Articles
Do you suffer from Rosacea?
Rosacea is a really nasty skin disorder affecting the curves and features of the centre of the face. It is often called acne rosacea. It’s generally characterised by one or more of the following: Light to heavy facial flushing (erythema) which can be transient or permanent Papules and pustules Telangiectasia – threadlike red lines or patterns that cross the face Rhinophyma – where the nose thickens and becomes bulbous Women of 30-50 are most often victims of this condition, and find it frustrating and embarrassing to deal with for obvious reasons. Allopathic treatments like cortisone and antibiotics are often used to treat it, but this doesn’t solve the problem in the long term. While its cause is supposedly unknown there are a number of factors which are known to trigger it including: Leaky gut syndrome (your gut flora are responsible for more than you know!). This one is the most obvious of all A mite that lives on the skin Poor diet and fizzy drinks Sugar/insulin dysregulation Auto-immunity Low immune status Various pathogenic bacteria living in the gut Helicobacter pylori (a germ that lives in the stomach) Some fungal infections (gut and on the skin) Alcohol is a known trigger if you are genetically predisposed Sometimes rosacea appears in people with autoimmune conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes type 1, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease, and is sometimes considered an auto-immune condition. However the ‘cause’ which makes the most sense, and where we’ve seen the best results, is in treating the gut and using supplements. Dysbiosis and gastrointestinal disorders in people lead to increased prevalence of the problem, and almost everyone we’ve ever seen with rosacea has leaky gut. Once this is addressed, the problem can be very efficiently controlled with a few basic nutrients. Natural treatments Clearly the GUT has to be addressed. Pathogenic bacteria may be assessed via a sophisticated stool test if you can afford it (not your regular lab). But if you don’t want to do this there is plenty you can do on your own. Some of these measures include: Dietary modification: this is absolutely essential if you want to beat it! NO more seed oils, margarine, gluten, dairy products other than butter, sugar, fructose, fizzy drink, alcohol, soya or processed food. Yes, it’s hard to start with, but so worthwhile Include healthy meats, eggs and other animal protein from grass-fed humanely reared animals. B12 is a KEY nutrient in dealing with rosacea. Get it from animal protein first and foremost. Eat more liver and eggs for vitamin A (vitamin A is only found in the animal kingdom and is not efficiently converted from beta-carotene to vitamin A in the body). This is one of your main ‘skin’ nutrients. Make sure your sugar and insulin levels are normal and that your homocysteine is low (blood tests will confirm this). Take a very good probiotic – MaxiProbiotic is an excellent one (from our online store) Take a good PREbiotic too – like MaxiPrebiotic – to allow effective implantation of probiotics – this takes time, and you need to keep up addressing the gut Take a good Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamine) under the tongue – every day Take a good B Complex daily as well – many B vitamins are missing in this condition and the condition responds well to a good B complex Make sure you are NOT trying to ‘alkalise’ your body! Forget the pH myth – it won’t do you any favours Pure Hydrolysed Collagen has a remarkable effect on skin MaxiMSM is also known to make a huge difference to the skin in a short time like collagen Zinc is a skin-specific nutrient and also encourages stomach acid production, and regulates insulin production. It is a fundamental nutrient in cell-mediated immunity and is an anti-inflammatory. Magnesium citrate is good for a number of things, but in this case for regulation of blood sugar if your problem is in this area – high blood sugar and insulin are VERY inflammatory and will drive this condition out of control Take 1000iu Vitamin D3 daily (make sure it’s D3 and not D2) – excellent for skin and has been shown to be effective in both rosacea treatment and autoimmune diseases. Direct sunlight can irritate rosacea, so in this case a supplement is much better than the sun itself Omega-3 fish oil has been shown to help in dealing with the inflammation of rosacea as it acts by competitively inhibiting pro-inflammatory pathways – take a higher dose than usual if your skin is very greasy All of the above are available from our online store here.
