The Protein Myth

The Protein Myth

First we will cover the usual topics like ‘where do we get our protein?’ ‘do we get enough protein?’ and ‘isn’t plant protein second class protein?’ we will also look into the dangers of too much protein and of course when all this has been covered I am going to take you out of the box as usual and bring you some facts to make you think.

Let’s begin with the most common question a vegan will here; ‘where do you get your protein from?’ If one does not eat meat or dairy then where is the protein coming from? Well, lots of foods have protein in them for example; nuts, seeds, legumes, soy etc. as well as vegetables themselves and a vegan following a structured and varied diet will have no problem at all obtaining or exceeding the required amount of protein. In 1881 145g of protein a day was needed for human health, during the world war years the figure was set at 100g per day and by 1979 the recommended allowance was just 56g (given by the NRC), The National Academy Of Sciences Food And Nutrition board says 0.57g of protein for every kilogram of bodyweight can be used as a rule of thumb. Well I am going to turn this on its head and say ‘do we need any protein at all? But more about that later, for now let’s clear up the first class, second class protein mess.

It used to be believed that animal protein was first class and plant protein was second class but we now know this to be completely untrue. This was common belief because it was thought that if the body did not receive the full eight essential amino acids present in the food we could not survive and as plants did not have the full eight present this made them a second class source. This is not the case. By eating a variety of foods during the day the eight amino acids will be obtained, we now know the combination of protein foods does not even need to be eaten at the same meal. If there had to be classes for protein the plant sourced protein would be ‘first class’ as the dangers of animal proteins are easily found on your favourite search engine.

Protein is very important and essential to life but is very dangerous to us when taken in excessive amounts although there are some obvious circumstances where an increase in protein will be needed; a pregnant woman, an athlete, an adolescent and of course the bodybuilder. Although many bodybuilders and many others involved in sports are overloading their bodies with excess protein levels. Only so much protein can be used by the body at any one time so the common belief that ‘the more protein you get into you the bigger you will become’ is certainly not true and those that are overloading excessively are not only wasting money but they are risking their health too, ( at my biggest and strongest I was eating 1g of protein for every lb of bodyweight, because this is what I was taught). The common belief is that we just release excess protein in our urine and this is true, but only after the damage has been done. Animal protein is far more damaging in excess than plant protein although an excess of either is dangerous.

So what are the dangers? The result of excess protein consumption can be osteoporosis and kidney stones. The PH levels of the body are thrown out because animal foods raise the level of acidity and the body’s only answer for this is to draw calcium deposits from the bones to restore the correct levels, and over time the result is weakening of the bones (osteoporosis). Where does this calcium go? This calcium will often collect in the kidneys where it produces stones. Kidney disease is higher in meat eaters. Milk is not the answer to osteoporosis as although it is rich in calcium it is also rich in animal protein which could possibly only add to the problem. An excess of animal protein has also been linked to cancer of the colon, breast, prostate and pancreas. Urine output is increased and can lead to excessive vitamin and mineral loss.

OK, all said and done, now let me turn this whole thing on its head completely as promised. PROTEIN is essential to life, right? We need a certain amount of PROTEIN or we will cease to exist, right? Well what if I told you we did not need any PROTEIN what so ever, and that PROTEIN  is only a middle man which can be ‘cut out’ – please let me explain:

To understand protein you must first know what it is made from, ‘the building blocks’ if you like, these are AMINO ACIDS. When we take in protein it must be broken down to be used and they are tough molecules to break apart. So, what if we could cut out the ‘middle man’ and take in amino acids and thus save the energy it takes the body to break the protein down? We can!

Tim Van Orden is a raw vegan marathon runner and eats ‘ZERO’ protein, yes you heard right, NONE! He does not eat seeds, nuts, legumes or soy but he has no body fat at all and is 15lb overweight with muscle, how is this possible? Enzymes is the answer you are looking for, yes these are the same enzymes that are in every living fruit and vegetable until you cook it. To fully understand this you must know what enzymes are, wait for it, AMINO ACIDS, and now you can see the point I am making. “You don’t need PROTEIN, you need AMINO ACIDS – Tim Van Orden 2008. Tim does not train with weights and runs so much you would expect him to be as thin as a twig, but he is not, in his own words “I am not consuming enough protein” “I build muscle without doing anything” So when Tim is asked ‘where are you getting your protein from?’ His answer is ‘I am not!’

Please do not take my word for it, check it out for yourself at – runningraw.com

I hope you enjoyed this article 

Types of vegetarianism - a confusing subject

Vegetarian – one who does not eat meat of any kind, this will include red meat, white meat, fish and fowl and pretty much anything that had a face, despite some popular beliefs. Though a vegetarian may still eat cheese and dairy products including milk and eggs, this would be known as ovo-lacto vegetarian. If the vegetarian ate eggs but not dairy along with their meat free diet they would be called an ovo-vegetarian, and if they ate dairy but no eggs the term would be lacto-vegetarian.

