An Open Letter to Mankind

In the last twenty years, a huge and growing body of research has been carried out into the role of the sugars that are an essential part of glycoproteins. These sugar-protein complexes are the building blocks of our immune system, and are the method by which cells "talk" to each other.

Research now runs to over 80,000 papers in many established medical journals. The accompanying papers in this pack discuss various aspects of sugar metabolism, from the scientific research to case histories, along with doctors own experience with the amazing healing qualities of these glyconutrients.

It has been conclusively shown that there are 8 essential sugars, and 6 are missing from our modern Western diet. This lack is caused by soil depletion, early picking of vegetables and fruits, processing of foods, and pollution. We all now face a very toxic environment, and we now lack the very things we need to cope with the toxic load.

When these sugars are missing, the cells either cannot "talk", or they mis-communicate. The result is disease. Yes it is true, our cells can make these sugars from glucose, but this is a very metabolically expensive process. It has been shown that dietary lack results in defective immune response, either too much or too little. Allergic conditions are examples of an over reactive immune system. An under reactive immune system could result in an inability of the natural "killer" cells (lymphocytes) to recognize diseased or cancerous cells, and dispose of them. The results of that may mean the death of the person! When the cells are given the nutrients they need, and begin to function properly, the resultant health benefits range from profound to amazing. In some cases, the so called laws of medical science have been overturned. I have spoken to people who had (past tense) multiple sclerosis, and who now do not have it. Their neurological lesions have disappeared from the MRI scan. To a natural skeptic like myself, the implication of this reversal was simple ? medicine is now facing the need for a total paradigm shift in its thinking, as deep a shift as that which occurred when bacteria were first shown to be the agents of infectious diseases.

As doctors, I believe we need to move from a "curative" view to a "wellness" view of what we do. Whilst modern medicine has made great strides in many areas, doctors, myself included, feel somewhat helpless when attempting to deal with the flood of degenerative disease and chronic illness that are the mark of our generation. All we can offer are drugs with very serious, and in some cases, life threatening side effects. In the year 2000, more than 100,000 people died from the effects of properly prescribed, properly administered pharmaceutical agents in the United States alone. This does not count the tragic accidents of improperly used medication.

Are these sugars safe? Well, they are food, not drugs. They have NO toxic or side effects. Five of the eight are found in human breast milk, (one of the reasons why babies are protected from disease by breast feeding).

The sugars are not pharmaceutical agents, and do not cure anything. They simply restore basic cellular functions to normal, and then the body can fend for itself. The killer cells will work to identify and destroy diseased or cancerous cells. The immune system can be restored to normal to modulate itself in response to attack.

I believe that we are going to see this profound change in medical practice over the next few years. As usual, I predict that the medical profession will be dragged kicking and screaming into this change. Every major medical advance, from simple hand washing between patients, to using limes to treat scurvy, to smallpox vaccination, the introduction of anesthesia, and surgical asepsis, has been first ridiculed, then opposed, until finally acceptance came when the truth became totally self evident. This is happening today with glyconutrition. There are now over 1000 medical practitioners in the USA who regularly use glyconutrients in their practices. The AMA in Australia has just release a paper acknowledging the patient's right to use complimentary medicine. That statement allows such things as acupuncture and yoga, techniques that may have benefit, but have no scientific validation. Compare that to the huge body of literature on glycoscience, including the (5) Nobel Prizes in Medicine (given to researches studying glycobiology). The case history data is growing into the tens of thousands of patients whose disease states have been improved, or in many cases eradicated, by the simple act of adding these sugars to the diet. This evidence will, in time, be overwhelming, and those who are skeptical and critical will be won over, by evidence that cannot be refuted. When you have CAT scan evidence of the lesions of multiple sclerosis disappearing, of metastatic carcinoma resolving, of the reversal of Alzhiemer's and Parkinson's disease, of increase in IQ of Down's syndrome children, along with positive effects in arthritis, infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibro-myalgia, what can you say? These are case histories presented by medical professionals, not snake oil salesmen. They are medically verifiable.

I think you will find the accompanying papers interesting. I hope that they will increase your understanding, and help you on the road to optimal health... glycoscience.org .

