Food Additives: Sulfites

Weekly Scripture:
"...If any man shall add unto these things God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book " Revelation 22:18

Weekly Quote:
"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease." Thomas A. Edison

Sulfites

In many of the health and nutrition books I have read, they often mention that eating dried fruits is good, especially if they are soaked overnight in water first and also if they have not been preserved with sulfites. They never explained exactly why sulfites are bad and so I decided to do a little internet research on the subject. I learned a lot more about them, but my curiosity has not been completely satisfied yet.

What are Sulfites Used for?

Sulfites are used mainly as antioxidants to prevent light-colored fruits and vegetables from discoloring, such as apricots, apples, and potatoes. But they are also used in wine-making to inhibit bacterial growth, in bleaching food starches, as preventives against rust and scale in boiler water used in making steam that will come in contact with food, and some are even used in the production of cellophane for food packaging. Sulfites are found in almost everything including baked goods, dairy products, luncheon meats,concentrated fruit juices (including lemon juice), dried fruits, prepackaged foods, molasses, wine and beer. (http://www.nettally.com/prusty/foodpres.htm).

Forms of Sulfites
I was astonished to find this out because I had no idea how rampantly they were used! I felt like producing all my own foods and never going to the grocery store again!. Sulfites are used in several different forms and their names will appear on food labels as:
Sulfur dioxide
Sodium sulfite
Sodium & Potassium bisulfite
Sodium & Potassium metabisulfites

Effects of Sulfites on the Body
In searching for the effects sulfites have on the human body, I discovered several things. First of all, sulfites destroy Vitamin B1 (thiamine). Whether this happens in the body or just in the foods they are preserving, I don't know. I do know that they have been banned from foods that are sources of this vitamin. I'm not sure exactly what foods this ban includes, but I do know that sources of B1 are meats, beans, peas, peanuts, fish, whole wheat, wheat germ, and enriched flour, so I assume sulfites have been banned in foods such as these.

Another thing I discovered is that some people may have violent, allergic reactions to sulfites, especially those who already have asthma. Sulfites may be associated with hayfever, trigger an asthma attack, anaphylactic shock, or even death. In 1985, sulfites were banned from being used on fresh fruits and vegies because of these problems. However, they may still be used on potatoes, so beware of any potatoes (especially french fries) that come from a restaurant.

Most of the information about sulfites focused on these allergic reactions to sulfites, but since I don't have those problems, I wanted to know what they do to someone without allergies? What happens in the long run? Do they build up in the body eventually causing problems or are they broken down or what? As my research continued I found out several more things. In an article on sulfites in wine, it was noted that sulfur dioxide is produced by the human body at about 1 gram/day, although nothing was said about where or how or for what purpose it produced. It was also mentioned that some people are deficient in the natural enzyme to break this down, so I assume most people can break it down in their bodies. I really need to review my biology!.(http://www.waterhouse.ucdavis.edu/winecomp/so2.htm.)

Several other interesting things this article mentioned are that all wines contain sulfites because yeasts naturally produce them in the fermenting process; sulfites can be removed, in theory, by hydrogen peroxide (although little is known about this procedure); and that sulfites do not cause headaches.

Nutritional Help for Detoxifying Sulfites
Two nutritional factors that help the body in breaking down sulfites are Vitamin B12 and a trace mineral called molybdenum. B12 seems to help detox sulfites from the body, and molybdenum is a component of the enzyme sulfite oxidase, which also helps detoxify sulfites from the body. Sources of B12 (which I listed in my last article) are mainly meats, dairy products, and supplemented foods like cold cereals. Sources of molybdenum include beans, whole grains, cereals, milk, and dark green leafy vegetables.

Conclusion on Sulfites
Sulfites seem to not be as great a health threat as I first thought they were, although I still do not know anything about their long-term effects and do not want to find out the hard way. I am still suspicious of them and feel it is best to avoid them as much as possible. This may be difficult because they are in so many, many foods, (especially processed foods), but by reading labels I can avoid these foods and by including in my diet as many whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegies as I can, I will be protecting my health and not leaving it in the hands of those commercial producers who don't care much about anything but my money.

