Does Eating Kill Us?

Several studies done on rats have shown that caloric restriction leads to greater longevity.  Yet some "health advocates" are recommending that most people (who already over-eat), eat every 2-3 hours.  I am not a big proponent of fasting (although there is good research suggesting that may be beneficial) because for most people it's too challenging to do properly while trying to fulfill the demands of work and home life.  I do however think that eating properly portioned meals three times a day and letting the gut rest the remainder of the time is helpful and more doable.  It also helps regulate the hormones that dictate appetite and fullness better, leptin and grehlin.   Eating less frequently also means that people have less attachment to food, which is good and I also find that it balances the blood sugar better and keeps insulin lower than eating every two hours.  People who feel the need to eat every 2 hours need to view that as a cue that their blood sugar in unstable, most likely as a result of what they ate prior.  To avoid feeling hungry 2 hours after eating lower the carbohydrate content of the preceding meal and increase the fruit and vegetable, healthy fat and protein content.  Fruit and vegetables (i.e. fiber), healthy fat and protein are the keys to healthy blood sugar and feeling full and satisfied between meals. Eat your last meal no later than 7 p.m. and eat breakfast no earlier than 7 a.m. so that you are in essence fasting for 12 hours each day.  This allows the gut time to rest and repair.

I had some yummy raw lasagna the other day that had zucchini as the noodles, pesto, basil and sliced tomatoes with cashew ricotta - so it was low carb, gluten free, dairy free, raw and delicious!  It inspired me to find out how to make my own cashew ricotta, here's the recipe click here.

Also, Forces of Nature has a brand new Registered Massage Therapy specific website that I just completed.  Take a peek here - http://www.rmt-toronto.ca

To your health,

Pamela

Copyright 2010 Forces of Nature

References
1. http://www.ForcesofNature.ca/ 
2. http://www.NaturopathToronto.ca/ 
3. http://www.rmt-toronto.ca/ 
4. http://naturopathicdetox.blogspot.com/ 
5. http://h1n1naturopath.blogspot.com/ 
6. http://naturopathtoronto.blogspot.com/ 
7. http://twitter.com/pfranknd

Suspicions Confirmed: Sunscreen May Contribute to Skin Cancer

A U.S. senator has called on the FDA to reveal findings on a possible link between a chemical found in most sunscreens and skin cancer.

"With the recent reports suggesting a possible link between skin cancer and a common chemical found in sunscreens, the FDA must act now to protect consumers," Schumer said at a news conference and in a later statement.

The FDA's National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) have conducted studies that suggest a possible link between skin cancer and retinyl palmitate, Schumer said in calling for the FDA to provide its evaluation of the data and recommendations immediately.

Retinyl palmitate, a vitamin A derivative, is found in hundreds of the most popular sunscreen products.

One study found that tumors and lesions developed up to 21 percent faster in lab animals coated in retinyl palmitate-laced cream than animals treated with a cream that did not contain RP, Schumer's office said.

Still on the cilantro kick.  Here's a new recipe for Tomato, Cucumber, Avocado, Cilantro and Lime Salad click here.

1. http://www.ForcesofNature.ca/
2. http://www.NaturopathToronto.ca/
3. http://naturopathicdetox.blogspot.com/
4. http://h1n1naturopath.blogspot.com/
5. http://naturopathtoronto.blogspot.com/
6. http://twitter.com/pfranknd

Tidbits on Insulin Resistance, Diabetes, Cholesterol, Massage Therapy, Incontinence

There were lots of tidbits of information in health care news this week that I wanted to draw your attention to:

1. Researchers found that healthy people who had just one night of short sleep can show signs of insulin resistance, a condition that often precedes Type diabetes
2. Having diabetes more than doubles the risk of developing certain types of colorectal cancer among women older than 55
3. Consuming more nuts appears to be associated with improvements in blood cholesterol levels
4. New research shows massage therapy reduces burned adolescents' pain, itching, & anxiety levels
5. Women who consume a lot of calories or favor saturated fat over "good" fats may have an increased risk of urinary incontinence, regardless of their body weight, a new study suggests.

To your health, 


Pamela


http://www.ForcesofNature.ca/
http://www.NaturopathToronto.ca/
http://naturopathicdetox.blogspot.com/
http://h1n1naturopath.blogspot.com/
http://naturopathtoronto.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/pfranknd

Just 5 Minutes of Green

Just five minutes of exercise a day in the great outdoors can improve mental health, according to a study released on Saturday.

As little as five minutes of a "green activity" such as walking, gardening, cycling or farming can boost mood and self esteem.

The largest positive effect on self-esteem came from a five-minute dose of "green exercise."

All natural environments were beneficial, including parks in towns or cities, they said, but green areas with water appeared to have a more positive effect.

Healthy Weeds

It's dandelion season!  The entire plant from root to flowers are edible and have a number of medicinal properties.  According to the Sloan-Kettering Institute, the reported benefits of dandelion consist of the following:

* Stimulates appetite
* Prevents cancer
* Treats eczema
* Eases digestive disorders
* Stimulates lactation (promotes breastmilk production)
* Promotes bile flow
* Promotes urination

Roasted dandelion root makes an excellent substitute for coffee and the blossoms can even be used in soups or as an edible garnish.

There's a new recipe for Dandelions with Onions and Garlic on our website, click here.

To your health,

Pamela

Copyright 2010 Forces of Nature

References

1. http://forcesofnature.ca/HealthyRecipes.htm#Dandelion_Greens_with_Onion_and_Garlic
2. http://www.ForcesofNature.ca/
3. http://www.NaturopathToronto.ca/
4. http://naturopathicdetox.blogspot.com/
5. http://h1n1naturopath.blogspot.com/
6. http://naturopathtoronto.blogspot.com/
7. http://twitter.com/pfranknd

Integrity

"A life lived with integrity, even if it lacks the trappings of fame & fortune, is a shining star in whose light others may follow in the years to come." 

Denis Waitley

The Day Your Life Really Begins

Just a quick but inspiring quote:

The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own.  No apologies or excuses.  No one to lean on, rely on, or blame.  The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of  it.  This is the day your life really begins.

~ Bob Moawad