URGENT ACTION ALERT (Part 2)-- OPPOSE HR 2749 FOOD SAFETY BILL!

News from the Weston A. Price Foundation - Urgent Action Alert on the HR 2749 Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009!

HR2749, the "Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009" has passed out of committee and is now on the floor of the house. As you can see from the FAQs below, this bill would be an absolute disaster for small farms and artisan food production.

Defeating this bill is our most urgent priority at the moment. Please take a moment to read the Frequently Asked Questions below and then proceed with the Action items as best you are able. We will need the concerted efforts of thousands to defeat this dismal piece of legislation.

More HR 2749 information is posted through links at http://tinyurl.com/mnm34s

Anyone with additional questions is encouraged to contact the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund directly by calling 703-208-3276 or emailing info@farmtoconsumer.org



ACTIONS TO TAKE

1. Call Your Representatives
Personal contact is an effective way to change hearts and minds. To find your representatives, use the finder tool at www.Congress.org or call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. When contacting your representatives, use examples from the FAQs to explain your opposition to HR 2749.

2. Sign the Petition
HR 2749 has been moving quickly through Congress. If you have not already done so, please send a personal message to your legislators through the online petition "Oppose HR 2749" at http://tinyurl.com/lwble7

3. Donate to the Fund
Help the Fund continue its valuable service - helping small farmers and protecting your access to quality food. http://tinyurl.com/lja2vj

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
HR 2749 - Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009

NOTE: Answers are based on the June 17 Waxman version that was accepted by voice vote of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Page references are noted per this version posted at http://tinyurl.com/na33dz


Q1: Does FDA have jurisdiction over INTRAstate commerce?

A1: As a federal agency, the FDA has jurisdiction over INTERstate commerce. For example, the prohibited acts regarding adulteration and misbranding in the current Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) all refer to INTERstate commerce. However, the existing law states that "in any action to enforce the requirements of [FFDCA] . . . the connection with INTERstate commerce required for jurisdiction in such action shall be presumed to exist." [1a] Combined with court decisions addressing the connection between INTRAstate and INTERstate commerce, it is unclear what kind of showing defendants would have to make to rebut the presumption and avoid federal regulation. The agency's regulatory power is limited to commerce, however, so non-commercial activities (such as growing your own vegetables for personal consumption) are not regulated.

Under current law, a business qualifying as a "food facility" must register with FDA, even if that business only engages in INTRAstate commerce. [1b] In addition, the agency can inspect the records of a business that engages solely in INTRAstate commerce if there is a "reasonable belief that an article of food is adulterated and presents a threat of serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals." [1c]

[1a] 21 USC 379(a)
[1b] 21 USC 350(d)
[1c] 21 USC 350(c)

Q2: Would HR 2749 expand the FDA's regulation of INTRAstate commerce?

A2: Yes. Under HR 2749, FDA's regulatory control over INTRAstate commerce would grow considerably. The bill would allow for inspections of firms whose business is strictly within a State. [2a] It would impose, among other requirements, a mandate for all firms in the food business to comply with national performance standards for various foods set by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). [2b] It would also require most firms in the food business to establish a traceback system for their products, even if those products never cross State lines. [2c]

[2a] Section 105(a)-pp. 42-43
[2b] Section 103(b)-pp. 36-37
[2c] Section 107(c)-p. 54

Q3: I have a garden and sell produce at a road-side stand on my property. Would HR 2749 apply to me?

A3: Yes, you would now have to follow federally-established standards for growing produce. [3a] Produce not grown as required by these standards would be considered as adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). [3b] Further, you would be required to make your business records available to FDA inspectors. [3c] The inspectors would have the power to show up unannounced without a warrant to search your records without any evidence whatsoever that you have committed a violation of the law. If you refuse to let the inspector see your records, you would be guilty of adulteration under FFDCA. [3d]

[3a] Section 104(b)-pp. 38-41
[3b] Section 104(a)-p. 38
[3c] Section 106(a)-p. 48
[3d] Section 207(a)-pp. 119-120

Q4: I sell produce from my garden at a local farmers market, under HR 2749 would I have to register as a "food facility" with FDA?

