Usually PMS-related pain (premenstrual syndrome) is due to the uterus cramping. Sometimes other pelvic muscles can be involved and sometimes the intestines can get triggered too.

There are a number of effective remedies you can use, so have a read and see which of these “twigs” your intuition. For severe cramping and spasming, you may even need to combine 2 or 3 of these.

Effective herbal muscle relaxants for smooth muscle tissue include Crampbark or Black Haw (stronger than crampbark). I find these easiest to use in tincture form. Just add 1-2 ml to some herbal tea (or a a few ounces of water), sweeten with honey or stevia if desired, and drink on an empty stomach, up to 4x/day (as needed).

A handy tip to remember is that nearly all herbal extracts or tinctures are more powerful when taken on an empty stomach – 20 minutes before food, or, 2 hours after food. I find taking herbal muscle relaxants to be more effective than just taking a painkiller. You can often find these herbs in a PMS blend, along with other beneficial herbs.

And since we’re talking about muscle relaxants, check and make sure you’re getting enough magnesium and potassium every day – as these important minerals are powerful muscle relaxants too. You can take these in either traditional powdered form, or, my favorite: nanoparticle-sized form.

But if you also want or need a natural painkiller, you can take White Willow Bark.

If the pain and cramping is very severe, a hot castor oil pack on your abdomen is also very effective. Cold-pressed castor oil sinks transdermally (through the skin) to relax smooth muscle. This simple mechanical action has a beneficial influence on all hollow organs, specifically the blood and lymph vessels, the uterus, fallopian tubes, bowels, gall bladder, and even the liver (which is not hollow but is filled with venous lakes).

A castor oil pack is placed on the skin to increase circulation and to promote elimination and healing of the tissues and organs underneath the skin. It is often used to stimulate the liver, relieve pain, increase lymphatic circulation, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion. Just remember to use a cold-pressed castor oil and 100% cotton flannel (or wool) – no synthetics. You can use either a hot water bottle or a heating pad as the heat source. Here are detailed instructions.

The other thing that is often responsible for period pain, cramping and headaches is a hormonal imbalance. An easy remedy for this is to put a dime-sized amount of Emerita Natural Progesterone cream on the soles of your feet and rub it in (once per day in the morning). If your PMS is hormonally-based, that can often greatly relieve, or eliminate the problem entirely. Then, after a few months of this, the estrogen-dominance is often balanced and you don’t need to continue.

If your thyroid is low, or you have symptoms of thyroid imbalance, then another good remedy to balance your endocrine system wholistically is Thyroplex – developed by Jonathan V. Wright, MD.

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Jini Patel Thompson’s books on natural healing for digestive diseases have sold in over 40 different countries. Her health articles have been published in journals and magazines in the U.S., Australia and U.K. www.ListenToYourGut.com

You may have noticed this already: Whenever a natural supplement or herbal medicine becomes well-known and widely used, with lots of evidence piling up for its efficacy – there will then be a slew of media releases in newspapers, magazines, and TV news reports, discrediting that natural medicine. Or, the FDA will ban the substance based on trumped-up charges of user damage.

This is exactly what happened with one of the best wound healers I’ve ever found called Comfrey. The FDA found one person who they claimed died of Comfrey use (the person had long-term, extensive medical problems, was very sick already and then began drinking ridiculous amounts of Comfrey tea) and based on that one incidence, they banned Comfrey use. Of course, no mention or comparison to the 7000 people who die EVERY YEAR in the US from Aspirin use! Then they set upon other bestsellers like Ma Huang (ephedra), St. John’s Wort, and Vitamin E, the list goes on and on.

Well recently I received this article from the Alliance for Natural Health (a European organization) that does an excellent job of detailing exactly HOW pharmaceutical-backed interests use “scientific experts” to compile evidence against natural remedies.

You need to know this information to help you understand how the medical and pharmaceutical industries are very clearly focused on keeping you on your drugs. It’s all about money. They don’t want anyone getting better, because then they lose massive amounts of money. They also don’t want you using natural remedies to heal yourself, because again, you won’t buy their drugs. Read on so you can educate yourself and become savvy about this insidious battle for your healthcare dollars…

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META-ANALYSIS: a new tool to discredit natural health supplements?
By Dr Robert Verkerk, Executive & Scientific Director, Alliance for Natural Health

On 24 March 2006, The British Medical Journal’ published a meta-analysis (a study of other studies) on omega-3 fatty acids [1] that prompted headlines around the world to the effect that “fish oils don’t work”. This is not the first time a meta-analysis has triggered headlines that discredit natural health supplements.

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THE VITAMIN E META-ANALYSIS OF 2004
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In November 2004, Dr Edgar Miller and colleagues published electronically in the Annals of Internal Medicine a meta-analysis [2] that provided headlines as bizarre as “High dose vitamin E death warning” (this headline was run by none other than the BBC on 11 November 2004). The meta-analysis appeared to be pitched to tarnish the reputation of vitamin E, a nutrient in which many are known to be deficient. Among many of its problems, the study failed to show how healthy people would respond to supplemental intakes of vitamin E and it only included studies on synthetic vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol). It therefore omitted any consideration of the effects of the seven other related compounds that make-up full spectrum, natural vitamin E, as found in vegetable oils. Interestingly, the body’s absorption of the most important dietary form (gamma-tocopherol) is hindered by high doses of synthetic vitamin E, and this could have explained the negative results found by Miller et al.

The overall conclusion that high-dose vitamin E causes increased mortality could also have been a statistical artefact, with no biological relevance. Since the study assessed all-cause mortality, and not just cardiovascular mortality, other factors could easily have contributed to the greater death rate in the higher dose vitamin E group found when trials were pooled. It should be noted that the increased death rate was marginal; just 63 additional deaths per 10,000 persons, compared with the control group. Given that the confidence interval ranged from 6 to 119, this increased death rate cannot be said to be statistically significant.

Prior to this meta-analysis on vitamin E, market research data from Frost & Sullivan showed that vitamin E was the second most consumed single vitamin supplement, after vitamin C, in Europe. High-dose Vitamin E could have easily been perceived by Big Pharma as a threat to its huge cardiovascular drug market, comprised of statins, beta-blockers and ACE-inhibitors. In fact, Big Pharma had demonstrated such a strong interest in vitamins that it established an illegal cartel to control the markets and prices of a range of key vitamins, including vitamin E. Fortunately for the consumer, the conspiracy was eventually exposed and pharma companies like BASF and Hoffman-La Roche, as well as some of their top executives, got busted. Fines imposed by the US Justice Department in the US (May 1999) and, separately, by the European Commission (November 2001), which amounted to hundreds of millions of dollars in the US and similar amounts in Europe, are still among the largest ever imposed following an anti-trust investigation. Undeterred by this prosecution, Big Pharma continued its campaign against supplements, with the meta-analysis on vitamin E appearing in the peer-reviewed journal Annals of Internal Medicine just three years later.

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THE ANTIOXIDANT VITAMIN META-ANALYSIS OF 2003
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A year earlier, in June 2003, another meta-analysis appeared. This one was published in the prestigious medical journal, the Lancet, by Dr Marc Penn and colleagues from the Cleveland Clinic [3]. These authors asserted that beta-carotene, vitamin A and other antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin E, were harmful. These authors re-iterated yet again negative results from a very small clutch of studies on synthetic vitamins like synthetic beta-carotene and vitamin E, which were once more administered to diseased or high risk subjects, and often for inadequate periods of time.

