Dr. Joseph Mercola – American Conservative Movement https://americanconservativemovement.com American exceptionalism isn't dead. It just needs to be embraced. Thu, 19 Dec 2024 20:12:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://americanconservativemovement.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/cropped-America-First-Favicon-32x32.png Dr. Joseph Mercola – American Conservative Movement https://americanconservativemovement.com 32 32 135597105 Microplastics Continue to Threaten Public Health https://americanconservativemovement.com/microplastics-continue-to-threaten-public-health/ https://americanconservativemovement.com/microplastics-continue-to-threaten-public-health/#respond Thu, 19 Dec 2024 20:12:17 +0000 https://americanconservativemovement.com/microplastics-continue-to-threaten-public-health/
  • Microplastics mimic hormones like estrogen, leading to health issues such as infertility and breast cancer due to their endocrine-disrupting properties
  • These particles are linked to increased risks of heart attack and stroke, highlighting their broader impact on cardiovascular health
  • Plastic production is projected to increase by 70% by 2040, exacerbating pollution and human exposure to microplastics
  • Microplastics accumulate in organs, causing inflammation and immune disruption, which leads to chronic health conditions
  • Strategies to reduce microplastic exposure include using reusable items, avoiding plastic packaging and implementing legislative measures like plastic bag bans
  • (Mercola)—Microplastics and nanoplastics have infiltrated every corner of our environment and bodies. These tiny particles, resulting from the breakdown of larger plastics, are characterized by their minuscule size — microplastics measuring less than 5 millimeters and nanoplastics under 0.1 micrometers — and easily penetrate and accumulate within the human body.

    Once inside your body, these plastic particles mimic natural hormones like estrogen, disrupting the endocrine system and exacerbating hormone-driven conditions such as breast cancer. This hormonal chaos also has profound implications for reproductive health worldwide, necessitating the need for policies that reduce both plastic waste and subsequent exposure.

    The Effects of Microplastics on Hormonal Health

    A recent report published in Forbes highlights the pervasive presence of microplastics in our environment and their impact on human health.1 Specifically, it explores how these tiny plastic particles interact with our hormonal systems and the broader implications of their widespread contamination.

    To start, the report touched on the impact of microplastics as endocrine disruptors. For context, endocrine disruptors are substances that interfere with hormone function, and in this case, microplastics were identified as major culprits. These particles mimic natural hormones like estrogen and cortisol. As noted by Dr. Christopher Thompson, a medical professor at Harvard University:2

    “By mimicking hormones like estrogen and cortisol, microplastics may contribute to weight gain, metabolic issues, fertility and other serious health problems.”

    Once microplastics enter your body, estrogen dominance occurs — a state where there is too much estrogen relative to other hormones. This contributes to infertility and increases the risk of hormone-driven cancers, such as breast cancer.3

    Furthermore, the report underscored the connection between microplastic exposure and serious cardiovascular risks. Another previously published Forbes report indicated that individuals exposed to higher levels of microplastics face an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. This association highlights the broader health implications of microplastics beyond hormonal disruptions.4,5

    What causes the different health problems to appear? Simply put, it’s the bioaccumulation of microplastics in your various organs. As microplastics enter your body through ingestion, inhalation or skin contact, they travel to different organs, including the liver, kidneys and brain. Once there, they release endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which interfere with normal hormonal functions, subsequently contributing to oxidative stress.6,7

    Microplastics also cause chronic inflammation, which is a significant concern for public health.8 Inflammation is the body’s natural response to harmful stimuli, but when it becomes chronic, it leads to a host of health issues, including autoimmune diseases and increased susceptibility to infections.9,10,11,12

    Enacting Waste Reduction on a Massive Scale

    The Forbes report also addressed the environmental aspect of microplastics. In particular, over 400 million tons of plastic is discarded annually. This massive waste contributes to the ubiquitous presence of microplastics in our water, air and soil. The sheer volume has spurred authorities to come up with various solutions, or else we’ll end up being buried in plastic waste that will take centuries to decompose.13

    One strategy that authorities have tried is banning single-use plastic bags, which was proven to be effective in reducing plastic litter and pollution. The European Union’s target for citizens to use a maximum of 40 plastic bags per year is an example of international efforts to curb plastic pollution. However, more policies are needed to help curb plastic exposure right at the beginning.14

    Recycling Plastic Isn’t an Effective Way to Reduce Waste

    A study published in Nanomaterials highlights the alarming scale of plastic production and its subsequent environmental dispersion. In 2019 alone, global plastic production surpassed 368 million tons, with a significant portion inadequately managed and disposed of. This rampant production trend is set to reach 736 million tons by 2040, intensifying pollution levels and increasing human exposure to plastics.15

    In another report, published by Smaller Footprint Co., found that although plastics have become integral to modern life, their overuse and poor management have led to severe environmental challenges.16

    Moreover, the report highlights the rapid increase in global plastic production, which doubled between 2000 and 2019 and is expected to rise by 70% by 2040. The study emphasizes that recycling alone is insufficient to address the growing plastic crisis, as only 6% of plastics are projected to be recycled by 2040.17

    One contributing factor to the dismal recycling is the concept of “recycling bias” or “reduction neglect.” This means that people often prioritize recycling over avoiding plastic consumption in the first place. Why? Consumers feel justified in using more plastics, mistakenly believing that sending waste to recycling centers will mitigate the environmental impact.

    Recycling bias undermines efforts to decrease overall plastic consumption, as the reliance on recycling detracts from more effective strategies. Consequently, without addressing the root cause, plastic leakage into the environment will continue to escalate. To combat this, the report suggests shifting focus toward mindful consumption. By consciously reducing plastic use from the beginning, you’ll be able to make a more significant impact on lowering plastic pollution.18

    Other suggestions include implementing a plastics-free day each week, choosing reusable items and supporting brands that prioritize reducing their plastic footprint. These actions promote sustainable habits that are both achievable and reasonable, encouraging long-term behavioral changes.19

    The report emphasizes that small, consistent changes will lead to significant reductions in plastic consumption over time.20 For example, advocating sustainable brands will play a crucial role in driving broader change. By choosing companies committed to reducing their plastic use, consumers will eventually influence the market so much so that other companies will adopt environmentally responsible practices.21

    How to Reduce Your Dependence on Plastics

    Microplastics are a significant threat to the public’s hormonal health and overall well-being. In fact, I believe that it’s one of the biggest contributors to declining fertility rates. Tackling this issue requires a multifaceted approach that results in reducing plastic usage in your daily life. Here are some effective strategies I recommend:

    1. Opt for reusable shopping bags — Switch to reusable bags made from materials like canvas or other sustainable fabrics when you go grocery shopping. This simple change will significantly reduce the number of single-use plastic bags you bring into your home, diminishing the accumulation of plastics in the environment and lowering your personal plastic exposure.
    2. Choose alternatives to plastic containers — Use glass, stainless steel or BPA-free containers for storing food and beverages. Avoid plastic wraps and opt for beeswax wraps or silicone lids instead. This not only reduces the leaching of harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates but also minimizes the ingestion of microplastics from food packaging.
    3. Avoid single-use plastics — Reduce your reliance on single-use plastics such as straws, cutlery and water bottles. Carry your own reusable utensils and invest in a durable, refillable water bottle. These will help decrease the overall production and disposal of plastic waste, addressing the root cause of microplastic pollution.
    4. Limit use of plastic in your home — Minimize the use of plastic products in your household by replacing them with natural or eco-friendly alternatives. For instance, use bamboo or metal toothbrushes instead of plastic ones, choose wooden or glass dishes, and opt for natural cleaning products that come in non-plastic packaging.

    This comprehensive approach helps lower the presence of plastics in your living environment, reducing the risk of chronic exposure to endocrine disruptors.

    Other Strategies to Help Reduce Plastic Exposure

    Exposure to plastic packaging is one of the most common ways people get microplastics inside their body, but there are other routes as well. According to published research, microplastics enter your body through your skin and nose. This means that you also have to pay attention to other plastics in your household.

    For parents, I recommend replacing plastic toys with those made from sustainable, clean materials. Similarly, replace all your household cleaning products and cosmetics that contain phthalates with natural alternatives.

    The very items that make up the identity of your home are also made from plastics. These include vinyl blinds, flooring and wallpaper. Once dust settles on these items, it becomes contaminated and easily inhaled by people in the home.

    In cases of estrogen dominance, supplemental progesterone can be helpful. Progesterone is a natural estrogen antagonist and will counteract the adverse effects of excess estrogen. It’s one of four hormones I believe many adults can benefit from. The remaining three are thyroid hormone T34, DHEA and pregnenolone. In the next section, I’ll go into detail how to administer progesterone properly.

    How to Use Progesterone

    Before you consider using progesterone, it is important to understand that it is not a magic bullet, and that you get the most benefit by implementing a Bioenergetic diet approach that allows you to effectively burn glucose as your primary fuel without backing up electrons in your mitochondria that reduces your energy production. My new book, “Your Guide to Cellular Health: Unlocking the Science of Longevity and Joy,” covers this process in great detail.

    Once you have dialed in your diet, an effective strategy that can help counteract estrogen excess is to take transmucosal progesterone (i.e., applied to your gums, not oral or transdermal), which is a natural estrogen antagonist. Progesterone is one of only four hormones I believe many adults can benefit from. (The other three are thyroid hormone T3, DHEA and pregnenolone.)

    I do not recommend transdermal progesterone, as your skin expresses high levels of 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which causes a significant portion of the progesterone you’re taking to be irreversibly converted primarily into allopregnanolone and cannot be converted back into progesterone.

    Ideal Way to Administer Progesterone

    Please note that when progesterone is used transmucosally on your gums as I advise, the FDA believes that somehow converts it into a drug and prohibits any company from advising that on its label. This is why companies like Health Natura promotes their progesterone products as “topical.”

    However, please understand that it is perfectly legal for any physician to recommend an off-label indication for a drug to their patient. In this case, progesterone is a natural hormone and not a drug and is very safe even in high doses. This is unlike synthetic progesterone called progestins that are used by drug companies, but frequently, and incorrectly, referred.

    Dr. Ray Peat has done the seminal work in progesterone and probably was the world’s greatest expert on progesterone. He wrote his Ph.D. on estrogen in 1982 and spent most of his professional career documenting the need to counteract the dangers of excess estrogen with low LA diets and transmucosal progesterone supplementation.

    He determined that most solvents do not dissolve progesterone well and discovered that vitamin E is the best solvent to optimally provide progesterone in your tissue. Vitamin E also protects you against damage from LA. You just need to be very careful about which vitamin E you use as most supplemental vitamin E on the market is worse than worthless and will cause you harm not benefit.

    It is imperative to avoid using any synthetic vitamin E (alpha tocopherol acetate — the acetate indicates that it’s synthetic). Natural vitamin E will be labeled “d alpha tocopherol.” This is the pure D isomer, which is what your body can use.

    There are also other vitamin E isomers, and you want the complete spectrum of tocopherols and tocotrienols, specifically the beta, gamma, and delta types, in the effective D isomer. As an example of an ideal vitamin E, you can look at the label on our vitamin E in our store. You can use any brand that has a similar label.

    You can purchase pharmaceutical grade bioidentical progesterone as Progesterone Powder, Bioidentical Micronized Powder, 10 grams for about $40 on many online stores like Amazon. That is nearly a year’s supply, depending on the dose you choose.

    However, you will need to purchase some small stainless steel measuring spoons as you will need a 1/64 tsp, which is 25 mg and a 1/32 tsp, which is 50 mg. A normal dose is typically 25-50 mg and is taken 30 minutes before bed, as it has an anti-cortisol function and will increase GABA levels for a good night’s sleep.

    Unfortunately, this vendor frequently runs out of product, and if that’s the case, then you can use Simply Progesterone by Health Natura. It’s premixed with vitamin E and MCT oil. Again, while Health Natura states that its product is for “topical use only,” I recommend applying it transmucosally, by rubbing it on your gums.

    If you are a menstruating woman, you should take the progesterone during the luteal phase or the last half of your cycle, which can be determined by starting 10 days after the first day of your period and stopping the progesterone when your period starts.

    If you are a male or non-menstruating woman, you can take the progesterone every day for four to six months and then cycle off for one week. The best time of day to take progesterone is 30 minutes before bed as it has an anti-cortisol function and will increase GABA levels for a good night’s sleep.

    This is what I have been personally doing for over a year with very good results. I am a physician so do not have any problems doing this. If you aren’t a physician, you should consult one before using this therapy, as transmucosal progesterone therapy requires a doctor’s prescription.

