What Are Food Cravings? Is Your Body Really Trying to Tell You Something?

For some years, researchers had believed that having cravings for a particular type of food may be an indication that you are missing a particular nutrient in your diet. For example, if you crave red meat then you may have an iron deficiency, or if you crave ice cream you must need calcium. Studies have shown, however, that cravings have nothing to do with a nutritional deficiency, but are actually caused by chemical signals in the brain. Nutritionist Karen Ansel says, “If cravings were an indicator of nutritional deficiency, we’d all crave fruits and vegetables. The fact that we all want high carb, high fat comfort foods, along with the research, is a pretty good indicator that cravings aren’t related to deficiencies.” Yes–it’s really all in your head.

When you crave a food, the same reward centers in the brain that are responsible for drug and alcohol addiction are more active: the hippocampus (memory), the insula (emotion and perception) and the caudate (memory and learning). These areas are all very receptive to dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that are responsible for feeling relaxed and calm and which spur reward-driven learning. The reason you crave things such as ice cream, potato chips and chocolate is that these items are full of fat and/or sugar. Both fat and sugar are involved in an increased production of serotonin and other chemicals that make us feel good.

There is a large societal aspect to cravings as well. For instance, women in Japan tend to crave sushi and only 6 percent of Egyptian women say they crave chocolate. Approximately half of American women claim that their cravings for chocolate reach a peak just before their period. However, research has found no correlation between fluctuations in women’s hormones and cravings. In fact, postmenopausal women do not report a large reduction in cravings from their premenopausal levels.

Studies have found that the more people try to deny their cravings, the greater the craving they have for the forbidden food. Researchers suggest that it is better to give in to the craving in a controlled way rather than denying yourself altogether. Just be sure to restrict what you consume to a reasonable amount. If your dopamine receptors are constantly bombarded with high-fat and high-sugar foods (or drugs and alcohol), they shut down to prevent an overload. This makes your cravings even greater and you end up eating more in an attempt get the same reward, but you never really feel satisfied.

Exercise and distraction are two good ways to reduce food cravings. One study found that a morning workout can reduce your cravings for the whole day. Smelling a non-food item can also help. Keep a small vial of your favorite perfume with you when a craving comes on and take a whiff when the craving hits you. It will occupy the aroma receptors that are involved in food cravings.

Dr Dubois, DC, CCSP

Dr. Dubois, a Swiss physician, and a Triangle Certified Sport Chiropractor has over 20 years of experience in the treatment and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Amongst his patients, two world champions in martial arts (gold medalists in 2005 WMJA), one carrier of the Olympic flame in 2004, and numerous soccer players, swimmers and athletes of all levels who benefited from his chiropractic care.

Your Best Options for Purifying Water at Home and on the Go

Whether you find yourself in a disaster situation or are just enjoying camping out in the wilderness far from modern conveniences, having access to pure water is a vital necessity.  We can survive for weeks without food, but only for a few days without water.  Even if you are surrounded by it, it is possible to be in a situation where ingesting it may be a dangerous prospect.  As the saying goes, “water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink.”  Untreated water may contain disease-causing bacteria that can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes death.  If you do not have bottled water handy but you have access to a water source, here we provide you with the tools you need to make it safe to drink, whether at home or on the go.

Boiling

The simplest method of purifying water is to boil it, particularly if you are at home and have access to a working stove.  This will rid the water of any viruses or bacteria that can cause serious illnesses, particularly to children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.  Diseases such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium, dysentery and hepatitis can be contracted through drinking contaminated water.  Pour the water into a clean heatproof vessel and boil it for a minimum of five minutes to ensure that all the pathogens are killed.  The water will have a flat taste due to the oxygen having been boiled out of it, but this can be reintroduced by pouring it back and forth between two vessels or simply shaking it up in a closed bottle.