Other articles you may want to read:
http://www.whfoods.com
http://www.vitalearth.org/nutrient_robbers.htm
http://www.healthychristianliving.com/asthma.htm

Vitamin B12

Weekly Scripture:
"Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;" Doctrine and Covenants 89:12

Weekly Quote:
"The first wealth is health." Emerson

I was talking to my mom a few weeks ago and she mentioned something about wanting to know more about Vitamin B12. I believe my grandma had to get monthly shots of this vitamin in the last years of her life, and my mom was worried that maybe she, herself, has a deficiency of it. I wanted to know more about this vitamin, and when I overheard my brother-in-law mention that he was getting his vitamin B12 for the day as he loaded his plate up with meat at a restaurant buffet, my curiostiy was peaked.

So I turned to the internet and found a couple of good resources: http://www.vegsoc.org and http://ods.od.nih.gov. They were simple, easy to understand, and answered many of my questions about the vitamin.

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is one of the B-complex vitamins necessary for maintaining good health. It is also known as cobalamin because it contains cobalt. It is needed in the body for synthesis of DNA and red blood cells, for maintenance of the nervous system, and for the growth and development of children.

Sources of Vitamin B12

B12 is synthesized by bacteria and is found mainly in meats, eggs, and dairy products. Researchers are unsure if there are any vegetable sources of it, so these cannot be relied upon. According to 2 suveys taken 10 years or so ago, most people in the US consumme recommended amounts of vitamin B12. However, there is a concern for vegetarians who avoid all animal products. They must take extra care in their food choices to ensure they are getting the recommended amounts of B12, especially those who are pregnant or nursing. There are many food products that are supplemented with B12, such as breakfast cereals, soy milks, textured vegetable protein, some margarines, and vegie burger mixes.

Bacteria in the colon produce B12 in our bodies, but it is thought that this is not a good source because the large intestine does not absorb many nutrients. However, in less developed countries that use human feces as fertilizer, vegetables grown in these soils and are faecally contaminated are responsible for a good supply of B12.

Vitamin B12 Deficiencies

Deficiencies of Vitamin B12 show general symptoms which could be signs of other problems, so evaluation by a doctor is required before diagnosing B12 deficiency. Symptoms include anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty maintaining balance, depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory, and soreness of mouth and tongue. In infants, signs may include failure to thrive, movement disorders, delayed development, and megablastic anemia.

How Vitamin B12 Works

Vitamin B12 is bound to protein in food, which is released in the stomach by hydrochloric acid. It then combines with a substance the body makes called Intrinsic Factor (IF). It is then able to be absorbed in the small intestine and put to use by the body.

Problems arise sometimes in older people who are no longer able to produce enough hydorchloric acid because of a gastric inflammatory disease (atrophic gastritis). By taking vitamin supplements or eating Vitamin B fortified foods, these people can get their full amount of the vitamin, as this form is more easily absorbable.

Some medications also interfere with the absorption of Vitamin B12. These include some drugs used to treat gastoesophageal reflux disease, some used to treat peptic ulcer disease, and Metformin, a drug used to treat diabetes.

There are also individuals who cannot produce the IF, and therefore, cannot absorb Vitamin B12 at all. These people must be given injections of B12 initially to replenish their bodies stores of it.

There is much more detailed information in the websites from which I have taken this information, but these were some of the main points. There is still much research being done on this vitamin as to its sources and deficiency problems, especially it's play in the disease of dementia. I look forward to learning results of these studies in the future.

What's Important In Life?

Weekly Scripture:
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." Matthew 6:19

The Purpose of Life

I believe each of us has many purposes in this life. I also believe that this life was not the beginning of us, nor will it be the end. We lived before we were born on earth and when we die, we will still be living, but in a different realm and temporarily without our physical bodies. We are here to gain experiences and to learn, grow, and be tested and tried. These are all wonderful and good purposes, but how does this relate to everyday life?

Setting Goals

One of the most important things we can do for ourselves is to set goals so that we know where we're going and what we're trying to achieve. It's very important to have those goals before us at all times so that we don't get distracted. My biggest goal in life is to live so that one day I will obtain eternal life. This affects the small and the big decisions I make every day. Sometimes, I must admit, it is easy to lose sight of this goal by getting caught up in other smaller goals such as making, saving, and spending money. Daily decisions such as what to eat, what to wear, and how to spend my time, also clutter my mind. Every once in a while, the question comes to me, "When I'm old and gray sitting in my rocking chair and looking back on my life, what things will bring joy to my soul? What things will I regret?"

