Not Yet Convinced to Go Organic?

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For at least a decade now I have favored organic foods. Fortunately in that time I have seen the availability of organic food increase dramatically and the prices of organic food drop considerably. Some organic foods are now the same price as their industrially farmed counterparts. Good news for those on the organic bandwagon.

But so many are still skeptical. Are pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides really bad for us? Wouldn’t the government protect us?
Well, the answer is, probably not. There and many interests at work and the history of industrial farming and its rise to power is a long and complex one. At one time it may have been necessary and the ill effects were difficult to forsee. Now, however, it’s more an issue of corporate interests on a large scale, and simple habit on a smaller scale – individual farmers and other food producers. The behind the scenes story is crystal clear and wonderfully readable in two books I’ve been reading lately by Michael Pollan; The Omnivore’s Dilemma and In Defense of Food – An Eaters Manifesto. (Pollan also appears in the worthwhile documentary Food Inc.)The science is unequivocal, many agrochemicals are bad for us, but how bad and how to regulate them is the issue. And like any consumer issue it is moderated by huge financial interests. A great source for the latest on agrochemicals, scientific studies, and regulatory back-and-forth is the Environmental Working Group website.

With or without the pesticide argument, the more recent news is that organics, both vegetable and animal, contain higher levels of most nutrients. This was heavily disputed in the past from both sides of the fence since, well, the exact chemical composition of a given natural food is highly variable and the essentiality of certain nutrients was at issue. For example polyphenols, polysaccharides, EFA’s including omega3’s; just some of the nutrients whose great importance have been only recently brought to light. Many small scale comparisons had been done and the anecdotal and empirical evidence was strong. Historically, communities changing to industrially farmed foods for reasons other that food shortage or famine consistently suffer radical health consequences. Not to mention the common opinion that organic food is simply more color, flavor, and texture dense – a good general indicator of superior nutritional value.

With a recently completed $25million European Community study the preponderance or good evidence lies firmly with the organic side. And here are a few other good articles revealed with a very quick internet search. 1/
2/3/4

Lastly, it’s up to all of us to ask for more organic food options. Educating others by example and making organics more available in stores improves everyone’s health and improves the environment.

Sugar: Sweet Poison?

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Sugar is poison.

Okay, a little dramatic maybe? Not really.

A poison is defined by dictionary.com as
1. (n.) a substance with an inherent property that tends to destroy life or impair health.
I firmly believe that sugar fits this description.

A lot of people think they only have to worry about sugar if they are on a diet or have diabetes in their family. Actually, sugar is too refined for the human body to deal with effectively and is harmful, on some level, to everyone. Sugar and other high glycemic index sweeteners like the now infamous high-fructose corn syrup, create physiological conditions which directly support all the major diseases of degeneration and aging through immune suppression, inflammation, glycemic stress, acidification, mineral loss, and more. And even if you try to avoid it, it’s hidden everywhere – even in many products marketed as “health foods”.

The reasons you may want to reduce or eliminate sugar in your diet are countless. Refined sugars are a factor in numerous disorders including hypoglycemia, chronic fatigue, addictions, obesity, diabetes, skin conditions, dandruff, fungal infections, malnutrition, tooth decay, difficulty losing weight, ADD/ADHD, problems concentrating, headaches, sleep disturbances, indigestion, acid reflux, yeast infections, candidiasis, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, mineral deficiency, acidosis, gallstones, arthritis, depression, anxiety, numerous digestive disorders, osteoporosis, osteopenia, mood-imbalances, slow healing of injuries, herpes outbreaks, chronic infections, chronic colds, asthma, and many others.

However, even the healthiest person will benefit from the reduction of refined sugars in their diet. Sugar directly limits the absorption of vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, copper, and other nutrients in the digestive system and puts much greater stress on the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and other organs due to its unnaturally concentrated chemical nature. Sugar, even one serving, immediately lowers immunity following ingestion, and damages micro-vessels like those found in the eyes, ears, and brain. Regular use essentially trashes your immune system.

Hidden sugars are a major concern. In order to be successful in reducing or eliminating sugars, you must start reading ingredient lists on food products you buy. You may be surprised at what you’ll find in your food. Many products where you may not expect to find sugar, actually have a lot of sugar in them. Also many sugars are concealed in everyday foods by using chemical names or names that make the ingredient sound healthier. Examples: “Glucose-Fructose” (white sugar!), “organic cane sugar” (organic white sugar!), “brown sugar” (white sugar dyed beige with molasses!).

One of the services I most commonly provide to my clients is to help them integrate the healthiest sweeteners without depriving themselves of sweets, snacks, and desserts. It is possible, and for most people its quite easy with the right knowledge and a little experimentation. Many people have seen radical health transformations with just this one dietary change. A good start is understanding the glycemic index and a shift from a calorie- or fat-fearing mindset like so many have been indoctrinated with, to a high-nutrition, low glycemic index, less-refined food approach.

