To Eat or Not to Eat – There is No Question!
Many of my patients with bowel problems will have been advised by someone else to eat more wheat bran. What?!! Take a handful of wheat bran some time and rub it around in your hand. Kind of rough and abrasive isn’t it? What do you suppose it would feel like to your digestive tract that is already irritated and inflamed if you are having bowel problems? If you really want this kind of effect why not just swallow some sandpaper, it’s about as tasty and will work just as well. Wheat bran is completely indigestible and will pass on through just as rough as it was when it went in. For this reason it often causes bloating, abdominal pain and flatulence – the very problems that you were concerned about in the first place! Those clever marketing guys at the wheat marketing board didn’t know what to do with all this leftover crap from refining wheat into flour, so they try to promote it as a healthy way to get fiber. This is all just so much spin and more often than not consuming wheat bran only causes more problems – iron deficiency, bloating, gas, susceptibility to parasite infections, and abdominal pain. “But where do I get fiber from?” the brainwashed unfortunates ask. From whole, raw fruits and vegetables where your body was intended to get it from – not from indigestible refuse from the refining process.
Copyright 2004
Pamela Frank, BSc (Hons), ND
Forces of Nature Naturopathic Clinic
2443 ½ Yonge St. Toronto ON Canada M4P 2E7
416.481.0222
www.ForcesofNature.ca
Friday, February 20, 2004
Feb. 20, 2004
Carbs - Shmarbs!
Ask any registered dietician and they'll quote the dogma that you should be eating lots of high fiber, whole-grain carbs every day. But should we REALLY? Would you go into a field of real, unprocessed wheat/oats/barley and start munching on it? What would it taste like if you did? Did you ever stick some grass in your mouth as a child and chew on it? It doesn't taste very good! If we wouldn't eat the real thing in it's natural state because it doesn't look, smell or taste very good, then are we really meant to eat it at all? As I mentionned yesterday, the general concensus is that processed foods are NOT good for us. ALL wheat-based products are processed foods because they have to be processed in order to be palatable. What does the term "whole grain" really mean anyway? It should mean that you are eating the grain in it's natural intact state. But instead, it refers to products that have been ground, refined, bleached, nutrient depleted and then re-enriched but it started out with the whole grain in it at some point. These are NOT whole grains!
The Cambridge Dictionary defines "whole" as complete or not divided. But these grains have been rendered incomplete and divided in the processing that makes them into flour/bread/pasta/cereal.
Lose the dogma! Think for yourself!
Pamela Frank, BSc, Naturopathic Doctor
Forces of Nature Naturopathic Clinic
2443 1/2 Yonge St.
Toronto ON M4P 2E7
416.481.0222
www.ForcesofNature.ca
Carbs - Shmarbs!
Ask any registered dietician and they'll quote the dogma that you should be eating lots of high fiber, whole-grain carbs every day. But should we REALLY? Would you go into a field of real, unprocessed wheat/oats/barley and start munching on it? What would it taste like if you did? Did you ever stick some grass in your mouth as a child and chew on it? It doesn't taste very good! If we wouldn't eat the real thing in it's natural state because it doesn't look, smell or taste very good, then are we really meant to eat it at all? As I mentionned yesterday, the general concensus is that processed foods are NOT good for us. ALL wheat-based products are processed foods because they have to be processed in order to be palatable. What does the term "whole grain" really mean anyway? It should mean that you are eating the grain in it's natural intact state. But instead, it refers to products that have been ground, refined, bleached, nutrient depleted and then re-enriched but it started out with the whole grain in it at some point. These are NOT whole grains!
The Cambridge Dictionary defines "whole" as complete or not divided. But these grains have been rendered incomplete and divided in the processing that makes them into flour/bread/pasta/cereal.
Lose the dogma! Think for yourself!
Pamela Frank, BSc, Naturopathic Doctor
Forces of Nature Naturopathic Clinic
2443 1/2 Yonge St.