A4: Farms are exempt from the registration requirement under current law. [4a] HR 2749 would not eliminate this exemption. "Farm" is narrowly defined under current regulations [4b]; so, it is possible that many farms that have not registered in the past, could be required to do so if FDA has more resources at its disposal to enforce registration.

For example, a farm that sells vegetables straight from the garden (i.e., no processing) would not be a "food facility". If FDA strictly interprets the definition of "farm", a farm that sells canned vegetables at the market would be a "food facility" because canning is considered "processing" under the law. [4c] Under federal regulation, a farm that processes food would not be considered a "farm" for purposes of the registration requirement unless ALL of the processed food is consumed ON the farm. [4d]

Under HR 2749, those who sell vegetables from the garden at farmers markets would be required to follow federal standards for growing produce [4e]; and their business records would be subject to random warrantless searches by FDA inspectors even if the agency has no evidence of any violation of the law. [4f-see Q3/A3 above]

[4a] 21 USC 350d
[4b] 21 CFR 1.227(3)
[4c] 21 CFR 1.227(6)
[4d] 21 CFR 1.227(3)
[4e] Section 104(b)-pp. 38-41
[4f] Section 106(a)-p. 48

Q5: I own a bakery and sell my goods at a local farmers market, how would HR 2749 apply to me?

A5: HR 2749 would apply to you in the following ways:

1 - Your bakery would qualify as a "food facility" and you would need to register with FDA each year [5a] and pay an annual fee ($500 in 2010 [5b], and increasing in future years as indexed for inflation [5c]).
2 - You would have to register in electronic format. [5d]
3 - You would be required to have a unique facility identifier number. [5e]
4 - You would be required to conduct an analysis identifying potential hazards at your food facility; and you must implement controls to prevent those hazards from occurring as well as a plan for what to do in the event that any do occur. [5f]
5 - If your products cross state lines, you must develop a FOOD SAFETY PLAN. [5g-also see Q6/A6 below]
6 - You would also be required to establish and maintain a system for tracing the food you produce. It is uncertain at this point what this traceability system will require, but the requirements are likely to be extensive.
[5h]

[5a] Section 101(b)-p. 6 [4b] Section 101(b)-p. 13
[5c] Section 101(c)-p. 14
[5d] Section 101(b)-p. 7
[5e] Section 206(a)-p. 118
[5f] Section 102(a)-p. 21
[5g] Section 102, sec 418A(a)-p. 28
[5h] Section 107(c)-p. 54-58

Q6: What will a FOOD SAFETY PLAN involve?

A6: Your FOOD SAFETY PLAN would have to include a hazard analysis that identifies potential hazards in your operation. The plan must also include descriptions of a variety of procedures you follow to prevent hazards from occurring and corrective actions to take if any does occur. In addition, you would need to describe your procedures for recordkeeping, conducting recalls, and traceback. Further, the plan must include how you ensure a "safe and secure food supply chain" for the items and ingredients you use as well as how you implement any science-based performance standards required by FDA. [6a]

[6a] Section 102, sec 418A(b)-pp. 29-30

Q7: I have read a summary of HR 2749 and am alarmed by the provision giving the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the power to quarantine any geographic area within the country. How broad is this power?

A7: Under HR 2749, the HHS Secretary would have the power to prohibit ALL MOVEMENT of ALL FOOD within a geographic area. No court order is needed to exercise this power. The Secretary only has to notify the appropriate official of the State(s) affected and issue a public announcement. [7a]

[7a] Section 133(b)-pp. 98-99

Q8: I am a raw milk consumer. Is it true that under HR 2749 would give FDA the power to institute a complete ban on the sale of raw milk?