What Really Matters in Life?

I happened to read a quote this week that brought this question again to my mind. It is by Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley, prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. He said, "Let us not live a life...that would bring regret....It is not going to matter very much how much money you made, what kind of a house you lived in, what kind of a car you drove, the size of your bank account - any of those things. What is going to matter is that dear woman who has walked with you side by side as your companion through all of the years of life and those children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren and their faithfulness and their looking to you...with respect and love and deference and kindness...
"The only things you will take with you, when all is said and done, are your family relationships...God bless us to be good fathers, ...good parents, and good husbands to our good wives."

Pres. Hinckley is right! When we die, we can't take any material possessions with us and ultimately they won't or shouldn't matter. The most important thing is to cultivate our relationships with our families and friends because these can last forever, even after death.

In the Bible

My husband and I have been reading a chapter in the New Testament every night, and last night we happened to read a passage where Christ himself discussed this subject. In Luke 12:16-23 Christ gives a parable of a man who's land made him very prosperous. He became so prosperous that he decided he needed bigger barns to store everything and he felt at ease and content that his worldly goods were so abundant. He went to bed, not knowing that his life would end that night and then who would possess all his goods? Not he! Jesus said, "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

Becoming rich toward God involves selflessness, putting others before yourself, obeying the commandments, serving, doing unto others as you would have done unto you, being a good parent and spouse, and just being nice. When I look back, will I regret not spending more hours at work? Will I regret not washing my car more often? Will I regret not spending more time watching TV? I don't think so. I think I will wish I had spent more time with my family, that I'd called my parents more often, and that we'd had more family get-togethers. I feel that developing good relationships with others is really what it's all about, and now is the time to do something about it so that that old gray lady will have more thoughts of joy than of regret when she looks back.

Health Benefits of the Flax Seed

Weekly Scripture:
"But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life." Alma 32:41

Weekly Quote:
"The strongest principle of growth lies in the human choice." -George Elliot

Flax Seeds

The other day I had my husband try flax seeds in his regular bowl of morning wheat berries. I had soaked them overnight in the thermos with the wheat and boiling water, and in the morning, the result was a slimy, gooey bowl of wheat berries and flax seed. My husband was thoroughly disgusted, but ate it anyway. This led him to ask questions about possible other ways of eating flax seeds and so I conducted a study of flax, interested to know all the facts myself.

I've known for some time that flax is beneficial to our health, but had forgotten all the why's, so I looked it up in a few of my health books and also on-line. One very good source I found is on the website http://fatsforhealth.com. There is a library of articles you can look up by topic here and I found them very useful.

Flax is an ancient plant that is grown for it's fibers and for it's seeds. The fibers are used for making linen cloth and the seeds are used for various purposes such as linseed oil, flaxseed oil, to be eaten as flax seeds or to be ground into meal.

What's the Big Deal About Flax?

Flax has many health benefits.

• It contains essential fatty acids which help heart, arthritis, thrombotic disease, improving immune function, cancer prevention, male infertility, and brain function.
• Flax contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, so it is a good laxative
• It is the highest plant source of lignans.
• It contains many vitamins and minerals in natural form.

Lignans

Lignans are antioxidants that destroy free radicals, reduce the aging process, and protect against environmental toxins. They may also help reduce risk of cancer, especially colon and breast cancers. Lignans are interesting because when they are digested, they become estrogen compounds. These hormonal effects may attribute to many of its health benefits.

Flax Seed Oil

Many people take flax seed oil because of the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids it contains. I have also heard that it is very good at fighting breast cancer. Flax seed oil should cold-pressed or expeller-pressed (I believe these are the same thing) or it's health benefits will have been destroyed. It should always be kept in black containers and refrigerated to preserve it's valuable qualities.

