Dragonfly News

The Official Monthly Newsletter of Song of Health
April, 2009

Click here to download a printable
version of this newsletter.

May 09 Newsletter

March 09 Newsletter

Welcome Subscribers, to Dragonfly News. We are excited about the opportunity to share interesting and helpful information with you in our monthly newsletter, which is available to subscribers only. We first email the newsletter and food resource updates to you directly in .pdf form. Then, in a few days you will be able to access the newsletter on the website. The food resource updates will be incorporated into the existing Food Resource List and can be found by clicking the icon on the left side of most pages on the website.

If you did not receive this issue at your email address and would like to, please notify us immediately at manager@songofhealth.com.

We may need you to remove a pop-up blocker on your computer or to update your current email address with us.

The information in Dragonfly News is brought to you by...

The Song of Health Team:
Sandra Strom, CEO of Song of Health
Dr. Letitia Dick, N.D., Staff Doctor
Dr. Jared Zeff, N.D., Staff Doctor
Dr. Caryn Potenza, N.D., Staff Supporting Doctor
Elizabeth Vedder, Manager of Food Resource Updates
Shawn Murphy, Song of Health Webmaster and Graphics Designer

ANNOUNCEMENT OF NORTHWEST NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS CONVENTION ~ April 24th through April 26th ~ Seattle, Wa.
The N.W. Naturopathic Physicians Convention is being held this year at the Seattle Airport Hilton Hotel. Song of Health and The Carroll Institute of Natural Healing is proud to announce that we have a display booth at the convention this year.
We invite you to come visit us at Booth #601.

NOTICE TO ANYONE WANTING TO ADVERTISE AT WWW.SONGOFHEALTH.COM:

A notice was emailed out to physicians and professionals who subscribe and support Song of Health, announcing 40% and 50% discounts on all advertising plans at www.songofhealth.com. This is in coordination with the Northwest Naturopathic Physicians Convention, April 24th through 26th. We will be offering these promotional discounted rates at the convention and offer them to you now! These discounts will be available through April 30th, 2009. ANYONE INTERESTED IN PROMOTING AT www.songofhealth.com, please contact us at advertise@songofhealth.com.

Song of Health promotes those dedicated to healthful products and services.

WEBSITE CHANGES!

In the Food Resource List:
We are phasing out the category “Fruit Spreads and Sauces.” We are moving the entries to the category “Fruit and Berries.

We are phasing out the category “Soaps.” We are moving the entries to “Toiletries.”

Look for our new video coming soon: “A Naturopathic Approach to Your Health Concerns and The Importance of Identifying Food Intolerances,” presented by Song of Health and The Carroll Institute of Natural Healing. The film features Doctors Letitia Dick, N.D., Jared Zeff, N.D. and Song of Health CEO Sandra Strom. We will also email everyone a notification when it becomes available on line at the Song of Health website.

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PERSONAL SESSIONS Information and Advice

Learn how to quickly identify your personal food intolerances in ingredients lists on food packaging.
Learn new, easy recipes and substitutes for favorite ones that your entire family can safely eat and enjoy.

You have been evaluated for personal food intolerance by your doctor. Because there is so much to know about the different food categories and hidden ingredients in foods, your doctor has referred you to Song of Health, at www.songofhealth.com.

Song of Health strives to present all the up-to-date information you need as your tool for avoiding your food intolerances in a good way. We also understand how difficult it can be to completely change the eating habits you have always practiced. Sometimes, you need more than just reading all this information…you need help.

Sandra Strom, CEO of Song of Health, offers personal phone consultation sessions to help you with food intolerance issues.

Half-hour phone session…..$30.00
35 minutes to 1 hour…..…..$55.00

TO SET UP YOUR PERSONAL APPOINTMENT:

Song of Health uses Google Checkout to make your payment. It is very safe and secure. Go to songofhealth.com/advice to pay for your session:
Be sure to give Google Checkout the email address and phone number where you want Sandra to contact you at OR you may email your contact information to: advice@songofhealth.com.

Once your payment is received Sandra will contact you to schedule the date and time for your appointment. We will strive to make it as convenient as possible for you.

If you have any questions or need help with the appointment or payment process, please contact us at: manager@songofhealth.com.

GIVE THE GIFT OF HEALTH:
honor your friends and family with A subscription to SONG OF HEALTH.

WHAT INFORMATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE IN YOUR NEWSLETTER?
Our goal is to serve you. Please help us by sharing what you would like to see in the Dragonfly News. We also invite you to share your favorite recipes with us.

You may contact us at: newsletter@songofhealth.com

SUBSCRIBERS SPOTLIGHT
STORIES, COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS

Share your story with others.