Watch for more articles and links on good and bad sugars coming soon.

Finally, Sugar Free Ketchup!

I love ketchup – but I have always tried to limit my use because of the massive amount of sugar it contains. Nothing beats the zing of plain old ketchup on my (oven-baked) fries or a (grass-fed bison) burger. I think many of us have a childhood association with ketchup as well that makes it even harder to give up.
Finally someone is making healthier option, an organic and sugar-free ketchup sweetened with agave nectar.
Agave cactus is the primary ingredient used to make tequila, and the sweet syrup extracted from the agave cactus is one of my favorite sweeteners. It has a very low glycemic index, which means it is a very slowly metabolized carbohydrate which will not create sharp increases in blood sugar or insulin. When advising clients on sugars and sweeteners, agave nectar makes my “recommended” list, even topping honey, maple, cane juice, and other popular “healthy” sugar substitutes.
Organicville organic sugar-free Ketchup is now available in some Montreal health food stores. If you cant find it, ask for it, even in your regular grocery store. Making these products visible and available is good for everyone’s health.
What’s the big deal about sugar? Find out in my next blog entry; Sugar; Sweet Poison.

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Elderberry – Winter Wellness Wonder

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From New Chapter, my favorite whole food based supplement provider.

Elderberry – The Winter Wellness Berry

The winter season is fast approaching and with it a heightened awareness of the importance of maintaining health and wellness, naturally. One herbal therapy that is sure to be popular is elderberry. The purplish-black berries of the elderberry bush have a long history of being used by the Europeans to balance health and maintain wellness during the cold winter months. So revered was the herb, that in the middle ages, it was considered to be a Holy Tree, capable of maintaining good health and improving longevity. But, do elderberries really deserve their age-old reputation as the winter wellness berry? We think so!
learn more…
order this product from Pierre Black

Cellphone Radiation Report from EWG

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Just a little update relating to my previous blogs on cellphone dangers. I received an update from one of my favorite sources, Environmental Working Group.

Time magazine said it best this week: “Better, long-term research is needed — and it can’t come from the cell phone industry.”

It will take decades to truly understand the dangers of prolonged exposure to cell phone radiation.

In the meantime, EWG’s recent cell phone report is the only comprehensive database of radiation emission levels available.
…
The Environmental Working Group is a non-profit, non-partisan research organization dedicated to using the power of information to protect human health and the environment. The EWG Action Fund is a legislative advocacy organization that uses EWG research to promote healthy and sustainable policies.

Cooler temperatures, the big move, and Burning Man!

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Hi Everyone!
I hope the summer has been good to you!
I have been neglecting my blog and email updates a bit, but i’m back!
A lot of big news on my end…

I am slowly settling in after moving into a great new office and home at Sherbrooke and Park.  My new office number is 514-564-7847. Update your contact information please!

With barely enough time to unpack my boxes I was off to New York City, Las Vegas, and then the final destination, BURNING MAN! (see; burningman.com) The drive from Las Vegas to BM was magnificent. We zig-zagged north across the Nevada/California border, even managing to get a flat tire in Death Valley! BM was a completely surreal experience! So many interesting alternative-thinkers in one place, a completely other-worldly landscape, wild art, crazy costumes, interesting installations and temporary building designs. So many surprises and nice people. One of the most interesting aspects was the so-called gift-economy structure. Nothing can be bought or sold. With a little effort you can find almost anything you need either for trade or completely free. My own contribution to the local economy was herbal medicine; a particular blend of herbs for extreme heat and dryness, as well as some of my best American White Ginseng, which provides exactly the right kind of cool, moist energy needed in desert conditions. People were very receptive. The climate at BM can be quite challenging, but the effort is entirely worth it.
I even managed to find some great acupuncture there which did wonders for some back pain I had been having from the long drive.
Burning man is an experience worth having at least once in your life. I have attached some photos below.

So, I am now firmly back in Montreal, taking clients, and looking forward to the changing of the leaves. The slight drop in temperature is also the time when I start thinking about gently shifting my diet towards better tolerating the cooler temperatures of Autumn and Winter. My herb and supplement choices also begin to shift.  (For example, for me, a key herbal modification will be to discontinue cooling and moistening American White Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) and replace it with the more warming and resistance-building effects of other “ginsengs”, Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) or Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula) along with others.)  Understanding my individual Constitution and eating an appropriate seasonal diet has been likely the most important factor in staying healthy through Montreal’s intense seasonal changes. This includes avoiding colds, flus, and the H1N1 virus that everyone is panicking about! (Ironically panic, fear, and worry all suppress the immune system.) When the immune system is strong and balanced, we are resistant to most pathogens that might com our way under normal circumstances. Knowing your individual Constitution and how to manage it is one of the keys to solid lasting health in changing situations, climates, and seasons.  …Oh yeah, and relax, breath, and have fun!

