11 Temmuz 2012 Çarşamba
10 Temmuz 2012 Salı
9 Temmuz 2012 Pazartesi
Review: Bumble Bar
There are several flavors of Bumble Bars, although I’ve only had the original, cherry, tropical fruit, and apricot flavors. My mom brought me these bars from the Sprouts store in Texas. We took these on our camping trip and ate them in the car, hence the fancy map background on the pictures.
These bars are interesting because they are nuts/seeds held together with agave nectar. So, the bars are flexible and they kinda fall apart while you’re eating them (so it was a little difficult to eat in the car). They are really quite yummy, but a little sticky.
I enjoyed the apricot flavor the best, but most people in the car liked the tropical fruit more. Although, I have to admit that I felt really healthy and free spirited eating something that is comprised only of dried fruit and seeds. The bars have only a tad bit of sweet flavor, so they aren’t very sugary.
All in all, I enjoy them more so than most bars. My only problem is that I don’t understand where the bumble bee theme on the bars came from since there is no honey in the bars. Bumble Bars, please answer me that!
Review: Hansen's Cakes
So, I'm getting married in October in Los Angeles (exciting!). But, along with the excitement comes the stress of planning a gluten free wedding. Everyone has told me that you won't really eat at your wedding, you are always SO busy. I don't care! I want my wedding to be gluten free! :D
The biggest worry is the cake! So, I contact the only GF bakery in Los Angeles, The Sensitive Baker. I love these guys. Their stuff is amazing. Really, it's the best stuff I've found that I haven't made from stratch myself. Granted, the price tag is a little high, but the food is awesome. I've had cakes from here before for birthdays, etc. So I know that this place is great.
I go and talk to the Sensitive Baker. Apparently, they don't really feel comfortable decorating elaborate cakes. They also don't do tiered cakes. Sadness. But, the woman told me that they bake cakes and then send them over to this bakery called Hansen's Cakes. They try to sell me on it by saying that movie stars shop there (which is the most common thing said about ANY store in LA... this is LA people, you can't impress me with movie stars... they are everywhere).
So I made an appointment there at their main showroom, explained that I had Celiac's, and off I went with my fiance.
THE EXPERIENCE WAS COMPLETELY TERRIBLE!!! Do NOT go to this bakery. I have probably never had as bad of an experience with a company in my life!
When I show up, the woman that I met with was insulting. Every idea I had she looked at me like I had said something offensive. I ask for was a two-tiered white wedding cake with a blue ribbon around each tier (I bring a picture from Martha Stewart Wedding, I want something simple). "You want your cake to be white?!?" "You want your cake to have blue on it?" Every time she gave me this horrible face that basically said, "Well, if you want to ruin your wedding, go right ahead!"
Then comes the cake tasting. They bring me a plate that has white cake and chocolate cake (even though their website says that they offer more varieties, as did the Sensitive Baker). I look at the guy who brought me the cake test pieces and ask, "These are the gluten free ones, right?!?" He looks at me and says, "Oh, I don't know. I just got it from the kitchen." I look at him and say, "Well, can you please check because if I eat this and it's not then I will be very sick for three days." The saleswoman tries to get me to go ahead and eat the pieces he brought. Hum... NO?!? I get sick if I eat a piece of lettuce that touched a cruton, there is NO way I'm flat out eating that much flour!
After the guy returns and assures me the cake he gave was GF, we taste it. The cake they served was NOT the Sensitive Bakers. The cake was dry, terrible tasting, and falling apart. I've had cakes and cupcakes from the Sensitive Baker many times and this was not that! A GF cake mix you get from a store is WAY better!
No one could tell me what of the fillings was gluten free and each person I talked to told me something different. I finally talked to one person who actually seemed to know what was going on and he grabbed me a printout of the ingredients for the cakes. I tell him that the cake ingredients don't look like something that the Sensitive Baker would make and that it sure didn't taste like their recipe. He said that they say that they take the cakes from the Sensitive Baker, but apparently they have started making their own recipe!?!
I went and complained to The Sensitive Baker. The saleswoman woman there told me that this was the first that they had heard of this and they were shocked that Hansen's was selling gluten free cake that wasn't theirs (in violation of their contract... opps!). From the sound of it, doesn't look like Hansen's will have the Sensitive Baker's business for much longer. I'm not sad at all.
So I'm currently trying to work out something. My caterer is seeing if he can find someone else decorate a Sensitive Baker cake for. He said that he uses Cake Divas to decorate vegan cakes from a vegan bakery all the time so we are currently talking with them to see if we could work something out.
In conclusion, DON'T go to Hansen's. The terrible reviews they have online are COMPLETELY true! Don't risked getting glutened (and terrible cake) from this place!!!
It's Spring and the Battle Begins Part 2 - Ants
Ants can be a real nuisance. One forgotten piece of candy or a few dropped crumbs can attract armies of ants! I've seen ants come under the front door and march all the way to the kitchen in search of food. They don't need much space to invade an area and even a tiny hole in the foundation of a house can be a gateway for ants. Ants have even managed to get into hospitals and into closed iv bottles!
Frustrated With Ants
One year, I had such a problem with ants in my house that I was literally in tears. I tried using ant spray. I tried using ant bait, and nothing worked. The ants got into my cat's food - the dry, and the wet food I put out for her dinner. They found the bag of dry cat food and it was so full of ants I had to throw away the whole bag. The ants got onto the counter and into the bread. They got into the cabinets and into a closed container of molasses. They discovered the cabinet containing a bag of brown sugar. They climbed around on my clean dishes! The ants were coming from everywhere - they even came through a tiny hole by the door of the guest room, marched down the hall, into the kitchen, and being attracted to the smell, they got into the microwave. I vacuumed and swept and mopped up ants; I cleaned and recleaned the cabinets and re-washed the dishes until I was ready to break down and cry! But I don't have an ant problem anymore.
