We’ve all met one. The person loudly proclaiming that gluten-sensitivity isn’t a real thing and that all those hipsters paying a ridiculous amount of money for their special gluten free products need to sit down, shut up, and have a sandwich with real bread. As frustrating as hearing that sentiment can be for those who suffer from unpleasant symptoms like stomach pain or diarrhea after consuming gluten, the lack of a definitive, concrete test for gluten sensitivity makes it easier to treat that sensitivity as an imagined condition. Nearly half of American consumers see gluten free as a fad based solely on anecdotal evidence, rather than the complex diet and gut issue that it is. Now, researchers may have found a more effective way to diagnose gluten sensitivity – a protein molecule called zonulin.

Not Your Average Space Invader

Most people have never heard of zonulin. In fact, it sounds more like a bad guy from a movie or show set in space than a molecule responsible for regulating the opening and closing of junctions in the lining in the intestinal tract. But like the public’s awareness of gluten free issues, zonulin is a relatively new discovery, as it was discovered in 2000. Zonulin reacts to harmful bacteria like salmonella entering the gut, opening the digestive lining’s junctions to induce diarrhea and flush out bad guys. Once the bacteria

Zonulin reacts to harmful bacteria like salmonella by opening the digestive lining’s junctions to induce diarrhea and flush out bad guys. Once the bacteria is gone, the digestive junctions close up, and zonulin levels return to normal. A smoothly functioning digestive system is the basis of health, as the lining of your intestinal tract determines how vulnerable you are to potentially harmful bacteria like Candida.

The Gluten Effect

So what does that mean for people with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity? According to a recent study, undigested gluten triggers zonulin in people with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. People with these issues have been shown to have higher levels of zonulin. High zonulin levels correspond to open junctions in the gut, which increases the likelihood of harmful particles damaging the gut lining itself and triggering immune responses in other areas of the body. This leaves the gut unable to heal itself which can spiral into serious autoimmune conditions (see Leaky Gut Syndromes, and Autoimmune Diseases) like hypothyroidism and multiple sclerosis (and, of course, many others).

Shut it Down

Zonulin itself is a valuable molecule in the body, and recent information suggests that it could also have an important role in determining people who are at risk for celiac disease. As research into how gluten affects people continues, dismissing gluten-free diets as a fad will become more and more difficult. Learning about the gut ecosystem and it’s massive effect on your health is one of the smartest things you do. Don’t wait for someone to hand you your health on a platter.

Sources & Further Reading:

• Gluten, Candida, Leaky Gut Syndromes, and Autoimmune Diseases
•  Gluten Sensitivity – Fact or Fiction?
• A Protein in the Gut May Explain Why Some Can’t Stomach Gluten – NPR

The CDC reports a frightening birth defect, gastroschisis, is on the rise both worldwide and in the United States. Its cause is unknown.

What is Gastroschisis?

Gastroschisis is birth defect that occurs when the muscles of the abdominal wall fail to form correctly and a hole (large or small) results. The infant is born with intestines and sometimes other organs outside of the body.

In addition to the necessary corrective surgery, the infant may be challenged with damage to the intestines. Exposure to amniotic fluid in utero can cause the intestines to shorten, twist, or swell. Children with large protrusions or multiple organ exposure may require several surgeries to correct the defect. Gastroschisis increases the risk of medical complications and mortality. Long-term complications include digestive issues and difficulty absorbing nutrients.

What Is the Cause of Gastroschisis?

The cause is unknown and the reason for the rise in this defect is also unknown. The CDC reports, “A 2008 review noted that risk factors associated with gastroschisis, after adjusting for maternal age, have included lower socioeconomic status, lower body mass index and other indicators of poor nutrition (lower intake of high-quality nutrients and dietary fats), smoking, use of illicit drugs, alcohol, or analgesic medications, and genitourinary infections. Additionally, among multiparous and multigravida mothers, a change in paternity since the previous pregnancy has been associated with gastroschisis. Studies have also indicated possible age-specific associations between gastroschisis and prior pregnancy loss, as well as with certain infections.”

But these factors do not always apply. Megan Lehman shared the following on Facebook: (Quoted with permission)

I have always wondered what caused my precious baby boy to be born with this condition, and let me tell you, it was not alcohol, drugs, or poverty that they are now discovering increases the risk. What I did do, and very early on in my pregnancy before young and stupid me knew better, was ride on a tractor while my husband worked the fields on his family farm.”

…expectant mothers need to be warned of pesticides, chemicals in our foods, and maybe even in the prenatal vitamins that we take so carefully. An increase in incidence means something is causing it and likely many other issues as well.”

How Prevalent Is Gastroschisis?

