Are You Making These Mistakes When Treating Your Back Pain?

Have you “tried everything” yet still suffer with debilitating pain? Tried physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage, cortisone injections or medications and nothing works? You re not alone. The number of treatments available for back pain can be overwhelming. How can you know which one is right for you? To be able to understand the confusing and conflicting maze Continue reading "Are You Making These Mistakes When Treating Your Back Pain?"
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Before You Visit a Surgeon, Explore The Procedures Performed at Vancouver Spine & Disc Centre First

Dr. Peter Ting, Director of Vancouver Spine & Disc Centre, has pretty much seen it all after 7 years of treating Greater Vancouver area residents suffering from various conditions.
https://www.prlog.org/12653587-before-you-visit-surgeon-explore-the-procedures-performed-at-vancouver-spine-disc-centre-first.html

Before You Visit a Surgeon, Explore Procedures Performed by Dr. Peter Ting at Vancouver Spine & D

Dr. Peter Ting, Director of Vancouver Spine & Disc Centre, (http://www.VancouverSpineAndDiscCentre.ca) has pretty much seen it all after 7 years of treating Greater Vancouver area residents suffering from various conditions.
https://www.prlog.org/12653587-before-you-visit-surgeon-explore-procedures-performed-by-dr-peter-ting-at-vancouver-spine.html

Back Pain Treatment Protocols Not Many Talk About

If you suffer from chronic back or neck pain, you ve probably been recommended one or more of the following options for treatment: spinal surgery, physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage, cortisone injections, medication or traditional chiropractic. We all know about these options, and their pros and cons. After awhile, none of them sound very appealing, and trying the Continue reading "Back Pain Treatment Protocols Not Many Talk About"
https://vancouverspineanddisccentreblog.wordpress.com/2017/07/18/back-pain-treatment-protocols-not-many-talk-about/

How to Get Rid of Chronic Back Pain Potentially in Weeks

Many patients come into my clinic having been told their pain is something that will never go away, and they will have to live with it for the rest of their lives. However, with the treatments I offer at the Vancouver Spine & Disc Centre, even those suffering from chronic back pain for years can Continue reading "How to Get Rid of Chronic Back Pain Potentially in Weeks"
https://vancouverspineanddisccentreblog.wordpress.com/2017/07/18/how-to-get-rid-of-chronic-back-pain-potentially-in-weeks/

The Top Two Procedures Used by Dr. Peter Ting in His Practice

In my clinic, the Vancouver Spine & Disc Centre, I use several treatments in combination with one another in order to offer a comprehensive healing experience for my patients. For this blog post, I thought I d offer a more in-depth look at my two most indispensable, powerful procedures. 1. Computerized Disc Rehydration This is a Continue reading "The Top Two Procedures Used by Dr. Peter Ting in His Practice"
https://vancouverspineanddisccentreblog.wordpress.com/2017/07/13/the-top-two-procedures-used-by-dr-peter-ting-in-his-practice/

Vaccine Industry Worried About Accountability

By Dr. Mercola Many people are unaware that in 1986 Congress gave the U.S. vaccine industry a shield from product liability that is unlike any other in existence. In most cases, if a pharmaceutical product injures or kills a person, the manufacturer of that product can be held financially accountable in a civil court of law. With vaccines, however, this is not the case. In the U.S., there is a federally operated vaccine injury compensation program (VICP) that Congress created under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act. The VICP was created 30 years ago as an administrative alternative to a lawsuit when federally licensed vaccines recommended for children cause injury or death. Federal compensation was supposed to be awarded when there was no other biologically plausible explanation for the vaccine-related injury or death, and plaintiffs denied federal compensation or offered too little were supposed to be able to access civil courts. However, in 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court effec
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/11/vaccine-industry-worried-about-accountability.aspx

The Brazilian Beef Scandal and the Future of US Grass Fed Beef

By Dr. Mercola Worldwide, we're seeing strong growth in organics and grass fed farming. As of 2016, the organic food sector accounted for 5.3 percent of total food sales in the U.S.1 We now also have a brand-new grass fed certification by the American Grassfed Association (AGA), which is the highest certification you can get for dairy, beef and poultry, including chickens, sheep and goats. In short, we're seeing a radically increased demand for healthier foods. A lot more people now know about the drawbacks of factory farmed beef and dairy, and are aware that when herbivores are grazed naturally, without hormones, antibiotics and other drugs, you end up with a healthier product. Unfortunately, the current food system still leaves a lot to be desired. Built around efficiency and profit, inevitable quality and safety deficiencies are par the course. International trade agreements also protect profits over safety and consumer ideals. While traceability is key for food safety, country of
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/11/brazilian-beef-scandal.aspx

