Not all people are the same, but when it comes to hormonal imbalance and overall endocrine function, there are common problems that may affect any person at any time, at any place, and at any age. This short guide will explain these factors and how they can impact your health and wellbeing.

Aging

The body’s endocrine system is made up of a special group of cells that are responsible for producing hormones—natural substances that influence target cells, tissues, organs, and systems. Hormones affect growth and development, metabolism, digestion, sexual function, mood, cognitive functions, and stress response and many other body functions.

The way these endocrine tissues work begins to change as we age. Hormone production levels may begin to decrease, and the way the target cells respond to the hormones may also weaken. Hormone levels in the blood may begin to fluctuate, and the metabolism or breaking down of the hormones themselves may become affected. All these changes can lead to many symptoms, including menopause  in women, andropause in men, and the development of diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Diseases and Other Medical Conditions

Many types of diseases and medical conditions can affect hormone levels. There are three basic types of endocrine diseases, namely those that cause hormone hyposecretion (insufficient hormone production), those that cause hormone hypersecretion (too much hormone production leading to excess hormone levels), and benign or malignant tumors of the endocrine glands.

Among Americans, the most common type of endocrine disorder is diabetes, an insulin-related condition that results in high blood sugar levels over an extended period of time. There are many other endocrine disorders, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Addison’s disease, Cushing’s disease, and prolactinoma.

Other medical conditions, like those that have something to do with a person’s genetic information, can also affect a person’s hormonal balance. For example, Turner’s syndrome, a chromosomal disorder that affects the development of girls, can cause low thyroid hormone and estrogen levels. Low estrogen levels, as you might already know, can cause problems in ovarian function and may also lead to osteoporosis.

Exposure To Stress

Various studies have shown that chronic stress can also cause hormonal imbalance, which can be a precursor to other serious ailments.

When a person encounters a perceived threat, the body responds with a combination of neural and hormonal signals. For instance, the adrenal glands work double-time to produce the hormones adrenaline and cortisol, which are important in the mediating the body’s “fight-or-flight” response. Adrenaline causes increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure, while cortisol increases sugar levels in the body.

After the perceived threat or stressor has gone, adrenaline and cortisol levels usually return to normal, and their effects on the body also go away. However, when stressors are perennially present around the individual, this person is subjected to chronically high levels of these stress-mediating hormones. Over time, this hormonal imbalances can lead to various conditions, including weight gain, depression, anxiety, memory and cognitive problems, sleep disorders, and heart ailments.

Lifestyle Factors

Various lifestyle factors, like eating an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and sleep deprivation can also seriously affect a person’s hormonal balance. Eating too much sugar, for instance, can negatively affect a person’s insulin, estrogen, and testosterone levels. Lack of any physical activity, on the other hand, can affect insulin response and the production of testosterone and human growth hormone (HGH). Finally, sleep deprivation can also put a person’s pituitary-dependent hormones off kilter. This is especially true if the individual is constantly awake at night when the body is supposed to be releasing a significant amount of HGH into the bloodstream.

Exposure To Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals

A lot of people are also exposed to different types of industrial and household chemicals that could have endocrine-disrupting effects. These chemicals mimic the effect of natural hormones in the body.

The abnormal stimulation of targeted cells in the body can result not only in hormonal imbalances, but also in various conditions that can seriously affect the health and quality of life of affected individuals. These problems include birth defects, abnormal sexual development, infertility, and a number of neurological and behavioral disorders.

Poverty

An interesting study by the University College London (published in the journal Social Science & Medicine) revealed that more low-income people have hormonal imbalance problems compared to their more affluent counterparts. For instance, of the more than 1,800 individuals studied, it was revealed that low-income men tended to have lower testosterone levels. This condition is associated with increased body fat, loss of muscle mass, and osteoporosis. Low-income women, on the other hand, had higher testosterone levels. In females, this is associated with conditions like infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

The researchers concluded that societal and economic factors can negatively affect people’s hormone levels. Low-income people, in particular, are exposed to greater amounts of stress and are prone to living unhealthy lifestyles.