The prevalence of gastroschisis has been on the rise since the 1980s and has risen in every category of race/ethnicity and maternal age group. Collected data showed the number of cases doubled during 1995–2005 compared to earlier reports. Reports comparing 1995-2005 with 2006-2012 show another 30% increase. Prevalence has risen from 3.6 per 10,000 births to 4.9 per 10,000 births. (Based on data collected from 14 states’ surveillance programs.)

Over the past 30 years, Utah has seen a ten-fold increase in gastroschisis” – IBIS

During the period 1995- 2012 the increased was:

• 68% for infants born to young white mothers less than 20 years old.
• 268% for infants born to young black mother less than 20 years old.

This alarming increase in prevalence among young black mothers does not denote higher overall numbers in this racial group. White and Hispanic young mothers report higher overall incidences.

Incidence Per 10,000 Births by State

• Arizona – 5.5 per 10,000 births (1:1818)
• Arkansas – 6.3 per 10,000 births (1:1587)
• California – 5.4 per 10,000 births (1:1852)
• Colorado – 4.4 per 10,000 births (1:2273)
• Delaware – 6.1 per 10,000 births (1:1639)
• Florida – 4.4 per 10,000 births (1:2273)
• Georgia – 4.5 per 10,000 births (1:2222)
• Illinois – 4.0 per 10,000 births (1:2500)
• Indiana – 4.5 per 10,000 births (1:2222)
• Iowa – 5.1 per 10,000 births (1:1961)
• Kansas – 5.0 per 10,000 births (1:2000)
• Kentucky – 3.6 per 10,000 births (1:2778)
• Louisiana – 5.0 per 10,000 births (1:2000)
• Maine – 6.2 per 10,000 births (1:1613)
• Maryland – 5.1 per 10,000 births (1:1961)
• Massachusetts – 3.5 per 10,000 births (1:2857)
• Michigan – 1.7 per 10,000 births (1:5882)
• Minnesota – 3.8 per 10,000 births (1:2632)
• Mississippi – 2.9 per 10,000 births (1:3448)
• Nebraska – 5.6 per 10,000 births (1:1786)
• New Hampshire – 2.2 per 10,000 births (1:4545)
• New Jersey – 2.2 per 10,000 births (1:4545)
• New York – 2.4 per 10,000 births (1:4167)
• North Carolina – 4.4 per 10,000 births (1:2273)
• North Dakota – 9.0 per 10,000 births (1:1111)
• Oklahoma – 6.5 per 10,000 births (1:1538)
• Puerto Rico – 5.1 per 10,000 births (1:1961)
• Rhode Island – 4.2 per 10,000 births (1:2381)
• South Carolina – 1.2 per 10,000 births (1:8333)
• Tennessee – 5.7 per 10,000 births (1:1754)
• Texas – 5.9 per 10,000 births (1:1695)
• Utah – 5.1 per 10,000 births (1:1961)
• Vermont – 2.5 per 10,000 births (1:4000)
• Virginia – 1.3 per 10,000 births (1:7692)

* States not listed did not report to the study or did not report gastroschisis numbers.

Statistics listed copied with permission from the Avery’s Angels Gastroschisis Foundation website. Their cited source is the National Birth Defects Prevention Network October 2013, Birth Defects Research Part A, Clinical And Molecular Teratology Vol. 97 Number 10, and the 2013 Congenital Malformation Surveillance Report.

Conclusion

We do not know what is causing this birth defect, but we do know our ever-increasing chemical exposure is wreaking havoc on our health and that chemical exposure including pesticide exposure causes birth defects.

We are now faced with chemical exposure in the air we breathe, in the water we drink, in our indoor environments in homes, schools, and offices. We use soaps, lotions, shampoos, toothpaste, and perfumes filled with chemicals. We dye our hair and our bodies. Genetically modified foods with their high levels of pesticides are found in all of our processed foods.

If we do not return to a clean, safe, organic lifestyle, common sense dictates birth defects of all kinds will continue to affect our children in rising numbers.

Recommended Reading:

• Vaccines, Retroviruses, DNA, and the Discovery That Destroyed  Judy Mikovits’ Career
• Understanding and Detoxifying Genetically Modified Foods
• Scientists Against GMOs – Hear From Those Who Have Done the Research
• Understand Hypothyroidism – Prevention and Natural Remedies
• Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included

Sources:

• Increasing Prevalence of Gastroschisis — 14 States, 1995–2012 – CDC
• Facts about Gastroschisis – CDC
• Statistics – Avery’s Angels Gastroschisis Foundation

A new study from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports Lyme-carrying ticks now inhabit 45% of the nation’s counties, up from the reported 30% in 1998. Confirmed cases of the disease have more than doubled since 1995.

Climate change with warming temperatures may be to blame for much of the spread for two reasons: range is increasing due to warmer temperatures and the amount of time ticks can feed is increasing as they are becoming active earlier in the year (April instead of May).

