Raleigh Wellness Coordinator to the Rescue: New find for traditional foodies

There is just something fulfilling about eating food that you have made with love and dedication. Something gratifying about seeing a wheat berry sprout turn into a loaf of bread, a carefully tended scoby produce a tasty and fizzy kombucha, or patiently fermented vegetables adorn the plate with color pizzaz and kick.

Not to mention that these things are extremely nourishing and flavorful!

It is because of this that I bring you all my latest find...thanks to the wonderful Food Renegade....it is a website called Cultures for Health and it has all the supplies you need for making your own food in traditional ways. Stop ripping open plastic bags of chips and heating up TV dinners. Learn how to make eating more than just a need...make it FUN, FULFILLING, and most of all, NOURISHING!

I'd love to hear how your efforts are going so please do leave notes and tips. Also Cultures for Health and Food Renegade have joined efforts and are giving away a stackable sprout garden. Just visit this LINK and enter the contest. It's a fun new way to start your traditional food endeavors!

If you need further convincing here are some reasons that eating traditional foods such as sprouted grains, fermented vegetables, kefir and more are more healthful and healing:

when comparing sprouted wheat to unsprouted wheat on a calorie-per-calorie basis, the sprouted wheat contains:

1. four times the amount of niacin
2. nearly twice the amount of vitamin B6 and folate
3. five times the amount of vitamin C
4. significantly more protein and fewer starches and sugars

Fermented vegetables are made with lactic acid bacteria, which is a valuable technique humans have been using for thousands of years. This preservation method has numerous health advantages. Fermented vegetables are rich in nutrients, fiber and digestion-enhancing enzymes. They also help the intestinal tract maintain a healthy balance of flora by increasing beneficial bacteria.

Kefir has many reputed health benefits. It has antibiotic and antifungal properties. It's been used in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including metabolic disorders, atherosclerosis, and allergies, tuberculosis, cancer, poor digestion, candidiasis, osteoporosis, hypertension, HIV and heart disease. You might find it odd that that a drink containing yeasts would be good for treating candidiasis but it has been helpful to many people, both by restoring a better balance to the gut flora and because some elements of the microflora will kill off Candida Albicans. Not all yeasts are harmful.

In addition to beneficial bacteria and yeast, kefir contains many vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. Particularly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, B2 and B12, vitamin K, vitamin A and vitamin D. Tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids abundant in kefir, is well known for its relaxing effect on the nervous system. Because kefir also has an abundance of calcium and magnesium, also important minerals for a healthy nervous system, kefir in the diet can have a particularly calming effect on the nerves.

Raleigh Wellness Coordinator to the Rescue: New find for traditional foodies

Raleigh Chiropractors include Nutritional Support for treatment of Vertebral Subluxations

"Subluxations can go undetected for years, and can affect any system in the body. Seeing your chiropractor will help ensure that your body is in proper alignment."

"At our office, we believe that given the proper nutrition, your body has the amazing capability of healing itself. We also beleive that nutrition should be individualized to meet each patient's needs. For these reasons and many more, we proudly recommend Standard Process whole food supplements."

What are Subluxations?

In a healthy spine the vertebrae are "stacked" (or aligned) so that the nerves from the spinal cord are free to properly function. Even if one bone is misaligned, the spine is said to be subluxated. These subluxations may interfere with proper nerve function when nerves can't fire signals to and from the brain effectively. This may result in improper functioning of not only the spine but also organs, glands, muscles or other tissues that are controlled by nerve impulses.

The Stress Factor

Physical and Emotional Stress go hand in hand with subluxations. Poor posture, repetitive motion of any part of the body, or lifting improperly can lead to physical stress on the nerves and spine. Emotional Stress on the other hand can create tension which causes the ligaments and muscles affected by the same nerves to tighten significantly. Any of these situations from stress can easily cause the spine to become subluxated.

Where does Nutrition comes in to play?