Monsanto's Roundup to Get Cancer Label

By Dr. Mercola California's Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) announced in 2015 that they intended to list glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide, as a chemical known to cause cancer under Proposition 65, which requires consumer products with potential cancer-causing ingredients to bear warning labels. Monsanto filed formal comments with OEHHA saying the plan to list glyphosate as a carcinogen should be withdrawn. When the agency didn’t give in, Monsanto took it a step further and filed a lawsuit against OEHHA in January 2016 to stop the glyphosate/cancer classification. OEHHA filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, and a Fresno, California, superior court judge ruled on their behalf in February 2017. California regulators stated that glyphosate will appear on the state’s list of cancerous chemicals beginning July 7, 2017,1 which means new labels may be appearing within the next year in California
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/11/glyphosate-added-in-cancer-causing-chemicals-list.aspx

Coconut Oil for Crohn’s

By Dr. Mercola For people suffering from Crohn’s disease, here is one of the most recent — and possibly most dramatic — breakthroughs in its treatment: Good fats can bring about positive changes in your gut bacteria, decreasing the symptoms of this debilitating, long-term condition. One caveat, though, is that the fat must be derived from plants. Scientists say eating a diet containing high amounts of coconut oil and other plant-based fat lowers gut inflammation, which causes damage to your health in a number of ways. According to Medical News Today, patients with Crohn's disease — which, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK),1 affects half a million people in the U.S. — could decrease their symptoms with one simple tweak in their diet: changing the type of fat they eat. Here’s how it works, as first study author Dr. Alexander Rodriguez-Palacios and his colleagues wrote: “A high fat diet may lead to specific changes in
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/10/coconut-oil-for-crohns.aspx

Vitamin C — A Game Changer in Treatment of Deadly Sepsis

By Dr. Mercola Each year, an estimated 1 million Americans get sepsis1,2 and up to half of them die as a result.3,4,5 Sepsis is a progressive disease process initiated by an aggressive, dysfunctional immune response to an infection in the bloodstream, which is why it's sometimes referred to as blood poisoning. While illnesses such as bronchitis, pneumonia, strep throat, kidney infection or even localized infections can turn septic, sepsis is most commonly acquired in hospital settings.6,7 Starting out with symptoms of infection, the condition can progress to septic shock, which may be lethal. Unless treated, sepsis can result in extremely low blood pressure that is unresponsive to fluid replacement, weakening of the heart and multiple-organ failure. Unfortunately, treatment can be a considerable challenge, and is becoming even more so as drug-resistant infections become more prevalent. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, sepsis is the most expensive condition
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/10/vitamin-c-for-sepsis.aspx

Is Activated Charcoal Beneficial?

By Dr. Mercola The simple and quick answer to the titled query is a resounding yes, activated charcoal is beneficial. In fact, it might be one of the items to put into your emergency kit. While it might not be used as frequently as vitamin C, you could call it an "essential" item because it could literally save your life. This remedy was one of a few natural medicinals, such as sulfur, doctors have long used for a variety of conditions. It's not simply charcoal, per se, created by burning wood down to char and produced in the absence of oxygen. To produce activated carbon, aka activated charcoal, it's treated with oxygen. According to Difference Between: "When charcoal is activated, it is processed in a way to increase the porosity. Because of this, activated carbon will have a large surface area, which can adsorb substances effectively. This primarily increases its effectiveness as a filter. Therefore, activated carbon is mainly used in water filters, in chemical purification process
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/10/activated-charcoal.aspx

Calming and Supercharged Moringa Latte Recipe

Recipe From PaleoHacks
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/09/moringa-latte-recipe.aspx

‘The Fish on My Plate’ — A Global Fish Tale

By Dr. Mercola After having blood drawn on September 21, 2015, as a baseline measure of his health, best-selling author and lifelong fisherman Paul Greenberg undertook what one media source characterized as "'Super Size Me' for healthy eaters."1 For a whole year, as a strict pescatarian, Greenberg ate fish and other seafood daily. All told, he consumed some 700 portions, often eating fish for breakfast, lunch and dinner on the same day. Greenberg's story is featured in a PBS Frontline documentary, "The Fish on My Plate,"2 which tracks his yearlong journey to identify which fish are the healthiest for human consumption and best for the planet. Along the way, Greenberg successfully draws our attention to a few new options for increasing the sustainability of the global seafood industry. The documentary also features insights and ideas from some of the industry's top business and thought leaders. As he travels the world, Greenberg crosses paths with the many "ordinary people" who are inv
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/08/the-fish-on-my-plate-documentary.aspx

Best Home Remedies for Poison Ivy

By Dr. Mercola Poison ivy, oak and sumac are closely related plants, and may be found growing in similar environments. In fact, all three grow throughout the U.S. except Hawaii, Alaska and parts of Nevada.1 Poison ivy is found throughout the U.S.; poison sumac is distributed mostly on the East Coast from Maine to Florida; and poison oak is found along the West Coast and the south from Texas to Florida and as far north as Illinois.2 While irritating and uncomfortable, poison ivy is not usually dangerous, unless the oil is aerosolized from burning. Inhaling the fumes can trigger an allergic reaction in your lungs. Nearly three quarters of the population of the U.S. will break out into a rash when exposed to the plant leaves. Only 25 percent appear to be resistant to the contact dermatitis that results from exposure to the oil in the plant.3 The rash can be unbearably itchy if left untreated. However, while your primary care physician may want to prescribe a corticosteroid to address the
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/08/poison-ivy-home-remedy.aspx