Lyme disease, the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the Unites States, more than doubled from 1995 to 2013. The count for 1995 was 11,700 confirmed cases. In 2013, that number rose to 27,203 confirmed cases plus 9,104 probable cases. And yet, in 2013, the CDC reported that they estimated the true number to be 300,000 cases of Lyme disease per year in the U.S., 10 times more than the reported number.

Prevention of the disease is twofold: build and support a strong, healthy immune system and avoid tick bites. A strong healthy immune system is created through a truly healthy diet, on-going detoxification, exercise, and adequate, restful sleep. To avoid tick bites, wear long sleeves and pants and spray clothing with a non-toxic repellent whenever walking through or working in a wooded or bushy area.

Tick spray recipe for dogs and humans:

• 1 cup of Distilled water
• 2 Drops Geranium Essential Oil
• 2 Drops Palo Santo Essential Oil
• 1 Drop Rosewood Essential Oil
• 4 Drops Grapefruit Essential Oil
• 1 Drop Peppermint Essential Oil
• 1 Drop of Castile Soap (emollient)

Place in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Spray on skin or fur when needed.

For information about symptoms, conventional treatment, and alternative treatments, read How to Cure Lyme Disease and Virtually Any Other Bacterial Infection, Naturally (see link below).

Recommended Reading:

• How to Cure Lyme Disease, and Virtually Any Other Bacterial Infection, Naturally
• Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included
  Salad Recipe, Cran-lemon Recipe, & Detox

Sources:

• Ticks Carrying Lyme Disease In Almost Half Of U.S. Counties – Reuters
• Global Warming May Spread Lyme Disease – Scientific American
• Reported Cases of Lyme Disease by Year, United States, 1995-2014 – CDC
• How many people get Lyme disease? – CDC

We’ve all seen the prototypical stoner teen, whether in real life or depicted in movies or on TV. Dull-witted, spaced out, these kids are the poster children for lost IQ points. The belief that marijuana causes a cognitive decline due to damaging the developing brain was reinforced by a 2012 study. Other studies have resulted in conflicting outcomes.

Two recent longitudinal twin studies negate the conclusion that marijuana causes neurocognitive damage to the developing brain.

One study followed 789 predominantly Hispanic kids from California from age 9-10 through age 19-20. During this 10-year period they were assessed 5 times.

The second study followed 2,227 predominantly non-Hispanic, Caucasian kids from Minnesota. These children were assessed at 3-year intervals

The kids were given IQ tests over the years and questioned about their marijuana usage. The results affirmed that the kids who smoked marijuana showed a greater decline in IQ over the years than the typical kid who did not. However, due to the fact that these were twin studies, the sets of twins where one smoked marijuana and the other did not revealed that marijuana was not the cause of intellectual decline.

When one twin who smoked marijuana showed a decline, so did the other, even when the other did not smoke marijuana. Since both of the twins showed a decline, lower test scores were attributed to their home environment and parental deficits such as “less parental monitoring” and “less emphasis on scholarship.”

These twin studies have once again proven that just because you can associate something (marijuana) with an outcome (cognitive decline), that doesn’t make it the cause.

Recommended Supplements:

• CBD Oil Total Body Care Preventative Maintenance • 30c – BioCBD+

Recomended Reading:

• Marijuana Laws by State
• Smoking Marijuana to Cure Cancer
• How To Detoxify and Heal From Vaccinations – For Adults and Children

Sources:

• Marijuana Use May Not Lead to Cognitive Decline After All – Pacific Standard Magazine
• Impact of adolescent marijuana use on intelligence: Results from two longitudinal twin studies – Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

Whole Foods, affectionately (or not so affectionately) nicknamed “Whole Paycheck,” is opening a new chain of less expensive stores, 365 by Whole Foods Market. The company plans to open its first 3 stores in 2016; another 10 will follow in 2017.

The news has not been met with the positive response Whole Foods had hoped to receive. Amid negative business reviews wondering how the store intends to compete with itself, they are receiving backlash from their first targeted location, a Los Angeles neighborhood, Silverlake. Residents of Silverlake had been eagerly anticipating the opening of a full-service Whole Foods store. They, it seems, want the high-end, gourmet choices and specialty food items Whole Foods is know for, despite the cost.

Having once walked out of a Whole Foods after rejecting a $2.50 cucumber, I can’t help but propose the obvious. Why not cut prices at Whole Foods instead? The existing stores could retain the high-end, expensive, specialty and gourmet items while cutting the prices of produce and meat, along with essential items. It that way, Whole Foods could serve everyone without a new chain of stores.

