Day 234- BPA in Baby Bottles?

We hear the dangers of plastic water bottles that contain BPA and we know not to heat up our food in plastic containers. We have known these dangers for years now; that's why we have switched over to containers like Klean Kanteen to carry our water in and we heat our food up in glass containers. So I was surprised to find out that it wasn't until just recently, that states such as California, are passing laws to ban BPA in baby bottles.

So what is BPA and what are the dangers, especially to children?

According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services:

"Bisphenol A, more commonly known as BPA, is a chemical that has been used for more than 40 years in the manufacture of many hard plastic food containers such as baby bottles and reusable cups and the lining of metal food and beverage cans, including canned liquid infant formula. Trace amounts of BPA can be found in some foods packaged in these containers.

Plastic containers have recycle codes on the bottom. In general, plastics that are marked with recycle codes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 are very unlikely to contain BPA. Some, but not all, plastics that are marked with recycle codes 3 or 7 may be made with BPA.

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• * Do not put very hot or boiling liquid that you intend to consume in plastic containers made with BPA. BPA levels rise in food when containers/products made with the chemical are heated and come in contact with the food.

• * Discard all bottles with scratches, as these may harbor bacteria and, if BPA-containing, lead to great release of BPA."

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According to Wikipedia:

"As it has been known to be estrogenic since the mid 1930s, concerns about the use of bisphenol A in consumer products were regularly reported in the news media in 2008, after several governments issued reports questioning its safety, prompting some retailers to remove products containing it from their shelves. A 2010 report from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raised further concerns regarding exposure of fetuses, infants and young children. In September 2010, Canada became the first country to declare BPA as a toxic substance. In the European Union and Canada, BPA use is banned in baby bottles."

According to the Washington Post:

"Commonly called BPA, the chemical mimics the hormone estrogen and may disrupt the body's endocrine system. Public health advocates say it poses a particular danger to fetuses, infants and children because BPA can interfere with cell function at a point when their bodies are still developing.

Over the past decade, more than 130 studies have linked BPA to breast cancer, obesity and other disorders. In September, the study of BPA in humans found adults with higher levels of bisphenol A had elevated rates of heart disease, diabetes and liver abnormalities. Last year, researchers at the Yale School of Medicine linked BPA to problems with brain function and mood disorders in monkeys.

Much of the new research suggests that BPA has an effect at very low doses -- lower than the current safety standard set by the Food and Drug Administration. The most prominent finding was by the National Toxicology Program, part of the National Institutes of Health, which reported last year that there is "some concern" BPA may affect the brain and behavioral development of fetuses, infants and young children.

The FDA has maintained that BPA is safe, relying largely on two studies that were funded by the chemical industry. In October, the agency was faulted by its own panel of independent science advisers, who said the FDA's position on BPA was scientifically flawed. As a result, the agency is revisiting its position on the chemical."

The good news is that the six leading manufactures for baby bottles has stopped using BPA in their products as of 2009.

According to U.S Department of Health and Human Services:

The six major U.S. manufacturers of baby bottles and infant feeding cups have confirmed to FDA that as of January 2009, they have not manufactured these products using BPA for the U.S. market. These manufacturers represent more than 90% of the U.S. market. These manufacturers produce brands that include Avent, Doctor Brown’s Natural Flow, Evenflow, First Essentials, Gerber, Munchkin, Nuk, and Playtex.

Yet it will not be until July 2013 until BPA will be officially banned from the market. The California law that will go into affect is the AB1319, which will prohibit the sale of any baby bottles or cups that contain more than 0.1 parts per billion BPA. It will also prohibit the sale of formula and other foods intended for kids 3 and under that contain more than 0.1 parts per billion of BPA.

Now if we could just get them to see how the soy in baby formula affects children's development as well, then we will really be making progress!

Pura Vida!

Alica Ryan, NTP

Day 186- Not All Protein Powders are Created Equal

So this blog is not meant to prove that I am in anyway an expert on the said topic. I rarely use protein powders in my diet; opting instead for whole food protein sources. I do make a daily shake that contains a rice protein powder, but my intent with taking this daily supplement is that this particular drink provides a ton of my daily vitamins and minerals, reduces inflammation, and supports my liver and gallbladder during detoxification. With that said I have done a little bit of research for you on some types of popular protein shake sources, and have put together what I would like to call, "the good, the bad, and the ugly."

One way to look at protein powders is by their Biological Value (BV), which is the body's ability to absorb a protein.