Read more
3 change-of-season flu & virus toolkits
We are now officially entering a change of season world wide – either going into Autumn or Spring, depending in which hemisphere you live. Even the healthiest people seem to fall prey to the sniffles, respiratory and gut viruses, and a host of other miseries at this time of year. Gut bugs, body aches, headaches, ear aches, sore throats and even old viruses like Shingles can spring up at this time of year. Be prepared! We want to give you a basic “Change of Season Toolkit” here – in fact THREE toolkits – one for staying healthy, and another one for IF/WHEN the virus/flu hits to scare it off, and a third for if it ‘gets’ you. So we’re sharing what we do personally. 1. Remaining healthy Vitamin C. We recommend Scorbi-Cee, Super Cee or EsterVit C. We like both Super Cee and Scorbi-Cee powders because you can stir them into water and sip these throughout the day. Squeeze an orange in if you don’t like the tartness. Put 2-3 spoons into 1-2 litres, and sip this all day. MaxiProbiotic 20. If you like capsules, MaxiProbiotic is great. Ensure you take them every day to keep your gut healthy. 1000iu of Vitamin D3 tablets or drops daily This will “hold” a healthy person during even the worst seasonal changes. Don’t forget to eat well!! 2. When you feel like you’re starting to get sick: Ok, so you didn’t dodge the bugs, and you have a scratchy throat, headache etc. The MOMENT this starts, HIT IT HARD so that it will last only a few hours to a few days and not drag on for weeks or months as it can do! We all know what fun that can be…. INCREASE your Vitamin C to 4-5 times or more the dose you are used to. We take 1-2 grams every hour for as long as we feel bad, and then add one more day before dialling it down to 2-4g a day. Continue using your MaxiProbiotic 20. This kills bugs in the gut where they take hold. You can dramatically increase your vitamin D3 for a few days to a week, particularly if your levels are very low. Take 2-4 a day for several days – a powerful immune stimulant. Then revert to one a day when feeling better. Berberine Complex – not only is this brilliant for blood sugar control, but what many people don’t know is that it is a natural antibiotic too! This will prevent opportunistic bacteria from causing a secondary infection. Take one a day 3. If the ‘lurgy’ gets you and you’re now sick: Continue on Vitamin C at a high dose. (In fact as much of the above regimen as you can afford and/or stand) It’s always good to jump in as fast as you can of course – the sooner you start treating yourself the better it will be. Add Olive Leaf Extract 2 caps 3 x a day MaxiProbiotic – take twice as much for a week Bone broths now are important – drink all day and remain hydrated Try to stay quiet and rest during this time – DO NOT EXERCISE as you can damage your heart valves. Wait till you are better.
Read more
What to expect from Pure Hydrolysed Collagen
Everyone’s different, of course, and results will vary according to your age, diet and state of health, but generally you will see the first results in a few days. Bear in mind your body takes 3-4 months to replenish body tissue and increase the body’s collagen levels. When taken consistently, most people find their hair, skin, nails and joints all improve and remain that way. A good way to measure what to expect when you take our Pure Hydrolysed Collagen is to (a) take a picture of your face and hair before you start. (b) write down all the things you want to change (thin nails, sore joints, hair loss, wrinkles, cellulite, floaters in the eyes etc). Then go back in 3 months’ time and see how many of these symptoms have disappeared. You do need to give your body time to replenish collagen levels and see results even though some see immediate results. Collagen should be taken daily – it is food – and if used daily will produce sustained results. Even if not for cosmetic reasons, for the sake of your bones, cartilage, organs, and gut lining. It is a marvellous supplement for everyone. When it comes to health and beauty, consistency is key. There’s no magic bullet, although we do admit collagen does come close. These results will last as long as you take it as it reverses the body’s decline and keeps you younger (on the inside and outside) much longer. You won’t live forever, but you’ll have a better quality of life and look a lot better too. Bovine collagen (which is type 1 – the kind found in our Pure Hydrolysed Collagen) is the most abundant in the body – therefore the most important one to take. Type 2 is also