SUBSCRIBERS, please. . . help others by sharing your story with us and allow us to publish it in the next issue of Dragonfly News and Subscribers’ Testimonials, now on the Song of Health website. We have this opportunity to help those who still suffer but are not confident that our dietary lifestyle will work for them. By hearing and reading about how our lives were dramatically changed we can help them to step through the door toward wellness. WE WOULD BE HONORED TO INCLUDE YOUR STORY about how you came to follow the Dr. Carroll Food Intolerance way of life. We reserve the right to edit for grammar and spelling correctness, however we will not change your story content.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE US TO HELP YOU WRITE YOUR STORY, WE WILL BE HAPPY TO. JUST ASK!

Please email your contribution to manager@songofhealth.com

Thank you for helping us to achieve our goal of reaching out to as many people as possible in order to provide help, hope and answers. The more we give away, the more we receive!

A note of encouragement: A subscriber was concerned that her story was uninteresting. There is no such thing as a boring, uninteresting story! We are here to support each other and every contribution helps, no matter how small or large the content. Please don't let that stop you!

QUESTIONS ASKED AND ANSWERED:

REMINDER: IMPORTANT! It has been brought to our attention an important issue that we believe needs to be addressed: On occasion, a subscriber will ask our doctors a question regarding a food intolerance and their responses will slightly differ. This has sometimes caused confusion and has been expressed directly to one of our doctors by several patients.

Per Dr. Zeff: “…most likely, we are not evaluating foods for, e.g., potato content. We are evaluating a food against a blood sample of a person with a known potato intolerance…” Test results for one patient to a food can vary from another patient, even though they are intolerant to the same food category. So, Dr. Watrous may determine a different result than Dr. Zeff, or any of the other doctors who competently perform this testing, because they are testing a patient’s specific blood sample to a specific food sample. As Dr. Zeff puts it, “It is one of the peculiarities of the methodology.”

For this reason, we constantly emphasize throughout the Song of Health website that the information found on the website is a guide only. If you have any personal issues with a product, in other words, a test evaluation shows a food should be o.k. for you to eat, yet you have a reaction to it anyway, we suggest you refrain from consuming it until you have it tested for you personally.

Always, always, always consult your physician with any medical issues you may be experiencing, any drugs you have questions about or your medical care. Our purpose is to help you to determine what foods are included in food intolerance categories. All other information, including articles, are for educational purposes, and is not meant to replace your doctor’s care for you. We are set up as a support team for doctor, patient and subscriber. There are many questions Song of Health can answer for you, and we encourage you to ask us first, in regards to food and food intolerances. What we are not qualified to answer directly, we refer to our doctors and they, in return email their responses to us. You may consider Song of Health as your information center.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us. We are here to support you and your efforts to claim and maintain great health by refraining from your food intolerances and learning about other natural health issues.
In Health,
Sandra Strom

A Sample ~ FROM THE FORUM:

Posted by Sammie S., 3rd March, 2009. I have a fruit intolerance and a potato/grain combination (6hrs) intolerance as well. I was wondering if anyone who has either one of these could describe to me the symptoms you get when you've eaten your intolerance. My skin (primarily my face) breaks out and gets red and bloated--especially around my chin and mouth, periodically, and it's still hard for me to tell if it's because of my food intolerance. My acupuncturist advised me to avoid dairy, sugar, and gluten, because they can be hard on the skin. I've done a pretty good job avoiding these and although I still break out occasionally, my skin has really cleared up and has yet to get inflamed the way it use to. Anyway, I usually judge the food I am eating by the look of my skin. I don't really know where I'm going with this, but I guess I just wanted some thoughts on the symptoms you get when you eat your intolerance(s), because I seem to have a hard time pinpointing what's causing what.

Posted by SANDRA, CEO of SONG OF HEALTH. Hello Sammie. I would venture to guess that your skin problems subside when you refrain from your food intolerances, which is determined, specifically for you, from the Carroll Food Intolerance analysis performed by the doctor. I find it interesting that the acupuncturist suggests refraining from dairy, etc. This information is coming from a generality.

The reactions we individually experience are usually dependent on what is personally the weakest system in our body. Yours happens to be your skin. The outward reactions may look and feel different, but the causes are the same - we have ingested something toxic to us. For you, it is fruit. For me, it is potato. My reactive symptoms are different than yours, nonetheless, uncomfortable. Remove the foods you are intolerant to and you have taken the first step to getting, looking and feeling well!

Subscribers: What are your personal experiences that could help Sammie?

THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS/COMMENTS WERE EMAILED TO US SINCE THE NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER. THEY WILL ALSO BE POSTED IN THE FORUM.

Be sure to check The Forum daily for new entries.

We share your letters with other subscribers so that everyone can benefit from the information. We do not share your last name to keep you anonymous, unless you request differently.