A8: Yes, HR 2749 requires the HHS Secretary to issue "science-based performance standards . . . applicable to foods or food classes." The Secretary is to "identify the most significant foodborne contaminants and the most significant resulting hazards . . . and to minimize to an acceptable level, prevent or eliminate the occurrence of such hazards." [8a] FDA would have the power to make pasteurization of all raw milk a performance standard. Based on both its public statements and its record of taking enforcement actions against farmers, FDA is vehemently opposed to the consumption of raw milk and would like to ban its distribution.

Even if FDA does not issue a performance standard requiring pasteurization, the likelihood is that if HR 2749 passes into law, the agency will be increasing its enforcement actions against raw milk producers whose products cross state lines. FDA has indicated that raw milk is a priority item with the agency; with the passage of HR 2749, it would have much greater resources to go after raw milk than it did before. FDA could take enforcement action directly or through state agencies funded by FDA.

The way to stop this threat is to support HR 778, a bill that would, in effect, end the ban on raw milk for human consumption in interstate commerce. [8b] If you have not already done so, contact your Representative and Senators asking them to co-sponsor and/or vote for HR 778. You may send a message to them through the petition service by clicking on "Support HR 778 Now" at http://tinyurl.com/lwble7

[8a] Section 103(b)-p. 37
[8b] 21 CFR 1240.61

Q9: I purchase products from an Amish producer who has said he would not register his facility because the electronic filing requirement violates his religious beliefs. What are the criminal and civil penalties he could be facing if he is charged with violating the law?

A9: Under HR 2749, failing to register a food facility would constitute "misbranding." [9a] If any of the "misbranded" products are introduced or "delivered for introduction into interstate commerce", the producer could be sentenced to up to ten years and be assessed criminal fines. [9b] Under HR 2749, anyone knowingly violating certain prohibitions contained in the FFDCA such as the prohibition against introducing adulterated or misbranded food in interstate commerce, could face these penalties.

In addition, the Amish producer could be facing substantial civil penalties. Under HR 2749, any individual who knowingly violates a provision of section 331 of FFDCA (prohibited acts) relating to food, can be fined up to $100,000; a corporation can be fined up to $7.5 million. [9c]

[9a] Section 101(a)-p. 6
[9b] Section 134-p. 100
[9c] Section 135(a)-p. 101

Q10: I'm a farmer who sells products direct to consumers. I want to protect the privacy of those who purchase from me and do not want to turn over to FDA any customer information I have in my records. What are the potential penalties if I refuse?

A10: Under HR 2749, FDA would have access to all records relating to the food producer's distribution of products. Failing to provide records to FDA would constitute adulteration. [10a] The criminal penalty for refusing access to records would be up to ten years imprisonment. [10b] The civil fines could be up to $100,000 for an individual and $7.5 million for a corporation. [10c]

[10a] Section 207(a)-pp. 119-120
[10b] Section 134-p. 100
[10c] Section 135(a)-p. 101

More HR 2749 information is posted through links at http://tinyurl.com/mnm34s

Anyone with additional questions is encouraged to contact the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund directly by calling 703-208-3276 or emailing info@farmtoconsumer.org Read more on this article...

URGENT ACTION ALERT-- HR 2749 FOOD SAFETY BILL

A new food safety bill is on the fast track in Congress-HR 2749, the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009. THE BILL NEEDS TO BE STOPPED.

HR 2749 gives FDA tremendous power while significantly diminishing existing judicial restraints on actions taken by the agency. The bill would impose a one-size-fits-all regulatory scheme on small farms and local artisanal producers; and it would disproportionately impact their operations for the worse.

HR 2749 does not address underlying causes of food safety problems such as industrial agriculture practices and the consolidation of our food supply. The industrial food system and food imports are badly in need of effective regulation, but the bill does not specifically direct regulation or resources to these areas.

To read a detailed account of the bill, go to: http://www.ftcldf.org/news/news-15june2009.htm.

Some of the more alarming provisions in the bill are:

* HR 2749 would impose an ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEE of $500 on any "facility" that holds, process, or manufactures food. Although "farms" are exempt, the agency has defined "farm" narrowly. And people making foods such as lacto-fermented vegetables, cheeses, or breads would be required to register and pay the fee, which could drive beginning and small producers out of business during difficult economic times.

