Healthy by Nature radio show this week
This will be our annual remote broadcast LIVE from Natural HealthFest. Andy Hopkins will co-host and we will talk with some exhibitors (who have all been instructed to make sure there is information of value to the national audience). Among our guests: Two Old Goats (makers of clean topical products– including one that helps joints); Red Apple Lipstick (free of the usual toxins); Relax Far Infrared Sauna (tell them Martie sent you); Lily of the Desert; and Legal Shield. Click here to find podcasts, show archives and how to listen nationwide.

What works for joints?

Glucosamine? The news seemed happy to highlight a study that showed supplemental glucosamine as not significantly reducing pain for subjects suffering with knee arthritis. That study used glucosamine hydrochloride and lasted 24 weeks. Some of the previous studies (an example) that did show benefit were for longer periods (like two years) and often employed a different form (glucosamine sulphate) and/or combine it with another supplement chondroitin. It is possible that pain reduction isn’t the best measure of effectiveness since studies often show a reduction in tissue destruction and/or a rebuilding of cartilage. Using a diet and supplements known to reduce inflammation might be better for pain. I don’t know the final answer on glucosamine, but if you feel you have been helped by it, I wouldn’t let one short-term study change your mind.

At least Cheerios tried
General Mills revealed that they were really not surprised that removing the GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms) from their classic cereal product, Cheerios, has not noticeably increase sales. The company concluded that most Americans are not concerned about GMO’s. I say the lack of impact is because most Americans do not yet know even what a GMO is (e.g. genes from an animal could be inserted into the DNA of corn) let alone the documented health threat that they pose. (Here are 10 reasons to avoid GMO’s.) Consumers who are already educated about GMO’s and are motivated to avoid them are probably also looking for products that are more nutritious and less likely to spike blood sugar.

While Cheerios lists whole grain oats as the first ingredient, the second ingredient is corn starch and the third is sugar. Both of those are hard on blood sugar. The American Heart Association (AHA) allows Cheerios to use their symbol indicating the product is heart smart. However, that might be based on the AHA’s old ideas about low-fat. The organization loses credibility with me because they are financially supported by so many manufacturers of blood-sugar spiking junk food. General Mills has likely confused health-seekers with the many varieties of Cheerios that are much higher in sugar. Honey Nut Medley Crunch for example contains only 2 grams of fiber and 9 grams of sugar. Although billed as an oat cereal, Cheerios contains wheat, so it is off limits for those avoiding gluten. Kudos though to Cheerios for using mixed tochopherols (vitamin E) as preservative rather than some noxious chemical.

I worry that industry lobbyists may use the lack of enthusiasm for one GMO-free cereal to convince the FDA that we don’t care if GMO’s take over the food supply.

What’s coming up?
 5th Annual Natural HealthFest

THIS WEEK: Saturday, March 29, 9a-5p at Plano Centre
Click here to see the speakers. The life-changing value of all that you can learn and the important contacts you can make are surely more critical than working in the yard, dusting the patio furniture or tuning up the boat.
We will broadcast live at 8 AM from the event, so come early if you can.
I’m also unveiling my new booklet, Fat-Free Folly
and at noon, personalizing any of my three books that you have. (The General Store will be selling them at the event Saturday.)
SAVE by buying tickets NOW online only until midnight tonight (Thursday).
 
There are over $7,000 in prizes. That includes our new Passport to Grand Giveaway prizes: Kotsanis Institute package of tests and services (value $2,500); a 4 day 3 night getaway to Tahiti Village in Las Vegas (value $650. Note transportation not included.) Aquasana water filter package (value $500) and now a Total Home Gym (valued at $300). And a wonderful set of Calphalon Ceramic Non-stick Cookware (value $250 and I love mine) sponsored by our generous friends at Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics.
 
NEW: a room with tables for eating and relaxing.
From 11-2 there will even be live calypso music.

Don’t miss our centerfold insert in the March issue of my favorite magazine,
Natural Awakenings, N. Texas edition. Look for it at many area stores, gyms, etc.
Last Week Follow-up
LINK to that show in the archives. We discussed with Debby Romick, Director of the Brain Balance Center, the fact that many children who have been diagnosed with ADHD, Autism and Learning Disabilities may have a “desychronization between the left and right hemispheres of the brain”. John Young, MD returned. We talked about ozonated olive oil and natural approaches to diabetes. I asked Stephen Le, DC how nutrition affects chiropractic adjustments and he talked about the effects of stress. educated us on Non-Toxic and Green Certified home cleaning products and services.

Please help spread the good word-forward this newsletter to friends and family.
My first book : Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers. Subtitle: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments.

My latest book: Aloe Vera-Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy

The information contained in this newsletter has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The contents are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Copyright 2014 Martie Whittekin, CCN