From Tom A. Just discovered Potato intolerance...I've been producing lots of mucous in my throat...is that common complaint? If I eat carefully, how long before it gets better?

Reply from Sandra, CEO of Song of Health.
Dear Tom, Welcome to Song of Health and congratulations on taking the great steps to getting and staying well.

I have potato intolerance, also. Over production of mucous is a reaction to something the body is fighting. I would suggest having your naturopath run a blood sample under the microscope to determine if there is a condition needing more addressing, unless you notice the difference when you refrain from potato products. It doesn't hurt to have the blood checked anyway. As for how long it takes to reverse the healing process until you are free of toxins and then you are well, that depends on what all you are doing to assist the process, how chronic your existing condition is and how devoted you are to watching your diet. I choose not to fudge on my diet because the consequences aren't worth it to me.
In Health, Sandra

Tom: I did have blood checked and my intolerance is to potato and sugar cane. He said it generally takes an average of two months to feel better, but some fast responders can feel it in two weeks. I am being very careful on diet for last 10 days; am losing some weight and overall feeling a bit better but at times (mostly late afternoons and early evenings) still get lots of mucous stuck in throat. It's always there to greater or lesser degrees. Just wondering if that two-month time frame for what appears chronic sounds logical and do you have any ideas on how I can help alleviate the symptoms in meantime? All the best, Tom

Sandra: Hello Tom. I am attaching a diagram of the healing process, by Dr. Jared Zeff, N.D., who is one of the co-founders of the Carroll Institute of Natural Healing and one of our resource doctors here at Song of Health. This may help you to understand why all patients differ from each other in how quickly and/or how well they heal, as I explained earlier. Depending on how long the damage has been occurring to the body, the condition and strength of the individual's own immune system and other factors will determine how quickly you can bounce back, thereby reversing the process of disease. If your body has already fallen into a chronic condition, it will take longer to heal as it will have "further" to climb back up the process of healing.

There are several things you can do to quicken the process of cleaning the body of toxins and hasten the healing process:

1) Get #42 caps (wormwood and aloe) from your doctor. Or if your doctor doesn't have them, you can purchase them from either Windrose Naturopathic Clinic or Salmon Creek Clinic. See the Goods and Services page on the website or click on their advertising buttons on any page. Open 2 caps, mix in a little water and drink down. It is very bitter, warning! This will not only cleanse and help reverse the "toxic poisoning" but will help relieve pain caused by it, as the aloe soothes.

2) Fast from food, drinking only water, for 3 days. This will clean everything in the digestive tract out. It is important to drink lots of water while doing this.

3) Do hydrotherapy treatments, especially when taking the #42 caps. This will help draw out toxins and hasten the healing process.

It is highly suggested that you contact your doctor if you do not feel this is enough and you need further treatment, or if you have been diagnosed with a condition that needs professional attention. Hope this helps. Sandra.

THE FOLLOWING DIAGRAM IS CONTRIBUTED BY DR. JARED ZEFF, N.D.:

This diagram will soon be available at www.songofhealth.com.

Tom: Thanks. Quick question: I've been eating Ezekiel cereal, which my doctor recommended, but just noticed on your website that it “tested” positive for potato. What cereal would you recommend that is free of potato and sugar? Also, a yogurt with same restrictions? Pasta? Is pesto sauce safe? I assume all eggs and meat and fruits and vegetables are safe, no? Hummus? Thanks! Tom

Sandra: There are several cereals listed on the Food Resource List that don't contain potato. Look for the ones that were tested for "ALL." Then check the results to make sure they don't contain potato. What you have to look for when reading ingredients on the packaging is baking powder; also, enriched flour. Both contain potato. If you can make your own from rolled grains, that is best, such as rolled corn, wheat, spelt. Just make sure it is a "clean" product. Azure Standard products are great. Bob's Red Mill - some products are ok and some aren't. It's best to check the Food Resource List first, to see if it has been evaluated.

Know that you are not alone. And it gets easier as you go along! I'm constantly learning. And products change. One year they'll be ok and then the manufacturer adds something that I can't have. You have to remember to always read the ingredients, every time. Then you'll recognize if something's changed. Just remember, enriched products are out, as they contain B vitamins which are generally potato-derived. Baking powder is out, so that pretty much eliminates most all commercial crackers. There is a good recipe in the Recipes section for graham crackers that one of our subscribers contributed. It's also in The Forum under Recipes. Fresh organic vegetables are always ok, as long as they aren't in the potato category. Organic fruits in season and local to your area are always ok. Pesto sauce, read the ingredients. Pasta, make sure it's not from enriched flour. I always buy organic and, if I do ok with a product, I stick with that. I found an Italian pasta brand at the natural foods store I shop at that is good. It doesn't offer angel hair, which I love, but it is great macaroni and spaghetti - which I can live with just fine. There's so much we can have that it doesn't pay to brood over what we can't! Hope that helps.