* HR 2749 would empower FDA to REGULATE HOW CROPS ARE RAISED and HARVESTED. It puts the federal government right on the farm, dictating to our farmers.

* HR 2749 would give FDA the power to order a QUARANTINE of a GEOGRAPHIC AREA, including "prohibiting or restricting the movement of food or of any vehicle being used or that has been used to transport or hold such food within the geographic area." Under this provision, farmers markets and local food sources could be shut down, even if they are not the source of the contamination. The AGENCY can HALT ALL MOVEMENT of ALL FOOD in a geographic area.

* HR 2749 would empower FDA to make RANDOM WARRANTLESS SEARCHES of the business records of small farmers and local food producers, without any evidence whatsoever that there has been a violation. Even farmers selling direct to consumers would have to provide the federal government with records on where they buy supplies, how they raise their crops, and a list of customers.

* HR 2749 charges the Secretary of Health and Human Services with establishing a TRACING SYSTEM for FOOD. Each "person who produces, manufactures, processes, packs, transports, or holds such food" would have to "maintain the full pedigree of the origin and previous distribution history of the food," and "establish and maintain a system for tracing the food that is interoperable with the systems established and maintained by other such persons." The bill does not explain how far the traceback will extend or how it will be done for multi-ingredient foods. With all these ambiguities, it's far from clear how much it will cost either the farmers or the taxpayers.

* HR 2749 creates SEVERE CRIMINAL and CIVIL PENALTIES, including prison terms of up to 10 years and/or fines of up to $100,000 for each violation for individuals.

ACTION TO TAKE

Contact your Representative now! Ask to speak with the staffer who handles food issues. Tell them you are opposed to the bill. Some points to make in telling your Representative why you oppose HR 2749 include:

1. The bill imposes burdensome requirements while not specifically targeting the industrial food system and food imports, where the real food safety problems lie.

2. Small farms and local food processors are part of the solution to food safety; lessening the regulatory burden on them will improve food safety.

3. The bill gives FDA much more power than it has had in the past while making the agency less accountable for its actions.

HR 2749 needs to be defeated!! Please take action NOW.

To contact your Representative, use the finder tool at www.Congress.org or send a message through the petition system at http://www.ftcldf.org/petitions_new.htm. Or call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.

To check the status of HR 2749, go to www.Thomas.gov and type "HR 2749" in the bill search field.

Updates on HR 2749 will be provided as events warrant. Read more on this article...

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Swine Flu Information Alert From the Weston A. Price Foundation

This is quoted from an email sent to the Weston A. Price Foundation members. It is important information that I thought everyone should know about!

With all the dire warnings, where is the message about building natural immunity?

You are all aware of the dire warnings about swine flu, the outbreak that started in the Mexican village of La Gloria and which local residents blame on infection and/or toxins coming from local confinement hog operations.

The internet is abuzz with warnings bordering on hysteria (conventional media) to a variety of conspiracy theories, and even to allegations that the pandemic is a government fabrication designed to sell stockpiles of anti-viral medications.

Conventional medical advice ranges from wearing face masks to taking the anti-viral drug called tamiflu (which can have many serious side effects, see http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=21087&name=TAMIFLU.)

It is interesting to note that not once in all the media broadcasts have we heard any mention of building natural immunity

NATURAL IMMUNITY
Fortunately, we do not have to sit back and listen to the news about swine flu feeling helpless and anxious. We can be proactive by simply nourishing ourselves and our families.

Vitamins A and D in cod liver oil offer strong protection against infection of all types, as well as against environmental toxins.

Vitamin C is important-either from vitamin C-rich foods like sauerkraut, or from one of the natural vitamin C supplements recommended in our Shopping Guide.

Healthy gut flora provide 85 percent of our protection against disease. Be sure to consume healthy lacto-fermented foods and beverages every day and avoid the foods that disrupt gut flora, especially refined carbohydrates.

