September/October 2005 Issue

.
CHEMICALS FOUND
IN COMMERCIAL FOODS
and their harmful effects

More and more we are finding that the foods we are eating are at the root of many serious health problems. For the past 45 years an array of unnatural and synthetic chemicals and compounds has been put into the foods we consume on a daily basis. Protect yourself by learning to read labels and becoming aware of the effects of chemicals found in common commercial foods.

The following information is taken from the Food Bible - by Jayne Benkendorf.

ALGINATES (ammonium, calcium, potassium and sodium; propylene glycol alginate; algin derivatives). Used to stabilize and promote a creamy texture. Found in ice cream, salad dressings, cheese spreads, frozen dinners, ramen soups and other foods. FDA is performing tests for childbirth and reproductive problems.

ALUMINUM is added to many foods, and is in beer and soda pop cans, as well as packaging for many other products. It tends to accumulate in our bodies over the years and has been found to destroy brain cells. Strongly suspected as a cause of Alzheimers.

ARTIFICIAL COLORS (made of coal tar based dyes). Used to improve the appearance of inferior products to look wholesome and fresh, to use in place of natural colors which turn pale or brown with time, and to attract children to the bright colors. Used in drink mixes, puddings, cereals, candy, gelatin desserts, ice cream, etc. Concern that they cause malignancy, toxicity, allergic reactions, hyperactivity in children and much more.

ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS (over 1,500 including benzaldehyde and methyl salicylatres). Used to add flavor to food when natural flavors are removed through processing. Not life threatening, but have been associated with depression and reduced sexual urges and reproductive problems. A definite link to hyperactivity in children.

BHA & BHT (butylated hydroxyanisole and hydroxytoluene).  Used to keep foods from changing color and fats from becoming rancid. Included in cereals, baked goods, drink mixes, instant potato flakes, boxed dinners, chewing gum and other products. Both can cause allergic reactions, affect the nervous system and precipitate behavioral problems in children.

BROMATE (calcium and potassium bromate). Dough conditioners that can affect the function of the kidneys as well as the nervous system. Can be very toxic if dosage becomes too high. Found in bread, baked goods, packaged bread crumbs, refrigerated biscuits and other foods.

COTTONSEED OIL (arsenic is used to defoliate the cotton). The risk of possible dangerous chemical residues is too great to recommend any foods in which the oil is used. Found in crackers, soups, salad dressings, cookies, baking mixes, potato chips, etc.

MSG (monosodium glutamate). A flavor enhancer which will greatly increase the flavors of certain highly processed foods. Possible cancer-causing, reproductive, fertility, and possible brain-altering effects. Found in Chinese food, seasoned salts, soups, bouillon, frozen dinners, salad dressing mixes, boxed dinners, etc.

NITRATAES & NITRITES (preservatives). Nitrites combine with stomach juices to form powerful cancer-causing agents called nitrosamines. Used in cured meats, giving a particular taste and color to bacon, bologna, salami, frankfurter, ham, pepperoni, etc.

NUTRASWEET (aspartame). It has been shown that children could suffer brain damage from a high intake of aspartame. Doctors advise women to not use during pregnancy or when breast feeding. Also, can produce headaches, dizziness, behavioral changes, mood swings, seizures and urinary tract infections. Found in gelatin desserts, soft drinks, beverage mixes, hot cocoa mixes, desserts, yogurt and more.

SULFITES are preservatives and antioxidants that can be very dangerous for some people. Symptoms may include headaches, facial and head flushing, abdominal pains and faintness and can occur together and singly, 15-30 minutes after eating. The FDA has confirmed 17 deaths due to sulfites. Although banned on fresh fruits and vegetables it has been reported to still be in use, and in some cases, minute amounts can be used on foods without labeling. It is suggested that the outside leaves of lettuce, etc. be destroyed. You many want to ask if sulfates have been used.
 

USA Today
Acknowledges Problem
- Officials Ignore The Solution

By Shane Ellison, M.Sc.