Chemical Purification

Pharmacies sell water purification products that consist of chemicals that will destroy harmful microorganisms.  They are available either in liquid or tablet form and contain chemicals such as iodine, potassium permanganate, chlorine and halazone.  Use two drops or tablets per quart of water and wait at least 30 minutes before you drink it.  Iodine can leave an unpleasant taste in the water, which can be removed with the addition of some vitamin C (ascorbic acid).  However, this should be added only after the iodine has been allowed to do its work, as vitamin C interferes with the action of iodine.  A couple of drops of regular household bleach per quart of water will also work in a pinch, just be sure the bleach is less than a year old, as it degrades with time and old bleach may not be sufficiently effective.  Be sure never to use “color safe” or scented bleach.

Filters

A portable hand-held water filter is especially handy if you’re on the go.  Look for a filter with a pore-size efficiency less than 0.4 microns in order to remove bacteria as well as protozoa such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium.  Unless you buy the EPA-certified First Need water filter manufactured by General Ecology (which is expensive), your filter should also include some chemical purification such as iodine to kill any viruses that may be present in the water.  This is particularly important if you are traveling in countries in which water contamination from raw sewage is a danger.

Whichever method you choose, it pays to purify any water you drink it. It may take some time, but staying healthy and disease-free is definitely worth the effort.

 

Dr Dubois, DC, CCSP

Dr. Dubois,a Swiss physician, and a Triangle Certified Sport Chiropractor has over 20 years of experience in the treatment and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Amongst his patients, two world champions in martial arts (gold medalists in 2005 WMJA), one carrier of the Olympic flame in 2004, and numerous soccer players, swimmers and athletes of all levels who benefited from his chiropractic care.

 

Why Playing is Important at Any Age

It was Plato who said “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.”  Play is important not only for children, but for adults too.  All work and no play may “make Jack a dull boy”, but it also makes Jack a worse corporate manager.  According to a number of studies, those whose lives don’t include play have an increased risk of mental health issues, diseases related to stress, addiction and violence.

Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play says, “What do most Nobel Laureates, innovative entrepreneurs, artists and performers, well-adjusted children, happy couples and families, and the most successfully adapted mammals have in common?  They play enthusiastically throughout their lives.”  As we get older, however, we encounter barriers to playing.  We not only have far less time to play, given the demands of work and family, but play is often frowned upon by our peers, who feel we should not be “goofing off” during the day when we have important responsibilities to meet.  Nevertheless, play is as important to our long-term wellbeing as sleep, eating well and exercising.

Brown has researched the role of play in our lives and points out that most serial killers were deprived of play as children.  Play stimulates the areas of the brain responsible for memory and clarity.  It also encourages the development of creative strategies for dealing with problems.  Play can help make you more productive and innovative at work too.  When a problem comes up at work, studies have shown that those who take time out to play a quick game of basketball in the company parking lot or who take a break with colleagues to go out for a few laughs come back feeling refreshed and can approach the problem from a different perspective.

Play is also important to keeping relationships new and interesting.  Couples who play together develop better communication skills, foster a greater sense of trust and increase their ability to cooperate.  Play stimulates the area of the brain that processes emotions, allowing us to deal with stress in a constructive way rather than taking it out on our partner.

Children are often discouraged from roughhousing on the playground, but research has shown that this is actually an important means of developing social skills.  The practice it provides in give-and-take allows children to hone problem-solving skills that will be necessary for them to use as they get older.  Studies performed on rats showed that rats prevented from playing in a rough-and-tumble manner when they are young more often develop significant social problems when they reached adulthood and many are never able to mate.

No matter what your age, take some time each day to play and rediscover the joy and energy that play brings to your life.

 

Dr Dubois, DC, CCSP

Dr. Dubois,a Swiss physician, and a Triangle Certified Sport Chiropractor has over 20 years of experience in the treatment and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Amongst his patients, two world champions in martial arts (gold medalists in 2005 WMJA), one carrier of the Olympic flame in 2004, and numerous soccer players, swimmers and athletes of all levels who benefited from his chiropractic care.