Following the publication of the meta-analysis, the lead author was quoted in the media saying that people should stop taking supplements containing vitamins A, beta-carotene and E. These conclusions, some of which were carried over into the vitamin E meta-analysis the following year, are profound misinterpretations of the existing evidence base, and most certainly cannot be applied to the role of these vitamins in reducing risks of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease in healthy people. Nor can these conclusions be applied to supplements containing natural forms of these vitamins.

Back to the omega-3 meta-analysis of 2006

Last month’s attack on fish oils prompted by the meta-analysis by Dr Lee Hooper and his colleagues, as published in the BMJ, must surely be seen in the same light as the two meta-analyses discussed above. Put bluntly, the meta-analysis appears to be, once more, a vehicle to generate negative headlines. In fairness, even the authors have now conceded that they were “misquoted in much of the press.” [4]

The scientific evidence for long chain omega-3 benefits on lowering triglycerides and other risk factors in heart disease, as well as clear, beneficial immune system modulation and behavioural effects, have been regarded by scientists, doctors and health authorities around the world as conclusive. This evidence has formed the basis of recommendations to consume oily fish or fish oil supplements by many governments. Where governments have stipulated a limit on the maximum amount to be consumed, such as no more than three portions of oily fish weekly, this has served mainly as a means to limit intake of heavy metals like mercury, or other contaminants such as dioxins or PCBs common in most wild fish [5]. Peculiarly, governments have appeared shy of recommending high-quality fish oil supplements which are often guaranteed as being free of any significant levels of these contaminants. This is particularly relevant given that specific batches of several low cost, mass market fish oil product lines have recently had to be withdrawn from the UK market owing to dioxin contamination (e.g. several Seven Seas [owned by pharma giant Merck] fish oil product batches were withdrawn on 14th March 2006, and on 11th March 2006 high street pharmacy chain Boots withdrew two batches of its own brand fish oil product).

In closely scrutinising Hooper et al”s paper, one thing becomes apparent: the findings are not nearly as damning as those suggested by the negative headlines on omega-3 fats that rebounded around the world for over a week. In fact, to the contrary; when it comes to the studies with fish oils only, the news appears just as rosy as we had all thought.

Ten out of 12 randomised control trials considered in the meta-analysis that assessed these oils in relation to total mortality point to positive findings. The same can be said for all three cohort studies considered by the meta-analysis authors. That’s thirteen out of fifteen studies showing favourable results for higher intakes of omega-3 fats. The remaining two studies have been presented as showing very slightly negative findings, but in both cases the studies deal with existing disease states, either angina or coronary artery bypass grafts. The negative effects, in both cases, are so small that they could be regarded as having little or no biological relevance (in one study there was half a percent greater mortality in the treatment compared with control, while in the other there was a little over a 2% difference). The meta-analysis authors themselves considered both studies as being of medium to high risk of bias, which might in itself explain or at least contribute to such variations.

So, while the world was assaulted with headlines such as “The benefits of fish and linseed oils as elixir of life are another health myth” (this example being courtesy of The Times newspaper), we could have just as easily, and much more correctly, read headlines along the lines of: “New meta-analysis reinforces the health benefits of fish oils.” But perhaps fewer newspapers would have sold on 24 and 25 March 2006.

Smearing the data with margarine

Even when Hooper and co-workers included studies with plant-derived, short chain omega-3 fats, such as those found in certain vegetable oils (e.g. flax) including margarines, the overall trend still pointed to reduced mortality for those consuming higher intake levels of all forms of omega-3.

The study that was presented as having the most pronounced apparent negative effect was one published in 2002 by Groningen University’s Dr Wanda Bemelmans and colleagues [6]. The study, known as the MARGARIN trial, investigated the effect on heart disease risk of a Unilever margarine enriched with alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an important short-chain omega-3 found to be rich in Mediterranean diets, well known for their health promoting properties. The study also aimed to assess the effect of group education on the benefits associated with consuming a typical Mediterranean diet. Importantly, the subjects in the study all had multiple cardiovascular risk factors; nearly half were smokers and took anti-hypertensive drugs, while over 40% had family histories of cardiovascular risk.

Bemelmans and colleagues’ own findings, in contrast to their interpretation of these findings in the Hooper et al meta-analysis, are overwhelmingly positive. They demonstrate clearly the beneficial effects of ALA-enriched margarine on reducing heart disease risk. The study also shows that group education led to healthier diets, with increased consumption of fish, and consequently lower heart disease risk factors. These findings are actually fully in line with another major study, the Lyons Diet Heart Study, published in 1994 in the Lancet, which actually provided the inspiration for Bemelmans and colleagues’ MARGARIN trial.

So, how was this study distorted to give the impression that omega-3 fats might be bad for you? This is down to the very small number of deaths recorded, which could just as easily be a function of chance rather than any treatment effect. The study included only four deaths out of 266 subjects in total. The omega-3 meta-analysis authors managed to blacken this study because 3 out of 4 of these deaths (again from all-causes, not just cardiovascular disease) occurred in the high ALA, treatment group, while only one was in the low ALA, control group. This small number of deaths could easily have been a function of random, ‘statistical clustering’, particularly given that risk factors appeared lower in the high ALA treatment group.

Dr Bemelmans has actually gone on public record since the release of Hooper et al”s meta-analysis questioning the way in which her study has been used, and how her and her co-authors’ positive findings have been used to demonstrate negative findings in the meta-analysis.

Just as importantly, since the omega-3 sources are vegetable oils in margarine, it is not surprising that the benefits are perhaps less pronounced given the inefficient and limited conversion by the human body of plant-derived omega-3s to key long chain fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that are abundant in fish oils. Additionally, harmful trans fats in margarine could have been an additional confounding factor.

Cutting to the chase

Looking at all of the data in the omega-3 meta-analysis, the only area where it is possible to interpret a tendency towards very slightly negative effects, is in the case of randomised control trials (but not cohort studies) looking at the effects of omega-3 fats on cancer and stroke. However, these results could just as easily be the result of bias or confounding factors, inadequate periods of supplementation, or even the effects of contaminants in fish or fish oil capsules.

For the BMJ”s own view on the subject, it is worth referring to the Editorial published on 24 March which focuses on Hooper et al’s meta-analysis. Contrary to the thrust of the meta-analysis itself, and the related media, the Editorial takes a rather positive line on omega-3s, and demonstrates concern over dwindling supplies of marine-derived omega-3s.

Citing directly from the Editorial:
“For the general public some omega 3 fat is good for health….. Adequate intake of omega 3 fats is particularly important for women of childbearing age…… We are faced with a paradox. Health recommendations advise increased consumption of oily fish and fish oils, within limits, on the grounds that intake is generally low. However, industrial fishing has depleted the world’s fish stocks by some 90% since 1950, and rising fish prices reduce affordability particularly for people with low incomes. Global production trends suggest that, although fish farming is expanding rapidly, we probably do not have a sustainable supply of long chain omega 3 fats.”

Additionally, there are now many Rapid Responses published in the BMJ which reinforce problems with the authors’ conclusions. These can be found at: 
 http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/eletters/332/7544/752.

Let you be the judge. I don’t believe many people who read the full Hooper et al meta-analysis, as well as the BMJ editorial and Rapid Responses, would stop taking fish oil supplements. The problem is that only a tiny proportion of the population will do this. Many more will succumb to the negative headlines triggered by the meta-analysis and, contrary to the vast weight of evidence, they now run the risk of going against government advice to increase consumption of oily fish or fish oil supplements at recommended doses.