And lastly, an invitation on very short notice! I am off to the Montreal Jardin botanique tomorrow (Sunday the 20th of Sept/09) for the “Cercle des Mycologues” annual meeting. (Mushroom Hunter’s Club!) I am not a member yet, but there should be a lot of interesting stuff to see! I am a huge fan of both medicinal mushrooms and edible ones, as many of my friends and clients know very well. Anyone interested in heading over there with me or meeting up there should email me before about 10 am or call me at 514-564-7847.
Have a look at these sites for more info:
http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin/jardin.htm
http://www.mycomontreal.qc.ca

Hope to see you there!

Pierre Black

Some Recent Client Feedback

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Pierre, I wanted to let you know that I’m feeling great. I’ve been taking the [herbs you suggested] everyday.
I ran a half marathon two weeks ago in 1hour 37 minutes, which was 10 minutes faster than my last one. I’ll let you know how the marathon goes as well. I think you totally rock…
- T.C. Montreal/Seoul, Korea

Hi Pierre, …Your influence on my eating and health has been significant. The [personalized meal supplement formula] worked so well that I have been having it for breakfast every single day without fail since then!
I now weigh 77kg down from an average of 82kg. I was about 79 when I left Japan if you remember.
I am eating a heap of ginger and cinnamon and I think I consciously think about hot/cold type foods whenever I eat. …
- Jared F., Australia

Reducing Cellphone Dangers

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As a follow up to my little rant on the often conflicting media information regarding cellphone health risks (see my blog July 20, 2009), here is a short overview of my opinion on the matter and the clearest means to protect yourself.

I believe there is a fairly serious health risk posed by cellphone radiation, a risk that increases with exposure time, frequency, and proximity of the phone to your head during use. The least disputable and most serious effects of concern; There is substantial evidence that exposure damages DNA and creates free radical damage in human cells. Both these contribute cumulatively to cancer risk and functional damage to specific organs especially the most sensitive brain, eyes, ears, and reproductive organs. The primary reasons for disagreement or contradictory information is because, most simply stated, not enough people have cancers yet that can be irrefutably linked to their cellphone use. (Asbestos, Tobacco, and Thalidomide are all great examples of how we can expect the process to go.) I am convinced this will happen in the next decade or two.

I also theorize that cellphone use may be a major co-factor in a number of modern mystery syndromes such as chronic fatigue, memory and sleep disturbances, and certain autoimmune issues. (based on DNA damage, nerve/neuron damage, and altered melatonin levels) This is something that mainstream medicine is unlikely to pinpoint in it’s linear and reductionist view since the correlation is indirect and cellphone use is likely one in a plethora of inadequately understood contributing factors present in modern life.

So, what can we do about this?! I mean, I need my cellphone like everyone else, right? I’m not kidding, I still have a cellphone, and I have no intention right now of getting rid of it. Like a lot of you, I can’t imagine life without it. Conversely, this feels like a handicap of sorts. I feel funny if I go out without my phone. Am I a victim of consumer-culture? Have I been fooled? Do I really need this technology? And further, is it really good or healthy to always be reachable? (hmmm… another factor in low grade stress; stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, increased cortisol and adrenaline production, raised blood pressure, interference in digestion, nutrient assimilation, cardiac rhythm, contraction of smooth muscle, resistance to natural circadian changes in brain frequency…)

Some Practical Tips:
- Get a headset! Even just a small change in distance from your brain reduces your risk.
- Use the handsfree or speakerphone function if a headset is not available.
- Antioxidant supplements are very likely to reduce the risks associated with free radical damage from cellphones and other sources. Never in the history of human evolution have we been exposed to the same levels of free radical initiators, both chemical and energetic, as we are currently. Unless you eat berries and very dark green vegetables every single day, most of us should be on an antioxidant supplement of at least Vitamin E, C, and mixed carotenoids (non-toxic plant-sourced Vitamin A). (I strongly recommend a food based supplement, not a chemical isolate “drug store” vitamin.) Other antioxidants and polyphenols may also be helpful, but should be chosen for your individual situation.
- Have a land line. Many people these days have just a cellphone and no regular telephone line. Better yet, consider getting rid of your cellphone if your lifestyle allows it. Always make longer calls on a land line.
- Even cellphones on standby, turned on but not in use, emit powerful radiation. Keep your phone as far away from you as possible when not in use. Don’t sleep next to your phone. Try to carry your phone as far away from your head and genitals as possible.
- When going out ask yourself if you really need your phone on this particular outing. Especially for short trips. Who knows, you might actually enjoy being unreachable for once. That’s what answering machines are for.
- If you have cancer in you family or have major risk factors such as previous or ongoing toxic exposures, this should increase your concern about cellphone use. Broad anti-cancer diet and lifestyle modification may be advisable including supplements and herbs known to reduce your risk.