Grow Great Cilantro

By Dr. Mercola From 207 B.C. to 220 A.D., China’s Han dynasty used cilantro and coriander in part because they thought it would make them immortal. The herb was used by the Greek and Roman physicians, including Hippocrates, who made medicine from different parts of the plant. Naturally, it was also used as a spice. The fact that it was added to a vinegar used to preserve meat is an indication of its potency. Like other herbs, cilantro's shiny, scalloped leaves contain its share of potent compounds that give it multiple health benefits. Clinical studies have found it to be antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and disinfectant, the most prolific of these being: Antioxidant polyphenolic flavonoids like quercetin, kaempferol, rhamnetin and apigenin Minerals like potassium, iron, calcium, manganese and magnesium Vitamins A, C and K, as well as B vitamins If someone asked you to name the top five most important ingredients in Mexican or Thai cooking, cilantro would probably be on the lis
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/07/growing-cilantro.aspx

What to Know Before Growing Broccoli

By Dr. Mercola With each satisfying crunch, broccoli delivers great-tasting nutrition and a slew of health-promoting benefits. It is low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals. Broccoli also contains fiber, which is vital to your digestive health. As one of the cruciferous vegetables, broccoli is a close relative of Brussel sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower. Broccoli has twice the vitamin C of an orange and nearly as much calcium as whole milk, with a better rate of absorption. It’s also a good source of vitamins A and K. It contains several B vitamins, as well as iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium and zinc. Furthermore, broccoli is an excellent source of phytonutrient glucosinolates, flavonoids and other health-boosting antioxidant and anti-cancer compounds. According to Mother Earth News,1 “Broccoli is a nutritional superfood that will strengthen your immune system, help maintain strong bones, and help protect you from cancer and heart disease.” Learn more about why br
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/07/growing-broccoli.aspx

The Ketogenic Keys to Optimal Health

By Dr. Mercola If you or a loved one has been struggling with low energy, excess weight or a chronic or degenerative disease like type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's or cancer — or if you simply want to optimize your health and longevity — I have great news for you. In an earlier article, I announced that my book, "Fat for Fuel," would be complemented by an online course on Mitochondrial Metabolic Therapy (MMT) — a collaboration with nutritionist Miriam Kalamian, who specializes in nutritional ketosis. That course is now available, and for a limited time, you'll receive a $100 discount and over $200 in bonuses, plus free access to a future audio webinar that is currently being put together. I'm proud to say, there's really nothing else like it out there. The course consists of seven comprehensive lessons to teach you the keys to fighting chronic disease and optimizing your health and longevity. If you or someone you love has cancer, it will also augment any oncological treatment you mi
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/06/mmt-online-course.aspx

Can Sleeping In Decrease Your Waist Size?

By Dr. Mercola About 1 in 3 Americans are getting less than seven hours of sleep a night, and an estimated 83.6 million adults in the U.S. are sleep-deprived.1,2 If you’re trying to lose weight, you may be surprised to know the amount and quality of sleep you get might be as influential as your choice of diet and exercise. Research continues to confirm that sleep is an important factor in helping you avoid diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and obesity. Notably, sleeping in on weekends — a practice quite common among teenagers — may be more beneficial for adults than you may have imagined. In fact, it may not be simply what your body wants, but also precisely what it needs. Weekend ‘Catch Up Sleep’ Shown to Decrease Body Mass Index A study published in the journal Sleep3 involving 2,156 adults aged 19 to 82, indicates sleeping in longer on weekends — also known as “catch up sleep” (CUS) — may positively impact your weight. On average, the group of participa
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/06/can-sleeping-in-lower-body-mass-index.aspx

German Chamomile Oil: A Versatile Essential Oil You Should Have at Home

Aside from being famous in teas, the German chamomile plant is also praised for its healing effects in various herbal applications. As a matter of fact, Germans often refer to it as “alles zutraut,” which means “capable of anything.” It’s also been mistakenly referred to as the “European ginseng,” given its cure-all capabilities. But could the same be with German chamomile oil? Read on to learn why you’ll soon want a bottle of this essential oil for you and your family. What Is German Chamomile Oil? German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), which is often referred to as blue chamomile or true chamomile, comes from the Compositae sunflower family. It is one of the two chamomile species that can be used medicinally. The other one is the Roman or English chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). This plant, which hails from Southern and Eastern parts of Europe, grows from 6 centimeters up to 60 centimeters (2.3 to 23.5 inches) tall with heavily branched and furrowed stems. Like Rom
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/06/german-chamomile-oil.aspx

American Heart Association Renders Itself Obsolete With 1960s Dietary Advice on Coconut Oil

By Dr. Mercola For well over half a century, a majority of health care officials and media have warned that saturated fats are bad for your health and lead to obesity, high cholesterol and heart disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) began encouraging Americans to limit dietary fat in general and saturated fats in particular as far back as 1961. The current version of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) food pyramid, called "MyPlate,"1 more or less eliminated fats altogether, with the exception of a small amount of low-fat dairy. According to MyPlate, the food groups are fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy — not the three biological building blocks known as carbohydrates (fruits, veg, grains), protein and fats. All the while, studies have repeatedly refuted the wisdom of these low- to no-fat recommendations. Now all of a sudden, the AHA is coming out with warnings reminiscent of the 1960s all over again. If you've followed the news lately, you will have seen
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/05/aha-avoid-saturated-fats.aspx