Demi vegetarian – otherwise known as semi vegetarian. This diet in simple terms would be high plant based with white meats instead of reds. White meats including chicken or turkey etc. and this diet will also include fish. This diet is obviously healthier than a diet high in red meats and is often used as a stepping stone on the road to vegetarianism and maybe even veganism. This diet does unfortunately enforce the misunderstanding that vegetarians eat fish.

Vegan – one who does not consume any form at all of animal foods or by-products of animal foods in their diet. This means no meat (including fish), no dairy products and no eggs, nor anything containing these. Vegans also do not eat honey. Some vegans will also be conscious of items in their everyday lives too, including clothing like wool and leather, make up that may be tested on animals and even cleaning products for the house. Although the term vegan refers only to the diet. There are also divisions or sub-divisions within veganism including Raw vegan, fruitarian, juicarian (or liquidarian) and even the most unthought-of, breatharian.

I hope I have helped to make this clearer.

Kyle Kendall

Veggie Power

“Fix your body before you go home.”

By Kirsty Turner 2008

It’s early in the morning and May Kaidee looks fabulous, as always. I’ve had two cups of coffee and am still sluggish from the weight of the bags under my eyes, but May sweeps into the room with skin glowing and eyes shining. Looking at May, you would hardly guess that she is one of the hardest working women in Bangkok. She greets me warmly and then we are off.

First, we’re off to meet and greet the students signed up for today’s cookery class. Each day, six lucky travelers learn how to create delicious Thai dishes under the supervision of May and her sister. Today’s students come from Israel, the USA, England and Korea. This is their first Thai cookery lesson and all are excited about the experience.

The first stop is the local supermarket, where May introduces the ingredients and explains how they are used. May tells me that she chooses the supermarket rather than the outdoor market because; “that way I can show the students how to find the ingredients in their own country.”

When the shopping is complete, May leads the students to the kitchen, which is located at the back of her restaurant on Samsen Road. The students cook in pairs using a special instruction sheet prepared by May.

May demonstrates how to use the equipment and blend the ingredients, then gives the students space to get creative in the kitchen. When they have finished, May tastes each dish and offers comments and tips.

The cookery class lasts four hours – from 9 am-1 pm – during which time the students cook 10 specially selected dishes which they then can devour. The chefs look happy as they sample their creations. “This is great,” a beaming English woman tells me. “The perfect souvenir.”

May came from Bangkok from her Isaan village of Si Sa Saket in 1988 to help her Aunt and Uncle in their vegetarian restaurant. May, who was just 16, was working on the farm when the fateful letter arrived. “They had to write a letter to ask for my help; there was no phone in the village.”

Like the other villagers, May was not originally vegetarian. “I used to eat everything,” she confesses. “Rats, dogs, crickets, worms; we ate whatever we found.”

But in Bangkok May soon found her waistband expanding and decided to change her diet. May converted to veganism and lot a lot of weight. Her diet, combined with teetotalism, is obviously the reason for May’s clear complexion and abundant energy. “In 16 years I haven’t needed to go to the hospital about my health,” she beams.

May decided she wanted to share her healthy philosophy and opened her own restaurant. It was difficult at first as there were problems with the police and Thai traditions. “Many Thai people don’t want to change their habits,” May sighs. “They think brown rice is animal food, they won’t try it.”

Luckily, May’s warmth and open spirit drew her friends to her, and they would often bring her extra plates, spoons and provisions. It wasn’t long before westerners had caught onto the wonders of May’s cuisine and she had a healthy ‘farang’ following.

In the last 20 years, May’s vision has expended considerably. She now has three restaurants, a website, a cookery book, classes, rooms for rent and soon her own TV show. May Kaidee TV, starting in about a month, will take the form of daily 1-2 minute episodes on the internet. “I have four new things coming soon,” May tells me with a grin. “New cookery book, new restaurant, New Year and new government.”

But May’s vision doesn’t stop there. Having already traveled all over the world to spread her message, May is jetting off to India next month to learn about Indian health techniques such as Ayurvedic medicine.

May’s idea is to create a complete detox centre where people can eat food organically grown at May’s farm, meditate, sing and dance. “I want to create week long home stay facilities so people can fix their body before they go home.”

Song and dance are very close to May’s heart. When the students have finished cooking, she teaches them traditional Thai dancing, which they perform before singing the sontam song.

May Kaidee provides the perfect eating experience, combined with her flare and love of Thai culture.

To find out more about May Kaidee and sample her delicious food, why not join her dinner party on December 23^rd. the evening kicks off at 5pm with a lecture from an Indian doctor about healthy eating and a wellness consultation. Dinner will be at 7pm and afterwards there will be a show of traditional music and dancing as well as an exclusive showing of the May Kaidee life story DVD. Tickets are available from the restaurants located at 33 Samsen Road (next to Soi 1) and 1117/1 Tanao Road, behind Burger King at the end of Khaosan Road. Tickets cost just 99 baht. See you there.

