High Fructose Corn Syrup...

seems to be a controversial ingredient. Have you ever even heard of it? It is a common ingredient in things like soda pop and fruit juice. It is a replacement for sugar. Some say it poses serious health risks, others claim it is no more dangerous than regular sugar, and shouldn't be treated any different. So... what is the truth?

According to MayoClinic.com, HFCS may be linked to obesity, which then can lead to diabetes and a whole range of other health issues. And when consumed in large amounts, these products containing HFCS tend to replace healthier, more beneficial beverages and foods. They sum it up well: "Many beverages and other processed foods made with high-fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners are high in calories and low in nutritional value. " If you want a more scientific approach and explanation, visit The Weston A. Price Foundation.

The fact of the matter is, it is a cheaper ingredient for companies to put into their products - that's why they choose HFCS over sugar. But after so much commotion from the general public, companies like Gatorade, Hunt's and Wheat Thins are switching back to natural sugars. To me, that says a lot. Companies are responding to concern, and admitting that what they were doing maybe did not have the consumers best interests (or best health) at heart. But let's face it: we all know drinking too much soda pop or eating too much processed foods isn't good for us. If something can last on a shelf for YEARS, how long will it last in our systems? Common sense says if we want to be healthy, to stick to the fresh foods, and limit the processed foods. Mayo Clinic offered the following suggestions:

"If you're concerned about the amount of high-fructose corn syrup or other sweeteners in your diet, consider these tips:

• Limit processed foods.
• Avoid foods that contain added sugar.
• Choose fresh fruit rather than fruit juice or fruit-flavored drinks. Even 100 percent fruit juice has a high concentration of sugar.
• Choose fruit canned in its own juices instead of heavy syrup.
• Drink less soda.
• Don't allow sweetened beverages to replace milk, especially for children."

Soda, Pop, Coke...

No matter what you call it, this fuzzy sweet addictive wonderful drink can take a serious toll on our bodies. As good as it tastes, it wreaks havoc through our entire system, beginning with our teeth. The high quantities of sugars/sweeteners are often the culprit of tooth decay, and will effect weight gain, immune problems, and in some cases cancer.

How much is too much? It seems like any indulgence of this 'good stuff' is bad for us. Sugar, caffeine and carbonation don't sit well in our systems, and it is hard to clean out of our bodies. It is especially bad for kids, because they get more exposure to it over time. They overwhelm our bodies and we can't get filter it well, which causes other problems in other places.

This article says it all very well. And this published study shows all the facts... check them out! What do you think about what you drink?

It's that time again!

Well, I am happy to say that after too long away, I am finally back to the world of blogging. I had my baby and he is incredible!!! I love him so much. It was a tough adjustment at times, and sometimes when he would cry, I would cry, too. But now we communicate a lot better and I understand him so much clearer. He is a very good communicator! ;-D I love being a mom, and it has made me very grateful that I am striving to live the way we do: clean, green, organic, natural, etc. - especially in regards to cleaning products. I only want the best for him! At any rate, we are back and have more reason than ever to try to live a healthy lifestyle. So... here we go!

There are better ways...

In an effort to take care of our planet, people go through a lot of work and effort. They will often sacrifice convenience and speed for a healthier, cleaner way of life, with usually less of an impact on the environment. Some examples of how to do this are less plastics and paper products, less waste, recycling, cloth diapers, non-toxic cleaners, and the list goes on and on.

Here are some funny videos I found of people... attempting... to do just that. Check them out!

Grandma Boatman Vacuum

EWG

The Environmental Working Group is a research company that publishes studies and produces facts and stats on subjects like toxins in the environment, cell phone radiation, chemicals in cleaning supplies, pesticides in foods... they conduct studies all the time, and the conclusions they reach are pretty fascinating. Their website is FULL of information. When you have a minute, read through some of their information.

If you'd rather watch videos, you can find some HERE.

Swine Flu...

With so much information and varying opinions circulating through our media, conversations, work places, schools, and homes about the value/danger of the swine flu vaccine, I think everyone has been searching for some answers. I've compiled a list of sites from my own research, as well as the research of others, that have been helpful to me. If you read my blog, you know I'd rather solve things naturally than with medication - though it is very clear that medications and prescriptions have their time and place. So check these out, and post any others that have good information. Thanks!

From Dr. Mercola: A very thorough website with many articles, videos, etc.

Dr. Mayor Eisenstein: Vaccine Choices and Awareness

National Vaccine Information Center: General information with lots of facts and stats

Dr. Jay Gordon: FAQs and Update

Dr. Feder: Q&A on Swine Flu, Natural Flu Prevention, Fever Fighters

Be especially aware of the possible problems of mercury in the vaccine, and it's possible

connections to cases like autism. Times article HERE.

Article from The Atlantic found HERE.

Americans not getting enough fruits and veggies...

Ultimately, we ought to be getting our vitamins and nutrients from our diet - so many people depend only upon that. But studies are showing more and more that we are not getting what we need from our diets. There are many reasons for this (ie fast food, processed meats, pesticides all over fresh food, hormones being pumped into our meat...) but the point is, our bodies are not getting what they need to function well or even function correctly.

Our body is an INCREDIBLE place! There is so much going on, and on such a microscopic level. But we do know that your body can go a long way to restoring itself if we take good care of it, and give it what it needs (good food, exercise, rest...). These are things we all know, right? But how many of us abide by that? Your body knows what to do with the nutrients, if it receives them.

I came across an article today that says:

"According to a new government study, only 14 percent of American adults are eating the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables, and less than 10 percent of high school students are getting the proper amounts of these wholesome foods."

The need for fresh foods is so great in our bodies, yet we are not eating them!

"Fruits and vegetables, in general, provide our bodies with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and loads of disease-fighting antioxidants. Almost all are naturally low in fat and calories and none have cholesterol. All of these healthful characteristics may help protect against cardiovascular disease,type 2 diabetes, and other chronic illnesses."

The study is calling for the desperate need for us to pay attention to what we eat, and start eating healthy. Their goal is to get "at least 75 percent of Americans to consume two or more daily servings of fruit and for at least 50 percent to consume three or more daily servings of vegetables." But they are not sure how quickly or efficiently it can be done.

I say they also start advocating natural supplements, which will go a long way to helping people get the necessary nutrients. But this has its own pool of confusion and controversy surrounding what to buy? What works? How much of what is stated on the bottle will really make it into my system? What's the difference between natural and synthetic, and should I care?

These are all fantastic questions, and ones you should be asking. I've done some research on the matter, and have been shocked with what I found. Many posts on this blog are dedicated to that topic. If you want to discuss the matter, or want to share your thoughts, please do! Comment or contact me with questions.

You can read the whole article HERE.