Best wishes, Iain MacRobert Updated for accuracy by Zach Thompson

Dr Iain MacRobert's CV Hong Kong Medical Registration MO5876 Hong Kong Specialist Registration SO7-0052

Curriculum Vitae: Graduated MB MS Sydney University 1975

Hospital appointments: Concord Repatriation Hospital 1976-1980 Medical Officer Sydney Eye Hospital 1981-1983 Ophthalmic Registrar The Westmead Centre 1984 Senior Ophthalmic Registrar Private Practice Penrith (West Sydney) 1985 Hong Kong 1986 to present

Post Graduate qualifications: Fellow ? Royal Australian College of Ophthalmologists 1984 International Member ? American Academy of Ophthalmology 1991 Founding Fellow ? Hong Kong Academy of Medicine 1993 Founding Fellow ? Hong Kong College of Surgeons 1996 Founding Fellow ? Hong Kong College of Ophthalmologists 1996

Medical Memberships: International Society of Refractive Surgeons

Present Practice: General and pediatric ophthalmology Refractive surgery

Zach Thompson works internationally as a Glyconutritional Consultant. He serves primarily the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, & New Zealand. His clients range from Professional & Olympic Athletes to those with auto-immune disease & children with Learning Disabilities. You can get more information at: http://www.myglyconutrientstore.com .

Aggressive Behaviour Seems To Be Triggered By Early Age Diet

The fact that diet directly affects behaviour is no news, on the contrary, this reality has been perceived a very long time ago, as the old saying "a man is what he eats" proves.

Studies have been performed to ascertain the degree in which this happens. A study of the scientists and researchers from the University of Southern California shows that a lack vitamin B, zinc, iron from the diet during the first years of life seems to influence behaviour later on.

Malnutrition in early ages, shows the study, predisposes to neurocognitive deficits. These deficits will lead to behavioural problems, such as antisocial and aggressive behaviour, during childhood and adolescence.

It is common knowledge that the lack or the insufficient intake of certain substances influences body development and all the resulting aspects. Nutritive substances have certain specific nurture targets, namely they feed particularly some body parts. Thus, the nutrients for the brain play a crucial role in the subsequent development of the neural activity, affecting brain health and mental performance. The mental state is also influenced by nutrients, as they are essential ingredients in the biochemical processes that produce brain neurotransmitters. Serotonin and dopamine which are known to affect mood are such neurotransmitters.

It seems that behaviour and mental performance can be improved by a controlled diet. Especially at early ages, reducing malnutrition will help reduce later antisocial and aggressive behavior, as the study concludes. Results of such studies and researches are important for applying correct adjustments to diet beginning with early childhood not only to improve health state - or to help correct various illnesses generated by brain malfunctions - but also to enhance positive social behaviour of persons with a tendency towards violence and behavioural disordes.

To conclude, substances that are essential for the brain optimum functioning and that should be present in sufficient quantities in a balanced diet are:

• the B vitamin complex - essential for the brain cells health and the formation of neurotransmitters - B1: bread, rice, pasta, and fortified cereals, pasta, pork; B5: meat, poultry, fish, whole-grain cereals, legumes, milk, vegetables, fruit; B6: chicken, fish, pork, liver, and kidney, whole grain cereals, nuts, legumes; B12: eggs, meat, fish, poultry, milk and dairy products;
• essential fatty acids - Omega 3 - brain's composition is 60% essential fatty acids - fish, especially cold water fish, seafood, olive oil or canola oil;
• antioxidans (vitamin E, vitamin C, glutathione, coenzyme Q10, lipoic acid) - protect brain from free radicals that attack DNA, creating permanent cellular damage generating accelerated aging, memory loss and favoring chronic disease - fruit and vegetables, black tea, green tea, chocolate, red wine;
• folic acid - essential for metabolism of long-chain fatty acids in the brain - bananas, orange juice, fortified cereals, lemons, strawberry, cantaloupe, leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas;
• magnesium, potassium, calcium - necessary for good nerve functioning - magnesium sources: whole grains, legumes, nuts, and green vegetables; potassium sources: apricots, avocados, bananas, cantaloupe, grapefruit, honeydew, kiwi, oranges, prunes, strawberries, potatoes, meat, and fish, calcium sources: milk and diary;
• iron - needed to carry oxygen to the brain cells and used to make brain neurotransmitters - lean beef, whole grain breakfast cereals, whole grain breads, raisins, dried apricots, legumes, bean dips, and bran muffins;
• zinc - antioxidative role, important for memory - certain seafood - oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, and dairy products.

Laura Ciocan writes for http://www.dietsindex.com where you can find more information about the most popular diets and diet aids.