Further Information:

Restaurants open 9 am- 11 pm daily

Tel: (66) 091373173  or 22817137

Email: jsommay@hotmail.com

www.maykaidee.com

Eat Your Way Healthy

By Kirsty Turner - 10/05/07

With our ultra-busy modern lives, many of us feel we simply don’t have time to eat healthily. Instead we reach for the vitamin supplements, energy drinks and breakfast bars to provide the boost we need.

But doctors and nutritionists have always maintained that a regular intake of fresh fruit and vegetables is the best way to prevent disease and infection. Nutrition is the cornerstone of good health. As we go through life, there are so many illnesses that could have been prevented with better nutrition. For example, research has proven that getting the proper level of antioxidants into our bloodstream will reduce the risk of cancer. Here’s a quick guide to nature’s own health remedies.

• Garlic is great for warding off colds and flu – as well as unsuitable suitors. It can protect the body against heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and deep vein thrombosis. Studies have shown that if you eat garlic on a regular basis it can reduce cholesterol by about ten percent. Just put a crushed clove in with your cookery two or three times a week and you’ll soon feel the benefits.

• Carrots are famous for helping you see in the dark. This is because they reduce eye disease such as cataracts and muscular degeneration. Carrots are brilliant for alleviating all sorts of conditions. They are also known for their anti-anaemic, healing, diuretic and sedative properties.

• Mangoes contain a natural antidepressant and help protect our eyesight as we age. If you eat a mango a day there is no need to take a diuretic as mangoes provide a much tastier (and cheaper) alternative. Green mangoes help in the formation of new blood cells and increases body resistance against anaemia,

cholera, dysentery and tuberculosis. This amazing fruit is also very affective in combating diabetes. Simply soak a handful of fresh mango leaves overnight and drain the water in the morning. Eat these leaves every morning and you should notice marked effects.

• Soya beans contain phytoestrogens that are believed to help protect against heart disease and prostate cancer. These versatile beans come in many different forms such as milk, cheese, yoghurt and even a delicious and healthy alternative to meat.

• Banana-like plantains are believed to help thicken the stomach lining and protect against ulcers. They can also protect against a variety of cancers. Plantains have long been considered by herbalists to be a useful remedy for coughs, wounds, inflamed skin or dermatitis, and insect bites. Bruised or crushed leaves can be applied to treat insect bites and stings, eczema and small wounds or cuts.
• Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, which reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Its high vitamin c, folic acid and potassium contents also aid healthy hearts and circulation.

• Eating a slice of pineapple before a meal is an effective natural remedy for preventing indigestion. Far tastier than chalky tablets.

• Okra can reduce heart disease. The slimy vegetable can also reduce the risk of cancer. Raw okra is extremely helpful for people who suffer with inflammation of the intestines. Okra also encourages the secreting of digestive juices, which is soothing to the colon, bladder and kidneys.

• Almonds and other nuts have shown effective results in preventing forms of cancer, and it is also believed they may help prevent colon cancer. Eating peanuts on a regular basis has long been known to help prevent cardiovascular disease.

• Forget expensive face creams, the oils in peanuts serve to keep you face young and supple. If fact, many face creams actually contain oils from peanuts.

As you can see, eating a few extra portions of fruit and vegetables a week could make a big difference to your health. If time is a real issue, why not invest in a juice maker. A breakfast shake made from nutritious fruits and vegetables could boost your health and leave your skin glowing.

Reasons for becoming vegetarian and vegan

Reasons for becoming vegetarian and vegan.

There are four main reasons that  I can find; moral grounds, health and fitness, economics and religion. Let’s begin with moral grounds. Should we be killing all these animals just so we can eat the flesh of other beings? I mean there is so much evidence now to show there really is no need for meat in our diets to reach a healthy state, but we will go more into this later. There is already enough suffering on this planet without the rearing and slaughtering of countless animals right? Many people think so as the ever climbing percentages of vegetarians and vegans show. Just because we may be smarter and stronger than these animals does this give us the right to torture, abuse and slaughter? When it is done to other humans it is not tolerated so why can we put other earthlings through this day by day as if it is meant to be this way? I personally feel so passionate and strongly about this subject I could go on forever so let us move onto reason  number two – health and fitness. The amount of evidence available now showing how much healthier you can be without consuming meat or animal products is overwhelming. You only need look at The Gerson Therapy or The Tree of Life to see this. The Gerson Therapy is curing cancers using only nutrition and The Tree of Life is curing diabetes using only nutrition with amazing results in every area, so if we can undo these ‘incurable diseases’ using only animal free plant based nutrition could we not just avoid these diseases completely by living on this diet in the first place? Of course we can! It is that simple. “Without any doubt at all the vegetarian and vegan diet is an all-round more superior diet than one based on animal foods “ – Stonebridge associated colleges. This brings me to my third reason – economics. For a start to obtain 1kg of meat protein from a bull it is estimated you will need to feed the bull 10-14kg of vegetable protein, now however you choose to look at this it does not make any sense, especially as not only is one piece of land needed to produce the animals food but also another for its pasture and if this doesn’t seem enough of a waste already when we could be using the land to feed ourselves we have to put in the price of vet bills and drugs too including the constant use of steroids, hormones and antibiotics. On top of this we also face many problems such as BSE (mad cows disease), foot and mouth and many more resulting in the government/tax payer bailing out the farmer, all leading to a method of food production that is unproductive and not to mention very expensive. The forth reason for being vegetarian or vegan is religion. Many eastern and western people have a meat free diet as part of their religious beliefs.