Conclusion

To summarize, many factors can affect a person’s hormonal balance and endocrine function. It is very important to determine which of these are affecting a patient if  hormonal or endocrine-related problems are identified. Only then can a medical professional recommend a proper treatment plan, whether it is medical intervention to fight a certain disease, biodidentical hormone replacement therapy to bring the patient’s hormone levels back into equilibrium, or just simple lifestyle changes to effect positive change in the patient’s endocrine function.

Recommended Reading:

• Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones
• Gluten, Candida, Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Autoimmune Diseases
• Hypothyroidism – Natural Remedies, Causes, and How To Heal the Thyroid
• How to Cure Lyme Disease, and Virtually Any Other Bacterial Infection, Naturally
• How to Detoxify From Chemotherapy and Repair the Body
• How To Detoxify and Heal From Vaccinations – For Adults and Children
• The Power of Our Hormones and How To Balance Them

With wintertime comes cold and flu season and a general strain on the immune system. Our bodies work harder to regulate temperature in the cold, our immune systems are taxed, and we spend more time indoors in close quarters, exposing ourselves to a variety of illnesses. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to lend your immune system a helping hand, and one of my favorites is the elderberry.

The berries and flowers of black elderberry not only have immune boosting properties, they are highly nutritious and make an excellent cold and flu remedy. This is a good plant to become familiar with for your winter health, whether it’s found in the wild or the vitamin aisle of your grocery store. It will quickly become one of your go-to natural remedies. They are aptly named Elder, with an extensive record of their use in cultures throughout history. Evidence of use has been found in Stone Age archeological sites. Sambucus nigra, the plant’s scientific name, appears in the writing of the ancient Greeks.

Elderberry as Medicine

Elderberry can be taken as a natural medicine in many forms, including tinctures, syrups, extracts, and lozenges. The berries can be used as a dietary supplement in the form of jam, syrup, and a variety of beverages. It is important to note that unless fully cooked, the berries contain compounds that can be toxic, so never eat them raw.

Elderberries are very nutritious, with high levels of phosphorous, potassium, antioxidants, and vitamin C. They contain anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties and offer overall support for the immune system.

Taking elderberry daily is an excellent preventative measure during cold and flu season, and taking elderberry as a treatment will shorten the duration of the flu and relieve the swelling of nasal passages accompanying a head cold.

The diaphoretic properties of elderberry induce sweating and assist in breaking fevers. Hot spiced elderberry wine was a common winter beverage in London, which is not surprising as hot elderberry broths are a traditional preparation for winter wellness. Topically, elderberry can be used as a poultice to reduce inflammation. This plant is truly a natural medicine chest.

Wildcrafting Elderberry

If you live in an area where black elderberry grows wild, you can gather the berries when they are ripe in the fall. It works best to take garden pruners and clip off the sprays of berries at the base into a bucket or basket. Pulling the berries off the stems takes some effort, but if you get a few people working together it turns the work into fun. I have actually had friends bring their elderberry harvest to a party, and by the end of the evening, everyone was joining in to help them. Once off the stems, you can freeze the berries in quart freezer bags to use throughout the year.

I like to simmer elderberries down into a syrup to take by the spoonful as a cold season supplement or to pour on pancakes. You can also preserve elderberry syrup, jam, or jelly in glass jars using basic canning instructions. I am a big fan of the Pomona’s Pectin recipes because they allow for alternative sweeteners in varying amounts. Additionally, elderberries make a delicious wine, and can be brewed in a tea with ginger for making a winter kombucha.

Growing Elderberry

Elderberries are fairly easy to grow in your backyard from seeds or starts, and they make an attractive landscape plant that is beneficial for wildlife. (Don’t worry, there will be plenty of berries to share!) You can plant whole berries in pots after harvesting in the fall, and with consistent watering, they will sprout into starts that can be planted early in the spring. They also propagate well from cuttings.

Native plant nurseries have them available as potted starts in many areas, and they should be able to give information about successful planting tips for your USDA zone.

