I often get asked “What’s the best alternative to refined sugar?” I always recommend that people should make the switch to xylitol, raw cane sugar or raw honey for sweetening purposes.

Below is a quick summary of why I believe xylitol makes for a great alternative to sugar.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol was originally discovered in 1891 by Emil Fischer (1852-1910), a German chemist who won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1902 for his investigation of sugar and purine substances. It is a five carbon sugar alcohol, found in fibrous fruits and vegetables, corn cobs, and hardwood trees (like birch).

Research shows that the human body makes approximately 15 grams of xylitol on a daily basis. Although it looks, feels, and even tastes like regular sugar, the great news is that is has 40% fewer calories and 75% fewer carbohydrates than sugar!

Since the 1960s, it became popular as a low-calorie sugar substitute, and approved as a non-carcinogenic sweetener in human foods.

In 1986, The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology reported to the United States Food and Drug Administration that the use of xylitol in human foods is safe.

The safety of xylitol has since been proven in long-term clinical studies and has earned approval as a food additive from major regulatory agencies worldwide, including US Food and Drug Administration, the World Health Organization’s Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives and the European Union’s Scientific Committee for Food.

The Health Benefits of Xylitol

This natural sugar alcohol, when taken in small amounts, has also been recognized by dentists worldwide as a sweetener with the most promise at preventing cavities. Studies have also shown that it’s a safe sugar substitute for diabetics, helps prevent ear infections, slows the growth of candida, repairs damaged tooth enamel and increases white blood cell activity. Learn more about the health benefits of xylitol.

The Side Effects of Xylitol

Although xylitol is recognized as a safe food additive by U.S. government, it is known that if you consume it in excessive amounts, meaning over 6-8 grams of recommended xylitol for oral care daily, or more than 40 grams a day, then yes, you may potentially experience some uncomfortable side effects.

According to the California Dental Association, as xylitol is digested slowly in the large intestine, it acts much like fiber and large amounts can lead to soft stools or have a laxative effect. Other potential side effects include hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, diarrhea, gas and stomach discomfort when taken in high doses above what is recommended.

However, when taken in small doses, it is known to be free of side effects.

Buy Xylitol in Bulk!

Products That Contain Xylitol

There are numerous products with xylitol that you can begin using today. Products with xylitol include many varieties of chewing gum, breathmints, gum drops, hard candy, nasal sprays, throat lozenges, cough syrups, chewable vitamins, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and other confectionary products for diabetics.

The best option, is to buy xylitol in bulk or individual packets, and use it just as you would sugar.

According to the California Dental Association, for the amount of xylitol to be at decay-preventing levels, it must be listed as the first ingredient. To achieve maximum health benefits, you will need approximately 6-8 grams of xylitol (chewed or ingested) throughout the day to help prevent cavities. To help with ear, nose and throat problems, you will need approximately 10 grams daily. Use xylitol (chewing gums, breathmints) at least 3-5x a day for a minimum of 5 minutes immediately after snacks and meals, to keep it in contact with your teeth.

If you use xylitol sporadically or even once a day, it may not be as effective as it could be. If taken in large amounts, then you may experience some side effects. Taking it in moderation, on a regular basis is key for achieving healthy results, free of side effects.

Recommended Reading:

• The Health Dangers of Aspartame
• Refined Sugar: The Sweetest Poison of All
• 5 Reasons Why You Should Try Xylitol Breathmints

Credits to:Natural Health & Organic Living Blog

Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that has been recognized by dentists and health professionals worldwide as a great alternative to white sugar.

Commonly found in chewing gum and breathmints, Xylitol is known to have a many health benefits associated with its use.

1. Safe For Diabetics

Unlike sugar, xylitol is not easily converted to fat. Because it is not easily converted to fat, it has almost no effect on insulin levels, making it a safe sugar alternative for diabetics, body builders, dieters, pregnant/nursing women, and also for babies and children.