    ]]>
    https://americanconservativemovement.com/microplastics-continue-to-threaten-public-health/feed/ 0 213612
    The New Neuroscience of Sleep and Dreams https://americanconservativemovement.com/the-new-neuroscience-of-sleep-and-dreams/ https://americanconservativemovement.com/the-new-neuroscience-of-sleep-and-dreams/#respond Sun, 15 Dec 2024 11:54:47 +0000 https://americanconservativemovement.com/the-new-neuroscience-of-sleep-and-dreams/
    • Dr. Rahul Jandial’s 25 years as a neurosurgeon reveals that dreams are deeply connected to neurological functions, with brain imaging showing distinct patterns between waking and dreaming states
    • During sleep, your brain’s executive network (prefrontal cortex) becomes less active while your imagination network dominates, allowing for emotionally intense and illogical dream experiences
    • Your brain remains highly active during sleep, with electrical patterns similar to wakefulness. This “paradoxical sleep” serves to maintain brain health and adaptability
    • Lucid dreaming, where people become aware they’re dreaming, has been scientifically validated through brain scans and even enabled researcher-dreamer communication through eye movements
    • Dreams with lingering emotional effects are particularly worthy of reflection, as they provide unique insights into your subconscious mind and waking life experiences

    (Mercola)—In the video above, Dr. Rahul Jandial, a neurosurgeon and neurobiologist, explores the power of dreams, bridging the gap between your waking consciousness and the vivid landscapes of your nocturnal visions.1 His insights not only challenge conventional perceptions but also offer a scientific framework to understand the profound impact of dreaming on your daily life.

    With 25 years of experience as a brain surgeon, Jandial has witnessed firsthand the delicate interplay of neurons, emotions and the subconscious mind. Drawing from thousands of patient stories, he emphasizes how dreams are intertwined with neurological functions.

    “Dreams that are altered, removing parts of brains and dreams that persist, dreams that can’t be stopped,” he notes,2 highlighting the resilience and complexity of our dreaming minds. His transition from the operating room to the laboratory underscores the advancements in neuroscience, enabling a deeper understanding of dreams through exotic imaging and electrical measurements.

    The Waking and Dreaming Brain — Two Sides of the Same Coin

    Jandial’s presentation includes a compelling comparison between the waking and dreaming brain. “There’s no way to talk about the dreaming brain unless we talk about the waking brain. It’s inseparable from the knowledge of neuroscience,” he asserts.3 This interconnectedness is visualized through brain scans that reveal both similarities and stark differences in neural activation.

    During wakefulness, the executive network, primarily located in your prefrontal cortex, dominates. This network is responsible for logic, calculation and task-oriented activities. However, in the dreaming state, this region becomes “dampened,” leading to a reduction in logical processing.

    Instead, the imagination network takes the forefront, allowing for the rich, often illogical narratives that characterize our dreams. This shift explains why dreams are fertile grounds for creativity and emotional exploration, unbound by the constraints of our waking logic.

    The Electrifying Nature of Dreams

    Jandial paints a vivid picture of the brain as an “electrical garden” teeming with 100 billion neurons firing incessantly.4 Even during sleep, your brain remains highly active, challenging the archaic notion that it merely “hibernates.”

    “The patterns in certain stages of sleep are so active electrically, metabolically that they’re similar to the patterns we have during waking,” Jandial says.5 This active state, known as paradoxical sleep, underscoring your brain’s relentless pursuit of activity and connectivity.

    This persistent activity is not without purpose. Jandial posits that dreaming serves as a fundamental process for maintaining your brain’s health and adaptability, with distinct characteristics from wakefulness:6

    “The dreaming brain is hyper-emotional and the waking brain is hyper-executive-task-oriented. These are the two features of the waking brain and dreaming brain that we have to keep in mind. They are the same brain. They produce the same electricity. There’s blood flow going all the time. There’s no activation and deactivation really. There’s just a modulation of shifts.

    The waking brain is executive network pointing outward, relying on the prefrontal cortex more. The dreaming brain is less prefrontal cortex and to compensate a lot more emotion, so much emotion can happen in the dreaming brain that even if you tried to be as wild as you could with your waking brain, you couldn’t match it. The top speed of emotion and visual dynamics in the dreaming brain exceed what is possible during the waking brain.”

    While highlighting your brain’s capacity to process emotions and visualize scenarios at an intensity unmatched during wakeful hours, this hyperactivity during dreaming facilitates your brain’s ability to fine-tune itself, fostering creativity, problem-solving and emotional resilience.

    Decoding Erotic Dreams Offers a Window Into Your Subconscious

    Among the myriad of dreams, erotic dreams hold a special place in Jandial’s exploration. Contrary to popular belief, these dreams do not rely on physical stimulation or sensory input. “The sensations are just created by the imagination,” he states, illustrating your brain’s remarkable ability to generate complex emotional and sensory experiences independently.7

    Interestingly, erotic dreams often precede the actual development of sensual capabilities in individuals. This phenomenon suggests that dreams play a role in priming your brain for future experiences, a concept that bridges developmental biology and dream science. Moreover, the prevalence of infidelity themes in erotic dreams raises intriguing questions about the interplay between desire, societal norms and subconscious processing.

    Understanding the architecture of sleep is pivotal to comprehending the dreaming process. Jandial introduces the concepts of sleep entry and sleep exit — transitionary states that bridge the gap between wakefulness and sleep. These periods are important, as they represent moments where the boundaries between dreaming and waking blur, allowing for a seamless transition of consciousness.

    Sleep paralysis, a phenomenon where your mind awakens before your body, often leads to intense experiences of terror and suffocation. Jandial offers a scientific explanation for these experiences, linking them to your brain’s neurotransmitter fluctuations during sleep transitions.

    “The feeling of suffocation is you’re feeling panic of being locked in your brain,” he explains, demystifying the age-old tales of goblins and demons that cultures worldwide have used to describe these nocturnal terrors.8

    The Reality of Lucid Dreaming — Science Meets Consciousness

    Jandial’s talk also covers lucid dreaming — the rare state where individuals become aware that they’re dreaming and exert control over their dream narratives. Initially skeptical, Jandial was persuaded by scientific evidence demonstrating the real-time activation of the executive network in the brain during lucid dreams.

    Studies involving medications like the Alzheimer’s drug galantamine have shown a dose-dependent increase in lucid dreaming occurrences, providing tangible proof of its biological underpinnings.

    Furthermore, techniques involving eye movements in sleep labs have enabled researchers to communicate with lucid dreamers, confirming the authenticity of their conscious awareness within dreams. This research not only validates the existence of lucid dreaming but also opens avenues for harnessing its potential for creativity and self-exploration.

    Jandial even explains the potential of dreams to predict future neurological conditions, particularly Parkinson’s disease. Through observations in sleep laboratories, he discovered that patients who would later develop Parkinson’s exhibited distinct dreaming patterns years before their diagnosis.

    These precognitive dreams often involved intense physical movements that, paradoxically, were executed with fluidity in the dreaming state but translated to rigidity and impaired movements in waking life.

    This phenomenon, known as paradoxical kinesia, serves as a harbinger of the brain’s impending degeneration. “The dreams in that way reveal what will happen with the human brain — they predict what will happen,” Jandial says, revealing implications of this discovery for early diagnosis and intervention.9

    Interpreting Dreams Using a Multifaceted Approach

    Dream interpretation, a practice as old as humanity itself, takes on new dimensions with Jandial’s scientific insights. He categorizes dreams into various types — genre dreams, universal dreams, nightmares and erotic dreams — each serving distinct functions in your subconscious processing.

    While some dreams require no interpretation, such as those directly reflecting your waking anxieties, others offer deeper insights into your emotional and psychological states. For instance, expansive dreams experienced by terminally ill patients symbolize a predictable companion to their intense emotional journeys.

    Junk dreams, characterized by random and seemingly meaningless imagery, serve as your brain’s way of releasing unnecessary cognitive clutter. Jandial advises focusing on dreams with lingering emotional residues, as they offer valuable reflections on your life and mental state:10

    “The ones you have a lingering, long emotional residue with — to me those are the ones to reflect upon. Those are the ones to think about the next day because they may offer you an insight into your life and into your mind, into your waking life, that you simply couldn’t get elsewhere. This is the therapist built in.

    These are the portals to your subconscious — the emotional dreams that happen in the dreaming brain and the occasional memory and the residue that lingers with you as you wake up.”

    The Complexities of Sleep Disorders, Dreams and Technology

    The Q&A session following Jandial’s presentation explored practical concerns about sleep and dreams. Addressing questions on insomnia, night terrors and neurodiversity, he reiterated the brain-centric nature of sleep. “Sleep is for the brain,” he affirms, dispelling myths that attribute sleep solely to bodily rest.11

    For individuals experiencing night terrors and sleepwalking, Jandial acknowledges the lack of definitive treatments but offers hope through understanding the underlying neurological mechanisms. By recognizing these disorders as manifestations of your dreaming brain’s wildness, patients better navigate their experiences and seek appropriate interventions.

    In an era where technology is rapidly advancing, Jandial also pondered the intersection of dreams and artificial intelligence (AI). While acknowledging technologies like Neuralink and large language models, he maintains a critical perspective on the feasibility of translating dream patterns into digital formats.

    “Dreaming is divergent,” he explains, contrasting it with the predictive nature of computer algorithms.12 For AI to emulate the adaptability of the human brain, it would need to incorporate a form of dream-like noise to prevent overfitting — a challenge that remains largely unresolved.

    Nonetheless, Jandial remains optimistic about the future of integrating dream science with technological innovation, envisioning a symbiotic relationship that enhances both human cognition and artificial intelligence.

    The Ever-Present Dreaming Process

    Jandial also emphasized the inevitability and necessity of dreaming. “The dreaming process of liberating emotion, liberating movement, liberating vision is happening every night,” he asserts, “Our memory of it, by design I think, is meant to be minimal so we don’t have dreaming and waking life confusion.”13

    He likens the process to the brain’s way of keeping itself fine-tuned and adaptable. Whether through sleep entry and exit or the constant toggling between your imagination and executive networks, dreams are integral to your cognitive and emotional well-being.

    He encourages individuals to engage actively with their dreams through dream journals, lucid dreaming techniques and mindful reflection. By doing so, you harness the full potential of your dreaming mind, unlocking insights that transcend the limitations of your waking consciousness.

    Dreams are not mere byproducts of sleep but essential processes that shape your creativity, emotional resilience and even your future neurological health. In embracing the insights shared by Jandial, you foster a deeper appreciation for your dreaming mind — a place where science meets mystery, and where your innermost self finds expression in the silent narratives of the night.

    ]]>
    https://americanconservativemovement.com/the-new-neuroscience-of-sleep-and-dreams/feed/ 0 213506
    How Fermented Foods Help Promote Better Mental Health https://americanconservativemovement.com/how-fermented-foods-help-promote-better-mental-health/ https://americanconservativemovement.com/how-fermented-foods-help-promote-better-mental-health/#respond Tue, 10 Dec 2024 11:59:10 +0000 https://americanconservativemovement.com/how-fermented-foods-help-promote-better-mental-health/
  • Fermented foods have the potential to modulate the microbiota-gut-brain axis, offering neuroprotective benefits by influencing gut and brain communication, immune pathways, and nervous system functions
  • These foods are an affordable and accessible dietary intervention, providing a practical strategy for enhancing mental health across diverse populations by introducing beneficial microbes and bioactive compound
  • Fermented foods contain microbes and molecules with neuroactive potential, which actively influence brain function and mood through the production of microbial metabolites during fermentation
  • Long-term consumption of fermented foods is important for achieving mental health benefits, as they help maintain gut and brain barrier integrity, reduce inflammation, and modulate hormone levels like serotonin and GLP-1
  • Current studies on fermented foods often lack appropriate controls, leading to challenges in standardizing interventions and accurately measuring their effects on mental health
  • (Mercola)—Fermented foods stand out as a potent intervention when it comes to influencing your mental health by impacting a symbiotic relationship inside the body, which is called the gut-brain axis. Here, the influx of probiotics influences your mental health, and your current mood subsequently influences your microbiome. While the symbiosis looks simple on paper, it’s a complex communication network, underscoring the importance of eating fermented foods regularly.

    Understanding the Link Between Fermented Foods and Mental Health

    Fermented foods are rich in beneficial probiotics and metabolites, which influence your gut microbiota composition and diversity. These foods have been well-studied, and researchers eventually discovered that the human body has a communication pathway between your gut and brain — the gut-brain axis.1

    When you eat fermented foods, the probiotics and other bioactive compounds begin to influence the communication between your gut and brain. In particular, a fascinating aspects about them, is their ability to influence mood, and researchers attempted to quantify their benefits in one study.