Copyright © 2005 All Rights Reserved
Health Myths, LLC

On June 27, 2005, USA Today sounded the obesity alarm.  Requiring larger belt sizes costs Americans about $36.5 billion per year.  This equates to the amount of money needed to fund 730,000 more public school teachers or to simply pay current teachers what they deserve.  Instead, obese consumers blindly give it to drug companies in an attempt to treat (mask) the deadly symptoms of being overweight – those being diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Masking symptoms is suicide in slow motion.

U.S. health officials could reverse the death sentence and the exorbitant spending overnight by educating consumers on the cause of obesity – sugar. Instead, they mandate the socially accepted habit of prescription drug addiction for obese and misinformed Americans. Don’t be a lamb. Re-think your use (and your child’s use) of sugar.

The term sugar refers to sucrose, glucose, high-fructose corn syrup and milk sugars such as lactose and maltose. Unlike natural sugars consumed via whole fruits, these quickly absorbed flavors are forging an emotional addiction between you and them. The strength of the sugar addiction is akin to that seen with heroin and morphine. It makes you feel good artificially.  It is no wonder that street heroin is often laced with sugar (sucrose).  Food and soda companies profit immensely from this dependence.  And drug companies too, thanks to the negative consequence of “artificial feel good.” 

Once the addiction sets in, sugar consumption increases exponentially along with fat gain.  This is no coincidence or statistical association.  It’s the reason.  Sugar is the cog in your metabolic wheel. Rather than burn (via thermogenesis) excess calories consumed, the dysfunctional metabolism tells your brain to eat, eat, eat and your body to store, store, store.  Don’t believe me?  Find an obese person and challenge them to avoid sugars for a single day.  It won’t happen. 

Over time, sugar-induced fat gain leads to the aforementioned “sugar eating illnesses” like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.  Despite its alarming consequence to wealth and health, officials ignore and even work to silence the sugar threat.  Some ghastly examples exist.  

In a PBS health documentary entitled Seven Steps to Perfect Health, Gary Null and Associates (GNA) announced that sugar is an unhealthy component of the modern American diet.  General Counsel for the Sugar Association quickly moved to censor GNA.  Seven Steps was removed from certain public television stations, such as WETA in Washington, D.C.  The public remained ignorant of the growing health threat due to sugar addiction.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced that sugar is the number one contributing factor to obesity.  Furious over the claim made by the WHO, the sugar industry threatened to “challenge” the $460 million funding given to the WHO by the United States for making this “dubious” claim.  Reacting to the financial threat, the WHO remained silent on the dangers of sugar.  The world remained ignorant of the growing health threat due to sugar addiction.

That same $460 million from the sugar industry appears to have silenced the self-proclaimed watchdog of U.S. health, the Center for Disease Control (CDC). To substantiate, on June 2, 2005, Dr. Gerberding of the CDC gave a telebriefing regarding the mass weight gain among U.S. children and adults.  In his briefing, entitled Overweight and Obesity: Clearing the Confusion, he doesn’t make a single mention of sugar or its effect on fat gain.  Instead, in “clearing the confusion” he asserts that the science of fat loss is inconclusive.  This is not the conclusion you would expect from a scientist of the CDC.  It is scary to think what ideas the “doctor” would have mustered up without all those years of higher education.  The obese will continue to remain ignorant of the growing health threat due to sugar addiction.

Don’t count on the American Heart Association (AHA) to sound the alarm. Perform a quick search for “sugar” at www.americanheart.org and you get their special recipe for Sugar-Dusted Mocha Brownies. Those at risk for heart disease will remain ignorant of the growing health threat due to sugar addiction.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has exercised a perverse display of power. A chief ADA researcher claimed, “Sugar has nothing to do with diabetes.”  This statement was based on wealth not health. Prior to the statement, the ADA formed a three-year, multi-million dollar alliance with Cadbury Schweppes America’s Beverage - a major manufacturer of sugary sodas and candies. Diabetics will remain ignorant of the growing health threat due to sugar addiction. 

