Hold on to those brain cells!- Week 17 of 52 Weeks of Wellness

MSG or monosodium glutamate is an addictive flavor enhancer used in many processed foods. It can be listed under 20-30 different names so it is very difficult to detect.

Those warm, fuzzy ingredient names such as natural flavorings, spices and seasonings can do some major damage to our body.

One major concern with MSG is that it has been labeled an excitotoxin. You may remember reading in week 8 we learned that according to Neurosurgeon, Dr. Russell Blaylock, M.D., Neurosurgeon, says excitotoxins like MSG, overstimulate neural cells and cause other nervous system issues. MSG causes brain cells to fire rapidly, become exhausted and die.

They literally are killing off your brain cells.

“What are excitotoxins? The word excitotoxin is derived from two words, excite and toxin. A ‘toxin’ is a poison. So excitotoxin is a poison that excites any brain cell it encounters until it dies. These substances are usually amino acids – sounds rather natural and harmless but when these react with specialized receptors in the brain in such a way as to lead to destruction of certain types of brain cells.” Quote source and much more excitotoxin info can be read here.

MSG can impact hearing, destroy nerve cells, heart rate, lungs, brain, digestive system, blood pressure. Another area of the body that is impacted is vision. There are glutamate receptors in the retina and laboratory studies on animals have shown the retina to be damaged by MSG. We can also see how this impacts other health epidemics. Glutamate stimulates the pancreas and may cause Type II diabetes, obesity, and insulin resistance. Need I go on? Not much safe or natural about it!

So what can you do to ensure you and your family are not consuming this substance?

Eat whole, clean foods grown locally or purchase certified organic. Stick to foods in natural state and not in bags or boxes. Fresh, raw fruits and vegetables, dark leafy greens, whole grains, and nuts/seeds (unroasted and unsalted) are pretty safe bets!

The following list of ingredients may contain MSG:

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Hydrolyzed Protein, Hydrolyzed Plant Protein, Plant Protein Extract, Sodium Caseinate, Calcium Caseinate, Yeast Extract, Textured Protein, Hydrolyzed Oat Flour, broth, boullion, natural flavorings, seasonings, spices,whey protein concentrate, soy protein isolate.

Week 17 Action Step:

Challenge this week, see how many items you can load up your cart with that aren’t in a bag, box or package! What did you score, how did you make a meal of it? Tell us in the comments below to be entered to win our monthly giveaway.

Share Wellness With Others:

• Tweet this info by clicking this link->”The MSG literally fries the brain. Learn more about the popular food additive here: http://wp.me/p1drJP-KO

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If you are just now joining us start with week one below. All you need to do each week is:

1. Read my my information and tips for the week, then take a week to implement the change.
2. Come back to the weeks post page and share your progress with us in the comments section and repeat the process with the next week’s post.
3. Rinse and repeat.

52 Weeks of Wellness Program Posts:

• Week 17: Hold on to those brain cells! - 52 Weeks of Wellness
• Week 16: “Can’t Stop Eating Them”! MSG Manipulates & Harms - 52 Weeks of Wellness
• Week 15: The Toxins in Our Foods - What is the big deal about MSG anyway? - 52 Weeks of Wellness
• Week 14: The Fiber Dilemma - 52 Weeks of Wellness
• Week 13: Are you Fiber Deficient? 52 Weeks of Wellness

Read more about 52 Weeks of Wellness here.

The Toxins in Our Foods – “Can’t Stop Eating Them”! MSG Manipulates & Harms - Week 16 of 52 Weeks of Wellness

Many think MSG or Monosodium glutamate  is a preservative or that it contains nutritional value, they are mistaken.

MSG is used in the food industry as a “flavor enhancer” which is a BIG red flag. If you have to enhance the flavor of something, there’s something wrong with it.

Real food shouldn’t need much enhancement. In fact, chemically MSG is an “excitotoxin”  or neurotoxin that has a negative impact on the brain and nervous system.

Some of you may remember in week 8 we learned that “according to Neurosurgeon, Dr. Russell Blaylock, M.D. these have been labeled excitotoxins because they over stimulate neural (brain) cells to the point of killing them.”

“What are excitotoxins? The word excitotoxin is derived from two words,excite and toxin. A ‘toxin’ is a poison. So excitotoxin is a poison that excites any brain cell it encounters until it dies. These substances are usually amino acids – sounds rather natural and harmless but when these react with specialized receptors in the brain in such a way as to lead to destruction of certain types of brain cells.” Quote source and much more excitotoxin info can be read here.

