How To Fight Colds and the Flu – Baking Soda Remedy

Reposted from Health and Love Page
http://www.healthandlovepage.com/colds-flu-baking-soda-remedy/

Baking Soda, also known as Sodium Bicarbonate, is used in many homes for baking or cleaning. Baking Soda is derived from a mineral and it reacts when it is mixed with other components, releasing carbon dioxide, which helps the dough to grow.
Not many people are aware of the fact that baking soda has medical advantages and in the past, it was often used therapeutically. When consumed internally, Sodium Bicarbonate does the body good by maintaining the proper pH balance in the bloodstream. This is why the baking soda is recommended for the battle against flu and other infections.



Maintaining the proper balance inside your body has a positive impact on your natural immune system. Baking soda affects the pH balance of the body cells and internal tissues; it balances the cell voltage and increases the levels of carbon dioxide, which helps with oxygenation.
Sodium Bicarbonate is found in all of your bodily fluids and inside your body organs and it has a major role in the acid balances of your bodies. Baking Soda is inexpensive and healthy tool, so it is well worth to try using it in the battle against colds and flu. Besides helping the body to fight against flu, some studies suggest that baking soda is also good for treating the elevated potassium levels, good against the rash inflammations and is very efficient in slowing down the kidney diseases.
In the beginning of the last century, baking soda showed many clinical successes in treating the flu and colds. No one that has been alkalinized with sodium bicarbonate caught flu. Those that had flu, when alkalinized in the early stages experienced milder symptoms. In many cases, the flu was gone within 36 hours since the emergence of the initial symptoms.

Lemon and Baking soda Miraculous combination: 10, 000 times stronger than Chemotherapy!

According to some medical books, baking soda when is taken internally can soothe the membranes of your mucous and it can dissolve the thick mucus. The usage of sodium bicarbonate is easy and harmless, even if you do not experience any relief from your flu symptoms. Take a glass of cold water, put inside the baking soda and dissolve it, then drink it. That is how you use it.

Baking Soda Remedy

Back in year 1925, the recommended dosages of sodium bicarbonate for fighting flu were the following:
Day 1: Consume six doses of half a teaspoon of baking soda in one cup of water. Repeat the dosage at two-hour intervals.
Day 2: Continue with the same protocol, but reduce it down to four doses.
Day 3: Consume only two doses, one in the morning and one at night.
Day 4: Continue on day four and thereafter with just one dose in the morning until the illness is completely cured.


 
 

Fatal peanut allergies could be cured by probiotic bacteria, say Australian doctors

Reposted from The Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/11374305/Fatal-peanut-allergies-could-be-cured-by-probiotic-bacteria-say-Australian-doctors.html

About 80 per cent of children with peanut allergies were able to tolerate peanuts after being treated with large doses of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus

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In Australia, about ten per cent of 12-month-old babies and 3 per cent of infants are allergic to peanuts Photo: ALAMY

By Jonathan Pearlman, Sydney

5:14PM GMT 28 Jan 2015

A strain of probiotic bacteria could offer a cure for potentially fatal peanut allergies, according to scientists in Australia.

The breakthrough followed a trial in which a group of children were given increasing amounts of peanut flour, along with a probiotic called Lactobacillus rhamnosus, over an 18-month period. About 80 per cent of the children who had peanut allergies were subsequently able to tolerate peanuts.

Mimi Tang, the lead researcher, said the families involved believed the treatment had "changed their lives".

"These findings provide the vital first step towards developing a cure for peanut allergy and possibly for all food allergies," she told Melbourne's Herald Sun.

The randomised trial, involving a group of about 30 children, was conducted by Murdoch Childrens Research Institute in Melbourne.

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The children, aged one to ten, were given small amounts of peanut flour, gradually building up to two grams, or the equivalent of six or seven nuts.
They were also given daily doses of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which is found in yoghurt but was given in quantities equivalent to the amount found in 44 pounds of yoghurt.
Following the treatment, about 80 per cent of the children were able to tolerate four grams of peanut protein, equivalent to about 14 peanuts.
Typically, about four per cent of children would have overcome their peanut allergy during this time.
"These findings provide the vital first step towards developing a cure for peanut allergy and possibly for all food allergies," said Professor Tang.
"It will be a major advance for medical science if we can find a treatment that is curative. It will change the lives completely for children and adults who have peanut allergies."
Rates of peanut allergies have dramatically increased in the past two decades, particularly in developed countries. For most sufferers, the condition is lifelong.
In Australia, about ten per cent of 12-month-old babies and 3 per cent of infants are allergic to peanuts.

Pineapple Juice is Five Times More Effective Than Cough Syrup

Reposted from Just Naturally Healthy
268-pineapple-juice-is-5-times-more-effective-than-cough-syrup

Did you know that pineapple juice is 500% more effective at helping you to stop coughingthan cough syrup is? Well, it’s true, and it’s all on account of the fact that fresh pineapples contain a substance known as Bromelain; a specific type of enzyme that has anti-inflammatory characteristics which can combat infections and eradicate bacteria.
Before you read on, check out this awesome video:

Half your daily dose of vitamin C

One glass pineapple juice also contains nearly half the amount of vitamin C that you require per day. Vitamin C is essential because as well as many other uses, it also enables your body to metabolize certain vital enzymes that regulate your metabolism and manage energy.

A great source of manganese

In addition to containing Bromelain and vitamin C, pineapple juice is also a good source of the mineral, manganese, which helps your body to maximize its absorption of calcium, aids the metabolization of carbohydrates and fats into energy, as well as facilitating healthy nerve function.

Bromelain is a powerful anti-inflammatory

It is also assumed that a certain amount of the Bromelain in pineapple juice is absorbed by the body directly, and that it works to lessen inflammation helping to relieve conditions like arthritis. In Germany Bromelain is specifically approved for treating inflammation and swelling of the nose, typically post sinus surgery.

Choosing unprocessed natural pineapple juice instead of processed cough medicines

If you’ve got an annoying cough that is simply caused through an irritation or is brought on by the common cold, you’ll do yourself far more good by reaching for natural pineapple rather than an OTC cough medicine. You’ll find the juice a less expensive option; one that doesn’t contain any nasty toxic elements, and one which has the appropriate nutrients to help you to get rid of your cold.

Pineapple juice combats mucus

Taking pineapple juice doesn’t just help to soothe the irritation of nasty coughs; it also helps to loosen up any annoying mucus. Back in 2010, some research was carried out in an attempt to find treatments to help sufferers of tuberculosis. The findings of the reports were published “Der Pharma Chemica”, and they included the fact that a mixture of natural pineapple juice, together with honey, and salt and pepper, when taken daily helps to dissolve mucus that congregates in the lungs, causing illnesses such as Mycobacterium Tuberculosis.

