A Question of Dairy

Hello World!
Back in the fall--2013, I gave a talk/presentation on the most requested subject...Dairy! I am including the handout/notes here for your perusal and enjoyment.

“ I would call milk perhaps the most unhealthful vehicle for calcium that one could possibly imagine, which is the only thing people really drink it for, but whenever you challenge existing dogma…people are resistant.”

Neal Barnard, M.D.

Ailments & Diseases Linked to Dairy Consumption:

Allergies

Anemia

Arthritis

Colic

Congestion/Mucus

Diabetes

Diarrhea

Eczema

Gastric upset

Heart disease

High cholesterol levels

Hormonal imbalances

Intestinal bleeding

Multiple Sclerosis

Osteoporosis

And the list continues…

Commercial Milk Contains:

Fat

Sugar

Protein

Various minerals & vitamins

High cholesterol content

Veterinary drugs

Pesticides & Fertilizers

Antibiotics

High levels of growth hormones

Bacteria & viruses

Blood & pus

Worried about calcium? Osteoporosis?

 ...Just remember beans & greens.

Green vegetables and beans have large amounts of absorbable calcium; both contain fiber, which is necessary to control cholesterol.

                         

“Your glass of milk, even low-fat, is awash in fat (the equivalent of three slices of bacon), cholesterol, antibiotics, bacteria, and—the most distasteful ingredient—pus.”

Jane Heimlich (in her foreword for "Milk- The Deadly Poison" by Robert Cohen)

Why does the medical community still tout milk? Dairy is big business--and they can afford to advertise and promote and educate about their products. A doctor, like anyone else, only knows what he has been taught.

Everything about this picture says American Lunch...right down to the white bread (that's a whole other subject). Milk does not do a body good.

Did you know that milk avoidance can help clear up eczema, arthritis, colic, asthma, iron deficiency in infants, musculo-skeletal  pain (growing pains), and lower cholesterol?

Here is who a cow's milk is meant for--we're actually taking it from him--cow's need to have babies to produce milk, just like the rest of us mammals. This little guy won't get to stay with mom, he'll be sent to the veal farm more than likely. Males are not needed on dairy farms.

Some Shocking Numbers

21.2 lbs. milk = 1 lb. butter

2.1 lb. milk = 1 lb. evaporated milk

10 lbs. milk = 1 lb. hard cheese

12 lbs. milk = 1 lb. ice cream

Better "milk" choices

Hemp milk

Almond milk

Soy milk

Rice Milk

Hazelnut milk

Coconut milk

Quinoa milk

*Go to the tab (above) labeled "Dairy-Free Recipes". 

Premium Sources of Calcium

Kale

Collard greens

Turnips

Swiss chard

Mustard greens

Kidney beans

Broccoli

Soy beans

Almonds

*Calcium is an abundant mineral in greens, all beans, grains, nuts, seeds, veggies, and sea veggies, lentils, and legumes of all kinds.

Experiment...play...try different cuisines! Life is an adventure!

This is a big topic and we've only scratched the surface: Further health studies and dietary facts, the environmental impact from dairy farming (and factory farming for meat consumption), cost and natural resources consumed to support the industry, and last, but not least, the terrible treatment, storage, and killing of sentient beings we call food. Dairy cows get "used up" and become low-grade meat products, female calves replace other dairy cows, male calves become veal. 

Women, Hormones, & the Stages of Life

                                      Hello from RI during our last 12 days of summer!

This is my first post in 2013. My dad was ill and passed away soon after my last post in 2012; I was too uninspired and sad to write.This past July I did a talk on Hormones and the Stages of a Woman's Life. I thought I'd start blogging again with highlights from that talk.     Thanks for reading and for the questions that keep coming in...I will start posting answers again (and to those who have enjoyed the e-mails instead, they'll continue, as well). 

Hormones and the Stages of a Woman’s Life

Imbalances: Hormones help regulate everything from energy flow to inflammation to women’s monthly cycles. When hormones are out of balance the effects are felt differently by each woman--bio-individuality is the reason. 

Signs of the Times

·    Teens have begun cycles earlier (some at 8 or 9 yrs. old); pre-menstrual syndrome is common in today’s world.

