Your Heart has a Memory?

More reasons to take care of that heart!

http://www.mindpowernews.com/TransplantMemories.htm

Green Smoothy Experiment

http://greensmoothiesrock.ning.com/

Magic ingredient in breast milk

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-06/qmuo-mii062909.php

Public release date: 29-Jun-2009

Contact: Kerry Noble
k.noble@qmul.ac.uk
44-207-882-7910
Queen Mary, University of London
Magic ingredient in breast milk protects babies' intestines

Scientists at Queen Mary, University of London have discovered that an ingredient in human breast milk protects and repairs the delicate intestines of newborn babies.

The ingredient called pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor, or PSTI, is found at its highest levels in colostrum - the milk produced in the first few days after birth.

The lining of a newborn's gut is particularly vulnerable to damage as it has never been exposed to food or drink. The new study* highlights the importance of breastfeeding in the first few days after the birth.

The researchers found small amounts of PSTI in all the samples of breast milk they tested but it was seven times more concentrated in colostrum samples. The ingredient was not found in formula milk.

The researchers examined the effects of PSTI on human intestinal cells in the lab. When they inflicted damage to the cells they found that PSTI stimulated the cells to move across the damaged area forming a natural protective 'plaster'. They also found that PSTI could prevent further damage by stopping the cells of the intestine from self-destructing. Additional research suggests that PSTI could reduce damage by 75 per cent.

PSTI is a molecule which is normally found in the pancreas where it protects the organ from being damaged by the digestive enzymes it produces. Research suggests that it plays a similar protective role in the gut.

The team at Queen Mary have also found that PSTI is produced in the breast but until now they did not know exactly why.

Professor Ray Playford of Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, part of Queen Mary, University of London led the study.

He said: "We know that breast milk is made up of a host of different ingredients and we also know that there are a number of health benefits for babies who are breast-fed.

"This study is important because it shows that a component of breast milk protects and repairs the babies delicate intestines in readiness for the onslaught of all the food and drink that are to come.

"It reinforces the benefits of breast feeding, especially in the first few days after birth."

###

Note to editors

*Pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor us a major motogenic and protective factor in human breast milk, Marchbank et al, Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 296: G697-G703, 2009

Raw Food Detox in Pregnancy

Emailed Question from a reader:

Debbie,

I am looking for info on Toxemia and Raw food. I realize the nature of the question is offputting. But I recently added more and more raw food to my current pregnancy and the effects were a bit backward. I have gained lots of weight and am experiencing puffiness of hands and feet. This is my 5th pregnancy and I have never had this happen before. My hunch is that Toxemia is a detoxifying attempt during pregnancy. What morning sickness is to 1st trimester, toxemia is to 2nd. An attempt to purge the body of toxicity. If in fact my raw food consumption is creating a detoxifying effect in my body and albeit a negative effect on my pregnancy as I am unable to effectively eliminate everything efficiently. Anyhow, any information is appreciated.
-Genifer

Dear Genifer,

Congratulations on your 5th Pregnancy!

Most experts say you should not make drastic changes to your diet during pregnancy. The side effect, detoxing, can be harmful when pregnant. So gradually add raw foods to what you have been normally eating. And because digestion is slower during pregnancy, learn about how to properly combine foods. There is a small section about this in The Raw Food Detox Diet, by Natalia Rose.

Regarding Toxemia,

women older than age 40 have a higher risk

. So it maybe that simple. Try following these conventional guidelines...

How can I prevent preeclampsia:

Currently, there is no sure way to prevent preeclampsia. Some contributing factors to high blood pressure can be controlled and some can't. Follow your doctor's instruction about diet and exercise.

* Use little or no added salt in your meals.
* Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.
* Don't eat a lot of fried foods and junk food.
* Get enough rest
* Exercise regularly
* Elevate your feet several times during the day.
* Avoid drinking alcohol.
* Avoid beverages containing caffeine.
* Your doctor may suggest you take prescribed medicine and additional supplements.

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/preeclampsia.html

According to these guidelines, green smoothies and juicing should improve your condition by adding more fluids and eliminating the salt, which is in salad dressings. It is conventional advice to pregnant women that they eat more fruits and vegetables. So as long as you are not suddenly going 100% raw while pregnant, you should be okay. Natalia Rose advises 50-60% raw, continuing to eat meat and dairy as you are accustomed to eating.

On another note, get some really raw almonds, and see if that helps. Raw almonds always helped me when I was pregnant. It takes away nausea and dizziness and stabilizes blood sugar levels. And your doctor would be glad you are getting more protein!

I hope that helps,

-Debbie