A faster acting cough relief

More recent studies have concluded that extract from natural pineapple juice gets rid of mucus five times quicker than other OTC cough medicines on sale in pharmacies, thereby helping people suffering from accumulations of mucus, to recover 4.8 times faster than those taking conventional medicines.

Why not juice your own?

Some pineapple juice that is on sale can include added sugar, so if you are watching your diet, and managing your weight, it’s best to go for the natural unsweetened variety which you’ll find on sale in most good supermarkets. Better still, and great for any holistic health lifestyle lovers, if you got a juicer in the house, why not buy fresh pineapples and make your own juice?

Quick and easy pineapple juice based, cough remedy

Here’s a recipe to help you to knock together your own wholly natural pineapple juice cough mixture.
• 1 cup of fresh pineapple juice – preferably home juiced
• Some fresh lemon juice – approximately a quarter of a cup
• A small piece of ginger – about 3 inches long
• 1 tablespoon of unprocessed honey
• Half a teaspoon of hot cayenne pepper
Add all the ingredients to your juicer, and blitz! Your mucus and your cough will be gone in no time.

 

Article republished with permission:  Article originally posted on HealthyHolisticLiving.com

 

About the Author

Michelle Toole is the founder and head editor of Healthy Holistic Living. This roll spawned from a health crisis over 14 years ago.  Michelle went from marathon runner to bed ridden in what felt like overnight. Out of crisis came change, which at the time felt life ending but in retrospect was life fulfilling. Through this experience came the creation of healthy-holistic-living.com a site designed to share her experience and passion for holistic living and to support others who desire to create a shift in their lives.  Learn all about her life's inspiration and journey to health and wellness.

Shingles and Mother Nature's Own Natural Cure

Reposted from Dr. Mercola
http://articles.mercola.com/shingles.aspx?x_cid=20150121_evergreen_shingles_facebookdoc

Some people think of chickenpox as a dangerous health condition, especially among children. But it is not life-threatening. In fact, it is actually nature's elegant design to defend you against a more problematic disease – shingles.
According to the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC),¹ shingles is more common in individuals over age 50 who have had chickenpox in the past, although those who are immunocompromised are also at risk. Fortunately, exposing yourself to the chickenpox virus in your childhood years—as well as developing it early on—may significantly lower your risk of developing shingles.

Shingles: A Reactivation of the Chickenpox Infection

Shingles is characterized by a painful red, blistering skin rash on one side of the body

Chickenpox and shingles are caused by similar viruses, both belonging to the herpesvirus family. The former is caused by the Varicella zoster virus, which is associated with Herpes zoster, the virus responsible for shingles.
When you get chickenpox and recover from it, the virus can remain dormant in your nerve roots for years. The virus may reawaken through physical or emotional stress and resurface as shingles. Certain medications such as steroids (like prednisone), chemotherapy, and radiation may also set off shingles – whether you are over 50 years old or not.
Chickenpox is a contagious mild disease where small round lesions appear on your skin. These cause intense itching. On the other hand, shingles is characterized inflammation of the nerves and a painful blistering rash. Shingles is not contagious, but it can still infect a person who hasn't had chickenpox. When this happens, the virus manifests as chickenpox instead of shingles.

The Vicious 2 to 4 Week Shingles Outbreak

The first sign of shingles is unilateral tingling, itching, or stabbing pain on your skin, on one side of your face or body. This is followed by a painful red, blistering skin rash on your skin. The infection runs its course within three to five weeks. Once shingles clears up, patients may experience numbness, skin discoloration, and permanent scars.
However, in people with weakened immune systems, shingles may progress into severe and life-threatening problems. About 20 percent pf of shingles cases may result to a condition called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), where pain may last from 30 days to even years after the rash has healed.
Other less frequent complications that the shingles infection may cause include:

Bacterial skin infections	Hutchinson's sign	Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (Herpes zoster oticus)
Brain inflammation (encephalitis)	Bell's Palsy or motor neuropathy	Pneumonia
Meningitis	Hearing loss	Vision problems like glaucoma, cataracts, or permanent blindness
Bladder impairment	Death

A Sweet Way to Treat Shingles

If you're currently struggling with shingles, it is best to avoid the prescription drug route. Normally, physicians prescribe drugs to help treat herpes outbreaks, but oftentimes, medications are followed by adverse effects.
Natural strategies like applying honey on the affected area have proven to be effective against shingles, along with other herpes infections. This sweet food has been used as conventional treatment for infection up until the early 20th century, when penicillin was introduced.
However, not all types of honey are successful in suppressing infections. Some varieties have 100 times more potent antibacterial activity, while others contribute to the spread of microbes. I strongly advise you to avoid processed, refined honey found at most grocery stores, as it will only worsen your infection – whether consumed or applied topically.
On the other hand, raw honey has been approved for medical use because of its healing properties. High-quality raw honey is beneficial in treating wounds because it draws fluid away from the wound and has high sugar content that inhibits the growth of harmful microorganisms.
Bees also secrete a special enzyme called glucose oxidase, which causes honey to produce low levels of hydrogen peroxide when it comes into contact with your wound.
Manuka honey, a high-quality variety that originated from New Zealand, has all of these wound-healing properties, along with antimicrobial qualities. Clinical trials have found that Manuka honey, produced from the pollen gathered from flowers of the Manuka bush, can eliminate up to 250 strains of bacteria – including antibiotic-resistant ones like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
I recommend applying Manuka honey in semifluid form directly to the affected area at least four times a day. The goal is to keep the sores constantly bathed in honey.
In addition to honey, here are other natural remedies that work well in treating herpes infections:

• Lysine (an essential amino acid)
• Vitamin C
• Aloe vera
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
• Resveratrol
• Garlic
• Lactoferrin (an antimicrobial protein found in colostrum)

Chickenpox: The Natural Way to Build Resistance

After reviewing the information above, it will likely be concluded that contracting and recovering from chickenpox makes you more predisposed to shingles. Surprisingly, it works the other way around.
In a majority of children, chickenpox is a very mild disease without complications. About 3.7 million cases were reported in the United States prior to 1995, with only an average of 100 casualties – 50 children and 50 adults, most of which had weakened immune systems. Half of chickenpox cases occur in children ages five to nine, almost all of which recover without any complications.
Yet, not many know that recovery leaves you with long-lasting immunity. After getting chickenpox, as you age, contact with those who carry the virus asymptomatically fortifies your natural immunity against the infection and, consequently, shingles.
In other words, exposure to the chickenpox virus is like getting a shingles vaccine shot.
Unfortunately, the advent of the varicella vaccine has disrupted this natural process. Although cases of chickenpox have declined, shingles rates have actually increased.