Just a reminder, if you need help with learning how to read packaging ingredients for what you can have, or other information regarding your food intolerances and are not finding it on the website, or need help in using the site, I offer counseling sessions. Go to:
http://www.songofhealth.com/subscribers/advice.html
for information on setting up an appointment.
In Health, Sandra

~~~

From Susan: Hello Sandra. Recently it was suggested to me to purchase a juicer. Is there really a benefit to juicing, over and above just eating the fruit? Are there any fruits and vegetables that have any parts that are harmful to ingest (roots, leaves, stems, etc)? sm

Reply from Sandra: Hi Susan. Juicing vegetables is great for healing purposes, and/or needing the vitamins/minerals in higher doses than just what eating the food has to offer. Cancer patients who juice carrots, etc. have experienced and documented great healing progress. Remember not to overdo carrots because your skin will turn orange from the carotene! We do not agree with drinking fruit juice. You don't get all the fiber; even more important, you are asking your body to digest more than it can easily handle, i.e., 5 or 6 apples. This can cause allergic reactions, especially if it is fruit outside your local area.

I have a juicer and enjoy a vegetable drink sometimes. There are many people who swear by having at least a glass a day. I would suggest going moderately and eating healthy. What is your objective with the juicing? In Health, Sandra

Reply from Dr. Letitia Dick, N.D. Juice is mostly concentrating the sugar out of the fruit or vegetable.  It requires a lot of amylase from saliva to begin the proper digestive response.  For this reason I recommend people to dilute the juice by 1/2 with water and then chew it to mix it with your saliva before swallowing it.  This way our saliva-y amylase can mix with it and digest it properly.  Otherwise it will burden the stomach and liver and cause difficulties. Dr. Tish

~~~

From Ellen Z: Hi Sandra: Dr. SuHu thought you might know the name of a safe kitchen faucet water filtration system suitable for potato starch intolerances. We're using reverse osmosis now and it contains potato. Is a carbon filter better? Any help is appreciated. Thanks, Ellen

Reply from Dr. Letitia Dick, N.D.: Dear Ellen: Each filter system is different and simply being reverse osmosis does not make it potato. What brand is it?  Who makes it??

I have found that most carbon filters are made from burnt coconut shells to make the carbon. This makes the water coming out of them fruit, since coconuts are fruit. This is true of PUR filters and Britta systems, as far as I know. Some filters combine the charcoal with the reverse osmosis....so mix bag.

The plastics in the reverse osmosis are what cause the potato problem, from what I can figure out. There are some that are totally fine. The only way to know is to run water through them and then check the water against the food intolerance evaluation to determine the food issues. It is a difficult thing, because you don't want to spend a lot of money on a filter, install it, then find out it isn't compatible.  

I have a back packing filter from REI called MSR that fits on a Nalgene bottle that checks out 100% ok. It is a ceramic micron filter. It is not charcoal based, nor is it reverse osmosis. Anyway, some food for thought…

The under-the-sink filter system from SEARS used to be ok, but I checked that one out about 10 years ago, so who knows now. Dr. Letitia Dick

The suggestion was made by subscriber Stephenie R.:
When posting a question or comment on The Forum to a thread that is not recent, Subscribers please create a new thread, even if the topic has been discussed at a prior time. This way, new entries won’t get unintentionally missed.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

Please post your replies to our other subscribers at THE FORUM.
Thank you.

HEALTH HUMOR (From an Anonymous Source)

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Do you have any silly Health Humor you would like to share? Email to: manager@songofhealth.com

Each month we bring you articles on a myriad of topics regarding health and environmental issues. The main focus of Song of Health is to avail you of expert information on the Carroll Food Intolerance dietary methods. This is the first step getting and staying well. We feel, however, that there are also many other interesting and important issues to be aware of. It is our goal to share, with you, our findings on what may have a cause and effect on our healthy lives:

Bioidentical Hormone
Replacement Therapy: Where to Start
By Dr. Caryn Potenza, N.D.

Many patients have been asking us about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and the benefits for menopausal symptoms or symptoms of aging. Dr. Letitia Dick and I recently returned from a conference in Las Vegas that discussed BHRT in great detail and yes, BHRT can be very helpful in relieving these complaints for both women and men. But Dr. Dick, Dr. Zeff, and I all want to remind you that there are basic nutritional and lifestyle modifications that should be addressed first. I would like to discuss lifestyle and nutritional modifications and BHRT.

Optimal health begins at the farm. Eating foods that are grown in healthy, non-toxic environments is the first step in achieving health and in the prevention of disease. This being said, before BHRT is considered you need to look at your diet. Avoiding your food intolerance is the first step in prevention. In addition, it is vital to include a variety of good foods in your diet. A balanced diet consists of plenty of fiber, vegetables, lean meats, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fruits. You need to decrease or eliminate simple sugars and refined carbohydrates (white sugar, white bread, pasta), alcohol, and caffeine. Diet is the first step in prevention.