 

 

ADHD in the Classroom: What Every Parent (and Teacher) Should Know:

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is classified as a psychiatric or neurological behavioral disorder.  It is characterized by a significant inability to concentrate for more than a very short period of time and/or impulsive behavior and hyperactivity.

The number of school-age children affected by ADHD is difficult to accurately assess, since diagnostic criteria vary.  Furthermore, the normal excitability of creative and energetic children can often be mistaken for a mental health problem by parents or teachers unable to unwilling to cope with it.  However, an estimated 1 in 20 children has ADHD, and it is important to note that approximately 70%-80% of referrals and diagnoses relate to boys.  Whether this is due to a real difference in the occurrence of ADHD or the natural tendency of boys to be louder and more impulsive has yet to be established.

Parents commonly worry about whether their child performs well in school.  The disruptive behavior and lack of attention that characterizes ADHD is clearly going to put an affected child at a disadvantage.  Additionally, if the underlying disorder is not recognized, the child may be blamed and stigmatized for being unable to control his or her behavior by both parents and teachers.  The fact that the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD has been the subject of considerable controversy for several decades has not helped to achieve any kind of clarity regarding the condition.  It is important for both parents and teachers to understand that ADHD is not caused by bad parenting, but is a physical disorder with a biological cause.

So, what are the signs of ADHD that parents and teachers need to look for, and what can be done to manage the condition to minimize its disruptive effect on both the affected pupil and his or her classmates?

The presence of either impulsive behavior or inattention that impedes a child’s ability to learn is a genuine cause for concern.  The type of impulsive behavior and hyperactivity observed in children with ADHD is far more extreme than the usual childhood displays of acting up.  The inability to concentrate is more than just boredom with the task at hand, and an ADHD child suffering from inattention may display many of the following signs:

• Distraction
• Inability to finish even simple tasks
• Carelessness and sloppy mistakes in their work
• Disorganization
• Avoidance of anything that involves sustained mental effort, such as homework

Discussing these signs with the child (either at home or at school) can help to determine if they feel unable to help themselves and whether ADHD may be the underlying problem.  Teachers may have an advantage here over parents since they are able to compare the behavior and attention span of an ADHD child to what is typical for their classmates.  In contrast, parents without any other reference points may view their child’s behavior and attention span as normal.  In either case, it is important to avoid blame and labeling so that affected children do not feel guilty for behavior and attention lapses that may not actually be their fault.

If ADHD is suspected, then referral to a medical professional is necessary for an accurate diagnosis and to exclude the possibility of other conditions such as Tourette syndrome and learning disabilities.  Approximately two thirds of children with ADHD are also found to have another disorder.  Doctors, psychiatrists and social workers may wish to include visits to the school and home environment in their assessment to see how the child reacts in a range of situations.

Treatment for ADHD may involve strategies for managing behavior for both the child and his or her parents and teachers.  Changes may be made to their learning style and program, and depending on the severity of the condition, medication may be prescribed.  ADHD children have different learning needs and will thrive best if these are met.  These needs may include a structured and regular learning program and an absence of potential distractions.  Pupils with ADHD may need to be seated away from their classmates, with a clear indication that this is being done for their own benefit rather than as a punishment.  Similarly, an ADHD child will work best at home in a calm, uncluttered environment.

As with any learning disability, ADHD is best managed through support of the child rather than using punitive measures to attempt to correct behavior.  Consistency and good communication between parents, teachers and health professionals are also essential for successful treatment.

Dr Dubois, DC, CCSP

Dr. Dubois,a Swiss physician, and a Triangle Certified Sport Chiropractor has over 20 years of experience in the treatment and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Amongst his patients, two world champions in martial arts (gold medalists in 2005 WMJA), one carrier of the Olympic flame in 2004, and numerous soccer players, swimmers and athletes of all levels who benefited from his chiropractic care.

 

Obesity and Cancer — The Latest Research

The healthcare community has known for some time that obesity significantly raises the risk of contracting type 2 diabetes, one of the most common chronic diseases in the developed world.  But now scientists have found that obesity is also linked to the development of cancer.  A recent study published in the journal Cancer Research has shown that the cells that create fat (adipose stromal cells) are the same ones that help supply nutrients and oxygen to cancerous tumors.