Toronto ON M4P 2E7
416.481.0222
www.ForcesofNature.ca
Thursday, February 19, 2004
Thurs. Feb 19, 2004
In your line of work do you ever encounter people who have little or no training in your area of expertise, yet receive media attention and recognition and hold themselves up to be some sort of expert? As a naturopathic doctor with four years of post-graduate education in nutrition, I get that all the time. People think if they read a few books or magazine articles on nutrition suddenly they can be giving out nutritional advice. Case in point, yesterday I was reading an article by a chiropractor who apparently thinks she knows a thing or two about nutrition and is recommending the top 10 healthiest foods. At least three of her top ten were flawed or incomplete recommendations. Why do these people have the gaul and unmitigated arrogance to think they are in any way qualified to give out nutrition advice? If you really want professional nutrition advice go see a naturopath. We have four years of post-graduate university level education in nutrition - there is no other healthcare professional who can say that. Plus, the nutrition education we receive is not based on a ridiculous political document like the Canada Food Guide. Research has pointed out that if you try to eat everything that you should according to the guide, you would be very overweight. The motivation for the recommendations on the Canada Food Guide come from satisfying the Milk marketing board, the Beef marketing board and the Grain marketing board - not from any scientific evidence that these foods nurture good health. From my experience as a naturopathic doctor, I have learned that no one diet suits everyone - we all have different food allergies, food intolerances and digestive tracts. Diets need to be adjusted accordingly.
Pamela Frank, BSc, Naturopathic Doctor
Forces of Nature Naturopathic Clinic
2443 1/2 Yonge St.
Toronto ON M4P 2E7
416.481.0222
www.ForcesofNature.ca
In your line of work do you ever encounter people who have little or no training in your area of expertise, yet receive media attention and recognition and hold themselves up to be some sort of expert? As a naturopathic doctor with four years of post-graduate education in nutrition, I get that all the time. People think if they read a few books or magazine articles on nutrition suddenly they can be giving out nutritional advice. Case in point, yesterday I was reading an article by a chiropractor who apparently thinks she knows a thing or two about nutrition and is recommending the top 10 healthiest foods. At least three of her top ten were flawed or incomplete recommendations. Why do these people have the gaul and unmitigated arrogance to think they are in any way qualified to give out nutrition advice? If you really want professional nutrition advice go see a naturopath. We have four years of post-graduate university level education in nutrition - there is no other healthcare professional who can say that. Plus, the nutrition education we receive is not based on a ridiculous political document like the Canada Food Guide. Research has pointed out that if you try to eat everything that you should according to the guide, you would be very overweight. The motivation for the recommendations on the Canada Food Guide come from satisfying the Milk marketing board, the Beef marketing board and the Grain marketing board - not from any scientific evidence that these foods nurture good health. From my experience as a naturopathic doctor, I have learned that no one diet suits everyone - we all have different food allergies, food intolerances and digestive tracts. Diets need to be adjusted accordingly.
Pamela Frank, BSc, Naturopathic Doctor
Forces of Nature Naturopathic Clinic
2443 1/2 Yonge St.
Toronto ON M4P 2E7
416.481.0222
www.ForcesofNature.ca
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Feb. 18, 2004
Calcium inhibits iron absorption
My patients will know that I advise them to take their calcium supplements in the evening before bed. This is partially because calcium and magnesium often help people calm down, relax and go to sleep. I was reading a review article this morning on calcium interfering with iron absorption. My clients will know that I am not a big advocate of dairy products and if low iron levels are a concern, perhaps dairy products are not a healthy choice for you. At the very least, they should be consumed separately from your iron-containing meals.