Bone broth plays a double role of supporting the immune system and helping the body detoxify.

COCONUT OIL
We are grateful to Beth Beisel, registered dietitian and WAPF member for reminding us about the protective factors in coconut oil. Swine flu is a lipid coated virus (http://www.pnas.org/content/98/5/2115.full.pdf+html), and thus is inactivated by sufficient amounts of monolaurin. (Our bodies convert lauric acid, found in coconut oil, to monolaurin).

According to our own Dr. Mary Enig, two to three tablespoons of coconut oil per day appears to be an adequate dosage to fight infection, even from virulent antibiotic-resistant organisms such as MSRA.

There are lots of ways to get coconut oil into the diet: stir coconut oil in some tea; make macaroons; replace some of the butter in baking with coconut oil; and use it in cooking/sautéing.

For some more coconut ideas and recipes visit my coconut oil diet recipes blog at http://coconut-recipes.com

For more information on the Weston A. Price Foundation go to http://www.westonaprice.org
Read more on this article...

Plastic Water Bottle Safety and Dioxin Myths and Truths

There has been a widely circulated email going around about Dioxin poisoning from water bottles. There is some error to it and and there is some truth.

The Dioxin Email Myths

While dioxins are extremely toxic organic environmental pollutants, they come from combustion, including burning trash, wildfires and volcanic eruptions. In addition to cancer, potential damage from dioxins can be seen in the immune, nervous and reproductive systems. Dioxin contamination is a major environmental pollution problem and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes dioxin as a serious public health threat.

One of the email myths is that we get dioxin poisoning from drinking bottled water. The truth is that dioxin isn't a major problem in plastics. There are very little if any dioxins in plastic water bottles.

In addition, freezing actually works against the release of chemicals. Chemicals do not diffuse as readily in cold temperatures, so freezing water bottles limit the release of chemicals.


The Real Problem

There is another group of chemicals, called phthalates (polycarbonate plastics) that are also associated with manufacture of plastics. Phthalates are sometimes added to plastics, like polyvinyl chloride or PVC, to make them flexible and less brittle. Phthalates are environmental contaminants that can exhibit hormone-like behavior by acting as endocrine disruptors in humans and animals. They mimic the natural sex hormone estrogen, and can cause cancer and reproductive problems.

Water in plastic bottles can contain residues of phthalates, Although they are not typically found in large quantities in plastics used for water bottles sold in the U.S., there are usually some phthalates present.

If you heat up plastics and water bottles, you could increase the leaching of phthalates from the containers into water and food. Containers labeled “microwave safe” should have less leaching than other plastic containers.

Microwaving food in contact with plastic wrap is another potential source of exposure, but a few years ago manufacturers in the U.S. replaced PVC plastic wrap with low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which does not contain phthalates. Plastic wrap from other countries or marketed for commercial or non-food uses may still contain PVC.

The Food and Drug Administration has found that only small amounts of phthalates migrate from plastic containers and plastic wrap into food. However, you can reduce the potential for exposures by using glass containers or plastics that are known to be free of phthalates, as well as plastic wrap that are known to be phthalate-free. In any case, make sure that the plastic wrap is not in contact with the food (which can melt plastic onto the food).


It's Not the Bottles...

A bigger problem may be the water in the bottle. Many bottled water plants use tap municipal water in their bottles. Municipal water supplies may be the source of many chemical contaminations that we get,

While North Americans can still boast of having the cleanest drinking water on the planet as far as microorganisms or waterborne diseases are concerned, new major problems have developed with our water supply.

You may not hear much about it, but these new kind of contaminants are found all over the U.S. and come from plastics, pesticides and pills. For instance, in Philadelphia 63 pharmaceuticals or by-products were found in the city's drinking water.