Whatever the reason for giving up meat and/or animal products the others will nearly always be adopted at a later point and for this I would like to use myself as the perfect example: I gave up meat for health reasons as it was obvious to myself that I would be much healthier without it in my life, I instantly became a ‘loose’ vegan in which I would not eat or drink milk or dairy products but still ate some products containing dairy. A little while into this new lifestyle I was shown the suffering of animals used for the production of meat and dairy and the economic damage because it, I instantly became a strict vegan and have never looked back. I am now as proud to not be a part of this suffering as I am to be a healthy and fit young man.

Kyle Kendall

A brief history of vegetarianism by Kyle Kendall

A brief history of vegetarianism

 by Kyle Kendall

Although it has only been in recent years in the west that we have seen large amounts of people make the decision to live vegetarian and vegan lifestyles there has been groups, communities and individuals around forever.

Right through history there has been vegetarians recorded too and even as far back as the middle ages, Thomas Parr, also known as ‘old Parr’ born in 1483 and died in 1635, you can find him buried in Westminster Abbey and if it isn’t interesting enough that his tombstone says he lived to be 152, he married very late in life and had children after the age of 100! Although this information is very controversial he was interred by the king of England, and modern science will confirm that we are built to live 150 years and optimal nutrition is the only route. “Whether or not Thomas Parr actually lived 152 years will never be proven or dis-proven. We can only acknowledge that he is recorded to have lived that long in one of England’s most prestigious burial places.” – Dr. Doug Ikeler.

The Quaker movement and the nonconformist campaign against drinking alcohol also embraced the vegetarian diet by many of their members in the 19^th century.

There were many groups in Britain developing a meat free diet at the turn of the 18^th century but up until 1847 the word vegetarian did not exist. The vegetarian society was founded in the year 1847, it was a coming together of a number of vegetarian groups. Vegetarianism was seen by some as an answer or solution to a number of social problems caused by the industrial revolution. During the progression of this diet in the west a group of vegetarians broke away renouncing all animal products. The ethics of consuming dairy products were hotly debated within the vegetarian community as early as 1909. Despite opposition from the prominent vegetarians not even willing to consider adopting a diet free of all animal products, in August 1944 Elsie Shrigley and Donald Watson agreed the desirability of organizing a non-dairy vegetarian collective. In 1944 six non-dairy vegetarians along with the organizer Donald Watson met in London and made the decision to form the vegan society. “It was a Sunday, with sunshine, and a blue sky, an auspicious day for the birth of an idealistic new movement.” – Elsie Shrigley.

Not only in the British Isles has the progression of vegetarianism and veganism been so impressive but all over the developed world more and more people are taking up the meat free lifestyle, though some countries more than others.

The Netherlands has more vegetarians than any other western country, based on pro-rata scale of population, and Germany the once sausage and pork lovers now have more vegetarians than the UK.

Here are a few more stats:

In 2002 5% of the world were vegetarians and 29% of that 5% were vegans. (Yahoo answers).

In 2005 estimated 250,000 vegans worldwide. (Yahoo answers).

In 2007 2% of UK said they were vegans. (Wikipedia).

Estimated now in 2011 7-10% of world are vegetarian and 4-5% are vegan. (Yahoo answers).

According to answers.com the number of vegetarians are increasing by 10% every year, and 30% of India are lacto vegetarian because of religious beliefs.

“Historically the idea of abstinence from flesh had always had some currency amongst the educated.” –The vegetarian society.



Candidosis continued . . .

Candidosis –

 What do I do next?

When it comes to Candidosis there are three golden rules;

1.      The feeding of the yeast must be stopped

2.      The immune system must be supported

3.      A favourable environment must be created in the bowls

Here’s a look at the food products containing yeast;

·         Bakery products – All bread, buns, cakes, biscuits, rolls and any foods dressed in bread crumbs, twiglets, pizzas and bread pudding. Unless an allergy to wheat is suspected, soda or unleavened bread is fine.

·         Alcoholic drinks – All alcoholic drinks are risky as they all depend on yeast to produce alcohol. Root beer and home made ginger beer are also a risky choice.

·         Other drinks – Citrus fruit drinks and juices (only home squeezed are yeast free), malted drinks, tea and coffee.