Elderberries generally like well-drained soil and plenty of water in the first couple of years to get established. They can be planted as a hedge or single shrub, and under the right conditions, they can grow into small trees. Another benefit of growing elderberry in your yard is that bees and pollinators love the flowers. You really can’t go wrong with native plants.

A Simple Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Of the many forms to incorporate elderberries in my winter health regimen, syrup is by far my favorite. There is just something comforting about rich, purple elderberry syrup on a cold day or when you are feeling under the weather.

You can purchase these syrups already made as dietary supplements, or you can make your own. If you don’t have access to fresh elderberries, many bulk herb companies sell them dried.

Local honey lends a little sweetness to the tart flavor with the added benefit of antibacterial properties for your immune system. This tried-and-true recipe is very simple and stores well with refrigeration.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup black elderberries
• 2 cups water
• up to 1 cup raw honey

Put fresh, frozen, or dried black elderberries in a saucepan with water and bring to a boil. If you are using dried, you may want to slightly increase water. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 40 minutes. Strain berry pulp through a sieve or cheesecloth and discard. Stir honey into the remaining liquid, once cooled to around 100°F.

You can keep the syrup in the refrigerator up to 3 months, or can it in small jars following instructions in a canning guide. Take as a daily immune boosting supplement or enjoy on pancakes as a delicious and healthy treat!

Recommended Products:

• Elderberry Syrup
• Mother Earth Organic Root Cider – Barrier Island Organics
• Shillington’s Echinacea Plus
• Shillington’s Blood Detox Formula

Further Reading:

• Make Your Immune System Bulletproof with These Natural Remedies
• Elderberries and Recipes
• Herbs That Can Help Get Us Through Winter
• Five Common Weeds to Cultivate for Health and Nutrition

Sources:

• Elderberry as Alternative Medicine – University of Maryland Medical Center
• Medicinal Qualities of Elderberry – Herbal Legacy
• History of Elderberry – Herbal Legacy
• Elderberry Syrup Recipes – Mountain Rose Blog
• Gathering Wild Elderberry – Mountain Hearth
• Cultivating Elderberry – Cornell University

Endometriosis is a painful condition, often linked to infertility. It is caused by the improper growth of endometrium tissue within the abdomen and sometimes in other parts of the body as well. Instead of staying in the womb where they belong, rogue cells build tissue that attaches to other structures including the fallopian tubes, ovaries, ligaments, pelvic cavity, scar tissue, bladder, and bowel. Even though this tissue is not located within the uterus, it responds to hormones that control the monthly menstruation cycle in the same way as the womb lining – by shedding blood. There is, however, no exit for this blood. Adhesions and bleeding cause inflammation and pain.

Endometriosis is the second most common gynaecological condition. An estimated 2 million women in the UK, 6.3 million in the US, and countless women worldwide suffer from this condition.  The exact cause is unknown, but the disorder is dependent on the female sex hormone, oestrogen, and how well it is excreted via the digestive system.

Although conventional medicine can support and suppress the disease with the use of drugs and surgery, there is no cure, and research indicates that after treatments stop, recurrence of the condition is high, returning within 2 years for many women.

Research has shown that lifestyle changes, such as eating a diet low in oestrogen has helped other oestrogen related disorders.   But before this can be effective it’s paramount that the gut and liver are working well, which ensures foods are broken down properly and good absorption of nutrients occurs. Without this, body cells struggle to function well or to heal, as they may not get adequate nourishment. The gut is also home to microbiota which contains tens of trillions of bacteria – ten times more cells than body cells.   This microbiota is responsible for keeping the immune system healthy and strong.

Eating nutrient dense, good quality, organic and non-genetically modified foods to help limit toxins, (hence supporting liver detoxification), and to give vitamins and minerals to the body, enables cells to function well.  Check out PAN UK for the best and worst food list of pesticide residues.

Increase the intake of liver supporting foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, onions, beets, lemons, and garlic. Good liver function is vital in order for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients to take place. It is responsible for producing digestive and pancreatic enzymes and along with the skin and lungs, is one of the main detoxification organs, responsible for the excretion of oestrogen.