Those very few who interrogate the evidence considered by Hooper and colleagues might actually decide to alter their sources of omega-3 fats, shifting in the direction of high quality fish oil supplements and away from vegetarian sources of omega-3 and even oily fish, which runs the risk of contamination. This way, they can be guaranteed specific amounts of long-chain EPA and DHA, as well as being confident they are consuming products that are certified as free from contaminants.

So, despite the headlines, there is no new evidence clouding the efficacy of fish oils or long chain essential fatty acids. In fact, if the meta-analysis had included other health benefits such as immune system function, cognitive and behavioural function and joint health, the case for marine-derived omega-3s would have looked even stronger. So strong, in fact, one wonders if the media couldn’t be sued by fish oil supplement manufacturers for damages. But things are rarely this simple.

We are left wondering about those negative headlines. Could there have been a motive for the negative spin?

Pharma fish oils

Just as we’ve seen Big Pharma control vitamin and mineral markets globally, both legally and illegally, is it not possible that this most recent skewed meta-analysis is part of a plan to discredit fish oils consumed increasingly by the masses?

When you peruse the competing interests declared in the BMJ paper, the only possible link given is that speaker fees have been paid to one of the authors by a company, Solvay, that markets a product called Omacor. Solvay is not a small marketing outfit. It is part of an international chemical and pharmaceutical group, headquartered in Brussels, which employs some 33,000 people across 50 countries. Omacor also happens to be the first prescription-only fish oil. As a licensed medicine, unlike the much more common fish oil food or dietary supplements, it can brandish extensive health and medicinal claims. Omacor, manufactured by Pronova Biocare in Norway (a private, limited company owned by Ferd Private Equity Fund), is prescribed primarily for reducing triglycerides (a major heart disease risk factor) and is positioned firmly as a stable mate with cholesterol-reducing statin drugs. In other words, the evidence for taking high quality fish oils is so convincing, drugs companies perhaps now want a slice of the action.

And the timing for the release of the meta-analysis does appear most fortuitous. In November 2004, Omacor was approved as a drug by the US Food & Drug Administration. In September 2005, Solvay Pharmaceuticals and Pronova Biocare signed a licensing agreement for exclusive distribution rights for distribution into India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong and New Zealand.

Furthermore, on 1 December 2005, EPAX Sales and Production de-merged from Pronova Biocare to enable Pronova to focus exclusively on the production of prescription-only Omacor. EPAX, also based in Norway, will continue to produce concentrated omega-3 oils for the ‘poor-cousin’, dietary supplement industry.

Is the way actually being paved to encourage patients to elect for the prescription-only fish oil version, resplendent with all the health claims allowed under a drugs regime and banned in the food or dietary supplement sector? Even if these processes are only coincidental, and we currently have no direct evidence to suggest otherwise, the effect is the same.

The crying shame from a public health and disease prevention perspective, is that some of the most robust evidence for taking fish oils relates to their early, protective effects against heart disease. And that’s why the free availability of high quality fish oil supplements is so important; people only take drugs when they become sick.

So now, those people – and there may be many – who have been unfairly frightened away from fish oil supplements might believe that they need to wait until they’re sick in later life before their trusted doctors can prescribe the fish oil supplements they should have been consuming all along.

It is indeed a topsy-turvy world of lies, damn lies – and statistics.

REFERENCES
1.    Hooper L, Thompson RL, Harrison RA, Summerbell CD, Ness AR, Moore HJ, Worthington HV, Durrington PN, Higgins JP, Capps NE, Riemersma RA, Ebrahim SB, Davey Smith G. Risks and benefits of omega 3 fats for mortality, cardiovascular disease, and cancer: systematic review. British Medical Journal, 2006; 332 (7544): 752-60.
2.    Miller ER 3rd, Pastor-Barriuso R, Dalal D, Riemersma RA, Appel LJ, Guallar E. Meta-analysis: high-dosage vitamin E supplementation may increase all-cause mortality. Annals of Internal Medicine, 2005; 142(1): 37-46.
3.    Vivekananthan DP, Penn MS, Sapp SK, Hsu A, Topol EJ. Use of antioxidant vitamins for the prevention of cardiovascular disease: meta-analysis of randomised trials. Lancet, 2003; 361(9374): 2017-23.
4.    Hooper L, Thompson RL, Harrison RA, Summerbell CD, Ness AR, Moore HJ, Worthington HV, Durrington PN, Higgins JP, Capps NE, Riemersma RA, Ebrahim SB, Davey Smith G. Rapid Response in British Medical Journal: Authors reply – omega 3s and health. http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/eletters/332/7544/752#131349 [last accessed 19 April 2006].
5.    Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition / Committee on Toxicity (UK). Advice on fish consumption: benefits and risks. Food Standards Agency / Department of Health. 2004. 204 pp.
6.    Bemelmans WJ, Broer J, Feskens EJ, Smit AJ, Muskiet FA, Lefrandt JD, Bom VJ, May JF, Meyboom-de Jong B. Effect of an increased intake of alpha-linolenic acid and group nutritional education on cardiovascular risk factors: the Mediterranean Alpha-linolenic Enriched Groningen Dietary Intervention (MARGARIN) study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2002; 75(2): 221-7.

Vanadium Nanostars

It’s taken me a long time (over 2 years) to go public with my positive account of using nanoparticle (or angstrom-sized) minerals. This is because nanotechnology is experimental and the full ramifications of any application of the technology are yet unknown. Hence, I didn’t want to unduly influence anyone one way or the other, but I do feel it’s important to share the results of my personal experimentation and also encourage you to do your own research to make informed decisions.

What is Nanotechnology & Nanoparticles?

Nanotechnology is the experimental process of manipulating matter on an incredibly minute scale (one thousandth of a millimeter and smaller), in order to create new products and materials, or delivery systems. It is the creation and manipulation of tiny objects at the level of molecules and atoms. At the nano-scale, the laws of chemistry and physics work differently and materials develop unique properties not seen at normal particle size. Opaque materials, such as copper and zinc, become transparent; stable materials, such as aluminum become explosive; and solids such as gold turn into liquids.

There are two types of nanoparticles:

Fine particle – 100 – 2500 nanometers (nm)

Ultrafine – 1 – 100 nm

Angstrom (so named for physicist Anders Jonas Ångström) size is: .10 nm

So 1 Angstrom = 100 picometers = .10 nanometers

To put 100 nm in context: a strand of DNA is 2.5 nm wide, a protein molecule is 5 nm, a red blood cell 7,000 nm and a human hair is 80,000 nm wide.

New consumer products with hidden nanotech ingredients hit the US market in a nearly unregulated fashion each week, including baby toys, personal care products, clothes and countless other products. The nanoparticles in these products are so small, they are rapidly absorbed through the skin and spread to the environment in unpredictable ways.

Scientists are applying nanotechnology to a wide range of industries, including food, food packaging, kitchenware, personal care, medicine, electronics, clothing, sports equipment, fertilizers and pesticides. There are more than 800 consumer products on the market now using nanotechnology.

Examples of Nanotech Products

For example, a tableware set contains a nano silver coating that kills bacteria, aiming to prevent food-borne diseases. A toothpaste contains nanoparticles that help remove plaque and provide minerals to protect against tooth decay. A golf club shaft is made from “nano composite technology” to be stronger and lighter weight. This technology could also be used to make chemical and biological weapons.

In food, proponents say nanotechnology can boost and target nutrition, extend shelf life, improve taste and texture and detect bacterial contamination. There are now up to 300 nano food and 400-500 nano food packaging applications on store shelves.

Toddler Health is a nutritional supplement containing nano ion particles that claim to offer toddlers increased bioavailability.

