymatically hydrolyzed, or predigested, for effortless digestion and full absorption into the body. It is derived from chicken and marine peptides, and contains Types I, II, and III collagen. This combination of collagen supports the formation of elastin in the body, which is critical in fighting against wrinkles and sagging skin. 4. Avoid Harmful Substances Did you know some substances you consume actually harm digestive health? Some foods, drinks, and environmental contaminants harm or destroy digestive cells, healthy bacteria, and more. These include: Sugar: Sugar can harm the digestive tract in a few ways. First, it promotes the growth of harmful Candida albicans which can lead to leaky gut and other digestive issues (10). Next, high-sugar diets increase gut permeability, degrades healthy gut barriers, increases spleen weight, and increases inflammatory immune response in animal studies (11). Man-Made Artificial Sweeteners: Chemical artificial sweeteners have been widely used in “diet foods.” Unfortunately, they can have negative effects on gut bacteria. Animal and human studies have shown that aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, and other artificial sweeteners can impair gut bacteria (12) allowing other microbes to take over (13). If you use sugar substitutes, make sure they are natural ones like sugar alcohols: xylitol is safe and does not seem to affect gut bacteria (13). Antibiotics: In recent years, there has been a push to drastically reduce the use of antibiotics in humans and animals. Most doctors have been urged to only prescribe antibiotics only when necessary, and with much less frequency than in previous decades. The overuse of antibiotics has been shown to 1) hurt the gut by wiping out healthy bacteria, and 2) lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In fact, the World Health Organization is also working to reduce the antibiotics that humans consume. It is recommending that routine antibiotic use in animals is stopped and reserved only when the animal is sick (14). Alcohol: Unfortunately, alcohol, especially in large quantities, can negatively affect the bacteria colonies in the gut. In fact, many people who abuse alcohol have impaired nutrient absorption, poor digestion, and discomfort. When used in moderation, bacteria colonies can remain healthy. But, overuse of alcohol can destroy them (15). Nicotine: Nicotine is harmful to digestive health. It has been associated with excess reflux, peptic ulcers, and a decrease in colon strength. What’s more, smokers experience higher Helicobacter pylori infections (16). While you use the tools in Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System, you will learn to also avoid these compounds that harm your digestive system. 5. Be Active, Hydrate, and Reduce Stress Your lifestyle choices make a difference in the health of your digestive system. First, exercise can improve digestion. Movement and gravity helps food naturally move through your intestines. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle actually harms the digestive system. When we sit all day, our digestive tract is kinked. This makes natural, healthy digestion more difficult. Make sure to get up frequently and include physical activity each day to support healthy digestion. Next, healthy digestion depends on the presence of fluids. Water helps break down food, lubricates the digestive tract, reduces constipation, and keeps your cells healthy. Make sure to drink water throughout each day. Lastly, chronic stress can have a negative effect on digestion. In fact, chronic stress can decrease the blood flow to the intestines, slow nutrient absorption, and even change how the bacteria in your gut function. One way to reduce stress? In addition to daily de-stress strategies, make sure you stay hydrated! Dehydration is linked to elevated cortisol levels. Bottom Line You can improve your digestive health, support your entire body, and improve brain function, alertness and health starting today! Join Dr. Colbert in his challenge to help the millions of Americans that suffer from digestive issues. Try Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System now and enjoy better digestion! To read the original article click here.