Flax Every Day

Flax is easy to incorporate into everyday living, whether you use the oil, the seeds, or the meal. The oil should never be cooked, as this turns it into a toxin. The raw oil can be used on salads, vegetable dishes or in smoothies. The seeds can be soaked and added to morning breakfasts (chew them very well to break their shell and make all their nutrition available to your digestive processes.) Flax seed meal can be used to flavor salads and vegie dishes, and it can be used in baking, such as bread and muffins.

Enjoy your flax!

To stay healthier, remember to stick with things that are simple and natural. The less processed, the better!

Mot of this information was taken from an article by Artur Klimaszewski, MD entitled Flax for Health.

The Benefits of Fasting

Recently I have been re-reading a book on fasting by Paul and Patricia Bragg. It is very inspiring and informational about the benefits of fasting. Paul Bragg recommends a weekly 24-36 hour fast, as well as fasting 4 times a year for 7-10 days. I have tried the 24 hour fast, and in the church of which I am member, we have a 24 hour fast once a monthly.

I have fasted once a month since I was 8 years old, although not always for 24 hours. Most of the time as I was growing up, we only fasted for 2 meals. I was taught this was for spiritual reasons, to help me grow closer to my Heavenly Father and to augment my prayers when I had a special need. Later, I heard rumors that fasting is very good for me physically, too, because it gives the digestive tract a rest from it's constant work of breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.

As I became more interested in good health and eating practices, I learned more and more about these physical benefits of fasting. Here are several benefits that Paul Bragg talks about in his book called, "The Miracle of Fasting":

Fasting
- gives your body a break and helps you build up "vital force"
- Lets your body eliminate toxins that build up from environmental sources and
the foods we eat.
- Saves money
- Helps to "melt away the pounds"
- Helps overcome addictions to alcohol, smoking, and drugs
- Gives you more energy and helps you feel more alive

With all these benefits, why isn't fasting more commonly done? To be honest, it's not easy. It is a simple way to improve your health, but it is not always easy to ignore the hunger pains in your stomach. It takes dedication and self-control, and one must focus on the end goal - greater health. Praying while fasting is also of great worth and will help improve your spiritual health also.

I don't recommend fasting beyond 24 hours without some guidance, whether it be from books or from someone experienced in fasting. Therefore, I recommend you begin with the Bragg's book The Miracle of Fasting, which can be purchased in many health food stores or from the Bragge website

Scripture of the Week:
(Taken from "The Book of Mormon")

And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved. Omni 1:26


Quote of the Week:
A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings.
-Hippocrates

Health and Spirit

This column is for articles on healthy eating and lifestyles coupled with a spiritual progression.

The important attributes are:

• Eating healthy
• Praying daily
• Studying scriptures

One winter when I was in my mid-twenties, I noticed I was beginning to feel tired all the time and I didn't have the energy I used to have. For the first time in my life, I was beginning to feel 'old'. This couldn't be right! I wasn't that old! I knew something had to change and I decided to try a juice cleanse.

My grandpa was a believer of the "Lemonade Diet", which is a 10-day program of drinking strictly a mixture of fresh lemon juice, water, pure maple syrup and cayenne pepper. I couldn't take that much time off work and knew what a trial drinking all that cayenne pepper would be. Luckily my parents introduced me to Dr. Christopher's 3-day cleansing program and gave me a small book outlining the program and how to eat a mucusless diet after the cleanse.

In the late spring I was finally able to do my 3-day cleanse and those 3 days changed my life. While I was home those 3 days, in-between drinking all that juice and water, I read the small book. It was so inspiring and motivating to me to live a healthier lifestyle that I wanted to keep learning more and more about how to keep my body clean and pure and healthy.

After my juice cleanse, I began a new life of eating mostly fruits and vegies. The desire to eat this way had grown inside me and continued growing as I kept reading and learning and putting into practice what I had learned. It was fun and I had regained my youthfulness. I had more desires to learn things and try new things I'd never done before. Life became an adventure instead of just living from day to day.

Some of the side benefits of my new eating habits didn't come about until a few months later. My forehead had been continuously bumpy for several years and I always had at least one ugly big zit breaking out somewhere on my face. But my face completely cleared up after about 4 months! I guess all those toxins began making their way out the proper channels instead of through my face.

Anyway, this experiment has been fun and I am a definite advocate for natural remedies!

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