Canola Active cooking oil contains NutraLease, a nutraceutical technology that uses nanocapsules to enhance the delivery of nutrients.

A preservative known as AquaNova contains nano-capsules of water-insoluble substances to increase  absorption in the body.

McDonalds burger packages contain nano-spheres that require less water and less time and energy to dry.

Miller Beer bottles are made from imperm,  a plastic imbued with clay nanoparticles that are as hard as glass but stronger and provide longer shelf life.

Major food companies such as General Mills, Kraft, Nestle, PepsiCo, Cadbury-Schweppes and Uniliver are researching and developing nano food and food packaging applications, building what is expected to be a $6 billion market this year.

There are nano agricultural applications. Syngenta developed a plant growth treatment – PrimoMaxx nano emulsion.

Cornell scientists developed a cloth with saturated nano fibers that slowly releases pesticides and herbicides when it is planted with seed. (Yikes!)

Health Risks

Like genetically modified foods, products of nanotechnology pose unknown risks to human health and the environment. Nanoparticles are more chemically reactive than larger particles. Because they are so small, they have greater access to the human body than larger particles.

They can be inhaled, penetrate skin, gain access to tissues and cells, and cross the blood-brain barrier. Assessing the risks of nanotechnology is lagging far behind development of applications.  “There is virtually no data on chronic, long-term effects on people, other organisms or the wider environment,” wrote  British scientist John Lawton, author of a report from the Royal Commission on Environment Pollution.

Sunscreens are the most widely used consumer product containing nanoparticles.  Tests on mice in the US have shown that sunscreen nanoparticles over-stimulated brain cells, which could lead to brain damage over time. Studies at the University of Toledo, Utah State University  and the University of Utah found that nano particles, including nanotitanium dioxide, found in sunscreens killed beneficial bacteria and soil microbes. So these are yet more reasons why sunscreens are bad for your health. Why do they make nanoparticle-sized sunscreens? Because the tiny size also means that the product/color is not visible on the skin – and people don’t want white stripes of zinc on their nose or body.

Articles of clothing (commonly socks and underwear) contain nanosilver particles marketed as “bacterial guards”. Unfortunately, these nanoparticles wash out in your laundry and are carried into our groundwater where they are changing the ecology of lakes and rivers by killing bacteria and algae. As you can well imagine, mucking with an ecosystem in this way is not likely to be a good idea.

Some initial studies raise red flags. A recent study published in Nature showed that carbon nanotubes may exhibit the same cancer-causing potential as asbestos. Keep in mind though, that nanoparticles don’t just exist through scientific manipulation, they have also been around a long time as the pollutants given off by cars and trucks. The president of the National Institute of Ecology (INE) in Mexico City, Adrian Fernandez says:

“Ultrafine nanoparticles are the most hazardous because they penetrate and lodge themselves in the deepest part of the respiratory system also accessing the cardiovascular system. They are generated by vehicular combustion processes, particularly of buses with diesel engines”.

In tests on rats, nanosilver has also been shown to be toxic to liver, brain and stem cells and may harm beneficial bacteria.

The Positive Side of Nanotechnology

However, there are also dozens more tests that show nanosilver kills pathogens like HIV, herpes, and other viruses which are very difficult to eradicate – so there is also a positive side to the application of the same technology.

And although nanoparticles have been present in vehicle exhaust fumes for decades, they have also been present in plants which we have been consuming for thousands of years. Plants absorb minerals from their soil and convert them to nanoparticle-sized minerals within their roots and stems – which we automatically absorb when we eat the plants. Scientists have even realized that this natural conversion ability of plants may be a better way to produce nanoparticle-sized metals for industrial use, then chemical processes which produce pollutants.

Nanoparticles were also used by artisans as far back as the 9th century in Mesopotamia for generating a glittering effect on the surface of pots.

My Conclusion

So, when I looked at the fact that plants naturally produce nanoparticle-sized minerals, thus indicating that our bodies have been safely absorbing minerals in this form for millenia, that gave me a base of confidence to try nanoparticle and angstrom-sized minerals.

As well, I looked at people/groups who have been consuming nanoparticle minerals for years already – athletes and children with autism. Jim Haszinger, the president of the company we get our nano minerals from, gave me a list of autism clinics in the U.S. who have been using his minerals for 2 – 6 years already. Jim and his family have been consuming his nanoparticle minerals for over 20 years. A good friend of Dr. Carolyn Dean MD ND – veterinarian Terry Wood – has been using nanoparticle minerals and electrolyte blends with animals and athletes for over 5 years. There were no accounts of adverse effects from using nanoparticle minerals from any of these groups.

I also found a number of studies showing clear benefits to nanoparticle or angstrom-sized mineral supplementation for osteoporosis and tooth decay. I go into my research in a lot more detail at JPT Wellness Circle and we’re also going to be doing a teleseminar on nanoparticle minerals soon.

Lastly, I sat with all my research and “head knowledge” for few months and then plugged in to see what my gut said. Based on my intuition, I started taking Bone Support nanoparticle minerals (a blend of minerals that support bone and tooth formation and strengthening), Miracle of Life Trace Minerals (these are all the trace minerals, many of which have disappeared from our soil since the advent of pesticides and monoculture crops in the 1930′s) and Angstrom Iron. After taking them myself for numerous months, I started my kids on them too – and ALL our tooth decay disappeared:

In my family, we take one capful of the Minerals of Life – Trace Minerals in the morning (kids take 1/2 capful) – we just tip it into our mouths and swallow it straight. At night, we take our Bone Support minerals last thing before bed so they will stop decay by re-mineralizing our teeth and also shifting the pH of our mouths to an alkaline state (it is often the acidic pH in the mouth that causes tooth decay). We take 1 capful for adults, 1/2 capful for the kids. After brushing and flossing, we hold and swish the Bone Support around our teeth for about 2 minutes, then swallow. Both the kids and I have noticed that using these minerals to induce alkalinity right before bed also helps ensure a deep, uninterrupted sleep.

If you are suffering from, or concerned about osteoporosis, then you will likely need to take more of the Bone Support for a period of time. You might want to take 1 tbsp, 2-3x/day for 3 months, then get re-tested. Also, you may want to take 1 tbsp. of the Minerals of Life Trace Minerals each day. And don’t forget your daily Vitamin D – also crucial for bone formation.

The nanoparticle iron is especially exciting for people with gut disorders, since normal iron is quite irritating to the gut and can trigger intestinal bleeding and result in constipation. This lead to quite a multi-step process in Listen To Your Gut for taking iron in order to boost absorption and guard against adverse effects. All of that becomes unnecessary with angstrom or nanoparticle-sized iron since it does not require digestion and therefore does not irritate the GI tract. I even tested it by taking 8x and then 16x the dose on one day – as I was concerned by research on nanoparticle ferric oxide in mouse models – but there were no adverse effects.

I used this iron myself to raise both my hemoglobin and my ferritin (iron stores), taking 1 tablespoon once or twice per day. It works really fast and there are no intestinal effects as it does not require digestion. For this reason, it should be safe to use whilst bleeding – but go slowly and test it to be sure. The iron particles are angstrom-sized = .10 nm, very tiny nanoparticles, which are absorbed instantly into the blood and cells.

If treating anemia, ideally, you should take 1 tsp in the morning and 1 tsp in the evening. For severe anemia (hemoglobin less than 7 or 70) , I would take 1 tsp, 3 – 4 times per day. I always washed it down with lots of water or other liquid (just my intuition). It tastes only faintly of iron, but mostly just like metallic water. If you are using it for maintenance, then I would think 1 tsp every other day (or just twice a week) should be sufficient. You can get your hemoglobin tested (to track your progress) within 30 – 45 days since this product builds hemoglobin so fast. For best results, make sure you are also getting adequate B12 and folic acid – co-factors needed to utilize iron properly.