While re-aligning the spine through chiropractic adjustments is important for the bodies ability to function normally many chiropractors don't identify an equally, if not more important factor contributing to these subluxations: NUTRITION. Identifying nutritional challenges is essential to spinal health and stability because these challenges can and often do affect nerve function. Proper nutrition through diet and whole food supplementation promotes overall health and provides the human body with the essential building blocks neccesary for tissue repair. The Standard Process and MediHerb Supplement lines work with your bodies synergies to support you and your spine throughout your chiropractic care. At CCW we realize this and we incorporate these products when needed into our treatment process.

Below are some examples of supplements used in treatment of specific areas commonly affected by subluxations:

Joints: difficulty turning and/or bending? This is often caused by improper motion or position of spinal bones

• Glucosamine Synergy: Supports the body's natural cartilage, ligament, and bone regeneration function
• Boswellia Complex: Supports Healthy Joints and circulation; provides antioxidant protection

Nerves: numbness, tingling? Often caused by improper spinal function which irritates delicate nerve tissue.

• Neuroplex Supports a healthy central nervous system (especially the brain)
• Cataplex B contains B vitamins; helps to maintain nerve health

Muscles: tension, weakness? Addresses the natural anti-inflammatory resonse

• Myo-Plus Supports the healthy functioning of the muscular system with naturally occuring coenzymes
• Calcium Lactate/Magnesium Lactate facilitates muscle contraction

Tissues: warmth or tenderness? often caused by Ca deposits, compromising spinal movement and function.

• Ligaplex II feeds the musculoskeletal system and facilitates freedom of movement
• Tuna Omega-3 Oil Supports a healthy inflammatory response
• Gotu Kola Complex Promotes healthy connective tissue and supports the bodies normal tissue repair process

Spine: Restricted Movement?

• Calcifood helps the body build healthy bones
• Ostrophin PMG maintains healthy bone function
• Cataplex D helps maintain a healthy level of Ca in the blood

Raleigh Chiropractors include Nutritional Support for treatment of Vertebral Subluxations

Lets get Raleigh Nourished! An E-Course in Traditional Foods!

The main problem you’re probably facing is that you’re overwhelmed. Maybe you’ve read “Nourishing Traditions” by Sally Fallon, a fantastic resource for those interested in traditional and nourishing foods. It has taught me a whole lot. But let’s face the facts. It can be hugely overwhelming. Many put it down to take a deep breath, never to pick it up again.

And, don't forget the many websites, pages of information, and recipes on the internet. It’s no wonder you feel dizzy and find yourself getting nowhere fast. There are so many things you could try to prepare or cook. But which should you make, where do you start, and how can you put everything together in a way that won’t completely overwhelm you? Even if you did figure out all you need to do, how do you get to the point where everyone is getting fed and enjoying it?

The GNOWFGLINS Fundamentals E-course is a STEP-BY-STEP instructional program that enables everyone to learn the process of nourishing the body with traditional practices in an easy to follow and informative format.

Here is a glimpse of the outline

eCourse Overview

• Lesson 1: The GNOWFGLINS Foundation
• Lesson 2: How to Soak Whole Grains, Nuts and Seeds
• Lesson 3: How to Make Soaked Whole-Grain Flour Baked Goods I
• Lesson 4: How to Make Soaked Whole-Grain Flour Baked Goods II
• Lesson 5: How to Soak and Cook Dry Beans
• Lesson 6: How to Sprout Beans
• Lesson 7: How to Cook a Chicken and Make Chicken Stock
• Lesson 8: How to Make Skillet Dishes: A Dinner Formula
• Lesson 9: How to Make Water Kefir
• Lesson 10: How to Make Dairy Kefir
• Lesson 11: How to Make Soft, Spreadable Cheese
• Lesson 12: How to Make Sourdough Bread
• Lesson 13: How to Sprout Whole Grains for Sprouted Grain Flour & How to Bake With Sprouted Grain Flour
• Lesson 14: How to Make Natural Pickled Foods

If you would like to take on the task of learning this information alone the Nourishing Traditions truly is an amazing source. It can just get a little overwhelming if you are new to "the game."