a good idea, but as it’s in short supply right now – bear in mind that type 1 STIMULATES the production of type 2 in the body. Collagen is a protein present in all the body’s organs and tissues. Type 1 collagen provides the matrix that sustains the body’s structure in hair, skin, nail, and bones. The collagen molecule is too large to be absorbed topically on the skin. This is why collagen creams DO NOT work as a delivery mechanism for collagen. Our Grace skincare uses collagen’s hygroscopic nature to store moisture while your skin naturally absorbs it. Collagen’s main function is to sustain tendons, skin and cartilage. It provides integrity, firmness and elasticity to their structures and maximising collagen levels in your body will keep your skin supple more than any other protein supplement. Collagen begins to decline in the body around the age of 20-25, and signs this is happening include: The onset of, increase in, or deepening of wrinkles Decrease in skin elasticity Decrease in skin moisture levels Stretch marks Getting a head start in your 20’s is the best way to age well. It’s a complex protein made from many different amino acids but most abundantly proline, glycine, lysine and hydroxyproline. These are not present in muscle meats! We don’t eat enough collagen-containing gristle and broths in the modern diet to get these valuable amino acids. That’s why collagen is such a precious supplement. Hydrolysed Collagen is more easily digested and absorbed within 30 minutes and is beneficial in replacing the synovial fluids between the joints helping repair and rebuild the cartilage weakened by overuse through impact and stress. The human body is made up of 30% collagen, of which 70% are connective tissue. It will benefit hair, skin tissue, muscle, cartilage, ligaments and blood cell growth. From the age of 25, collagen levels decrease at a rate of ~1.5% a year. By the age of 40, collagen is depleted faster than it is produced! And by age 60, over half of the body’s collagen has been depleted. It’s collagen which holds us together. It’s found in skin, ligaments, cartilage, tendons, muscles, bone tissue, blood vessels, intervertebral discs, gastrointestinal tract and even in the cornea of the eye. We believe it’s one of those supplements everyone should take for more youthful looking skin, to reduce inflammation, and heal your gut. Collagen is a true nutritional powerhouse.
Read more
The Case for fibre
There are 2 schools of thought about fibre, but let’s be clear – the human body is designed to use fibre. The more healthy fibre you get in your diet, the better your digestive system functions. BUT it must be HEALTHY fibre – not wheat or grain fibre, it should be mostly vegetable fibre. It also maintains a steady WEIGHT, maintains healthy CHOLESTEROL levels and keeps you REGULAR. Like so many other health issues, it all comes back to your gut. The health of your gut affects everything from your immune system to your moods. Poor diets have little fibre, are inflammatory and are full of processed food and sugar. If you don’t get enough fibre, you won’t have enough “food” to feed the healthy bacteria in the gut – it’s their favourite food. And this is KEY to good health. Healthy gut bacteria is everything. Our digestive enzymes can’t break down the vegetable fibre, so it intact as it moves through the digestive tract. And as it travels, the healthy microbes in our gut feed off the fibre’s vitamins, nutrients, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Too little fibre will starve these microbes, some die off, others end up eating the mucus lining of the digestive wall, and it becomes permeable, known as Leaky Gut Syndrome. This makes you more prone to infection as well. This weakens the immune system, a large part of which depend on these microbes, the body becomes inflamed and we are more susceptible to illness and obesity. How Much? Pretty well as much as you can because we just don’t get enough. Fibre-rich foods are a good start. Researchers have found in humans that the balance of bacteria in the gut can quickly change for the worse as soon you stop getting enough fibre. In general, women should get at least 30 grams of daily, while men should get at least 38. Some doctors say diabetics need at least 50g a day for good blood sugar control. A low-carb diet is an excellent way to eat, but this also means cutting out grains which are a source of fibre, though a very ‘bad’ source of fibre in that they inflame the intestines, cause weight gain and generally are a bad idea. They also lacerate the