Consume an anti-inflammatory diet.  Any condition that involves pain means that the body is inflamed.  A diet rich in nature’s anti-inflammatory foods will help with lowering pain and support repair and healing. Eat a handful of raw nuts and seeds, as both contain good fats as well as providing protein and minerals. Good fats are needed for cell membranes, hormones, and brain cells.

Include a good amount of fibre in the diet such as fruit, vegetables, and lentils. This helps to reduce oestrogen levels as fibre acts like a sponge absorbing and carrying oestrogen out of the body. Also, reduce the consumption of animal products such as dairy and meat to lower oestrogen.

Limit your intake of gluten-containing foods, such as wheat, rye, couscous and barley, as gluten can disrupt hormones and cause inflammation. Opt for whole foods such as nuts, seeds, lentils, quinoa, millet, rice, amaranth, and buckwheat.

Author
Shila Mistry is a Nutritional Therapist, having graduated in Naturopathic Nutrition from CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine) in the UK.

Recommended Reading:

• Gluten, Candida, Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Autoimmune Diseases
• The Power of Our Hormones and How To Balance Them
• Circumcision, the Primal Cut – A Human Rights Violation

Acne or acne vulgaris is a long-term skin disease that occurs when hair follicles become clogged by dead skin cells and oil. Acne is the common cause for spots and it usually affects the face but sometimes may also affect the back, neck, and chest. Characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and greasy skin; the resulting appearance can lead to anxiety, reduced self-esteem, and in extreme cases, depression.

Causes of Acne

Acne usually occurs when oil glands attached to the hair follicles are stimulated during puberty due to hormonal changes. However, there are cases when acne is stimulated by the following factors:

• Hormones: Adult hormonal activity also contributes to the formation of acne. Acne developed between the age of 21 and 25, though uncommon,  is usually linked to follicular glands that grow larger and make more sebum.
• Genetics: Genetic components play an important role in acne formation. It is believed that there are multiple candidates for genes related to acne.
• Diet: The relationship between diet and acne is unclear, but high-glycemic-load diets have been found to have an effect on its severity.
• Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of developing acne and it worsens it if the person increases the number of cigarettes per day.
• Psychological: A few high-quality studies have demonstrated that stress causes and worsens acne.

Acne Treatment

As per recent research done by NYU Langione Medical Center, physicians who treat acne prescribe ineffective antibiotics and leave patients on the medication for too long. According to Seth Orlow, the study’s senior investigator, physicians need to recognize within weeks, not months, the need to change medications in cases of severe acne.  The study mainly focuses on the overuse of antibiotics in cases of acne. As per the published findings, doctors kept patients on antibiotics for an average 11 months before switching to isotretinoin (former brand name Acutance), a stronger treatment.  As per Orlow, the doctors should limit the use of antibiotics to a maximum two to three months each, or a cumulative total of no more than six months, and then only if significant improvements are seen.

Complacent About Overuse of Antibiotics

As per the research, the doctors and patients have become complacent to antibiotic overuse and the subsequent danger of microbial drug resistance. The main reason for late prescription of isotretinoin is the side effect linked with the medicine. Sold with a federal restriction, the side effect includes the risk of birth defects and some potential threats like causing depression.  It is also recommended to use isotretinoin only when acne therapy has failed.

Nevertheless, the federal restriction is designed to work as a protocol to prevent and carefully manage the risk related with isotretinoin. It does not mean that patients suffering with severe acne must be left on prolonged use of antibiotics, even when they are not helping. It is important to find a better balance between trying antibiotics that may work and getting isotretinoin quickly to patients for whom antibiotics are not working.

Finding balance will not only help to decrease the number of  cases of acne found in young people, quick healing will help boost their confidence.

Recommended Reading:

• Healthy Skin
• Get Naturally Gorgeous Skin with These 4 Home Remedies
• Natural Remedies for Acne
• Gluten, Candida, Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Autoimmune Diseases
• The Power of Our Hormones and How To Balance Them

For years now, we have been taught to count calories, to balance the ratio of our calories in vs calories out for the most effective way to lose unwanted pounds. But does this system work for the countless number of  people around the world who are diligently counting calories?