Simultaneously you want to address lifestyle changes. Exercise is vital to improving health and detoxifying the body. It helps decrease stress, improve cardiovascular health, increase weight loss, and balance the endocrine system. Taking steps for a more active lifestyle is imperative to optimal health and necessary before jumping into BHRT. We always try to encourage patients to do an exercise that they enjoy. Be creative. If you like to dance, then take a class. Walking, biking, swimming, tennis, racquetball, etc. are all great ways to keep yourself active. Be sure to alternate your cardiovascular exercises with weight-bearing exercises. This will not only help promote weight loss and improve stamina and endurance, but will also prevent and treat osteoporosis.

When you have already tried the above-mentioned measures, then you can explore BHRT. First off I want to explain the difference between BHRT and other hormone replacement options. Bioidentical literally means that the hormones replaced are identical to the hormones your body makes. These hormones have the same molecular structure that your own hormones do. They are derived from soy or wild yams and are assembled by compounding pharmacists. Bioidentical hormones are as close as you can get to what your body already makes and the goal with BHRT is to mimic or copy nature. This differs from other prescribed hormones that are not bioidentical, as all hormone replacement is not the same. For example, Premarin is a type of hormone replacement that some have referred to as “natural,” as it is an estrogen collected from pregnant horses. The problem is that the estrogen produced by a pregnant horse has a very different molecular structure than a human-derived estrogen and therefore would not be considered bioidentical. This horse estrogen will act very differently in a human body because humans do not have the proper enzymes to break horse estrogen down in a reasonable time frame. Therefore, the horse estrogen can take weeks to be eliminated from the human body, creating a more potent hormonal effect. Hormone replacement therapy needs to be properly balanced to meet the bodies own particular needs. When BHRT is used appropriately with proper monitoring and prescribing, it will not only alleviate or reduce symptoms of menopause and aging (hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, depression, mood swings, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, urinary dysfunction, acne, facial hair, and hair loss), but can also help prevent disease.

ESTROGEN
One hormone that has received a lot of attention regarding BHRT is estrogen. Estrogen is actually 3 different hormones. It is made in the ovaries in women, the placenta in pregnant women, and in a smaller amount in both the adrenals and testes. The 3 main estrogens are estrone, estradiol, and estriol. Estrone (E1) accounts for about 10-20% of the total estrogens in circulation, but is in higher amounts in postmenopausal women and found in larger amounts in adipose/fat tissue. Estradiol (E2) also accounts for about 10-20% of the total estrogens in circulation and is probably the most “well known” estrogen because of its potent affect on the body. Estriol (E3) accounts for about 60-80% of the total estrogens in circulation. It is known as a “weaker” estrogen because it’s effect on the tissues is not as long acting, but still significant. For this reason and because it does not get converted to the other more “potent” types of estrogens, estriol is considered to be a “safer” estrogen. It has a more local effect on tissues in the body and is therefore used to help relieve symptoms of vaginal dryness. BHRT of estrogen is usually given in a combination of these 3 types and the goal with BHRT is to mimic the body’s natural response of hormone excretion. As Dr. Jonathan Wright says in his book Natural Hormone Replacement, “it’s always safest - and usually most effective - to observe and copy nature in matters of health.” This is one of the main points in BHRT in comparison to other forms of hormone replacement, to match the body’s natural hormones as close as possible and to administer the hormone in the most compatible way for absorption and utilization.

Hormone deficiency symptoms can result in a number of varied complaints, as can symptoms of hormonal excess. I will include these symptoms for deficiency and excess for estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, and testosterone. This information was gathered from Dr. Wendy Ellis’s lecture at the 2009 BHRT conference in Las Vegas, NV.

General symptoms of estrogen deficiency are:
hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, dry eyes, increased vaginal and/or urinary infections, foggy thinking, dry or loose skin, increased wrinkles on the face, thin lips, sleep difficulties, and urinary incontinence.

General symptoms of estrogen excess are:
uterine fibroids, bloating, water retention, menstrual cramps, heavy periods with clotting, irregular menstrual cycles, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, infertility, weight gain, anxiety, depression, migraines, and decreased libido.

PROGESTERONE
Progesterone is produced in the ovaries and there are receptors for this hormone all over the body. They are in the bones, nervous system, white blood cells, lungs, uterus, breast and colon. Besides just acting at these sites, progesterone also acts as a natural diuretic, helps thyroid hormone function, aids blood sugar regulation and promotes proper oxygenation to cells (Wright and Morganthaler, pg. 76). Progesterone is the most frequently prescribed hormone (along with DHEA) that we prescribe for women going through menopause. We usually find that women are usually progesterone deficient, or have too much estrogen making the body seem like it is progesterone deficient. Often all we need to give women at this time is progesterone and DHEA.