MSG can also be quite addictive which is rather convenient for the food manufacturers that put it there did you think? Remember the potato chip commercial, “you can’t stop eating them”?  It was quite literally  portraying the chips,  the MSG made you keep wanting more. No false advertising there! Seems fitting considering he manufacturers want you to over eat their products.

“One of the primary and most consistent effects of MSG and other excitotoxins is triggering “an insulin/adrenalin/fat storage/food craving response.” That response is what causes the, “I’m hungry again an hour after I eat Chinese food,” quandary. It is also why some of us crave potato chips and other snack foods that contain monosodium glutamate, even though we’re full.” Quote source and much more excitotoxin info can be read here.

Also, some people have reactions to MSG and experience symptoms that include headaches, chest pain, heart palpitations, nausea, and other health problems.

In the report “Sensory And Autonomic Nerve Changes In The Msg-Treated Rat : A Model Of Type II Diabetes” by Morrison JF, Shehab S, Sheen R, Dhanasekaran S, Shaffiullah M, Mensah-Brown E At UAE University,  they showed that MSG treated animals develop a form of type II diabetes by about 60 weeks of age.

Whatever your wellness goals, eliminating MSG should be a priority! Especially if you’re looking to drop weight, manage or prevent diabetes.

So Where is MSG Lurking?

MSG is typically used in Chinese food, salty snacks, processed meats, canned soups, salad dressings and most all processed foods. The problem is they don’t list it on the ingredient label as MSG. MSG is found listed under many different names to keep you fooled.

The following list of ingredients may contain MSG:

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Hydrolyzed Protein, Hydrolyzed Plant Protein, Plant Protein Extract, Sodium Caseinate, Calcium Caseinate, Yeast Extract, Textured Protein, Hydrolyzed Oat Flour, broth, boullion, natural flavorings, seasonings, spices,whey protein concentrate, soy protein isolate.

The problem is that most of these names all sound pretty healthy!

Week 16 Action Step:

Read the ingredient labels of the food you have in your cabinets and see if you find any hidden MSG! What percentage of your food supply contains these hidden culprit?

Tell us in the comments below to be entered to win our monthly giveaway.

Share Wellness With Others:

• Tweet this info by clicking this link->” The MSG addiction and why it’s killing you. Learn more about the popular food additive here: http://wp.me/p1drJP-IZ“

—————————————————————————————————

If you are just now joining us start with week one below. All you need to do each week is:

1. Read my my information and tips for the week, then take a week to implement the change.
2. Come back to the weeks post page and share your progress with us in the comments section and repeat the process with the next week’s post.
3. Rinse and repeat.

52 Weeks of Wellness Program Posts:

• Week 17: Hold on to those brain cells! - 52 Weeks of Wellness
• Week 16: “Can’t Stop Eating Them”! MSG Manipulates & Harms - 52 Weeks of Wellness
• Week 15: The Toxins in Our Foods - What is the big deal about MSG anyway? - 52 Weeks of Wellness
• Week 14: The Fiber Dilemma - 52 Weeks of Wellness
• Week 13: Are you Fiber Deficient? 52 Weeks of Wellness

Read more about 52 Weeks of Wellness here.

Stand Up For Real Food

Food Revolution Day 2012 – Evansville, Indiana

May 19th 2012 is Food Revolution Day! Most of us can greatly benefit from a food revolution in this day and age where food is so processed and removed from our day to day life.

Ways to eat better and revolutionize your relationship with food:

• Buy local: Keeping your food buying dollars in the community is THE BEST way to support the economy and keep people (your neighbors) employed. Plus, buying local often means you aren’t padding the pockets of the huge food production companies that often don’t have your best interests in mind. AND your food will taste better because it comes to you ripe and fresh from the farm.
• Say no to preservatives and additives: Next grocery shopping trip try sticking to the perimeter of the store only. Don’t venture down the store’s interior isles where all the packaged and processed stuff awaits. See how you make out and how you feel after skipping all the extra fillers and not nutritive stuff.
• Embark on a food adventure: Browse the produce section and grab something you’ve never had before! Trying new foods can be fun and educational but it also provides much needed variety and perhaps some nutrients.
• Take ownership: Either plant some edible things in your yard to feed your family or make and entire meal from scratch with non-processed ingredients.