    Fermented Foods — A Practical Path to Attaining Mental Wellness

    The paper, published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, found that fermented foods offer an affordable dietary intervention strategy to enhance your mental health by targeting the gut-brain axis.2 But before diving in further, the researchers established the definition of the gut-brain axis in their research:

    “The microbiota-gut-brain axis facilitates a constant bidirectional relay of information from the intestine via the enteric nervous system (ENS) and from the intestinal milieu consisting of microbial communities, microbial metabolites, gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), peripheral immune cells and cytokines to the brain and vice versa via the sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous system, neurotransmitters and the circulatory immune system.”

    Using this definition as the foundation, the researchers noted that incorporating fermented foods into your diet introduces a diverse array of beneficial microorganisms, resulting in a balanced gut microbiome. Moreover, this approach is convenient and cost-effective compared to taking a supplement, especially for families coming from different socioeconomic backgrounds around the world, as it offers them a way to stay healthy without resorting to adding another layer of expense.3

    The neuroactivity of fermented foods is achieved through the introduction of probiotics into the digestive tract during consumption, which interact with the gut-brain axis. Enhanced microbiota diversity ensures a more resilient and efficient gut environment, which directly impacts brain health and function.4

    Research also shows probiotics modulate immune and nervous system pathways, as well as impact the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is crucial for stress regulation. Probiotics also influence hormone levels, such as the gut hormones GLP-1, which plays important roles in glucose homeostasis and satiety.5

    Going back to the gut-brain axis, fermented foods influence pathways that relay information from the gut to the brain by altering neurotransmitters, neuroactive substances and neuromodulators. These compounds play vital roles in regulating mood, stress response and overall cognitive function. In turn, this helps maintain the human body a balanced state of mental health, reducing the risk of disorders such as anxiety and depression.6

    Moreover, fermented foods contain metabolites that reduce the permeability of both the intestinal barrier and the blood-brain barrier.7 A strong barrier prevents harmful substances from entering the bloodstream and reaching the brain, thereby protecting it from inflammation. This is a key factor in preventing neuroinflammation and promoting cognitive resilience.8

    Other Effects of Fermented Food on Human Physiology

    Fermented foods exert immunomodulatory effects by influencing the levels of circulating cytokines and other immune markers. These benefits help reduce systemic inflammation, which is often linked to various mental health issues. By supporting the immune system, fermented foods create a healthier body and mind.9

    The study also points out that probiotics influence the production of hormones such as serotonin, neuropeptide-Y, GLP-1, ghrelin, peptide YY, motilin and somatostatin, which play significant roles in regulating appetite, mood and energy. This promotes metabolic health, which is closely linked to mental health.

    That’s because a well-regulated metabolic system aids in maintaining stable energy levels and mood, thus preventing the onset of mood swings and symptoms of depression. Certain probiotic strains also lower stress levels, which is another benefit that promotes better mood and overall health.10

    The study underscores that fermented foods influence neurotransmitter levels, including serotonin, which is a key player in mood regulation.11 The slight boost in serotonin levels help enhance feelings of well-being and happiness, reducing the prevalence of mood disorders.

    However, note that serotonin levels shouldn’t be always elevated. As noted in my article “Media Twists Findings of Study Linking High Serotonin to Dementia,” elevated serotonin levels will contribute to health issues such as:

    • Fibrosis, including cardiac and pulmonary fibrosis
    • Impaired thyroid function
    • Reduced metabolism due to excessive glycolysis and high lactic acid production
    • Reductive and then secondary oxidative stress
    • Bizarre, recurring nightmares and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

    Strategies to Nourishing Your Gut Microbiome

    Are you eating enough fermented foods? If you’ve been feeling down lately, adding them into your diet will give your mood a nice boost. This strategy subsequently affects the microbiota-gut-brain axis that results in better overall mental health. To help you achieve this goal, here are some practical steps:

    • Make your own fermented foods at home — Creating fermented foods at home ensures you receive fresh, potent probiotics. Homemade options like yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut contain a diverse array of beneficial bacteria essential for a healthy gut microbiome.

    Plus, making your own fermented foods is cost-effective and allows you to control the ingredients, avoiding unnecessary additives, genetically modified ingredients and refined sugars found in mass-produced probiotic goods.

    • Avoid pasteurized commercial fermented foods — Commercially available fermented foods are often pasteurized to extend shelf life, which kills the live bacteria necessary for gut health. Instead, opt for traditionally fermented, unpasteurized products sourced from reputable businesses. But again, a better solution is preparing them yourself to maximize the health benefits.
    • Incorporate various fermented foods into your diet — Diversity is key when it comes to fermented foods. Different types offer unique strains of probiotics that work synergistically to enhance your gut microbiome’s resilience.

    Include a range of options such as kimchi, natto, homemade yogurt and homemade fermented vegetables in your daily meals. Variety helps ensure a robust and balanced microbiome, which is crucial for optimal gut-brain communication.

    • Maintain consistent consumption — Regularly consuming fermented foods is essential for sustaining a healthy gut microbiome and reaping long-term mental health benefits. That’s because the modern Western diet is filled with ingredients that consistently destroy the beneficial bacteria.12 Therefore, reseeding your gut with probiotics is important.

    Make it a habit to include fermented foods in your everyday diet, whether through meals or snacks. Consistency helps maintain gut microbiota diversity, reduces inflammation, and supports stable neurotransmitter levels, all of which contribute to improved mood and cognitive function.

    Additional Strategies to Boost Your Mood

    While fermented foods are certainly important, there are other strategies available to help boost your mood. One of my top recommendations is getting regular exercise. Not only is it free, it’s also easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

    In a study13 published in the British Journal of Medicine, researchers noted that exercise is better than antidepressants when it comes to improving mental health. In fact, according to their calculations, it’s 1.5 times more effective. As noted by lead author Ben Singh, Ph.D.:14

    “Physical activity is known to help improve mental health. Yet despite the evidence, it has not been widely adopted as a first-choice treatment … Higher-intensity exercise had greater improvements for depression and anxiety, while longer durations had smaller effects when compared to short and mid-duration bursts.

    We also found that all types of physical activity and exercise were beneficial, including aerobic exercise such as walking, resistance training, Pilates, and yoga. Importantly, the research shows that it doesn’t take much for exercise to make a positive change to your mental health.”

    Aside from exercise, eating a healthier diet (in addition to fermented foods) will help boost your mood. I recommend adding more vitamin B-rich foods into your diet, as this nutrient plays a role in cognitive function. For example, a B1 deficiency causes irritability and emotional disturbance. On the other hand, a B3 deficiency has been linked to anxiety, aggression and depression.15

    Lastly, I recommend you try the Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). It’s a form of psychological acupressure that takes inspiration from the concept of energy meridians used in acupuncture. In EFT, you’re tapping certain meridians while voicing out positive affirmations to help uplift your mood. That said, people experiencing the symptoms of depression will benefit from EFT. In the video below, EFT practitioner Julie Schiffman shows you how.

    ]]>
    https://americanconservativemovement.com/how-fermented-foods-help-promote-better-mental-health/feed/ 0 213441
    Alarming Levels of Heavy Metals and Pesticides Found in US School Lunches https://americanconservativemovement.com/alarming-levels-of-heavy-metals-and-pesticides-found-in-us-school-lunches/ https://americanconservativemovement.com/alarming-levels-of-heavy-metals-and-pesticides-found-in-us-school-lunches/#respond Tue, 03 Dec 2024 07:39:44 +0000 https://americanconservativemovement.com/alarming-levels-of-heavy-metals-and-pesticides-found-in-us-school-lunches/
  • About 28.6 million U.S. students rely on school lunches. Although the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) claims these are among the most nutritious meals, the quality has been steadily declining
  • Testing conducted by Spotlight on America revealed alarming amounts of heavy metals and almost 50 different pesticides in school lunches, with one meal containing 38 different pesticides
  • Lab results uncovered banned pesticides like carbendazim, along with glyphosate and harmful heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and cadmium in school meal samples
  • Children are particularly vulnerable to low-level chemical exposure, as pesticides and heavy metals cause permanent neurological damage, developmental issues and increased disease risk
  • Protect your child by packing homemade lunches, advocating for healthier school meals and supporting initiatives like Garden to Cafeteria that promote fresher, more nutritious food options
  • (Mercola)—Every day, about 28.6 million students in the United States are served school lunches, according to the School Nutrition Association.1 For many children, these meals are a key source of nutrition. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) even claims that school-provided lunches are among the healthiest meals children eat.2

    However, the quality of school lunches has actually been deteriorating for decades. While standards for calories, sodium and added sugars are in place, little is known about the other substances in school lunches beyond these guidelines. A recent investigation3 by Spotlight on America uncovered hidden dangers in these lunches that are putting children’s health at risk — namely, heavy metals and pesticides.

    Shocking Cocktail of Pesticides and Heavy Metals Found in America’s School Lunches

    Spotlight on America4 tested school lunches from Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland to identify substances and ingredients that are not listed on the label. They sent the samples to Health Research Institute (HRI), an accredited laboratory in Iowa, wherein the researchers analyzed common cafeteria fare including breadsticks, pizza, potatoes and fruit under the supervision of Dr. John Fagan, the lab’s CEO and Chief Scientific Officer.

    “To make the invisible, visible,” said Dr. Fagan, explaining the mission behind testing school lunches. “To me it’s counterintuitive that anybody would say, ‘Let’s put poisons on our food,’ but that’s the way our food system is today.”

    The laboratory findings5 revealed a disturbing reality about what children consume daily in school cafeterias. Nearly 50 different pesticides were identified across the samples, with dozens of chemicals often present in single meals. Notably, one elementary school lunch contained 38 distinct pesticides, while a single cup of strawberries contained 23 different pesticides.

    Among the identified pesticides was carbendazim, a fungicide banned in the U.S., most European countries, Brazil and Australia due to its associations with cancer, infertility and birth defects, present in nearly half of the tested samples. Additionally, glyphosate, the active ingredient Round-Up that’s linked to cancer, diabetes and heart problems, was found in multiple samples, especially in wheat-based products like bread.

    Their test also revealed the presence of dicamba and 2,4D in several lunch samples; these are weed killers associated with increased risk of certain types of cancer. The full list of detected pesticides is available in Spotlight on America’s report.6

    Beyond pesticides, their findings showed concerning levels of heavy metals in these school meals. These include cadmium, a known carcinogen, at levels 12 times higher than the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) limit for bottled water. Arsenic in rice samples also measured six times above the allowable limit for apple juice. Most alarming was the detection of lead, a neurotoxin with no safe exposure level, in every single sample tested.

    Epidemiologist Dr. Melissa Perry, Dean of the George Mason University School of Public Health, reviewed the results and expressed concerns about the implications. “50 pesticides in school lunches, it’s not okay,” she said in Spotlight on America’s report. “It demonstrates that our regulatory system is not succeeding in ensuring that the food that children eat are free from chemical burden.”

    Low-Level Exposure to Pesticides Is Still Harmful to Children

    Spotlight on America noted7 that most of their test results were within the limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, this does not imply the levels are harmless, especially for children, whose developing brains and bodies are far more sensitive to even minimal chemical exposure. According to Dr. Perry:8

    “The variety and the volume of chemicals that are being introduced in the market every year makes it practically impossible to evaluate the health effects of each and every chemical. We don’t know what it means to be exposed over time at low levels continuously, especially for developing children.”

    According to the Developmental Origin of Health and Disease (DOHaD) concept, exposure to pesticides during key stages of brain development causes lasting damage to brain structure and function, increasing the risk of various chronic diseases later in life.9

    Of particular concern are the neurotoxic insecticides known as “neonics,” which were introduced in the 1990s and are now the most widely used insecticides in the United States. These compounds were found in six of the school lunch samples tested. As Dr. Perry explains, these insecticides are specifically designed to be neurologically active, targeting processes crucial to brain development.10

    The emergence of unexplained neurological conditions in younger populations may serve as an early warning of these effects. In New Brunswick, Canada, neurologist Dr. Alier Marrero has documented 430 patients with unexplained neurological conditions, including 111 patients under age 45. When tested, 90% of these patients showed elevated blood levels of glyphosate, with one sample reaching 15,000 times above the detection limit.11

    According to a comprehensive 2020 review,12 glyphosate is known to cross the blood-brain barrier and trigger inflammation implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. The herbicide has also been linked to various neurological effects, including elevated risk of autism from childhood exposures. Animal studies have demonstrated additional concerns, showing that exposure leads to anxiety, impaired working memory, decreased curiosity and reduced movement.13

    Exposure to Heavy Metals Causes Irreversible Damage to the Body

    The heavy metals detected in school lunches are equally concerning. Lead exposure poses one of the most serious threats to human health, particularly in children. Even low levels cause permanent damage to the nervous system and impair cognitive development. It also accumulates in bones and teeth over time, causing skeletal problems and making its toxic effects long-lasting and difficult to reverse.14

    Children exposed to lead often experience learning disabilities, behavioral problems, reduced IQ and delayed growth and development.15 Cadmium contamination is similarly hazardous, with severe effects on multiple organ systems.