Well, the simple answer is no. Here’s why the calories model is outdated and what the new research is telling us to do instead!

Not All Calories Are Created Equal

While it seems simpler to try and think of each calorie having the exact same effect on our bodies, this is simply not the case. Not all calories are created equal. For example, the calories from an apple have a very different effect on your body than those from a snickers bar. Food is information for our bodies and every time you eat, every time you make a choice about what types of foods you are going to consume, you are sending messages to your cells and to your hormones that can have varying effects on a whole range of processes within your body.

Our hormones play a major role in the way our bodies process our food. They tell us when we are full and they signal our body to either burn or store fat. For example, your body has two fuel sources to choose from for energy: fat or sugar. If under stress, the body will produce excessive amounts of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. These two hormones signal your body to use sugar as an energy source as it is available much faster than fat, which is a slower releasing energy source. This isn’t helpful if your goal is weight loss as it makes it difficult to burn fat regardless of what you are eating.

It’s Impossible To Accurately Count All Calories

If the calorie in calorie out model did actually work, then you would need to make sure that the calories you are counting are really accurate or risk gaining unwanted pounds. Realistically it’s impossible to accurately determine the calories you eat and trying to can create stress or anxiety around eating. Just imagine you are out for dinner with your friends or family and while everyone is choosing what they want to eat, you are trying to figure out how many calories each meal has to fit into your daily target. Not fun!

Labels Can Be Inaccurate

Little do the calorie counters know, there is an allowable margin of error in product labeling. This simply means again that accurately counting the number of calories in different foods is almost impossible.

We Could Potentially Restrict Ourselves From Eating Healthy Foods

Some foods are high in calories but are high in essential nutrients that actually help your body burn fat, for example, foods like avocados, coconut oil, nuts, and seeds. These foods are full of healthy fats that help your cells function optimally. Adding healthy fats to your meal can also help you feel full faster and stay full longer. They can also help in controlling your cravings and your blood sugar levels. If we focus only on calories, we may miss out on the many benefits that we can get from these foods.

Counting Calories Is Not Sustainable Because It Does Not Address The Root Cause of Why People Overeat

There are several reasons why people overeat or become overweight. Emotional eating, eating when bored, food cravings – all can lead to making poor food choices. How many times have you gone for a muffin or a bag of potato crisps while doing menial tasks at work? If these underlying issues are not addressed, then those who are counting calories will quickly run out of calories before they hit dinner. They then have the option of skipping dinner or “cheating” and having dinner anyway. After eating dinner and feeling guilty, many will overeat or snack while vowing to “start again tomorrow”. This is not a sustainable or healthy way of eating.

In Order For Any Weight Loss Program To Be Sustainable, One Has To Focus on Developing Healthy Habits and Lifestyle

So if we are not counting calories, what works instead? The most effective way to make healthy sustainable lifestyle changes is to choose whole foods whenever possible, real foods like fruit and vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains, and organic grass fed or free range meat and dairy products.

All of our bodies are different, so learning to listen to and trust your body can be really life changing. Try to focus on eating only when you are hungry and not when you have nothing to do. Making a conscious effort to eat healthy foods rather than focusing on what you cannot have is an act of self-care, and your body will thank you.

Also, look at other aspects of your lifestyle. Exercise not only helps boost your metabolism, it has a great effect on your mood and energy levels, which makes it easier to make good food choices. Keeping yourself hydrated at all times is also super important as is sleep! Find an activity that will better manage your stress such as meditation, deep breathing, or a restorative practice such as yoga. Don’t get overwhelmed. Just take it one step at a time. The small things you do consistently every day will have a much bigger impact on your health than big changes you only sustain for a week.

Have you tried counting calories in the past as a weight loss method? We would love to hear your experiences in the comments below.

Further Reading:

• How I Lost Over 150 Pounds, and How My Life Changed
• Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included
• What Causes Chronic Inflammation, and How To Stop It For Good

In 2013, Chipotle made the news by being the first fast food chain to tell its customers which of the foods they sold contained GMOs.