General symptoms of progesterone deficiency are many. They are:
arthritis, anxiety (nervousness/irrational fears), anger/irritability, heavy menses, irregular menses, menstruating woman who only feels good 1 week per month, bloating, breast tenderness, blood clots during menstruation, cold hands and feet, constipation, cracked heels, cramps, food cravings, dry eyes, fat gain (especially around the abdomen), PMS, fatigue, fibrocystic breasts, hair loss, headaches, hot flashes, night sweats, hypoglycemic, infertility, insomnia, osteoporosis, memory loss, polycystic ovarian symptoms, varicose veins, post-natal depression, and magnesium deficiency.

General symptoms of progesterone excess include:
bloating, depression, feeling “weepy,” headache, vaginal pruritis, insomnia, feeling drowsy in the morning, and memory loss.

DHEA
DHEA is a hormone that is produced in the adrenal glands. It peaks when we are 25-30 years old and then will decline after. Through metabolism, it can be converted to estrogen and/or testosterone and is the most abundant hormone in a healthy person. DHEA replacement will often relieve symptoms of menopause or help “aging” difficulties.

Common signs of DHEA deficiency are:
loss of libido, loss of lean muscle mass around the middle, fatigue, adrenal insufficiency, autoimmunity, apathy, mental fog, memory loss, and diminished stamina.

DHEA is usually not found in excess in the body unless there is an overdose with supplementation. Those symptoms can include a raging libido, cystic acne, and an oily face. It is a commonly needed hormone for not only menopausal women, but for both aging men and women (especially with a history of adrenal fatigue).

TESTOSTERONE
Testosterone is not only a male hormone. It is produced in the adrenals, ovaries, liver, brain and, of course, the testicles. There are testosterone receptors all over the body and they are located in the brain, nerves, skin, muscles, prostate, genitals and the scalp. A woman’s testosterone levels quickly decline around the time of menopause.

Symptoms of testosterone deficiency include:
loss of libido, decreased muscle mass and stamina, extremity hair loss, and emotional fragility.

Signs of testosterone excess include:
aggression, hair loss on head (male pattern), and acne.

This is a very general and basic list of some of the health concerns that can be helped with BHRT. We find that many of these symptoms can be improved with first addressing diet and lifestyle changes. Other therapies can also aid in rebuilding and detoxifying the body, such as constitutional hydrotherapy, acupuncture, homeopathy, botanical medicines and nutritional/glandular support. When we do decide that BHRT is a treatment we feel we should pursue, we begin by collecting an accurate list of your particular symptoms. We are all unique and therefore every treatment will vary from patient to patient. What may work for one woman going through menopause may be totally different for another.

After having a discussion of what the symptoms are, we will want to do an analysis of hormone levels. There are a couple of ways to do this. The 24-hour urinary hormone panel is the most complete panel because it not only checks for the above discussed hormones, but also checks for other hormones like cortisol, thyroid function and hormone metabolites (breakdown products). This gives us a good baseline of hormone levels and allows us to monitor the therapy. We also can do saliva hormone panels. Saliva panels will give us information about the 3 different types of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA, but they do not give us the hormone breakdown products.

BHRT can be very helpful for women having difficulties with menstrual cycles or menopause, to men that have problems with fatigue and low libido. This is a very broad subject and I have tried to cover the major points but, as you can probably tell, there is a lot of detail and depth to BHRT. I would like to encourage patients to read Dr. Jonathan Wright’s and John Morgenthaler’s book, Natural Hormone Replacement: For Women Over 45 for more information about BHRT. We have this book available to patients at the clinic, but it can easily be found online. Be sure that, before you start BHRT, you have been following your food intolerance diet, including whole foods, exercising and have tried the other therapies mentioned (constitutional hydrotherapy, acupuncture, etc). Remember, the key to healing is always to identify and remove the cause of imbalance and then to give the body what it needs to rebuild and heal. We all have this ability and just need to nurture that environment.
In Health -
Dr. Caryn Potenza

References:
• Lecture notes from Dr. Wendy Ellis, ND at the 2009 BHRT Conference in Las Vegas, NV
• Morgenthaler, John and Wright, Jonathan MD, Natural Hormone Replacement: For Women Over 45, 1997

SHARING EXPERIENCES
By Sandra Strom, CEO

“The Controversy of H.R.875 –
Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009”

On February 4, 2009, a bill was introduced in Congress, which addresses the safety issues of food products, from inception of the process on the farm or ranch, to the marketplace and, ultimately, to you and me – the consumer. The bill, introduced in the House of Representatives, is H.R.875 – Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009.