Pamela Frank, Naturopathic Doctor
Forces of Nature Naturopathic Clinic
2443 1/2 Yonge St. Toronto ON Canada M4P 2E7
www.ForcesofNature.ca
Calcium inhibits iron absorption
My patients will know that I advise them to take their calcium supplements in the evening before bed. This is partially because calcium and magnesium often help people calm down, relax and go to sleep. I was reading a review article this morning on calcium interfering with iron absorption. My clients will know that I am not a big advocate of dairy products and if low iron levels are a concern, perhaps dairy products are not a healthy choice for you. At the very least, they should be consumed separately from your iron-containing meals.
Pamela Frank, Naturopathic Doctor
Forces of Nature Naturopathic Clinic
2443 1/2 Yonge St. Toronto ON Canada M4P 2E7
www.ForcesofNature.ca
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Feb. 17, 2004 News Flash! Antibiotic use leads to an increased risk of breast cancer in women.
Here's another headline that falls into the duh - ya think? category. Naturopathic doctors have been warning of the dangers of antibiotic use for years. We get vilified by the medical profession for being off base and then along comes a study that supports what we have maintained all along. Why antibiotic use predisposes women to breast cancer is still up for investigation, but it would seem likely that antibiotics are either weakening the immune system so that it can't detect and obliterate cancer cells or they are interfering with normal detoxification of cancer causing substances in the gastrointestinal tract. Either way, antibiotics should be used sparingly and only when absolutely necessary. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics for you when you have an uncomplicated common cold, find another medical doctor! In this instance, antibiotics are not only useless but obviously detrimental, they are effective only against bacterial (not viral) infections. Over-prescription of antibiotics has lead to increasing numbers of antibiotic resistant bacteria and greater susceptibility, especially amongst geriatric patients, to debilitating bacterial infections with no hope of cure.
For good health and for cancer prevention, you must replenish your gastrointestinal tract with a high quality, viable, potent, human strain of acidophilus and bifidobacter bacteria any time you take an antibiotic and on an annual basis.
Posted by Pamela Frank, BSc(Hons), Naturopathic Doctor
For more information about our naturopathic, massage therapy, chiropractic, psychotherapy and hypnotherapy services please visit our website at www.ForcesofNature.ca
Here's another headline that falls into the duh - ya think? category. Naturopathic doctors have been warning of the dangers of antibiotic use for years. We get vilified by the medical profession for being off base and then along comes a study that supports what we have maintained all along. Why antibiotic use predisposes women to breast cancer is still up for investigation, but it would seem likely that antibiotics are either weakening the immune system so that it can't detect and obliterate cancer cells or they are interfering with normal detoxification of cancer causing substances in the gastrointestinal tract. Either way, antibiotics should be used sparingly and only when absolutely necessary. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics for you when you have an uncomplicated common cold, find another medical doctor! In this instance, antibiotics are not only useless but obviously detrimental, they are effective only against bacterial (not viral) infections. Over-prescription of antibiotics has lead to increasing numbers of antibiotic resistant bacteria and greater susceptibility, especially amongst geriatric patients, to debilitating bacterial infections with no hope of cure.
For good health and for cancer prevention, you must replenish your gastrointestinal tract with a high quality, viable, potent, human strain of acidophilus and bifidobacter bacteria any time you take an antibiotic and on an annual basis.
Posted by Pamela Frank, BSc(Hons), Naturopathic Doctor
For more information about our naturopathic, massage therapy, chiropractic, psychotherapy and hypnotherapy services please visit our website at www.ForcesofNature.ca
Feb. 17, 2004 News Flash! Antibiotic use leads to an increased risk of breast cancer in women.
Here's another headline that falls into the duh - ya think? category. Naturopathic doctors have been warning of the dangers of antibiotic use for years. We get vilified by the medical profession for being off base and then along comes a study that supports what we have maintained all along. Why antibiotic use predisposes women to breast cancer is still up for investigation, but it would seem likely that antibiotics are either weakening the immune system so that it can't detect and obliterate cancer cells or they are interfering with normal detoxification of cancer causing substances in the gastrointestinal tract. Either way, antibiotics should be used sparingly and only when absolutely necessary. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics for you when you have an uncomplicated common cold, find another medical doctor! In this instance, antibiotics are not only useless but obviously detrimental, they are effective only against bacterial (not viral) infections. Over-prescription of antibiotics has lead to increasing numbers of antibiotic resistant bacteria and greater susceptibility, especially amongst geriatric patients, to debilitating bacterial infections with no hope of cure.