The Questionable Efficacy of the Chickenpox Vaccine

The chickenpox vaccine is made from live, attenuated varicella virus. The vaccine provides temporary protection unlike that of the natural long-lasting immunity you obtain upon recovering from chickenpox.

The chickenpox vaccine is made from live, attenuated varicella virus. Produced by Merck, the vaccine provides temporary protection unlike that of the natural long-lasting immunity you obtain upon recovering from chickenpox.
When it was licensed for public use in 1995, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimated that the vaccine was 70 to 90 percent effective against chickenpox.² Later on, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the effectiveness of the varicella zoster vaccine was only "44 percent against disease of any severity and 86 percent against moderate or severe disease."
Several cases show that the vaccine may be even more ineffective. In one investigation involving a daycare center in a small community at New Hampshire, it was found that 25 out of 88 children contracted the disease. The disease was found to have originated from a child who had been vaccinated, who had infected 50 percent of his classmates with no history of chickenpox.³
In another study done in Quebec, Canada, involving 2,000 fourth graders, researchers determined the number of children who needed to be vaccinated in a "catch-up" program. The results showed that in children with negative or unknown chickenpox histories, 63 percent already possessed antibodies against the virus. This finding suggests that children who do not get the chickenpox vaccine may still end up with natural immunity not needing it at all.

Other Issues Associated with the Chickenpox Vaccine

Like with other vaccines, the varicella vaccine comes with the risk of adverse reaction, injury, and death. The federal Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) received 6,574 reports of side effects after vaccination between March 1995 and July 1998.
Four percent of the reported complications following immunization include shock, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and thrombocytopenia (a blood disorder). Fourteen of those adverse reactions ended in death.
Because of the reported complications, 17 warnings for reactions were added to the product label, such as cellulitis, transverse myelitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and shingles – even after the vaccine was being used on a mass basis.
To make matters worse, the chickenpox vaccine puts patients at higher risk for health problems when combined with other vaccines like MMR. According to Barbara Loe Fisher of NVIC:⁴
"We have been getting reports from parents that their children are suffering high fevers, chickenpox lesions, shingles, brain damage and dying after chicken pox vaccination, especially when the vaccine is given at the same time with MMR and other vaccines."

The Solution According to the CDC and Vaccine Manufacturers

Based on research conducted by Gary S. Goldman, PhD, who participated as a research analyst in the Varicella Active Surveillance Project in Los Angeles County, there was a significant rise in shingles cases in Americans following the government's recommendation in 1995 that all children be vaccinated.
A team at Britain's Public Health Service (PHLS) called for the reevaluation of the mass chickenpox vaccination policy in the US, as well as other nations implementing this practice. According to them, although chickenpox can be detrimental for those with weakened immune systems, lack of exposure to the virus can make the elderly more prone to shingles, whose complications may prove fatal to them.
With the natural "herd" immunity obtained from exposure to the varicella zoster virus threatened, children and adults are becoming less protected against both chickenpox and shingles. This has caused a shingles epidemic to take place, as shown by the following:

• Incidences of adult shingles have climbed by 90 percent from 1998 to 2003, following the approval of the mass vaccination policy.⁵
• Prior to the introduction of the chickenpox vaccine, shingles was only seen in adults, but cases in children are starting to grow, as shown by school nurse reports since 2000.⁶
• Shingles has brought about five times as many hospitalizations and three times as many deaths as chickenpox. It is also the reason for 75 percent of all medical costs related to the varicella zoster virus. ⁷

Dr. Goldman also presented to the CDC a peer-reviewed research that showed a cost-benefit analysis of the chickenpox vaccination program. He indicated that the vaccine would have to be used for at least 50 years to demonstrate a cost benefit, because of the added medical expenses of a shingles epidemic.
In an effort to alleviate the flaws of the chickenpox vaccine and control the growing shingles epidemic, the CDC, along with Merck, unveiled a shingles vaccine. The pharmaceutical company aligned itself with the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and created The Shingles Prevention Study, which soon led to the introduction of the shingles vaccine Zostavax.

Shingles Vaccine – A Case of 'Polypharmacy'?

Zostavax was approved by the FDA in May 2006 for use in individuals age 60 and over. However, this adult vaccination program has been linked to certain issues.
In a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine,⁸ it was found that the cost is one hurdle manufacturers and consumers have to face when it comes to this vaccine. The shingles vaccine costs 200 dollars, and many older Americans – especially those who struggle with fixed incomes and monthly bills – find it prohibitive.
There is also limited information about the effectiveness of the vaccine. According to the CDC, the vaccine decreases shingles risk by about 51 percent in adults 60 and over, but it is unclear how long the vaccine can protect against the virus. Further studies are needed to be conducted on this and if revaccination is required four years after vaccination.⁹
Another important issue is the potential vaccine-related effects that the elderly or the immunosuppressed may experience. Clinical trials showed that side effects linked to Zostavax included:¹⁰

• Pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site
• Headaches
• Shingles-like skin rash
• Fevers
• Shock
• Muscle and joint pain
• Swollen glands
• Respiratory symptoms

By August 2011, the VAERS have received over 400 reports of adverse reactions after Zostavax vaccination, including 36 deaths. Other noted serious adverse reactions following immunization are:¹¹

• Rash
• Fever
• Joint pain (arthralgia) and muscle pain (myalgia)
• Abnormally swollen glands (lymphadenopathy)
• Shock (anaphylaxis) and other hypersensitivity reactions

Blocking natural resistance to the chickenpox and shingles vaccine by getting the vaccine is just another case of disease "management" that results in side effects, causing you to take more drugs for treatment. This system does nothing good for you, and simply guarantees the revenue stream of pharmaceuticals. Don't let yourself become a victim of this flawed medical system.

"To learn more about vaccines and natural herd immunity, watch my interview with Barbara Loe Fisher of the NVIC. You may also read the interview transcript here."

9 Recommendations to Bolster Your Immune Function

You may choose to vaccinate yourself and your children against viruses, but strengthening your immune system remains the best defense against sicknesses like chickenpox and shingles.
Exposing yourself to viruses is not enough to create lasting resistance, particularly if your immune system is not functioning optimally. Unhealthy lifestyle choices like regular consumption of processed foods and not getting enough exercise or sleep will compromise your immune function, causing you to succumb to diseases easily.
I recommend you follow these guidelines to strengthen your immune system:

1. Limit sugar (especially fructose) and grains – Studies have linked fructose consumption to a wide variety of heath complications, including obesity and metabolic syndrome. Fructose raises your insulin levels to chronically high levels over time, and metabolizes differently from other sugars – it is metabolized as fat. Excessive insulin levels can lead to insulin resistance, which is one of the primary culprits of most chronic diseases.
Reduce your fructose consumption to only 25 grams per day. If you're struggling with insulin resistance and diseases related to this, reduce your intake further to 15 grams per day. Avoid drinking soda, fruit juices, and other sweetened drinks. As much as possible, make clean, pure water your primary beverage.