Please feel free to use this article in your Newsletter or on your website. If you use this article, please include the resource box and send a brief message to let me know where it appeared; mailto:lauracio@gmail.com

A Heart Healthy Diet Makeover

Heart Disease remains the number one cause of death in the U.S. among both men and women. Part of the problem is it is truly a silent killer. There are few warning signs of a heart attack and the signs that are there donâ??t necessarily make us feel bad. The good news is there are many lifestyle changes you can make to significantly decrease your risk of heart disease. Here are 9 simple steps to make over your diet for heart health.

1. Use the right fats: The good fats are found to preserve HDL (protective cholesterol) and lower LDL (Bad Cholesterol) levels. The good fats are found in foods such as olive, canola, and peanut oils as well as nuts, avocados and olives.

2. Decrease the Saturated Fats: These fats tend to increase the cholesterol made by your body. They can increase your total and LDL (Bad) cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are found in animal products such as dairy, poultry (especially the skin), meats, butter and cream based sauces and dressings. It is not necessary to omit these foods, just choose leaner options and have the higher fat foods once in awhile.

3. Remove all Trans Fats from your pantry! : Trans Fats are oils that have been hardened by the hydrogenation process, such as stick margarine and shortening used to make commercial baked goods, chips, and fast foods. Like saturated fats, these fats increase total blood cholesterol and LDL (Bad) cholesterol levels and may even lower HDL (Good) cholesterol levels. Food labels will be required to list the amount of Trans fats in a food product by 2006. Until then, if the ingredient list on the food label includes the term hydrogenated, or partially hydrogenated, it contains Trans Fats. Avoid these products!

4. Increase Your Fiber! : Soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol levels in the blood by binding to cholesterol in the intestine so it cannot be absorbed by the body. Good food sources of soluble fiber include beans and legumes, oranges, apples, prunes, broccoli, carrots, oat bran, oatmeal, and some cereals. Use whole grain products in place of their white counterparts. Eat at least 20-40 grams of fiber a day. (Most Americans only eat around 12 grams of fiber a day.)

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids every day: Omega-3 Fatty Acids are essential fatty acids meaning we have to get them from our diet. These fatty acids may reduce the risk of blood clotting, decrease inflammation, lower triglyceride levels, normalize heart rhythms and improve the immune system. Consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids daily may reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac death by 50-70%. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in: fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, lake trout, halibut, and sardines. Other sources include ground flax seeds, soybeans, canola oil, and walnuts.

6. Five To Eight Fruits and Vegetables a day: Eating fruits and vegetables can help to decrease your risk of heart disease, cancer, cataracts, and can help to lower blood pressure. Fruits and Vegetables are loaded in vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. The more fruits and veggies you eat, the more antioxidant activity in your body. How do antioxidants work? Every day we are exposed to free radicals from our diets, sun, chemical exposure, pollution, etc. These free radicals promote the plaque build up in our arteries leading us to increased risk of heart disease. Antioxidants work by neutralizing these free radicals before they can cause damage to our bodies.

7. Folic Acid: High levels of an amino acid called homocysteine in the blood have been associated with damage to the blood-vessel walls, increased blood clotting, and overall increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Folate is a B vitamin which has been shown to decrease these homocysteine levels in the blood. Good food sources of Folate include green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, beet greens, and chard as well as legumes, asparagus, broccoli, oranges, orange juice, whole and fortified grains, walnuts and peanuts.

8. Add some almonds! Studies show that eating an ounce of almonds a day can help to lower your cholesterol. A matter of fact, a recent study published in Journal of the American Medical Association found that eating a diet that included plant sterol margarine (such as Benecol or ProActiv), soy products, almonds and increase fiber was able to lower cholesterol levels as much as the statin drugs and in just 2 weeks time! Have an ounce of almonds as a snack, or sprinkle them in your cereal or salad.

9. Have a little soy: Soy has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Using soy on a weekly basis is a great step towards protecting your heart. If you are not a tofu fan, try soy milk or yogurt, garden burgers, edamme (soy beans), or soy sausage patties. There are all kinds of ways to include soy in your diet!