What Works for My Ant Problem
I finally found something that works - "Ortho Home Defense Max." Following the directions, every Spring I spray the outside of my house along the foundation, the bottom of the window frames, the bottom of the doors. Inside, I use the spray as directed, except in the kitchen. I don't like using bug spray in the kitchen, so I have another product on hand just in case the ants find a way to sneak in - Orange Glo furniture cleaner and polish! The ants hate the orange odor and will turn and head the other way! If I notice a few stray ants, I try to determine where they are coming from and just spray a squirt of Orange Glo. I also wipe up the ant "trails" where they've been traveling because they leave scent for the other ants to follow.
And just for good measure, when I do my Spring cleaning, I polish my kitchen cabinets with Orange Glo; the cabinets are shiny and clean, the smell is pleasant, and, at least at my house, it is an ant deterrent!
Note - My sister, on my recommendation, also uses Ortho Home Defense Max, but she only uses it on an as-needed basis. For example: if she spots ants coming through a particular window, she sprays only that window frame. If you don't have a big ant problem, that might be an option!
It's Spring and the Battle Begins Part 3 - Carpenter Bees
I have a problem with Carpenter Bees at my house and it's a battle I've been fighting for years!
Carpenter Bees, which look like big bumblebees, drill perfectly round holes into anything wooden - wood siding, wooden door frames, wooden lawn furniture. Once they drill into the wood, they make a sharp turn and tunnel another several inches and make their nest.
Generally, the female (which CAN sting) stays inside the nest, while the male (which CAN'T sting) spends a good amount of time outside the nest, buzzing around and divebombing anything and anyone that comes near.
Once you have Carpenter Bees, they can be hard to get rid of - the next generation, and the generation after that and so on, will continue to live in the same place. After a few years, a wooden fence can look like a Carpenter Bee condo. A bad infestation may require a professional exterminator.
If you have only a few, some people suggest putting "Sevin Dust" into the nest, and then plugging up the hole.
You can plug the Carpenter Bee hole with a wad of aluminum foil, and a piece of dowel cut to fit. Then, cover it with wood putty.
During the Spring, I keep an eye out for Carpenter Bees when I'm outside. If I notice one on the siding or door frame, I squish it.
If you spot a little pile of sawdust on the ground, look above it for a Carpenter Bee nest. If I notice a newly drilled Carpenter Bee hole, I sometimes stick a pebble into it - that stops the Carpenter Bees from coming and going, and makes the hole easy to spot so I can fix it later.
Creative Ways to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees
Carpenter Bees are difficult to get rid of, the males are annoying, and some people have come up with some very creative ideas about how to eliminate them. I've read about people who squirt the divebombing male Carpenter Bees with squirt guns; others have suggested smacking them with a tennis racquet while enjoying a cold beverage. One person I read about shoots them with a BB gun!
My preferred method is swatting the male Carpenter Bees with a badminton racquet and stomping them when they hit the ground. It works pretty well, but I imagine the neighbors wonder what I'm doing wandering around outside my house swinging a badminton racquet! If they ever ask, maybe I'll hand them a racquet.
It's Spring and the Battle Begins Part 5 - Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are not only annoying, they can also carry disease. They breed in standing water so when Spring comes, it's time to look around the yard and get rid of anything that might be a potential breeding ground. A small piece of plastic blown in from the neighbors yard and stuck in a shrub can become a mighty mosquito nursery!
Also check out your gutters to make sure they aren't clogged - if you notice a swarm of mosquitoes near the roofline, you might have a problem!
Mosquito Targets
Some people attract mosquitoes more than other people do. I read once that researchers had discovered this phenomenon also happens in cows - some cows attract mosquitoes, others do not - so the researchers were studying the cows, and what made them different, to try to come up with a better mosquito repellent for people who are mosquito targets.
Unfortunately, I am a mosquito target. I've complained to my hubby - who the mosquitoes ignore - that the pests seem to come for miles to get to me.
If a mosquito has made it's way into our house, it will find me - usually at night after I turn off the light and try to go to sleep. Just when I start to doze off, I hear "bzzzz!" I swat in the darkness, it quiets for a moment and then "bzzzz!"
I have discovered, though, that if a mosquito is buzzing me at night, if I turn on the light, the pest will usually go up and land on the ceiling.
Now there are ways to kill a mosquito on the ceiling - a flyswatter if you can reach it, snapping it with a towel if you have a good aim, but a dry sponge mop makes a great mosquito squisher!
Change The Window Screens
If you have a bad mosquito problem, you may need to change your window screens. You can get ready-made replacement window screens or you can get the materials and make your own. Hubby and I replaced our screens last year. We decided to make our own and it was an easy weekend project. We found everything we needed at Lowes - including an instruction pamphlet. If you don't have a Lowes in your area, most hardware stores would probably have when you need.
The screening material is available in two colors and several styles; we chose a finer mesh screen because living across the lane from a farm with a pond makes our place a mosquito retreat.
There is also pet resistant screening material available if your furry friend thinks claws and window screens make a great combo!
End of the Series
And thus ends my series of posts about my Spring Battles, though at some point in the future I may share the story of my Spring battle which I didn't win involving tent caterpillars, a big stick and a blow torch.
8 Temmuz 2012 Pazar
It's Spring and the Battle Begins Part 2 - Ants
Ants can be a real nuisance. One forgotten piece of candy or a few dropped crumbs can attract armies of ants! I've seen ants come under the front door and march all the way to the kitchen in search of food. They don't need much space to invade an area and even a tiny hole in the foundation of a house can be a gateway for ants. Ants have even managed to get into hospitals and into closed iv bottles!
Frustrated With Ants
One year, I had such a problem with ants in my house that I was literally in tears. I tried using ant spray. I tried using ant bait, and nothing worked. The ants got into my cat's food - the dry, and the wet food I put out for her dinner. They found the bag of dry cat food and it was so full of ants I had to throw away the whole bag. The ants got onto the counter and into the bread. They got into the cabinets and into a closed container of molasses. They discovered the cabinet containing a bag of brown sugar. They climbed around on my clean dishes! The ants were coming from everywhere - they even came through a tiny hole by the door of the guest room, marched down the hall, into the kitchen, and being attracted to the smell, they got into the microwave. I vacuumed and swept and mopped up ants; I cleaned and recleaned the cabinets and re-washed the dishes until I was ready to break down and cry! But I don't have an ant problem anymore.