Obesity is the second-leading cause of cancer after smoking, according to experts from the World Cancer Research Fund.  Researchers claim that obesity increases the risk of at least nine different types of cancer, including that of the breast, bowel, prostate, ovary, uterus, kidney, pancreas, gall bladder and esophagus.

There were 1.4 billion obese individuals worldwide in 2008, according to the World Health Organization, and the numbers have been climbing steadily since then.  Statistics show that those who are obese have far worse prognoses for cancer survival than their leaner counterparts.

According to lead author of the study, Mikhail Kolonin, Ph.D., associate professor at the Institute of Molecular Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, adipose stromal cells are fat progenitor cells.  This means that they are a type of stem cell that can become different kinds of cells.  In this case, they are recruited by a tumor to help feed it.

Kolonin and researchers performed the experiment on two groups of mice: one set of test subjects was fat and the other obese.  Both sets of mice were fed the same diet.  However, tumors grew faster in the obese mice.  Researchers noted considerably more adipose stromal cells in the obese mice, so they explored the mechanisms that may have been responsible.

The scientists found that tumors emit a signal that attracts adipose stromal cells.  These cells then either became fat cells in the tumor or turned into cells that became part of the network of blood vessels that supplied oxygen and nutrients to the tumor.

Dr. Kolonin said, “Our data provide the first in vivo evidence of recruitment of cells from endogenous fat tissue to tumors.  The fact that these cells are present in tumors is still an emerging concept.  We have shown that not only are they present, but they are also functional and affect tumor growth.  Identifying the signals that cause these cells to be recruited to tumors and finding ways to block them might provide a new avenue of cancer treatment.”

This experiment was important in that it demonstrated that obesity in itself—not only poor diet and lack of exercise—may be a major contributor to cancer.

Dr Dubois, DC, CCSP

Dr. Dubois,a Swiss physician, and a Triangle Certified Sport Chiropractor has over 20 years of experience in the treatment and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Amongst his patients, two world champions in martial arts (gold medalists in 2005 WMJA), one carrier of the Olympic flame in 2004, and numerous soccer players, swimmers and athletes of all levels who benefited from his chiropractic care.

The Link Between DHA and Memory

For some time now, nutritionist have recommended that we eat fish on a regular basis in order to get sufficient amounts of omega-3 fatty acids (specifically DHA and EPA).  Not only are these nutrients good for the circulatory system, but they have also been proven to boost brain function, including both cognitive function and memory.  Until fairly recently, scientists have not understood the mechanism by which omega-3 provides these effects.

A study to be published in the journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism by researchers at the Center for Neuroscience at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada found a specific link between docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and memory.

The researchers fed one group of mice a diet supplemented with DHA and fed a second group a normal, healthy diet with no DHA supplementation.  When the mice that received DHA supplements were examined later, it was found that the part of their brain responsible for short-term and long-term memory, the hippocampus, contained levels of DHA nearly 30 percent higher than their counterparts in the control group.  The cells in the hippocampus communicated better with each other and relayed messages more efficiently in the mice supplemented with DHA.

Yves Sauvé, co-author of the study, said the researchers were interested in learning what it was about fish intake that improved memory.  He remarked, “What we discovered is that memory cells in the hippocampus could communicate better with each other and better relay messages when DHA levels in that region of the brain were higher.  This could explain why memory improves on a high-DHA diet.”

This study and others have noted that the body stores DHA in the brain, which is likely the reason why an increased intake of omega-3 is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.  The early stages of the disease first affect the hippocampus.  Researchers have discovered that DHA is vital to the brain development of fetuses and young children.  It then seems to become important again as we age—brains with lower amounts of DHA have been shown to be smaller in volume.