In April of 2015, Chipotle announced that they were removing GMO foods from their menu. As stated in the New York Times article dated April 26, 2015, Chipotle to Stop Using Genetically Altered Ingredients, the ban on GMO products did not include soft drinks, which are often made with genetically modified high fructose corn syrup. In addition, they revealed that their meat and dairy may come from animals fed GMO grains. This same statement was made on the Chipotle website.

Chipotle’s move toward cleaner, healthier food and the company’s transparency was not enough to avoid a class action lawsuit filed in late August of the same year. The lawsuit maintained Chipotle falsified their advertising, claiming to be GMO-free when they sold soft drinks containing high fructose corn syrup and sold meat from animals fed GMOs – exactly as they had stated. However, some ads certainly gave the impression that the entire menu was GMO-free.

Food-Borne Illness Outbreaks

In July of 2015, 5 people in Seattle were sickened by an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7. The source remains unknown.

In August of 2015, a norovirus outbreak sickened at least 234 people (including 17 employees) who ate at a Simm Valley, California Chipotle restaurant. The location had been cited for several health code violations. The company had not been compliant in addressing these violations in a timely manner, however, the source of the outbreak remains unknown.

In August and September of 2015, 64 people became ill with Salmonella Newport in Minnesota. The source was contaminated tomatoes.

In October, 2015, 3 people in Oregon and 19 people in Washington became ill from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli bacteria (E. coli O26). A third of those identified were hospitalized. There were no deaths reported. In response to people eating at 6 restaurants becoming ill, Chipotle closed 43 locations in Oregon and Washington as the CDC investigation began.

The outbreak continued in multiple states (9 total) through December 2015. As of December 18^th, 53 people (original reports said 52, but the CDC later amended their report to 53) were reported to be infected with 20 requiring hospitalization. There were no fatalities. Of these people, the CDC determined that 88% had eaten at a Chipotle restaurant in the week before their illness started. The source remains unknown.

In December of 2015, norovirus struck again in Boston with 136 people affected. The source remains unknown.

An Internet search for previous outbreaks, before the announcement of a GMO-free menu, reveals 2 outbreaks in 2008. One was a norovirus outbreak in Kent, Ohio (at Kent State University), with 435 affected. The other was an outbreak of hepatitis A in La Mesa, California, with 5 affected. Chipotle’s communications director, Chris Arnold confirmed this history is correct.

That’s it. We hadn’t had any incidents of this kind for several years prior to this year.”

Industrial Espionage?

There has been much conjecture on social media about the possibility of industrial sabotage, that one or more biotech corporations created these outbreaks in an attempt to drive the company out of business due to their anti-GMO stance and publicity. The recent federal probe by the Justice Department again stirred the pot on this particular rumor mill, raising hope that industrial sabotage was the focus of the criminal investigation. This does not appear to be the case.

If the Justice Department were pursuing an investigation of espionage, they would be looking into all the incidents of food poisoning. Instead their investigation is focused on the Simm Valley, norovirus outbreak. This is in keeping the Justice Department’s new stance on corporate accountability.

In September 2015, criminal charges led to prison terms for Stewart Parnell, the former owner of the Peanut Corporation of America, and two co-defendants, his brother, food broker Michael Parnell, and the plant quality control manager, Mary Wilkerson due to the Salmonella outbreak that caused 9 deaths and 714 illnesses.

The trial was the first federal food-poisoning case to be tried by an American court and the first federal felony conviction of its kind. It won’t be the last. Criminal neglect that could result in death or disability will no longer be tolerated in the food industry, and this is a good thing.

Although the Justice Department does not seem to be looking into the possibility of espionage, it is hard to ignore the glaring facts. A popular company has no food poisoning incidents for many years, then suddenly, right after taking a stance against GMOs, incident after incident occurs across the country. The coincidence just seems too obvious. Chris Arnold says,

We’ve certainly seen those theories, but we haven’t seen any evidence to support them.”

What’s Next for Chipotle?