sides of the colon and grains themselves lead to Leaky Gut Syndrome. And don’t think “whole grains” are any good – they have extremely negative effects that cancel out their so-called benefits, such as the presence of phytic acid, which interferes with the absorption of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Researchers found our hunter-gatherer ancestors got about 100g or more of fibre daily from roots, berries, leaves, and other plants. A staggering amount. Whatever you do, don’t suddenly introduce massive amounts of fibre – start slowly, and ALWAYS include more water. Anytime you introduce more protein or fibre into the diet, you add more water. Best Sources of Fibre: these are generally vegetables and fruit, nuts, seeds, and in many cases a healthy fibre supplement (but there are good and bad ones here too, so be aware). Good Food Fibre: Avocado Leafy greens Cruciferous vegetables Almonds and other nuts Chia seeds Prebiotic fibre (such as is found in MaxiPrebiotic Berries Adding fibre to your diet is probably the safest way to ensure you get enough. Here are some good ways to do that: Skinny fibre MaxiPrebiotic Herbal Fibre Blend Chia seeds 4-seed mix (All available from our online store at https://sallyanncreed.co.za/shop) Food Serving Fibre (g) VEGETABLES Artichoke, cooked 1 medium 10.3g Asparagus, cooked 6 spears 1.8g Brocolli, cooked ½ cup 2g Brussel sprouts, cooked ½ cup 3g Carrots, raw ½ cup 2.3g Edamame beans, cooked ½ cup 4.3g Peas, green, cooked ½ cup 5.6g Potato/sweet with skin cooked 1 medium 3.3-4.3g Spinach, cooked ½ cup 3.7g FRUIT Avocado ½ cup 6.7g Cherries 20 3.4g Guava 1 fruit 3g Mango ½ fruit 1.7g Orange 1 medium 2.3g Pear 1 medium 5.3g Raspberries/blackberries ½ cup 4-5g WHOLE FOODS, NUTS, SEEDS, SUPPLEMENTS Oats, cooked ¾ cup 2.8-3.5g Beans, cooked ¾ cup 8.6g-13.6g Chickpeas, cooked ¾ cup 5.5g Lentils, cooked ¾ cup 6.2g Chia seeds 1 tbsp 3.7-5g Flaxseeds, ground 1 tbsp 1.9 Nuts ¼ cup 3-4g Seeds ¼ cup 3-3.7g MaxiPrebiotic Tsp serving 5.3g Psyllium Husk 1 tsp 3.2g-4g Ref: Canadian Nutrient File 2015.
Read more
Constipation
Constipation is a common issue that can affect anyone, no matter their age. It could range from finding it a bit tricky to completely empty your bowels, not going to the bathroom as often as you should, or not having a bowel movement for multiple days. When you’re dealing with constipation, your bathroom experiences might involve stools that are hard, lumpy, or even strangely big or small. The seriousness of constipation can vary from person to person. Some folks might only deal with it for a little while, but for others, it can turn into a more ongoing thing, causing quite a bit of discomfort and affecting how they go about their daily lives. There are several factors that can play a role in the onset of constipation. Things like not getting enough fibre in your diet (healthy and organic fruits, veggies, and cereals), a change in your usual routine or how you eat, not paying attention when nature calls, certain medications’ side effects, not drinking enough fluids, and even feelings of anxiety or depression can all contribute. A high-protein diet can also bring on mild constipation as protein makes you feel full sooner, causing people to neglect fibre in their diet. When it comes to tackling constipation, the first step is usually making some changes to your lifestyle and diet. Try adding more fiber into your meals slowly, make sure you’re sipping enough fluids throughout the day, and hey, getting a bit more exercise in there could help too. Just a few tweaks can make a world of difference! Here are some ways to add more fibre to your food: 3g per medium artichoke (cooked) ½ an Avocado 6.7-9g Broccoli 5.1g (1 cup cooked) Brussels Sprouts 4.3 (1 cup cooked) Boiled green leafy veg provide a whopping 5g per cup Berries are up around 8g a cup Cabbage 4g a cup, cooked Chia seeds 5.5g per tablespoon Flaxseed meal (make this yourself) – 2 tablespoons contain 3.8g fibre Green beans 17g per cup, cooked Kohlrabi raw 1 cup 5g Kale 3g 1 cup raw Nuts and seeds are relatively high at around 2.7-just on 4g per 28g Add psyllium husks if all else fails. Onions and garlic are good ways to feed flora, and have some fibre. Remember just as you need to eat good food daily to remain healthy, so your flora need daily feeding with fibre to remain at a healthy level. References: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/constipation#:~:text=Constipation%20is%20a%20common%20condition,as%20unusually%20large%20or%20small.
Read more
Can Vitamin D save your Life?