Diabetics and people worldwide: Don’t be fooled; avoid sugar at all costs – break the sugar addiction. Doing so will normalize blood glucose levels.  Anita Manning, writing for USA Today on June 14 reported, “Early, intensive treatment to keep blood sugar levels close to normal in people with diabetes can cut their risk of cardiovascular disease by about 50% and the risk of heart attack and stroke by 57%, much better results than those achieved by any cholesterol or blood pressure drug, researchers reported Sunday.” Imagine what quitting sugar would do for longevity among those who are not diabetic.

To avoid prescription drug servitude and illness, tackle the obesity problem by breaking the sugar addiction. Doing so may be the most inexpensive and valuable step toward living healthy. No, let me rephrase that: “Doing so is the best damn thing you could do for your finances and health.”

Breaking an addiction dictates that you have a replacement. Only a few acceptable alternatives to sugar exist. They are stevia, xylitol or agave. High-fructose corn syrup, aspartame, acesulfame-K, sucralose (Splenda™), monosodium glutamate (MSG), and hydrolyzed vegetable proteins do not count. Read the fine print on food labels and discard products with these ingredients.  Stop lapping up sodas, fruit juice and ice cream cones and trash the “low-carb” sugar-ladened nutrition bar.  In other words, think before you eat. 

Once the sugar addiction is broken over a long period of time, plan on looking and feeling 5-10 years younger. The death threat and expensive medical bills due to obesity will vanish. Corporate drug pushers will be forced to take huge pay cuts.

About The Author

This article is courtesy of Shane Ellison, Box 31729 Dept. 802, Santa Fe, NM 87595-1729.  Phone: (505) 310-2454.  Shane holds a Master’s degree in organic chemistry and has first-hand industry experience with drug research, design and synthesis. He knows Americans want and deserve education rather than prescriptions.
 

Bring Hours of Inspiring Entertainment Into Your Home and Life Each Month!

Stephen Simon, movie director and producer of such box office hits as What Dreams May Come and Somewhere in Time, has a vision. Recognizing the powerful effect – both positive and negative – that the media has upon our culture, Simon has become the leading spokesperson for a new genre he has coined as “Spiritual Cinema.” Spiritual Cinema examines who we are and why we are here, and illuminates the human condition through stories and images that inspire us to explore what we can be when we operate at our very best. Spiritual Cinema reflects our beliefs and values and illustrates their impact upon our lives and our society. In this context, “spiritual” refers not to any one religion but to the unseen divine essence that is so present in all life around us. History has revealed that individuals or cultures that lose their connection to this essence become devoid of love, respect and compassion.

In spring of 2004, Stephen co-founded the Spiritual Cinema Circle, which has become a worldwide phenomenon since its launch. Each month, The Circle distributes 4 spiritual films on DVD to a worldwide audience of members in over 70 countries and has recently been featured in major publications such as Newsweek and Entertainment Weekly. The Circle is the first distribution company exclusively dedicated to Spiritual Cinema.

On a monthly basis, Circle members are treated to hours of entertainment that will touch the heart and inspire the soul. Unlike video rental services, the movies do not need to be returned and are instead collected by members to create a whole library of inspiring movies that can be watched again and again. 

The monthly movie collections include a wide variety of films (features, shorts, and documentaries) that are unlikely to be seen elsewhere.

These movies have played to enthusiastic audiences at film festivals all over the world and many have won major festival awards.  But in most cases the Circle is the only place they can be seen, because traditional movie distributors don’t consider meaningful, spiritual films to be profitable enough.

Members are encouraged to build community by sharing these films with others and then discussing them, the feelings and thoughts they evoke, and their meaning and relevancy to their lives.

You can learn more about The Circle and Spiritual Cinema movies by clicking here.

The Spiritual Cinema Circle is something I have come to cherish like a dear friend. I hope that you will experience it and let it touch your heart and inspire your soul, as well.