"The BV is one way to measure a protein’s “usability.” The higher the BV, the greater the proportion of available protein that can be synthesized by the body’s cells. Higher BVs also indicate a greater amount of essential amino acids – those amino acids that the body cannot synthesize or convert on its own and must instead obtain from the diet. Whey protein concentrate, for example, has a biological value of 104, while isolate has a BV of 100. Milk itself? 91. Beef? 80. You want a high biological value in your powders especially, since their only reason for existing is to provide a quick, easy influx of dietary protein. Interestingly, BV goes down with greater protein intake. Whey’s BV of 104 is at intakes of 0.2g/kg; it drops to around 70 at 0.5g/kg. While this isn’t really an issue for a PBer who uses shakes sparingly as supplements and gets most of his or her protein from whole foods, it might dissuade one from getting all their protein from powder.

Note, though, that biological value does not refer to the amount of protein in the powder; it only refers to the usability of the protein in the powder. A particular powder might be 60% protein, and the biological value would tell you exactly how much of that 60% is usable by the body. Different powders have different protein contents. Hemp protein, for example, is often about 50% protein, but it varies by the manufacturer. A quick glance at the nutrition facts should clue you in." - Mark's Daily Apple

Whey Protein~
Whey is a byproduct of cheese manufactured by cow's milk. Just like the classic nursery rhyme, "little miss muffet, sat on her tuffet eating her curds and whey," whey is the semi-clear liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained. Whey contains an array of complete proteins, comprised of essential amino acids. One of the reasons why whey has become so popular is that it is a naturally occurring essential protein that can satisfy the bodies protein requirements and has a BV of 104 (depending on the form of the whey protein). It has also become a popular choice among athletes because it can be absorbed quickly.

"Your body makes some proteins on its own, from the 12 amino acids it can produce. The other nine amino acids you must get from dietary protein. Whey protein is one such source, and it provides all nine amino acids. Basically, it works in your body the same way, say, a steak does.

However, you absorb whey protein much faster than you would absorb a steak. The faster your body gets the protein, the more quickly it can start building new muscle. " -How Stuff Works

The problem with whey is that is comes from cow's milk, meaning that people may experience an intolerance to whey if they have dairy sensitives. All the articles that I found on whey seem to indicate that this is extremely rare, but whey does contain trace elements of lactose and casein, so I would image that it all depends on the individuals sensitivity level.

To complicate matters even further there are different types of whey on the market as well; isolate, concentrate, or hydrolysate.

1. Concentrate: Contains some fat and lactose, but is less processed. Contains slightly less protein than the isolate version. $
2. Isolate: Pure protein, with fat, lactose and casein removed. About 90-94% protein, but is more processed and refined. $$
3. Hydrolysate: is predigested whey that is easily absorbed and virtually free of potential allergens. A article on Mark's Daily Apple called this type of whey great marketing, and that's about it. $$$

Egg White Protein~
Egg white protein has a very high BV; actually it is used as the BV value that all other proteins are compared to. What I don't like about egg white protein is that the whites are the most allergic part of the egg. Instead I would just stick to eating whole eggs, instead of the powdered egg whites.

Rice Protein~
Rice protein has a decent BV around 86. It is also a very hypoallergenic choice. The issue with rice protein is that we are not able to absorb or digest the rice protein as easily as as we can with animal proteins.

Hemp Protein~
I searched for the BV, but was unsuccessful. Hemp protein contains a good deal of fiber, and is high in an array of essential and branched-chain amino acids. Hemp protein has also been said to have a favorable "nutty" taste. Beyond the taste and amino acid content, hemp protein manufacturing is usually all GMO-free, organic and advocates sustainable agriculture. Hemp protein may not be the first choice of protein powders when it comes to muscle development, but it does help to support the immune system.

Pea Protein~
Pea protein has a BV around 65. Like the other plant protein sources, pea protein does not absorb as efficiently. Pea protein is hypoallergenic much like rice, but from what I hear people with extreme food allergies tend to do better with rice protein than they do with pea protein, but this is just what I heard, you will probably want to try it out for yourself.

Protein Powders that I would suggestion staying away from completely!

• Casein
  
• Soy

The World Health Organization has created a newer way to access protein powders called the Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS). This evaluation is based on the amino acid requirements of humans, specifically children. The optimal PDCAAS is 1.

Here are some PDCAAS of the above protein powders:

• Whey- 1
  
• Rice- .47
  
• Hemp- .46
  
• Egg White- 1
  
• Pea- .69

I have to say that protein powders aren't my first choice, but I think they are a great idea for the person that always skips breakfast. I am a big advocate on protein for breakfast, so if you are one that tends to rush out of the house opt to instead grab a quick protein shake for the road. Also make sure to read the label before you purchase any type of protein powder, you don't want one that has additives and tons of extra sweeteners. Visit Mercola's article to find out what is in some of the popular protein powders. Another word of advice, limit what you add to your protein shakes, the best bet is just add water, and skip the addition of fruits, fruit juices, and especially milk.