Yes, we believe vitamin D can save your life. Vitamin D is a true superstar which affects so much more than bones and teeth. The brain, immune system, hormones, cancer prevention and gene expression all rely to some extent on Vitamin D. In fact Vitamin D has been called “one of the simplest solutions to wide-ranging health problems”. Because almost every cell and tissue in the body has a receptor for Vitamin D. So it’s important to get enough, wouldn’t you say vitamin D can save your life? Vitamin D is made in the skin using cholesterol and sunlight, but how many of us get hours of daily sun on bare skin at noon? Studies show most people on this planet are deficient in the minimum RDA for Vitamin D, especially children (they use it quickly to build bones and teeth), and the elderly. You need to have a blood test annually if you are not sure. The preferred range is 50-70ng/ml, and it becomes harder for our bodies to produce it after 35 anyway. If you have heart disease or a history of cancer you want that up to 70-100 ng/ml. It is possible to overdose on D, but if you remain in these ranges and test annually, you will be fine. Overdosing takes a long time at high doses. Taking 1000iu a day will slowly get you to your right level, and you won’t overdose. Please note: Prescription Vitamin D is D2, not D3. D2 does not directly supply D3, and is given in much higher doses (50,000 iu weekly). When blood levels test normal, your doctor will take you OFF D2. But you’ll slip back to deficiency if not taking D3 on a regular basis. Foods which contain D3 Fatty fish such as wild (not farmed) salmon and sardines have roughly 400iu of D in a 90g serving. Liver and pastured egg yolk have a tiny bit – 40iu in 1 egg or 90g of liver. That’s a lot of liver, eggs and canned fish to get a dose of 1000 to 7,000 iu daily. A good supplement is so much easier. Cod liver oil has about 450iu per teaspoon. Mushrooms labelled as containing Vitamin D have been exposed to light and contain Vitamin D2 NOT D3. So it’s difficult to get from food. Absorption of all fat-soluble vitamins is decreased in those with intestinal inflammation such as Celiac, Crohn’s and Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other gut issues. NOTE: ALWAYS TAKE VITAMIN K2 WITH D. Never, never, take Vitamin D3 without K2. We have supplements in our online store with D3 and K2 at https://sallyanncreed.co.za/shop Ways Vitamin D can save your life: DNA repair and gene regulation. This is massive! Vitamin D impacts all the bad genes (turns them off) and all the good genes (turns them on), changing your entire future. One study showed a mere 2,000iu of vitamin D3 per day for a few months upregulated 291 different genes controlling 80 different metabolic processes. Imagine what you are missing out on if you don’t have enough D3? Prevents osteoporosis, hip fractures, arthritis and many types of pain. Studies show a sharp increase in all-cause mortality after a broken hip. Anything that stops us from exercising is harmful. Vitamin D is so important with Vitamin K2 for maintaining bone strength. Vitamin D plays a big role in the aches and pains of chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia too. The immune system. Vitamin D3 supports the “killer cells” of the immune system, helping white blood cells kill infections. We get sick less often and get well faster. Vitamin D3 is also a potent immune modulator for the prevention and resolution of autoimmune diseases like Multiple Sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease. Cancer. Vitamin D plays a role in most cancers. In one study, 70% of women with breast cancer were found to be vitamin D deficient. It has even been shown to prevent breast cancer cell growth and decrease the expression of cancer causing genes. It is essential after cancer treatment to track your Vitamin D twice annually and keep it at the top of the range or just slightly beyond – 75-100 ng/ml according to some experts. Maintains a healthy brain. Vitamin D affects production of serotonin which affects sleep, depression, PMS, weight, mood, digestion and more. It helps prevent Parkinson’s by enhancing the transmission of electricity to your neurons and by detoxifying your cells. Dementia, Alzheimer’s, memory and information processing are all affected by low D. Vitamin D activates and deactivates enzymes in the brain and the cerebrospinal fluid involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and nerve growth. Heart disease. People with insufficient vitamin D have an 80% greater risk of narrowing of the arteries according to a long-term study at Johns Hopkins. Vitamin D is important for reducing hypertension, atherosclerotic heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. One study showed Vitamin D deficiency increased the risk of heart attack by 50%. VERY important – Vitamin K2 plays a huge role here also. Don’t take D without K2, as the K2 prevents D from hardening the arteries or forming calcium deposits incorrectly anywhere in the body. Vitamin D plays many roles, but Vitamin K2 makes sure the calcium absorbed does NOT go to the arteries, but to the bones. It’s as important as D3. Diabetes & Weight Loss. Vitamin D stimulates insulin production and is important for Diabetes management and for weight loss. There’s almost no mental or physical function that D does not affect. You’ll find the excellently formulated vitamins – Vitamin D3 Premium and Vitamin K2 Premium at https://sallyanncreed.co.za/shop