I also began experimenting with new anti-pathogen formulas using nanosilver, tea tree, wild oregano oil and DMSO and have had amazing results treating fungal, viral and bacterial skin infections among my family, friends and neighbours (also published at JPT Wellness Circle).

Whilst I feel good about taking nanosized targeted minerals from a trusted supplier, I do NOT feel good about being unwittingly exposed to all kinds of nanoparticles in food, clothing, packaging materials, etc. – as outlined above. We definitely need (as is the case with EMR – electromagnetic radiation) a non industry-influenced regulatory body to test and research these new technologies before they are unleashed en masse on all of us, without our knowledge or consent.

I’m not going to advise you on what you should do with your body, since this is a new technology. But I wanted to share my experience and research (as I said, lots more in-depth research results at JPT Wellness Circle). As it stands now, these nanoparticle minerals are the best thing for myself and my kids – since we had previously tried everything to cure our tooth decay, with no success.

soar higher,
Jini

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Jini Patel Thompson’s books on natural healing for digestive diseases have sold in over 40 different countries. Her health articles have been published in journals and magazines in the U.S., Australia and U.K. www.ListenToYourGut.com

My organic grocery delivery company often gets this question: “Why doesn’t this organic apple or banana look ‘as good as’ a conventional one?” Here’s why, when it comes to conventional produce, looks can be deceiving…

Extreme Produce Makeover

Today’s consumers are raised on TV, airbrushed photos and carefully manipulated images designed to sell illusions of perfection. But when it comes to produce, looks aren’t everything. Chances are that shiny apple, or yellow banana are gassed, bathed in pesticides and fungicides or injected with food dyes that make them a toxic treat for the senses.

Let’s slip into bananas. We’ve recently seen quality issues with this family favorite. This is because February and March are traditionally tough months for banana growers. Soaring humidity makes their crop very vulnerable to rot. Organic growers typically treat this disease naturally, with aids such as grapefruit seed oil extract. It’s not a perfect system. But the blemished bananas contain far fewer chemical contaminants than their photogenic golden “conventional” counterparts.

“Conventional” bananas are picked before they ripen naturally. Calcium Carbide, ammonia or sulphur dioxide then ripens them at super-speed. In high concentration, these toxins may damage the nervous system, kidneys and liver. The bananas might also be soaked in the carcinogen benonomyl, and repeatedly sprayed with pesticides.

Tomatoes are also picked before maturity and shipped long distances. They’re gassed with the plant hormone ethylene to ripen them and may be injected with red dye for eye appeal. Because the “conventional” tomato was never truly ripe it’s now vitamin deficient…unless you count the nutrient value of its chemical fertilizers, pesticides, ripeners and dye.

I’ll never forget when my cousin came to visit and stayed in our studio apartment that we were using as an office. Two months after his departure, I opened the fridge and saw a bag of tomatoes he’d left behind. I was aghast to see that they still looked perfect – no mold, no softening, nothing! I’ve eaten nothing but organic produce for the last 15 years, so I was used to our normal tomatoes that last about a week before being taken over by hungry microbes. Here’s the thing: Bacteria and fungi are extremely smart organisms – they have adapted and thrived where thousands of species have gone extinct. So if they won’t touch the food – that should tell you something!

Also, the taste of a conventional tomato pales next to a vine-ripened, fresh organic tomato full of flavor. Tip: For the best flavor, store tomatoes at room temperature, rather than in the fridge. I’ve tested both ways, and mine don’t last any longer when stored in the fridge, but they do lose a lot of flavor.

What about “juicy” ‘conventional’ grocery store apples? They’re full of enough preservatives to change the slogan to “an apple a day keeps decomposition away.” Picked while still green, apples are sprayed with thiabendazole at the warehouse, a chemical known to cause birth defects. After sorting they’re treated with preservatives to keep them juicy and crisp, and then covered with shellac or carnuba wax (just to really seal in all those chemicals and make sure they don’t wash off!).

Generally, exported cherries are fumigated with Methyl bromide for 2 hours at a temperature of 43 degrees Fahrenheit. The fumigation treatment is done with the aim to kill any potential codling moth (a type of post-harvest pest). 17% is absorbed by the bulk wooden bin that is used to store the cherries. The absorption into the wooden box will then lead to metabolic changes and decomposition. Cherries that have been treated in this manner do not rot away even after 7 weeks at room temperature. The cherries may have been treated multiple times during storage and shipment. When humans get exposed to high concentrations of methyl bromide (which also depletes ozone), it can lead to deleterious effects on skin, lungs and eyes, and both respiratory and nervous system failure. Does it sound like these cherries are safe to eat?

So, next time you say: “I’d love to eat organic, but I can’t afford to.” Think of how much it’s going to cost you in health care dollars after ingesting all these chemical agents, day after day, AND not getting the nutrients and enzymes from normal (i.e. “organic”) food. But if you truly cannot afford to eat organic, here are my tips and tricks of cheaper alternatives for healthy eating.

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Jini Patel Thompson’s books on natural healing for digestive diseases have sold in over 40 different countries. Her health articles have been published in journals and magazines in the U.S., Australia and U.K. www.ListenToYourGut.com

After nine years of doing private consultations for people with Crohn’s disease and answering literally thousands of questions on my Forum, I have come to see that there are seven key protocols that nearly everyone needs to implement in order to see their digestive healing progress rapidly.

By the time people find their way to my protocols, their bacterial flora is usually unbalanced throughout their gastrointestinal tract. If they haven’t already had repeated antibiotic use since childhood, then the medical exploratory and diagnostic tests alone have destroyed much of the good bacteria in their small and large intestine. When the good, protective bacteria are depleted, then pathogens like yeast (Candida), viruses, parasites, and bad bacteria flourish.

Note: If you have had a colonoscopy, or are considering one, please download my complimentary Colonoscopy Report – where I outline the risks and what you can do to protect yourself.

This profusion of pathogens, combined with (and causing) inflammation and damage to the mucosal lining, then results in Leaky Gut Syndrome; whereby undigested food particles and bad bacteria leach into the bloodstream and trigger allergic reactions and infection in other locales.

The protocols needed to heal Crohn’s disease therefore focus on providing bowel rest via a special Crohn’s disease diet, eradicating pathogens from the gut, rebalancing the bacterial flora, healing the damage done to the mucosal lining and intestinal wall, healing the emotional factors that lead to susceptibility in the gut in the first place (and ongoing), addressing any nutrient deficiencies, and balancing the endocrine system.

Crohn’s Diet – Bowel Rest

In extreme cases, the best and fastest way of alternative healing for Crohn’s is to go on an elemental diet (as outlined in my book, The IBD Remission Diet) in order to provide bowel rest and eliminate any trigger foods, whilst addressing the underlying conditions of infection and inflammation in the digestive system. This is also used frequently if the person is very malnourished or underweight, or if there is ongoing intestinal bleeding.

If the person doesn’t require anything as drastic as an elemental diet, then they just follow the Healing Diet (in Chapter 3 of Listen To Your Gut) for their symptom profile, whilst implementing the protocols below. If they do begin with an elemental diet, then they also begin simultaneously on the protocols below. If tolerated, the multi-pronged healing approach produces the quickest results.