Sample Heart Healthy Meal Makeover:

Sample day
Before:
Breakfast:
- glass of orange juice
- 2 fried eggs
- 3 slices of bacon
- 2 slices white bread with 3 tsp butter

Lunch:
- roast beef sandwich on white bread
- potato chips

Snack:
- 1 cup Cheez It crackers

Dinner:
- fried fish strips
- 1 cup mashed potatoes cooked w/whole milk and butter
- ½ cup corn

Diet make over:
Breakfast:
-glass of calcium fortified orange juice
- scrambled egg beaters
- 1-2 slices of whole grain bread with 1-2 tsp Benocol or
ProActive spread
- 1-2 slices soy bacon or sausage links

Lunch:
-½ turkey, lettuce, tomato, and avocado sandwich
- 1 cup vegetable soup
- 8 oz vanilla non-fat yogurt with 1/3 cup of berries added

Snack:
1 ounce almonds

Dinner:
- 3 ounces baked or broiled salmon
- ½ cup broiled red potatoes with olive oil
- ½ cup broccoli
- 1-2 cups of salad with cut up pears and toasted walnuts with 1TB olive oil vinaigrette salad dressing

Results:
Day 1 = 2300 calories and 114 grams fat; 98 grams sat fat; 45% calories from fat
Day 2 = 1800 calories and 58 grams fat; 14 grams sat fat; 29% calories from fat.

Making small changes can go a long way to improve your heart health! What changes can you start making?

Â(c); Meri Raffetto, 2005

About the Author

Owner of Real Living Nutrition Services, Meri Raffetto is a Registered Dietitian and a recognized professional in the area of nutrition and wellness. She has developed two online weight management programs, The Mini Diet Makeover and The Ultimate Diet Makeover, which focus on a healthy, non-diet approach to weight loss. For more information or to sign up for our free newsletter, visit http://www.reallivingnutrition.com

Death, Aging, Rejuvenation (Part 2)

Death

Death. Why it happens? Why do we die? Why do animals die? Why do plants die? What is the need of this? In my opinion mechanism of death was selected during Evolution.

From the position of Darwin's theory of Natural Selection everything, that benefits survival of species and gives advantage in Natural Selection, is preserved in following generations.

Improvements were often left unchanged from the moment of life appearance. Though there could be other ways, certain mechanisms were accidentally selected. These improvements are reproduced in the genome of more complex species. Billions of years ago, according to the theory of evolution, chemicals randomly organized themselves into a self-replicating molecule.

Lightings and UV-radiation helped to create first organic molecules. This phenomenon is reproducible in a lab. The experiments were described in 1950-60.

First self-replicating molecules were probably RNA. First enzymes were probably RNA - enzymes. Then proteins, DNA and more complex lipid molecules and polysaccharide came to the scene.

Death as it is did not exist at the stage of Primeval Soup . Sure some organic molecules were destroyed , some new created. But in general it was still that swirling and bubbling primary broth - quasi alive in our understanding as a mixture of biochemical reactions.

Everything in the evolution was build from the previous blocks selected sometime by accident.

Appearance of lipid membranes allows to compartmentalize the primary broth and create first cells.

At the cellular stage we could already talk about the Death. Cell is destroyed, membrane is broken, everything leaked out. This is the Death.

Content of cell inside lipid membrane is irradiated. Process of crazy molecular swirling is messed up by free radicals irreversibly. This is also signs of Death.

Yet at the cellular stage we cannot talk about Aging. Death at this stage is accidental, not programed.

Organic molecules may age (oxidation, conjugation, etc.) and cell would die. But damaged molecule are repaired or synthesized fresh usually. Hence, no good reason for a single cell organism to age. Irreparable damage from external cause leads to Death, not Aging. This is accidental death. For multicellular organisms, there is a parental organism that ages and eventually dies after next generation is born. For mono-cellular organism, there is parental organism that divides and becomes the next generation. There is no Aging leading to death of parental organism.

Mono-cellular organisms are practically immortal in a right environment.

Mechanism of division was selected during evolution. Cell has volume (3-D). Surface membrane is measured in square units (2-D). Growing beyond limits cause inadequate supply of nutrition from environment. Division solves the problem.

Microbes, bacteria are immortal. Some divide every 20 minutes. In a an hour they multiply 8 times.

Tumour cells divide slower. They are eukaryote. Most aggressive divide once a day. There is no need for Aging.

They would die if you do not feed them. They die when you kill them with undiluted bleach in a flask. Otherwise they grow unstoppable. No aging.

Multicellular organism supposedly has several control mechanisms to prevent excessive growth and division, to kill an extra cell. Apoptosis, programmed death, is used.