·         Cereals  -  Malted cereals, malted, dairy foods for babies, cereals enriched with vitamins.

·         Condiments – Pickles and pickled foods, salad dressing’s, mayonnaise, horseradish sauce, tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, French dressing, mustard, ketchup, sauerkraut, olives, chilli peppers, tamari and soy sauce, vinegar and Worcester sauce.

·         Dairy products – All cheese, including cottage cheese and cheese spreads, buttermilk and milk enriched with vitamins.

·         Fungi – Mushrooms, mushroom sauce, truffles etc. contain organisms closely related to yeast.

·         Meat products – Hamburgers, sausages and cooked meats made with bread or breadcrumbs.

·         Yeast extracts – Bisto, marmite, oxo, Bovril, vegemite, gravy browning and all similar extracts.

·         Vitamins – All B vitamin preparations are likely to be derived from yeast, unless stated otherwise, but most manufacturers do make some B vitamin preparations that are yeast free. Some selenium rich foods.

·         Mould foods – These foods either belong to the mould family, encourage moulds or are prepared with them; buttermilk, sour cream, cheese snacks, peanuts, sour milk products, cheese dressings, cream cheese, pistachios, tinned and packet sauces, hydrolysed vegetable proteins and antibiotics. Many dairy products, meat and eggs contain antibiotics in small quantities. Eat sparingly.

·         Sugar foods – Sugar, sucrose, fructose, maltose, lactose, glycogen, glucose milk, sweets, chocolate, sweet biscuits, cake, candy, cookies, puddings, desserts, canned foods, packaged foods, hamburgers, honey, mannitol, sorbitol, galactose, monosaccharide’s, polysaccharides, date sugar, turbinado sugar, molasses, maple syrup, most bottled juices, all soft drinks, tonic water, milkshakes, raisins, dried apricots, dates, prunes, dried figs and other dried fruits.

You should check your food labels carefully as yeast and sugar can be hidden. Also avoid MSG (Monosodium glutamate). Beef or hamburgers from a restaurant may contain added sugar. Due to its high content of natural sugars, try to avoid fruit for the first few weeks. Avoid altogether very sweet melons. It is best to avoid milk at first, but live natural yogurt is fine because of its Lacto Bacilli content (friendly bacteria) which will aid in re-balancing of the gut flora. As much fibre as possible should be eaten to increase to absorptive  surface of food in the gut and speed up the elimination of toxic waste, and this is easily achievable with plenty of fresh vegetables, raw and cooked  or replacing some meat based meals with cereal and pulse mixes. Oatbran or linseed may be added to the diet for the same purpose as well. Cut out red meat unless organically produced as this is to avoid antibody and steroid residues, white meat and fish are the better choice.

To avoid development of candida – related  food allergy it may be wise to try and eat foods in rotation, one food per day, with food groups being eaten twice per week.

Many sufferers of candida often develop an allergy to grains, wheat especially.

Sweeteners such as saccharin are ok in small doses short term but the long term effects are not known yet.

Treatment protocol:

·         The use of digestive enzymes – 2 with breakfast and 2 with dinner.

·         B complex with vitamin C and zinc – 1 with breakfast and 1 with dinner.

·         Odourless garlic – 2-3 capsules at breakfast and 2-3 capsules at dinner. (Together tea tree oil and garlic may be too much so begin with one and then change to the other).

·         Lactobacillus acidophilus capsules – 2 with breakfast and 2 with dinner. For powders – 2 level teaspoons in room temperature water with breakfast and dinner will suffice.

Other considerations may be:

·         Sodium ascorbate – 1 tsp. with breakfast and 1 with dinner.

·         Evening primrose oil – 2 capsules with breakfast and 2 with dinner.

·         Micellised essential fatty acids -  1ml. in water with breakfast only.

·         Micellised A plus E – 1ml. in water breakfast only.

·         Biotin – 200mg with breakfast and 200mg with dinner.

·         Mycostatin capsules (This is an anti fungal drug and can be valuable to break the yeasts hold but MUST NOT be overused as the patient will become dependant on them. If a muscle test indicates their use – consider 3 capsules with breakfast and 3 with dinner for five days, then followed by 1 capsule with breakfast and 1 with dinner for another five days.

·         Reduce your stress! – Take a look at every situation; work, home, relationship. Are you lacking exercise or relaxation?

Dioxychlor is an antioxidant used  mainly in Mexico in the cancer clinics. It is an illegal import, but can be bought in legally by individuals who buy it overseas. It is used in both homeopathic form and intravenously, Results are often favourable.

Some final considerations would be;

Post viral infection will be at the bottom of the immune suppression in all chronic Candidosis and Encephalomyelitis patients. These viruses are usually Epstein Barr (mononucleosis, glandular fever), cytomeglo virus (belonging to the herpes simplex group), hepatitis virus and coxsacci virus. Given time with the right food and relaxation the immune system will overcome them. The two faster routes with homeopathic nosodes or intravenous vitamin C therapy.