2. Helps Prevent Cavities

Since it is a non-fermentable sugar, it cannot be converted to acid by oral bacteria. Thus, the alkaline-acid balance in the mouth is maintained, which helps in preventing cavities.

3. Helps Prevent Ear Infections

Xylitol can also be used as medicine in prohibiting certain bacterial growth to help prevent ear infections in young children. It will also help clear out earwax and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the pharyngotympanic tubes, connecting the nose and ear.

4. Slows the Growth of Candida

Xylitol helps prevent bad breath, ulcers, and stomach cancer by slowing down the growth of Candida Albicans (a serious yeast infection), and other harmful bacteria like H. pylori.

5. May Improve Bone Density

According to research from the University of Oulu in Finland, xylitol was shown to help improve bone density in rats. This indicates it has potential as a treatment for osteoporosis in humans. For optimal bone health, it is recommended that you eat foods high in calcium or take a calcium supplement.

6. Helps Tooth Enamel & Strength

In addition to preventing cavities, consuming xylitol in small amounts helps decrease plaque formation, and promotes salivation to prevent “dry mouth”, which aids in enhancing mineral absorption for repairing damaged tooth enamel, while increasing tooth strength.

7. Increases White Blood Cell Activity

Xylitol, when taken in small amounts, can help increase the white blood cell activity in fighting bacterial infections, to help build immunity, protect against chronic degenerative disease and have anti-aging benefits.

8. Prevents Streptococcus mutans In Newborns

When used by nursing mothers on a regular basis, it helps reduce the transmission of Streptococcus mutans (oral bacteria that causes cavities) to children by up to 80% during the first two years.

9. May Help With Allergies & Sinus Infection’s

Buy Xylitol in Bulk!

When used as a nasal spray, xylitol is said to be able to help reduce the prevalence of sinus infections, asthma and allergies. It helps decrease the amount of harmful bacteria that may be in the cells of our nose.

10. May Lower Risk of Ovarian Cysts

Xylitol may help lower your risk of developing ovarian cysts, polycystic ovarian syndrome (a condition that disrupts or stops the ovulation cycle), fibroids, endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome and possibly breast cancer.

Recommended Reading:

• Xylitol Side Effects And History Explained
• Refined Sugar: The Sweetest Poison of All
• 5 Reasons Why You Should Try Xylitol Breathmints
• The Health Dangers of Aspartame

Credits to:Natural Health & Organic Living Blog

I often get asked “What’s the best alternative to refined sugar?” I always recommend that people should make the switch to xylitol, raw cane sugar or raw honey for sweetening purposes.

Below is a quick summary of why I believe xylitol makes for a great alternative to sugar.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol was originally discovered in 1891 by Emil Fischer (1852-1910), a German chemist who won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1902 for his investigation of sugar and purine substances. It is a five carbon sugar alcohol, found in fibrous fruits and vegetables, corn cobs, and hardwood trees (like birch).

Research shows that the human body makes approximately 15 grams of xylitol on a daily basis. Although it looks, feels, and even tastes like regular sugar, the great news is that is has 40% fewer calories and 75% fewer carbohydrates than sugar!

Since the 1960s, it became popular as a low-calorie sugar substitute, and approved as a non-carcinogenic sweetener in human foods.

In 1986, The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology reported to the United States Food and Drug Administration that the use of xylitol in human foods is safe.

The safety of xylitol has since been proven in long-term clinical studies and has earned approval as a food additive from major regulatory agencies worldwide, including US Food and Drug Administration, the World Health Organization’s Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives and the European Union’s Scientific Committee for Food.

10 Health Benefits of Xylitol

This natural sugar alcohol, when taken in small amounts, has also been recognized by dentists worldwide as a sweetener with the most promise at preventing cavities, not to mention a variety of other purported health benefits.