Cancer cells often loose the control mechanisms.

A scientist from Yale once pointed out to me that we can not say these cells are immortal. Maybe they divide and parental cell dies. Indeed. We do not follow the fate of every individual cell during experiments. They should give more children cells than parental cells die. Otherwise there would not be the multiplication. It is a possible scenario. We do not follow the fate of individual bacteria as well. Maybe they actually undergo aging.

From the other hand some experiments suggest that new cells contain roughly half of the parent cell after division. So it is not Death or Aging. Next generations contain 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 and so on of the parent cell. Any mechanism that is more complex than simple division would cause disadvantage in evolution and would be quickly eliminated. On the level of mono-cellular organism neither Aging nor Apoptosis make a lot of sense. Though Nature often have hidden reasons.

Flick's phenomenon and telomeres shortening make sense for a multicellular organism. Cells of multicellular organism do age. They stop dividing after 70 divisions or so.

A multi-cell organism has clear cut advantage over a mono-cell.

Why would mechanism of Death selected for multicellular organisms? Scenario could be the following.

Big organism have more advantages compare to smaller one - stability, protection, etc. There are not so many natural enemies for whale or elephant because of their size. Large animals could be brought down by bacteria, viruses, small parasites, and lack of available food. Rare predator attack whale or elephant.

No wonder that evolution was going into the direction of bigger animals - just look at giant bones of dinosaurs and you will feel some appreciation.

Millions years ago not only Dinosaurs but also insects or crustacean were enormous. Cockroaches, spiders or dragon flies with size of one metre (3 feet). Going back in time we find shells of enormous molluscs. Many things imply that bigger animal with unstoppable growth have a lot of advantages compare to small ones. New species often evolve in their size. An example is growth acceleration in humans. Females prefer taller mates that lead to taller children. Shorter plants usually cannot compete with the taller forms in the wild. A short mutant in a patch of tall plants would be shaded out

Mechanism of reproduction was also selected during the evolution. Any new animal, be it a mouse or a human, starts life as a single cell. That cell differentiates and develops into the complete animal. It assures that a rare advantageous variant sequence of DNA will be rapidly propagated by natural selection. It is much easier to reproduce and maybe get some new genes or favourable mutations starting from a single cell than starting from a whole multicellular organism. Functions of most genes will have been optimized by random point mutation and selection in any given species. Signalling between cells during the development process ensure that everything ends up in the right place. Tiny changes in these Signalling processes can have very large effects on the resulting animal. Genome, with at most forty-sixty thousands genes, is able to specify the creation of a human body containing trillions of cells, billions of carefully wired neurons and hundreds of different cell types all amazingly sculpted into organs as diverse as the liver and the brain. This is why mechanism of proliferation of fertilized oocytes was selected.

Hence, having younger (smaller) and older (bigger) animals make sense.

But there is the problem: adult animals (or plants) consume all the nutrition around and there is not much left for next generation.

Then it is why mechanism of Death was selected as a mean for next generation to establish.

Imagine the following:

First, mechanism of proliferation was selected . If mono-cellular organism does not have mechanism of reproduction it does not produce offspring with possible favourable mutations. Let say there are primitive bacteria spontaneously created in primeval soup. Just few of them. They consume nutrition, they live happily, practically immortal but they do not divide. Then set of enzymes appeared during mutations. The set allows bacteria to split. Synthesis of the new set is disadvantageous. It requires additional energy and nutrition. But advantage of splitting allows new mutants immediately overgrow non-proliferating cells. Selection is really cutthroat.

Bacteria growing in a tube represent mini evolution. Any bacteria that fit for the environment are also selected on the ground of simplicity. In a toxic environment (antibiotics) mutant bacteria having a new mechanism of neutralisation would survive. But the more simple bacteria will eventually overgrow complicated ones. Unless complication gives big advantage that outweigh the benefits of simplicity. Another example: HIV virus is very complex compare to some other viruses. But because of the complexity it evades immune response. This is why it is so successful. For humans there was some discussion that hernias are direct problem of erect posture. So erect posture leads to disadvantage. From the other hand erect posture frees the hand, that allows to produce the tools and this gives huge advantage in the survival in natural world by creating possibility to adapt to virtually any condition.

All high animals have just 4 extremities. Obviously it is enough in cutthroat environment. Growing additional couple of extremities will consume much more resources and take much more time, not giving big advantage in speed or protection of an animal. Thus, danger of losing one of the limb is not so big as the danger to not proliferate fast enough.