Why You Want to Avoid Hot Drinks When Flying

By Dr. Mercola Clean, pure water — in sufficient amounts — is one of the most important foundations for optimal health, but is becoming far more difficult to come by with each passing year. Environmental policy changes ensure ground water will suffer greater contamination with chemical pollution;1 water treatment plants don't have the resources to remove drugs and other small particles from the water before dumping into rivers and oceans;2 and in some cases, sewage is dumped directly into the environment.3,4 Most tap water is far from pure, containing a vast array of disinfection byproducts, fluoride, radiation, heavy metals, agricultural runoff, pharmaceutical drugs and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical used in the production of Teflon and flame retardants.5 And that's the short list. What's worse, more than half of the 300-plus chemicals detected in U.S. drinking water are not even regulated.6 Every year new stories are released about toxic drinking water across the U.S.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/05/airplanes-tap-water-coliform-contamination.aspx

What Is Diarrhea Anyway?

By Dr. Mercola Your digestive system is sensitive to dietary changes, and the health of your gut microbiome may predict your overall health and contribute to the formation of your stool. When bacteria and viruses invade your digestive system, problems may occur, the most common of which is diarrhea. Although the condition typically doesn't last more than a few days, some bacterial infections may cause it to persist for a few weeks, increasing your risk of potentially serious complications. Factors that determine the length of time you experience diarrhea include your level of stress, the bacteria triggering the condition, your immune health and the health of your gut microbiome. Diarrhea occurs when your body releases more water than normal with your stool, flushing the food and fluids rapidly through your digestive tract. Although the time food takes to digest varies from person to person, it normally takes between six and eight hours from the time you eat food until it reaches your
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/05/diarrhea.aspx

Mercury in Australia’s Derwent River Turns Healthy Food Source Into Health Hazard

By Dr. Mercola Mercury, a naturally occurring element, has a reputation for being deadly, especially to the brain. The heavy metal is one of only two elements on the periodic table that's liquid at room temperature. In its liquid form, mercury shimmers with an iridescent light mesmerizing enough to be displayed in the world's most beautiful art museums. But the element is deceptive and is a potent neurotoxin. Methylmercury, one of the most toxic forms of mercury, as well as the most common form to which humans are exposed, is a byproduct of bacteria consuming mercury in sediments. Methylmercury, a potent neurotoxin, enters the food chain where it bioaccumulates in sea life, becoming more toxic as it moves up the food system. Mercury contamination in the environment has proven problematic throughout the world, but in Australia, scientists have reported some of the worst levels seen on Earth, according to the featured Australian Broadcast Corporation (ABC) program, "Catalyst." A recent
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/04/derwent-river-mercury-contamination.aspx

Amazon Takes Over Whole Foods Market

By Dr. Mercola Amazon recently announced its intention to acquire Whole Foods Market, a $13.7 billion deal that has food manufacturers quaking in their boots. As noted by Fortune,1 "grocery stocks took a nosedive" following the announcement. Also noted by Fortune, just as Amazon changed the way books are printed and sold "by forcing publishers, authors and everybody else along the book supply chain to cut their costs," the food industry may now face the same disruptions and challenges — challenges bound to likely severely deteriorate, compromise and dilute organic foods and standards even further. After all, Amazon's stated goal is to "be Earth's most customer centric company … a place where people can … find … anything they might want to buy …"2 In other words, Amazon's ultimate aim is to get a piece of every single economic pie there is. Ingeniously, by buying Whole Foods, Amazon is not buying a retailer. Rather, it's buying a customer for its advanced commerce and logisti
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/04/amazon-buying-whole-foods-market.aspx

Could There Be Party Pills in Your Chicken?

By Dr. Mercola If you've never heard about ketamine, you're not alone. Scores of people had never heard the word until Bloomberg broke the story June 22, 2017, revealing that ketamine had shown up in Sanderson Farms' so-called "100 percent natural" chicken, arguably the most popular meat in America. Some who've heard of ketamine may include veterinarians, psychiatrists and people in the club scene who like to walk on the edgy (read: sketchy) side, as ketamine is known for delivering hallucinogenic effects. Testing also revealed other, and some even worse substances, and consumer advocacy groups don't intend to sit still for it. In fact, a new lawsuit has been initiated by consumer advocacy groups due to the company's use of the word "natural" in its advertising. Bloomberg explains: "The consumer groups contend that Sanderson Farms "doses its chickens" but don't explain why. Ketamine might be used to sedate the animals during transport or before slaughter. The consumer groups want Sand
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/04/ketamine-party-pill-in-chicken.aspx

Are Americans Really Getting Too Much Vitamin D? A Critical Look at Recent Media Warnings