2. Focus on eating organic whole foods – Avoid consuming processed foods as much as possible. For those who have still have trouble understanding what processed foods are, these products come in a can, bottle, package, and have a list of ingredients.
Ideally, your meals should contain organic and/or locally grown whole foods. A high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carbohydrate diet is likely to improve the health of most individuals. For more information, check out my optimized nutrition plan.

3. Eat more high-quality fat – Contrary to popular belief, eating fat will not make you fat. Instead, it will help satiate you and can be used as an energy source. The best sources of healthy fat include:
• Coconuts and coconut oil
• Olives and olive oil
• Avocados
• Raw nuts, such as pecans and macadamias
• Grass-fed meats
• Raw organic dairy, including butter and eggs
• Unheated organic nut oils
4. Exercise regularly – There are a wide number of studies that prove how beneficial exercise is to your health. Regular physical activity increases your circulation and blood flow, allowing components of your immune system to fight an illness before it spreads.
However, hours-long cardio sessions are not enough to promote optimal fitness. I recommend incorporating a wide variety of exercises, such as high-intensity (anaerobic) exercises, core exercises, strength training, and stretching. To learn more on how to create a well-rounded fitness regimen, as well as other ways to promote physical fitness, read all about my Peak Fitness program.

5. Optimize your vitamin D levels – The best way to do so is getting appropriate sun exposure. To learn more about this and the many benefits of vitamin D, check out my vitamin D resource page.
6. Try grounding – Also known as Earthing, grounding is defined as placing one's bare feet on the ground, whether it be dirt, grass, sand, or concrete (especially when it's humid or moist). The earth has a large concentration of negatively charged electrons that promote an improved balance of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
Further, studies have shown that grounding can help improve blood viscosity, heart rate variability, inflammation, cortisol dynamics, sleep, nervous system balance, and stress management. It can also reduce the damage of electromagnetic fields (EMFs).

7. Reduce your exposure to toxins – Although there are myriads of toxins in the environment, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to them. One way would be to throw away toxic household cleaners, soaps, personal hygiene products, air fresheners, bug sprays, and lawn pesticides and insecticides. Replace all of these with all-natural alternatives.
For more information on how to avoid chemical toxicities, read my article "Top Three Sources of Toxic Exposures: Traffic, Personal Care, and Plastic Products."

8. Get plenty of sleep – Lack of sleep has been associated with serious problems like depression, coronary heart diseases, and even cancer. Disrupted circadian rhythms can have a profound negative impact on your health.
9. Manage your stress – Stress can have a profound effect on your physical health and may prevent your immune system from effectively protecting you against viruses and pathogens. Address your emotional issues by using stress management methods, which can be as simple as journaling or exercise.
You may also try using the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), a form of psychological acupuncture without the needles. EFT can help you resolve the emotional factor that triggered your immune system to weaken. Once you have resolved any issue, your immunity, along with genes that help fight infection, are reactivated.

Your immune system is naturally designed to fight the shingles virus. The natural immunity you receive from exposure to chickenpox virus is proof that getting temporary protection against vaccines is no match against letting nature run its disease-preventing course.

The Failure of Big Pharma in Treating Alzheimer’s Disease

Reposted From Health Impact News
new-alzheimers-drugs-continue-to-fail-where-coconut-oil-shines

By  Brian Shilhavy

Two more Alzheimer’s drug trials have failed. Melissa Healy of the LA Times reported on the most recent failures of Big Pharma to develop Alzheimer’s drugs in January 2014:

Two biological therapies designed to improve the clearance of sticky plaques from the brains of those with Alzheimer’s disease have failed to slow the steady loss of cognitive function in patients with mild to moderate forms of the degenerative disorder.

In late clinical-trial findings published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine, the monoclonal antibodies known as solanezumab and bapineuzumab were shown ineffective at changing the downward cognitive trajectory of Alzheimer’s patients. (Full Story here.)

These are the most recent failures, and they follow a long list of drug failures in Big Pharma’s attempt to develop pharmaceutical products to treat Alzheimer’s Disease. Drug companies Pfizer and Medivation abandoned their Alzheimer’s drug dimebon in January 2012, because the drug not only did not help patients in trials, but it made patients worse. The expensive drug had already reached phase III trials.
Seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease represent a huge market for pharmaceutical companies, as Alzheimer’s Disease is increasing rapidly, affecting many millions of seniors. Pharmaceutical companies are anxious to tap into this market, and several pharmaceutical companies are currently trying to develop an Alzheimer’s vaccine. (See efforts to develop Alzheimer’s vaccine in Sweden, Canada, and the U.S.)
In the history of drug marketing, the single most successful drug to ever hit the market was a drug targeted at seniors: Lipitor, the statin drug designed to lower cholesterol levels.
Lipitor has since had its patent expire, allowing cheaper statin generics to come into the market. But during its strongest years in sales, Lipitor almost outsold all other pharmaceutical drugs combined, making it the most profitable drug in history.
Today, about one out of every four Americans over the age of 55 is taking a statin drug. So this age group is a very lucrative market for the pharmaceutical companies, who would desperately like to have a successful Alzheimer’s drug or vaccine be approved for sale.

Are Pharmaceutical Drugs One of the Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease?

In 2011, Dr. Stephanie Seneff published research looking at the effects of a low-fat diet and statin drugs in relation to Alzheimer’s Disease. This research noticed a strong correlation between insulin resistance in the brain and early Alzheimer’s Disease, suggesting that Alzheimer’s might be considered a neuroendocrine disorder of the brain or so-called “type 3 diabetes”.
But the study’s main conclusions regarding the early causes of Alzheimer’s Disease centered around the transport of cholesterol from the blood stream to the brain. The research stated that there is mounting evidence which suggests that a defect in cholesterol metabolism in the brain may play an important role in Alzheimer’s Disease. A nice summary of the brain’s dependency on cholesterol is given:

The brain represents only 2% of the body’s total mass, but contains 25% of the total cholesterol. Cholesterol is required everywhere in the brain as an antioxidant, an electrical insulator (in order to prevent ion leakage), as a structural scaffold for the neural network, and a functional component of all membranes. Cholesterol is also utilized in the wrapping and synaptic delivery of the neurotransmitters. It also plays an important role in the formation and functioning of synapses in the brain. (Study here.)