    The kidneys are especially vulnerable to cadmium toxicity, leading to proteinuria (elevated protein levels in the urine) and reduced filtration capacity.16 Long-term exposure results in brittle bones, as cadmium interferes with calcium metabolism and bone structure.17

    Arsenic, a known carcinogen, has been linked to various types of cancer, including skin, bladder, lung and liver cancers.18 It also disrupts cellular function by interfering with enzyme systems and DNA repair mechanisms.19 Arsenic exposure during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight and developmental delays in children.20

    These heavy metals also bioaccumulate, meaning they build up in the body faster than they are eliminated. The liver and kidneys work continuously to filter these toxins but eventually become overwhelmed and damaged by prolonged exposure.21 Once these metals cross the blood-brain barrier, they cause permanent neurological damage and cognitive decline.22

    Given the irreversible nature of the damage caused by heavy metals, prevention and early intervention are important. Reducing exposure to these toxins in school lunches — and in food more broadly — needs to be a priority to protect children’s long-term health.

    This Is Not the First Time Children’s Nutrition Has Been Compromised

    The recent findings of pesticides and heavy metals in school lunches echo a disturbing pattern of contamination in children’s food that spans decades. In 2017, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)23 found that 20% of baby food samples contained detectable levels of lead. The contamination was especially high in fruit juices, sweet potatoes and teething biscuits.

    In another case, a 2021 congressional report24 revealed dangerous levels of heavy metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury in popular baby foods sold by major companies, including Gerber and Beech-Nut.

    The report noted that some products had arsenic levels up to 91 times higher than the FDA’s limit for bottled water. Similarly, a testing by Environmental Working Group (EWG)25 in 2018 found traces of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, in popular cereals like Cheerios and Quaker Oats.

    In 2022, Moms Across America conducted an analysis26 of 43 school lunches from public schools across 15 U.S. states and found that 95.3% of them had detectable levels of glyphosate. Four veterinary drugs and hormones were also identified in nine of the samples, and every single lunch tested contained heavy metals, with levels up to 6,293 times higher than the EPA’s allowable limits for drinking water.

    More recently, a September 2024 investigation led by Friends of the Earth27 found alarming levels of pesticide residues in baby food produced by Target under its Good & Gather brand.

    Lab tests on nonorganic apple and pear purees revealed 21 pesticides, including 12 classified as highly hazardous to human health or the environment. Neonicotinoid pesticides were detected in 100% of the samples, linked to birth defects, learning disorders, autism spectrum disorder and hormone disruption.

    Organophosphate metabolites, equally toxic to children’s developing brains, were also found in every sample.28 Additionally, 10 of the pesticides detected are known endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which harm brain development, hormones and the immune system even in minuscule amounts.29

    On the topic of EDCs, a September 2024 peer-reviewed study30 identified nearly 200 EDCs linked to breast cancer in common food packaging and plastic tableware, with about two-thirds of these chemicals shown to migrate into food. While breast cancer may not be an immediate concern for young children, exposure to EDCs during their developmental stages disrupts metabolism, impairs growth and affects overall development.31

    As if these hidden threats weren’t enough, the FDA approved the inclusion of Kraft Heinz ready-to-eat prepackaged Lunchables to the K-12 school meal programs, supposedly reformulated to meet the National School Lunch Program’s (NSLP) nutritional requirements.32 But if you have even the slightest knowledge about diet and nutrition, you’ll realize that NSLP nutritional requirements really don’t amount to much. They certainly do not guarantee that your children are being well-fed.

    Safe School Meals Act — A Step Toward Protecting Children from Toxic Exposure

    Just days before Spotlight on America released its school lunch testing results, Senator Cory Booker introduced the Safe School Meals Act.33 This bill, if enacted, would establish rigorous standards aimed at eliminating dangerous toxins from school meals.

    One of its primary goals is to ensure that the FDA sets strict limits on heavy metals like lead, cadmium and arsenic. If the FDA does not act within two years, the bill requires that the allowable levels of these toxins be set to non-detectable, offering immediate protection for school-aged children. It also addresses pesticide residues commonly found in school meals. It would ban harmful chemicals such as glyphosate, paraquat and organophosphates.

    Another key focus of the bill is eliminating toxic chemicals from food packaging. Materials containing PFAS, phthalates, bisphenols and lead, which leach into food and threaten children’s health, would be banned from use in school meal packaging under the new legislation. This ensures that children are not exposed to harmful substances from their food containers.

    In addition to setting safety standards, the Safe School Meals Act promotes the sourcing of food from organic and regenerative farms. The bill offers schools financial incentives to purchase clean, nutrient-dense foods from certified organic producers.

    It also supports small farms by covering the costs of organic certification and providing grants to help them transition to safer, toxin-free farming practices. By connecting these responsible growers with the $17 billion National School Lunch Program, the bill aims to improve both the safety and nutritional quality of school meals, ensuring that they are a source of nourishment, not a source of toxic exposure.

    Empowering Healthy Food Choices in School and at Home

    As parents, taking an active role in your child’s diet is more important than ever. If resources allow, sending your child to school with a homemade lunch made from real, whole foods is one of the best ways to ensure they’re getting the nutrition they need. For parents who can’t pack lunch every day, there are still ways to make sure your children eat healthier even when relying on school-provided meals.

    Start by staying informed about the school’s lunch offerings. Many schools provide menus in advance, giving you the opportunity to help your child select healthier options from what’s available. Having open conversations with your child about the importance of choosing real, whole foods over ultraprocessed ones encourages them to make better choices when you’re not there.

    Advocating for improved school meals is another important step. By participating in parent-teacher organizations or attending school board meetings, you have the opportunity to push for healthier cafeteria offerings. Exploring simple interventions like introducing school gardens also make a big difference. The Garden to Cafeteria program is one such option, which teaches students how to grow food, which is then used in salad bars in school cafeterias.

    In Denver, this program has been in place for years, resulting in more than 5,000 pounds of produce that have been enjoyed by students in about 250 schools.34 Such programs are even self-sustaining, with proceeds going back to support the program, and are implemented throughout the U.S.

    At home, complementing school lunches with balanced, nutrient-dense breakfasts and dinners ensures your child gets the nourishment they need throughout the day, even if school meals fall short. Ultimately, while you may not always control what’s served at school, you still have the power to influence your child’s overall diet and long-term health.

    ]]>
    https://americanconservativemovement.com/alarming-levels-of-heavy-metals-and-pesticides-found-in-us-school-lunches/feed/ 0 213295
    Chronic Diseases Now Account for 75% of Deaths Globally https://americanconservativemovement.com/chronic-diseases-now-account-for-75-of-deaths-globally/ https://americanconservativemovement.com/chronic-diseases-now-account-for-75-of-deaths-globally/#respond Thu, 28 Nov 2024 07:20:10 +0000 https://americanconservativemovement.com/chronic-diseases-now-account-for-75-of-deaths-globally/
  • Chronic diseases now cause nearly 75% of global deaths, with heart disease, cancer, diabetes and dementia being the most impactful
  • Multimorbidity (having multiple chronic conditions) is increasing rapidly, especially among those 80 and older. Geographic and socioeconomic factors strongly influence chronic disease prevalence, with the southeastern U.S. being a hotspot
  • Mental health disorders are a significant part of the chronic disease burden, often going untreated for years. Recognizing the connection between mental and physical health is crucial for overall well-being
  • Mitochondrial health is vital for preventing chronic diseases. The “four E’s” — excess essential fats (seed oils), estrogen, electromagnetic fields and endocrine-disrupting chemicals — are major threats to cellular energy production
  • Disrupted oxygen balance in your gut leads to harmful microbe proliferation. Avoiding mitochondrial poisons and restoring proper gut conditions is essential for reestablishing beneficial microbes and preventing chronic diseases
  • (Mercola)—Chronic diseases have become the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, kill 41 million people every year, amounting to 74% of deaths globally.1 In the U.S., these conditions account for 8 out of the top 10 causes of death.2

    The shift from infectious diseases to chronic, noncommunicable ailments began in the early 1900s, driven by improvements in sanitation, nutrition and medical technology. However, this transition has come with its own set of challenges. As the population ages and lifestyles change, the prevalence of chronic diseases continues to climb.

    The cost to health systems is staggering — over $1 trillion annually in the U.S. alone.3 Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to lower your risk and prevent chronic diseases. Understanding effective prevention strategies is essential for improving your overall health and well-being.

    The Big Four: Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes and Dementia

    Among chronic diseases, four stand out as particularly impactful: heart disease, cancer, diabetes and dementia. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. Cancer follows closely behind, claiming over 600,000 lives annually. Diabetes affects more than 37 million Americans, with millions more undiagnosed or living with prediabetes.4

    Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are rapidly growing concerns, with an estimated 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and over currently affected. These conditions not only impact your health and longevity but also place an enormous financial burden on individuals and health care systems.

    The global cost of cancer alone is projected to reach $25 trillion between 2020 and 2050, with five cancers — tracheal, bronchial and lung; colon and rectal; breast; liver and leukemia — accounting for nearly half of that cost.5 As these diseases become increasingly prevalent, prevention and early intervention to protect your health and quality of life is crucial.

    Most Americans Suffer from Chronic Disease

    Close to 60% of U.S. adults have at least one chronic disease. About 40% suffer from multiple chronic conditions.6 A recent study published in Frontiers in Public Health has also projected a significant increase in chronic diseases among adults aged 50 and older.7

    By 2050, the number of Americans in this age group is expected to surge by 61%, reaching 221 million. Further, those with at least one chronic condition are projected to increase by 99.5%, from 71.5 million in 2020 to 142.7 million by 2050.8

    Researchers considered nine major chronic conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, chronic lung diseases, heart disease, stroke, arthritis and psychiatric problems. These projections highlight the urgent need for you to take proactive steps in managing your health, as the likelihood of developing a chronic condition increases with age.

    The Rise of Multimorbidity: A Growing Concern for Your Health

    While the increase in single chronic conditions is concerning, the rise in multimorbidity — having two or more chronic conditions — is equally worrying. The study predicts a 91.1% increase in multimorbidity cases, from 7.8 million in 2020 to 14.9 million by 2050.9

    The majority of individuals with chronic conditions or multimorbidity are between 60 and 79 years old. However, the most significant increase is projected for those 80 and older, with a staggering 244% rise in single chronic conditions and a 202.7% increase in multimorbidity cases from 2020 to 2050.10

    The study also reveals interesting patterns in chronic disease distribution across gender and racial lines. By 2050, women are projected to make up 53% of those with a single chronic condition, while men will form the majority (51%) of those with multimorbidity. Among racial groups, non-Hispanic Whites are expected to see the largest increase in absolute numbers, but other racial groups will experience significant rises as well.

    For instance, the number of Hispanics with at least one chronic condition is projected to increase by 110% from 2020 to 2050. These disparities highlight the need for targeted health interventions and personalized approaches to chronic disease prevention and management.

    Understanding your own risk factors based on your gender and racial background will help you take more effective steps to prevent chronic disease. However, adopting a holistic approach to your health, addressing not just individual symptoms but the underlying causes of disease, is essential for everyone, at all life stages.

    Geographic Patterns of Chronic Disease

    Your risk of chronic disease isn’t just influenced by individual factors — it’s also closely tied to where you live. Research published in Preventing Chronic Disease unveiled geographic patterns in chronic disease prevalence across the U.S.11

    The southeastern region of the country stands out as a hotspot, with clusters of high chronic disease prevalence throughout. This pattern isn’t random; it reflects decades of social and economic policies that have created environments conducive to poor health outcomes.

    In contrast, areas with lower chronic disease prevalence are more scattered, often clustering around major metropolitan areas. For instance, in Texas, you’ll find pockets of lower prevalence around Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. Similarly, the Atlanta metropolitan region in Georgia shows lower chronic disease rates compared to surrounding areas.

    Areas with high chronic disease prevalence often share common socioeconomic characteristics. If you live in these areas, you’re more likely to face higher rates of disability, unemployment and reliance on government assistance programs like SNAP. Educational attainment is also a significant factor — areas with lower chronic disease prevalence have a much higher proportion of residents with post-high school education.

    The economic divide is stark: the median income in areas with the lowest chronic disease prevalence is nearly double that of areas with the highest prevalence. Home values show an even more dramatic disparity, with median values in low-prevalence areas being almost three times higher than in high-prevalence areas.12

    These disparities highlight the profound impact that your local environment and community characteristics have on your health. Still, along with recognizing risks associated with your location, remember that it’s also important to take proactive steps to mitigate them.