1. Unlike sugar, xylitol is not easily converted to fat. Because it is not easily converted to fat, it has almost no effect on insulin levels, making it a safe sugar alternative for diabetics, body builders, dieters, pregnant/nursing women, and also for babies and children.
2. Since it is a non-fermentable sugar, it cannot be converted to acid by oral bacteria. Thus, the alkaline-acid balance in the mouth is maintained, which helps in preventing cavities.
3. In addition to preventing cavities, consuming xylitol in small amounts helps decrease plaque formation, and promotes salivation to prevent “dry mouth”, which aids in enhancing mineral absorption for repairing damaged tooth enamel, while increasing tooth strength.
4. Xylitol can also be used as medicine in prohibiting certain bacterial growth to help prevent ear infections in young children.
5. When used by nursing mothers on a regular basis, it helps reduce the transmission of Streptococcus mutans (oral bacteria that causes cavities) to children by up to 80%t during the first two years.
6. Xylitol helps prevent bad breath, ulcers, and stomach cancer by slowing down the growth of Candida Albicans (a serious yeast infection), and other harmful bacteria like H. pylori.
7. Xylitol nasal spray can significantly reduce the prevalence of sinus infections, asthma and allergies.
8. Xylitol may help in lowering the risk of ovarian cysts, polycystic ovarian syndrome (a condition that disrupts or stops the ovulation cycle), fibroids, endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome and possibly breast cancer.
9. Research shows that it helps improve bone density in rats. This indicates it has potential as a treatment for osteoporosis in humans.
10. Xylitol, when taken in small amounts, can help increase the white blood cell activity in fighting bacterial infections, to help build immunity, protect against chronic degenerative disease and have anti-aging benefits.

The Side Effects of Xylitol

Although xylitol is recognized as a safe food additive by U.S. government, it is known that if you consume it in excessive amounts, meaning over 6-8 grams of recommended xylitol for oral care daily, or more than 40 grams a day, then yes, you may potentially experience some uncomfortable side effects.

According to the California Dental Association, as xylitol is digested slowly in the large intestine, it acts much like fiber and large amounts can lead to soft stools or have a laxative effect. Other potential side effects include hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, diarrhea, gas and stomach discomfort when taken in high doses above what is recommended.

However, when taken in small doses, it is known to be free of side effects.

Buy Xylitol in Bulk!

Products That Contain Xylitol

There are numerous products with xylitol that you can begin using today. Products with xylitol include many varieties of chewing gum, breathmints, gum drops, hard candy, nasal sprays, throat lozenges, cough syrups, chewable vitamins, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and other confectionary products for diabetics.

The best option, is to buy xylitol in bulk or individual packets, and use it just as you would sugar.

According to the California Dental Association, for the amount of xylitol to be at decay-preventing levels, it must be listed as the first ingredient. To achieve maximum health benefits, you will need approximately 6-8 grams of xylitol (chewed or ingested) throughout the day to help prevent cavities. To help with ear, nose and throat problems, you will need approximately 10 grams daily. Use xylitol (chewing gums, breathmints) at least 3-5x a day for a minimum of 5 minutes immediately after snacks and meals, to keep it in contact with your teeth.

If you use xylitol sporadically or even once a day, it may not be as effective as it could be. If taken in large amounts, then you may experience some side effects. Taking it in moderation, on a regular basis is key for achieving healthy results, free of side effects.

Recommended Reading:

• The Health Dangers of Aspartame
• Refined Sugar: The Sweetest Poison of All
• 5 Reasons Why You Should Try Xylitol Breathmints

Credits to:Natural Health & Organic Living Blog

It’s common knowledge that calcium plays an important role in maintaining strong, healthy bones later in life. For women who have passed their reproductive years, this fact is especially true. But according to new research from Italy, there may be another important reason for postmenopausal women to keep an eye on their calcium levels.