They point to several studies that show that there is a lack of cholesterol in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients which is so vital for several functions, and also note that other studies show this cholesterol deficiency in dementia and Parkinson’s disease as well. In contrast, high cholesterol levels are positively correlated with longevity in people over 85 years old, and in some cases has been shown to be associated with better memory function and reduced dementia.
In 2012, another study looked at the effects of statin cholesterol-lowering drugs on Alzheimer’s patients. The patients in the study had their statin medication stopped for six weeks, and then restarted. The results showed that during the six weeks when their statins were stopped, the basic brain function of the individuals improved. When the drugs were restarted, brain function got worse again. (Study here.)
So if statin cholesterol-lowering drugs are part of the problem in causing Alzheimer’s Disease, can we really expect that pharmaceutical companies will be able to develop drugs to cure Alzheimer’s?

Coconut Oil is More Successful than Drugs in Treating Alzheimer’s Disease

I realize that to make a statement that coconut oil is more successful than drugs in treating Alzheimer’s Disease is not much of a statement at all, if drugs are one of the primary problems. Quitting pharmaceutical drugs altogether and doing nothing else is probably better than taking drugs to treat Alzheimer’s.
The anecdotal evidence of the success in stopping, and even reversing, Alzheimer’s in some people using coconut oil, however, is so remarkable, that it is foolish to discount what this simple dietary oil can do. After all, it is a fact that Alzheimer’s drugs have been a huge failure until now.
There is currently one trial ongoing looking at the effects of coconut oil on Alzheimer’s Disease. It was started in 2013 at the University of South Florida’s Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute. They have a study currently in progress where they have enrolled 65 individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s to measure the effects of coconut oil, versus a placebo, on the disease. The funding reportedly came from a private foundation, as there is obviously no interest or government funds available to research coconut oil, since it would not bring any profit to pharmaceutical companies with their billions of dollars in revenue and government tax-payer funded research dollars at stake. Read more about the study here.
People all across America, and around the world, are not waiting for the results of research trials however. Many people with Alzheimer’s Disease are already seeing a huge improvement, and in some cases a full reversal, of the disease after starting with coconut oil. Here is a partial list of testimonials that we have published here at Health Impact News:

• Coconut Oil Lifts Brain Fog and Stops Memory Loss for 65 Year Old Women
• Film to be Made of Father’s Recovery from Alzheimer’s with Coconut Oil
• Canadian Man Swears by Coconut Oil as Alzheimer’s Remedy
• Woman with End-stage Alzheimer’s Sees Improvement in One Week after Starting Coconut Oil
• Coconut Oil Reverses Dementia in 100 Year Old Woman
• Coconut Oil Reverses the Effects of Alzheimer’s in 50 Year Old Woman
• Alzheimer’s and Coconut Oil: How coconut oil gave me back my brain
• Woman with Dementia Sees Improved Memory and Better Conversation Skills after Starting Coconut Oil
• Coconut Oil Gave my Grandma Back to Us!

Why Does Coconut Oil Work in Treating Alzheimer’s?

The first thing we should make clear is that not everyone who tries coconut oil with dementia or Alzheimer’s sees the same results as reported in these testimonials. Coconut oil does seem to be more effective in those who do not have advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and are still in the earlier stages, although we have seen a few testimonials for late-stage Alzheimer’s as well (See: Woman with End-stage Alzheimer’s Sees Improvement in One Week after Starting Coconut Oil)
However, if we look at Alzheimer’s Disease as a “type 3″ diabetes and an insulin resistance problem, coconut oil makes a lot of sense, as does a ketogenic high-fat diet. Coconut oil is known as a rich source of ketone energy, supplying an alternate form of energy to the brain. In fact, pharmaceutical companies are currently trying to develop drugs that mimic the same “ketonic” effect that can be achieved via a high-fat diet. (See: Study: Coconut Oil Could Prevent Neurodegeneration in Diseases like Alzheimer’s)
To learn more about the ketogenic diet, insulin resistance, coconut oil, and treating Alzheimer’s disease, watch this very informative round table discussion with 5 medical doctors, science author Gary Taubes, and nutritionist Robb Wolf:

Also, if the brain is being starved of cholesterol, coconut oil might provide benefits by increasing HDL cholesterol levels. A study appearing in the American Journal of Cardiology in February 2011 showed that the higher men’s HDL cholesterol levels, the longer they lived and the more likely it was that they would reach the age of 85. (Study abstract.)
The high-fat low-carb ketogenic diet has been around since the 1920s, when it was developed at John Hopkins. But it fell out of favor with doctors after the USDA dietary guidelines started condemning saturated fats and cholesterol.
However, the research linking saturated fats and cholesterol to heart disease has never been based on solid data. Recent research has completely exonerated saturated fat from being associated with heart disease. A 2010 meta-study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition looked at almost 350,000 people over a 23 year period and found no association between saturated fat and heart disease. (Study abstract.) A similar meta-study was conducted and published in May of 2013, analyzing the existing medical literature regarding dietary fats and heart disease in the journal Advances in Nutrition. (See: Study: Saturated Fat Not Associated with Risk of Coronary Artery Disease, Coconut Oil and Dairy Fat Healthy)
So if we remove our bias against cholesterol and saturated fat, we begin to see why the ketogenic diet has been so effective for so many neurological disorders over the years. It was originally developed as a dietary cure for children with epilepsy, and worked when drugs did not. (See: Ketogenic Diet Can be used to Control Seizures) Dr. Eugene Arnold of the Ohio State University Medical Center has also studied how a lack of cholesterol can be a contributing factor to autism. (See Adding Cholesterol to Diet Reduces Autism Symptoms)