I have all sorts of passion about revolutionizing food in Indiana, so to fit all my exciting plans for Food Revolution Day I am celebrating ALL WEEK long.

First, to inspire you to eat better and cook better I’ve got this fun video to share with you that goes nicely with embarking on a food adventure:

• Join us for a great lunch and some food/ wellness fun at Stockwell Super Fundraiser Fitness Day & Health Fair 5/12/12 from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
• Learn about food and heating and it’s impacts on health by joining us for 9 Key Things you must Know to Protect your child (grandchildren) from Cancer 5/17/12 from 5:30-8pm
• Pick some fresh (and good for you) strawberries from a local berry farm. For more information click here.

Join us on Facebook (Evansville, IN- Food Revolution) and for more info about Food Revolution Day 2012 Nationwide visit: http://foodrevolutionday.com/

Benefits of Nutritional Testing: A look at Hair Mineral and 24 Hr Urinalysis Testing

Mark your calendars for this free call 5/29/12 to learn more about the hair mineral testing and how it can benefit your health and provide invaluable nutrition information. Call time is 7 pm and will last about 30 min with a Q&A at the end.

To register fill in your information here:

Eat, Play & LOVE Your Body Retreat

October 13th 2012 from 9:30 am- 4 pm

Back by popular demand, this one-day retreat will provide you with a day of renewal and relaxation at beautiful Burdette Park Clubhouse in Evansville, IN on October 13th 2012. Don’t miss this amazing team of wellness experts to:

EAT – Cooking and green smoothie demo with whole foods guru, Brita Hinderliter, of WildThrive

PLAY – Yoga session led by Dr. Kay Corpus and nature walk

LOVE your Body – Mini massage and/or Chi experience, plus

Bonnie Schnautz, Certified Natural Health Professional, will help you create your own personal wellness program.

Snacks, lunch, and goodie bags and giveaways will be included. You will walk away with a plan of action to enable you to achieve your personal wellness goals! Includes:

• 6+ hours of personal coaching time with Bonnie and Brita – $720 value
• Motivational guide and wellness manual – $30
• Goodie bag including discounts for facials, massage, personal training, personal coaching session, grass-fed meat, snacks, essential oil and more – over $70 value
• Energizing and scrumptious meal and dessert, plus green smoothie experience – $20
• Yoga session with Dr. Kay Corpus and Q&A session – priceless
• Chi, Infrared and massage slimming and/or energy sessions – $40 value

Plus, the first 10 registrants will be entered to win a $500 Wellness Package including free massage therapy session, personal training package from Flex151, Facial (organic) from Shannon Aleksandr’s Salon & Spa, plus Wellness or Weight-loss consulting from B-Renewed. 

2012 Perks and Giveaways are TBD still.

To be notified of upcoming retreat info fill out the following:

Feedback from past retreaters:

Thanks for an enjoyable and unforgettable day! Jeanne N 10/4/10

It was awesome! You can’t imagine all the info I gleaned from the day. It was nice to have some long time info confirmed. It truly was so much good info and I look forward to working with you in the future. I’ve already shared your name with others. Thanks again. Bonnie S. 10/4/10

What is Juice Plus+ Monthly Webinar

A monthly event from 12pm to 12:50pm (CST) on the first Tuesday of the month (March – July 2012)

Find out what Juice Plus+ is and isn’t and how you can receive it free for your children for up to 3 full years.

During this webinar I’ll review the research that proves Juice Plus+ works and the positive impact it will have on your body and your child’s.

You can listen via the conference line (Conference Access Number: 1-218-632-0237 Conference Passcode:2011#) as well as view the presentation at: http://www.BRenewedJuicePlus.com

Are you Toxic? Take the Quiz!

We’ve, been discussing toxicity lately so I thought I’d share this fun quiz on toxicity. Take the quiz and add up your points. At the end check out your score to see if you are toxic.