    The Mental Health Crisis: A Hidden Epidemic Within the Chronic Disease Pandemic

    While physical chronic diseases have been at the forefront of health discussions, mental health disorders are rapidly becoming a significant part of the global disease burden. Mental health issues account for 20% of the global disease burden,13 with addiction, mood disorders and anxiety playing major roles.

    There’s often a delay in seeking treatment for these conditions. For instance, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), one of the top 10 leading causes of disability in the developed world, typically goes untreated for about 10 years. Similarly, individuals with gambling disorder often wait around nine years before seeking help.

    These delays significantly increase the burden of disease. Recognizing the importance of mental health in overall well-being is crucial for your health journey, as mental and physical health are deeply interconnected.

    Addressing the Four E’s to Prevent Premature Deaths from Chronic Disease

    Optimizing mitochondrial health is the single most important step you can take to achieve vibrant, lasting health and avoid chronic disease, as impaired mitochondrial function lies at the heart of most chronic conditions.

    There are about 100,000 trillion mitochondria in your body,14 each with hundreds of electron transport chains. Their staggering numbers reveal just how vital they are to your cellular function and, by extension, your overall well-being. Your mitochondria produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is critical for every function in your body. Without energy, your cells can’t repair and regenerate themselves.

    The fundamental issue underlying most chronic disease is that your cells are not producing enough energy. There are four primary factors decimating your cellular energy production — the four E’s:

    1.Excess essential fats (seed oils) — The excess consumption of processed seed oils, which are prevalent in modern diets, particularly in processed foods, poses significant health risks. These oils, rich in linoleic acid (LA), severely impact your mitochondrial function.

    2.Estrogen — Estrogen increases intracellular calcium levels and decreases mitochondrial function. In fact, estrogen dominance is nearly as dangerous as excessive LA intake when it comes to destroying your mitochondrial function.

    It’s important to minimize exposure to synthetic estrogens, such as those found in hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives. Xenoestrogens found in everyday items like plastic are another widespread source of exposure.

    3.Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) — The third significant threat to cellular health comes from the growing exposure to EMFs due to the proliferation of wireless technologies. EMFs increase calcium ion concentrations within cells, resulting in the production of harmful free radicals.

    4.Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) — EDCs represent a broad category of substances, including plastics, that interfere with hormone function and have been linked to various health issues, including reproductive problems, developmental disorders and certain cancers.

    These chemicals primarily work by activating estrogen receptors in your cells, similar to how EMFs activate voltage-gated calcium channels. This activation increases calcium influx into cells, and excess intracellular calcium dramatically increases superoxide and nitric oxide. These quickly combine to form peroxynitrite, which is an extremely potent oxidant stressor. This leads to severe oxidative stress and cellular damage.

    Avoid Mitochondrial Poisons to Boost Your Cellular Health

    These and other mitochondrial poisons lead to a disruption in the delicate oxygen balance within your gut, creating an environment that favors the proliferation of harmful, oxygen-tolerant microbes while inhibiting the growth of beneficial, oxygen-intolerant microbes crucial for gut health. Mucin acts as a binding agent for your colonic epithelium, with colonocytes forming a critical barrier.

    When this barrier is compromised, it initiates a progressive decline in health, accelerating the aging process.

    Addressing the underlying factors damaging colonocytes and restoring proper oxygen levels is essential for reestablishing the population of beneficial, oxygen-intolerant microbes. The communication between mitochondria and your gut microbiome is vital, but when oxygen-tolerant pathogenic bacteria predominate, they crowd out beneficial bacteria, impeding the production of necessary metabolites for optimal health.

    Until excess oxygen is removed from your colon, even the most beneficial lifestyle factors such as exercise, sleep, nutrition and supplements may not lead to significant improvements. Simply introducing probiotics is not an effective solution, as commercially available probiotics are often non-viable in the gut environment. These may provide postbiotic benefits but cannot serve as true “seeds” to reestablish the proper microbial community.

    Your gut environment must be healthy for oxygen-intolerant microbes to thrive, much like seeds require suitable conditions to grow. Avoiding mitochondrial poisons, like those above, is key to creating and maintaining this favorable environment for gut health and microbial balance, and ultimately for avoiding chronic disease.

    My new book, “Your Guide to Cellular Health: Unlocking the Science of Longevity and Joy,” explains in detail how to improve your mitochondrial function for increased cellular energy. Addressing energy production might prevent the majority of premature deaths from chronic diseases worldwide.

    ]]>
    https://americanconservativemovement.com/chronic-diseases-now-account-for-75-of-deaths-globally/feed/ 0 213239
    Federal Judge Upholds Florida Ban on Lab-Grown Meat https://americanconservativemovement.com/federal-judge-upholds-florida-ban-on-lab-grown-meat/ https://americanconservativemovement.com/federal-judge-upholds-florida-ban-on-lab-grown-meat/#respond Mon, 25 Nov 2024 10:03:37 +0000 https://americanconservativemovement.com/federal-judge-upholds-florida-ban-on-lab-grown-meat/
  • A Florida federal judge upheld a state ban on lab-grown meat sales, rejecting Upside Foods’ argument that their cultivated chicken should be treated like conventional poultry under federal law
  • Research from UC Davis suggests lab-grown meat production is more resource-intensive than traditional beef, requiring substantial energy and water for growth mediums and bioreactor systems
  • The production of lab-grown meat faces challenges with endotoxin removal, which can add up to 25 times more environmental impact and requires energy-intensive purification methods
  • Lab-grown meat production requires extensive cell replication, raising concerns about cellular dysregulation and health risks, while lacking essential nutrients found in conventional meat
  • The court’s decision could encourage other states to pass similar laws restricting lab-grown foods, setting a precedent for regulation of these products across U.S. markets
  • (Mercola)—In a landmark ruling, the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Florida upheld a state law banning the sale and distribution of lab-grown or “cultivated” meat.1 This law, enacted by the Florida Legislature, specifically prohibits companies from selling any meat or food product developed from cultured animal cells, like those grown in bioreactors.

    The case centered on Upside Foods, a company at the forefront of cultivated meat technology, which argued that its lab-grown chicken should be treated like conventional poultry under federal law. However, under Florida’s new regulations, these products are barred from markets statewide.

    For Upside Foods, this means any continued efforts to distribute their products in Florida could result in criminal penalties, civil fines and stop-sale orders. With this ruling, the court’s stance signals support for traditional meat production over cell-cultured alternatives in the Sunshine State.

    Upside Foods’ Challenge to State Regulation

    Upside Foods petitioned the court for an injunction to stop the ban’s enforcement, claiming that Florida’s restrictions contradicted federal law, namely the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA). They argued that the PPIA gives the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) exclusive authority over poultry inspection and labeling, which should extend to their cultivated chicken products.2

    Upside Foods also cited its history of marketing and distributing lab-grown chicken in major markets like Miami, claiming that the Florida ban has hampered its business plans, including partnerships with chefs and local events.

    However, during the court hearing, the judge found that Upside Foods failed to show its lab-grown chicken fell under USDA definitions of “poultry” or “poultry products” as intended in federal law, making it unlikely to succeed in its argument that federal law overrides state regulations.

    Federal law defines poultry products as any carcass or product made from a bird, but the judge found this definition did not clearly encompass cultivated meats developed from cells instead of whole animals. Without a precise federal standard for cultivated meats, the judge ruled that Florida’s law could stand because it does not directly contradict any federal law regarding poultry.3

    In his judgment, Chief Judge Mark E. Walker observed that since the USDA has yet to issue specific standards for cell-based meats, Florida has the authority to regulate these products as it deems appropriate. This ruling suggests that, for now, individual states have discretion in deciding how or whether cultivated meats can enter their markets.

    Food Safety, Labeling and Ingredient Standards at Issue

    Upside Foods also argued that Florida’s ban imposed inconsistent standards regarding ingredient labeling and food safety. Under the PPIA, only the USDA sets requirements for the labeling and composition of poultry products in the U.S. However, the judge did not find the ban imposed any new ingredient standards that would conflict with federal law, as it outright prohibits lab-grown meat rather than imposing complex labeling requirements.

    The court noted that without specific federal guidelines for cultivated meat, there was no basis to conclude that Florida’s ban on the product’s sale created an inconsistent or “additional” ingredient requirement. Therefore, the judge upheld that Florida’s law does not impose conditions in conflict with the PPIA’s inspection and labeling requirements, allowing the state to exclude lab-grown products from shelves without breaching federal regulations.

    This case highlights the ongoing debate over whether lab-grown meat will be regulated and accepted across U.S. markets, or if states will continue setting their own standards for such products. The court’s decision sets a precedent that could embolden other states to pass similar laws restricting lab-grown foods.

    “We are not surprised by the judge’s rejection of Upside’s preliminary injunction,” Florida Sen. Jay Collins told Children’s Health Defense. “The dangers of cultivated meat far outweigh any misleading environmental claims. Floridians will not be lectured by billionaires like Bill Gates on how to feed their families.”4

    High Environmental Costs of Cultured Meat Production

    While lab-grown meat is often hailed as a sustainable alternative, research reveals its significant environmental footprint. A recent life cycle assessment (LCA) from the University of California, Davis, examined the “cradle-to-gate” environmental impacts of animal cell-based meat (ACBM).5

    The findings suggest that cultivating lab-grown meat is more resource-intensive than traditional beef production. Specifically, cultured meat production requires substantial energy and water for creating growth mediums, refining cell-culture components and managing bioreactor systems.

    The process also involves high greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel depletion. When growth medium purification is factored in — a necessity for safe production — the carbon emissions for cultivated meat rise dramatically, in some cases exceeding conventional beef’s emissions.6 The environmental burden of fake meat, therefore, may be higher than previously estimated, challenging the assumption that lab-grown meat is inherently eco-friendly.

    Another major challenge in cultured meat production is the removal of endotoxins, toxic byproducts from bacterial contaminants. Endotoxins pose risks to cell health, and their presence in animal cell cultures requires purification methods that are both energy-intensive and costly.

    The study highlighted that removing endotoxins from growth media could add up to 25 times more environmental impact than baseline levels.7 For example, purifying the medium for cultured meat production to meet food-grade standards consumes significant energy, exacerbating the production’s carbon footprint.

    Current methods for endotoxin removal rely on advanced chemical processes, which drive up both resource use and emissions. This means the environmental toll from cultured meat production offsets its perceived sustainability benefits.

    Dependence on Highly Refined Growth Mediums

    Lab-grown meat relies on specific nutrients, proteins and vitamins to grow cells effectively in bioreactors. These refined components are typically sourced from animal byproducts like fetal bovine serum (FBS), which poses ethical and environmental issues. While alternatives to FBS are being explored, they still require a high degree of refinement to ensure cell safety.

    Purifying these materials introduces significant environmental and financial costs, given the energy and resources needed to prevent contamination. The Davis study modeled scenarios involving refined mediums, finding that production of 1 kilogram of ACBM could demand over 1,000 liters of growth medium, depending on purity needs.8

    This substantial input places further strain on the environment, countering claims that cultured meat is a low-impact alternative to livestock. Further, for lab-grown meat to become a staple, the industry must scale production, which would require extensive new infrastructure and energy investment.

    The Davis study estimates that an industrial-scale lab-grown meat facility would demand nearly 10 million liters of bioreactor capacity.9 This massive infrastructure expansion would require high energy inputs and specialized facilities, which further add to its environmental costs.

    Meeting production demands would also necessitate scaling the supply of growth medium components, intensifying the environmental load. Additionally, maintaining clean rooms and running bioreactors on a continuous cycle for mass production would multiply these energy requirements.

    Lab-Grown Meat Poses Health Risks from Cellular Dysregulation

    Lab-grown meat faces health risks linked to the process of cell culture. Culturing cells for meat requires extensive replication and division, raising the possibility of cellular dysregulation, a condition observed in cancer cells. Such uncontrolled cellular changes could alter the structure or nutritional properties of the meat, with unknown implications for human health.10

    While production facilities may eliminate abnormal cell lines, the rapid, repeated cell divisions needed to create lab-grown meat introduce variability and the risk of unexpected biological behaviors. These concerns remain largely unexplored, as studies have yet to fully examine the health impact of long-term consumption of lab-grown meat.

    Cultured meat’s nutritional profile may also lack the diversity and quality found in conventional meat. Lab-grown meat production allows some control over fat content but fails to naturally provide essential micronutrients like vitamin B12 and iron, both vital for human health.

    Attempts to artificially enrich cultured meat with these nutrients risk compromising the natural matrix that enhances nutrient bioavailability in traditional meat. Moreover, studies suggest that the growth medium’s composition could inadvertently inhibit the absorption of certain micronutrients.11 In other words, lab-grown meat could end up offering a nutritionally inferior product, lacking in essential compounds typically provided through whole animal sources.