By Dr. Mercola Over the past couple of decades, tens of thousands of studies have evaluated the benefits of vitamin D, linking low blood levels to a whole host of chronic health conditions. In fact, this site was one of the leaders helping to catalyze interest in vitamin D over 15 years ago. Today, many doctors have finally caught on and are taking vitamin D seriously; testing their patients and recommending supplementation when necessary. The progress made makes the present backlash all the more shocking and disappointing. "Many Americans Taking Too Much Vitamin D," Reuters recently announced.1 "More people than ever are taking way too much vitamin D," Popular Science declared, adding, "You may have a deficiency, but overdosing isn't the answer."2 ABC News warned its viewers that taking more than 4,000 international units (IUs) of vitamin D is "far above safe levels," and could potentially cause heart disease.3 Ditto for Consumer Affairs4 and many others.5,6 Where is this coming from
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/03/too-much-vitamin-d.aspx

Are You Familiar With Farro?

By Dr. Mercola It's no secret that the most popularly consumed whole grains on the planet continue to be wheat, corn and rice, but today I want to talk to you about an ancient grain called farro. Actually, farro is not a single type of grain; rather, it is a term used to describe three different grains within the wheat family:1 Einkorn, also known as farro piccolo Emmer, also known as farro medio Spelt, also known as farro grande Farro originated in Mesopotamia, and emmer was a diet staple of the ancient Egyptians. As such, farro is one of the oldest grains, dating back some 6,000 years. After Julius Caesar invaded Egypt in 30 B.C., farro found a home in Italy, where it is still cultivated today and enjoys a wide following. Over the years, farro has moved from the rustic tables of Tuscany to high-profile restaurants around the world, landing in home kitchens alongside popular whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa. Farro is versatile and can be transformed into rich risottos or in
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/03/farro.aspx

Migraines? Powdered Ginger May Help

By Dr. Mercola Using ginger for physical symptoms, not just for its flavor, is as old as traditional Chinese medicine, which has thousands of years of success in its wake. East Indian Ayurvedic medicine has rendered medicinal use of ginger for centuries as well. There are many plants and plant-based foods now respected by scientists after clinical trials showed an herb or vegetable doing exactly what traditional healers said it could do eons ago. The ways ginger, a rhizome or root, has been applied undoubtedly runs into the hundreds in terms of the many disorders and imbalances it can prevent, treat and alleviate. One of the most important is nausea. One of the most dramatic, however, is ginger used for migraine headaches, which is where its effectiveness for nausea emerges. If they knew, this information would be a great relief to thousands, as studies reveal that something like 28 million people in the U.S. experience migraine headaches, which occur when excessive dilation of blood
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/03/ginger-for-migraines.aspx

Tickle Your Taste Buds With This Guilt-Free, Good-for-You Green Dip Recipe

From Doug Kaufmann of Know the Cause
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/02/green-dip-recipe.aspx

Critical Vaccine Studies: 400 Important Scientific Papers Parents and Pediatricians Need To Be Aware Of

By Dr. Mercola Vaccines: Are they safe? Are they effective? To help answer those questions is Neil Z. Miller,1 a medical research journalist and director of the Thinktwice Global Vaccine Institute. Miller has investigated vaccines for three decades and written several books on the subject, including "Vaccines: Are They Really Safe and Effective?," "Vaccine Safety Manual for Concerned Families and Health Practitioners" and, most recently, "Miller's Review of Critical Vaccine Studies: 400 Important Scientific Papers Summarized for Parents and Researchers." "Miller's Review," published in 2016, is a magnificent piece of work. In it, he reviews the concern about vaccine safety and efficacy raised by 400 peer-reviewed published studies. The book doesn't review studies that support vaccination (almost all of which are funded by the industry and the government, by the way) as those studies are available on the CDC website. "I got started when my own children were born … over 30 years ago
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/02/critical-vaccine-studies.aspx

Biodynamic Farming and the Legacy of Rudolf Steiner

By Dr. Mercola Biodynamic farming is a spiritual-ethical-ecological approach to agriculture initially developed by Austrian scholar Rudolf Steiner,1 Ph.D., (1861-1925). It’s an approach that can provide far superior harvests compared to conventional chemical-based agriculture, while simultaneously healing the Earth. Not only does biodynamic farming provide superior crops both in volume and increased density of nutrients, but biodynamic farms are also completely self-sustaining. As noted in the featured film, “The Challenge of Rudolf Steiner,” sustainability, and the personal independence and freedom that sustainability provides, was incredibly important to Steiner. It’s a very long film — over three hours — but if you have an interest in biodynamic farming or Steiner’s worldview in general, it’s well worth watching. He taught there is an invisible force that aids and sustains humanity, and biodynamic farming makes use of a wide variety of influences, including planetar
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/01/biodynamic-farming-rudolf-steiner-legacy.aspx