What Works for My Ant Problem
I finally found something that works - "Ortho Home Defense Max." Following the directions, every Spring I spray the outside of my house along the foundation, the bottom of the window frames, the bottom of the doors. Inside, I use the spray as directed, except in the kitchen. I don't like using bug spray in the kitchen, so I have another product on hand just in case the ants find a way to sneak in - Orange Glo furniture cleaner and polish! The ants hate the orange odor and will turn and head the other way! If I notice a few stray ants, I try to determine where they are coming from and just spray a squirt of Orange Glo. I also wipe up the ant "trails" where they've been traveling because they leave scent for the other ants to follow.
And just for good measure, when I do my Spring cleaning, I polish my kitchen cabinets with Orange Glo; the cabinets are shiny and clean, the smell is pleasant, and, at least at my house, it is an ant deterrent!
Note - My sister, on my recommendation, also uses Ortho Home Defense Max, but she only uses it on an as-needed basis. For example: if she spots ants coming through a particular window, she sprays only that window frame. If you don't have a big ant problem, that might be an option!
It's Spring and the Battle Begins Part 3 - Carpenter Bees
I have a problem with Carpenter Bees at my house and it's a battle I've been fighting for years!
Carpenter Bees, which look like big bumblebees, drill perfectly round holes into anything wooden - wood siding, wooden door frames, wooden lawn furniture. Once they drill into the wood, they make a sharp turn and tunnel another several inches and make their nest.
Generally, the female (which CAN sting) stays inside the nest, while the male (which CAN'T sting) spends a good amount of time outside the nest, buzzing around and divebombing anything and anyone that comes near.
Once you have Carpenter Bees, they can be hard to get rid of - the next generation, and the generation after that and so on, will continue to live in the same place. After a few years, a wooden fence can look like a Carpenter Bee condo. A bad infestation may require a professional exterminator.
If you have only a few, some people suggest putting "Sevin Dust" into the nest, and then plugging up the hole.
You can plug the Carpenter Bee hole with a wad of aluminum foil, and a piece of dowel cut to fit. Then, cover it with wood putty.
During the Spring, I keep an eye out for Carpenter Bees when I'm outside. If I notice one on the siding or door frame, I squish it.
If you spot a little pile of sawdust on the ground, look above it for a Carpenter Bee nest. If I notice a newly drilled Carpenter Bee hole, I sometimes stick a pebble into it - that stops the Carpenter Bees from coming and going, and makes the hole easy to spot so I can fix it later.
Creative Ways to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees
Carpenter Bees are difficult to get rid of, the males are annoying, and some people have come up with some very creative ideas about how to eliminate them. I've read about people who squirt the divebombing male Carpenter Bees with squirt guns; others have suggested smacking them with a tennis racquet while enjoying a cold beverage. One person I read about shoots them with a BB gun!
My preferred method is swatting the male Carpenter Bees with a badminton racquet and stomping them when they hit the ground. It works pretty well, but I imagine the neighbors wonder what I'm doing wandering around outside my house swinging a badminton racquet! If they ever ask, maybe I'll hand them a racquet.
It's Spring and the Battle Begins Part 4 - Yardwork
Real Women Use Chainsaws!
I'm busy every Spring with yardwork - trimming hedges, cutting down "junk trees" that grow like weeds, using weed killer on thistles and nasty climbing vines. But for my heavy duty work like cutting broken branches off of my fruit trees, or cutting up fallen branches, I use a chainsaw. Yes, real women use chainsaws!
Years ago one of my cousins spoke excitedly about how her husband had bought a chainsaw for her, and I laughed. I'm not laughing now! I have cut thick branches with a handsaw, but the older I get, the harder that job is becoming. A chainsaw cuts through a branch like it is butter, and it's a lot easier on my old muscles!
Do Your Research
I did my research before I purchased my chainsaw. My hubby liked the idea of a gas powered chainsaw, but they can be very heavy. Though dragging a cord around the yard is a nuisance, I chose an electric chainsaw because it was lighter in weight, and easier for me to handle - and since I was going to be the one using it....
But the chainsaw I chose, a Poulan, was powerful enough for the type of cutting I'd be using it for.
If you want to buy a chainsaw - do your research. Chainsaws come in different sizes, and with different cutting capabilities.
And if you purchase an electric chainsaw, don't forget to buy heavy duty electric cords if you, or your hubby, don't have them already!
Safety!
If you use a chainsaw, make sure to wear long sleeves, long pants, gloves, and goggles! And if you have long hair, make sure to tie it back!
I also make sure my hubby is around when I'm using my chainsaw, just on the off chance I have a mishap; I wouldn't want him to come home and find me bloody down the hill somewhere!
It's Spring and the Battle Begins Part 5 - Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are not only annoying, they can also carry disease. They breed in standing water so when Spring comes, it's time to look around the yard and get rid of anything that might be a potential breeding ground. A small piece of plastic blown in from the neighbors yard and stuck in a shrub can become a mighty mosquito nursery!
Also check out your gutters to make sure they aren't clogged - if you notice a swarm of mosquitoes near the roofline, you might have a problem!
Mosquito Targets
Some people attract mosquitoes more than other people do. I read once that researchers had discovered this phenomenon also happens in cows - some cows attract mosquitoes, others do not - so the researchers were studying the cows, and what made them different, to try to come up with a better mosquito repellent for people who are mosquito targets.
Unfortunately, I am a mosquito target. I've complained to my hubby - who the mosquitoes ignore - that the pests seem to come for miles to get to me.
If a mosquito has made it's way into our house, it will find me - usually at night after I turn off the light and try to go to sleep. Just when I start to doze off, I hear "bzzzz!" I swat in the darkness, it quiets for a moment and then "bzzzz!"
I have discovered, though, that if a mosquito is buzzing me at night, if I turn on the light, the pest will usually go up and land on the ceiling.
Now there are ways to kill a mosquito on the ceiling - a flyswatter if you can reach it, snapping it with a towel if you have a good aim, but a dry sponge mop makes a great mosquito squisher!