Bilateral design of majority of animals was chosen at the level of primitive species. Though lower multicellular organisms may have 3-side symmetry or 5-side symmetry like sea stars. Often something chosen in the selection becomes building blocks for higher species. Maybe 5-side symmetrical tiger would be possible but it requires intermediate chain.

The same is true for the mechanism of Death. Once chosen, it is replicated in all higher organisms. It should give an advantage in ultimate species survival. Otherwise it loses sense and species would be wiped out.

So, what is advantage for Death?

Immortal and childless animals are growing and growing. Mutations lead to species producing offsprings. They have disadvantage of been more complex. But advantage of proliferating animals is occupation of vaster areas. They displace immortal and childless species. Now, if proliferating animals are immortal they do not give offsprings enough space or food. Next steps of mutation brought mechanism of programmed death at certain age.

Let consider situation when out of two species one is immortal and producing offsprings, other is mortal with offspring production as well. Mortality looks like an obvious disadvantage in stable environment. Adult organism are more powerful and more protected compare to juvenile.

However, next catastrophe will wipe out all the species altogether. Only some mutants can adopt to new environment. But "mutant" for a multicellular organism imply that the mutation happened when the organism had only one cell (the stage of fertilized oocyte for example). Otherwise it needs precisely the same mutations on the level of several cells - infinitely impossible event.

Thus, any species that had the mechanism to allow next generation to flourish (mechanism of programmed Death) will have advantage. They produce more offspring than immortal species. Death of parents spares the space and nutrition. Immortals can die form accidents only. It is too long for children to expect a vacancy.

Then, having more offspring automatically means having more mutations (by mere number of events). Having more mutations means more probability for adaptation to the new environment.

Immortal multicellular organisms, even if they existed in the past, were quickly wiped out by accidents and overgrown by mortal multicellular organisms.

Again all this is just a hypothesis.

- continued in Part 3

About The Author

Aleksandr Kavokin, MD,PhD

http://www.geocities.com/aging_rejuvenation/

http://www.geocities.com/usmle_test

aging_rejuvenation@yahoo.com

Lesser of Two Evils: Splenda or Equal?

While packages of the artificial sweetener Splenda claim, "made from sugar, so it tastes like sugar," one competitor argues that this statement is nothing short of false advertising.

In fact, this rival, Equal manufacturer Merisant Co., has filed a lawsuit against Splenda stating the advertisement should read something a little more like, "made from dextrose, maltodextrin and 4-chloro-4-deoxy-alpha, D-Galactopyranosyl-1, 6-dichloro-1, 6-dideoxy-beta, D-fructofuranoside." Merisant further disputed that the Splenda marketing company, McNeil Nutritionals (a division of Johnson & Johnson), has misled consumers and deceived them into believing that the no-calorie artificial sweetener is "natural," or made from raw sugar.

The lawsuit also stated:

* Splenda is not natural in any way

* Splenda is sweetened with a synthetic compound that is the result of a complex chemical process

However, a McNeil Nutritionals spokeswoman defended the Splenda marketing, saying that the lawsuit against them had no merit and that consumers were never misled. She also persisted that Splenda is made from sugar -- sucralose (key ingredient of Splenda) begins inside a pure cane sugar, which is then chemically altered during manufacturing to create a compound that does not have any calories.

ABC News December 1, 2004

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

Talk about the proverbial "pot calling the kettle black!" Though I must say, it's no wonder why Merisant is going after McNeil: Splenda sales have soared way past Equal since it was introduced in the United States some four years ago. But I do find it quite odd that the manufacturer of an artificial sweetener whose primary toxic ingredient is aspartame (a.k.a. Equal) is suing another manufacturer of an equally artificial sweetener with the equally toxic sucralose (a.k.a. Splenda).

Therefore, isn't this REALLY a battle between who is the lesser of the two evils? Well, as far as I'm concerned, they are equally dangerous, equally misleading and equally detrimental to your health.