Child-bearing years can include PMS, infertility, fibroids, endometriosis, headaches, depression,  & low libido.

Other signs of hormone imbalance are irritability for no reason, frequent water retention, spotting between cycles or absence of menstruation, and painful or difficult menses.

Major causes of imbalances are stress, adrenal exhaustion (produce most hormones), severe dieting or exercise, deficiencies in nutrients (especially protein, calcium, B-complex, EFAs: essential fatty acids), environmental pollutants and hormones, birth control, and HRT (hormone replacement therapy). 

      Fertility/Pregnancy:

·    Herbal support for normal, healthy child-bearing years: many varied fresh fruits and veggies in the diet, whole-food supplements (especially rich in folic acid and chlorophyll), and essential fatty acids (EFAs).

·    Massage therapy is essential in helping with infertility—stress management is important. Avoid caffeine.

Hot Flashes & Menopause:
Hot flashes are caused by the hypothalamus (regulates sleep cycles, appetite & body temp, and produces hormones in the pituitary gland) over-reacting & producing hormones, attempting to stimulate estrogen production.

Menopausal symptoms can be heavy bleeding (unlike/worse than normal periods), spotty bleeding, leg cramps, migraines, fibroids, low libido, hot flashes, mood swings, crying for no reason, vaginal dryness, hair loss or thinning, and night sweats.

*Hot flashes can last 2-4 years after menopause has ended.

·         

      Herbal Support:  Supplements are made for particular needs and will vary to include many of these herbs: Dong Quai, Black or Blue Cohosh, Licorice Root, Wild Yam, Chaste Tree/Vitex, and Ginseng

*Black Cohosh: research has shown 8 weeks later, estrogen levels are equal to Rx medications' results.

*Licorice Root: stimulates the adrenal system.

·    Vitamins/Minerals/EFAs: Supplements may contain any number of these beneficial components to aid your needs: Vitamin E, Omega 3 or mixed EFAs, folic acid/B-Complex, and Valerian Root/Kava Kava.

·    Foods: Super foods, such as those high in chlorophyll (wheat grass, barley grass, spirulina, etc.) are wonderful system-wide health builders that will increase stamina and have a long list of other benefits. 
      Add these foods to your diet (high protein & mineral content): Sea veggies (kelp, dulse, wakame, etc.), soy foods, papaya, seeds, nuts, miso, and green or white teas.

*Sea veggies help remove toxins from the body by binding to chemical wastes and then eliminating them through the proper channels.

*1 cup soy = 1 Premarin tablet

*To moderate bleeding: drinking red raspberry or green tea may help. Exercise is something that will either help you to lessen the bleeding or increase it—this is your bio-individuality…you have to try it first to find out.

NOTE: Many people have sought relief from every malady known to man through acupuncture and/or acupressure. Also, massage therapy (including foot, hand, and ear reflexology) has miracle-like results!

God provided every tree, grass, berry, nut, seed, flower, root, bark, stem, leaf, and fungus (did I miss any?) to help nourish and cure us of our ills whilst providing nutritive sustenance. He also gave us trigger points for effective body work—all to help us cope in this changing, beautiful, yet difficult world.

Q & A (Parenting)

This week's question is from P. M. in Massachusetts...

Hi Sunday,

Should I let my daughter stay overnight at her friend's house? I'm not asking for permission, but I am not sure I should say no. She is new to the school and just made friends, a sleepover is planned and I don't know the family or any of the other kids. I am afraid my daughter will be left out of other things if I say no. She has had sleepovers with friends at our old house, but I knew all the moms.
P.M.
Mass.


Hi P.,
Tricky indeed. You give no indication of her age, but most girls start sleepovers around age 10 and by age 15 are less likely to have issues in getting permission; I'll assume she is within those ages. Also, you stated she's had sleepovers at your home, but was it reciprocal with the known parents? 

If your caution has served you well, perhaps it isn't that you are as concerned with knowing who the parents are, but rather, knowing them well enough to allow your child to be in their care. Allowing sleepovers in your own home has given your daughter the feeling of being part of the group without your fears for her safety becoming an issue. 