1. How many servings of fruits or vegetables do you consume?

1 per day = 1, 3 per day = -1, 5+ per day = -2

2. How often do you consume whole grains (such as brown or wild rice, millet, quinoa or barley) and/or natural fiber?

almost never = 3, once a week= 2, 3 times a week = 1, at least once a day= -2

3. How many glasses of water do you consume daily? (does not include coffee, black tea, soda or alcohol)

none = 3, one per day = 2, one per day = 1, eight per day = 0

4. Do you take a quality natural whole food supplement?

Never = 2, once a week = 1, few times a week = 0, daily = -1

5. How often do you exercise (30 or more minutes of continuous activity including walking or hikes)?

almost never = 2, once a week = 1, 3x per week = -1, 5+ times per week = -2

6. Do you sleep well without medication and wake up feeling rested?

almost never = 3, sometimes = 2, usually = -1, always = -2

7. Have you ever been exposed to heavy metals via mercury (or other metal) dental fillings?

3 + fillings = 3, 2 fillings = 2, 1 filling = 1, never = 0

OK, tally up your score. Scoring:

-10 to 0:

Congrats! You are living on the low toxic path. Be sure you continue to stay on track.

1 +:

Changes are required to achieve optimal health and maximize energy levels. Following the same habits and tendencies may cause toxic levels to rise and heighten the risk of serious health problem.

If you are interested in learning what you can do to help detoxify your life, check out my Race for Prevention ebook or book a wellness evaluation today.

“Shake up your Lunch”

Reserve your spot or just pop in and lets talk wellness and hang out.  Shake options may include Almond Joy, Think Thin Peppermint patty, and the great Pumpkin Smoothie. I hope to see you there!

More info & specific dates can be found on my facebook event for this here.

The Toxins in Our Foods - What is the big deal about MSG anyway? - Week 15 of 52 Weeks of Wellness

Week 17 action step:

Read ingredient labels and while eating out, ask if  you are meal’s seasonings contain MSG or “natural flavorings”. Better yet, ask to have your food prepared without additional sauces or seasonings as this will eliminate the risk all together.

Tell us in the comments below which foods you were surprised to learn contain MSG to be entered to win our monthly giveaway.

Share Wellness With Others:

• Tweet this info by clicking this link->”What is MSG and why should I avoid it? Learn more about the popular food additive here: http://wp.me/p1drJP-Iy“

—————————————————————————————————

If you are just now joining us start with week one below. All you need to do each week is:

1. Read my my information and tips for the week, then take a week to implement the change.
2. Come back to the weeks post page and share your progress with us in the comments section and repeat the process with the next week’s post.
3. Rinse and repeat.

52 Weeks of Wellness Program Posts:

• Week 17: Hold on to those brain cells! - 52 Weeks of Wellness
• Week 16: “Can’t Stop Eating Them”! MSG Manipulates & Harms - 52 Weeks of Wellness
• Week 15: The Toxins in Our Foods - What is the big deal about MSG anyway? - 52 Weeks of Wellness
• Week 14: The Fiber Dilemma - 52 Weeks of Wellness
• Week 13: Are you Fiber Deficient? 52 Weeks of Wellness

Read more about 52 Weeks of Wellness here.

Have you been feeling healthy lately?  If you find yourself suffering from sickness or fatigue you may not be eating for optimal wellness.
Are you…

• Feeling tired, sluggish, lethargic
• Having trouble concentrating and staying focused
• Experiencing headaches
• Experiencing joint pain
• Catch colds easy
• Having trouble sleeping
• Suffering from bad breath
• Emitting an unpleasant body odor
• Having frequent gas, bloating or indigestion
• Suffering from allergies and/or food sensitivities
• Noticing skin problems like acne, psoriasis, eczema
• Experiencing constipation and other gastrointestinal irregularities
• Feeling depressed, irritable or noticing mood changes
• Having recurrent respiratory problems
• Suffering from back pain, hemorrhoids or sinus congestion

These are common signs of toxcicity and are your body’s way of asking for help.

“The intestine may harbor the seeds of disease in the form of a false lining that blocks nutrient absorption and creates toxicity.  Many illnesses such as a number of cancers, most allergies, infections, liver diseases, acne, psoriasis, and asthma start in the intestine.  The intestine becomes clogged, toxic, and diseased by what and how we eat and by how poorly we eliminate waste material.  Once the bowel is toxic, it creates toxicity for the entire body and an inability to absorb the nutrients necessary for health and healing.”  (Diamond M.D., Cowden M.D., Goldberg)

Toxicity can be directly tied to constipation and improper digestion which brings to light the importance of fiber. Read more about fiber and how to help toxicity here: http://wp.me/p1drJP-IF