Let's take aspartame (the key to Equal and Nutrasweet) for starters. Research has found that the components of this deadly ingredient may lead to a wide variety of ailments including:

* Epilepsy/seizures

* Migraines and headaches

* Depression

* Brain tumors

* Autoimmune diseases

However, Splenda is not a day at the beach either, as research in animals has shown that consuming sucralose comes hand in hand with a plethora of health problems including:

* Shrunken thymus glands (up to 40 percent shrinkage)

* Enlarged liver and kidneys

* Atrophy of lymph follicles in the spleen and thymus

* Reduced growth rate

* Decreased red blood cell count

* Extension of the pregnancy period

* Aborted pregnancy

* Diarrhea

For these many, many reasons it is wise to avoid artificial sweeteners. In addition, eating too much REAL sugar will also adversely affect your health, as it will cause your blood sugar level to rise. If your blood sugar levels remain elevated (even mildly) over a period of time, your risk of diabetes will increase, which will increase your risk of cancer.

Therefore, to satisfy those sweet cravings of yours to devour cookies, candies and sweets this holiday season (and always), I have a perfect solution for you! Instead of giving in to temptation, satisfy your sweet tooth NATURALLY with stevia -- a healthy alternative to sugar.

Unlike aspartame, suclarose and other artificial sweeteners that have been cited for dangerous toxicities, stevia is a natural alternative that's ideal for diabetics, those watching their weight and anyone interested in maintaining their health. Stevia can be used in appetizers, beverages, soups, salads, vegetables, desserts -- virtually anything! It is, hands down, the best alternative to sugar you will ever taste.

Also, I highly recommend reading my review of the best video on the market on the subject of aspartame. In a short 90 minutes, this video will open your eyes up to the dangers of this perilous neurotoxin that should NOT BE CONSUMED BY ANYONE.

-------------------
Dr. Joseph Mercola
Author of Total Health Program
Founder of the renowned Optimal Wellness Center
http://www.Mercola.com - The #1 Natural Health Site on the Internet!

Childhood Epidemic Rises 6,000% What Can Be Learned About Autism?

The latest tallies show that over three million people in North America alone carry some type of autism diagnosis. With this increase the biggest question people are asking is why. Over 20 years ago the incidence was estimated to be 1 in 10,000. Now it's a whopping 1 in 166 according to the U.S. Center for Disease control and is still expected to rise. With the life long care of someone with autism costing approximately 2.2 million per person according to the MIND Institute, we need to start committing proper resources to early intervention now to enable this population to lead fulfilling and productive lives as well as contribute to society

The frustrating point in the above scenario is the lack of interest and resources allocated through government and other agencies towards a solution. This includes actively determining the cause and implementing adequate research towards curative and helpful measures. The US Government will happily spend 1.9 billion dollars for a single Trident nuclear submarine in a fleet of around fifty, yet is only spending 66 million on the entire special education area, which includes special teachers, training and proper equipment and supports.

While hosting an autism conference in Hawaii last month I received a call from a grandmother asking if I could help her thirteen-year-old autistic grandson who was still in diapers. This just shouldn't be happening in this day and age. Whether there is a cure for autism or not, there are programs and interventions that help all children with autism grow up to be productive community citizens especially through early intervention practices as mentioned earlier. This can happen when parents put their own egos aside and recognize very early that their child has autism, accept the diagnosis and get the treatment the child deserves allowing them to use their inborn strengths and talents to live to their fullest.

Methodologies also need to be more visible and understood. Yes there are successful ways to approach autism like Applied Behavioral Analysis, Greenspan, Daily Life Therapy, Miller Method, the SCERTS method and Relationship Development Intervention which may all sound Greek to some, however, most parents just hear of one and go with it. This could be due to the nature of the beast so to speak, in that many parents of children with autism even show signs of autism themselves such as structured, literal thinking. This forces them to have limited beliefs and be less willing to consider other options in a more abstract manner. Many of these methodologies and belief systems have become rigid and unchanging even though many more options are now available and even more are on the horizon.

As to the cause, many speculate that mercury in addition to other heavy metals could be a strong culprit though the proof is not in the pudding yet. Books like "Evidence Of Harm" by David Kirby, a New York Times writer clearly organizes all the facts for others to draw their own conclusion surrounding the issues around immunizations. Perhaps it's in the dental amalgams, the fish we eat or other environmental surroundings.

Then still others are pointing to the gene pool saying it is passed on from one generation to the next. I know in my case, I believe my Aeronautical Engineer father has a high functioning form of autism and I grew up thinking he was "normal". I was therefore attracted to someone who also has many symptoms of autism such as the lack of social skills in certain situations, an egocentric focus, and perseveration (doing the same thing over and over again), especially when it comes to working 7 days a week 12 hour days. And then, there's me. The more I learn about autism, the more I certainly can see signs in myself.