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What Is Acetylcholine? Function, Benefits + Dosage of This Neurotransmitter

AHA Publisher — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 07:00:36 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – If you’re familiar with nootropics supplements — supplements that are capable of helping increase alertness, attention, learning and memory — then you may have come across the compound called acetylcholine (or ACh). What is acetylcholine exactly? As one of the most abundant and important neurotransmitters (or chemical messengers) in the body, acetylcholine plays a role in helping us focus, learn and memorize information. It’s also needed to support muscle contractions, help with arousal and sleep, and facilitate the release of other important chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin. While acetylcholine supplements are not available (similarly to how you can’t take dopamine supplements), there are certain nutrients you can take in supplement form to boost synthesis of ACh, as well as foods to include more of in your diet. What Is Acetylcholine? Acetylcholine (ACh) is a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator. This means it works by sending signals between nerves. It’s made up of acetic acid and choline and is a part of the cholinergic system. ACh is most well-known for supporting cognitive function, especially memory and attention. It was actually one of the first neurotransmitter scientists discovered. Where is acetylcholine found? In humans it’s found in the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which is the network of nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord. Like other neurotransmitters (or chemicals that are released by neurons to send signals to other neurons), ACh is specifically found between nerve synapses (gaps between nerve cells). Acetylcholine is synthesized in nerve terminals from acetyl coenzyme A (which comes from a form of glucose) and choline. Choline is a compound that you consume when you eat eggs, beef liver, poultry and some beans and nuts. The more you consume of it, the easier it is for you body to produce enough acetylcholine. How It Functions in the Body What is the main role of acetylcholine? As a key neurotransmitter, it helps send signals to other cells, including neurons, muscle cells and gland cells. It also modulates the release of other neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. The network of nerve cells that use the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is referred to as the cholinergic system. Some of the functions that acetylcholine has include: Stimulating skeletal muscles to contract. Inhibiting activation of the cholinergic system. Supporting neuroplasticity, specifically in the hippocampal and cortical regions. Neuroplasticity is defined as “the ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections in response to learning or experience.” Protecting against age-related declines in memory, including decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Supporting “executive functions,” which are considered higher-order cognitive processes. These processes are related to impulse control, planning, attention, decision-making and so on. Helping to guide vision-related attention. Regulating motivation, arousal and certain stages of sleep. Health Benefits 1. Helps with Learning and Attention Studies show that ACh is important for alertness, sustaining attention and mediating changes in the brain (including in the hippocampus and forebrain) that lead to learning and memory formation. One way it does this is by affecting the way that synapses send and receive feedback, enhancingdifferent types of “encoding” in different cortical structures of the brain. 2. Supports Memory Emerging evidence also links cholinergic signaling with improved memory and even anti-inflammatory effects that impact how the brain creates and stores memories. Research suggests that in people with Alzheimer’s disease, cholinesterase breaks down and destroys acetylcholine, leading to ACh dysfunction, which negatively impacts cognitive function in a number of ways. According to Harvard Health Publishing: the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease have lower levels of acetylcholine than people without the disease, and the medications used to treat the early stages of the disease — donepezil (Aricept), galantamine (Reminyl), and rivastigmine (Exelon) — work by blocking an enzyme, cholinesterase, that dismantles acetylcholine. 3. Facilitates Muscle Contractions ACh acts as a chemical that motor neurons in the nervous system release in order to activate muscles. At neuromuscular junctions, it allows for skeletal muscle contractions, which is essential for many functions, such as movement and coordination. It can help promote contractions of smooth muscles, dilation of blood vessels, increased body secretions and a slower heart rate. 4. Helps Control Arousal and Sleep Because it functions as a neuromodulator and impacts release of other calming and stimulating neurotransmitters, ACh is known to impact motivation, arousal, attention and energy levels. ACh is believed to be involved in promoting REM sleep (rapid eye movement sleep cycles, which are necessary for restoration and learning and memory formation). And because it impacts our sleep cycles, it’s important for helping us feel alert when waking up. Acetylcholine Dysfunction “Anticholinergics” refers to substances that interfere with normal acetylcholine activity. When ACh pathways are deteriorated and start dysfunctioning, problems can arise that affect memory, motor control, moods and more. This happens because certain nerves no longer receive signals like