Dietary Guidelines for Using Coconut Oil in Alzheimer’s Prevention and Cure

One of the criticisms against coconut oil for Alzheimer’s treatment is that it is not well-tolerated by many people. The primary reason this criticism is made, we believe, is because people read these testimonials of how coconut oil has worked so effectively and immediately begin consuming large amounts of coconut oil. In many of the stories that have been reported, seniors are consuming a tremendous amount of coconut oil. Some people are consuming 3 tablespoons three times a day, for a total of 9 tablespoons a day.
For almost all people, this will cause a lot of problems, such as diarrhea. Most people do not tolerate large amounts of coconut oil or other fats right away. One must start out slow with the amount of coconut oil they can tolerate, and then gradually increase the amount to see the desired effect. Also, it is best to start out consuming coconut oil with other foods that are high in protein and fiber, as this is how it is packaged in nature within the coconut meat. Many people mix it in with oatmeal, for example. While oatmeal is not a desirable food allowed in a strict ketogenic diet limiting carbohydrates, the importance of acclimating the body to coconut oil should be seen as more important in the beginning, before moving on to a more strict ketogenic diet.
Nine tablespoons a day is the upper limit of what we have seen people report for therapeutic amounts for Alzheimer’s or other neurological diseases such as ALS. Many others report therapeutic amounts at 3 tablespoons a day, although even that amount is probably too much for most people to start. Much smaller amounts, such a teaspoon at a time mixed with other foods, is best to start and then work slowly towards higher amounts.
As to the type of coconut oil to consume, virgin coconut oil is best, as it is the least processed. Organic is not as important, as very few coconut trees in tropical climates have pesticides applied to them. However, even refined coconut oil has the same medium chain fatty acids that are responsible for the ketogenic effect. So if a cheaper refined coconut oil is all you can afford, don’t be afraid to buy it thinking it is something “bad” simply because it is refined. As long as it is not hydrogenated, it is still a healthy oil. We are not aware of any hydrogenated edible coconut oils sold in the U.S. market, but there may be some in tropical countries where they want to keep the coconut oil solid in higher temperatures.  Virgin coconut oils, particularly traditionally produced virgin coconut oils, have higher amounts of antioxidants and possibly other nutrients, so they are preferable if you can afford them.
The one “coconut oil” that is best to avoid is “liquid coconut oil” or what is sometimes referred to as “MCT Oil.” This is not a true coconut oil, but a manufactured product where coconut oil is fractionated, and lauric acid is removed. Lauric acid is the most dominant, and most important, component of coconut oil, and the only other natural abundant source is human breast milk. Lauric acid is a valuable ingredient that is often removed from coconut oil, and the remaining oil left over is what is marketed as “liquid coconut oil” or “MCT Oil.” For more information on this see: Is Liquid Coconut Oil that stays Liquid in Your Refrigerator Real Coconut Oil?

Conclusion: Diet and Prevention is the Best Strategy to Avoid or Reverse Alzheimer’s Disease

There is strong evidence that one of the main contributing factors for Alzheimer’s Disease is a diet too low in fats and excessive pharmaceutical drugs. The low-fat dietary advice, and the demonization of cholesterol, has led to poor health and the development of worthless and harmful statin drugs. The data and evidence on the health benefits of coconut oil and the ketogenic diet is overwhelming today, not only for Alzheimer’s Disease, but for a whole host of other diseases as well.
Research more about the Ketogenic Diet here. For more research on coconut oil and Alzheimer’s Disease, visit the CoconutOil.com’s Alzheimer’s research page. You can also read many research studies on cholesterol and saturated fat at CoconutOil.com.
- See more at: http://healthimpactnews.com/2014/new-alzheimers-drugs-continue-to-fail-where-coconut-oil-shines/#sthash.SIFCWjPu.dpuf

This is What Happens To Your Body If You Drink Warm Honey Lemon Water In The Morning

Reposted from BillyDie
https://billydie.wordpress.com/2014/12/03/this-is-what-happens-to-your-body-if-you-drink-warm-honey-lemon-water-in-the-morning/

Adding lemon to water not only quenches thirst better than any other beverage, but it also nourishes our body with vitamins, minerals and trace elements which we absolutely need. Lemon with water can be considered the best natural energy booster. When we wake up in the morning, our bodily tissues are dehydrated and are in need of water to push out toxins and rejuvenate the cells. In other words, this homemade “lemonade” helps eliminate internal toxins, regulating proper kidney and digestive tract functions by forcing them to work as smoothly as possible.
20 Unbelievable Reasons To Start Your Day With Water and Lemon

1. Water with lemon provides the body with electrolytes which hydrate your body. As lemons contain good amount of electrolytes such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.
2. Water with lemon is good for the joints, reducing pain in the joints and muscles.
3. Warm water with lemon helps digestion as lemon contains citric acid. It interacts with other enzymes and acids which easily stimulate the secretion of gastric juice and digestion.
4. The liver produces more enzymes from water with lemon than from any other food.
5. Water with lemon cleanses the liver. Lemon juice stimulates the liver to release toxins.
6. Water with Lemon helps fight infections of the respiratory tract, sore throats and inflammation of the tonsils. This is due to the anti-inflammatory properties of lemon.
7. Warm water with lemon helps regulate natural bowel movement.
8. Water with lemon is indispensable for the normal work of metabolism. Since lemon is a powerful antioxidant, it protects the body from free radicals and strengthens the immune system.
9. Water with lemon aids in proper functioning of the nervous system (as lemon has a high content of potassium). Depression and anxiety are often the result of low levels of potassium in the blood. The nervous system needs a sufficient amount of potassium to ensure sustainable signals to the heart.
10. Water with lemon cleanses blood, blood vessels and arteries.
11. Water with lemon can help lower blood pressure. A daily intake of one lemon can reduce high blood pressure by 10%.
12. Water with lemon creates an alkalizing effect in the body. Even if you drink it immediately before a meal, it can help your body maintain a higher level of pH. The higher the pH, the more your body is able to fight diseases.
13. Water with lemon is good for the skin. Vitamin C in lemon, improves our skin by rejuvenating the body. Drinking water with lemon regularly (every morning) will improve the condition of your skin.
14. Water with lemon helps to dilute uric acid, the built up of which leads to pain in the joints and gout.
15. Water with lemon is beneficial for pregnant women. Since lemons are loaded with Vitamin C, it acts as an adaptogen helping the body cope with viruses such as colds. Furthermore, vitamin C helps the formation of bone tissue of the unborn baby. At the same time, due to the high content of potassium, a mixture of water with lemon helps forming cells of the brain and nervous system of the baby.
16. Water with lemon relieves heartburn. For this, mix a teaspoon of lemon juice in half a glass of water.
17. Water with lemon helps dissolve gallstones, kidney stones, pancreatic stones, and calcium deposits.
18. Water with lemon helps with weight loss. Lemons contain pectin fiber, which helps suppress hunger cravings. Studies have proven people with a better alkaline diet have lost weight faster.
19. Water with lemon helps with tooth pain and gingivitis.
20. Water with lemon prevents cancer. This is due to the fact that lemons are a highly alkaline food. Multiple studies have found that cancer cannot thrive in an alkaline environment.

How and when to drink water with lemon:
For this purpose, use warm purified or spring water. Take half a Cup of warm water without sugar and squeeze in there at least half of lemon or lime. Better to use a special juicer (to get the most juice with minimal effort). You can also use lemon essential oil. (where to find)
You need to drink water with lemon first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Some recommend a drink of water one hour before meals for maximum results.
So, when life gives you a bunch of lemons, make water with lemons.
Article originally published on Livingtraditionally.com .

