ASPARTAME LINKED TO CANCER

If you or anyone you know are drinking artificial sweeteners in an attempt to lose weight, you MUST READ THIS ARTICLE!

Lifelong studies in animals have confirmed what a myriad of previous studies concluded: that intake of aspartame has carcinogenic effects. In other words, all of those sugar free sodas you have been downing in order to be "healthier" appear to be doing you more harm than good.

Several cancers, including brain cancer, saw statistically significant increases in animals fed aspartame over their lifetime versus a control group, and the test mice were given significantly LESS aspartame than the current recommended daily allowance for humans! Original toxicology tests from the 1960's also showed liver, thyroid, and brain damage in addition to the increased risk of cancer. In other words: aspartame should NOT be consumed by humans.

Studies dating back to 1975 have confirmed the harmful effects of aspartame, but the FDA has yet to ban it from our foods. Why? Because companies that profit from the use of aspartame, from Equal to Crystal Light, will likely lose millions of dollars if it is eliminated.

The government is supposed to be the buffer between upstanding citizens and the ills of society, but in many fields, particularly when it comes to food and toxin regulation in America, our government falls short.

The best way to protect yourself and your family? Don't eat food created in a lab (aspartame, sucralose, etc.), always read labels, and STAY INFORMED! Always ask questions, and as far as food is concerned: the less processed, the better. If you need a low glycemic sweetener, use agave nectar. If you want calorie free, try stevia (but note: stevia has yet to be fully tested, so your best bet is still agave nectar).

ANTIBIOTICS BAD FOR BABY

HERE is an article detailing a recent study that links increased rates of birth defects with use of common antibiotics during pregnancy. Very important news for anyone planning on having a baby now or in the near future!!

Antibiotics are often over-prescribed, even in cases where antibiotics are an inappropriate treatment. Talk to your doctor, pregnant or not, before taking antibiotics.

If you are prescribed antibiotics for a viral infection (like the flu or a cold) or a sinus infection, just say NO! Viruses cannot be treated by antibiotics and studies have show that, in the case of sinus infections, steaming your face and using OTC cold medicine (or herbal teas, my preference) are more effective treatments.

And remember, if you are pregnant, make sure to clear herbal teas, supplements, and ANY medications with your midwife prior to taking them!

MORE BREAST FEEDING BENEFITS

So we all know that breast feeding is great for baby, but here comes yet ANOTHER study that shows that breast feeding is also beneficial for mom! Some of the benefits:

*Lower risk of osteoporosis
*Lower risk of heart disease
*Weight loss (yep, it burns calories and decreased fat storage!)
*Lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer

And ALL of these benefits are increased the longer you breast feed! Turns out mother nature knew what she was doing when she blessed woman with their ta-tas!

WELCOME HOME, BABY

A new study out of the UK show that overall outcomes in home births vs. hospital births are EXACTLY THE SAME! That's right: home births are SAFE!

Having worked in a hospital, I was not surprised by this finding. In a hospital, which is dirtier than most home environments (and many of the hospital bugs are antibiotic resistant!), so many unnecessary interventions are used that serve no purpose but to speed up the delivery. This is not in the interest of the mother or the baby's health, it's merely a way to get people in and out of the hospital faster, therefore saving the hospital and the insurance companies money.

Nursing midwives and home births are far more relaxed and far less toxic to all those involved. Hospitals are not all bad, however, since they are very good at taking over when a complication does arise. But even when issues arose, the study showed that home births with complications had equal outcomes with hospital births of a similar nature since people headed to the hospital from their homes to seek additional care when necessary.

So sit back, relax, and have your baby in your own living room! Just make sure you have a nursing midwife present to help out with the whole process.

NOTE: Discuss all birthing options with your midwife or doctor (or both!) to see if home birthing is a possibility for you!

The article is available HERE

(image from bbcnews )

WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOUR WAIST LINE IS GOOD FOR BABY

A study released today confirms that exercising during pregnancy is beneficial to the development of the fetus. The study states that moderate aerobic exercise, like vigourous walking and using a stationary bike, 30 minutes at least 3 times per week increased fetal nervous system development and heart health. The caveat: do NOT over-exercise! Maintaining a heart rate above 130 bpm in the mother was shown to be detrimental to the unborn baby, reducing it's supply of oxygen.

So what do you take away from this?? Preventing pregnancy weight gain via exercise can also help your baby! So now there's no excuse to delay signing up for that pre-natal yoga class...

NOTE: Remember to check with you doctor before you start any exercise regimen.

The full article is available HERE

(image from bbcnews )