Dr. Group's recent blog posts. View this email in your browser. Evidence Mounts on Roundup's Link to Liver and Kidney Damage Published August 30, 2015 One of the world’s most popular herbicide–Roundup–is making its way back into the headlines in regards to its health and environmental effects. Monsanto, the producer of Roundup (glyphosate), claims this herbicide is safe; however, study after study from independent researchers is showing the exact opposite. A new research study is showing that small amounts of exposure–up to thousands of times lower than permitted in drinking water in the U.S.–can produce unfavorable and concerning effects in the liver and kidneys. Could this study be the turning point for finally phasing out Roundup in agriculture? Or will it simply be ignored and human health continue to suffer? The Damaging Effects of Roundup to Liver and Kidney Health According to U.S. estimates, the use of glyphosate, or Roundup, has increased more than 250 times over the past 40 years. There are scientists who suggest the use of the popular herbicide could be a contributing factor into the widespread kidney disease epidemic in Sri Lanka, India, and Central America. [1] Many genetically-modified seeds, also produced by Monsanto, can withstand Roundup, making the issue even more problematic. If GMO plants are beginning to resist glyphosate, then more and more dangerous chemicals are being used during the process, resulting in more exposure among humans and animal life. One of the newest herbicides to come from Monsanto is said to override GMO seeds’ resistant effects; however, this herbicide is also said to be even more dangerous to human health than Roundup. A new study first of its kind to examine the impact of Roundup on liver and kidney health is indicating that low levels of exposure can result in significant organ damage. [2] The study administered a small amount of Roundup to the drinking water of mice–a concentration that is considered thousands of times lower than what is allowed in U.S. drinking water. After two years, the consumption of the glyphosate-laden water seemed to have spurred kidney and liver damage. The study also compared the female mice and found changed gene expression in the organs, suggesting potential increased risk for a variety of diseases. When genes are disrupted, or turned on and off at the wrong time, it could lead to consequences in a number of different facets of health. How to Avoid Roundup Exposure Due to Roundup’s pervasiveness in our environment, complete exposure to the chemical herbicide may not be practical. You can, however, take precautionary steps toward preventing overexposure. If you purchase most of your food organic, you can reduce your exposure to all herbicides and pesticides. You will also be reducing your consumption of GMO foods, which simply does not have enough research behind it to determine its safety. Because many herbicides can be found in small quantities in drinking water, it may also be wise for you to invest in a water filtration system. Performing a regular kidney cleanse and liver cleanse may also be helpful for reducing accumulation of toxic herbicides. What are your thoughts on Roundup and other herbicides? Please let us know in the comments! -Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM References: Channa Jayasumana, Sarath Gunatilake, and Priyantha Senanayake. Glyphosate, Hard Water and Nephrotoxic Metals: Are They the Culprits Behind the Epidemic of Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology in Sri Lanka? Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2014 Feb; 11(2): 2125-2147. doi: 10.3390/ijerph110202125. Gilles-Eric Seralini, Emilie Clai, Robin Mesnage, et al. Republished study: long-term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize. Environmental Sciences Europe 2014, 26:14. doi: 10.1186/s12302-014-0014-5. The post Evidence Mounts on Roundup’s Link to Liver and Kidney Damage appeared first on Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog. Join the conversation and voice your opinion! Comment on this Article Now! More from Dr. Group's Blog: The Health Benefits of Parsley What is Shilajit? Using a Non-Stick Pan? You May Want to Read This Leading Medical Journal Wants GMO Labeling The Benefits of Resveratrol for Blood Pressure Copyright © 2015 Global Healing Center, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive daily updates on Dr. Group's blog posts. Our mailing address is: Global Healing Center 2040 North Loop West, Ste. 108 Houston, TX 77018 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences

Dr. Group's recent blog posts. View this email in your browser. The Health Benefits of Parsley Published August 29, 2015 Most people are familiar with parsley as a food garnish; yet, it's often used as a mere decoration and is usually discarded. But did you know that when it comes to herbs that promote superior body cleansing, parsley is one that's high on the list? Toxins, chemicals, and toxic metals — none of these stand a chance against this nutritional powerhouse. [1] It's rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and ascorbic acid, and its benefits have been known for centuries. How Parsley Helps Cleanse Your Body Similarly to cilantro, parsley acts as a natural diuretic. [2] Your urine is a route through which toxins are expelled from your body, so incorporating parsley to help this natural process along may prove useful for cleansing. Parsley is also a strong liver supporter, particularly in the presence of common diseases like diabetes and liver disease. [3] [4] In fact, there's evidence to suggest that parsley can help benefit other problems like IBS or a UTI. Its high levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K stimulates immune-bolstering properties in the body, potentially guarding against harmful organisms. [5] One caveat is to avoid parsley during pregnancy, as it's been associated with promoting menstrual flow. Other Health Benefits of Parsley Parsley is soothing to irritated tissue and has potent antioxidant capabilities. Its naturally-occurring eugenol content may also help reduce blood glucose levels. It is incredibly rich in vitamin K as well as A, C, and several B vitamins. [6] Some preliminary research shows parsley contains something called "apigenin," which has shown positive effects on supporting immune health. [7] Its fiber content may also help with regularity. What's the Best Source of Parsley? Finding a good source of parsley is like finding a good source of any other herb. It's easy to grow if you've got a garden space, and you must absolutely purchase organic if you will be consuming it. The herb holds onto pesticides more so than other foods, so always seek out one that has the USDA organic certification. Parsley is also available as a supplement — usually dried or concentrated. We've actually included it in the formulation of Zeotrex, our solution for chemical and toxic metal cleansing. If you're looking for a way to harness its cleansing abilities, Zeotrex is a great product with strong reviews. What tips do you have for using parsley? Leave a comment below and share it with us. -Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM References: University of Missouri-Columbia. Parsley, celery carry crucial component for fight against breast cancer, study suggests. ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 9 May 2011. Kreydiyyeh Sl, Usta J. Diuretic effect and mechanism of action of parsley. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Mar;79(3):353-7. Tunali T1, Yarat A, Yanardağ R, Ozçelik F, Ozsoy O, Ergenekon G, Emekli N. Effect of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) on the skin of STZ induced diabetic rats. National Center for Biotechnology Information. USA.gov, 1999. Srinivasan S, Sathish G, Jayanthi M, Muthukumaran J, Muruganathan U, and V. Ramachandran. Ameliorating effect of eugenol on hyperglycemia by attenuating the key enzymes of glucose metabolism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. National Center for Biotechnology Information. USA.gov, 2014. Holmannova D, Kolackova M, Krejsek J. Vitamin C and its physiological role with respect to the components of the immune system. Vnitr Lek. 2012 Oct;58(10):743-9. Peters, Cornelius. The proud plant Parsley or Petroselinum crispum is more than just a food. Academia.edu. Academia.edu, 2015. Sanjeev Shukla and Sanjay Gupta. Apigenin: A Promising Molecule for Cancer Prevention. Pharm Res. 2010 Jun; 27(6): 962-978. doi: 10.1007/s11095-010-0089-7. The post The Health Benefits of Parsley appeared first on Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog. Join the conversation and voice your opinion! Comment on this Article Now! More from Dr. Group's Blog: What is Shilajit? Using a Non-Stick Pan? You May Want to Read This Leading Medical Journal Wants GMO Labeling The Benefits of Resveratrol for Blood Pressure Pepsi Swaps Aspartame for Sucralose: Is It Worth It? Copyright © 2015 Global Healing Center, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive daily updates on Dr. Group's blog posts. Our mailing address is: Global Healing Center 2040 North Loop West, Ste. 108 Houston, TX 77018 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences

Dr. Group's recent blog posts. View this email in your browser. What Is Shilajit? Published August 27, 2015 Hailing from the Caucasus and Himalayan mountains, Shilajit (pronounced shi-lah-jeet) is a naturally-occurring substance that's rich in beneficial nutrients. Although it's somewhat unknown today, it is still prominent in many natural health practices, including Ayurveda. This blackish, smooth substance can be found in high concentrations in the Altai Mountains. One of the main constituents of the material is fulvic acid, which has shown some promise in heavy metal protection and brain support. What is Shilajit? Shilajit is a sticky resin that oozes from rocks in the mountains in response from the heat of the sun. It is often referred to as "rock sweat" and "stone oil" for its tar and sap-like texture. You'll often see shilajit as a black color, but it typically ranges in hue depending on location. The substance is rich in nutrients, like humic acid, A, B, and C vitamins, and trace minerals, and it may be useful for supporting men’s health. While shilajit research is by no means large, there is some evidence that its compounds can provide many health benefits. What are the Benefits of Shilajit? Shilajit may support healthy aging, increase the body's ability to rejuvenate tissue, increase metabolism, boost the immune system, promote digestive health, and even help strengthen bones. Its effects on brain health should also be noted. Research shows that compounds in shilajit may be helpful for reducing Alzheimer's disease risk. [1] According to some spiritual traditions, shilajit may also be helpful for cleansing chakras, or energy centers at various points of the body. [2] Shilajit contains at least 85 substances and minerals that are essential for the human body, including vitamins A, B, and C, and essential minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium. Due to its mineral content, some research suggests it may be helpful in cases of anemia. [3] It's incredible as an antioxidant and helps neutralize harmful free-radicals. The antioxidants may explain why shilajit is so beneficial for brain health. Review of the literature on shilajit also shows the substance to be a powerful adaptogen. [4] Perhaps its best feature though is its rich concentration of fulvic acid. What is Fulvic Acid? Fulvic acid–also known as humic acid–is like an octane booster for your body. It is a mixture of a number of different acids and is composed from degraded organic matter. Fulvic acid helps makes nutrients more absorbable, supports brain health, and makes it easier for your body to cleanse itself of chemicals, toxic metals, and harmful compounds that negatively affect your health. Supplementing With Shilajit Shilajit can be taken as a standalone supplement, and it's also sometimes added to herbal formulations to supercharge their effect. In fact, that's why we've added it to several of our products, including Zeotrex, our solution for chemical and toxic metal cleansing. Have you ever used shilajit? What were your experiences? -Dr. Edward F. Group III, DP, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM References: Carrasco-Gallardo Carlos, Guzmán Leonardo, and Ricardo B. Maccioni. Shilajit: A Natural Phytocomplex with Potential Procognitive Activity. National Center for Biotechnology Information. USA.Gov, 2012. Ayurvedic Living. Shilajit: A Cure For All Weakness. AyurvedicLiving.org. AyurvedicLiving.org, 2015. C. Velmurugan, B. Vivek, E. Wilson, T. Bharathi, and T. Sundaram. Evaluation of safety profile of black shilajit after 91 days repeated administration in rats. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2012 Mar; 2(3): 210-214. doi: 10.1016/S2221-1691(12)60043-4. Agarwal SP, Khanna R, Karmarkar R, Anwer MK, Khar RK. Shilajit: a review. Phytother Res. 2007 May;21(5):401-5. The post What Is Shilajit? appeared first on Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog. Join the conversation and voice your opinion! Comment on this Article Now! More from Dr. Group's Blog: Using a Non-Stick Pan? You May Want to Read This Leading Medical Journal Wants GMO Labeling The Benefits of Resveratrol for Blood Pressure Pepsi Swaps Aspartame for Sucralose: Is It Worth It? Bifidobacterium infantis: The Health Benefits of Probiotics Copyright © 2015 Global Healing Center, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive daily updates on Dr. Group's blog posts. Our mailing address is: Global Healing Center 2040 North Loop West, Ste. 108 Houston, TX 77018 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences

It takes 30 seconds and could impact the entire food system.

I need you to join me. Take less than 30 seconds and sign this petition.

On Monday, I launched a campaign asking the largest fast food chain in the world to stop the routine use of antibiotics in their meat.

And now over 22,000 people have joined me but our voice needs to be louder to make this happen.

Watch the video and sign the petition.

Even if you are vegan or vegetarian or plan on never setting foot inside a Subway again, this matters.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can end up in the ground, water and in our fertilizer.

You or your loved one (like mine) could be affected by this issue and end up in the hospital or worse...

It's estimated that over 80% of the world's antibiotics are used on farm animals. Antibiotic resistant bacteria and superbugs are the result of the overuse of antibiotics and we have the opportunity to lessen this crisis.

Subway controls an estimated 6 billion dollars worth of purchasing power in the meat industry and they sell 7.6 million subs per day. That's a lot of meat.