Change The Window Screens
If you have a bad mosquito problem, you may need to change your window screens. You can get ready-made replacement window screens or you can get the materials and make your own. Hubby and I replaced our screens last year. We decided to make our own and it was an easy weekend project. We found everything we needed at Lowes - including an instruction pamphlet. If you don't have a Lowes in your area, most hardware stores would probably have when you need.
The screening material is available in two colors and several styles; we chose a finer mesh screen because living across the lane from a farm with a pond makes our place a mosquito retreat.
There is also pet resistant screening material available if your furry friend thinks claws and window screens make a great combo!
End of the Series
And thus ends my series of posts about my Spring Battles, though at some point in the future I may share the story of my Spring battle which I didn't win involving tent caterpillars, a big stick and a blow torch.
Can Zinc and Selenium Counteract Mercury's Effects on ADHD and Autism?
Mercury, an unwanted side-effect of the omega-3 rich fish oil treatment strategy for both ADHD and autistic spectrum disorders may be counteracted by Selenium and Zinc:
It's a catch-22 of the ADHD world. We've been told to feed ourselves and our kids as much of the omega-3 rich cold water fish as we can muster in order to balance their dietary fats and the subsequent hormonal effects. On the other hand, we're supposed to curb our fish product consumption for fear of mercury. Are there any other options beyond digging into our wallets for the pricey low-mercury wild organic salmon of the Pacific?
Why mercury is so toxic for the brain:
In general, (as one would probably expect) if a metal or compound can be cleared from the body easily, then the risk of toxicity is generally much lower. However, if the material cannot be easily cleared from the system, it can begin to build up in specific tissues or regions of the body.
Unfortunately, the brain is one of those target organs that has an almost magnetic pull for the heavy metal. While the digestive system can partially metabolize mercury into organic mercury-containing compounds, these compounds can make their way across the protective blood-brain barrier (a barrier meant to restrict the access of chemicals in the blood from passing into the brain, however, several harmful organic compounds can make their way across this barrier with relative ease).
In general, fatty acids penetrate the blood brain barrier relatively well, and these important fish fats and oils can make perfect delivery vehicles for some of these toxic compounds. In other words, mercury in fish and fish oil products can be exceptionally hard to isolate or remove from the brain.
Further complicating the matter is the problem of oxidation, especially in the brain tissue. While all organs and tissues of the body can suffer from oxidative damage (think of the biochemical equivalent of rusting or corrosion), the brain, due to its high fat content, is especially susceptible to this harmful oxidation. It is here in the brain that the mercury can become trapped and promote these dangerous oxidative processes.
Mercury and corn syrup: A hidden danger for the ADHD child?
The sugar/hyperactivity debate has been around for ages, although most of the recent evidence often refutes this commonly held assertion. Nevertheless, several nutritionists swear by their convictions about this association. So who is right?
This blogger personally believes that there is an association between sugar and ADHD-like symptoms, but this connection is likely due to secondary factors. Let me explain:
Consumption of high concentrations of sugary foods and beverages can be a metabolically taxing and stressful process on the body. The enzyme systems necessary to metabolize high quantities of sugars are dependent on an ample supply of vitamin and mineral "cofactors" (these will be discussed in more detail later on in this post), or agents that help the enzymes function propertly.
If overtaxed (as by consuming large quantities of soda or candy, for example), these vitamin and mineral cofactors can be rapidly depleted. Common cofactors such as iron, copper, zinc and selenium can be depleted in glucose (sugar) metabolism.
Interestingly, deficiencies in zinc and iron (especially when comorbid sleep disorders including restless legs syndrome are present alongside the ADHD) are common in the ADHD population. In fact, iron may be the underpinning biological factor in an alleged genetic link between ADHD and restless legs syndrome. We will be discussing the role of selenium in ADHD shortly.
Additionally, this depletion can have an effect on the antioxidant levels of the individual including a lowering of levels of pools of the important antioxidant reduced glutathione (we will be investigating the importance of glutathione later on in this post). There is some evidence of ADHD symptoms in adults being at least partially attributed to antioxidant imbalance.
In addition, the insulin rush, surge and fallout from consumption of a sugary meal can also wreak havoc on hormonal balances (including adrenaline, a chemical cousin to several neuro-chemical agents which are often seen to be off-kilter in most ADHD cases). We will save this discussion and go into more detail on the role of sugar consumption and hyperactivity and attentional deficits in later posts.
Returning to the main topic of our post (from our tangent here!), some forms of sugar may also have other hidden dangers with relevance to our post here on mercury and ADHD and related disorders. The processing and manufacturing of high fructose corn syrup (one of the most common and readily available sweetening agents in North America and much of the Westernized world), may actually leave detectable levels of mercury in the sweetener (which, the study also attributes to causing a zinc loss).
As a result, consumption of high levels of corn syrup at least has the potential to up our intake of mercury. If the mercury/autism/ADHD connection holds true, then this is one more (indirect) way in which sugary foods can increase the risk of inattention and hyperactivity associated with the disorder.
Can chelation therapy be used to effectively remove the mercury in our systems?
Our first thought might be to enlist the help of chemical agents which could pull the mercury or other toxic (and easily oxidizable metals) out of our systems.
A recent study has highlighted some possible alternatives on the mercury-fish-ADHD dilemma. One of the strategies involves the use of chelating materials. The word "chelate" comes from the Greek word "claw", and refers to an important chemical property in which a non-metallic compound can tightly bind to or "pick" up a specific type of metal and pull it away.
Ethylenediamenetetraacetic Acid or EDTA, is one of the most well-known chelating agents for removing metals and mineral deposits from hard water, and even has some reported health implications for removing crusty hardening from human arteries.
In theory, it sounds like this may be a good treatment option for removing toxic metals or oxidizing agents from the brains and digestive tracts of children with ADHD and related disorders (i.e. the autism-mercury controversy?).
On the flip side, chelation therapy can be dangerous, especially for children, due, in part, to the fact that the chelating agents are often non-specific for their target metals. This highlights a classic problem in medical research, the rift between theory and practice.