In health!

JC

thanks to Food Renegade for bringing this information to my attention. I reccomend anyone to follow their blog!

Lets get Raleigh Nourished! An E-Course in Traditional Foods!

Top 10 Healthy Restaurants in NC's Triangle area

The following are some of my favorite haunts for healthy eating and socializing. You will find restaurants from all over the triangle as well as varying price ranges. Please let me know what you think of my suggestions by commenting on this post.

1. Zely & Ritz : Organic, local tapas. AMAZING!
2. Zest Cafe and Home Art : Right off six forks...one of the best salads i've ever had was the salmon salad
3. Panzanella: fantastic Sunday Brunch
4. Butternut Squash Restaurant : organic food, great environment
5. Mint Indian Cuisine : some of the best Indian food i've ever tasted, not to mention local and organic.
6. Weaver Street Market: Great variety, wonderful atmosphere, friendly people...especially on Sunday.
7. Irregardless Cafe: Great vegetarian options right downtown in Raleigh
8. Whole Foods Market: You can't go wrong with the salad bar and the Sunday Brunch.
9. Jason's Deli: Some organic options and always fresh ingredients.
10. Neomande Deli and Bakery: a local legend...locations in Raleigh and Morrisville
    

Places i'm eager to try...they may make my next top ten list, who knows?!

La Shish Greek and Lebanese Food: This review from the N&O makes my mouth water!

• "Kebabs -- chicken, lamb, kofta and beef tenderloin -- are consistently toothsome, and salads are fresh. Attention to detail and authenticity are evident everywhere you look (and taste), from the dusting of sumac on the creamy hummus to the minty brightness of the tzatziki to the whisper of orange blossom in the fresh-squeezed lemonade. Beef shawarma is succulent against a backdrop of caramelized onion, and spanakopita...is stellar."

Tower Restaurant:

• I am professional cook myself, I bet u can never find a better authentic food in the Triangle area or in the Carolinas, Texas has a couple which can compete with the quality of food. I enjoyed everything on the menu and had nothing to complain of. It is pricey a bit, but compared to the food, I would say , It's moderate. Sambar and rasam was ...

Top 10 Healthy Restaurants in NC's Triangle area

From The Vitamin D Council's Newsletter January 30, 2010.

This is a periodic newsletter from the Vitamin D Council, a non-profit trying to end the epidemic of vitamin D deficiency.

This month, I dedicate the entire newsletter to a mother's lengthy case report of her autistic son. Other than name and place of residence, the letter was not edited.

Dear Dr. Cannell:
At age 2.5 years, between December 2007 and January 2008, my son experienced a fairly dramatic onset of symptoms that led to his diagnosis of autism. His symptoms (many of which we did not even know the terminology for at the time they first occurred) included:

• The inability to sleep at night, we would put him to bed at 8:00 or 8:30 p.m. following his normal bedtime routine
• Development of anxiety and refusal to leave the house even to do preferred activities
• Obsessive-repetitive questions and monologuing/run-on speech
• Sensory issues (refusal to wear jeans or any fabrics other than fleece, screaming hysterically at bath time, complaining and covering eyes in sunlight, covering ears for everyday noises that had not bothered him before (toilets flushing, pulling pots and pans from cupboards, etc.)
• Toe-walking
• Flapping and self-stimulating behaviors (repeatedly tapping his cheeks and eyes with all ten fingers, continually twisting up his fingers in pretzel-like configurations, holding objects in his peripheral range of vision and straining to see them from the corner of his eyes)
• Development of an unusual pattern of stuttering/vocal tic at the end of words,he would repeat the last sound/syllable,"I don't want to go to the store-or-or-or-or-or-or. It won't be fun-n-n-n-n-n-n-n." He would make sounds even in his sleep "n-n-n-n-n-n" or "s-s-s-s-s-s-s"--Loss of muscle tone (stopped walking up and down stairs and began crawling/sliding instead, decline in balance and motor skills)
• loss of handedness (began switching left to right hand, after seeming predominantly left-handed)
• Marked increase in hyperactivity
• Frequent spacing out/unresponsive episodesOur son and his twin sister were born at 36 weeks, 5 days on March 17, 2005 after four months of bed-rest. As early as their 8 week appointment, I mentioned to our pediatrician that we had concerns about our son's eye contact and social responsiveness (in comparison to his sister). I felt that I was having more difficulty bonding with him. We were told "don't worry, but don't wait" and were referred to our state's Early On intervention program. At the end of June a physical therapist and speech pathologist from our intermediate school district came to our home to evaluate our then 3 month old son and told me that he was doing just fine and that I was worrying too much. I agreed that by the time they saw him he had begun smiling and making better eye contact.