Here's What Happens When You Quit Smoking

By Dr. Mercola About 50 years ago, nearly 42 percent of the population smoked cigarettes.1 Between 2005 and 2014 those numbers dropped from 20 percent to 17 percent and then again to 15 percent by 2015.2 Public health officials are hoping that that number will drop below 12 percent by 2020. However, while the number of people smoking traditional cigarettes is steadily dropping, the number of teens using smokeless electronic cigarettes, also known as vaping, is steadily rising.3 Since 2011, teens have been smoking less and vaping more, and research demonstrates that teens who vape may also smoke. If you smoke, quitting is an essential strategy to return to good health. However, I strongly recommend that you first get your diet under control as the implications of a poor diet may outweigh those from smoking and those who are in the process of quitting may turn to food to help alleviate their cravings. Smoking is linked to a number of chronic diseases, such as cancer, heart disease and s
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/07/01/quit-smoking.aspx

Anxiety Overtakes Depression as No. 1 Mental Health Problem

By Dr. Mercola Anxiety is the new depression, with more than half of all American college students reporting anxiety.1 Recent research2 shows anxiety — characterized by constant and overwhelming worry and fear — is now 800 percent more prevalent than all forms of cancer. A 2016 report3 by the Center for Collegiate Mental Health at Penn State confirmed the trend, finding anxiety and depression are the most common concerns among college students who seek counseling.4 Data from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggests the prevalence of anxiety disorders in the U.S. may be as high as 40 million, or about 18 percent of the population over the age of 18, making it the most common mental illness in the nation.5,6 Fortunately, there are many treatment options available, and some of the most effective treatments are also among the safest and least expensive, and don't involve drugs. Anxiety — A Medical Condition Driven by Sociological Conditions? Commenting on the featured
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Putting the Spotlight on Coriander Seed Oil

What Is Coriander Seed Oil? Coriander seed oil is extracted from the fruit (seed) of coriander (Coriandum sativum L.), which is from the cilantro or Chinese parsley plant family. However, there might be some confusion between coriander and cilantro. Coriander and cilantro are from the same plant, but also have several differences. The word "coriander" technically describes the whole plant, but depending on geography, coriander and cilantro have different descriptions. In the United Kingdom, the leaves of the plant are called coriander and the seeds are called coriander seeds. In the United States, the leaves are called cilantro and the seeds are called coriander. However, in India, it is called dhania. Coriander seed is considered one of the earliest uses of spices in the world. It was used for culinary and medical purposes in Babylonian times. It was also mentioned in the Bible, and was found in tombs of pharaohs as a symbol of eternal love.1 Coriander seed oil's color is clear to a
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/29/coriander-seed-oil.aspx

Drug-Free Ways to Help Balance Female Hormones

By Dr. Mercola Essential oils have been used for millennia to treat a myriad of health concerns. Given their potency, versatility and effectiveness, it comes as no surprise that essential oils can be useful in helping you balance your hormones. Many women have been successful in applying essential oils topically to alleviate premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual cramping and other symptoms. Some enjoy essential oils aromatically by diffusing them into the air, while others combine them with Epsom salts for a therapeutic bath. Evidence continues to emerge suggesting essential oils can play a beneficial role during menopause. This is certainly a topic relevant to many of my readers and may be worthy of consideration. Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy Although you may think of menopause as a season of life, it is medically defined as marking the cessation of a woman's menstrual period for 12 months. Menopause signals that your ovaries are producing less estrogen and you no longe
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/29/how-to-balance-female-hormones.aspx

Obesity Takes Greater Than Ever Toll on Global Health

By Dr. Mercola According to research published in 2013, 1 in 5 American deaths is associated with obesity,1 and the younger you are, the greater obesity's influence on your mortality. Considering one-third of American children between the ages of 2 and 19 are now overweight or obese, chronic disease and mortality rates will likely climb dramatically in coming decades as the health of these youths begins to fail. Since 1980, childhood obesity rates have tripled in the U.S., the rate of obese teens has quadrupled from 5 to 20.5 percent, and nearly 9 percent of 2- to 5-year-olds are now obese.2 As of 2014, the obesity rate among adults over 20 was just shy of 38 percent, costing the U.S. medical system $147 million annually.3 In December 2011, severe obesity was included as a qualifying disability under the American With Disabilities Act, further raising the cost of obesity on society as a whole. Being overweight during pregnancy also increases the risk of birth defects, recent research
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/28/obesity-global-epidemic.aspx

How to Get Rid of a Stye in Your Eye

By Dr. Mercola Your eyelids protect your eye from injury, help regulate how much light is admitted to your retina and maintain a film of tears by distributing tears over your eye and pumping tears from the conjunctival and lacrimal sacs. You have Meibomian glands at the base of your eyelids, near your eye lashes. These glands secrete an oil that combines with your watery tears to lubricate and protect your eye from drying.1 Without enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye, the orb can become irritated and you may develop an inflammation of the cornea, leading to blurry vision, redness and a burning and scratchy sensation, if left untreated.2 A stye may develop on your eyelid in the Meibomian gland duct. These irritations present as red lumps along the edge of the eyelid. While they can be annoying or painful, they are rarely serious. Styes can often be successfully treated at home, but before determining your course of treatment, you’ll want to make sure you’re not de
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/28/how-to-get-rid-of-a-stye.aspx