For good health and for cancer prevention, you must replenish your gastrointestinal tract with a high quality, viable, potent, human strain of acidophilus and bifidobacter bacteria any time you take an antibiotic and on an annual basis.
Here's another headline that falls into the duh - ya think? category. Naturopathic doctors have been warning of the dangers of antibiotic use for years. We get vilified by the medical profession for being off base and then along comes a study that supports what we have maintained all along. Why antibiotic use predisposes women to breast cancer is still up for investigation, but it would seem likely that antibiotics are either weakening the immune system so that it can't detect and obliterate cancer cells or they are interfering with normal detoxification of cancer causing substances in the gastrointestinal tract. Either way, antibiotics should be used sparingly and only when absolutely necessary. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics for you when you have an uncomplicated common cold, find another medical doctor! In this instance, antibiotics are not only useless but obviously detrimental, they are effective only against bacterial (not viral) infections. Over-prescription of antibiotics has lead to increasing numbers of antibiotic resistant bacteria and greater susceptibility, especially amongst geriatric patients, to debilitating bacterial infections with no hope of cure.
For good health and for cancer prevention, you must replenish your gastrointestinal tract with a high quality, viable, potent, human strain of acidophilus and bifidobacter bacteria any time you take an antibiotic and on an annual basis.
Feb. 17, 2004 News Flash! Antibiotic use leads to an increased risk of breast cancer in women.
Here's another headline that falls into the duh - ya think? category. Naturopathic doctors have been warning of the dangers of antibiotic use for years. We get vilified by the medical profession for being off base and then along comes a study that supports what we have maintained all along. Why antibiotic use predisposes women to breast cancer is still up for investigation, but it would seem likely that antibiotics are either weakening the immune system so that it can't detect and obliterate cancer cells or they are interfering with normal detoxification of cancer causing substances in the gastrointestinal tract. Either way, antibiotics should be used sparingly and only when absolutely necessary. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics for you when you have an uncomplicated common cold, find another medical doctor! In this instance, antibiotics are not only useless but obviously detrimental, they are effective only against bacterial (not viral) infections. Over-prescription of antibiotics has lead to increasing numbers of antibiotic resistant bacteria and greater susceptibility, especially amongst geriatric patients, to debilitating bacterial infections with no hope of cure.
For good health and for cancer prevention, you must replenish your gastrointestinal tract with a high quality, viable, potent, human strain of acidophilus and bifidobacter bacteria any time you take an antibiotic and on an annual basis.
Here's another headline that falls into the duh - ya think? category. Naturopathic doctors have been warning of the dangers of antibiotic use for years. We get vilified by the medical profession for being off base and then along comes a study that supports what we have maintained all along. Why antibiotic use predisposes women to breast cancer is still up for investigation, but it would seem likely that antibiotics are either weakening the immune system so that it can't detect and obliterate cancer cells or they are interfering with normal detoxification of cancer causing substances in the gastrointestinal tract. Either way, antibiotics should be used sparingly and only when absolutely necessary. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics for you when you have an uncomplicated common cold, find another medical doctor! In this instance, antibiotics are not only useless but obviously detrimental, they are effective only against bacterial (not viral) infections. Over-prescription of antibiotics has lead to increasing numbers of antibiotic resistant bacteria and greater susceptibility, especially amongst geriatric patients, to debilitating bacterial infections with no hope of cure.
For good health and for cancer prevention, you must replenish your gastrointestinal tract with a high quality, viable, potent, human strain of acidophilus and bifidobacter bacteria any time you take an antibiotic and on an annual basis.
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