We didn't worry again about our son until fall 2006. He had walked just before his first birthday, but by 18 months+ he still seemed clumsy and prone to falling compared to his sister. We took him back to the intermediate school district for evaluation and were told that all of his development seemed to be in the normal range and that we shouldn't worry. We were advised that we could take him to music and gym classes to work on his coordination and told that we could pay for private physical therapy if we elected. We followed all of the recommendations.For a year, we didn't notice any other changes until the sudden onset of symptoms listed above when he was 2.5 years. With the sudden onset of symptoms above, we took our son to see a number of specialists during the winter of 2008 including a neurologist (who diagnosed him with Asperger Syndrome), a psychologist (who diagnosed with autism), and a second psychologist who specialized in the treatment of autism (who diagnosed him with Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not-Otherwise-Specified). All three diagnoses are on the autism spectrum. He also began seeing an occupational therapist, a speech therapist, a behavioral specialist, and a DAN! (Defeat Autism Now!) doctor for dietary interventions. We saw a dramatic improvement by April/May of that year. Nearly all the symptoms on the list above had resolved. We assumed the improvements were due to diet but he started to go into the sun around that time. Our son slept well and spent many peaceful, happy and anxiety-free months during the spring and summer after turning three. In mid-November 2008, I sent the following e-mail to the DAN doctor who had been helping us with our son.

"You saw our son Jonathan Switzer a few times regarding his autism diagnosis and diet issues, etc. He had a regressive period last winter from about December through April when his autism was diagnosed, then did pretty well all summer. Nursery school started off okay, too, but now he seems to be having another regression.
Main symptoms:

• Great difficulty getting to sleep (fidgets for 2 plus hours most nights while he had been falling asleep easily for several months prior to that)
• Marked increase in anxiety (again refusing to leave the house even to do things he loves, frequently shaking/clenching and telling us "I'm scared)
• Onset of OCD-like behaviors (afraid to get hands dirty, get extremely upset if he gets even tiny drips of water on himself)
• Increase in self-stimulatory behaviors (flapping, fidgeting, noise-making)
• Frequent crying jags and telling us he's just giving up on everything

We have had other parents tell us that their kids on the spectrum have a worsening of symptoms during the winter months and we feel like we are observing this same pattern. We've done some reading about light therapy for depression/anxiety and to help correct disturbed sleep patterns and would like to give it a try for Jonathan.

Wondering if you have ever prescribed a light therapy box for pediatric patients before. Our insurance told us they will cover it with a diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder, but I don't even know if that is something that can be diagnosed in children. Guess we're willing to try anything at this point. Do you know much about this type of therapy?

"Neither the DAN Doctor nor our pediatrician would write a prescription for a therapy light, so we purchased one on our own and found it made no discernible impact on his symptoms.By December, our son's symptoms had worsened further and we decided to put him in a very expensive and intensive autism treatment program through our local hospital. He made slow progress during his participation in the program from January through April. He was also involved in speech and occupational therapy during the winter months. At his IEPC meeting at school in March, we were encouraged to put him in the district's program for children with developmental delays. We instead elected to register him for regular pre-school for the following year.