If You Eat French Fries or Potato Chips, This Will Stop You

By Dr. Mercola The potato has had a long history. The Incan tribe from the highlands of Peru worshipped the potato and people from Ireland blamed the potato for the Great Famine when a blight destroyed potato crops across Europe.1 Today, the potato is the fourth largest food crop in the world. The potato is a perennial plant that is high in starch and has more potassium than bananas.2 The vegetable is also source of vitamin C and B-6, and is sodium and fat free. However, while there are benefits to the vegetable, it is also high in carbohydrates; one medium potato contains 37 grams of carbohydrates. I recommend you limit your net carbohydrates (total carbs minus fiber) to between 50 and 80 grams per day, depending upon your metabolism. This means a single potato can be 45 percent to 75 percent of your daily net carb amount. The consumption of fresh potatoes has declined in the past 50 years, dropping from 61 pounds per year per person in 1970 to 36 pounds per year per person in 2008.3
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/28/eating-fried-potatoes-doubles-death-risk.aspx

Toxic Clothing Affects Everyone

By Dr. Mercola In September 2016, American Airlines rolled out new uniforms for more than 70,000 employees — the first uniform overhaul in 30 years. Soon after, reports started coming in from about 100 pilots and 3,000 flight attendants that the uniforms were making them sick. A variety of symptoms were reported (some occurring only while the personnel were wearing the uniforms), such as rashes, itching, eye swelling and a general feeling of malaise.1 Twin Hill, a unit of Tailored Brands Inc., which supplied the uniforms, has conducted testing, with nothing suspicious showing up that may cause the symptoms, and so far American Airlines has not recalled the uniforms, although they've given some employees alternative pieces and allowed them to wear their old uniforms while the matter is sorted out.2 While this may seem like an unusual story, it's not unheard of for clothing to make people sick. In fact, the average piece of clothing not only may be made from potentially allergenic mat
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/27/toxic-clothing.aspx

Many Veterans Are Denied Benefits for Vaccine Injuries

By Dr. Mercola Children and adults injured or killed by vaccines face a long uphill battle when filing for compensation with the U.S. vaccine injury compensation program (VICP), better known as “vaccine court.” American war veterans injured by vaccines face even grimmer prospects, as veterans appear to be routinely denied benefits for vaccine-related injuries. Part of the problem is that proving a vaccine caused the illness can be difficult, and it’s even more difficult when side effects are not carefully tracked and documented. Remarkably, the U.S. military does not track any vaccine-related side effects or injuries, even though military personnel receive a number of mandatory vaccines, and despite the fact that concerns over vaccine-related injuries led to the creation of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Vaccine Healthcare Centers (VHC) Network in September 2001.1,2 Military Personnel Blame Health Problems on Controversial Smallpox Vaccine Fox News Boston3 recently highlig
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/27/vaccine-injuries-veterans-denied-benefits.aspx

Sunless Tanning Drug Sure to Increase Skin Cancer

By Dr. Mercola Melanin is the pigment that gives skin (as well as hair and eyes) its color. Dark-skinned people have more melanin in their skin, and the presence of dark melanin, known as eumelanin, is associated with a low skin cancer risk.1 It would seem plausible, then, that creating an artificial way to stimulate pigmentation in human skin could lower the risks of damage from excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. There is a natural way to do this — get regular exposure to the sun in short increments, gradually building up your time spent in the sun to create a natural tan. As part of my healthy sunbathing tips, I recommend building up your tolerance by starting early in the spring, with as few as five minutes of exposure time, and gradually increasing the time you spend in the sun to avoid getting burned. Once your tolerance has been built up, aim for 15 to 30 minutes of unprotected sun exposure two to four times per week, around midday, to maximize vitamin D
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/27/sunless-tanning-drug.aspx

Why You Should Always Use Organic Red Onions

By Dr. Mercola Have you ever sat in a restaurant and smelled the tantalizing sizzle of sautéed onions moving past to another table? You may wonder why you didn't order the same thing, and resolve to get out some onions and other veggies for your next evening's meal. But did you know there's a difference between all the onion varieties in the way they impact your health? Besides the fact that both red and white onions are a low glycemic food,1 a new study has determined that red onions are superior in many ways, one of the most important being the dramatic influence they had on study participants' cancer risk. It also turns out that, among five onion varieties, red onions kill between three and four times more cancer cells than the yellow and white ones. The Canadian study, no doubt prompted at least in part because cancer is that country's leading cause of death, noted that the high levels of flavonoids, specifically quercetin, myricetin and kaempferol, in the five onion types were s
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/26/organic-red-onions.aspx

Broccoli Compound Lowers Risk of Obesity and Helps Treat Diabetes

By Dr. Mercola Broccoli and broccoli sprouts have potent anticancer activity courtesy of sulforaphane, a naturally occurring organic sulfur, and other chemoprotective compounds. Studies have shown sulforaphane: • Supports normal cell function and division and acts as an immune stimulant1 • Causes apoptosis (programmed cell death) in colon,2 prostate,3 breast4 and tobacco-induced lung cancer5 cells; three servings of broccoli per week may reduce your risk of prostate cancer by more than 60 percent6 • Activates nuclear factor-like 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor that regulates cellular oxidation and reduction and aids in detoxification,7 as well as other phase 2 detoxification enzymes. Broccoli sprouts, in particular, have been shown to help detox environmental pollutants such as benzene.8,9,10 In another study, sulforaphane was found to increase excretion of airborne pollutants by 61 percent.11 The phytonutrients glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiin and glucobrassicin also aid detoxif
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/26/broccoli-sulforaphane-obesity-diabetes.aspx