For example, some versions or derivatives of EDTA can "pick up" or remove significant amounts of the important mineral calcium (which, in addition to its role in skeletal function is an extremely important mineral in regulating heart rhythms, and optimizing nervous system function, among other things) along with the desired heavy metals lead and mercury. Cases of deaths due to this chelation therapy for autism have been reported, and recent clinical trials for chelation therapy for autism have been halted.
Enzyme systems: Nature's alternatives to organic chelating agents?
Fortunately, our bodies contain a number of powerful enzymes which not only can protect our brain and other important organs from oxidative damage, but actually help remove harmful or toxic materials from our systems.
However, in order for these enzymes to work at optimal levels, they must be constantly equipped with adequate levels of helpful nutrients or cofactors. Cofactors, often come in the form of our dietary vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, iron, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, etc., and are required by numerous enzymes in order for the enzymes to work at peak efficiency. Not surprisingly, several of these cofactors have been discussed for their relevance to ADHD in earlier postings of this blog (see links on nutrients listed above)
This is why nutrient deficiencies can be so hazardous, because literally hundreds or even thousands of enzyme systems may be in jeopardy if our bodies are deficient in just a handful of nutrients.
Two of these important enzyme system and enzyme products are the metallothionein enzyme and the peptide glutathione (which is not an enzyme, but is synthesized via several enzymes and is sensitive to the balance between oxidant and antioxidant levels).
Metallothionein has been implicated in a number of studies concerning the enzyme's relationship to autism. One theory holds that children with autism have either lower levels of this enzyme or higher levels of antibodies to the enzyme (in which the body essentially attacks its own enzyme system as part of the idea of autism being an auto-immune disorder).
While a small amount or research out there supports these claims, it is important to note that these findings are far from universal. In fact, most of the recent body of literature refutes the claim outright. One study in particular negated both the observation that metallothionein was lower in autistic children or that higher levels of antibodies to the enzyme were present in autistic children. On the other hand, lower levels of the antioxidant glutathione are often seen in cases of autism.
(Blogger's note: the reason I'm going into so much detail about autism is because the high degree of symptomal overlap between ADHD and disorders of the autistic spectrum, as well as the high degree of overlap between nutrient deficiencies concerning the two disorders).
The role of selenium and zinc in the processes of the enzyme metallothionein and the antioxidant glutathione:
We have seen in previous cases how boosting levels of one metal in the body can offset the negative effects of another such as the case of iron combatting the harmful effects of lead in ADHD.
It appears that the metallothionein function in autism is intricately tied to copper-zinc ratios, and an excess of copper (or deficiency of zinc) can hinder this enzyme's effectiveness (the presence of heavy metals such as mercury are believed to be at least partially responsible for this skewed zinc-to-copper ratio). Interestingly, significantly higher copper to zinc ratios have also been seen in ADHD children in recent studies. In addition, the transport or delivery of zinc to its desired targets may be dependent on the antioxidant functions of glutathione and the mineral selenium.
While copper and zinc balances have been studied extensively with their relationship to ADHD (here's an earlier post on ten ways zinc can counteract ADHD symptoms, or how zinc can boost the effectiveness of ADHD medications), selenium may be a "sleeper" as far as important minerals for ADHD symptom treatment goes.
While selenium is unlikely to unseat "heavyweight" minerals such as zinc, iron and magnesium for ADHD treatment, selenium is an important mineral for maintaining proper antioxidant balances, either directly (as an antioxidant itself) or indirectly (via its incorporation into selenium-dependent enzymes). The latter is evidenced by a number of important enzymes such as the dependence of the important antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase on selenium.
However, given selenium's wide range of potential benefits (selenium has been implicated as an anti-cancer agent in a number of studies), it appears that this often unheralded mineral may be a useful auxiliary agent in ADHD treatment.
To conclude this message, we must remember that nutrients often work best in combos, not in isolation. This (in this blogger's humble opinion), is why so many nutritional methods which attempt to combat ADHD often fail, in that they often fail to see this interconnection between nutrient interactions. They often instruct the individual to ramp up the dosage of only one or two nutrient which are believed to be deficient, and neglect to take into account the important roles of these supporting nutrient systems as a whole.
We have seen in other postings how omega-3 fatty acids often work well with antioxidants, as well as omega-3's and carnitine for treating ADHD via nutritional methods. Vitamin C can work in tandem with vitamin E as an antioxidant supplement duo, and recent evidence suggests that vitamin C and flax oil may also be a good combo for ADHD as well. Several studies have indicated that magnesium works well with Vitamin B6 (as well as other B vitamins) as an ADHD treatment method. Zinc may also work well with omega-3's as well as vitamin B6, and now, as we have seen, potentially with selenium, as an antidote to mercury's oxidative and toxic effects.
It is imperative that we recognize the importance of these nutrients both alone and in combination, including their potential abilities to counteract chemical agents which may either cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
7 Temmuz 2012 Cumartesi
Female and Male Fertility Clinic: How to Choose It?
For some couples who are difficult to have a baby, fertility clinic is one of popular options. The big question is how to choose the right one? As well we know the success rate is common issue that we need to concern carefully, but there are also other factors that you have to consider as well if you seriously want to get a successful fertility treatment.The fertility problems should not only be focused to one of the partners, but both male and female should be checked for clearly diagnosis. And fertility clinic must be able to provide all that you want. Furthermore, you and your partner must feel comfortable in your surroundings -- this is important to make sure you can do your treatments conveniently! What else you need to know before making a choice?
The success rate and live birth rate
When you come to a fertility clinic, you will get the explanation about a lot of statistics on many things. Some of them are the clinical rate and live birth rate.
- The clinical rate or also called as the success rate is a parameter that can be used to represent the successful of some treatments from a fertility clinic to result pregnancy! In general, the success rate is the average calculation from several cases. However, the result can differ from person to person -- depending on the cause of the fertility itself and other factors (such as the age).
- Live birth rate! Sometimes this rate is also familiar known as take-home baby rate! And in many cases, the pregnancy rate is higher than the live birth rate.