After being ingested, excreted, and flushed down the drain, these drugs are not being filtered out by water treatment facilities. What that means is that people could be getting a small dose of thousands of different drugs with every glass of drinking water. The resulting health implications are just beginning to be realized.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is a New York City-based, non-profit non-partisan international environmental advocacy group, warns that "anyone drinking tap water in most American cities is essentially taking hormones with their glass of water; and specific populations, including children, people who are pregnant or those with a heart condition, should be especially concerned." She adds that "people should not be reassured by the minuscule levels these drugs are being detected at since they are absolutely within the range of levels where we know they are active in our bodies."


Phthalates and BPA in Our Water Supply

Chemicals leaching from plastic are a major source of estrogen compounds in the water supply. Bisphenol A (BPA), another known endocrine disruptor, is a central component in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, and over six billion pounds of it are produced in the US each year. This chemical has been used for decades in the lining of food cans, plastics, baby bottles, and dental fillings.

When plastic is discarded, it doesn't biodegrade; rather, it photodegrades or breaks down under sunlight. When plastic containing BPA photodegrades, it eventually releases estrogen mimickers that can leach into the water supply. When combined with chlorine used to purify municipal water, harmful estrogen-mimicking organ chlorides are also formed.

Estrogen mimickers and endocrine disruptors, such as phthalates and BPA, found in our drinking water supply can have profound effects on humans, interfering with the synthesis, secretion, binding, and action of natural hormones. They affect reproduction, development, and behavior in humans, and can decrease fertility, skew the gender birth ratio toward female, and feminize males.

Other side effects of BPA exposure include obesity, diabetes, early-onset puberty, prostate and breast cancer, hyperactivity, hormonal disruption, neurological damage, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The use of plastic is so widespread that phthalates and BPA levels sufficient to cause these health problems are present in municipal water supplies in every city in America.


What Can We Do?

Most of the pharmaceuticals and estrogen mimickers discovered in drinking water don't remain in the body for long, so some simple changes can help.

* Drink only filtered water. A simple carbon filter attached to your tap is a good start in filtering out the basic harmful contaminants, whether you use well water or a municipal water source. The best thing you can do is drink only pure mineral water or water that has been treated by a reverse osmosis (RO) system.

* Eat only organic meat, poultry, and dairy products. Certified organic farming methods Organic farming methods avoid the use of manufactured fertilizers and pesticides, and don't use hormones, antibiotics, or steroids.

* Reduce or eliminate the use of plastic in your home. Store food and water in glass or stainless steel containers. Choose soups and milk packaged in cardboard "brick" cartons, and if you must use plastic, choose items made with recycling # 2, 4, or 5 plastic only. Since cans are often lined with plastic too, choose fresh and local foods when you have the option.


For more health and nutrition information go to my website at http://Enzyme-Health.com

To learn about the secrets thousands are using to lose weight and get healthier with coconut oil-- go to http://coconut-oil-diet.com now!



Read more on this article...

Urgent-- House and Senate to vote on bill to END ORGANIC FARMING

I just received this amazing urgent email from the Weston A. Price Foundation- a very reliable source.

I believe you will want to know about this as it affects your food choices. Please forward to everyone you know who cares about eating healthy. Nothing is as it appears on the surface. It’s all being orchestrated under the guise of protecting the public!!!

We need to act to stop this now!!!

"We just received notice this week of this bill that is coming up for a vote. I don't need to tell you what this will do to the growers and farmers and to those of us who buy organic. Please forward this to all the chapters in your state and have them forward to all their members. Time is running out and this needs to be done ASAP. Have everyone call their senators & congressmen to vote no on this bill. Also please call the President or email and ask that he veto this bill should it be passed. White House phone is 202 456-1111 and the email is
president@whitehouse.gov & vice_president@whitehouse.gov
Thanks for your help."