Since the body does not produce its own DHA, experts recommend that people eat oily fish (such as salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel and anchovies) twice a week  and that they consider taking a fish oil supplement containing DHA and EPA once a day.  By getting enough DHA as an adult, it’s possible that you’ll be able to enjoy your later years a bit more and have an easier time remembering where you left your car keys!

Dr Dubois, DC, CCSP

Dr. Dubois, a Swiss physician, and a Triangle Certified Sport Chiropractor has over 20 years of experience in the treatment and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Amongst his patients, two world champions in martial arts (gold medalists in 2005 WMJA), one carrier of the Olympic flame in 2004, and numerous soccer players, swimmers and athletes of all levels who benefited from his chiropractic care.

How Much Sleep Do People Really Need?

There is no short, simple answer to the question of how much sleep people really need.  Our requirement differs depending on our age and individual needs.  For instance, preschool-aged children (3 to 5 years) need between 11 and 13 hours of sleep per night.  On the other hand, the elderly may sleep for only three or four hours at a time, with their sleep taken both at night and during the day.  What is not in question is that most people do not get enough sleep for their needs.  Researchers estimate that approximately 10 percent of Americans are chronically sleep deprived.

Sleep deprivation is associated with a higher incidence of accidents, obesity, diabetes, heart disease and psychiatric problems such as depression.  Sleep specialists Donna L. Arand and Michael H. Bonnet say, “There is strong evidence that sufficient shortening or disturbance of the sleep process compromises mood, performance and alertness and can result in injury or death.  In this light, the most common-sense ‘first, do no harm’ medical advice would be to avoid sleep deprivation.”  But what exactly is sleep deprivation?

Everyone has a night or two when their sleep may be disturbed due to illness, being awoken by noise or the room being too warm, for example.  The National Sleep Foundation says there are two different factors at work in determining if you will be sleep deprived or not: your basal sleep need (what you require for functioning at your best) and your sleep debt (the accumulation of lost sleep).  Let us say, for instance, that you get your required eight hours of basal sleep for three nights in a row.  You might imagine that sleep deprivation should not be an issue.  However, you may still find yourself feeling sleepy and unable to concentrate.  Despite having slept well during the prior three nights, you may still have a sleep debt to “pay off” from the nights before that.

To make things even more complicated, it is also possible to get too much sleep.  Researchers have found that sleep regularly lasting nine hours or more is associated with an increased rate of illness, accidents and death.  Depression and low socioeconomic status are two factors related to sleeping for long periods of time.

Two surveys taken by the American Cancer Society that included over a million adult participants found that those who slept seven hours a night had a lower risk of mortality in the following 6 years than those who slept either more or less.  All else equal, experts suggest that for most healthy adults, getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night is ideal.

To judge for yourself the amount of sleep that is right for you, assess how you respond to different amounts of sleep.  Some people function better on less sleep and some need more than eight hours to feel at their best.  If you believe you are consistently not getting enough sleep, speak with your physician.  He or she will be able to give you some advice about how to increase the quantity and quality of sleep you get.  It is definitely worth the effort since getting the right amount of sleep can significantly improve your overall quality of life.

Dr P. Dubois, DC, CCSP

Dr. Dubois,a Swiss physician, and a Triangle Certified Sport Chiropractor has over 20 years of experience in the treatment and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Amongst his patients, two world champions in martial arts (gold medalists in 2005 WMJA), one carrier of the Olympic flame in 2004, and numerous soccer players, swimmers and athletes of all levels who benefited from his chiropractic care.

Pregnancy and Sciatica

Pregnancy involves a broad range of rapid changes to a woman’s physiology, including changes that can vary widely from one woman to the next.  Sciatica is a common symptom associated with pregnancy and is caused by pressure or injury to the sciatic nerve.  The common signs of sciatica are weakness, tingling, numbness and burning pain in the legs, back and buttocks.

As the fetus grows inside the mother’s womb, the uterus expands and occasionally places pressure against the sciatic nerve in the lower spinal column.  This pressure can become especially evident during the third trimester as the baby begins to shift toward the proper birthing position.  The baby can end up resting directly upon the nerve, creating significant pain.