Ryan N. Harrison, MA, HHP, NC, EFT-ADV
Holistic Health Practitioner & Editor-in-Chief

The Instinct to Heal:
Curing Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Without Drugs and Without Talk Therapy

By David Servan-Schreiber,
MD, PhD

Clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Cofounder of the Center for Complementary Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center 

“Over the last 30 years, rates of depression have been steadily increasing in Western societies. In the last 10 years, consumption of antidepressants has doubled in the most advanced Western countries. Today, more than 11 million Americans are taking antidepressants.”

“Clinical studies suggest that 50 to 75 percent of all visits to the doctor are primarily related to stress, and that, in terms of mortality, stress poses a more serious risk factor than tobacco. In fact, eight out of ten of the most commonly used medications in the United States are intended to treat problems directly related to stress…”

Statements like these are not hard to find in Dr. Servan-Schreiber’s book. Fortunately, for every ounce of despair, he offers a pound of hope. In easy-to-read language, Servan-Schreiber moves from the ground floor upward, exploring everything that makes for stress, anxiety and depression (as well as all their attendant complications). Based on the premise that the human heart has a mind of its own, The Instinct to Heal reveals not only the way the heart-mind works, but what happens when it doesn’t and how to get it back on track when necessary.

Moving among topics as diverse as physiology and nutrition to EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and animals that heal, Servan-Schreiber explores seven natural drug- and talk therapy-free treatments that capitalize on the mind and brain’s own healing mechanisms for recovering from stress, anxiety and depression. After a compelling look at this collection of problems and solutions, the reader is given specific and easy-to-follow steps for building a plan that will bring the body and heart into coherence, thereby reducing or eliminating a plethora of ailments and symptoms.

A true resource for the stressed, depressed, and panic-stricken soul, Instinct to Heal also contains a chapter detailing organizations and institutions that specialize in the complementary and alternative therapies he promotes throughout the book.   

In an age of mass drugging and endless psychological spinning, there has never been a more important message to the world than the one clearly stated in this book. If you are interested in learning how to communicate with your emotional center, alleviate manic-depression with nutritional supplements, disarm painful memories instantly, and conquer anxiety with simple exercises, then Instinct to Heal is a must-read.

As a board certified Holistic Health Practitioner, I fully endorse this book.

By Ryan N. Harrison, MA, HHP, NC, EFT-ADV
Holistic Health Practitioner

Preparing to Study:
A good Study Place

You need a good study place to be prepared to study. You should be able to answer YES to all of the following questions:

1. Is my Study Place available to me whenever I need it?

Your Study Place does you little good if you cannot use it when you need it. If you are using a Study Place that you must share with others for any reason, work out a schedule so that you know when you can use it.

2. Is my Study Place free from interruptions?

It is important to have uninterrupted study time. You may have to hang a DO NOT DISTURB sign on the door or take the phone off the hook.

3. Is my Study Place free from distractions?

Research shows that most students study best in a quiet environment. If you find that playing a stereo or TV improves your mood, keep the volume low.

4. Does my Study Place contain all the study materials I need?

Be sure your Study Place includes reference sources and supplies such as pens and pencils, paper, ruler, calculator, and whatever else you might need. If you use a computer for your schoolwork, it should be in your Study Place .

5. Does my Study Space contain a large enough desk or table?

While working on an assignment or studying for a test, use a desk or table that is large enough to hold everything you need. Allow enough room for writing and try to avoid clutter.

6. Does my Study Place have enough storage space?

You need enough room to store your study materials. Be sure you have enough storage space to allow you to keep your desktop or other work surface clear of unnecessary materials that can get in the way.

7. Does my Study Place have a comfortable chair?

A chair that is not comfortable can cause discomfort or pain that will interfere with your studying. A chair that is too comfortable might make you sleepy. Select a chair in which you can sit for long periods while maintaining your attention.

8. Does my Study Place have enough light?

The amount of light you need depends on what you are doing. The important thing is that you can clearly see what you need to see without any strain or discomfort.