    Additionally, ethical debates persist. While lab-grown meat may use fewer animals, it still relies on animal-derived cells, negating its “cruelty-free” narrative. For consumers who value real, whole foods, lab-grown meat’s engineered origins are far from natural.

    Fake Meat Is an Ultraprocessed Food Product

    Fake meats are not primarily about health or environmental benefits; instead, they’re a means to phase out traditional farming and replace it with ultraprocessed, patent-controlled food products. If government and corporate entities gain control over food production through lab-grown options, they ultimately gain more control over the people.

    Further, lab-grown meat products are examples of highly processed foods that come with a range of significant health risks. These ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) are a disaster for your health, even if they’re “animal-free” or “plant-based.”

    A study using data from the UK Biobank analyzed the cardiovascular impacts of UPFs within plant-based diets, showing that a 10% increase in plant-based UPFs raised cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by 5% and increased CVD mortality risk by 12%.12

    Conversely, every 10% increase in consumption of minimally processed, plant-based foods was associated with a 7% reduction in CVD risk and a 13% reduction in CVD mortality. These findings suggest that the degree of food processing — rather than simply whether a food is plant-based — plays a key role in health outcomes.

    Despite the growing popularity of plant-based meat alternatives, the evidence warns that their ultraprocessed nature undermines any perceived health benefits. These findings bring attention to the risks associated with other highly processed alternatives, such as lab-grown meat, which involves extensive processing methods similar to UPFs.

    A Step Toward Consumer Protection Against Experimental, Ultraprocessed Foods

    Florida’s ruling sets an important precedent in safeguarding consumers from the risks associated with lab-grown meats. From unknown health impacts to high environmental costs, these ultraprocessed products carry serious concerns that traditional food systems do not.

    This decision stands as a critical move toward ensuring food safety, transparency and public health. By maintaining standards that favor traditional food sources, this ruling moves us closer to safeguarding the food supply against lab-grown products that remain more hype than health.

    ]]>
    https://americanconservativemovement.com/federal-judge-upholds-florida-ban-on-lab-grown-meat/feed/ 0 213162
    Kindergarten “Vaccine” Exemptions Rise as More Parents Make Informed Decisions https://americanconservativemovement.com/kindergarten-vaccine-exemptions-rise-as-more-parents-make-informed-decisions/ https://americanconservativemovement.com/kindergarten-vaccine-exemptions-rise-as-more-parents-make-informed-decisions/#respond Fri, 22 Nov 2024 13:20:30 +0000 https://americanconservativemovement.com/kindergarten-vaccine-exemptions-rise-as-more-parents-make-informed-decisions/
  • Vaccine exemptions among kindergartners have risen from 3% to 3.3%, according to recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), indicating a shift in parental attitudes towards vaccinations
  • The decline in vaccination rates is attributed to parents’ growing concerns about the increasing number of recommended vaccines as well as their side effects
  • The decline in vaccination rates has sparked fear-inducing reports and comments from health officials. But many studies have long questioned the vaccines’ efficacy
  • Numerous serious adverse events have been associated with the scheduled vaccines, resulting in heightened safety concerns among parents
  • Protecting the right to obtain vaccine exemptions is essential for making informed choices. We should have the freedom to decline certain vaccines for ourselves and our children if we feel the risks outweigh the benefits
  • (Mercola)—In this country, we’re often led to believe that vaccines are backed by solid science and have unquestionable safety. However, when you start to dig deeper, you’ll find that the evidence supporting their safety and effectiveness is often quite weak.

    Since the rapid development of mRNA shots during the pandemic, many parents have been more proactive in making decisions about their children’s vaccinations. Recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)1 reflect this shift, revealing that more parents of kindergarteners are becoming selective about which vaccines their child receives, or are choosing to delay certain vaccinations.

    This change is driven by an increase in the number of recommended vaccines for children, coupled with rising concerns about their adverse effects. While mainstream media portrays this development as concerning, I believe it reflects a positive shift toward greater awareness and a desire among parents to make informed decisions about their children’s health care.

    Fewer Parents Are Blindly Accepting the Scheduled Vaccines

    According to the CDC,2 for the 2023 to 2024 school year, vaccination coverage among kindergartners decreased for all reported vaccines, with the percentage for the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) at 92.7% and the diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP) at 92.3%.

    These numbers fall below the 95% threshold recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.3 The CDC has also noted a record increase in vaccine exemptions among kindergartners, with the percentage of children exempt from one or more required vaccines rising from 3% to 3.3% over the past year. This increase equates to approximately 80,000 to 127,000 children.4

    The majority of these exemptions are non-medical, indicating that parents are increasingly making conscious decisions to opt out of certain vaccinations for reasons other than health contraindications. This decline continues a trend that began in the 2019 to 2020 school year, with over 30 states reporting lower vaccination rates compared to the previous year.5

    State-by-state data shows variations in vaccination coverage across the country. Idaho reported the lowest vaccination coverage at 79.5%, while West Virginia maintained the highest at 98.4%. Fourteen states reported exemption rates exceeding 5%, indicating that in some regions, a substantial number of parents are choosing alternative approaches to vaccination.6

    Unsurprisingly, this decline in vaccination rates has prompted fear-inducing reports from various news outlets and comments from health officials. For instance, in a report by AP News, Dr. Raynard Washington, chair of the Big Cities Health Coalition representing 35 major metropolitan public health departments, noted that the decline in vaccination rates “explains a worrisome creep in cases of whooping cough, measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.”7

    Previous Research Has Questioned the Effectiveness of the Vaccines

    While declining vaccination rates are being linked to the resurgence of certain diseases, numerous studies have raised doubts about the efficacy of vaccines in preventing these illnesses from the outset. This raises valid concerns for parents who are wary of exposing their children to substances they believe carry more risks than benefits.

    For instance, a paper published in the journal Science Translational Medicine8 back in 2018 revealed that 25% of individuals vaccinated against mumps lose their immunity within eight years, while half lose it within 19 years. This decline in immunity helps explain the resurgence of mumps among college-age populations.

    Moreover, virologist Stanley Plotkin stated in a Science report9 that research indicates the MMR vaccine produces a weaker immune response against current mumps strains compared to those from 50 years ago. Health officials subsequently recommended a third dose of MMR for 18-year-olds, further increasing the number of vaccines administered per individual. Another study published in Current Opinion in Virology showed similar findings. According to the authors:10

    “Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) including measles and mumps have been re-emerging in countries with sustained high vaccine coverage. For mumps, waning immunity has been recognized as a major contributor to recent outbreaks … Accumulating serological and epidemiological evidence suggests that natural immunity induced by infection may be more durable compared to vaccine-induced immunity.”

    When it comes to DTaP vaccines, previous research has also raised concerns regarding their long-term effectiveness and safety profile. For example, a 2021 study published in the journal Vaccine11 found that its effectiveness against pertussis (whooping cough) declines rapidly over time. This finding corroborates earlier studies that similarly indicated waning immunity associated with the DTaP vaccine.12,13,14

    Vaccines Have a History of Causing Adverse Events

    If a vaccine is highly effective and the risk of the disease is significant, parents would likely feel that the vaccine’s benefits outweigh its side effects. They might even support getting an extra dose.

    However, if the vaccine is ineffective or if the disease is not a serious threat, the risks do not seem justified, especially if it’s been associated with serious side effects. Unfortunately, that’s the case with many of the scheduled vaccines, which have been associated with thousands of serious adverse events and hundreds of deaths.

    Unofficial surveys15,16 suggest that highly vaccinated children have more chronic health problems than unvaccinated children, and that unvaccinated children have a far lower incidence rate of autism. There’s also a growing body of research suggesting that vaccines are associated with a variety of brain and immune system disorders, including an increased risk for:

    • Learning and developmental disabilities
    • Brain damage
    • Allergies, asthma and gut problems
    • Autoimmune diseases
    • Chronic infections

    A study published in the Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology17 examined the correlation between autism and three specific vaccines — MMR, varicella (chickenpox) and hepatitis-A vaccines. The authors of the study suggest that the introduction of vaccines derived from human fetal cell lines, specifically the WI-38 cell line, which may harbor fetal and retroviral contaminants, could be linked to rising autism rates.

    They noted a sharp increase in autism prevalence coinciding with the release of these vaccines. While this hypothesis provides one avenue for exploring the rising incidence of autism among children, it highlights a broader issue — there are many questions about vaccine science and policy that must be answered quickly before more are added to the government-recommended and mandated list for children and adults. As noted by Children’s Health Defense:18

    “The truth is none of those vaccines have ever been studied or considered for their relationship to autism, so no one has any idea. This would be like trying to identify the source of a plane crash, suspecting mechanical failure, solely analyzing one of the wings, and then declaring the entire airplane free of culpability.”

    What Parents Need to Know About Aluminum in Vaccines

    One important aspect of vaccine safety is the presence of aluminum, a neurotoxic substance linked to increasing rates of autism and Alzheimer’s disease. For years, I have cautioned that vaccines are a significant source of aluminum exposure.

    Vaccines contain a variety of components, each playing a specific role in the product’s intended function. The primary ingredient is the antigen, typically a weakened or inactivated form of the target pathogen. Adjuvants are included to supposedly enhance the immune response, with aluminum being one of the most common. Preservatives, stabilizers and residual components from the manufacturing process may also be present in the final product.19

    Aluminum adjuvants have been used in vaccines for nearly a century, and were approved based on their efficacy rather than safety data. The assumption of safety, rather than rigorous testing, has led to growing concerns about long-term effects. This is particularly worrisome given that injected aluminum bypasses the body’s natural filtration systems, making it more bioavailable than ingested aluminum.20,21

    The presence of aluminum in vaccines is especially concerning for infants and young children who receive multiple doses according to recommended schedules. Studies have shown that when adjusted for body weight, the current CDC childhood vaccine schedule exposes children to aluminum levels far exceeding estimated safe limits. This raises questions about aluminum accumulation in various organs, including the brain.

    Research has demonstrated aluminum’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in brain tissue.22 Studies have found significant amounts of aluminum in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, often co-located with amyloid-beta protein plaques. Some researchers have even suggested that without aluminum exposure, Alzheimer’s disease might not occur within the normal human lifespan.23

    The biological effects of aluminum are wide-ranging and impact multiple bodily systems. Aluminum has been shown to adversely affect neuronal function, disrupt cellular signaling, worsen the effects of other heavy metals and influence gene expression. It also causes mitochondrial dysfunction and ATP depletion, setting the stage for various chronic diseases.24

    Why Protecting Vaccine Exemptions Is Important

    These known side effects of vaccines remind us why it’s so important to protect our right to make informed choices about vaccinations and to obtain vaccine exemptions in the U.S. Every individual needs to have the freedom to choose what’s best for themselves and their children, including the option to decline certain vaccines if they believe the risks are too high.

    Voluntary consent is a foundation of ethical health care. It allows families to consider the risks and benefits of vaccines based on their unique health conditions. Given the lack of the science behind vaccine safety, maintaining vaccine exemption is a necessary protective measure. This is not anti-science, but a call for more thorough, independent research and greater transparency.

    When it comes to protecting your family’s health, staying informed is your best strategy. Take the time to do your own research, ask questions and trust your instincts instead of simply following mandates or giving in to societal pressure. By actively seeking out information, you’re ensuring that your family’s health is in your own hands — not dictated by fear or powers that be.

    VAERS — An Important Resource for Vaccine Safety Monitoring

    The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) serves as an important tool for monitoring the safety of vaccines in the U.S. Established in 1990, VAERS is a national early warning system, co-managed by the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to detect possible safety issues with vaccines.25

    The system allows healthcare providers, vaccine manufacturers and the general public to submit reports of adverse events that occur after vaccination. Anyone can access and search the VAERS database, which includes information such as the type of vaccine administered, the timing of the adverse event and a description of the reported symptoms.