Approximately half of all pregnant women who suffer from sciatica recover within six weeks of childbirth and almost all (90%) recover within 3 months, although there is a small percentage for whom the pain continues for much longer.

Due to the dangers of taking painkillers and other medication during pregnancy, physicians generally recommend not taking anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen.  Instead, there are a number of exercises and other options to help relieve the pain of sciatica before and after childbirth.

• Take frequent rests and avoid spending too much time on your feet.
• Avoid wearing heeled shoes that may jar your spine.  Soft, flat shoes may be preferable, but if they don’t help, try other types of shoes with different types of heel support.
• Avoid lifting or carrying heavy objects, but if you absolutely have to, be sure to bend from your knees and maintain a straight back.
• Place heat or ice packs on the location of the pain.  Use ice for the first couple of days and then heat after that.
• Take a warm bath.  The heat will help soothe the pain and the buoyancy will take the pressure off.
• Alternative therapy such as chiropractic care or prenatal massage (by a trained and licensed therapist) can also provide relief.
• Low impact physical activities such as swimming and prenatal yoga can help stretch the body and readjust the baby’s position, thus taking the pressure off the nerve and reducing the pain.

If the sciatica persists during labor, then the range of positions available for delivery may be limited due to the additional pain.  If you suspect that this may become an issue for you, one alternative may be to ask the hospital or other facility to make a birthing pool available for your delivery as this will provide a warm and buoyant medium for reducing the pressure and pain.

Sciatica is generally a temporary discomfort for pregnant women, one that lasts not much longer than the pregnancy itself, and can be treated naturally without risk to the baby or mother.

Dr P. Dubois, DC, CCSP.

Dr. Dubois,a Swiss physician, and a Triangle Certified Sport Chiropractor has over 20 years of experience in the treatment and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Amongst his patients, two world champions in martial arts (gold medalists in 2005 WMJA), one carrier of the Olympic flame in 2004, and numerous soccer players, swimmers and athletes of all levels who benefited from his chiropractic care.

 

How Does Chiropractic Help Increase Range of Motion and Flexibility?

When we’re younger, it’s easy to take our extensive range of motion and flexibility for granted.  But as we age, a number of health conditions and the cumulative effects of wear and tear can affect our ability to move the way we used to.  When this happens it can be difficult to carry on the activities of daily life.  Even things as simple as picking something up off the floor or tying your shoes can be challenging activities when your movements are curtailed.  Luckily, regular chiropractic care can help increase both range of motion and flexibility.

A study performed in 2001 by researchers at the Phillip Chiropractic Research Centre of RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, and published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic adjustments increased range of motion in the 105 patients who participated in the study.  There were three phases of this study, in which each of the participants was given no adjustments, fake adjustments or true adjustments.  In each phase, the patients who were given the true adjustments showed a significant improvement in range of motion, which was not the case for the other two groups.

A decrease in range of motion and flexibility can result in a downward spiral of disability.  An injury or degenerative condition can cause pain, swelling and stiffness, limiting flexibility and range of motion.  So we avoid activities that involve the affected body parts, either consciously or unconsciously.  This then becomes a classic case of “use it or lose it”.  Without regular exercise, the muscles and joints stiffen, adhesions and scar tissue can form, and mobility is further reduced.  Eventually, a person can become completely incapacitated.

A chiropractor uses spinal adjustments and manipulations to other parts of the body to realign the bones and joints so as to reduce pain, restore range of motion, and improve flexibility, balance and coordination.  These adjustments may be performed manually, or other techniques may be used to increase circulation and improve function, such as ultrasound, trigger point therapy and electrical stimulation.  Your chiropractor can also recommend specific exercises that can be done at home to increase your strength and flexibility so that you’re able to maintain and build upon the gains from your chiropractic adjustments.