I suggest getting to know the parents much better and finding out how they plan to entertain the girls for the evening. Ask the important questions: Will a parent be awake most of the night? The girls will be awake until the sun is up...or is that only in my experiences...  
Are there brothers in the home? If so, where will they be (sleeping)? Will they be allowed to go outside at all during the sleepover? Will anyone else be allowed into the home besides the invited girls? Who are the other girls (and their parents)? Will the parents have any visitors that night? Who else lives in the home (an aunt, uncle, grandparent, exchange student)? Is it a smoking house? Do the parents drink alcohol (will they drink while the girls are there)? What is the condition of the home (safe, clean)?

The key phrase here is "Get to know the parents much better!" before agreeing to any sleepovers. It doesn't matter if it is going on next door and you can see into their living room and if every girl in your daughter's class will be there. That doesn't matter. 

What matters is that her life and well being are paramount to you. You have to feel certain about the situation you put her in...millions of mothers have been in your place of question; most had nothing to worry about, what of the ones that did? This is the stuff that keeps you up at night. 

My mum always told me, "When in doubt say NO!" I sometimes round the bend in my thinking process tormenting myself with endless possibilities, outcomes that sound like the Forensic Files, and panic attacks. Then that wee voice in my head (no, not a crazy one) reminds me to mind my mother's wisdom. 

This made for unhappy moments in the Kazas home; my daughter could be angry with me, that didn't matter. What mattered was that she was with me, whilst being angry. 

In another post I'll explain ways I was able to keep sane during my daughter's teen years while still able to provide the freedom she so desired.

P.M. don't worry about hurting anyone's feelings over your parenting decisions; another caring parent understands such things and children get over disappointments when spoken to with care and respect. I also found it helpful to use diversion tactics--make a fun evening that competes with or overshadows what she'll be missing. It is more "work" for you this way, but you will forge a trusting and loving relationship greater than you can imagine from where you now stand.

Home Maintenance (Emergency Preparedness)

Storm-Season Sensibility and Beyond

Storm season is upon us once more and winter is not too far off. The natural state of affairs, or delighting in our seasons, coupled with the unrest in other parts of the world make this post timely. You'll note I have no suggestions for a zombie apocalypse--all I can say to that is "double tap". 

I am always willing to share my “Be Prepared” motto, and fun list of “Must-Have On-Hand Items”. Most items in the list should be kept handy all year long; there is always the possibility of a power outage. It is wise to consider the following suggestions in conjunction with the government’s checklist.

We lessen the burden on others, in the event of an emergency, when we are prepared as best possible, taking responsibility for ourselves and our families.

Storm-Preparedness Arsenal:

• Batteries (of various sizes for all products needed: flashlights, radios, lamps, etc.)
• Flashlights and lanterns
• Rechargeable flashlight (type that stays plugged into a wall outlet, when power is lost the flashlight is activated--using charged battery power; it is now a source of immediate light, on the wall, to guide you.)
• Masking tape to tape windows.
• Duct tape, tarps, and plastic to seal areas.
• Plywood and scrap wood (useful for covering and protecting windows. Long screws and (ideally) a drill (charged) should be kept nearby for this purpose.) 
• Assorted tools: hammer, screwdrivers, pry-bar, wrenches for gas and water meter shut-off's, assorted wrenches for other situations, nails, screws, staple gun, etc.
• Gas grill or charcoal grill (filled propane tank; charcoal and lighter fluid)
• Matches and lighters
• Hand can opener
• Food Items: (Un-refrigerated products for each person, for at least four days)
• Hermetically-sealed milks (soy, nut, dairy); do not require refrigeration until opened.
• Canned goods (Especially those that can be eaten without warming or cooking)
• Dry goods: crackers, wafers, biscuits, cereals, trail mix, nuts, seeds, and granola-type bars.
• Packaged fun foods (For the kids—to keep them thinking all is well: raisins, fruit leathers, popped popcorn, etc.)
• One gallon of water per person, per day, for 4 days (Used for drinking and personal hygiene.) Don’t forget hydration for pets.
• For babies: diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food.
• Feminine products
• Pet food
• Paper plates, plastic dinnerware, and plastic drinking cups. Don't forget paper goods!
• First aid kit: large enough for entire family--should include gauze, tape, scissors, alcohol pads, bandages, antibacterial cream/ointment, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea med., antacids, hot/cold pack, thermometer, plastic gloves, tweezers, hemostats, face masks, first aid directions, and anything else you have room for (examples: blood pressure kit, bottles peroxide & alcohol, suture kits, butterfly bandages, tourniquet, finger splints.)
  Whether bought as a kit or put together yourself, be sure to have the necessary items in one spot...preferably a bag or box that can be brought to the person in need and packed in an evacuation bag as needed.
• Additionally, a natural first aid kit would also be in my arsenal...but that's another post!