Meanwhile, the company has announced enhanced food safety and testing procedures and that every location across the nation will close for a few hours on February 8^th for a nationwide all staff meeting to address food safety issues, answer staff questions, and discuss a new marketing plan to bring customers back.

We can only hope Chipotle is successful in weathering the storm and earning back the trust of their loyal clientele.

Recommended Reading:

• Chipotle Removing More Unnatural Ingredients – Sourdough Culture to Replace Tortilla Preservatives
• Understanding and Detoxifying Genetically Modified Foods
• How to Kill Fungal Infections

Sources:

• Chipotle to Stop Using Genetically Altered Ingredients – New York Times
• Chipotle Fires Back Against Non-GMO Lawsuit – Advertising Age
• Chipotle Health Code Violations In Simi Valley – Food Poisoning News
• Amid E. Coli Outbreak, Chipotle Closes 43 Restaurants In Washington, Oregon – The Two Way
• FDA and CDC probe second wave of Chipotle E. coli outbreak – Ars Technica
• Multistate Outbreaks of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O26 Infections Linked to Chipotle Mexican Grill Restaurants – CDC
• A Timeline of Chipotle’s Five Outbreaks – Food Safety News
• 435 Chipotle Customers with Norovirus, 6 Sick with Hepatitis A, but Record Profits, what Gives? – Marler Blog
• Feds probe Chipotle food outbreak cases – Times Union
• The Corporate Shield Fails – Peanut Corporation of America Defendants Convicted – Organic Lifestyle Magazine

It’s no secret that health in the United States ranks lower than that of many other industrialized nations but did you know it was this bad?

Life Expectancy

According to the World Fact Book (data compiled by the CIA) the United States ranks 43rd for life expectancy at birth.  with an expectancy of 79.68 years, nearly a full 10 years behind Monaco, the country holding the number one spot at 89.52 years. The 41 countries in between include Japan, Hong Kong, many of the European nations, Canada, and Israel.

Maternal Death Rate

There are 47 countries that had a lower maternal death rate in 2010 (the latest available data). In the United States, 21 women die from complications per 100,000 live births compared to 2 per 100,000 in Estonia, 3 in Greece, 3 in Singapore, 4 in Italy, and so on.

Infant Mortality Rate

The infant mortality rate, the number of infants who die before reaching their first birthday, is another shameful ranking – with 5.87 deaths per 1,000 live births. A terrible ranking with 57 countries ahead of us. Again, Monaco takes the top spot with 1.82 deaths per 1,000 births.

Fetal Death Rate

In 2011-2013, the fetal death rate, the rate of miscarriage after 20 weeks gestation, surpassed the infant mortality rate, though the numbers are very close. In 2013, the rate was 5.96 per 1,000 live births, giving the United States a high rate of loss before and after birth. What does this say about the health of our nation?

Health Expenditures

In 2012, the United States actually rank number one in this category – health expenditures – 17.9% of the GDP. Let’s compare that to Monaco with its greatest life expectancy and lowest infant mortality. It ranked 155 on the list of 191 countries with 4.40%. Estonia, with its lowest maternal death rate, ranked 113 with 5.90%.

Conclusion

Something is very wrong with this picture. We spend the most on healthcare but our lifespan is shorter than the leading nation. What do we have an abundance of? An ever growing abundance of vaccines and processed “foods” filled with genetically modified organisms, sugar, high fructose corn syrup, MSG, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and pesticides.

We can choose a healthy lifestyle. We can choose alternative health care and focus on nutrition as our primary source of healing. We can choose to live an organic lifestyle.

Further Reading:

• Doctors Against Vaccines – Hear From Those Who Have Done the Research
• Gluten, Candida, Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Autoimmune Diseases
• Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included
• How To Detoxify and Heal From Vaccinations – For Adults and Children

Sources:

• The World Factbook : Country Comparison- Life Expectancy at Birth – Central Intelligence Agency
• The World Factbook : Country Comparison- Maternal Death Rate – Central Intelligence Agency
• The World Factbook : Country Comparison- Infant Mortality Rate – Central Intelligence Agency
• Fetal Deaths Outnumber Infant Deaths for First Time in US – Medscape