Furthermore, the success rate of a good fertility clinic should be above or equal with the national success rate on average.
What are factors that affect the success rate of a fertility clinic?
A fertility clinic usually has different level of success rate than others. Some common factors that can affect the calculation of the success rate are:
- The practice of the clinic’s treatment itself.
- The treatment type.
- The characteristics of the patients, such as different condition in length (duration) of infertility, age, health conditions, and diagnosis
Choosing a fertility clinic is so crucial! Therefore once again, before making a decision -- you need to ask some important questions to yourself and your choice. Below are helpful checklists to filter your choices on finding the right one for you and your partner:
- How old are they? Some of them with a lot of experiences are more likely to provide more professional services with more satisfied results in treating fertility problems.
- It’s better to prioritize a good clinic in your local area where you can visit it more easily.
- Consider about the efficiency! High number of staff turnover is one of indications for inefficiently management which then can affect the success rate of your treatment. Remember once again, the feeling of comfortable to your surroundings is so important!
- What is a kind procedure or method that you will do, and don’t forget also to ask how often you need to do it! Make sure you choose fertility clinic that has modern service of new technology, because there is always something new of the infertility treatment.
- Is there any procedure for age limits? This is another good sign that your choice also concern to what we call as ‘ethical issues’!
- When you need to choose reproductive assistance like in-vitro fertilization (a special method to create fertilization outside the body), don’t forget to ask about who will decide the number of eggs that will be placed back in?! This is so crucial because more than one egg planted will have higher chance to result multiples pregnancy.
- Ask more and more before signing! If they think that you ask too much and they refuse to answer your questions because they claim they are too busy -- it’s much better to consider another clinic! This can be a sign that they may also not have time to give answers your questions once you are their patient. A fertility clinic usually has a facility for counseling, use it optimally to consult what you want!
- A fertility clinic can have a lot of patients at the same time, and this can increase the chance of getting treatment for multiple menstrual periods. Therefore, don’t forget also to consider the number of cycles per year that you or your partner have!
- The cost of the treatment! To make sure there is no something wrong with your budget, it is much better to get to know the costs ahead of time. Be careful, there may be certain procedures for more aggressively treatments which then can increase your treatment cost more than you expected!
- If you live in the U.K, you can visit here to find more advices about several best fertility clinics in your local area!
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Image credit to ‘shutterstock’ for illustration
Healing...Gluten-Free, what's to eat??
People simply want to feel better. That’s not so hard to understand. But what people need to remember is that the first step is to heal the damage that’s already been done and if that took years to happen it might take time to repair. So be you need to be patient.
Sometimes the best thing to do is to stop a moment, take a step back and begin again with a slower approach. Yes, you want the Gluten out of your life – but it's not going to happen overnight. Give yourself a little time. I normally ask people to dedicate the first 6 weeks to just cleaning up their diet. Go back to basics. Instead of lamenting over what you can’t eat…why not focus on what you can.
This is a list of ‘beginner’ foods, things that are good for the body, pretty easy to digest and a great place to start. Use your common sense. If something makes you sick, don’t eat it. If you have a hard time digesting food try soups and soft cooked foods at first. Remember the goal is to give your intestines a break…not create more work. There is nothing processed - if it comes in a can or box just put it back on the shelf. Do most of your shopping around the outer edges of the grocery store. Fresh or frozen is great…but make certain there are no ‘added’ ingredients. If you’re drinking juices…add an equal amount of filtered water. Stay away from the sugar…that’s a simple rule many of us should follow. If you like your coffe or tea just remember to make it a bit weaker for a while.
Allspice
Almond butter
Almond milk
Almond oil
Almonds
Anchovies
Apple Cider
Apples
Apricots
Artichokes
Asiago cheese
Asparagus
Aspartame
Avocadoes
Avocado oil
Bacon
Baking soda
Bananas
Bay Leaf
Basil
Beef
Beets
Berries
Black beans
Black radish
Blue cheese
Bok Choy
Bourbon
Brazil nuts
Brick cheese
Brie cheese
Broccoli
Brussell sprout
Butter
Cabbage
Camembert
Canola oil
Cantaloupe
Capers
Carrots
Cashews
Cauliflower
Celery Root
Celery
Chard
Cheddar
Cherries
Chestnuts
Cilantro
Cinnamon
Club soda
Coconut
Coconut milk
Coconut oil
Coffee
Collard greens
Colby cheese
Corn oil
Courgette
Cranberry
Cucumbers
Custard apple
Dates
Cottage Cheese
Echinacea
Edam cheese
Eggplant
Eggs
Filberts
Figs
Fish
Flax seed oil
Fowl
Garlic
Gelatin
Ghee
Gin
Ginger
Gorgonzola
Gouda cheese
Grape juice
Grapefruit
Grapes
Grapeseed oil
Green tea
Gruyere
Ham
Haricot beans
Havarti cheese
Hazelnuts
Honey
Jalapenos
Kale
Kidney beans
Kimchi
Kiwi fruit
Kumquats
Lamb
Leek
Lecithin
Lemons
Lentils
Lettuce
Lima beans
Limburger
Limes
Macadamia
Macadamia oil
Manchego Cheese
Mangoes
Mead
Meats
Melon
Monterey Jack
Muenster
Mushrooms
Mustard
Navy beans
Nectarines
Nutmeg
Olive oil
Olives
Onions
Orange juice
Oranges
Oregano
Papayas
Paprika
Parmesan
Parsley
Passion Fruit
Peaches
Peanut butter
Peanut Oil
Peanuts
Pears
Peas
Pecans
Peppermint tea
Peppers
Persimmons
Pickles (dill)
Pine nuts
Pineapple
Pistachio nuts
Plums
Pork
Pork Rinds
Poultry
Provolone
Prunes
Pumpkin
Raisins
Rhubarb
Romano
Roquefort
Rosemary
Rutabaga
Saccharine
Safflower oil
Sage
Salt
Sashimi
Saurkraut
Scotch whisky
Sesame oil
Shellfish
Spearmint Tea
Spices
Spinach
Split peas
Squash
Stilton cheese
String beans
Sunflower oil
Swede
Swiss cheese
Tabasco sauce
Tangerines
Tarragon
Tea
Thyme
Tomato juice
Tomatoes
Vanillin
Vinegar
Vodka
Walnuts
Walnut oil
Wasabi
Water chestnut
Watercress
Watermelon
Wine
Yoghurt
Zucchini
Carolanne LeBlanc
Email: GlutenFreeInFlorida@Yahoo.com
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/glutenfree.inflorida
E-group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GlutenFreeInFlorida
Meeting: Cypress Palms, 400 Lake Avenue N E, Largo, FL 33771
It's Spring and the Battle Begins Part 3 - Carpenter Bees
I have a problem with Carpenter Bees at my house and it's a battle I've been fighting for years!