10 Facts About Fluoride You Need To Know

Reposted from Dr. Mercola
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/01/13/10-important-fluoride-facts.aspx?x_cid=20150113_nonlead_10-important-fluoride-facts_facebookdoc

By Dr. Mercola

If you live in the US, where more than two-thirds of Americans receive fluoridated water, you may simply assume that it's always been that way. But this is not so. Water fluoridation began in 1945, despite the fact that fluoride is not an essential nutrient.
Quite the contrary, the fluoride added to drinking water is a toxic byproduct of the phosphate fertilizer industry. It is a poison to your body. In 1943, even the Journal of the American Medical Association stated that fluorides are general protoplasmic poisons that change the permeability of the cell membrane by certain enzymes.¹
Why is a toxic poison being intentionally added to drinking water in the name of good dentistry? Are your teeth really better off? And, more importantly, is the rest of your body?
In the video above, Michael Connett, an attorney with the Fluoride Action Network (FAN), answers these questions and summarizes 10 important facts about fluoride that everyone needs to know.²

10 Facts About Fluoride

1. Most Developed Countries Do Not Fluoridate Their Water

More people drink fluoridated water in the US alone than in the rest of the world combined. In Western Europe, for instance, 97 percent of the population drinks non-fluoridated water.

2. Fluoridated Countries Do Not Have Less Tooth Decay Than Non-Fluoridated Countries

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no discernible difference in tooth decay between developed countries that fluoridate their water and those that do not.³
The decline in tooth decay the US has experienced over the last 60 years, which is often attributed to fluoridated water, has likewise occurred in all developed countries (most of which do not fluoridate their water).

3. Fluoride Affects Many Tissues in Your Body Besides Your Teeth

Many assume that consuming fluoride is only an issue that involves your dental health. But according to a 500-page scientific review, fluoride is an endocrine disruptor that can affect your bones, brain, thyroid gland, pineal gland and even your blood sugar levels.⁴
There have been over 40 human studies and 100 animal studies linking fluoride to brain damage,⁵ including lower IQ in children, and studies have shown that fluoride toxicity can lead to a wide variety of health problems, including:

Increased lead absorption	Disrupts synthesis of collagen	Hyperactivity and/or lethargy	Muscle disorders
Thyroid disease	Arthritis	Dementia	Bone fractures
Lowered thyroid function	Bone cancer (osteosarcoma)	Inactivates 62 enzymes and inhibits more than 100	Inhibited formation of antibodies
Genetic damage and cell death	Increased tumor and cancer rate	Disrupted immune system	Damaged sperm and increased infertility

4. Fluoridation Is Not a "Natural" Process

The fluoride added to most water supplies is not the naturally occurring variety but rather fluorosilicic acid, which is captured in air pollution control devices of the phosphate fertilizer industry. As FAN reported:

"This captured fluoride acid is the most contaminated chemical added to public water supplies, and may impose additional risks to those presented by natural fluorides.
These risks include a possible cancer hazard from the acid's elevated arsenic content, and a possible neurotoxic hazard from the acid's ability--under some conditions--to increase the erosion of lead from old pipes."

5. 40% of American Teenagers Show Visible Signs of Fluoride Over-Exposure

About 40 percent of American teens have dental fluorosis,⁵ a condition that refers to changes in the appearance of tooth enamel that are caused by long-term ingestion of fluoride during the time teeth are forming. In some areas, fluorosis rates are as high as 70-80 percent, with some children suffering from advanced forms.
It's likely this is a sign that children are receiving large amounts of fluoride from multiple sources, including not only drinking water but also fluoride toothpaste, processed beverages/foods, fluoride pesticides, tea, non-stick pans, and some fluorinated drugs.
So not only do we need to address the issue of water fluoridation, but how this exposure is magnified by other sources of fluoride that are now common.
It's also important to realize that dental fluorosis is NOT "just cosmetic." It can also be an indication that the rest of your body, such as your bones and internal organs, including your brain, have been overexposed to fluoride as well.
In other words, if fluoride is having a visually detrimental effect on the surface of your teeth, you can be virtually guaranteed that it's also damaging other parts of your body, such as your bones.

6. For Infants, Fluoridated Water Provides No Benefits, Only Risks

By keeping the levels of fluoride extremely low in mothers’ milk nature protects the newborn baby but fluoridation removes that protection. Infants who consume formula made with fluoridated tap water may consume up to 1,200 micrograms of fluoride, or about 100 times more than the recommended amounts.
Such "spikes" of fluoride exposure during infancy provide no known advantage to teeth, but they may be harmful. Babies given fluoridated water in their formula are not only more likely to develop dental fluorosis, but may also have reduced IQ scores.
In fact, a Harvard University meta-analysis funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) concluded that children who live in areas with highly fluoridated water have "significantly lower" IQ scores than those who live in low fluoride areas.⁷ The average lowering in the 27 studies reviewed was 7 IQ points.
A number of prominent dental researchers now advise that parents should not add fluoridated water to baby formula.

7. Fluoride Supplements Have Never Been Approved by the FDA

The fluoride supplements sometimes prescribed to those who are not drinking fluoridated water have not been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of tooth decay. In fact, the fluoride supplements that the FDA has reviewed have been rejected. "So with fluoridation, we are adding to the water a prescription-strength dose of a drug that has never been approved by the FDA," FAN noted.

8. Fluoride Is the Only Medicine Added to Public Water

Fluoride is added to drinking water to prevent a disease (tooth decay), and as such becomes a medicine by FDA definition. While proponents claim this is no different than adding vitamin D to milk, fluoride is not an essential nutrient. Many European nations have rejected fluoride for the very reason that delivering medication via the water supply would be inappropriate. Water fluoridation is a form of mass medication that denies you the right to decide which drugs to take.

9. Swallowing Fluoride Provides Little Benefit to Teeth

It is now widely recognized that fluoride's main benefit comes from topical contact with teeth, which even the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has acknowledged. Adding it to water and pills, which are swallowed, offers little, if any, benefit to your teeth.

10. Disadvantaged Communities Are the Most Disadvantaged by Fluoride

Fluoride toxicity is exacerbated by conditions that occur much more frequently in low-income areas. This includes:

• Nutrient deficiencies
• Infant formula consumption
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes

African American and Mexican American children have significantly higher rates of dental fluorosis, and many low-income urban communities also have severe oral health crises, despite decades of water fluoridation. FAN continues:

"The simple fact is that poor populations need dental care, not fluoridation chemicals in their water. The millions of dollars spent each year promoting fluoridation would be better spent advocating for policies that provide real dental care: like allowing dental therapists to provide affordable care to populations with little access to dentists. In short, fluoridation provides good PR for dental trade associations, but bad medicine for those it's supposedly meant to serve."