A generator would be the solution to stay self-sufficient in the event there are power outages but no evacuations. There are many sizes and prices. A small one might keep lights on and the TV airing, and a larger one would keep the furnace firing and the refrigerator chilling.

Other Storm-Preparedness Tasks:

• Fill propane tanks for grills or fire places.
• Fill automobile gas tanks (and snow blowers).
• Keep prescriptions filled and up-to-date (For Bipeds and quadrupeds!).
• Keep cell phones charged.
• A land-line phone that doesn’t require electricity will most likely work during a power outage, unless phone lines are down, too. Unfortunately, we have mostly given in to digital telephone services these days.
• Create an emergency plan with your family (know what to do, what to grab, who to call, where to go, and where to meet should you get separated—always have a “Plan B”.).
• Relocate items from the property that could become projectiles (including garbage cans). Store them in the garage, shed, or basement. Be sure loose shingles, gutters, wires, etc. are fastened to avoid further damage. NOTE: Do not repair power and utility lines yourself; always call on the appropriate companies to do so.
• If heat becomes an issue, conserve warmth by having everyone camp-out in the living room! An air mattress or two will make this a comfy way to tough-it-out. Sealing doorways or even setting up a tent will further your efforts.
• Sleeping bags
• Keep board games, playing cards, and art supplies accessible. Think about passing the time playing music…MP3 player with speakers or use the nifty new solar/crank radio or maybe playing instruments.

Crank and/or solar radios are great products to buy. There are many models with a wide price range. Some have AM/FM and shortwave frequencies, a weather band, and MP3 connection. Many offer hand crank, solar, and AC/DC as power sources. Others even have built in lanterns. Such a piece of electronics would not only be indispensable but also the sunny spot in a dark hour.

Consider buying solar chargers. Many sizes to fit your needs and budget: small chargers for cell phones, larger for small appliances, and still larger for larger needs. Many sources to power your needs means less drama for you and your family. Alternative sourced portable power isn't just for flashlights anymore.

In the Event of Emergency or Evacuation:

Should you get a knock on the door at 3 a.m., and you are in your P.J.’s—quite groggy, will you be able to get everything you need in the five to ten minutes you are given to leave your home? 

Consider the panic multiplied and amplified by each member of your household. The answer could be pre-packed emergency kits. The minimum they should contain follows.

• Overnight/Emergency packs for evacuation: Personal care items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, washcloth, make-up, lotion, dental and orthodontic appliances, feminine products, etc.); change of clothes and shoes (don’t forget socks); medications and pain relievers; and important papers (birth certificates, social security cards, copies of account numbers, insurance policies or contact numbers, IDs, credit cards, medical cards, bank cards, important phone numbers, and anything else you would not want to leave behind to be destroyed or to be found by someone who isn’t a member of your family), first aid kit, glasses, a book or two to read, notebook and pens, deck of cards, travel games, hand sanitizer, baby wipes (extra--for all family members) for freshening, chewing gum, mints, snacks (granola bars, etc), ear plugs, flip flops (to wear in shower), hair ties & elastics, gloves & hats (weather appropriate), athletic shoes (there may be walking), travel sewing kit (safety pins, too), walkers or other devices for the physically challenged.
• Don’t forget baby…If you are evacuated to a shelter, baby food and formula probably will not await you. In addition to food, formula, diapers, and baby wipes, you will need 4-5 extra outfits, pacifiers, blankets, and at least one calming toy and book.
• Pet food and pet medications. Remember to bring pet carriers, leashes, and collars with tags (To identify the animal and for proof of vaccination. Leads for cats are a good idea, too.) for each pet.
• Create a list of medications and dosage for each family member along with any medical considerations that may become emergent. Each person should keep a copy of their list on their person (consider laminated cards), in the event of separation or unconsciousness. Medical ID jewelry should be worn, as well. 