9. Does my Study Place have a comfortable temperature?

If your Study Place is too warm, you might become sleepy. If it is too cold, your thinking may slow down and become unclear. Select a temperature at which your mind and body function best.

Having a good Study Place is important for good studying.

From http://www.How-To-Study.com

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Medical Freedom Alert

Our health freedom remains under siege. Please support the following organizations, which are at the forefront of those working to protect our rights:

Citizens for Health http://www.citizens.org
(Sign their online petition to safeguard
health supplements.)

Institute for Health Freedom http://www.ForHealthFreedom.org

International Advocates
for Health Freedom (IAHF)
http://www.iahf.com

Health Lobby (Monica Miller)
http://www.healthlobby.com.

Nutritional Consultant  (N.C.)
Home-Study Program  
 

Find out how Holistic Nutrition can change your life, health, and career options forever. Food can be medicine or a death sentence. The choices we make now will affect our wellbeing for many years to come. As a Nutritional Consultant you'll have the important task of educating others about nourishing their bodies for optimal health. 

Click here to find out more...

Holistic Health Practitioner  (H.H.P.)
Home-Study Program
 

Holistic healing will be the medicine of the future! As a Holistic Health Practitioner, you'll be trained in many aspects of natural medicine, including Nutrition, Herbs, and various Mind/Body therapies. Learn how to nourish the body, nurture the soul and utilize the gifts of nature.

Click here to find out more...
 

Master Herbalist (M.H.)
Home-Study Program  
 

With the increasing popularity of herbs and herbal medicine, the demand is also growing for qualified Herbalists. It's the perfect time to learn more about this exciting and rewarding field, not only to help others but also to enhance your own life and the lives of those around you.
Click here to find out more...

Not knowing much about online schooling, I wanted to be certain I was dealing with a reputable school so I researched every online school I could find.  I even called the government Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education to clarify that GCNM met their rigorous educational requirements.  They do.  With that in mind and the reasonable cost of the courses, I took the plunge.  That was by far the best decision I ever made! 

The audio cassettes are fun to listen to and the interesting reading material is straight forward and easy to understand. 
I have already learned a plethora of information in only a few short weeks and I look forward to each and every study material.  Becoming a Holistic Health Practitioner has long been a dream of mine.  My only regret is that I didn't take this journey years ago! 
Elice Strickland
HHP Student

I am a personal trainer and have a background in massage therapy and nutrition.  My goal is to open a wellness center
in the next 3 years. 

Before signing up for the Nutritional Consultant program with GCNM, I checked out several other programs, then I contacted many different organizations, and emailed/spoke to many students and practitioners from the various schools.  I finally narrowed my search down to two schools.  I called both schools and spoke to a few people.  Everyone at GCNM seemed welcoming, had good energy, and was very helpful.

It is important to know what you want in a distance program.  I wanted: good information that was well rounded, excellent contact with the instructors in a timely manner and I wanted a degree and/or certification from a reputable school that would hold its value.

What I have received from GCNM has been nothing short of amazing and I have only just begun.  The books cover a wide variety of subjects and I have learned so much already…and so have those around me.  The information is not too overwhelming, being that it is a distance program – but the best thing is – if you have any questions all you need to do is email or call and you will have a response in no time.  The staff is so eager to help you learn.  You definitely are not alone on this journey, unless you choose to be.  In fact, GCNM encourages you to participate in the forums, which are easy to use and there is a wealth of information in there.  Every day I am eager to open my books and study…I know I will learn something new.

