Hyvin
A Natural Health and Wellness Blog

Here’s an excerpt from a new study finding by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. I would imagine they were thinking of all those women who need C-sections!

A recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology examined the role of ginger in postoperative nausea and vomiting. This meta-analysis looked at numerous studies using ginger versus placebo. Researchers looked at published studies and articles, including bibliographies and contacted authors and experts in the field. After review, five randomized studies were examined that included 363 participants. The results showed that a fixed dose of at least one gram of ginger was more effective than placebo in reducing both postoperative nausea and postoperative vomiting. One side effect was reported, which was abdominal discomfort. The authors concluded that, “Use of ginger is an effective means for reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting.”

If you’re interested in a ginger product, you can find an all-natural supplement that also offers peppermint for stomach soothing here.

Well, we got the word that whole grains are good. Now, come to find out, there is no standard definition of “whole grains,” so a claim on a food product may mean there’s a teeny-weeny bit of whole grains OR it could mean it’s 100% whole grain. And the manufacturer gets to decide how to label it! It seems to me like a standardized definition is a no-brainer!! Surely, the FDA proposal discussed in a recent Baltimore Sun article, excerpted below, will be implemented. Though according to the full article, there are some who claim it’s not a good thing!

FDA seeks stricter standards for ‘whole grains’ claims

The Food and Drug Administration proposed yesterday a definition for “whole grains” and labeling that would detail the quantity of the ingredient in breads, cereals and other foods to help consumers figure out what they’re eating.

When the federal government encouraged Americans to eat whole grains last year, it didn’t tell them what a whole grain was or give them help determining whether they were eating the recommended 3-ounce daily allowance.

That left it to manufacturers of breads, cereals and other foods to decide whether their ingredients were whole grains and to label their products with claims saying they were “excellent” or “good” sources.

The FDA’s proposal, which is subject to 60 days of public comment, would not order manufacturers to revise their practices but would strongly advise them to do so. Failure to comply could prompt the FDA to issue warnings or take other actions, the agency said.

The proposal would make sure that manufacturers are using unprocessed grains if they want to claim that their ingredients are whole grains, the agency said. That definition mirrors the prevailing industry standard, industry groups said.

The recommendations would also encourage manufacturers to specify the number of ounces or grams of whole grains in a product, rather than saying that the product is a good or excellent source, said Barbara Scheenman, director of the FDA’s office of nutritional products, labeling and dietary supplements.

If it applies to you or someone you care about, this alert from the National Institute of Health could be very important. I understand that, from a science research standpoint, cause and effect wasn’t established, but the disclamer in the last sentence still doesn’t sit right:

Common Reflux Treatment Linked to Life Threatening Bowel Infection in Premature Infants

Researchers in an NIH network have found that premature infants given a common class of non-prescription drugs used to treat acid reflux are slightly more likely to develop a potentially fatal bowel disorder than are infants who are not treated with the drugs.

The drugs, known as H2 blockers, inhibit the production of stomach acid and may put premature infants at risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, a serious inflammation of the intestines. The study appears in the February 2006 Pediatrics and was conducted by researchers in the NIH’s National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network.

The researchers pointed out that it is not possible to tell from the study whether or not the drugs caused the condition, but nonetheless advised caution with their use for premature infants.

Read the rest of the article here.

We try to incorporate whole grains into the family diet, often mixing them with more processed grains (like pancakes with whole wheat flour and some white flour). I know that the fiber, vitamins and minerals in whole grains are good for us, and that the processing of grains removes these natural elements from the food. It’s nice to see these practices affirmed.

Research findings newly published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition conclude that diets high in whole grains reduce the incidences and mortality risks of diabetes and coronary heart disease. Those conducting the study analyzed diet records and analyses of blood samples available from healthy middle-aged adults (468 men and 473 women) who were enrolled in the long-term health professionals and nurses’ health studies of the Harvard School of Public Health.

So, it looks like it’s whole grains to be hyvin. How do you incorporate whole grains into your diet?