The great news is that a number of my clients have now tested using raw milk (unpasteurized milk from pasture-fed cows) instead of Absorb Plus for their elemental diet and they have tolerated it well and shown great improvement. Others have used a combination of Absorb Plus and raw cow or goat’s milk. If this interests you, I have provided a lot of information on this innovative healing therapy at JPT Wellness Circle (I have content on raw milk therapy in the infoletter, videos, podcasts and teleseminars sections). If possible, I would encourage you to use raw milk instead of Absorb Plus, because not only is it cheaper, it is a whole, unprocessed food and therefore healthier.

Eradicating Pathogens

To get rid of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, yeast (Candida albicans), mycobacteria and parasites, utilize Jini’s Wild Oregano Oil Protocol. If you have a mycobacterial infection, you will need to cycle on and off the Protocol for 2 –3 years to eradicate all the mycobacteria.

People generally start with Jini’s Wild Oregano Oil Protocol and then upon completion of the first cycle, move onto high dose, therapeutic probiotic supplementation. Of course, they have already begun probiotic supplementation with Jini’s Wild Oregano Oil Protocol, so their system doesn’t usually have much difficulty transitioning to high dose probiotics.

Probiotic Supplementation for Crohn’s Disease

Probiotics for Crohn’s disease treatment must be ingested in a potent, bioavailable form; the bacteria must be capable of colonizing the gastrointestinal tract and must be ingested in high enough amounts to have a therapeutic effect. This means, that to see results (based on clinical trials), you need to ingest a minimum of 7 – 10 billion c.f.u. of each species, per day. This works out to 1 teaspoon, 3 times a day of the Natren powdered probiotics: Megadophilus, Bifido Factor and Digesta-Lac. Or, 1 Healthy Trinity capsule, two times per day.

However, if your Crohn’s disease is in a very active state, or you are highly sensitive to probiotics, then you must start out with small amounts and very gradually build up. In these cases, it is often best to start with an infant species of bacteria called B. infantis and then gradually work your way up to the adult species of L. acidophilus, B. bifidus and L. Bulgaricus. B. infantis is available from Natren (called Life Start) in either cow or goat’s milk based formulas.

Note: If you are having more than 3 bowel movements per day, then you must not take anything in capsule form (probiotics or supplements) as the transit time through the gut is too fast to be properly absorbed and utilized.

Once you can tolerate therapeutic levels of probiotics (and many can right away) then the best results are seen from probiotic layering. This means you take both the powders and the capsules to maximize the beneficial effects of each and then you also perform Jini’s Probiotic Retention Enema. Probiotic layering can be done in a number of ways, but what most people usually do is to take 1 teaspoon of each powdered species, two times per day and 1 Healthy Trinity capsule, once per day.

Healing Crohn’s Inflammation & Ulceration

Whilst the protocols already outlined above greatly contribute to the healing of intestinal inflammation and ulceration, targeted herbal supplementation is also highly beneficial and produces more rapid healing.

If the person has ongoing bleeding from the colon, then Jini’s Healing Implant Enema is utilized whilst on an elemental diet. Once bleeding is no longer acute, or is only from the small intestine, MucosaHeal is used along with George’s Aloe Vera Juice.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Here are the nutritional supplements that pretty much everyone with Crohn’s disease needs to take due to increased loss through diarrhea and/or lack of absorption of nutrients:

• Full spectrum multi-vitamin and multi-mineral – yes, it would be ideal to ingest these in whole-food form, however many people with IBD cannot tolerate whole food vitamins. Angstrom-sized, or nanoparticle minerals are very easily tolerated and highly absorbable, but are also a bit more expensive. So whilst the regular mineral supplements are not ideal, they do still produce beneficial results and are certainly better than nothing. In fact, due to the alkalizing effect of minerals (since people with Crohn’s have a hyper-acidic system), I strongly recommend that Crohn’s sufferers take both the Bone Support nanoparticle minerals and the Trace Minerals – these will produce the most rapid healing.
• 3,000 IU vitamin D3 per day
• 4 – 6 capsules cod liver oil per day (or 2 teaspoons)
• 2 tablespoons Udo’s oil per day
• Pycnogenol or grape seed extract
• Coenzyme Q10
• Most people with Crohn’s disease also suffer from anemia. But then iron supplements are irritating to the gut and can trigger intestinal bleeding. The solution again, is to take your iron in nanoparticle, or angstrom-sized form. This means that the iron is instantly absorbed into the bloodstream and does not require digestion. Therefore, it also does not irritate the GI tract.
• Vitamin C in mineral ascorbate form – needed for immune system but also for blood clotting.

Each of these supplements is vital for healing various facets of the Crohn’s pathology and they also work synergistically to accelerate healing.

Note: If you are having more than 3 bowel movements per day, then you must not take anything in capsule form, as the transit time through the gut is too fast to be properly absorbed and utilized. In that case, you need to open capsules and dissolve the contents into an Absorb Plus shake, or diluted apple juice, or chew them.

Emotional Contributors

Over 60% of your body’s neurotransmitters are not in your brain, but in your gut! (see Michael Gershon’s book The Second Brain for lots more about this). There is now an entire field dedicated to this emerging knowledge about the interrelation of the mind, emotions and the digestive system called Neurogastroenterology. This is not airy-fairy, woo-woo stuff, this is hard science. And if you don’t heal the psychological and emotional components of your dis-ease, then you will never have long-term health. It’s really that simple.

The most effective mind/body therapies are EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), also called MTT (Meridian Tapping Techniques) and hypnotherapy. You need to work with a skilled therapist, at least initially, to really see good results. And it’s best if you can use someone (like Annabel Fisher) who is experienced with chronic illness; which is more complex and has many more layers than regular illness.

Balance Your Hormones

If you have been ill for longer than eight months, or if you have taken any kind of steroid or immune suppressant drug, then it is highly likely your adrenal gland and thyroid glands (at least) are not functioning properly.

Ideally, you should see a doctor who specializes in hormone balancing and have your endocrine system tested properly. You should then follow a natural hormone supplement program tailored to your specific needs. However, since we have seen that many people either cannot afford to do this, or just can’t seem to allocate the time/energy to do it, I am going to give you a shortcut that is likely to help in the majority of cases.

Endocrine specialist, Jonathan V. Wright MD, has developed a holistic endocrine supplement called Thyroplex. He reasons that you should never just treat one gland in isolation – since they are all linked like dominoes. Therefore, you need to support the entire endocrine system in a return to balance. I agree with Dr. Wright and many of my clients with Crohn’s disease see very good results from taking Thyroplex (there is one for males and one for females). Women with Crohn’s usually also benefit from taking natural progesterone cream (a dime-sized amount rubbed into the soles of the feet 1x/day).

But again, it is definitely recommended that you see a doctor who specializes in hormones and have your individual situation assessed properly.

And there you have it! If you implement each of the seven steps outlined above (simultaneously if possible) you will have the fastest, most thorough Crohn’s alternative treatment plan. Of course, you will need to use various additional supplements as needed – FissureHeal if you have anal/rectal fissures, or HemorrHeal if your bleeding is from internal or external hemorrhoids, syringed wild oregano oil for fistulas, L-glutamine, bentonite clay or psyllium seed for diarrhea, etc.

But the basic protocol for rapid healing of Crohn’s disease can be summed up in these seven targeted steps:

1. Rest the bowel
2. Eradicate pathogens
3. Repopulate with good bacteria
4. Heal inflammation and ulceration
5. Resolve nutrient deficiencies
6. Heal emotional contributors
7. Balance the endocrine system

The key is to do all seven thoroughly – preferably simultaneously – without skipping over any of them.