they are supposed to. Symptoms and complications that can result from acetylcholine dysfunction include: Muscle weakness Poor memory and increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease Trouble controlling voluntary movements, including of the eyes and face In severe cases (typically caused by use of drugs), paralysis and convulsions, trouble breathing, and heart failure What causes someone to have too little ACh? There are a number of toxins and drugs, and even poison from plants and insects, that can interfere with ACh synthesis. Drugs and substances that interrupt acetylcholine function can have negative effects on the body since they affect the heart, nerves, brain and muscles. In severe cases, symptoms and complications can even be deadly. These drugs are capable of altering ACh levels and leading to symptoms as a result: Certain antibiotics (clindamycin, polymyxin) Magnesium Anticonvulsants Diuretics (furosemide) Calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, diltiazem) Some health conditions can also disturb normal ACh synthesis, such as Eaton-Lambert syndrome and botulinum toxicity. Sources and Dosage What foods contain acetylcholine? Foods do not actually contain ACh, but some do provide you with choline — which your body uses to make ACh. Acetylcholine supplements are also not available, but just like with choline foods, choline-containing supplements can provide you with extra choline and other nutrients in an effort to support ACh production, cognitive processes and more. Most often, choline supplements are taken for their potential positive effects on attention, learning and memory. You’ll find choline in some nootropics and anti-aging supplements, as well as in some multivitamins and most prenatal supplements. A diet that’s high in choline has been suggested in some studies to help protect brain health in older age. For example, data from the Framingham Heart Study suggests there is a correlation between choline intake and brain health, as assessed by tests of memory and other cognitive abilities and MRI scans of the brain. In this particular study, people whose diets included a lot of choline were more likely to do well on the memory and cognitive ability tests and to have healthier looking brain tissue. Foods high in choline that can help support synthesis of acetylcholine include: Beef liver and grass-fed beef Eggs Turkey and chicken Chickpeas Goat milk Navy beans, split peas and some other types of legumes Other fish, such as cod Some vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower If you choose to take choline supplements to boost ACh levels, the standard dose is 250 to 550 milligrams (mg) per day. Adult men need about 550 mg/day on average, while adult women need about 425 mg/day. However, most people get at least some from their diets, and sometimes even more than they require, so supplementation isn’t always needed. Other “nootropics” and supplements that may help your body create more ACh include: Alpha GPC (or alpha glycerylphosphoryl choline, a fatty acid that serves as a source of choline) CDP-choline and choline bitartrate Ginkgo biloba Bacopa monnieri Huperzine A Alpha GPC, which is also referred to as choline alfoscerate, is especially valued for its ability to deliver choline to the brain and help the body produce acetylcholine. Drugs that Affect Acetylcholine: Aside from over-the-counter supplements, there are also a number of prescription drugs that are used clinically to interact with the cholinergic system and to alter ACh levels. Some of these drugs work by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. Examples of such drugs include neostigmine, physostigmine or primarily pyridostigmine, which are effective in treating the disease called myasthenia gravis, characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue. Other drugs that affect acetylcholine levels are taken because they can have these effects: Relaxing muscles in the eyes, causing the pupils to dilate. Used when the eye is inflamed, to help treat glaucoma and during some eye examinations. Slowing activity of the stomach and intestinal track and reduces acid secretion. Can help decrease stomach cramps, diarrhea, diverticulitis, pancreatitis and bed wetting. May help to treat or prevent dizziness, nausea and other aspects of motion sickness. May be used to help treat Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Helping treat urinary retention and stimulate movement of intestinal tract. Risks and Side Effects What happens if you have too much acetylcholine? As explained above, you can’t actually take ACh directly, but you can take too much choline from supplements. The safe upper limit of choline is considered to be 3,500 mg/day, so make sure to stay below this level to avoid side effects. Taking high doses of choline may lead to production of too much acetylcholine. In large amounts, supplements can cause low blood pressure, sweating, a fishy body odor and too much saliva. Conclusion What is acetylcholine? It’s a neurotransmitter that carries signals among brain cells and is important for memory and other brain functions. Other benefits/functions of ACh include supporting muscle movement, attention span, learning, arousal, motivation and REM sleep. ACh dysfunction and low levels have been linked to cognitive decline, memory impairment and certain brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. While acetylcholine supplements are not actually available, you can help your body produce more by taking certain dietary supplements, including those that supply you with choline, and by eating choline-rich foods and carbohydrates. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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