Italian researchers at the Gaetano Pini Institute Department of Rheumatology in Milan followed 825 postmenopausal women already diagnosed with hypertension. They found that just over 35 percent of the women sampled who consumed low amounts of calcium from dairy sources also exhibited signs of osteoporosis. Women in the same sample group who consumed higher levels of calcium showed significantly lower levels of the condition – roughly 20 percent in all.

Upon further investigation, they found that lower calcium levels was also statistically tied to an increased risk of developing both hypertension and osteoporosis when compared to postmenopausal control populations.

The researchers conclude that these findings support the theory that there may in fact be a strong connection between hypertension and decreased bone mass, which further implies that low calcium intake in postmenopausal women puts them not only at increased risk for osteoporosis, but hypertension as well.

Eat More Foods Rich in Calcium

In a ideal world, women of all ages should be getting sufficient amounts of calcium from a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes foods rich in calcium. The sad reality, however, is that many people fail to consume their daily requirement of calcium.

Vitamin fortified cereal grains and fruit juices are often rich in both calcium and vitamin D. Certain beans and leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach can also be excellent sources.

A handful of raw seeds, including flax, sesame or chia, will also provide you with plenty of calcium, among plenty of other nutrients. Broccoli and oranges are also very high in calcium, as well as vitamin C and vitamin A. Find out how much calcium is in your favorite foods, and then eat those on a daily basis.

Is There an Easier Way to Get More Calcium?

While giving your body the all calcium it needs from diet alone is ideal, doing so becomes increasingly difficult with age. Women of all ages can benefit tremendously from taking a high quality calcium dietary supplement to meet their body’s needs.

The problem is only a small percentage of the calcium in most dietary supplements actually makes its way into the cells that make up the human body. In fact, over 90% of it usually goes to waste.

Unlike other supplements, IntraCal is a scientifically designed form of calcium orotate, combined with magnesium orotate salts, which efficiently ferries mineral atoms across cell membranes so they can be better absorbed and utilized. And because IntraCal is completely free of lactose and other animal byproducts, it’s an especially great way for vegetarians who avoid fish and dairy, to work an adequate amount of calcium into their diet.

Related Blogposts:

• 11 Foods High in Calcium
• Pasteurized Milk vs. Raw Milk
• 8 Types of Calcium Supplements: Which One Is Best?
• Study: Getting Plenty of Calcium Early in Life, May Help Prevent Obesity Later

Credits to:Natural Health & Organic Living Blog

It’s no secret that calcium is important for the development of strong and healthy bones, especially in young growing bodies. But research presented by North Carolina State University suggests that it may also play a significant role in the prevention of obesity later in life.

Scientists at NCSU conducted an 18-day trial in which two dozen newborn piglets were closely monitored for changes in bone density and composition. The piglets were divided into two equal groups; the experimental group was fed a diet that was unusually low in calcium while the control group was given a normal high-calcium diet designed to mimic nursing from their mother.

What Did The Researchers Find?

As expected, they found a considerable decrease in the overall bone density of the piglets in the experimental group as compared to those in the control group. More interestingly however, they also noticed that an unusually high percentage of the stem cells contained in the bone marrow of the deficient piglets had already been programmed to develop into fat cells instead of bone.

The bones of pigs, like those of humans, are filled with marrow that is largely made up of stem cells. As the pig grows, these stem cells are normally utilized to expand and reinforce the existing bone structure.

In the case of these experimental piglets, an abnormally high percentage of cells were predestined to become fat cells later in life due to this calcium deficiency. This predisposes them to a range of considerable health concerns such as obesity. Assuming that the same holds true for human children who suffer from low calcium intake during the early years of life, these findings could make a significant difference in fighting the epidemic of adult and childhood obesity that has plagued much of the developed world for decades.

The Effects of Calcium Deficiency In Young People

Unfortunately, like the piglets in this experiment, many young people simply don’t get enough calcium from their normal diet. Not only does this predispose them to a potential lifetime of frail bones and increased risk of obesity, it can have a wide range of negative long term effects on their overall mental and physical health.