Read more
Collagen and leaky gut
Leaky gut is a condition that occurs when the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to leak into the bloodstream. This can cause a variety of health problems, including inflammation, digestive issues, and autoimmune disorders. One way to help repair the damage caused by leaky gut is to incorporate collagen into your diet. Collagen is a protein that is found in the connective tissues of animals, including the skin, bones, and tendons. It is also the main component of cartilage, which is the cushioning tissue between joints. Our non-GMO, grass-fed Pure Hydrolysed Collagen is the best form of collagen you can get. Collagen has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including improving skin health, reducing joint pain, and promoting healthy digestion. It is also a key component in the gut lining, and can help to strengthen and repair damaged tissue. There are several ways to incorporate collagen into your diet. One option is to consume bone broth, which is made by simmering bones and connective tissue in water for several hours. This process releases collagen and other nutrients into the broth, making it a rich source of gut-healing nutrients. Another option is to take a collagen supplement. These supplements come in various forms, including powders, capsules, and liquids. They are typically made from animal sources, such as beef or fish, and are designed to be easily absorbed by the body. When selecting a collagen supplement, it is important to choose a high-quality product that is free from additives and fillers. Look for supplements that are sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals, as these are more likely to be free from harmful contaminants. In addition to supplementing with collagen, there are other steps you can take to support gut health. These include eating a healthy, balanced diet that is rich in fiber and nutrients, avoiding processed and sugary foods, and managing stress levels. You may also want to consider taking a probiotic supplement, which can help to restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial to the body, and can help to reduce inflammation and support immune function. It is important to note that while collagen can be a helpful tool in healing leaky gut, it is not a cure-all. If you suspect that you may have leaky gut or other digestive issues, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. So while a leaky gut can cause a variety of health problems, remember that it can be treated through diet and lifestyle changes. Our non-GMO, grass-fed Pure Hydrolysed Collagen is a powerful tool in repairing the damage caused by leaky gut. The best part is that it’s virtually odourless and tasteless, so you can easily add it to your daily routine. By incorporating collagen and other gut-healing nutrients into your diet, you can support overall gut health and improve your overall well-being.
Read more
The Problem with Soy
Are you using soy milk thinking it’s healthier than dairy, or perhaps taking isoflavones for menopausal symptoms – or even eating tofu as a “healthy” alternative to animal protein? Many people today perceive soy products to be healthy, but nothing couldn’t be further from the truth. The risks to your health associated with soy are significant and worth looking at closely if you are considering soy as a dietary addition. While this article could go on for the length of an entire book, I’ll cover just a few areas to give you a good idea of the dangers you face when consuming soy products. Hormone Health Soy certainly is not a healthy alternative to HRT by any stretch of the imagination either, in fact it may worsen your symptoms. At the end of a 2-year study (published in Aug 2011 Archives of Internal Medicine) showed no improvement in symptoms or bone loss. Even a very small amount of isoflavones have the ability to disrupt hormonal balance (around 1 cup of soymilk). In fact dietary estrogens in the form of soy foods were found to have the potential to disrupt the endocrine system with the effects in women similar to taking the breast cancer drug Tamoxifen (Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine 1995 Jan;208(1):51-9). Thyroid Health A study done in 1999 found that just 2 tablespoons daily of roasted and pickled soybeans for 3 months (given to healthy adults receiving adequate iodine in their diet) was enough to cause thyroid suppression with the characteristic symptoms of