Amalgam filings contain toxins which combined with poor lifestyle makes the immune system weaker, in turn allowing this low level viral activity to gain the powerful hold that it does.

If you feel you or a friend may be suffering from Candidosis and tackling it on your own seems a little much then please seek help from a local nutritionist or dietary advisor.

If you would like my personal help please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions as I will be happy to help.

Thank you.

Kyle Kendall. (Personal fitness trainer/Diet and nutritional advisor)

kylekendall@hotmail.co.uk

Quick and simple ...........

Goji and cinnamon nut milk!

Ingredients:

·         3 Handfuls of nuts (it’s your choice but I like brazil, walnut and almond – one of each)

·         1 Cinnamon stick

·         1.5 Handfuls of dried goji berries

·         2 Dried vanilla pods (optional)

·         4 Table spoons of local untreated honey (or adjust to taste)

This will make 1.5 litres.

Leave the nuts, goji berries, cinnamon stick (broken up) and optional vanilla pods to soak in water over night in a glass jug. Wash off the nuts and pick out the cinnamon stick, now throw the nuts, goji’s and vanilla pods into a blender adding 1.5 litres of water (recipe can be adjusted for the amount you want) and blend well. Pour the contents through a nut milk bag (linen works too) into a bowl and squeeze until all of the milk is out. Now wash your blender out and pour the milk back in, add all of your little extras (for me it’s just honey on this one, but hey, go nuts!) and blend again. Pour. Enjoy!

 Quick, easy, tasty and the funkiest colour to go with it!

I hope you enjoy this recipe and if you make it even better please be sure to share  : )

Kyle Kendall

If you are female you should read this!

Candidosis!

 Do you have it?

OK, now this is a big one! Many people have it and do not even know, and if you are a woman you are ten times more likely to have it than men! Why do we not know about this? Does it exist? Many doctors will say no, but the evidence says YES! Very much so! With devastating consequences too. Candidosis is not that rare so don’t be surprised if after reading this article you feel like you know somebody suffering from this, I did. After studying this area I passed the information along with all of my study notes to a friend that always seemed to be ill with many different illnesses and after reading she agreed she had many of the unrelated symptoms and felt Candidosis was what she was really suffering from after countless amounts of doctors said ‘we don’t know what’s wrong’ , although one doctor would have maybe agreed as he did mention good bacteria but in more of a round about, wibbling, I could help you but then you will not buy my drugs kind of way.

Questions you may be asking by now. So what is this then? Is it really that bad? Yes, it is one of the most deliberating immune deficiencies  and nutritional disorders of our time in comes in the names of Candidosis, yeast infection, monilia and thrush. There are that many symptoms of the yeast infection, almost too many to mention; chronic tiredness, cystitis and thrush are the most obvious. There are many problems the sufferer may experience as a result of yeast infection. Here are some of them; constipation, diarrhoea, premenstrual syndrome, fluid retention, uncontrollable mood swings, allergies, anxiety, depression, inability to lose weight, chronic skin problems – including acne, dermatitis and tinea. Every person suffering for candida is a hypoglycaemic which results in cravings for sugar and out of all of these seemingly unrelated symptoms the individual may be experiencing just one or possibly many. Neurotic behaviour can be the result of a severe infection.

 Most alcoholics, M.E sufferers and advanced AID’s sufferers have yeast infection and it is only in the last ten years that the cause has been exposed. Two American doctors pioneered this, they are Dr Orion Truss and Dr William Crook. Their work contained startling findings and the protocol for treating this problem has been independently published       .

Many medicinal practitioners even refuse to accept the existence of Candidosis despite the volumes of evidence to support their findings. Those who suffer the serious symptoms of neurosis  are usually pointed in the direction of a psychiatrist for their ‘mental disorder’ and this is a real tragedy.

A large colony of bacteria populates our colons, these bacteria assist in the final stages of digestion as well as the manufacturing of some B vitamins. 80% of these bacteria are on our side and considered friendly bacteria. Many of these are the same as the culture in some yogurts and go by the name of Lactobacillus Acidophilus, the other 20% are yeast organisms known as Candida Albicans. Yeast is a single cell organism and very interesting too, it is related to moulds and fungi and is neither vegetable nor animal. You must understand that yeast is endogenous to the human body and will be found all over but the colon is the place where it is especially prominent and just like other bacteria yeast has a job to do too. Yeast will take advantage of any chance to reproduce at very high rates; you may call it a highly opportunistic organism. Although the friendly bacteria (Acidophilus, Bifidus, Bulagus and more) will usually keep the growth of the yeast in check along side a healthy immune system. The yeast will multiply when the regulating factors are disturbed. As well as stress the lack of nutrients from our diet will also reduce immune function and set the path for increased yeast numbers. The yeast will be allowed to reproduce at lightening speed if our friendly bacteria are imbalanced in any way. Broad spectrum antibiotics such as Tetracylin and Vybramycin, such as the ones used for nose, throat and ear infections can completely destroy our entire colony of friendly bacteria and leave the yeast intact. Sugar! This is what yeast feed on, and its growth is promoted by dietary yeast from sources such as bread, marmite, alcohol and other fermented products. The problem can also be promoted by the moulds and fungi found in damp bathrooms. Some people suffer from Candidosis some do not, some suffer mildly whilst some greatly, this can be explained by the biochemical individuality, and many of us will be susceptible due to poor diet and antibiotic use.