Health Benefits of Artichokes

By Dr. Mercola You've probably tasted artichokes and enjoy them in soups and on pizza for their zesty, unique flavor. But you may not be aware there are artichoke supplements, which are helpful as a powerful probiotic and antioxidant. The probiotic part helps your gut regain equilibrium, while the antioxidants are instrumental in fighting free radicals that cause many diseases, including cancer, heart attack and Alzheimer's. A plethora of nutrients simultaneously benefit your health in many other ways. For a little background on this interesting plant, there are two botanical varieties: the globe artichoke, suggested for culinary use, is Cynara scolymus and the cardoon is Cynara cardunculus. They're beautiful plants, depicted by artists for their interesting construction and vibrant colors: pale gold on the inside; thick rubbery "petals" in shades of pale green, sometimes tinged with purple, on the outside. If the plant reminds you of a thistle, it's because it belongs to the same per
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/26/artichoke-health-benefits.aspx

How to Make Thick and Creamy Labneh at Home

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http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/25/homemade-labneh-recipe.aspx

Dietary Fats — The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

By Dr. Mercola Fats are an essential part of your diet. However, not all fats are created equal. So, how do you know you're eating healthy, high-quality fat? In this interview, Dr. Cate Shanahan answers this important question. Shanahan is a family physician and author of "Deep Nutrition: Why Your Genes Need Traditional Food," originally published in 2008. A revised and updated version was issued this year. Herself an avid athlete, having competed in the Olympic Trials, she has also done consulting work for the Los Angeles Lakers. Shanahan's journey into nutrition started when she got sick. She ended up doing a deep dive into biochemistry and molecular biology, looking for a connection between her health problem and her diet, and found it didn't reconcile with what she'd been taught in medical school. "I was practicing family medicine in Hawaii at that time. I had gone to medical school with this fantasy that I would get to the underlying cause of diseases, particularly the ones that
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/25/good-bad-ugly-dietary-fats.aspx

Homemade Ant Bait — Less Toxic and More Effective

By Dr. Mercola The tiny ant is a unique marvel of nature. However, after invading your home, you may not find ants so fascinating. It has become convenient to run to the local hardware store for bug killer to rid your home of the pests, but you may be swapping one problem for another, more toxic, one. Your next option may be to reach for the nontoxic, green product advertised as safe for home and family. Unfortunately, finding a safer option may not be as straightforward as it seems since you can’t judge a book by its cover. Some of these “green” options may not be as harmless as advertised. Thankfully, there are truly safe options to rid your home of these insects and most of the necessary items can be found at your local grocery or health food store. In order to understand how the products should work, it helps to understand how the ant functions. The Mighty Ant In the short video above, you’ll discover five interesting facts about ants that may help you understand how to ke
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/24/homemade-ant-bait.aspx

Documentary Investigates the Causes and Ramifications of Stress-Related Burnout

By Dr. Mercola Unless kept in check, stress can wreak absolute havoc on your life, undercutting your health and depressing your very will to live. Around the world, "burnout" is becoming an increasingly pervasive problem, affecting people from all walks of life. Being successful per se will not insulate you from burnout. On the contrary, it may actually raise your risk. "The Day I Snapped" is a mental health documentary featuring five professionals who walked into the proverbial wall one day, "suddenly" unable to cope any longer. However, as noted in the film, while the crisis may appear sudden, that moment when a person "snaps" is really the culmination of an untenable situation that has been going on for a long time. Why the Modern Workplace Promotes Burnout The five individuals in the film suffered burnout due to work-related stress, which is the most typical scenario. But what is it about the modern workplace that pressures people beyond their limits? Key factors highlighted in th
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/24/stress-related-burnout-causes-ramifications.aspx

How to Grow Basil

By Dr. Mercola Savory green pesto sauce, tomato and mozzarella salad, nearly any egg dish, wild-caught Alaskan salmon — these and many more meal options take on a fresh tweak of flavor when basil is part of the equation. If you've ever headed for the produce section of your grocery store to pick up a small package of basil, though, you know how expensive it can be. Growing your own is super easy, even if all you have in the way of a garden spot is a balcony, deck or patio. Basil (ocimum basilicum, a member of the mint family) grows beautifully in pots or in your backyard garden, offering a pretty pop of greenery that you can snip off and pop into any number of delicious recipes. Gardener's World features a video clip of horticulturalist Monty Don, who says no other herb goes quite as well with tomatoes as basil, as the basil cuts through the acidity of the tomato to create a perfect flavor balance. Further, tomatoes and basil share the same growing standards and conditions: "It's wo
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/23/growing-basil.aspx