I just began the nutrition program and have realized that the MH/HHP programs are definitely worth the investment so I will be a student of all three.   I have come to realize that GCNM is working on a degree program that may be out next fall.  This for me is really exciting. I have definitely made the correct choice!
Lisa Schultz
NC, MH and HHP student

I received my Nutritional Consultant course the same day I had a doctor appointment.  My MD had prescribed chemical prescriptions for my ailments.  That evening I began listening to the audio cassettes by Dr. Andrew Weil and the course of my health was changed forever.  The tapes were logical and in-depth and pointed out that my health could be improved through a whole health natural method. Over the next several weeks I studied my way through Module One and started working in the Anatomy Coloring Book.  A Coloring Book!  What a concept--I learned so much from this and it was fun doing it. Assumptions I had about the way the human body works were explained to me in depth and I realize now that I was incorrect in many things. Proper nutrition has long been a passion of mine and to finally learn the why's and how's is very exciting.  One thing that stood out was a line on page 21 in the Toxicity and Detoxification Section--"You may have found the journey through parasites and Candida a bit frightening."  Indeed I did.  So much so that I was wondering if this was really something I wanted to get into.

But reading on convinced me that the way to overcome your fears is to conquer them by education.  Finding out how to prevent and treat such maladies is of the utmost importance.  I feel not only in control of my own health decisions at this point but am looking forward with enthusiasm to eventually being able to counsel others. This curriculum is comprehensive and engrossing.
Ann Matula Gyenis
NC Student

I started the Nutritional Consultant Course a few months ago and I am so pleased with the program. The curriculum is very complete and easy to follow. I am an educator and curriculum developer myself, so I appreciate a well organized program. I am very happy with the selection of course materials and the variety of media, including books, pamphlets, binder materials, videos, audiocassettes, and even an anatomy coloring book. I love to color! But most importantly, even though I have studied nutrition and health in general for over 20 years, I am learning so much from this program. I really liked starting the course with Dr. Weil's eight audiocassette program because it gave me a good overview of the course. I appreciate the fact that Dr. Weil has a medical background and yet is very informed about alternative approaches to preventive medicine.

I think he has a very balanced approached to health and nutrition and I really appreciate that. I look forward to completing this program and utilizing the knowledge I am gaining to help others become more self-reliant and educated about their own health. Thank you for making this course available to people like myself with no medical background. Sincerely,
Nancy Hearn
NC Student

Try this at home!
Banana Biscuits

These delicious biscuits make a perfect breakfast item. Leftovers can be re-heated in a toaster oven.

Ingredient:

• 3 small ripe bananas, peeled and mashed
• 1 cup lite soymilk or other milk alternative
• 2 Tablespoons oil
• 41/4 cups unbleached white flour
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Mix the mashed bananas, soymilk, and oil together in a large bowl. Add the flour and baking powder and stir well. Place dough on a floured surface and knead for 3 minutes. Using a rolling pin, roll dough to a 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch-wide circles using a cutter or tin can. Place biscuits on a lightly oiled cookie sheet, bake 20 minutes or until browned. Serve warm.

Total calories per biscuit: 72
Fat: 1 gram

Please do not respond to this email directly.
If you have an inquiry please call 1-800-605-6520
or send email to: administration@gcnm.com.

 

ATTENTION  STUDENTS

Board Certification

GCNM graduates qualify for Board Certification through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP). The application will be mailed to you upon graduation from any of our programs. You may contact the AADP at 1-888-764-AADP.

New

The American Naturopathic Medical Certification Board will provide Certification to GCNM and GIFAM graduates. Certification is available for graduates of the HHP, MH and CHN programs. Graduates may become Board Certified in their chosen field by completing the application process and submitting their official transcripts. Please contact the ANMCB at 800-889-6103 for more information or email your inquiries to webmaster@anmcb.org.

•  Search online for values in the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference.

•  Find all the necessary tools to conduct research and to present your findings.

•  Find nutrition facts on hundreds of different fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and herbs.

•  Learn the medicinal, cosmetic, culinary and other uses of the 130 most commonly used herbs.

•  Download wonderful homeopathic books and help broaden your repertoire of natural treatments.

You can access our new Library and Resource Center under "Student Services" with your student ID number. This new tool will help with your studies, research and assignments. We will continue adding new resources as they become available.

Visit The Online Library
and Resource Center today!

GCNM programs are valid for American Massage Therapists Association (AMTA) continuing education.

Submit your natural health or nutrition related article to Ryan@gcnm.com.

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“Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.”
- Albert Schweitzer

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