Calcium also plays an essential role in the development of healthy brains. Without the proper amount of it, the human brain loses the conductivity it needs to properly channel nerve impulses, which in turn can have a huge impact on how well young minds are to learn and process information.

Am I Getting Enough Calcium?

Getting enough calcium isn’t always easy. And that goes for both children and adults. Eating an abundance of foods high in calcium is the best way to get your daily recommended amount. Not only will you get plenty of calcium, but also many other nutrients as well.

Learn More About IntraCal

If you don’t consume enough calcium-rich foods, then it may be best for you to take a dietary calcium supplement, as they are an easy and convenient way to ensure that you and loved ones are getting all they need.

I highly recommend giving IntraCal a try. Unlike many commercially manufactured calcium supplements, which can be difficult for the body to process and utilize, IntraCal is a unique, scientifically formulated form of calcium and magnesium orotate that is up to 90 percent more bioavailable than most other supplements on the market.

Recommended Reading:

• 8 Types Of Calcium Supplements Explained
• The Health Benefits of Calcium Orotate
• 11 Foods That Are High in Calcium
• Difference Between Calcium Citrate & Calcium Orotate

Credits to:Natural Health & Organic Living Blog

Today at 6pm CST, I will be doing a radio interview on KPFK 90.7 FM in Los Angeles, as well as 98.7 FM in Santa Barbara.

If you’re in California, please tune in. For everyone else, you can listen to my interview live by visiting KPFK.org, and clicking on the “Listen Live” tab at the top of your screen.

We will be discussing simple, at-home solutions on how you can go green at your home and workplace, as well as how a cleaner home and body can improve your overall health. Pretty much everything I discuss in my latest book, The Green Body Cleanse.

Because KPFK is commercial-free, we will be attempting to raise $4,000 within the hour. So, if you would like to pledge a small amount, you can do so online. However, I would encourage those that want to donate, to call 818-975-KPFK (5735) when I’m on the air, because I may be able to say hello and thank you directly.

Hope everybody has the opportunity to tune in. If you do listen, I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below.

~Dr. G

Credits to:Natural Health & Organic Living Blog

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Any thoughts? Leave them down below.

~Dr. G

More Natural Health Videos:

• The Secret to Health
• Are Detox Foot Pads Really Effective?
• Why You Should Perform a Colon Cleanse
• The Difference Between Calcium Orotate & Calcium Citrate

Credits to:Natural Health & Organic Living Blog

The next time you reach for the white rice to make your seemingly healthy rice and beans or Asian stir-fry, you may want to reconsider the color of your rice. Recently, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition conducted a study that confirms brown rice as the hands-down healthier choice for your dinner grain.

The Health Differences

Brown rice is essentially what almost all forms of white rice looks like before it has been put through a refining process. To process rice into the sparkling white pieces we buy in stores, first the out-side hull and bran is removed. This makes rice lighter and faster to cook.

Sadly, rice that has been stripped of its natural wholeness has been stripped of its fiber, proteins, thiamine, calcium, magnesium and potassium. And we all know how important fiber is for digestive health, as well as maintaining a healthy weight.

What is more, have you ever noticed that bags of white rice usually have a label that says “enriched?” This is because white rice is usually full of unnatural fortifications and additives. These fortifications are used because the stripping process removes most of the iron, vitamins, zinc and magnesium from the rice. In fact, white rice is so devoid of nutrients that it does not offer the minimum nutritional requirements of the FDA. For this reason, white rice must be chemically altered with vitamins and iron just so that it can be sold in our supermarkets.

This is one of the main reasons why brown rice is much higher in each of these aforementioned minerals and vitamins. In fact, nutritionally, there is no comparison between these two forms of rice.

Here’s eight excellent health benefits of brown rice that prove its superiority:

1. Brown Rice is Rich in Selenium

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Extremely high in selenium, an important trace mineral known to drastically reduce our chances of developing certain forms of cancer, as well as heart disease, inflammatory conditions and rheumatoid arthritis.