Carpenter Bees, which look like big bumblebees, drill perfectly round holes into anything wooden - wood siding, wooden door frames, wooden lawn furniture. Once they drill into the wood, they make a sharp turn and tunnel another several inches and make their nest.
Generally, the female (which CAN sting) stays inside the nest, while the male (which CAN'T sting) spends a good amount of time outside the nest, buzzing around and divebombing anything and anyone that comes near.
Once you have Carpenter Bees, they can be hard to get rid of - the next generation, and the generation after that and so on, will continue to live in the same place. After a few years, a wooden fence can look like a Carpenter Bee condo. A bad infestation may require a professional exterminator.
If you have only a few, some people suggest putting "Sevin Dust" into the nest, and then plugging up the hole.
You can plug the Carpenter Bee hole with a wad of aluminum foil, and a piece of dowel cut to fit. Then, cover it with wood putty.
During the Spring, I keep an eye out for Carpenter Bees when I'm outside. If I notice one on the siding or door frame, I squish it.
If you spot a little pile of sawdust on the ground, look above it for a Carpenter Bee nest. If I notice a newly drilled Carpenter Bee hole, I sometimes stick a pebble into it - that stops the Carpenter Bees from coming and going, and makes the hole easy to spot so I can fix it later.
Creative Ways to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees
Carpenter Bees are difficult to get rid of, the males are annoying, and some people have come up with some very creative ideas about how to eliminate them. I've read about people who squirt the divebombing male Carpenter Bees with squirt guns; others have suggested smacking them with a tennis racquet while enjoying a cold beverage. One person I read about shoots them with a BB gun!
My preferred method is swatting the male Carpenter Bees with a badminton racquet and stomping them when they hit the ground. It works pretty well, but I imagine the neighbors wonder what I'm doing wandering around outside my house swinging a badminton racquet! If they ever ask, maybe I'll hand them a racquet.
It's Spring and the Battle Begins Part 4 - Yardwork
Real Women Use Chainsaws!
I'm busy every Spring with yardwork - trimming hedges, cutting down "junk trees" that grow like weeds, using weed killer on thistles and nasty climbing vines. But for my heavy duty work like cutting broken branches off of my fruit trees, or cutting up fallen branches, I use a chainsaw. Yes, real women use chainsaws!
Years ago one of my cousins spoke excitedly about how her husband had bought a chainsaw for her, and I laughed. I'm not laughing now! I have cut thick branches with a handsaw, but the older I get, the harder that job is becoming. A chainsaw cuts through a branch like it is butter, and it's a lot easier on my old muscles!
Do Your Research
I did my research before I purchased my chainsaw. My hubby liked the idea of a gas powered chainsaw, but they can be very heavy. Though dragging a cord around the yard is a nuisance, I chose an electric chainsaw because it was lighter in weight, and easier for me to handle - and since I was going to be the one using it....
But the chainsaw I chose, a Poulan, was powerful enough for the type of cutting I'd be using it for.
If you want to buy a chainsaw - do your research. Chainsaws come in different sizes, and with different cutting capabilities.
And if you purchase an electric chainsaw, don't forget to buy heavy duty electric cords if you, or your hubby, don't have them already!
Safety!
If you use a chainsaw, make sure to wear long sleeves, long pants, gloves, and goggles! And if you have long hair, make sure to tie it back!
I also make sure my hubby is around when I'm using my chainsaw, just on the off chance I have a mishap; I wouldn't want him to come home and find me bloody down the hill somewhere!
It's Spring and the Battle Begins Part 5 - Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are not only annoying, they can also carry disease. They breed in standing water so when Spring comes, it's time to look around the yard and get rid of anything that might be a potential breeding ground. A small piece of plastic blown in from the neighbors yard and stuck in a shrub can become a mighty mosquito nursery!
Also check out your gutters to make sure they aren't clogged - if you notice a swarm of mosquitoes near the roofline, you might have a problem!
Mosquito Targets
Some people attract mosquitoes more than other people do. I read once that researchers had discovered this phenomenon also happens in cows - some cows attract mosquitoes, others do not - so the researchers were studying the cows, and what made them different, to try to come up with a better mosquito repellent for people who are mosquito targets.
Unfortunately, I am a mosquito target. I've complained to my hubby - who the mosquitoes ignore - that the pests seem to come for miles to get to me.
If a mosquito has made it's way into our house, it will find me - usually at night after I turn off the light and try to go to sleep. Just when I start to doze off, I hear "bzzzz!" I swat in the darkness, it quiets for a moment and then "bzzzz!"
I have discovered, though, that if a mosquito is buzzing me at night, if I turn on the light, the pest will usually go up and land on the ceiling.
Now there are ways to kill a mosquito on the ceiling - a flyswatter if you can reach it, snapping it with a towel if you have a good aim, but a dry sponge mop makes a great mosquito squisher!
Change The Window Screens
If you have a bad mosquito problem, you may need to change your window screens. You can get ready-made replacement window screens or you can get the materials and make your own. Hubby and I replaced our screens last year. We decided to make our own and it was an easy weekend project. We found everything we needed at Lowes - including an instruction pamphlet. If you don't have a Lowes in your area, most hardware stores would probably have when you need.
The screening material is available in two colors and several styles; we chose a finer mesh screen because living across the lane from a farm with a pond makes our place a mosquito retreat.