You can add as much as you like to your bags...each person could have their minimum and an additional item for all to share. Some "preppers" put up canned goods and build shelters, others pack mess kits, tents, and inflatable boats! It's all very personal.

NOTE: Zipper-lock bags are great for keeping items separate and dry in your packs. Storing papers in plastic bags is a good idea—vacuum sealing is best. What a great use for that machine! To ensure safe, dry transport of your important papers, matches, even socks, vacuum seal your way to peace of mind.

Backpacks make excellent evacuation or emergency bags. They are easy to store and comfortable to carry. Each family member should have their own. 

They can be packed at the beginning of each season and left in a closet—in the hope of never using them.

An additional bag could be packed at evacuation time with less important contents: books and activities, photos, music, a special sleeping bear, blanket, etc...  Keep an empty bag for this purpose with the "E-Bag" or "Bug-Out Bag". 

You don’t know how long you might be evacuated—whether on foot or by car. Your vehicle should also have an emergency kit and a first aid kit. They can be bought pre-packaged or you can make your own using a duffel bag or plastic (snapping) shoe box or a back pack to contain the items. Blankets (maybe even a pillow or two) stored in the trunk will be welcome if you are stuck somewhere, are at the drive-in, or the kids fall asleep on the long ride home from Uncle Nikos’ house.

This fast-paced world does not allow for tragedy or mishap. Devastation to your home and life are compounded when having to start over without the necessary “papers”. To track down everything needed is more than an inconvenience. 

In addition to carrying important documents, cards, and contact information with you after fleeing your home, it is wise to have files backed up on thumb drives. You will have them with you to help you put your life back together should the worst befall you. 

Keeping the entire packet of important papers and thumb drive in a safe place (like a fire box) is wise. Should you need to pack and run, it will all be together for you to add to your other Bug-Out items.

Use a thumb drive or two to secure irreplaceable memories: photos, scanned mementos, videos, etc. You could also scan important documents, tax returns, receipts, payment stubs, bill and statement information, worksheets, reports, music, and that novel you've been writing.  Back it up with a second thumb drive and keep them in separate bags. 

USB (thumb drive) medical records are big now. Patients can keep import medical information (useful if rescue is called) within the reach of those able to help save their lives.

The time to think about planning is now, today. Don't wait until you are scurrying to find everything you need while in a panic. There will be enough to worry about in an emergency; think ahead and be kind to your future self.

A little planning and a little praying goes a long way.

For more information go to www.ready.gov

Q & A (Health--Cholesterol and Statins)

This week's question is from J. D. in W. Warwick, RI.

How can I lower my cholesterol naturally so I can stop taking statins?

Cholesterol. How can something we need in our bodies be so bad for us, too? Well, simply stated, more is not better..., and high cholesterol levels proves this maxim.

Cholesterol is a fat (lipid) and a sterol (hormones known as steroids are made from this). Its essential functions in our bodies are to make hormones and vitamin D, forming outer cell walls, and bile acids (for digestion).
We manufacture cholesterol even without eating it in our diets; the body can over-manufacture cholesterol when certain factors are present--heredity, over-consumption of high cholesterol or high-fat foods, or the inadequate use of cholesterol when producing bile.

I won't get into what your numbers should be and all the available medications, you've either heard it before, or you should be asking your doctor to explain the cholesterol fun facts. What I will share with you today are some things you might not hear in your doctor's office, but I add, always speak with your physician before embarking on dietary changes that are significant (especially when adding supplements). "Natural" does not automatically mean safe. Herbs can interact with other herbs and medications. Herbs are the natural or original forms of most medications, usually safer but not always safer. You can also ask your pharmacist about mixing your medications with herbs and supplements.

Each of us is a bio-individual--what works for one is not certain for another; add to that our dietary and medical differences and you have a biological lottery of possible horrific outcomes--the least of which is death...considering life from a vegetative state being the worst possible scenario. I cannot stress enough the importance of taking seriously the use of supplements. Anything in too large amounts is not healthy especially if contraindicated with another medication or herb or vitamin. Substances interact with each other--to help or to harm; by nature they are to do something...