malaise, constipation, sleepiness and even goiters (Nippon Naibunpi Gakkai Zasshi 1991, 767:622-629). It blocks the T4 to T3 conversion. Alternative to Animal Protein People eat soy to get ‘vegetable protein’ – but what they don’t realize is that the phytates in soy actually impede absorption of protein, deprive them of B12 and impede absorption of four key minerals: Calcium Magnesium Iron Zinc The phytates are deactivated when soy is fermented but how many people really eat it in the form of the traditional fermented form? Most ‘fermented’ soya is not made in the traditional method anyway. In the East very little soy is actually eaten and it’s all fermented in the ancient way. There is a dark side to soy too. In an excellent article entitled “The Ploy of Soy” by Sally Fallon and Mary G Enig, Ph.D., of the Weston A. Price Foundation – Fallon and Enig put the nutritional realities of soy consumption into perspective. Here are a few of the key points they make: Soybeans contain “antinutrients” that inhibit enzymes needed for protein digestion and amino acid uptake Soybeans contain hemaglutinin. A substance that promotes the clotting of red blood cells. Enzyme inhibitors are reduced in bean curd and tofu but not completely eliminated. When vegetarians substitute dairy products and meat with bean curd and tofu. they may risk serious mineral deficiencies. Kidney Stones Soy intake may also increase kidney stone risk. A 2001 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed how soybeans, tofu, and commercially processed soy products contain extremely high levels of oxalate. This is a compound that binds with calcium in the kidneys. It also increases the risk of kidney stone development. Genetic Modification 91-98% of the world’s soy is genetically modified. The genetic modification is done to impart resistance to the toxic herbicide Roundup. While this is meant to increase farming efficiency and provide you with less expensive soy. The downside is that your soy is loaded with this toxic pesticide. This toxic pesticide has been fingered in many cancers especially kidney cancer. There is also concern that it may cause Parkinson’s Disease. Inflammation & Allergies It’s also inflammatory. Inflammation from a soy allergy can develop anywhere in the body where there’s soft tissue. The most common places, besides in the gastrointestinal tract, are in the nose, lungs and skin. You could experience nasal congestion, sneezing, a runny nose, postnasal drip and sinus pressure pain from nasal inflammation, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The lungs can swell, leading to asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing. Hives, eczema and general itching are common skin inflammations from a soy allergy. Fattening Soy! Animals are fattened on corn and soy all over the world – it’s in the feed for every kind of animal, and is almost always genetically modified. If this fattens them, why would we think we’d not put on weight from soy? Soy is one of the most lucrative crops around. Sadly at the expense of other crops this awful bean is being grown instead of nourishing vegetables. As well as instead of putting animals back on the land. Over 350,000 farms in the United States produce soybeans. This accounts for over 50% of the world’s soybean production and $6.66 billion in soybean and product exports in 2000 (heaven knows what it is now…). Soy has a metabolic estrogenic effect in the body. If you’re male you may want to think twice before consuming processed or unfermented soy products, as these types of soy can be feminizing. Excess estrogen in men is a known cause for gynecomastia (fatty breasts in men), prostate enlargement and cancer. Women shouldn’t have excess estrogens circulating throughout the body either. Estrogen dominance is a known cause for PMS, breast cancer and other female disorders. If you can’t figure out why your stubborn fat and metabolic disorders increase the problem may well be the processed soy you are eating, perhaps without realising it. Whether it is soy milk, soy ice cream, veggie burgers, tofu or other processed soy based products, all overwhelmingly contribute to an excess of estrogen in the body. Bottom line soy is fattening for man and beast. Do You eat Soy? And in case you think you eat little or no soy – check the label. Surprise!! Soy is in everything today. From so-called health foods to cereals, breads, medications, meat products, protein bars and almost 100% of processed foods. You name it and you will probably find soy present. The only sure way to eliminate soy is to eliminate processed food completely and eat real food. It’s in everything from dog food to take-aways to baby food to vegetable oils. How to Recover from Being ‘Over-Soyed’ The gut will need healing if you have been exposed to a lot of soy. Eliminate all grains and all sources of soy. Introduce a lot of bone broths, sauerkraut, kimchi and other cultured foods, coconut oil and probiotic supplements.
Read more