    For parents considering whether to vaccinate their child, reviewing VAERS data can be part of the process of making an informed decision. For easy access, see OpenVaers.com.26

    ]]>
    https://americanconservativemovement.com/kindergarten-vaccine-exemptions-rise-as-more-parents-make-informed-decisions/feed/ 0 213117
    Covid Lockdowns Fast-Track Brain Aging in Youth https://americanconservativemovement.com/covid-lockdowns-fast-track-brain-aging-in-youth/ https://americanconservativemovement.com/covid-lockdowns-fast-track-brain-aging-in-youth/#respond Thu, 21 Nov 2024 13:11:47 +0000 https://americanconservativemovement.com/covid-lockdowns-fast-track-brain-aging-in-youth/
  • COVID lockdowns accelerated brain aging in adolescent girls, showing 4.2 years of brain age acceleration compared to 1.4 years in males
  • Children’s memories of lockdown became increasingly negative over time, with female adolescents reporting the lowest happiness levels and highest depressive symptoms
  • Physical fitness declined significantly post-lockdown, with young women showing steeper drops in aerobic fitness (4.28 points) compared to men (2.25 points)
  • Strict lockdowns led to vitamin D deficiency in 77.8% of pregnant women, increasing risks of pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes
  • The pandemic’s disruption of normal development patterns has prompted calls for targeted interventions, especially for young women who showed greater vulnerability across measures
  • (Mercola)—COVID-19 lockdowns accelerated brain aging in adolescents, according to a recent study.1 The pandemic drastically changed daily routines, leaving many young people struggling with their mental and physical health. You might have noticed how isolation affected teens, especially girls, more than boys. Increased feelings of anxiety and depression became common as social interactions dwindled.2

    As the lockdowns wore on, physical fitness levels among young adults began to decline sharply. Reduced opportunities for exercise and more time spent sedentary led to significant drops in both aerobic and anaerobic fitness.3 This decline isn’t just about physical health; it’s closely tied to mental well-being as well.

    We’re only now beginning to see the many ways COVID-19 lockdowns impacted adolescent brain development and physical fitness; the full effects likely won’t be apparent for years or decades to come.

    The Impact of Lockdowns on Adolescent Brain Development

    Adolescence is a critical period for brain maturation, where emotional and social development take center stage. During this time, your brain undergoes significant changes, including synaptic pruning and myelination, which are essential for cognitive and emotional growth. However, the COVID-19 lockdowns disrupted these typical developmental trajectories, particularly in girls.4

    Researchers used MRI scans to compare brain structures before and after the lockdowns, revealing that young girls experienced more rapid cortical thinning than boys did. Cortical thinning is a natural part of brain development during adolescence, where your brain’s outer layer, the cortex, becomes thinner as it matures.

    This process is essential for improving cognitive functions like thinking, memory and emotional regulation. However, the study showed that the lockdowns caused this thinning to happen much faster than usual, especially in female adolescents. Girls experienced a mean brain age acceleration of 4.2 years compared to 1.4 years in boys.

    The acceleration in brain maturation is linked to increased stress caused by the pandemic restrictions. Prolonged social isolation and the disruption of daily routines led to higher levels of stress hormones like cortisol. These hormones affect brain development, leading to the accelerated thinning observed in the study.

    Moreover, the faster brain maturation in females is concerning because it’s associated with a higher risk of developing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The rapid changes in brain structure may interfere with the normal development of emotional and social skills, making adolescents more vulnerable to neuropsychiatric disorders.

    The study highlights the critical need for ongoing support and monitoring of adolescents who experienced the lockdowns. Providing mental health resources and promoting healthy lifestyles may help mitigate the negative impacts of accelerated brain aging, but early intervention is essential to address the long-term consequences on young minds.

    Autobiographical Memories Impact Mental Health in Lockdown

    Another study found that as lockdowns continued, children’s memories of that time became less detailed and more negative over time. Initially, kids could recall specific events and feelings from the lockdown, but as months passed, their memories lost some of that detail and leaned more toward negative emotions.5

    Psychological well-being among children and adolescents also took a hit during the lockdowns, with girls showing the most significant decline. While all young people experienced increased anxiety and depression, female adolescents were particularly hard-hit, reporting the lowest levels of happiness and the highest levels of depressive symptoms.6

    The content of these memories played a crucial role in mental health outcomes. Memories that were filled with negative emotions and detailed factual information about COVID-19 and the restrictions predicted poorer psychological well-being over time. Not surprisingly, kids who focused more on the negative aspects and the hard facts about the pandemic struggled more with their mental health.7

    Overall, the findings suggest that the way children and adolescents remember and narrate their experiences during challenging times significantly influences their mental health. Negative memory narratives lead to worse psychological outcomes, highlighting the need for supportive interventions that help young people process their experiences in healthier ways.8

    Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 Lockdowns on Physical Fitness in Young Adults

    COVID-19 lockdowns also had a significant long-term impact on the physical fitness of young adults.9 Researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis involving over 5,300 university freshmen, comparing their physical fitness levels before and after the pandemic lockdowns. Again, not surprisingly, the lockdowns led to notable declines in both aerobic and anaerobic fitness compared to previous years.

    The study showed that anaerobic fitness, which is essential for short bursts of intense activity like sprinting, decreased by an average of 0.84 points. More strikingly, aerobic fitness, crucial for sustained activities such as running or cycling, dropped by 2.25 points in males and a more substantial 4.28 points in females. This indicates that young adults became significantly less capable of performing endurance-based activities post-lockdown.

    With gyms, parks and sports facilities closed, many young adults found themselves spending more time sitting or engaging in less physically demanding activities like video games or desk work.

    Curiously, females experienced greater declines in aerobic fitness compared to their male counterparts. This gender disparity suggests that lockdown measures may have disproportionately affected girls in maintaining their cardiovascular endurance. Possible reasons include differences in how males and females engaged in physical activities during the lockdown or varying access to exercise resources and support systems.

    The decline in physical fitness may lead to long-term health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. The study underscores the urgent need to promote physical activity among young adults, especially in the aftermath of lockdowns or similar restrictions. Encouraging regular exercise and reducing sedentary time are essential steps in preventing these negative health outcomes and ensuring that fitness levels recover post-pandemic.

    Furthermore, the research highlights that addressing fitness declines is important for supporting the overall health of young adults. Promoting accessible and enjoyable forms of exercise may help mitigate the long-term consequences of the pandemic on youth fitness and well-being.

    Lockdowns Led to Vitamin D Deficiency, Worse Birth Outcomes in Pregnant Women

    In related news, a team of Spanish researchers looked into the effects of strict lockdown on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women, noting, “In Spain, a strict lockdown (SL) was declared, with the population being confined at home, therefore influencing their exposition to sunlight.”10

    For this study, vitamin D deficiency (VDD) was defined as a vitamin D level below 20 ng/mL, and vitamin D insufficiency as a level between 20 and 30 ng/mL. This is notable, since it represents an extremely low level of vitamin D. While sufficiency begins around 40 ng/mL (100 nmol/L in European measurements), the target range for optimal health is 60 to 80 ng/mL (150 to 200 nmol/L).

    If higher levels were used to define vitamin D deficiency in the study, even more women would have been deemed deficient. Still, even using 20 ng/mL as the deficiency cutoff, 55.5% of pregnant women in the region were vitamin D deficient. Among those on strict lockdown (SL), the prevalence was 77.8%.11

    While the study stopped short of examining the pregnancy outcomes of lockdown-driven vitamin D deficiency, past research has linked VDD with adverse effects in pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth and caesarean delivery.12

    COVID-19 lockdown was also associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes, with risk increasing the longer the lockdown continued,13 as well as an increased risk of preterm birth.14

    Other studies also suggest that lockdowns negatively affected pregnant women in other ways. For example, in a study comparing women who experienced a Level I lockdown in China during the pandemic with women who did not, the lockdown group had shorter gestational length and a higher risk of preterm birth.15

    Brain Development and Fitness Are Suffering After Pandemic Lockdowns

    To conclude, the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on adolescent brain development and physical fitness, particularly in young girls. These effects, coupled with increased stress and prolonged social isolation, have heightened the risk of mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression.

    Physical fitness has also taken a significant hit, with both aerobic and anaerobic capacities declining, especially among young women. The shift toward sedentary lifestyles and reduced opportunities for physical activity has had lasting effects on health and well-being, with implications for long-term health outcomes.

    To mitigate these impacts, it’s essential to promote regular physical activity, provide mental health support and encourage healthy lifestyle habits. By understanding the unique challenges faced by adolescents during the pandemic, we can develop targeted interventions to support their recovery and ensure a healthier future for our youth.

    Early intervention, consistent support and fostering resilience are crucial steps toward helping adolescents navigate these challenging times and safeguarding their mental and physical health.

    ]]>
    https://americanconservativemovement.com/covid-lockdowns-fast-track-brain-aging-in-youth/feed/ 0 213103
    Ultra-Processed Foods Threaten Children’s Liver Health https://americanconservativemovement.com/ultra-processed-foods-threaten-childrens-liver-health/ https://americanconservativemovement.com/ultra-processed-foods-threaten-childrens-liver-health/#respond Sat, 16 Nov 2024 12:02:31 +0000 https://americanconservativemovement.com/ultra-processed-foods-threaten-childrens-liver-health/
  • Ultraprocessed foods are linked to liver disease and insulin resistance in obese children, with high consumption associated with metabolic disorders
  • These foods are low in nutrients and high in unhealthy additives, contributing to poor health outcomes
  • The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasing among adolescents
  • Insulin resistance is a key factor in metabolic health issues, underscoring the importance of choosing healthy foods
  • Ways to encourage children to increase their intake of whole, natural foods are outlined below
  • (Mercola)—It’s long been acknowledged that obesity in American adults is a public health problem. However, there’s a related issue on the rise — childhood obesity. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 1 in 5 children and adolescents are now obese.1

    Much of the reason for the rise in childhood obesity is the preference for ultraprocessed foods. An estimated 67% of calories in children’s and teenagers’ diets come from these unhealthy products.2 In addition, research is showing that these foods are causing liver problems in children.

    The Threat of Ultraprocessed Foods to Liver Health

    Could the ultraprocessed foods your child regularly consumes be silently fueling serious liver diseases? According to a study3 published in Nutrients, the answer is a resounding yes, depending on the food you give them. Specifically, high intake of ultraprocessed foods is closely linked to metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), insulin resistance, and increased adiposity in obese youth. MASLD is of particular concern. According to the researchers:4

    “MASLD is a multisystem disease affecting various metabolic pathways and is strongly linked to insulin resistance and obesity. Mechanistically, fat overload in the liver may lead to the accumulation of diacylglycerol, which activates protein kinase Cε (PKCε), impairing insulin signaling and leading to insulin resistance.

    Body fat, particularly trunk fat, promotes insulin resistance through increased hepatic lipogenesis, leading to metabolic disturbances in the liver. When insulin resistance occurs, the oxidation of fatty acids in the liver decreases, promoting further fat accumulation and worsening hepatic steatosis. This process disrupts insulin signaling in the liver and increases fat accumulation, triggering inflammatory responses.”

    For the study, researchers selected 149 participants aged 8 to 17 years old who were assessed for their dietary intake using detailed food diaries. Other biomarkers were taken as well, such as body weight and blood results.5

    To measure the liver fat percentage, a technique called magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) was used. This noninvasive method provides a detailed image of the liver. A liver fat percentage exceeding 5% is typically indicative of MASLD.6

    The study, which lasted six months from baseline through follow-up, revealed that higher consumption of ultraprocessed food was strongly associated with increased insulin levels, a hallmark of insulin resistance. Furthermore, the research established a clear correlation between ultraprocessed food consumption and MASLD.

    Children and adolescents who had the highest intake of ultraprocessed food were 1.75 times more likely to develop MASLD compared to those who ate less. The risk was even more pronounced for moderate-to-severe MASLD, where high ultraprocessed food consumers faced over four times the likelihood of developing advanced liver disease.

    Other Research Highlights the Growing Concern of MASLD

    The Nutrients study is not the only one to notice the increasing cases of MASLD among the youth. A study7 published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reveals that an alarming 23.77% of U.S. adolescents aged 12 to 19 years are grappling with MASLD.

    Using data taken from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2017 and 2020, researchers noted that participants with MASLD were also predisposed to other health issues, such as increased triglyceride levels, elevated glucose levels and obesity.

    While the study didn’t go into the specifics of the cause, the answer is already right in front of everyone — ultraprocessed foods. Again, as much as 67% of a child’s calories come from these products.