It should be added that the last children in the US that need to lose any IQ points are children from low-income families, precisely the children being targeted for fluoridation. They already have so many strikes against them, they don’t need any more.

Millions at Risk of Crippling Fluorosis

If there were any doubt about fluoride's toxicity, one need only look at what happens when people are exposed to high levels of naturally occurring fluoride in their drinking water. Fluoride is naturally occurring in some areas, leading to high levels in certain water supplies "naturally." Fluoridation advocates often use this to support its safety, however naturally occurring substances are not automatically safe (think of arsenic, for instance).What levels of such minerals that end up in water is a vagary of “geology” and “location” not an intervention of nature as the word ‘naturally” might imply. In fact, a far better guide as to what “nature’ thinks about fluoride is the level in mothers’ milk, which is extremely low (0.004 ppm).
Data from India's Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry indicate that nearly 49 million people are living in areas where fluoride levels in water are above the permissible levels. The World Health Organization recommends fluoride levels in drinking water stay between 0.8 and 1.2 milligrams (mg) per liter, and do not exceed 1.5 mg per liter. Exposure to levels above this amount may cause pitting of tooth enamel and fluoride deposits in your bones, while exposure to levels between 2 and 10 mg per liter may cause crippling skeletal fluorosis, as well as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and muscle spasms.
It's not only naturally occurring fluoride that can lead to high levels in your water, however. In one Australian town in 2013, a suspected electrical fault allowed fluoride levels to reach nearly double the guideline amount in local drinking water. The levels may have remained elevated around 2.8 mg per liter for several days. If fluoride exposure is high enough, it can cause irreparable damage to your body. Skeletal fluorosis goes through three stages, however, which makes sense since fluoride is a cumulative toxin. The more exposure you get, and the longer you get it, the worse your symptoms are likely to be. According to FAN, symptoms of early stage skeletal fluorosis include:

• Burning, prickling, and tingling in your limbs
• Muscle weakness
• Chronic fatigue
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Reduced appetite and weight loss

The second clinical stage of skeletal fluorosis is characterized by:

• Stiff joints and/or constant pain in your bones; brittle bones; and osteosclerosis
• Anemia
• Calcification of tendons, or ligaments of ribs and pelvis
• Osteoporosis in the long bones
• Bony spurs may also appear on your limb bones, especially around your knee, elbow, and on the surface of tibia and ulna

In advanced skeletal fluorosis (called crippling skeletal fluorosis), your extremities become weak and moving your joints difficult, and your vertebrae partially fuse together, effectively crippling you.

More Cities Abandon Water Fluoridation Due to Damaged Infrastructure

In 2014, at least 30 communities in North America and other countries providing water to nearly 10 million people (this included the whole State of Israel) decided to reject or end water fluoridation. Their reasons were many. In Amherst County, Virginia, for instance, The Service Authority Board voted to discontinue fluoridation because of conflicting opinions on what constitutes "optimal" levels of fluoride. The Wood Village City Council in Oregon decided against adding fluoride to the city's drinking water after polling residents… and finding 100 percent of them were against it. And in Buffalo Missouri, council members voted to end a decade of fluoridation, saying the additive damaged equipment and city trucks, and was not economical.
Also in 2014, councilors in Union, Missouri voted to end fluoridation after the city's public service committee recommended the city not repair fluoride injection equipment destroyed by the corrosive additive. According to the city engineer, "It's an acid and it eats the pipes. Employees are handling it and they don't want to be."⁷ This is just one more reason why increasing numbers of communities are opting out of water fluoridation. It's simply not cost effective for many and when you factor in the health risks, it becomes an easy decision to stop fluoridation.

For instance, in Amherst County, Virginia, FAN noted, "Several board supervisors felt that the additive was unnecessary and a waste of resources."⁸ Fairview and Purcell, two cities in Oklahoma, also recently joined the growing number of US communities that have stopped fluoridating their water, in these cases because of damaged infrastructure. As reported by The Oklahoman:⁹

"Paul Southwick, Fairview city manager, said a few years ago, a tornado damaged the city's water treatment equipment, leaving them without a way to fluoridate the water. At this point, it would be costly to replace the equipment… Dale Bunn, Purcell city manager and public works authority general manager, said they stopped fluoridating the water after an equipment failure that would be expensive to replace, probably costing tens of thousands of dollars. Plus, no one in the community seemed to be upset about the decision to stop fluoridating, he said."

Help End the Practice of Fluoridation

There's no doubt about it: fluoride should not be ingested. Even scientists from the EPA's National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory have classified fluoride as a "chemical having substantial evidence of developmental neurotoxicity." Furthermore, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 41 percent of American adolescents now have dental fluorosis—unattractive discoloration and mottling of the teeth that indicate overexposure to fluoride. Clearly, children are being overexposed, and their health and development put in jeopardy. Why?
The only real solution is to stop the archaic practice of water fluoridation in the first place. Fortunately, the Fluoride Action Network has a game plan to END water fluoridation worldwide. Clean pure water is a prerequisite to optimal health. Industrial chemicals, drugs, and other toxic additives really have no place in our water supplies. So please, protect your drinking water and support the fluoride-free movement by making a tax-deductible donation to the Fluoride Action Network today.

Internet Resources Where You Can Learn More

I encourage you to visit the website of the Fluoride Action Network (FAN) and visit the links below:

• Like FAN on Facebook, follow on Twitter, and sign up for campaign alerts.
• 10 Facts About Fluoride: As seen above, attorney Michael Connett summarizes 10 basic facts about fluoride that should be considered in any discussion about whether to fluoridate water. Also see 10 Facts Handout (PDF).
• 50 Reasons to Oppose Fluoridation: Learn why fluoridation is a bad medical practice that is unnecessary and ineffective. Download PDF.
• If you have a little more time read the book co-authored by Michael’s father, retired chemistry professor Paul Connett, The Case Against Fluoride by Connett, Beck and Micklem (Chelsea Green, 2010)
• Health Effects Database: FAN's database sets forth the scientific basis for concerns regarding the safety and effectiveness of ingesting fluorides. They also have a Study Tracker with the most up-to-date and comprehensive source for studies on fluoride's effects on human health.

When you examine these well-documented resources you will appreciate that the constant denigration of opponents of fluoridation is both unwarranted and underlines that the continued promotion of this outdated practice has more to do with politics than science.