Pura Vida!
Alica Ryan, NTP

Day 144- Junk Food Vegetarian

There are various reasons why one may chose to become a vegetarian, but for many it is because they believe or have been taught that sans meat is a healthier lifestyle choice. I have no issues with anyone that chooses this lifestyle, more power to you...

Unless you fall into what I like to call the "Junk Food Vegetarians" group.

What do I mean by junk food vegetarian? Junk food vegetarians, of course don't eat meat, so instead they substitute in soy and grains. Their meals consist of mainly carbohydrates, and a little bit of protein. Breads, pastas, potatoes, sugars, fruits, and vegetables are all typically consumed foods. These diets overwhelm the body with sugars and estrogens, and disrupt the natural balance of the body.

If you have kept up with my blogs, you know that I stress the importance of balancing your blood sugar, and consuming protein with every meal, especially when trying to manage your weight. So then why are there so many skinny vegetarians? If they are consuming too many carbohydrates in their diet, wouldn't that cause the body to store more fat? Many of the skinny vegetarians that we see are what can be called "skinny fat." The lack of protein in the diet causes the loss of muscle mass; no matter how strict your exercise regime might be. Regardless of the fact that glucose can provide short term fuel for your muscles, the bottom line is that muscles need protein to build and maintain your muscle mass.

I don't promote diets that restrict meat, but I understand your reasonings. I, myself went over 10 years without eating any red meat, only because I didn't like the taste or texture of it. The more that I have studied nutrition the more that I have realized the nutritional benefits of including red meat in a regular diet. I still don't consume it very often, but I have learned lately the enjoyment of making and eating my own hamburgers or steaks.

Dr. Weston Price, was a dentist that traveled around the world searching for indigenous cultures that have not truly been touched by processed foods. He found all of these cultures to be thriving; beautiful teeth, jaw and bone structure, and that for the most part were resistant to disease. Their diets all consisted of mainly fats and proteins; not one of the cultures that he observed adhered to a vegetarian-like diet.

Animal proteins provide several benefits over plant proteins:

• Animal proteins are nutritionally complete, they contain all the essential amino acids that our bodies cannot manufacture, and that we must obtain from our diets. Plant proteins on the other hand are incomplete, they have at least one of the essential amino acids missing.
• Fat-soluble vitamins come to us from fatty sources in our diets. Two of the fat-soluble vitamins, A and D, are found almost exclusively in meat, eggs, and dairy products.
• Animal proteins are rich in the water-soluble B vitamins
• Plenty of minerals are present in animal proteins, such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. Both iron and zinc are more readily absorbed by the body when ingested from animal sources than from plant sources.
• Animal fats provide healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids

How can you maintain your lifestyle choice, while still receiving the nutrients that you need to be healthy? I suggest incorporating eggs and fish into your regular diet. Eggs and fish can provide many of the nutrients and fats that you find in meat, also whole fat yogurts, or fermented dairy are a good option as well. Don't want to include animal products into your diet? Make sure you supplement with B vitamins, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Also, although they are not my top choice, legumes and nuts are an option for protein sources. I would make sure that you are soaking your legumes and nuts over night in order to reduce the phytic acid, so that you are not hindering your ability to absorb certain vitamins and minerals. Other protein sources, such as whey, hemp, and rice protein are also options to include in your diet.

Bottom line is, if you decide to be a vegetarian, don't focus your diet predominately on carbohydrates. Make sure that you receive plenty of good quality fats and proteins. Limit your intake of soy due to the high level of phytates and phyto-estrogens. And remember, just because it doesn't contain animal products, doesn't mean that it is healthy!

Pura Vida!

Alica Ryan, NTP

Day 75- How Soy Formula is Similar to Birth Control

Granted, I am not a mother, so I don't quite understand the struggle that parents face when trying to do what's right to raise their children. But what I do understand is that soy formula should be the LAST option when it comes to feeding your children.

Why do I feel so strongly about soy? Well, I wrote my first blog ever on soy, because truthfully I am not a fan. Today though I would like to only focus on soy's effects on growing children.

We can say hands down, breast milk by far is the best food for babies.

Breast milk is widely acknowledged as the most complete form of nutrition for infants, with a range of benefits for infants' health, growth, immunity and development.