The best, most proven hope of helping children with autism to lead fulfilling and productive lives I know of, is early intervention. Also, many experience reduced symptoms in their children with autism when gluten and casein are removed or reduced from their diets. Other dietary strategies are being successfully implemented such as a modified Atkins type diet or even sugar and milk free diets. Even if it isn't perfect, it's a step in the right direction. Others are having luck by adding vitamins, minerals and glyconutrients back into their systems. Glyconutrients are the sixteen essential sugars missing from our diets due to the poor cultivation processes with our natural fruits and vegetables.

Our Sherwood Park, Alberta based firm, Autism Today is Western Canada's leading provider of autism conferences. Parents, teachers and professionals can go to: www.keystotreasures.com to learn about our upcoming "Keys To The Treasure Chest" conferences and workshops. Upcoming speakers include: Dr. Lori Ernsperger and Nick Martin, March 2005, Stephen Shore, June 2005, Dr. Steven Gutstein, October 2005, and Dr. Temple Grandin, Dec 2005. Autism Today also hosts online education and Tele-classes as well as a broad selection of books, videos and other learning material.

To wrap up, more studies need to be in place to prove the validity of certain hopeful interventions. Parents need to know what options are available to them instead of hopping on the first methodology train that comes along. Through autismtoday.com we are implementing two such programs. The first is an unbiased study for glyconutrients in a predetermined group of children with autism. The second part of the effort involves devoting a portion of our site, which will be geared to offering a way for parents to sample some different methodologies for their children before deciding on a particular approach of treatment for their child.

Karen Simmons, known to many as "The Autism Lady" is the mother of six, one of which as autism, author of "Little Rainman", "The Autism Experience", "Artism", "Surrounded By Miracle's and "Peace of Mind for Autism" (CD). She has been featured in local media as well as Woman's World Magazine, CBC Radio, The Donna Seebo Show and The Vicki Gabreau Show. Also she is the CEO and founder of Autism Today Online Magazine at http://www.autismtoday.com, which is host to the top autism experts in the field today.

Fasting & Enemas...For A Clean Body Detox

A hundred years ago, life was very different here on earth. The air was cleaner and the earth was rich in nutrients. Then, in our need to feed our ever-increasing population, we gradually changed the quality of the air we breathe and our once nutrient rich soil is now sorely lacking. We now live in world of chemicals and pollutants in our air, water and food.

Our bodies, amazing as they are, were not designed to handle this kind of constant onslaught. Is there anything we can do about it? You Bet! You may feel that you can't change the world, but you can minimize the effects all this has on your body.

Fasting is one of the quickest ways to detox your body and it can be done safely. A three-day fast can do wonders for your body. If you are pregnant or have some chronic health problems then fast only under the supervision of a health care professional.

Our bodies store toxins but wants to rid it self of them. When you do a fast it releases toxins from the tissues and they go into the blood stream. We then can experience things like headaches, fatigue and body aches, smelly stool, etc. Although this may seem unpleasant to experience, the results you get from doing the fast has its reward of a cleaner more alert you.

Have you noticed that when you are ill you don't feel like eating anything? That's the body's way of handling whatever is going on. It naturally fasts. Why? Because when you give the digestive system a break, the body can get rid of the toxins and concentrate on immune function, cell growth and cleaning out your colon.

There is a right and a wrong way to fast. Don't do just a water fast. There seems to be a misconception that you only drink water to fast. Not so. As well as 8 to 10 glasses of water you should drink diluted pure juices except for orange or tomato juice. Fresh lemon squeezed into water is great for helping detox the liver. Herbal teas a couple of times a day can be very soothing and satisfying.

As well as doing a fast, it would be very helpful in speeding up the healing and cleansing process by doing enemas. Getting rid of old or impacted feces will greatly aid in your health and well being. A coffee enema works great. Before you put the coffee grounds in the pot, open up a capsule of slippery elm bark and aloe vera and add it to the grounds. Make sure you use purified water, not tap water. Then follow with a lemon cleanse.

Between fasting and colon cleansing, you can detox and cleanse your body and feel great.

I hope this helps.

(This is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness. If you need medical attention please see your doctor.)

About the author

Philip G Jones http://www.cleanbodydetox.com

Phil Jones is an author/researcher who has dedicated himself to helping people find the resources, books, news and information on health and wellness. Detox books, info, news, resources.