House and Senate bills to kill all organic farms (FAST track bills in 2 weeks) Food Safety Modernization Act (HR 875): Criminalization of Organic Farms Bills are: House H.R. 875 http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-875 Senate S 425 http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-425 There is an enormous rush to get this into law within the next 2 weeks before people realize what is happening. Main backer and lobbyist is (guess who) Monsanto This Bill will require organic farms to use specific fertilizers and poisonous insect sprays dictated by the newly formed agency to "make sure there is no danger to the public food supply". If this passes then NO more heirloom clean seeds will be allowed, only Monsanto genetically altered seeds that are now causing unexpected diseases in humans. Here is a short video on the subject: http://www.voteronpaul.com/newsDetail.php?Food-Safety-Modernization-Act-HR-875-Criminalization-of-Organic-Farms-222 Lets get real folks! This has NOTHING to do with food safety. This is only about TOTAL CONTROL by the feds in our lives. So, get on that phone ASAP and burn up the wires. Get anyone else you can to do the same thing, by sending this message far and wide. The House and Senate WILL pass this if they are not massively threatened with loss of their position..... they only fear your voice and your vote. Together WE CAN OVERCOME!!!

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The Vitamin Supplement Paradox

The medical community and the AMA (American Medical Association) are finally coming the the conclusion that most of us in the alternative nutrition and wellness industry have had for decades-- that we just do not get the nutrition we need anymore from our diets and must add daily supplements to maintain optimal health and facilitate healing.

Some of the reasons for this conclusion are:

1) The SAD (Standard American Diet) full of junk food and sugary drinks.

2) The bulk of our diet is filled with canned, pasteurized, processed foods that do little to meet our nutritional needs.

3) Even if we are eating "healthy" our modern foods have little of the nutrition that they once had, because of poor farming practices such as chemical fertilizers and depleted soils.


The problem is what the AMA won't tell you-- that almost all vitamin supplements are at best fairly worthless and at worst can be dangerous. Vitamin supplements made from synthetic sources are merely chemical imitations of the original nutrients found in food. They are isolated from the co-factors that make them work in our bodies.

Why is it that some people can take a 5000 milligram mega dose of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), equal to 30-50 oranges, and have little results? Because the body does not recognize the Ascorbic Acid as something it can use. It has been isolated and chemically copied from nature.

Without at least some of the co-factors found in real food, such as biflavanoids, co-vitamins, enzymes, co-enzymes, phytonutrients, amino acids, co-minerals and other micronutrients, these chemical vitamin copies really can't do much to fuel our bodies.

That's why some people can take such mega doses of vitamins - sometime it takes that much to get a little bit to work. That's also why vitamins work a little better when you take them with food. Maybe you will get lucky and get a little of what you need to get some of those vitamins to work.

But you don't want to megadose on synthetic vitamins because that could be dangerous. For instance, an overdose of synthetic Vitamin A (and we are only talking about going over 200% of the FDA daily recommended dosage) can cause damage to the nervous system and the liver.

So, what is the solution?

Get as much of your nutrition from superfoods as you can and find a vitamin supplement that gets much of its nutrition from real food and has as many of those co-factors in it as possible.

One of my favorite supplements is simply cod liver oil. It is loaded with safe natural forms of vitamins A and D, and it is very hard to overdose on these vitamins because they are real food not synthetic versions. New research is showing that cod liver oil protects against cancer, arthritis, coronary artery disease and infection— without any side effects.

It is recommend that you take one-half to two tablespoonfuls daily of high-vitamin cod liver oil. Carlson Laboratories' imports lemon-flavored Norwegian cod liver oil which is of top quality and is palatable for most people.

I also found a great vitamin supplement called Ultra Vitality that includes many of the needed co-factors such as biflavanoids, phytonutrients, and other micronutrients. Ultra Vitality also includes dietary enzymes, beneficial herbs, antioxidants, superfood blends, and probiotics. You can get Ultra Vitality in your choice of liquid, crystal and table forms.

Ultra Vitality comes from a company that leads the way in nutritional supplementation, Symmetry Direct. For more information on Symmetry Direct and Ultra Vitality go to http://Health-Opportunty.com and click on the Products link.

If you are looking for a great home business you can work on the Internet and want to help people get and stay healthier, go to http://Power-Income.com now! Read more on this article...