Now that I have terrified you into submission, you are ready for the useful lists of foods to eat, foods to minimize or avoid, supplements to aid digestion and reduce cholesterol, and lifestyle support (note I did not say changes).

I have just started growing a group of glossary/fact pages for all the bits of knowledge necessary to further explain subjects posted in this blog. See the tabs at the top of the page.

Do not expect your cholesterol to plummet and your statin days to be a memory cast aside like a treacherous ex-spouse because you ate some beans and drank green tea. This lifestyle may take getting accustomed to, and you may be able to reduce (or remove) your dependency on pharmaceuticals, but there are no absolutes. Remember, bio-individuality and all the factors of your life. Pay close attention to how you feel and report changes to your doctor immediately.

I don't want to sound like a downer, I want you to be successful in gaining control of your body and its systems. I also don't want to sound cavalier about natural medicine or its affects to your health.

Foods to Eat to Help Lower Cholesterol

Whole grains (oats, barley, oat bran), fresh fruits (high fiber types: pears, apples, raspberries), vegetables (artichokes, broccoli, peas), beans, lentils, split peas, garlic, onions, mushrooms, yogurt, nuts and seeds (about a handful--raw not roasted: walnuts, pistachios, almonds), green tea, avocados, and extra-virgin olive oil (unheated). 

Meat eaters should avoid visible fat and skin. Chicken and fish are the best choices. In fact, fish oil from mackerel, salmon, herring, halibut, and sardines are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids--good for lowering blood pressure and keeping your heart healthy when eaten in moderation.

Flax seeds also contain omega-3 fatty acids in lesser amounts. Flax seeds should not be heated or toasted. Their vital fatty acids are rendered not only useless, but rancid once cooked due to their delicate balance.

Foods to Minimize/Avoid

Refined foods (white sugar and flour), processed foods (boxed breakfast cereals, white pasta), fat-laden dairy (milk, cheese, ice cream), animal fats, fried foods, red meats, salty foods (chips, salted nuts, snack foods, canned soup), sodas and soft drinks, and bottled juices (better to eat the fruit rather than to drink a pasteurized, processed juice).

Animal products contain cholesterol, plant products do not.

Supplements

Brewer's yeast*
Red yeast rice*
Nutritional yeast*
Niacin*
Green tea or green tea supplement
Milk thistle tea or milk thistle seed extract
Dandelion root tea
Cinnamon caps or cinnamon added to oatmeal or tea--1 tsp. per day (also helps manage blood glucose levels)
Maitake mushroom extract
Essential fatty acid complex (EFA oil caps--especially omega-3 rich)
Panax ginseng (protects the liver), taken in extract or capsule or tea
Digestive enzymes (capsules before or during a meal--chewables are also available, but may contain sugars)
Probiotic capsules
Cholesterol blended product, specific to lowering or improving cholesterol and used in conjunction with the above intermittently. Read dosage on labels. Example: Cholesta-Lo

Herbs to stimulate the body to heal itself, not to do the work for the body!

Lifestyle Support

Reduce body weight--it's always in the answer if you are overweight at all. Every 10 lbs. overweight produces extra cholesterol every day.

Regular exercise--daily exercise (even 10 minutes) will lower LDLs and raise HDLs (as well as boost circulation).

Each day pray, meditate, sing, or whatever you do to calm down and relax to a peaceful state or to routinely reduce stress. Stress does more harm in the body than you can imagine. As an example, when you are stressed or experience fear...even for a moment, the body excretes B-vitamins in the urine. B-vitamins are necessary for nerve health (and keeping cholesterol in check). Do you see the cycle? All systems of the body affect each other.

Eliminate all forms of tobacco--nicotine raises cholesterol.

Eat smaller meals towards the end of the day for best metabolism; snacks should be no larger than your fist.

Increase fiber in your diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, oats and oat bran, cooked beans and peas, and nuts and seeds.

Drink 8 to 9 8-oz. glasses of water per day; more if you exercise or sweat from hot weather. Water is necessary to all organs and systems to do their jobs, to maintain body temperature, and to hydrate skin and lubricate joints.

*Please, see the Supplement page (tabbed at top of page) for usage/dosage and warnings.