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Jini Patel Thompson’s books on natural healing for digestive diseases have sold in over 40 different countries. Her health articles have been published in journals and magazines in the U.S., Australia and U.K. www.ListenToYourGut.com

Note: If you suffer from constipation, then I highly recommend you get my new book, Listen To Your Colon: The Complete Natural Healing Guide For Constipation. Whilst I do address constipation briefly in Listen To Your Gut, this is a very complex disorder with a lot of different facets. Therefore, I wrote Listen To Your Colon to be able to address it properly; providing both short-term relief and long-term resolution of constipation.

Okay, just had to share with you my latest addiction. I first had this in a restaurant and was crazy for it – but since it is a half hour drive away, I had to figure out how to make it myself!

If you are sensitive to acidic foods, then just replace the tomatoes with 1 diced zucchini – and bake for only 10 minutes (rather than 20). Everything else in the recipe stays the same.

Gluten-free, super easy and incredibly yummy Tuscan Tomato & Goat Cheese Dip. Can be eaten as a meal or a snack.

Tuscan Tomato & Goat Cheese Dip

2 Roma tomatoes
2 tbsp. Italian olive oil
1 tsp dried OR 2 tbsp. fresh green herbs (parsley, cilantro, basil)
Himalayan salt to taste
1 packet goat cheese

1. Slice tomatoes and place in oven-proof dish. Drizzle with olive oil, herbs and salt and bake at 350 F for 20 minutes.

2. Remove skins from tomatoes (if desired), dice, and lay sliced or crumbled goat cheese on top. Sprinkle with a little bit of green herb and broil on high for 5 minutes.

3. Serve warm with pita triangles, nacho chips, or crackers. Can also top with chopped olives or capers if desired.

If you’re avoiding tomatoes:

1 medium sized zucchini, washed & diced
2 tbsp. Italian olive oil
1 tsp dried OR 2 tbsp. fresh green herbs (parsley, cilantro, basil)
Himalayan salt to taste
1 packet goat cheese

1. Place diced zucchini in oven-proof dish. Drizzle with olive oil, herbs and salt and bake at 350 F for 10 minutes.

2. Lay sliced or crumbled goat cheese on top. Sprinkle with a little bit of green herb and broil on high for 5 minutes.

3. Serve warm with pita triangles, nacho chips, or crackers. Can also top with chopped olives if desired.

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Jini Patel Thompson’s books on natural healing for digestive diseases have sold in over 40 different countries. Her health articles have been published in journals and magazines in the U.S., Australia and U.K. www.ListenToYourGut.com

This is awesome! Dr. Andrew Wakefield (prominent GI who was viciously attacked by drug/med establishment for daring to suggest even the *possibility* of a link between MMR vaccine and IBD) finally gets to tell his side of the story and what exactly has been happening.

He’s so articulate and this info is GOLD:

If you only have time to watch one segment, this is a good one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENY_M1XEW4s

The biggest irony of it all is that Wakefield says himself that he is pro-vaccine – he has always advised patients to be vaccinated, but to use the single vaccines.

So, this is not really an anti-vaccine video, it is a pro vaccine safety video. But just by Dr. Wakefield presenting the facts/research accumulated to the present, you realize that – whilst great in theory – current vaccinations are not performing the way they were intended to.

Unfortunately, they do not address the issue of whether antibodies produced as a result of vaccination confer immunity – as is presumed. The only clinical trials I’ve been able to find on this, show that they do not. Perhaps this will be addressed in the future…

The School Board’s position on cell phone and wireless computer usage inside my kids’ school is: Hey, we just follow what Health Canada says! And Health Canada says there is no possibility of danger from radio frequency microwave radiation. Huh. So here’s what I think of that:

Currently, Health Canada maintains that 1000 mw/cm2 is a safe exposure level for public places. So how come Russia has set its safety level at 10 mw/cm2 (microwatts per centimetre squared) and many European countries have set their microwave radiation safety levels at .10 mw/cm2? Clearly someone is being unduly influenced by industry here…

Many schools have a “no cell phone on school grounds” policy. Unfortunately, ongoing, they are relying on children to police themselves – and we all know how reliable that is!

My son informs me that a boy in his grade 4 class has received a cell phone as a gift from his Dad, which he carries around in his pocket – turned on – so that he can send and receive text messages from his Dad. The teachers have no idea the cell phone is turned on, or that he is texting behind his desk. And here’s the problem with that:

“The body of available research indicates that operation of a nearby portable cellular telephone will expose a non-user to radiation, some of which will be deposited into the brain of the non-user at levels higher than necessary to elicit undesirable biological effects even though the phone may be more than ten feet away from the non-user.”

(Source: Robert Kane, PhD., former Motorola Senior Research Scientist)

Then I started thinking about all the junior high and high school students… do you honestly think they are turning off their cell phones (or even remembering to turn them off)? Especially since texting is so big among that age group?

So, I applaud the fact that school policy against having cell phones turned on in the schools already exists. But principals need to put some serious thought into the actual enforcement of that policy.

How about requiring students to place their cell phone in a basket on the teacher’s desk and then the teacher (or a trusted student) doing a quick check to ensure that each is turned off? How about having random spot checks for cell phones with a seriously stiff penalty (like suspension for 3 days) if a phone is found left on? I’m sure if teachers and principal put their heads together, they would be able to come up with something reliable and enforceable.

Regarding wireless computers, when you take a look at what’s happening in other countries, I would suggest to you that Health Canada is either behind the 8-ball on this issue, or it is unduly industry-influenced. For example:

• Germany warns citizens to avoid Wi-Fi due to health risks – September 2007

• Russian Radiation Protection Agency gives urgent warning to defend children’s health from RF/MW – April 2008

• Five public libraries in Paris shut down Wi-Fi due to health concerns – May 2008

• European Parliament votes to bring in stricter radiation limits – September 2008

• City of Herouville St. Clair, France removes Wi-Fi from primary schools due to health risks – April 2009

• Teachers in UK call for immediate dismantling of Wi-Fi in schools due to health risks – April 2009

• Sorbonne University, Paris passes moratorium on Wi-Fi – May 2009

• Los Angeles School District votes unanimously to protect children from ELF and RF/MW – May 2009

• Israeli Minister of Environment gives public warning on radiation emitting devices including Wi-Fi – July 2009

If the Health Canada standards are so accurate and reliable, then why have these other countries banned or warned against WiFi after recognizing that it is indeed a serious health hazard?

Obviously Germany, the UK, Russia and France do not concur with Health Canada’s position that, “These concerns appear to arise from some media reports and dubious Internet websites which contain inaccurate, unsubstantiated, controversial or contradictory statements regarding RF-health issues.” (quoted from pg 1 of the Email response from Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau sent to me)

Damaging health effects are scientifically shown to occur at levels thousands of times below existing public safety limits. Reputable scientists state that our standards (i.e. the Health Canada standards) are obsolete because they are based solely on thermal effects.

In mice, exposure for approximately 2 hours/day to a mobile phone (0.9GHz GSM modulated mobile phone; 23-36V/m, 0.41-0.98W/Kg whole body exposure) for four days resulted in cognitive deficits in the Morris water maze, a test of spatial learning and memory.  Exposed mice were less able to transfer learned information to the next day, and had deficits in consolidation and/or retrieval of the learned information. “Our results provide a basis for more thorough investigations considering reports on non-thermal effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs).”
- Fragopoulou AF, et alDepartment of Cell Biology & Biophysics, University of Athens
Whole body exposure with GSM 900Mhz affects spatial memory in mice,
Pathophysiology, 2009 Nov 30

“No scientific evidence has determined that wireless technology is safe . . . This exposure affects our whole body . . . Are we equipped to face this sort of radiation?  Has evolution provided us with a shell that can protect us? And obviously the answer is no, we don’t have that kind of protection, so we are left to pray and to hope that it isn’t dangerous, but it’s an empty hope.”
- Professor Olle Johansson, PhD
Royal Institute of Technology
Stockholm, Sweden

If WiFi is so benign, then why do insurance companies refuse to insure cell phone providers?