There is also pet resistant screening material available if your furry friend thinks claws and window screens make a great combo!
End of the Series
And thus ends my series of posts about my Spring Battles, though at some point in the future I may share the story of my Spring battle which I didn't win involving tent caterpillars, a big stick and a blow torch.
5 Temmuz 2012 Perşembe
It's Spring and the Battle Begins Part 5 - Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are not only annoying, they can also carry disease. They breed in standing water so when Spring comes, it's time to look around the yard and get rid of anything that might be a potential breeding ground. A small piece of plastic blown in from the neighbors yard and stuck in a shrub can become a mighty mosquito nursery!
Also check out your gutters to make sure they aren't clogged - if you notice a swarm of mosquitoes near the roofline, you might have a problem!
Mosquito Targets
Some people attract mosquitoes more than other people do. I read once that researchers had discovered this phenomenon also happens in cows - some cows attract mosquitoes, others do not - so the researchers were studying the cows, and what made them different, to try to come up with a better mosquito repellent for people who are mosquito targets.
Unfortunately, I am a mosquito target. I've complained to my hubby - who the mosquitoes ignore - that the pests seem to come for miles to get to me.
If a mosquito has made it's way into our house, it will find me - usually at night after I turn off the light and try to go to sleep. Just when I start to doze off, I hear "bzzzz!" I swat in the darkness, it quiets for a moment and then "bzzzz!"
I have discovered, though, that if a mosquito is buzzing me at night, if I turn on the light, the pest will usually go up and land on the ceiling.
Now there are ways to kill a mosquito on the ceiling - a flyswatter if you can reach it, snapping it with a towel if you have a good aim, but a dry sponge mop makes a great mosquito squisher!
Change The Window Screens
If you have a bad mosquito problem, you may need to change your window screens. You can get ready-made replacement window screens or you can get the materials and make your own. Hubby and I replaced our screens last year. We decided to make our own and it was an easy weekend project. We found everything we needed at Lowes - including an instruction pamphlet. If you don't have a Lowes in your area, most hardware stores would probably have when you need.
The screening material is available in two colors and several styles; we chose a finer mesh screen because living across the lane from a farm with a pond makes our place a mosquito retreat.
There is also pet resistant screening material available if your furry friend thinks claws and window screens make a great combo!
End of the Series
And thus ends my series of posts about my Spring Battles, though at some point in the future I may share the story of my Spring battle which I didn't win involving tent caterpillars, a big stick and a blow torch.
Keywords and Search Results
Learning Definitions
Keywords - Simply put, keywords are words in a post, blog, article, or website that causes the search engines to bring up that particular post, blog, article or website when someone searches for that word.
Long tail keywords are several words or a phrase people might use to refine their search. For example, if someone searches for "can I wash my vinyl shower curtain," my post Washing A Vinyl Shower Curtain Liner might show up in their results.
SEO or Search Engine Optimization is the tactic of using keywords, and/or long tail keywords in order to make your post, blog, article, or website show up in the top of the search results.
Most people only click on the results that are shown in the first page or two, so having your post, blog, article or website in the top results is important if you want to be found online.
Making Money
High paying keywords - High paying keywords are certain words found in advertisements. There are a lot of ads of various kinds on the internet and many of them are what's called "Pay Per Click" or "ppc." That means when someone clicks on the ad to view it, the website or blog author makes money. The words found in the highest paying ads are known as "high paying keywords."
Keywords pertaining to lawyers, insurance, mortgages, and certain diseases are usually listed in "high paying keyword" lists available at various sites online.
Many people are trying to make money online and with that comes the attempt to use high paying keywords in their post, blog, article or website in order to be found by search engines and in hopes someone will click on their ads so they can make money. For example: if someone reads a list that states "mesothelioma" is a high paying keyword, they would then use the keyword "mesothelioma," and long tail keywords like "mesothelioma symptoms," "mesothelioma settlements," etc., in order to be found by the search engines, and thus by someone searching for more information about mesothelioma, in hopes that someone would click the ads on their website.
If a website contains mostly links, ads and little or no content, it can be classified as "spam," but the use of keywords, high paying or otherwise, is also used by people who have great websites with useful content. If someone writes a terrific article about, for example: "window blinds" and someone finds the content useful, and then decides to click on an ad for a "window blind company" displayed on the site, then it is a win-win situation - the person who did the searching found a useful article, and also a link to a company with products that might interest them; the author of the article makes a little money, and the company finds a potential customer.
Interested In How It All Works
As I perused several "high paying keyword" lists, I had to smile and wonder about a couple of the suggested keywords - "breast augmentation San Diego", and "laser hair removal Washington, D.C.". I can only assume from those keywords that there are flat chested people in San Diego, and hairy people in Washington, D.C.
As to why "Chicago lawyers" are popular, I can only speculate.
Keyword Searches And Odd Results
There are tactics to being "found" on the internet, but there is another whole science in the "searching." Sometimes people are directed to pages that have little or nothing to do with their "search." I just chalk it up to a non-thinking machine (the search engine) trying to help a thinking being.
A couple of examples - I had been doing a lot of Bible study online, and I'd also been doing a lot of genealogy research online. One day, when I searched for a "family tree" for one of my ancestors, "Ephraim Kinder," the top search result was a verse from a German Bible - "Und Joseph sah von Ephraim Kinder des dritten Gleides..." - translation: "And Joseph saw Ephraim's children to the third generation... " (Genesis 50:23)
"Ephraim Kinder" is "Ephraim's children" in German!
The "helpful" search engine had combined my Bible study with my genealogy research!
Another time I'd been searching for languages spoken in India; a couple of days later, I searched for a totally unrelated subject. The helpful search engine brought up some results in English, and some results in Hindi!
And Your Keyword Results Are...
So, sometimes an internet search engine brings up odd results, and sometimes the website author or blogger shakes their head in wonder as to how their page got "found" for a particular phrase or keyword!
Have you had odd search results?
Have people found your blog or website by odd keywords or phrases?
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(Note- If you liked this post, you might also enjoy my post The Allure of Checking Stats)