Many people restrict their activities due to back pain, which is the most common complaint of those who enter a chiropractor’s office.  Regular chiropractic care can reduce or eliminate the source of your back and joint pain, allowing you to resume your normal activities and to remain more flexible into your golden years.

Dr P. Dubois, DC, CCSP.

Dr. Dubois,a Swiss physician, and a Triangle Certified Sport Chiropractor has over 20 years of experience in the treatment and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Amongst his patients, two world champions in martial arts (gold medalists in 2005 WMJA), one carrier of the Olympic flame in 2004, and numerous soccer players, swimmers and athletes of all levels who benefited from his chiropractic care.

 

How to Identify Genetically Engineered Foods.

Biotech and chemical companies such as Monsanto and DuPont don’t want to make it easy for you to know which products on your local supermarket shelves contain genetically engineered foods (also known as genetically modified organisms or GMOs).  They spent tens of millions of dollars to defeat a California proposition that would have required labeling of these products.

The food industry is also generally against GMO labeling, since many large food companies use genetically modified ingredients in their products and do not want the added expense and complexity of complying with state-by-state packaging regulations.  Nor do they welcome the idea that some consumers might change their buying habits based on this new information.

Based on a number of animal studies, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) advised doctors “to educate their patients, the medical community, and the public to avoid GM (genetically modified) foods when possible and provide educational materials concerning the dangers of genetically modified foods.”  Thus far, the Food and Drug Administration has refused to require labeling on genetically engineered foods.

Whether labeling is required or not, there are still some things you can do to help reduce your likelihood of consuming foods containing GMOs:

• Buy food with labels specifying the product is “GMO-free” or “non-GM” – This type of labeling is not yet common.  However, as public support for labeling grows, you will likely find it more often as manufacturers try to appeal to those consumers who want to know their food is free of GMOs.
• Buy foods with a label stating it is “100% organic” – Laws in the U.S. and Canada require that if label states that the product is “100% organic,” it must not contain any ingredient that has been genetically engineered, which includes meat from animals that have eaten feed that is genetically modified.  However, keep in mind that if the label states it is only “organic” (without the “100%”) it may still contain up to 30% genetically engineered ingredients.
• Avoid aspartame – Many artificial sweeteners such as NutraSweet® and Equal® use aspartame, which is created from genetically engineered microorganisms.
• Learn what the numbers indicate on the stickers found on produce:

A number with 4 digits indicates that the food was grown conventionally.  A number with 5 digits that begins with an 8 is a food that is genetically engineered.  A number with 5 digits that begins with a 9 means the food is organic.

• Learn which products are most likely to contain genetically modified ingredients.  For example:

Corn – This product may be the most difficult to avoid, as it is a key ingredient in a huge array of processed foods, particularly in high fructose corn syrup.  Unless the food is labeled as 100% organic, if it has any type of corn in it you may want to think twice about buying it.  However, there is currently no genetically modified popcorn on the market, so you are likely safe there.  If you want butter on it, add some yourself, as artificial “butter flavor” most likely contains genetically engineered flavoring.

Soybeans ­– This includes more than soy milk, tofu and edamame.  Such products as soy protein, soy flour, soy lecithin and isoflavones may also be genetically engineered unless they are labeled as 100% organic.

Canola (Rapeseed) – Unless you live in the EU, 95% of the canola oil sold comes from genetically engineered rapeseed.  A better choice for cooking is to use sunflower oil or grape-seed oil, which are not likely to be from GM crops.

Dairy – Buy dairy products that are 100% organic and labeled as rBST- or rBGH-free.  On industrial dairy farms, cows are commonly injected with these genetically engineered hormones in order to boost milk production.  They also eat genetically modified feed.

Dr P. Dubois, DC, CCSP.

Dr. Dubois,a Swiss physician, and a Triangle Certified Sport Chiropractor has over 20 years of experience in the treatment and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system.Amongst his patients, two world champions in martial arts (gold medalists in 2005 WMJA), one carrier of the Olympic flame in 2004, and numerous soccer players, swimmers and athletes of all levels who benefited from his chiropractic care.