Q & A (Health--Meat Protein vs. Vegetable Protein)

Hello!
I have been finishing up educational certifications and took a few weeks away from the blog, but I am back with a bunch of topics in queue.
There are always more natural health questions than others...this may narrow the focus of the blog over time. I'll keep you posted (seriously, that was an unintended pun).
Thanks for reading; it's exciting to see the increasing page views!
~~*Sunday


This week's question is from Paul M. in Riverside, RI.

Is meat protein a better (or necessary) choice over vegetable protein especially in regards to IP (intractable pain) patients?

From,
Paul M., Riverside, RI

This question comes up often for vegetarians and vegans. I’ll answer it the same way, as it really is a matter of packaging…read on to learn what I mean.

Naysayers argue that vegetables (exclusively) do not provide adequate protein for maintaining health and vitality. No matter the proof, no matter the forum, there will continue to be debate because many people like the taste of animal protein, and still more just don’t want to be told “No!” Ultimately, we all decide whether to eat meat based on lifestyle and concerns (be they health, illness, compassion, or environment).
Know why you make the choice…it is a choice.

The perspective of science tells us that animal protein is loaded with the amino acids we need to form proteins in our bodies, which are necessary for all body processes to keep us alive, nourished, healing, and vital. All true. Animal protein is also rife with saturated fats and zero fiber. It contains a small amount of other nutrients such as iron, but no useable enzymes, unless you eat it raw. Basically, a delivery of high amounts of amino acids and saturated fats with no enzymes to break it down or fiber to carry it away.

Science also tells us that vegetables (some more than others—beans, lentils, etc.) have protein, but without the saturated fat. All veggies have vitamins and minerals (some more plentiful and varied than others—kale, broccoli, etc.), are loaded with enzymes, and have enough fiber to carry away its waste and some hitchhikers, too! Vegetables (and fruits) also have something animal protein does not, water. Water eaten from the plant kingdom not only hydrates, it carries with it absorbable nutrients which enter the bloodstream quickly, it cleanses and detoxifies the tissues and organs, and it is bursting with enzymes.

IP (intractable pain)* patients, like anyone else, need maximum nutrition for their caloric buck. IP patients (as other types of patients) must take medications, specifically pain medications (analgesics), to control their severe discomfort (enough) to function each day.

Cases where opioids are being used for IP the protein question is germane. If protein is necessary for the effective use of the drug in pain management, should animal protein be considered superior to vegetable protein? This is what some believe.

Animal protein has a greater amount of amino acids per bite, but the quality of the packaging should matter. Animal protein promotes inflammation in the body—especially in large amounts or as the largest protein source. Inflammatory response to foods leads to degenerative diseases. Opioids can cause inflammation, as well. Inflammation is the body’s natural, protective response to injury; it protects the affected site. In fact, the inflammation is what causes the pain, which alerts you to the problem.

Vegetables will provide the amino acids needed, but a greater amount of vegetation, as well as a varied amount, will need to be consumed to provide the same amino acids necessary (or equal to, in grams) as animal sources. Be not discouraged…those not wishing to eat flesh! Supplements are available to support the non-meat eater with his/her amino acid needs. An amino acid complex should do the deed in conjunction with a balanced diet.

Armed with the information, the choice is yours to decide. It is also important to note that the amount of protein needed in the diet is not as much as one would think. High animal-protein diets are hard on the organs and can be harmful to your health. The average** adult needs about (women—46 grams) and (men—56 grams) per day. Your doctor may tell you an increase of protein is needed in the diet (for IP); amino acids are necessary for every function in the body and pain control is not least among them. Speak with your doctor about healthy ways to increase protein and reduce your pain, too.

*IP (intractable pain) is defined as pain that after medical intervention cannot be abated, cannot be cured; no treatment exists or can be found. IP is not pain from a terminal disease or the progression of a disease; though, IP may result in death. IP is not defined as chronic pain; it is disabling, constant, severe, and causes other havoc on other body systems (heart rate, blood pressure, hormones, and neurologic pain). Uncontrolled, it can cause dementia, muscle wasting, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis, as examples.
  Chronic Pain is defined as intermittent or persistent but does not disable a person for more than a few days at a time.

**Pregnant and nursing mothers require increased protein (as well as other nutrients), as do athletes. 

    
    Always consult your physician when increasing or restricting dietary intake.