During that winter, I was crying to some friends about my son and describing his seemingly seasonal pattern of symptoms. We had just seen a second neurologist searching for help, and I was extremely frustrated when, after listening to my son's symptoms and history, he told me bluntly, "There is nothing seasonal about autism," then suggested that we put our son on an anti-depressant. We refused the medication. One of the friends I was crying to is a research librarian and the other is a medical researcher. After our conversation, they located and e-mailed me a few journal articles they thought might help, one of the articles was by Dr. Cannell and discussed his vitamin D theory of autism. Reading the article was one of those "Aha!" moments and I felt hopeful that Dr. Cannell was on to something.By June our son was released from both speech therapy and occupational therapy and we were told that he no longer showed any delays for his age. When he had begun occupational therapy in January, the OT had been astonished at our son's lack of muscle tone. She recommended that he also receive Physical Therapy services, so we went on a long waiting list. Our initial OT was in a car accident, and in May we were transferred to a new OT. When the new OT first saw our son, she said could not believe he was the same child described in the notes. By May the low muscle tone, hyperactivity and distractibility noted in his file, were no longer evident. His turn came up for physical therapy and we were told he no longer needed it.Our son has always spent a lot of time outdoors in the summer, without sunblock. He had a happy and relaxing summer. As fall/back-to-school approached, I began to fear the onset of another regression and again read the article by Dr. Cannell my friend had sent. I visited his website and decided we would try a vitamin D supplement. Our pediatrician did not encourage any dose higher than 400 i.u. (that found in a typical multivitamin) but did write a script to have his 25-hydroxy level tested. In August his level was 37, so we started him on 5,000 iu daily and had his level retested on October 21st. By October his level was 96. The pediatrician was concerned that this was too high and told us he should not have more than 400 iu per day. Knowing that Nov-March are typically his worst months, we reduced the dosage down only to 3,000 iu from October through mid-December. At an appointment in December our son was doing wonderfully (none of his usual fall/winter symptoms yet evident) and the pediatrician told us 3,000 iu was too much and that we should be giving no more than 400 iu. In mid-December we reduced the dose to 1,500 iu. By the beginning of January we noted a marked loss of eye contact. We also noted that our son was again interchanging his right hand for writing and eating (after using his left hand exclusively for 8+ months). We increased his vitamin D level to 4,000 iu daily in early January. On January 11 we had his 25-Hydroxy level checked on January 11 and found that it was 89. By the end of January, we and his grandparents noted improvement in his eye contact.In January 2010 we attended his preschool conferences. The teacher had marked cards with the following code (1=age appropriate, 2=developing, 3=area of concern). Our son received 1s in all areas with the exception of hopping on one foot and balance beam where he received 2s. We were told that he is on par with or ahead of his peers in all areas (academic, fine motor, etc.), and that his teacher had noted no unusual symptoms or concerns.During the fall/winter 2009-2010 our son has been free from nearly all of the most troubling symptoms that plagued him the previous two winters. The following example may demonstrate the improvement in his daily life since last winter.One of our son's low points was a Christmas party we attended in December 2008. Before leaving the house to attend the party our son screamed and yelled about having to take a bath and because we would not let him wear sweatpants to the party. He then begged us not to make him leave the house. During the 40 minute trip to the party our son asked us repetitive questions and talked incessantly. Upon arriving at the party, he immediately walked into an unoccupied room adjacent to the room where the party was occurring, and put his face into the corner. Despite much coaxing by my husband and me, he refused to come out of the corner. After approximately 45 minutes of standing in the corner we managed to get him out through the promise of some food rewards. He proceeded to walk around and around the perimeter of the living room where all of the other kids were playing. He rubbed himself along the walls and covered his ears as he walked. He finally settled into playing alone in a corner of the room. All of the kids at the party participated in a book exchange. Our son refused to come to the area where the other kids were gathered. We coaxed him over only to have him throw the book he received and refuse to thank the parent who had purchased it for him. He spent much of the evening in time-outs for that and other inappropriate behavior.In June of 2008, after playing in the sun for several months, we met for a picnic with the same group of friends at a local park. Our son ran up to the other children and joined right in playing bulldozers in the sand with them. He behaved and interacted in a completely appropriate and typical way during the picnic which lasted several hours.This year (2009) we attended the same Christmas party at the same house. Our son got ready and left for the party without anxiety or incident. He chatted normally during the drive to the party. He walked into the house, said, "Hey, check out my new train," to some of the kids already playing and settled in to playing happily with the other kids. During the book exchange, he received a book, smiled and gave a big hug to the person who gave it to him.In December of 2008, I took a leave from my job so I could get my son to the intensive behavioral treatment program he was in and to all of his other therapy appointments. I dedicated 40-60 hours per week to my son's various appointments and home therapy program. This winter (January 2010), a former colleague asked me what Jonathan's current therapy program consists of. I told her I spend about 30 seconds each day opening the jar of vitamins and giving him his chewable vitamin D. In my opinion, the 3 minutes or so I spend each week giving him his vitamin D have been much more effective, and much less expensive, than any other treatment we have pursued. Thank you.