 At a ratio of 10:1 women suffer with Candidosis more than men. Why? Well, progesterone, a female sex hormone plays a part in this as it is the production of this hormone that favours the growth of yeast. This hormone is also found in the contraceptive pill. The yeast growth is also promoted by other steroids like cortisone, this is usually used for skin problems and asthma. If you have diabetes then you are more susceptible too due to raised blood sugar levels. Other people in high risk include those who are exposed to long periods of antibiotic use for long periods for repeated infections like colds, flu and venereal disease as well as skin conditions. The gut is inoculated with intestinal flora as we pass through the birth canal and the number of good bacteria multiplies as the baby grows. If the mother has thrush at the time of delivery it may be taken on by the baby, if this happens then an early pattern of problems will begin as a result. Because of repeated colds and ear infections young children are often prescribed antibiotics, this too can result in Candidosis with often frightening results. When it comes to the occasional case of mild thrush or cystitis among women it is common, a course of antibiotics will often follow and the problem will correct itself, it will last a while but the balance of yeast will be corrected when the body overcomes infection.

We, the nutritionist, are most interested in helping the moderate to severe cases as the symptoms can become an absolute nightmare for the sufferer, some may even say hell! To have a yeast infection and be diagnosed crazy would be a bit hard to imagine wouldn’t it? Well no, actually. Let me give you an example:

A yeast overgrowth can occur easily in women. If an average age woman lived on a fast food, junk diet, high in fats, sugars and processed grains and suffers a little from stress (sound familiar?) her immune system will be weak, she would not be able to fight of ‘the latest cold’ thus weakening her more. The next step would naturally be a visit to the doctor who would then prescribe her a course of antibiotics which are useless against anything of a viral nature, and they would both know this but the woman would probably not know what else to do. Now with the reduced immunity and absence of lacto bacteria (usually keeping the yeast numbers in check) the yeast will take advantage. Her high sugar diet would not help at all at this point and she begins to fall more ill she would fall back on more sugary/sweet things, and bread. Yeast thrives on sugar and yeasty foods like bread and marmite etc. and now they grow and develop unchecked. Soon the yeast will have multiplied so much they would not be able to find enough food. They would then grow a root like structure (a rhizoid) and burrow through the walls of her intestinal mucosa in the search of nutrients so the precious barrier between the internal and external environments and faeces is compromised. Toxins and macro molecules (proteins especially) slip through directly into the bloodstream and now the real problems begin. Because of her poor resistance she would suffer to some degree from food and chemical intolerance, but this is minor compared to the reactions she will experience from the proteins going directly into her bloodstream. Multiplying yeast can produce 80 different toxins and out of these 10 are proven neurotoxins (poisons which act on the nervous system). The next time she would visit her doctor with a whole load of symptoms (seemingly unrelated), these would include; chronic tiredness, vaginal cystitis or thrush or both, mood swings, sugar cravings, bloating, flatulence and allergies and maybe even skin problems, diarrhoea, constipation, P.M.S, inability to lose weight, depression and hyperactivity. Most of these would be present by now. She may even experience neurotic behaviour if she has developed chronic systemic Candidosis and by now she may even end up being diagnosed as suffering from M.E. Now this woman will begin to think she is going insane or a little mad and her problems would worsen still if she was taking the pill, cortisone or other hormonal therapy. Each time her monthly cycle came around, because of her raised progesterone levels the growth of yeast would be promoted and we have to then suppose that she would return to the doctor with thrush and other unrelated symptoms only for the doctor to give her an antifungal drug, nystatin, mycostatin or milstat or a topical cream containing nystatin. A short course (5-7 days) will often rid the thrush but it will return again next month if she has chronic Candidosis. If the doctor repeats the process it will only have the same results and by now her other symptoms like tiredness, mood swings etc. would be getting worse, at this point she would now definitely be thinking she is going crazy. The doctor will now probably try giving her something stronger like nizerol which would be very damaging to her liver and the doctor will say “this is the last resort”. This would not work either. By now the woman would be getting depressed. The doctor will be out of ideas and his next move would be to refer her to a shrink to deal with her emotional problems. She would have no problem at all with her mental state! She would be suffering from chronic allergies and yeast infection! ……………… This was an extreme case.

Makes you think doesn’t it?