-- Healthy People 2010, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia

We also know that some mothers are not able to make the choice to breast feed and must supplement the baby with formula. So what are their options? The next best option would be cow's or goat's milk, but some parents feel that these are not ideal due to allergies in the baby, or hormones and antibiotics fed to cattle. So the next logical choice that parents choose is soy, since it is marketed as a "natural" choice and said to be hypoallergenic. Truth be told, soy is actually a very allergic food. And for babies that can tolerate traditional or hypoallergenic cow's milk formula, soy is not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

So why do I suggest avoiding soy formula, unless it is the only viable option left?

The biggest concern to me is the estrogenic effects of soy. According to the Weston Price Foundation, "Babies fed soy-based formula have 13,000 to 22,000 times more estrogen compounds in their blood than babies fed milk-based formula. Infants exclusively fed soy formula receive the estrogenic equivalent of at least five birth control pills per day." Research also suggests that females fed soy formula as infants may have early onset of puberty, longer duration of menstrual bleeding, or more painful menstrual cycles. Since soy has been shown to be an endocrine disrupter, boys fed soy-formula, may have less testosterone, due to the high levels of estrogen in the formula. This disruption can lead to learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder, smaller than normal testes, and altered male characteristics after puberty.

If that alone is not enough to convince you to avoid soy formula, how about these reasons?

• High levels of aluminum found in soy formulas which can be toxic to the nervous system and kidneys
• Extremely high levels of manganese, some formulas contain 80 times more manganese than human breast milk, and has been suggested as a link between ADD
• Contains phytic acid which can reduce the absorption of nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, and zinc. And may in the long run cause growth problems in children.
• Lacks complete amino acids
• Other studies are still being concluded but have suggested possible connections with weakening of the immune system, thyroid damage, neurological damage, and reproduction issues.

For a great chart comparing human breast milk to soy formula, visit Dr. Sears's website.

If you would like a brochure from the Weston Price Foundation regarding the dangers of soy, visit their website.

So although conclusive long term studies still need to be done regarding the effects of soy formula later on in life, I still believe that the information out there already is enough to convince me to avoid it. Again if soy formula is your last resort, then so be it, but there are many more options out there that you can try first. Visit this website to learn about how to make your own baby formulas.

Pura Vida!

Alica Ryan, NTP

So al

Day 50- Trying to loose weight? Check your estrogen...that goes for you too gentlemen!

Estrogen is the essence of femininity; it is what gives women their sexy curves. It also builds up bones and the uterine lining, increases fat stores, reduces muscle mass, and regulates the menstrual cycle. Estrogen is also an important hormone in men, supporting the maturation of sperm and healthy libido.

The problem that arises is when estrogen is found in excess in the body; this is known as estrogen dominance and can be seen in both men and women. High estrogen can cause extra weight gain, particularly in the hips, thighs, and butt. It has also been linked to other issues such as, breast cancer, heart disease and infertility.

How does one become estrogen dominant?

There are several factors that can cause excess estrogen in the body, such as birth control pills, hormone replacement, phytoestrogens, and body fat. Excess body fat can influence a process called aromatization which converts testosterone into estrogen in both men and women. This is also why I don't recommend testosterone creams.

What are phytoestrogens?

Phytoestrogens are compounds that are very close in structure to estrogen and are able to bind to estrogen receptor sites and either inhibit or produce estrogen effects in the body. A common natural phytoestrogen is soy. There are also chemicals that act in the same way by blocking the natural balancing effect of hormones and that can act as estrogens. They are known as "endocrine disruptors." These compounds can be found in our water, food, make-up, cleaning products, containers, etc. A big concern is plastics, which contain a substance called bisphenol A.

Tips to reducing your estrogen exposure:

• Avoid birth control- I want to dedicate an entire blog on this subject, but the synthetic estrogens in birth control (even in the low dose) can cause way more issues than it is worth. Plus if you are trying to loose weight, this is going to be the an important place to start
• Avoid plastic bottles- try to drink and eat out of glass containers and if you can't avoid it, then at least NEVER heat your food in the plastic container!
• Purchase organic meat- look for free range, hormone free meat
• Purchase organic produce- try to avoid produce that has been treated with chemicals and pesticides
• Check out your skin care and beauty products- many of them contain estrogens, avoid ones that contain parabens and phthalates.
• Avoid phytoestrogens such as soy
• Use natural cleaning products in your home

So bottom line if you are struggling with weight loss, check your estrogen levels. I suggestion saliva when testing hormones, but a thyroid panel (blood work), especially the T3 uptake marker can show high levels of estrogen or testosterone as well.

Pura Vida!

Alica Ryan, NTP