Jeannette, Wisconsin

Dear Jeanette:
You're welcome. Several things need comment. First, the symptoms are typical of autism. Second, the seasonality of symptoms suggest a vitamin D deficient disease. Third, the treatment in the spring of 2008 seemed effective but, in hindsight, it was simply due to spring sun exposure. Fourth, as you may now know, light boxes for seasonal affective disorder make no vitamin D. Fifth, your pediatrician knows little about Vitamin D other than what committees tell him; your decision to ignore his advice probably saved your son's brain from further injury, as autism is a progressive inflammatory destruction of brain tissue. Sixth, the fact that you needed bed rest and gave birth prematurely suggests you were Vitamin D deficient during your pregnancy.Seventh, his twin sister has never had autism, despite the same intrauterine environment. This is consistent with my theory, that autism is caused from a quantitative, not qualitative, variation is one of the enzymes that metabolize Vitamin D. That is, there are no structural differences in these enzymes in autism, only a genetically determined difference in the amount present. These enzymes are responsive to estrogen; estrogen protects the brain from being damaged by low Vitamin D, probably by increasing the amount of activated Vitamin D present, explaining why boys are four times more likely to have the disease.The report that your son deteriorated when his dose was reduced from 3,000 to 1,500 IU suggests autistic children need adult doses of Vitamin D. When you reduced the dose from 3,000 to 1,500 IU/day he worsened although his level on 1,500 IU/day was probably still greater than 50 ng/ml. This makes me think that dosage needs to be stable and suggests that Professor Reinhold Vieth's theory of a detrimental seasonal resetting of the intercellular metabolism of Vitamin D may even be true at levels above 50 ng/ml, where the body is storing the parent compound, cholecalciferol, in muscle and fat. His current dose of 4,000 IU per day is perfectly safe and will give him a level of 80-100 ng/ml, inside the reference ranges of American laboratories. Toxicity (asymptomatic high blood calcium) begins somewhere above 200 ng/ml. Generally speaking, autistic children should take 2,000 IU per every 25 pounds of body weight for six weeks, then have a 25(OH)D blood test and adjust the dosage to get into the high end of the reference range, 80-100 ng/ml.Although I first published the Vitamin D theory of autism theory 3 years ago, few autistic children are currently treated for their Vitamin D deficiency. This is due to several reasons. One, those who think, correctly, that autism is a genetic disease, stop thinking after that, reasoning that genetic diseases are untreatable. Such thinkers do not understand epigenetics (upon the genome). Vitamin D is probably the heart of epigenetics, as nothing works upon the genome like vitamin D. Secondly, the "all autism is caused from vaccinations" crowd cannot accept the Vitamin D possibility as it threatens their core beliefs. They simply cannot change their minds.

Finally, as you now know, organized medicine would say you should stop the vitamin D and watch your son deteriorate, which is why slavery to evidence based medicine is fine for scientists and unethical for practitioners.

John Cannell, MDExecutive DirectorVitamin D Council

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From The Vitamin D Council's Newsletter January 30, 2010.