One of my four sons fancies himself a would-be vegetarian. I sometimes think that if I enjoyed cooking and being creative in the kitchen, I would consider his position more seriously. This information certainly makes me think…

Here are 7 interesting did-you-know facts about soy and animal protein I’ve come across from various sources:

• A complete protein containing all of the 9 essential amino acids is essential for long-term human health. It’s not the protein that is important; it’s the amino acid content of the protein that is important. If one essential amino acid is missing, the immune system can be depressed 30%, and many important body functions are delayed or stopped.
• Animal protein does not contain all of these essential amino acids in any one serving. And not all soybeans are created equal: quality and amino acid content will vary based on soil conditions, and variable growing and harvest conditions. Therefore, the benefits provided by the nine essential amino acids is dependent on the verification of amino acid content in each batch of soybeans by the manufacturers of our soy foods.
• Amino acids are very sensitive to heat. In some studies, cooking protein has been shown to destroy up to 50% of some essential amino acids. Meat has to be cooked to be safe to eat, of course. Raw soybean foods, however, retain these amino acids, and enzymes in the food essential for protein utilization.
• Phytochemical compounds called isoflavones, which are essential for maximum human health, are not found in animal protein. Although they are not vitamins or minerals, scientists believe these plant compounds show much promise in cancer prevention, bone health, cholesterol reduction and balancing hormones. These elements are present in soy protein products that have been processed in such a way as to preserve them. For instance, crushed soy flakes need to be water washed; alcohol washing, which is commonly used, destroys isoflavone content up to 88%!
• Animal protein is much harder to digest than vegetable protein. Since many people have digestive difficulties, protein that is not thoroughly digested is very challenging to the kidneys. Tip: Powdered protein is in a predigested state and is the best overall protein source to choose.
• Meat contains a more-than-desirable amount of saturated fat and cholesterol. A soy protein drink mix, on the other hand, is easily digestible, very low in saturated fat, contains no cholesterol, and quickly absorbs into the blood.
• Whole soy beans are high in plant fat. If soybeans are roasted to eat as soy nuts, the heat alters the fat and makes it a trans-fatty acid, which causes both cancer and heart disease. As roasted soy nuts sit on the shelf or in the cupboard in storage, the oils are becoming more and more rancid and carcinogenic. AVOID roasted soy beans.

Thankfully, there’s an easy way to make sure you receive all the benefits of soy protein. My family uses and recommends a soy drink mix which provides all nine essential amino acids, is water-washed, and uses low-heat processing. Plus, it’s easy and quick to mix up for myself or the kids, it tastes good, and it truly does give us, as the name says, energy!

According to ABC News, a study is being done by a Norwegian researcher on whether oily fish can help control violent outbursts. The connection is that fish fat extract is good for the heart, and heart rate has been linked with the ability to plan actions, since many crimes are committed on impulse.

If you’re interested in fish fat extract supplement (containing Omega-3 fatty acids), check this out.

Did you know that your computer can be harboring viruses that are harmful to your health? Even the usual computer virus (that makes your system crash) can make you feel sick!, but this is about the kind that can really make you sick. According to a study by the University of Arizona, desks often have 400 times more germs than a toilet seat. The biggest offenders are telephones, with 25,127 microbes per square inch; keyboards, with 3,295; and computer mice, with 1,676. Without cleaning, a small area on your desk or phone can be harboring millions of bacteria that can cause illness.

OK, this is pretty convincing motivation to clean, even for a non-cleaning freak like me. Using a non-toxic disinfectant makes it easier on the eyes, nose, and lungs. You can read more about the study at BBC News.

Now, I don’t want you to get the impression that we eat at McDonald’s very often, but even in our health-conscious family, we have to rely on fast food occasionally. Being a relatively newly-diagnosed celiac, this news recently released from the Associated Press is of particular concern:

Not long after disclosing that its french fries contain more trans fat than thought, McDonald’s Corp. said Monday (2-13-06) that wheat and dairy ingredients are used to flavor the popular menu item – an acknowledgment it had not previously made.

The presence of those substances can cause allergic or other medical reactions in food-sensitive consumers.

McDonald’s had said until recently that its fries were free of gluten and milk or wheat allergens and safe to eat for those with dietary issues related to the consumption of dairy items. But the fast-food company quietly added “Contains wheat and milk ingredients” this month to the french fries listing on its Web site.

Read the whole article at Yahoo News. “Fast food” that is safe food for celiacs seems hard to come by.

I mean “hi” to all… not only readers named Vin . No, I actually mean be hyvin. What, you say, you don’t remember your grammar school Finnish? Okay, my true meaning and earnest desire is for you to be well (as in good health). That’s right, Hyvin means “well” (in good health) in Finnish.

Having not been well for many of my adult years, and having four boys to keep healthy, I am committed to wellness for myself and my family. I thought I knew an average amount on nutrition, natural approaches, good diets, and the like. But then, I had no idea that some vitamins go straight through the plumbing (“what do you mean? I paid good money for that!!”). And it never occurred to me that my household cleaners were making me sick (So it wasn’t just that I hated to clean house!). In retrospect, I guess I was somewhat naive… assuming that the vendors of these various commonly-used things were doing their best for me. As they say, education is power. I look forward to sharing with you wellness news and information that has been of help to us.