Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/127015
Lectins and Digestive Distress Biochemical and nutritional science has uncovered molecular bad guys behind much of our population's digestive misery. These sticky protein molecules called lectins present in our food can cause digestive problems. When you eat foods that contain lectins that are incompatible with your blood type, they can attach to cells in your digestive system. They can weaken the lining of your intestines and pass through the intestines into your bloodstream, where they are carried throughout your body. Lectins have been linked to other symptoms. Preliminary research shows that lectins may bind to connective tissue in your joints, cells of your organ tissues and immune cells. Removing foods with incompatible lectins, may lead to greater joint comfort, relief from bloating and other digestive issues as well as clearer thinking. Carrageenan Rates of digestive diseases are rising—ranging from widespread digestive discomfort ("belly bloat," "spastic colon," Irritable Bowel Syndrome) to serious and sometimes lifethreatening diseases such as ulcerative colitis and colon cancer. For decades, scientists conducting laboratory animal experiments using the common food additive carrageenan have found higher rates of gastrointestinal inflammation, colitislike disease, and even colon cancer. Carrageenan is a convenient and unique food additive for the food industry, and selling carrageenan is a profitable enterprise for a handful of chemical corporations. For decades, these companies have spread misinformation— often, outright lies—about carrageenan's safety. Even approved drinking water under EPA standards may contain specified amount of contaminants, lead, arsenic, mercury, radioactive particles and other toxins that can wreak havoc on your digestive system and entire body. So, pay attention to the water you drink. Opt for pure filtered water over tap water, and strive to drink ½ your body weight in ounces each day. This will not only help you stay properly hydrated but will also help your digestive system keep things "moving" and minimize digestive distress. rate scientists rather than to the scientists funded by the National Institutes of Health? That's right: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In June 2012, the FDA rejected a citizen petition by the nation's preeminent publicly funded scientist and carrageenan expert, who formally requested that carrageenan be removed from our food supply. Sign the petition at www.cornucopia.org, and let the FDA know that it's time to act in the interest of our health and safety. Carrageenan is a dangerous food additive, and should be removed from the list of allowed additives! http://www.cornucopia.org/carrageenanfda/ Carrageenan can be found in many foods, even foods labeled "natural" and "organic." It is widely used in dairy products (chocolate milk, whipping cream, ice cream, nonfat sour cream), frozen dinners, dairy alternatives (soy milk, coconut milk, almond milk), prepared poultry and cold cuts, nutritional drinks, and even infant formula. And who has been more than willing to listen to the corpo- Abby's Magazine - May/June 2013 | Page 21