To summarize the findings of Congress: Lapses in protection of the food supply and loss of public confidence, due to recent ongoing events of food-borne illnesses, demonstrates an ineffectiveness of the Food and Drug Administration to control hazards in food coming from farms and factories, both nationally and internationally.

The safety and security of the food supply require integrated efforts of federal, state and local agencies to detect all forms of contamination, thereby protecting consumers from emerging pathogens and other contaminants. This includes the threat of intentional contamination of food supply, as well as ineffective preventive measures in food processing.

Included in The purposes of H.R.875 are: “to establish an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services to be known as the `Food Safety Administration'.” It is to:

regulate food safety and labeling,

ensure that food establishments uphold protective measures for public health safety,

provide food safety research through integrated studies by academic and other scientific institutions

and to modernize and strengthen federal food safety laws.

It was explained to me, by a representative from my senator’s office, that this agency would replace several existing agencies, currently dispersed throughout numerous federal departments, who have not proven efficient at working together on accomplishing protective measures.

The outcry for government involvement to force strict regulations and, if necessary, hefty fines on food processors is rightfully loud, given the recent atrocities of contaminated foods that made it all the way to store shelves. The salmonella outbreak in 2007, for instance, from products by Peanut Corporation of America in Blakely, Georgia and more recently in Plainview, Texas, caused severe illnesses to countless consumers. Exceptionally hard hit were the very young and the elderly.

We insist that our congressional representatives take “immediate action” in order to protect us. This is the intention of Bill H.R.875.

Note: There is, in reality, no such thing as “immediate” in our legislative process. A bill is drawn up in committee. If it actually gets to the House floor (most don’t), then it is voted on. If it passes, it is then sent to the Senate for discussion and vote. If it passes in the Senate, it then goes to the President’s desk.

So how could there possibly be a controversy about
protecting our health and welfare?

One of the concerns being expressed, as seen in several videos on YouTube and in a number of blogs, is potential loopholes, which could require food growers, ranchers and all other food producers, including backyard farmers who sell their produce at Saturday Market or Farmers’ Market, to take specific measures in order to “ensure safety.” The skeptics of this bill say this could include the use of chemicals and antibiotics for the purpose of controlling [natural or organic] contaminates. Although it is not expressly stated, they fear it could leave a door open to make organic food production illegal.

The bill provides for a $1,000,000 fine, per day, for infractions, which would literally wipe out small businesses and farms. Who would be left in the food production process? Big companies, such as Monsanto – famous for their genetically modified seed production and manufacturing of chemicals and fertilizers – who reap immense revenues from large agri-biz farms?

Another concern of the bill is Section 103 – Additional Duties of The Administration. This would give the Food Safety Administration authority to procure the services of experts and consultants by establishing advisory committees to include scientists, academic advisors, industry specialists and consumers. The duties of an advisory committee may include developing recommendations with respect to the development of new processes, research, communications, performance standards and inspection.

This sounds pretty logical – calling upon experts for advice. The question is, “Who are the experts?” Contestants of this bill predict that businesses - such as Monsanto, who have obvious vested interests – would be called upon for their expertise as the “industry specialists.” Do Monsanto, other chemical manufacturers and drug companies identify organic farming practices as a threat to their profit-making and industry power? Does Monsanto want to be the sole proprietor of seed production, primarily genetically modified seeds, thus eliminating heirloom seed production companies from market share? If so, then it appears there is a legitimate concern with this bill.

Could the ambiguities in this bill lead us to nationalization of American farming?

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro, D-Connecticut, assures us
NOT TO WORRY!

She is sponsor of H.R.875 and addresses complaints and concerns of the bill on the “Myths and Facts” page at her website.* Congresswoman DeLauro specifically denies any language in the bill that would “regulate, penalize or shut down backyard gardens,” or farmers’ markets; nor would it cause a shutting down of organic farming practices. Furthermore, she assures us that the legislators involved in the writing of this bill are, in no way, being influenced by Monsanto. In fact, several of the congressmen/women have strong records in support of farmers’ markets, organic farming and locally grown foods.

I have personally contacted the offices of my house representative and senator for their insights and opinions regarding H.R.875 and the Senate bill S.510: To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the safety of the food supply, sponsored by Senator Richard Durbin, D-Illinois**; and Senate bill S425: Food Safety and Tracking Improvement Act. *** This bill provides for a traceability system of all food products.

After speaking with a person at my senator’s office regarding the implications, rumors and fears, I feel confident that organic farmers and ranchers, personal organic gardeners and contributors to farmers’ markets and other small distributions are, at this time, in no danger of extinction. In Oregon, where I live, these groups contribute recognizable revenue to the marketplace – from farm to market. It is obvious how destructive, on many levels, it would be to jeopardize the organic and natural food producers in our state. Money talks! What is the majority consensus in your state?