2. Brown Rice is Very High in Manganese

One cup of brown rice gives us over 80% of our daily manganese requirements. This mineral helps the human body create the important fatty acids that make healthy forms of cholesterol. It is also beneficial to the health of our nervous and reproductive systems.

3. Brown Rice Holds Naturally Occurring Oils

These heart-healthy oils are naturally found in brown rice and can help the body reduce LDL forms of cholesterol.

4. Brown Rice Promotes Weight Loss

Because of its fiber-richness and ability to keep healthy bowel function, brown rice “keeps things moving” in a way that promotes weight-loss and metabolic function. After one bowl of brown rice, you’ll feel fuller but overall ate a smaller amount of food.

5. Brown Rice is a Whole Grain

Unlike white rice, brown rice has not lost its wholeness. Studies show that six servings of whole grains weekly can lower the creation of arterial plaque build-up and reduce chances of developing heart disease and high cholesterol.

6. Brown Rice is an Antioxidant

Most people associate antioxidants with blueberries and green tea, but many are unaware that brown rice is also a source of antioxidants.

7. Brown Rice Very High in Fiber

Studies have correlated the high use of whole grains like brown rice with lowered levels of colon cancer. This may be related to its high fiber content. Studies show that fiber actually attaches to cancer-causing substances and toxins, helping to eliminate them from the body, and keeping them from attaching to the cells in our colon. Brown rice also contains the necessary components to stabilize digestion, prevent/relieve constipation and promote proper elimination/bowel function.

8. Brown Rice is a Slow-Release Sugar

Unlike stripped rice, brown rice can help keep blood sugar stabilized, as it releases sugars slowly and in a sustained fashion. This makes it a better option for diabetics, as compared to white rice. While studies in Asia have shown a link between the consumption of white rice and risk of type 2 diabetes, new research shows that individuals who eat at least two servings of brown rice weekly can reduce their chances of developing diabetes 2 by up to 11 percent.

I personally recommend using organic wild brown rice as the best option. But, even if you don’t buy organic, just making the switch from white rice to brown rice is a great first step to a healthy diet.

Recommended Reading:

• 10 Foods That Detox The Body
• 8 Foods that Cause Acid Reflux
• 11 Foods That Are High in Calcium
• 7 Healthy Berries You Should Eat Everyday

Credits to:Natural Health & Organic Living Blog

I am excited to announce that on Tuesday, October 12th, I will be the featured guest on The Linda Mackenzie Show.

I will be live on the air with Host Linda Mackenzie at 10am (CST).

We will be discussing simple, at-home solutions on how you can go green at your home and workplace, as well as how a cleaner home and body can improve your overall health. Pretty much everything I discuss in my latest book, The Green Body Cleanse.

Hope everybody has the opportunity to tune in. If you do listen, I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below.

~Dr. G

Credits to:Natural Health & Organic Living Blog

Today at 6pm CST, I will be doing a radio interview on KPFK 90.7 FM in Los Angeles, as well as 98.7 FM in Santa Barbara.

If you’re in Califorina, please tune in. For everyone else, you can listen to my interview live by visiting KPFK.org, and clicking on the “Listen Live” tab at the top of your screen.

We will be discussing simple, at-home solutions on how you can go green at your home and workplace, as well as how a cleaner home and body can improve your overall health. Pretty much everything I discuss in my latest book, The Green Body Cleanse.

Because KPFK is commercial-free, we will be attempting to raise $4,000 within the hour. So, if you would like to pledge a small amount, you can do so online. However, I would encourage those that want to donate, to call 818-975-KPFK (5735) when I’m on the air, because I may be able to say hello and thank you directly.

Hope everybody has the opportunity to tune in. If you do listen, I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below.

~Dr. G

Credits to:Natural Health & Organic Living Blog