Yeast as an organism is virtually indestructible because of its ability to survive without a cell membrane, I am telling you this because attacking a cell membrane and splitting it open is how most drugs work, as this destroys the organelles inside. However what makes yeast unique is that they can live quite content in a cell wall deficient form and with immunity to the effects of antifungal drugs, they may be supressed by the drug but as soon as the drug is taken away they revert back to normal again, grow roots and become stronger than ever before. There can be the occasion where antifungals can be a worthwhile part of an overall programme but there are methods better suited.

If you think you suffer with Candidosis or no someone who does or just find this subject interesting and want to know what to do next please read my next article ‘Candidosis – what do I do next?’

Kyle Kendall

Food combining???

What is food combining?

The term food combining means a combination of foods that are compatible together in digestive chemistry. The reason for combining foods correctly is to help the digestive process. Only food that is digested has the capability of nourishing us, there for by applying these fundamental basics nutrition will be improved. Unpleasant symptoms and poisonous by-products are avoided. Indigestion is so common these days it’s almost thought of as normal. Digestive tract diseases are increasing so much that it is becoming a worry; colon cancer is now a major cause of death in western society.

As apposed to using drugs to help ease the symptoms of indigestion would it not make more sense to go straight to the core of the problem? To remove causes and make changes in the everyday diet that will help and favour good digestion. Efficient digestion will also benefit the energy level of the body.

To digest three conventional meals it takes the same energy of eight working hours. So by getting the food combinations correct right from the start makes the digestive task easier for the body which in turn means you will have more energy throughout the day to do whatever you want.

But what are these food combinations we are talking about?

To follow is a list of seven everyday incompatible food combinations and alternatives:

1. Acid/Starch combination.

Baked potato followed by fresh pineapple. Baked potato followed by fresh banana.

2. Protein/Starch combination.

Chicken, potatoes and carrots. Chicken, broccoli and green beans.

3. Protein/Protein combination.

Steak and cheese baguette. Steak and onion baguette.

4. Acid/Protein combination.

Fish with lemon juice/slice. Fish without lemon.

5. Fat/Protein combination.

Eggs fried in vegetable oil. Poached or boiled egg.

6. Sugar/Protein combination.

Grapes and cheese (after meal). Cheese and pineapple.

7. Sugar/Starch combination.

Corn on the cob followed by melon. Corn on the cob followed by an apple.

I know this is a short article and not in depth but if you are interested in your food combinations more information is easy to find on the web.

Your diet should not start with food combining or be based around food combining, this should be used last as your final touches to a diet that already works for you.

Kyle Kendall.

A real Diet takes time.

Over the past twenty years weight reducing diets have become very commercial and fashionable in the western culture. There are so many diets on the market now claiming loss of weight quickly, the variety of diet and the claims made are astonishing.

99% of new dieters either fail or give up before getting to their target weight, which should tell you something about these diets. Fasting diets are not the best choice for quick weight loss either, in fact, in some cases it is very dangerous to go on such diets. Just think about this for a second, it took a long time to become overweight and to accumulate all this excess body fat so there for it should take a while to shift this excess weight. Making sense?

So why do most of these fast weight reducing diets not work? The slowing of your metabolism is a start, the concept of dieting is not understood by your body. Dieting is actually recognised by the body as a sign of starvation and starts to protect its accumulated fat stores. Our metabolic rate (the rate at which calories are burned) automatically drops to save as much fat in the body until the starvation period is over, and thus making the excess weight extremely hard to shed, and worse still, the lowering of the metabolism can continue beyond the dieting period, resulting in the yo-yo effect. The yo-yo effect is when the dieter loses some weight only to rebound to a higher weight than when they started. Some crash dieting stories are true,  yes people have lost 10lb. or 4.5 kg in a week but what they have probably actually lost is fluid and/ or muscle tissue, not fat. Weight loss should be gradual so that the anti starvation trigger is not set in motion. There for restrained eating is not advised as it not only lowers the metabolic rate to save energy, it also sets up to take maximum advantage of any food sources it finds. Binge eating is the most likely end result. When confronted with enormous amounts of delicious food, which remember this person has been deprived of, the body will switch on the anti starvation trigger. The body’s intelligence assumes that this mentioned food may be its only calorie source for a while and will demand a binge! This is not due to lack of will power or gluttony but a built in tendency the body has, to binge after periods of starvation. It is for the same reason refraining from eating or skipping meals during the day is not advised as this will encourage over eating at the end of the day. Binging is not a moral failing; it is a natural biological/physiological response/consequence of stringent dieting.

So remember your diet should be planned carefully and properly for your own specifications consisting of fresh foods, the further you get from processed packaged food the closer you get to yourself.

Crash dieting, skimpy meals and skipping meals will not contribute to permanent weight loss!

If you really are serious about losing weight then maybe you should consider a whole lifestyle change, vegetarianism, veganism, Raw veganism or maybe just dropping the dairy or the red meat. Consider joining groups for support on your journey to a healthier lifestyle. The healthier whole lifestyle change will assure the excess unwanted weight will not return.  

Kyle Kendall.