I emphasize this message: Stay informed.

It is important to be aware of what proposed bills could seriously impact our health, our well-being, our freedoms. We need to understand the positive and negative implications. We need to contact our congressional representatives, both on state and federal levels, to express our concerns and…to listen to their insights. The more constituents who voice their concerns, the more impetus is given to the problem.

It is not productive to fall into a state of fear or panic by listening to untruths. In this case, it was rumored that this bill was slated to go into law within two weeks of inception! I was assured, by the person I spoke with from my senator’s office, this did not happen.

We highly suggest you contact your congressional representatives regarding these proposed bills to (1) understand their position and (2) voice your concerns. This process actually works, albeit slowly!

Our leaders need to know:

We support the organic farm industry.

We do not want our freedoms jeopardized –

We have the right of access to food products free of chemicals and drugs.

In Health ~ Sandra

References:
*http://delauro.house.gov/files/HR875_Myths_Facts1.pdf
** http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-510
*** http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.425:
Thomas Library of Congress:
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?c111:1:./temp/~c111WPTjmw:e1972
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro: http://delauro.house.gov
http://delauro.house.gov/files/HR875_Summary.PDF

NEW RECIPES

REMINDER: ALWAYS USE ORGANIC
PRODUCTS WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
IF A RECIPE CONTAINS YOUR FOOD INTOLERANCE,
SEE THE SUBSTITUTIONS LIST FOR
ALTERNATIVE INGREDIENTS.

Main Dishes

FRENCH SOUFFLE – CHEESE AND BROCCOLI
(Contributed by Sandra Strom, CEO of Song of Health)

French Soufflé is soft and creamy on the inside with an outside crust. To make a more firm soufflé, bake at 325 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes instead.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Set a big baking pan of hot water in oven.

¼ cup butter or oil
¼ cup flour (white, rice or Teff)
1 cup milk (or broth if dairy-free)
Few grains salt
Few grains cayenne
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated (this may be mixed with other cheeses, such as parmesan)
4 egg yolks, beaten until light
4 egg whites
1 cup fresh broccoli, finely chopped

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Remove from heat and clarify by scooping the fat off the top, leaving just the clear butter oil. Return to stove.
Add flour and mix well, making a “roux.”
Slowly add milk, stirring constantly. When mixture is thick and smooth, add salt, cayenne and grated cheese. Stir until smooth and the cheese is melted. Remove from heat.
Add the beaten egg yolks. Cool.
Just before baking, beat egg whites until they are stiff and form peaks. Carefully fold into the sauce mixture, being careful to keep them light and fluffy.
Place the finely chopped broccoli in an unbuttered, 1-1/2 quart glass straight-sided baking dish. Carefully spoon the sauce mixture into the dish.
Place the baking dish into the pan of hot water. The water should come up to half the baking dish.
Bake 25 minutes. Serve immediately.
Serves 4.
NOTE: The trick to a good soufflé is to beat the egg whites until very stiff and carefully fold into the mixture some of it remains little “puffs.” Otherwise it won’t be fluffy, but instead will taste like scrambled eggs.

FOOD RESOURCE LIST UPDATES

THE FOOD RESOURCE LIST ON THE WEBSITE IS NOW AVAILABLE IN PRINTABLE VERSION. JUST GO TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE AND CLICK ON "SOH RESOURCE LIST PART 1 OR PART 2 FOR THE VERSION IN .PDF FORM.

Use the codes below to translate the Results Column

HOW TO READ THE FOOD RESOURCE LIST AND USE THE KEY:

As items are submitted and tested by Doctors Watrous and Zeff, they are then added to the Food Resource List on the Song of Health website. We compile the updated lists to email to our subscribers as well.

The items are listed per category. By listing the date tested, you can be assured of the most recent updates. Under the “Tested For” column, “All” signifies that the product has been tested for all food categories included in the Carroll Food Intolerance Testing method. In some cases, you will see ingredients listed in the “Results” column that are not included in “Tested For.” This is because the ingredient has been listed on the packaging, or it is obviously in the stated category. For example, results for milk will be dairy. We will furnish where to purchase a product whenever the information is available.

If you have any questions, please contact us at: manager@songofhealth.com

Dedicated to Heilping You Achieve. . .
GREAT HEALTH - GREAT LIFE!

FOOD RESOURCE LIST UPDATES
April, 2009

Fruit Spreads and Sauces:

“Fruit Spreads and Sauces” is being phased out. The items will be moved to “Fruit and Berries.”

Soaps:

“Soaps” category is being phased out. The items will be moved to “Toiletries.”

Together, we strive for. . .
GREAT HEALTH - GREAT LIFE!

Song of Health Webmaster