“Non-Thermal Effects Confirmed, Exposure Limits Challenged, Precaution Demanded…All across Europe, the debate on exposure limits has flared up; insurance companies do not insure cell phone providers because of the incalculable health risks.”
- Austrian Insurance Company (AUVA) report confirming health risks associated with wireless technologies – July 21, 2009

I could go on and on, providing undeniably hardcore, reliable scientific evidence, but, if people are resolutely refusing to look at any sources of evidence other than Health Canada, then I guess we have nothing further to discuss, or we will just go round in circles.

But if you anyone is honestly concerned about being proactive and cautious with our children’s health, then I would encourage you to hold a position of pure inquiry like, “What is the proven public safety record of these technologies?” and then look at ALL reputable, scientific sources in the investigation of this question – by that I mean studies that have NOT been funded by the wireless industry.

It would be nice (and really time efficient) if we could rely on Health Canada to be proactive, thorough, and rigorous on public health issues. However, remember the cigarette/tobacco issue? Swine flu fiasco? Pesticides on lawns? Health Canada’s record hardly inspires public confidence.

I remain hopeful that Health Canada will consider a more unbiased investigation of the facts – looking at non industry-influenced sources, non industry-funded studies, and reputable scientists worldwide who are willing to put their professional reputation on the line to speak up about this issue.

Get Involved: My kids are so concerned about this issue that they set up their own website to help educate kids, teachers, other parents, etc. We have lots of tools that you can download and hand out to begin educating others and also non-consent forms for your school so that it is on record that you do not want your children exposed to these technologies: www.RadiationEducation.com

“Radio frequency radiation and other forms of electromagnetic pollution are harmful at orders of magnitude well below existing guidelines. Science is one of the tools society uses to decide health policy. In the case of telecommunications equipment, such as cell phones, wireless networks, cell phone antennas, PDAs, and portable phones, the science is being ignored. Current guidelines urgently need to be re-examined by government and reduced to reflect the state of the science. There is an emerging public health crisis at hand and time is of the essence.”

- Magda Havas, PhD
Associate Professor, Environment & Resource Studies, Trent University, Canada.
Expert in radiofrequency radiation, electromagnetic fields, dirty electricity and ground current.

“The key point about electromagnetic pollution that the public has to realize is that it is not necessary that the intensity be large for a biological interaction to occur. There is now considerable evidence that extremely weak signals can have physiological consequences. These interactive intensities are about 1000 times smaller than the threshold values formerly estimated by otherwise knowledgeable theoreticians, who, in their vainglorious approach to science, rejected all evidence to the contrary as inconsistent with their magnificent calculations. These faulty estimated thresholds are yet to be corrected by both regulators and the media.

The overall problem with environmental electromagnetism is much deeper, not only of concern at power line frequencies, but also in the radiofrequency range encompassing mobile phones. Here the public’s continuing exposure to electromagnetic radiation is largely connected to money. Indeed the tens of billions of dollars in sales one finds in the cell phone industry makes it mandatory to corporate leaders that they deny, in knee-jerk fashion, any indication of hazard.

There may be hope for the future in knowing that weakly intense electromagnetic interactions can be used for good as well as harm. The fact that such fields are biologically effective also implies the likelihood of medical applications, something that is now taking place. As this happens, I think it will make us more aware about how our bodies react to electromagnetism, and it should become even clearer to everyone concerned that there is reason to be very, very careful about ambient electromagnetic fields.”

- Abraham R. Liboff, PhD
Research Professor
Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida
Co-Editor, Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine

“The Venice Resolution, initiated by the International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety (ICEMS) on June 6, 2008, and now signed by nearly 50 peer reviewed scientists worldwide, states in part, “We are compelled to confirm the existence of non-thermal effects of electromagnetic fields on living matter, which seem to occur at every level of investigation from molecular to epidemiological. Recent epidemiological evidence is stronger than before. We recognize the growing public health problem known as electrohypersensitivity. We strongly advise limited use of cell phones, and other similar devices, by young children and teenagers, and we call upon governments to apply the Precautionary Principle as an interim measure while more biologically relevant exposure standards are developed.”

- Prof. Livio Giuliani, PhD
Spokesperson, International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety (www.icems.eu)
Deputy Director, Italian National Institute for Worker Protection and Safety, East Venice and South Tyrol; Professor, School of Biochemistry of Camerino University, Italy

“Claims that cell phones pose no health hazards are supported solely by Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limits safety standards written by the telecommunications industry decades ago based on studies they funded. These have made the erroneous assumption that the only harm that could come from cell phone radiofrequency emissions would be from a thermal or heating action, since such non thermal fields can have no biological effects. The late Dr. Ross Adey disproved this three decades ago by demonstrating that very similar radiofrequency fields with certain carrier and modulation frequencies that had insufficient energy to produce any heating could cause the release of calcium ions from cells. Since then, numerous research reports have confirmed that non thermal fields from cell phones, tower transmitters, power lines, and other man made sources can significantly affect various tissues and physiologic functions.

We are constantly being bathed in an increasing sea of radiation from exposure to the above, as well as electrical appliances, computers, Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi installations and over 2,000 communications satellites in outer space that shower us with signals to GPS receivers. New WiMax transmitters on cell phone towers that have a range of up to two square miles compared to Wi-Fi’s 300 feet will soon turn the core of North America into one huge electromagnetic hot spot. Children are more severely affected because their brains are developing and their skulls are thinner. A two-minute call can alter brain function in a child for an hour, which is why other countries ban their sale or discourage their use under the age of 18. In contrast, this is the segment of the population now being targeted here in a $2 billion U.S. advertising campaign that views “tweens” (children between 8 and 12 years old) as the next big cell phone market. Firefly and Barbie cell phones are also being promoted for 6 to 8-year-olds.

It is not generally appreciated that there is a cumulative effect and that talking on a cell phone for just an hour a day for ten years can add up to 10,000 watts of radiation. That’s ten times more than from putting your head in a microwave oven. Pregnant women may also be at increased risk based on a study showing that children born to mothers who used a cell phone just two or three times a day during pregnancy showed a dramatic increase in hyperactivity and other behavioral and emotional problems. And for the 30% of children who had also used a cell phone by age 7, the incidence of behavioral problems was 80% higher! Whether ontogeny (embryonic development) recapitulates phylogeny is debatable, but it is clear that lower forms of life are also much more sensitive. If you put the positive electrode of a 1.5 volt battery in the Pacific Ocean at San Francisco and the negative one off San Diego, sharks in the in between these cities can detect the few billionths of a volt electrical field. EMF fields have also been implicated in the recent massive but mysterious disappearance of honeybee colonies essential for pollinating over 90 commercial crops. As Albert Einstein warned, “If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would only have four years of life left.”

- Paul J. Rosch, MD
Clinical Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry, New York Medical College; Honorary Vice President International Stress Management Association; Diplomate, National Board of Medical Examiners; Full Member, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences; Fellow, The Royal Society of Medicine; Emeritus Member, The Bioelectromagnetics Society

See more quotes from top scientists about electromagnetic research.

Feeling overwhelmed by trying to raise healthy kids? Me too!