    Tips to Help Reduce Your Child’s Intake of Ultraprocessed Food

    While kids enjoy the taste of ultraprocessed foods such as frozen pizzas and fish sticks, keeping up this habit will eventually ruin their liver health, as well as their overall health. Ultimately, your goal is to reduce — and eventually eliminate — ultraprocessed foods in your children’s diet, and this requires a multifaceted approach:

    • Eliminate seed oils — Your first order of business is removing all seed oils. This ingredient is loaded with harmful linoleic acid (LA), which I believe is the most destructive ingredient in our modern diet today. A majority of ultraprocessed foods contain high amounts of LA, so make this your top priority.
    • Replace ultraprocessed foods slowly — Gradually replace the ultraprocessed foods your child eats with whole foods. Start by replacing a snack or meal with whole foods, such as swapping out chips for fresh fruit. A slow approach helps children get used to new flavors without feeling overwhelmed.
    • Get children involved — One powerful technique that will inspire children to eat more fresh food is by inviting them in meal planning and preparation. Let your kid choose recipes, and even shop for ingredients and cook the food. This way, they’ll develop a sense of ownership and pride in their food.By getting them involved, their willingness to try healthier meals will grow. Plus, teaching them to cook builds valuable life skills at a young age. Start by letting them with simple tasks, such as washing the produce, then move on to more complicated chores as they grow older.
    • Change your family’s eating habits — The way your family eats during mealtimes will significantly impact your child’s consumption of ultraprocessed foods. Encourage them to eat meals together without distractions, such as TV or phones. Also, teach them to savor each bite of their food, as well as making them aware of their body’s hunger and fullness cues. This helps avoid mindless snacking while allowing them to build a healthy relationship with eating.
    • Engage with the people around you — Community-based programs, such as food assistance benefits from local farmers markets, community gardens and cooking classes will contribute to a culture focused on whole-food consumption. These programs also increase the availability of fresh produce, which helps families to make better choices.
    • Take advantage of technology — There are many available tools nowadays that help educate children and track their eating habits. For example, there are now apps that allow children to scan barcodes in food to learn about the ingredients in an engaging way. Some apps even go beyond by turning healthy eating into a game.

    Removing Ultraprocessed Foods — The Foundation of Your Child’s Health

    The evidence is clear — ultraprocessed foods will harm your child’s health in the long run. While designed to be convenient and appetizing, these products are wreaking havoc on their young minds and bodies, disrupting natural bodily processes, altering gut microbiomes and creating nutrient deficiencies. The health care costs are also alarming. According to the CDC, childhood obesity costs the U.S. economy $1.3 billion annually.8

    While change starts at home, society must also walk in step to protect the long-term health of our youth. Advocating for policy changes, better education and environmental changes will result in a robust framework for reducing children’s consumption of ultraprocessed foods.9

    ]]>
    https://americanconservativemovement.com/ultra-processed-foods-threaten-childrens-liver-health/feed/ 0 213000
    US Approves GMO Wheat Grown With Neurotoxic Herbicide https://americanconservativemovement.com/us-approves-gmo-wheat-grown-with-neurotoxic-herbicide/ https://americanconservativemovement.com/us-approves-gmo-wheat-grown-with-neurotoxic-herbicide/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 07:14:40 +0000 https://americanconservativemovement.com/us-approves-gmo-wheat-grown-with-neurotoxic-herbicide/
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently approved the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) wheat, raising concerns about its long-term effects on health and the environment
  • HB4, the world’s first genetically modified wheat, was developed by Argentine company Bioceres. It’s engineered for both drought tolerance and resistance to the herbicide glufosinate ammonium
  • Glufosinate ammonium has been banned in several countries, including the European Union. It’s classified as a neurotoxin and has been linked to developmental and reproductive health issues
  • The approval of GM wheat prioritizes corporate interests over public health and environmental protection. Its initial approval in Argentina has raised concerns about conflicts of interest and lack of independent oversight
  • To protect your health, prioritize non-GMO, organic foods in your diet, and be aware of common GMO ingredients hiding in many foods. Resources are available below to help you find reputable organic and regenerative farmers for chemical-free produce
  • (Mercola)—I’ve long warned about the dangers genetically modified organisms (GMOs) pose to human health and the environment, including the possibility of introducing new allergens into the food supply, decreasing biodiversity and increasing reliance on pesticides. Even more troubling is that the long-term health impacts of consuming GMOs remain largely unknown.

    Despite these uncertainties, the biotechnology industry and Big Ag continue to push for widespread adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops, often downplaying their risks in favor of touted benefits. Now, a new threat looms over our food supply, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently approved the first-ever cultivation of genetically modified wheat in the U.S.1

    While proponents described this decision as a “milestone” for the country’s agriculture, it has sparked strong opposition from scientists, environmental organizations and consumer advocates, who argue that this move prioritizes corporate interests at the expense of public health and environmental protection.2

    USDA Gives Green Light to Controversial GM Wheat

    The world’s first genetically modified wheat, HB4, was developed by the Argentine company Bioceres in collaboration with the French seed company Florimond Desprez. This strain is engineered to be drought-tolerant, and Bioceres claims it’s the only genetically modified wheat variety in the world with such technology.3

    HB4 wheat is marketed as a solution to food security challenges, especially in drought-prone regions, where it claims to increase yields and reduce production costs for farmers. However, its cultivation relies heavily on the herbicide glufosinate ammonium, for which it has been engineered for increased tolerance. This chemical has been banned in several countries, including those in the European Union, due to its known health and environmental effects.4

    The United States, one of the largest wheat producers in the world,5 is the fourth country to permit the production of HB4 wheat, along with Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.6 While the USDA has concluded that HB4 can be safely grown and bred in the U.S. without posing significant risks to agriculture or the environment,7 consumer advocacy groups have pointed out that these claims are unfounded.

    According to a report by Sustainable Pulse,8 there are several compelling reasons to question the safety and efficacy of GM wheat. First, there is no publicly available evidence demonstrating its safety for human health or the environment. The studies conducted by Bioceres are confidential, preventing independent scientists and the public from accessing or scrutinizing these findings.

    Moreover, despite claims that HB4 wheat is drought-resistant, there are no independent studies to support this. In fact, Sustainable Pulse notes that available research indicates that this GM variety is less productive than conventional wheat, which means that its drawbacks could outweigh its purported benefits.

    Argentina Has Become a Testing Ground for GM Wheat

    While citizens in Argentina have the right to elect their leaders, they lack the ability to choose non-GMO food options because there is no labeling for genetically modified (GM) products. This allows a select group of individuals in influential positions within the government and scientific communities to make decisions that effectively force the entire population to consume GM products, leaving them with no alternative choices.

    Since its approval in 2020, HB4 wheat has been widely cultivated across Argentina. Bioceres reported that by 2021, approximately 55,000 hectares of GM wheat had been harvested in the country.9 In the same year, the first shipment of flour made with GM wheat was exported to Brazil, the main export market for Argentinean wheat production.10

    However, the process behind the approval and cultivation of GMOs in Argentina has been questionable. Sustainable Pulse’s report11 points out that Argentina’s National Advisory Committee on Agricultural Biotechnology (CONABIA), which oversees GM approvals, is heavily influenced by the very corporations that produce GMOs.

    This revolving door between government and corporate interests creates a conflict of interest, where those seeking approval are also involved in the decision-making process. Argentina’s National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) has ties with Bioceres as well, with its senior researcher, Raquel Chan, being involved in the development of GM wheat.

    The lack of independent oversight is further compounded by the Argentine government’s reliance on confidential studies from these companies, with no independent research conducted to validate their findings. This has raised alarms in over a thousand scientists affiliated with CONICET and public universities, who have denounced the risks associated with GM wheat and its derivatives.

    Widespread Opposition and Concerns Over GM Wheat Approval

    There is a strong consensus against GM wheat among Argentinian farmers, indigenous groups and socio-environmental organizations.12 The campaign “Con nuestro pan, no!” (which translates to “Not our bread!”) emphasizes that GM wheat is not a solution to hunger but rather a means to enhance the profits of the agro-industrial sector.13

    The coalition also points out that Argentina’s experience with GM soy has yielded no tangible benefits for the public, questioning how GM wheat would be any different. Organizations across Latin America, Africa and Asia have also raised alarms about the dangers of GM wheat.14 Sustainable Pulse reported:15

    “In a detailed 14-page document, social movements, peasants and indigenous people requested the intervention of United Nations (UN) special rapporteurs because of the risks to food, health and the environment posed by Bioceres’ GMO.

    They confirmed that there are no independent studies confirming its harmlessness, denounced the dangerous herbicide glufosinate ammonium and also pointed out that it is less productive than conventional wheat.”

    The small international nonprofit organization GRAIN has also voiced its opposition, condemning the irregular approval process for GM wheat in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, which, as stated, was based solely on studies provided by the manufacturer and confidential documentation.16

    Health and Environmental Impacts of Glufosinate Ammonium

    Glufosinate ammonium, the broad-spectrum herbicide used in the cultivation of HB4 wheat, works by inhibiting glutamine synthetase, an enzyme vital to plant growth.17 However, its impact is not limited to plants. The herbicide is classified as a neurotoxin, and long-term exposure has been linked to a variety of health issues in humans, including developmental, neurological and reproductive effects.18

    Animal studies have shown that it interferes with the normal functioning of the nervous system19 and, in fetuses and infants exposed prenatally and perinatally, it has been linked to poor gut health,20 behavioral abnormalities and motor function problems.21 This makes pregnant women and children particularly vulnerable to its harmful effects.

    Beyond human health, the herbicide also poses significant risks to the environment. It contaminates soil and water sources, affecting non-target species. Aquatic organisms are especially susceptible, as runoff from fields treated with glufosinate pollutes nearby water bodies.22,23 Despite these concerns, glufosinate ammonium continues to be used in the U.S. for controlling weeds.

    The situation is further complicated by the increasing weed resistance to herbicides like glufosinate. As resistance grows, higher quantities of the herbicide are required for cultivation, exacerbating its health and environmental risks. This vicious cycle raises important questions about the sustainability of introducing yet another herbicide-reliant crop into U.S. agriculture.

    Steer Clear of GMOs to Protect Your Health

    Given these concerns, many health-conscious consumers are seeking ways to minimize exposure to GMOs and associated herbicides. The most effective approach is to make strategic changes to your diet. By prioritizing non-GMO, free-range and organic foods, you will significantly reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals.

    It’s important to be aware of common GMOs lurking in many processed foods without your knowledge. These include corn (often found in processed foods such as cornmeal, corn syrup, corn starch, corn flour, etc.), soy (which is sometimes listed as lecithin or starch, among others), canola and potato. By avoiding processed foods, you also reduce your intake of some of the most common inflammatory ingredients, including gluten, processed sugar and linoleic acid.

    Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that GMOs and pesticides also enter your diet through animal products. Many animals in concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are fed herbicide-resistant GE grains like corn and soy. This is one of several good reasons for making sure your meats come from organically raised, grass fed animals.

    A Guide to Choosing Organic Food

    For a product to be labeled as organic, it must be free from genetic engineering and grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers.24 Not all organic labels are the same, though. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) outlines four key classifications for consumers to be aware of:25

    • 100% organic — Products that have this label must be made with 100% certified organic ingredients. These items can display the USDA organic seal and make the “100% organic” claim.
    • Organic — For a product to simply be labeled “organic,” at least 95% of its ingredients must be certified organic, with up to 5% nonorganic ingredients allowed, as long as they are listed on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.
    • “Made with” organic ingredients — These items must contain at least 70% certified organic ingredients but cannot display the USDA organic seal or represent the entire product as organic.
    • Specific organic ingredients — Products with less than 70% organic content cannot carry the organic seal or use the word “organic” on the packaging. However, certified organic ingredients can still be listed on the product’s ingredient panel.

    Knowing these labels is just the first step. As the demand for organic products increases, some companies have tried to mislead consumers by falsely labeling conventionally grown products as “organic.” From 2020 to 2023, several farmers faced legal consequences for selling nonorganic produce as organic, with one case involving a staggering $71 million in fraud.26

    To protect yourself, it’s essential to be a vigilant consumer. Look beyond the label and research the sources of your organic products. The best way to find organic, chemical-free produce is to visit the farmers themselves. Shopping at farmers markets and talking directly to vendors provide valuable insights into their farming practices. Many of these small-scale operations prioritize sustainable methods and try their best to limit chemical use.

    Additionally, consider joining a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program.27 This subscription service allows you to receive regular deliveries of fresh produce from local farms that utilize sustainable agricultural practices. Some CSA farmers also offer educational programs to deepen your understanding of sustainable agriculture.

    If you can’t join a CSA, the EWG’s “Dirty Dozen” list28 will guide your shopping. This regularly updated list highlights the 12 fruits and vegetables most likely to be contaminated with pesticides, helping you make informed choices. Lastly, consider growing your own food using sustainable methods. By doing so, you’ll be able to ensure your food is as safe and chemical-free as possible.

    Resources for Organic, Chemical-Free Produce

    If you live in a dense, urban location in the U.S. that doesn’t have any local farmers markets, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to connect with reputable organic farmers who employ regenerative agricultural practices so you will still be able to purchase their products. Below is a list of websites I recommend:

    • American Grassfed Association — The goal of the American Grassfed Association (AGA) is to promote the grass fed industry through government relations, research, concept marketing and public education.

    Their website also allows you to search for AGA-approved producers certified according to strict standards that include being raised on a diet of 100% forage; raised on pasture and never confined to a feedlot; never treated with antibiotics or hormones; born and raised on American family farms.

    ]]>
    https://americanconservativemovement.com/us-approves-gmo-wheat-grown-with-neurotoxic-herbicide/feed/ 0 212941