MTHFR informational videos

Posted by on

I’ve collect 3 short videos on MTHFR that are worth watching if you are interested in this particular relatively common gene polymorphism. The first gives some background and talks about the link to fibromyalgia. The second gives more information and talks about the links to autism. The third ultimately pitches a product but I think the personal story is well told and one that some people will be able to relate. There are some great longer lectures on MTHFR online which I will post at a later date.

Continue reading ‘MTHFR informational videos’ »

Some research on Autism involving genetics and environmental factors

Posted by on

I think I started trying to find the evidence linking MTHFR with Autism and came across some interesting studies suggesting that a combination of genetic and environmental factors (including toxin exposure and/or nutrient deficiency) might be one model for the development of Autism. Obviously if Autism had a simple, single cause it seems almost certain that it would have been identified. More complex models are more difficult to study but ultimately essential to our understanding. Continue reading ‘Some research on Autism involving genetics and environmental factors’ »

Watching Jack LaLanne

Posted by on

So I came across old Jack LaLanne videos and have been watching them and enjoying them immensely. I don’t agree with everything he says or recommends with regard to diet but his passion for trying to educate people and inspire them to make positive changes to their lifestyles is infectious. Here are some of my favorites:

And here’s Jack at age 80 on Dateline:

The Meatrix

Posted by on

The Meatrix is a educational series of videos that raises the issue of factory farming and challenges the misconceptions held by many people that the animal products they consume are raised on small family farms. It is worth watching.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 2 1/2:

Research on properly preparing pork

Posted by on

The Weston A Price Foundation has been doing some live blood analysis research on the effects of pork consumption on red blood cells. They find that when pork is not properly prepared the red blood cells tend to clump together after ingestion. However, they have identified 2 methods to mitigate this:

  1. Marinating in vinegar (Chinese/Asian style)
  2. Consuming with sauerkraut (German/European style)

This is not to say that people should consume pork; certainly most pork in the US is of poor quality from sick and tortured pigs and I suspect there may be significant differences (genetic, epigenetic, microbiome) in individuals’ ability to properly digest and assimilate pork. This research does strongly suggest that people who do choose to eat pork should prepare and consume it properly.

Why giving up “news” is good for you

Posted by on

So I will quibble about whether what is called “news” in the US is worthy of that label rather than something like “fear-based narcissistic infotainment”. Still I think this may be one of the best articles I’ve read in a long time that echoes my feelings toward “news” specifically and consumption of media in general. As people gain awareness to the importance of how their food, and non-food, consumption choices effect their body and mind, they should also consider the consumption of information, and non-information, will similarly effect their body and mind. Much of the media consumption serves little to no useful purpose but promotes stress, fear, anger, and more, which take a toll on the body and the mind. This article is a must-read:

Out of the approximately 10,000 news stories you have read in the last 12 months, name one that – because you consumed it – allowed you to make a better decision about a serious matter affecting your life, your career or your business. The point is: the consumption of news is irrelevant to you.

News is bad for you – and giving up reading it will make you happier | Media | The Guardian

Dr. Walter Schmitt on Biotics Methylfolate Plus

Posted by on

I think high quality methylfolate supplementation may be an important emerging tool. This quote caught my eye and I think it’s worth raising awareness of:

“We have had patients respond to 5-MTHF with such diverse symptoms as chemical sensitivities, irritable bowel syndrome, mental and physical fatigue, autoimmune problems, recurrent infections, and so on.  Patients with mental or emotional problems including depression often show a need for 5-MTHF.  In fact, 5-MTHR is one of the first nutrients we test in any difficult patient, especially those who have seen other doctors with little results.” – Dr. Walter Schmit

http://www.bioticsnw.com/content/methylfolate-plus%E2%84%A2-0