Recommended Reading:

• Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included
• Hellmann’s Vs. Just Mayo – The Very Interesting Battle Within the Mayo Industry – OLM
• Chipotle Food Poisoning – Bad Luck, Bad Management, or Corporate Espionage? – OLM

Sources:

• Controversy over Whole Foods’ new store highlights the company’s biggest problem – Business Insider
• 365 will complement Whole Food stores: Mackey – Supermarket News
• 365 by Whole Foods Market – Whole Foods News Release

Tired of picking up massive dog poo pies?  A change in diet will minimize Fido’s stools, making clean-up easier for you and nutrients more accessible to him. Highly digestible foods are absorbed better by a canine microbiome, and they produce less waste, boost your dog’s immune system, and decrease the risk of obesity.

You’ll find ingredients listed on every dog food can or package.  The first item listed should be a specific meat, such as beef, lamb, or chicken, not “by-products,” which could be virtually any part of the animal from fat to guts to digestate. It should be honest-to-goodness meat.  Sure – when a dog hunts down a rabbit and eats everything consumable, he or she is eating what would amount to by-products.  If the prey is healthy, at least those by-products are fresh and somewhat nutritious. Processed by-products?  Not so much.

After meat, rice is one of the more digestible ingredient fillers dogs can eat. Always avoid foods containing corn, which doesn’t break down well in canines. Corn results in big appetites and big stools.  Some whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and herbs can be beneficial, but be suspicious if you see a laundry list of cheap fillers such as meat or bone meal, fat, flour, protein concentrate, gluten, or potatoes.  If you see a roll call of unpronounceable preservatives on the label, snub the item as you would when choosing your own food. Salt, sugars, flavoring, and coloring should have no part in pet foods.

The law requires pet food manufacturers to add back vitamins and minerals that aren’t found in the primary ingredients or have been destroyed through processing.  So be wary of long strings of supplements at the end of the list.  And keep in mind that the words “natural” and “premium” have no legal meaning or regulation guidelines.

High-quality commercial brands are more expensive, but require fewer feedings to satisfy carnivore needs.  With smarter nutritional choices, doggie dumps will be smaller and your dog will experience less uncomfortable urgency.  Preparing homemade foods for you dog is a satisfying labor of love that will result in a healthier, happier pet.  Foods can be concocted in batches and frozen a month at a time.  Many raw and cooked recipes, along with portion instructions, are available online.  Here’s an example of what might go into an easy pooch pleaser:

• Two types of raw meat (one an organ meat)
• One green vegetable
• Hard boiled eggs with mashed shells
• Several cooked whole grains (rice, oats, wheat…)
• Veggies and fruits on hand

As the techno geeks say, garbage in, garbage out.  Kick the ersatz fillers to improve your dog’s well-being and, in the bargain, make pick-ups easier for you and all of your best friend’s stewards.

Further reading:

• Cancer Cure (for Dogs Only, with Raw Dog Food Recipe)
• Dog Food Reviews – Dog Food Advisor
• Home Family & Pets Dog Food Dog Food Ingredients – Consumer Search
• Reduce Your Dog’s Carbon Poo Print One Flush at a Time
• The Top Five Worst Pet Food Ingredients

Cleaning your oven with baking soda and vinegar will leave it sparkling clean and shiny, without you having to rely on dangerous chemicals. It is easy and very effective! All you will need is baking soda and white vinegar, some spare time, and a few home cleaning tools to do the job. Follow this step-by-step guide:

• Remove the interior items. Before you proceed with actual cleaning, you will need to remove oven racks, thermometer, pizza stone, etc.  Clean each of these as it is likely they have accumulated a lot of spills, too.
• Prepare your solution. You are going to need half a cup of baking soda and some water to create a paste-like mix. The goal is to add enough water to turn the soda into a spreadable paste that you are going to use instead of the usual commercial cleaning products.
• Coat the oven interior with the paste. Don some gloves and spread the baking soda/water paste on the interior of your oven. Try to be as thorough as possible, and don’t forget to coat the oven door as well.
• Let the paste sit overnight. Now that you have coated the oven interior, it is time to let the baking soda do its job. Let it sit overnight before you proceed with further cleaning.
• Wipe the baking soda paste. Now that the solution has had enough time to do its job, you must wipe it from the interior of your oven. Use a damp cloth for the job. Start with the door, as you might want to lean inside to get to the interior areas. Use a spatula to gently pick off baking soda that is hard to remove with the cloth.
• Spray with vinegar. After you have cleaned most of the baking soda, continue by spraying the interior with white vinegar. This will react with the leftover soda, making it easy to remove. Additionally, it will further sanitise your oven.
• Take your time to enjoy a restored oven. After you wipe the vinegar, you will notice the brand new shine of your oven.

For more eco-friendly cleaning methods be sure to check out the Tidy Up Blog.

Further Reading:

• How to Use Vinegar and Baking Soda to Clean Your Home
• Three Homemade Toothpaste Recipes – Better Oral Health for Less Cost
• Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar & How to Make Your Own
• Baking Soda: A Lot More Than Just a Baking Staple