My goal is not to alarm but to inform. While it is impossible to eliminate all the toxic factors in modern life, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the most deleterious of them. Get informed, or get help. This is one service I offer my clients – detoxing your life through an informed examination of your cosmetics, household products, use of technology, air and water quality. Simple changes with big results for your health, safety, and the environment.

Wishing you a happy healthy summer!

Finally we know! Cellphones safer than tricycles, and more dangerous than apples…!?

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Another cellphone danger article this time from Scientific American. Another addition to the constant stream of media pieces interpreting all the concrete scientific evidence that proves that cellphones are not definitively not safe. Got it?
More say-a-lot without saying anything useless article, likely intentionally biassed toward inconclusivity since it would be such a revolution to declare such a ubiquitous technology unsafe. Big media must always strike a careful balance against big business, or rather megalithic business, as in the case of the almost 79 billion dollar (US) cellphone industry – It probably makes media tread very carefully. I think if some studies lean toward not so safe and others are inconclusive, I would prefer to err on the side of caution especially when Brain Cancer is in the equation! A huge body of suggestion and anecdotal evidence makes it seem quite reasonable for me (or anyone) to consciously reduce my cellphone time and use a headset. If you have not really been paying attention to this issue and live with your cellphone glued to your face, have a look at this…
http://www.getpurepower.ca/Articles/Cell_Towers_Wireless/Health/Cancer_MS_Diabetes/Hidden_Dangers_CellPhoneRadiation_Sue_Kovach.pdfand watch the videos here;
http://drbenkim.com/cell-phone-dangers
Some of the information here was new to me, the dangers of cellphone towers, other health concerns, options to protect yourself, etc. More articles of interest can be found with a quick search on “cellphone dangers”.

Cuba notes… living natural medicine

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(notes from 10 weeks in Havana, Cuba, Winter 2008)
I have been cooking and shopping in the cheap Cuban peso agromercados. Fun. The selection of fruit and veg is excellent but is all product of Cuba. I’m really enjoying the challenge of working with new ingredients. I eat some kind of bean and rice dish at least once per day. I could really eat (various) beans forever I think. I am going to have the family’s housekeeper show me how to make her absolutely incredible bean sludge that is part of almost every meal. Coincidentally, I have also been studying the ubiquity of legumes in traditional diets around the world, their effect on health, and their importance in a balanced diet.
(I had minor surgery at the beginning of my trip to close some large piercings in my earlobes…)
Following my ear surgery everything was going very well with the lobe closure on both sides but where the cartilage was worked on, on the right side, my whole ear was hot, swollen, and purple, even after 5 days. I was a little concerned. These are the perfect conditions for infection to set in. Infection in cartilage is not fun at all. I brought only a few of my usual tonic herbs with me and no medicinals. Food-herb medicinals are also extremely limited here in Cuba, and many of those readily available are unfamiliar.
When first arriving at the house I had noticed while looking out the kitchen window that the downstairs neighbor had a large, healthy, mature, Aloe plant. This seemed unimportant at the time.
With my ear in a state of impending unpleasantness the Aloe plant popped to mind. I was skeptical though, I have always been dismissive of Aloe in the past, considering it to be a weak herb based on my limited experience with small young plants. I had read such dramatic claims about Aloe in my studies, and being that I really had no other choice, I thought I would give it a shot. I found that Aloe, or Sabila, in Cuban Herbalism is an important antiparasitic, as well as skin and digestive tract healer and calmer.

In my limited and terrible Spanish I managed to explain to the neighbors what I wanted and was cheerfully handed some fresh-cut large firm Aloe leaves. I peeled the green outer leaf away and mashed up the inner pulp resulting in a transparent slimy mucilage. I slathered this generously onto some gauze and wrapped my ear entirely, then held this in place with another bandage. I drank the remainder, immediately inducing the best “elimination” in recent memory. My wrapped ear oozed constantly. It dripped down my neck all afternoon and onto my pillow at night. I slept in a pool of slime.
In the morning I carefully pulled off the now dry gauze and was completely shocked to find that the inflammation had halved and the color had gone from purple to pink. My ear felt cool to the touch and was painless. Todo es bien.

Cuba is famous for its excellent, though underfunded, medical system and medical education. More and more, Cuba is integrating natural medicine into the public health system, and also has strong endemic herbal medicine system.