A snowball revolution can happen when we get major players like Subway to make these changes. Just look at Chick-fil-A – when they made the commitment, they inspired other major companies to take some action too – everyone from McDonalds to Costco and even Walmart.

I know this campaign isn't as jarring as yoga mats and shoe rubber chemicals in our bread – but it's so much more important.

This issue affects all of us as humans.

Please take less than 30 seconds and lend your voice to ours.

We need you. I can't say that enough. We really do need your voice to change this food system.

Thank you for your incredible commitment to a safe food system.

Xo,

Vani

P.S. I spent yesterday contacting Subway directly, leaving comments on their facebook page, tweeting to them and calling them. If you'd like to keep the pressure on, you can do this too. Their number is 1-800-888-4848. Ask them to announce a formal antibiotic policy for all of their meat (chicken, beef, turkey and pork) and a timeline to get there. 

 

"To change everything, it takes everyone." 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Dr. Group's recent blog posts. View this email in your browser. Using a Non-Stick Pan? You May Want to Read This Published August 24, 2015 Pans containing a non-stick coating are certainly convenient, and the popularity of them has helped them explode on the market. The chemical used for this coating is seeing new research on its level of toxicity. This research is showing that exposure on any level could prove dangerous to neural, reproductive, and immune health. Could this darling of the kitchen be one of the leading causes of ill health all over the world? The Dangers of Non-Stick Coating DuPont, a chemical engineering giant, manufactured perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) to make Teflon coating for cookware. Federal regulators linked the chemical to birth defects and carcinogenicity in animals, and these regulators also accused DuPont of hiding these hazard reports for decades. This caused an uproar in the health community and forced DuPont to finally phase out its production of the chemical in 2006. Despite this phase out, PFOA has spread throughout millions of homes worldwide. This has resulted in traces of the compound in the blood of nearly every American, and research shows it can also be found in polar bears in the Arctic. A new Environmental Working Group (EWG) report suggests that the standard for PFOA is 0.0003 parts per billion, a figure 1,333 times lower than the figure from the Environmental Protection Agency. The EWG even goes as far to suggest that there is no safe level of exposure to the chemical in non-stick coatings, categorizing PFOA in the same league as asbestos and lead. This new report is supported by studies from the University of Massachusetts (UMASS) and Harvard University, studies that suggest blood levels of PFOA that were greater than three tenths of a nanogram–400 times lower than the EPA’s current level–could cause adverse effects. The Solution There are some natural, safer alternatives to Teflon that you should be aware of. If you currently own a non-stick pan, throw them out immediately. Replace all non-stick bakeware with glass, and choose steal and cast iron for other cooking needs. Rely on healthy fats, like olive oil and coconut oil, to provide a natural non-stick surface for your cookware. Ideally, the majority of your diet should be uncooked and raw, meaning you shouldn’t have to worry too much about whether or not your food is sticking to cookware. How do you avoid food sticking to your cookware? Please let us know in the comments! -Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM The post Using a Non-Stick Pan? You May Want to Read This appeared first on Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog. Join the conversation and voice your opinion! Comment on this Article Now! More from Dr. Group's Blog: Leading Medical Journal Wants GMO Labeling The Benefits of Resveratrol for Blood Pressure Pepsi Swaps Aspartame for Sucralose: Is It Worth It? Bifidobacterium infantis: The Health Benefits of Probiotics The 5 Best Natural Alternatives to Fluoride Copyright © 2015 Global Healing Center, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive daily updates on Dr. Group's blog posts. Our mailing address is: Global Healing Center 2040 North Loop West, Ste. 108 Houston, TX 77018 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences

Launching a major petition today and it's personal.

Today, I'm launching a major petition and I need your help. 

This issue is deeply personal and tears are coming to my eyes as I write this email to you. A couple of years ago my Dad was infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria and was hospitalized as a result.

Needless to say, it was one of the most stressful and scary times of my life. Thankfully with good medical care, my Dad survived but the antibiotics he was supposed to be given to treat the infection were deemed useless.

As you may know, we're known for getting the yoga mat chemical – azodicarbonamide – out of Subway's famous bread last year. Over 100 thousand of us signed this petition, and without you Subway would have never made this change.

I thank you so much for making that happen.

But today I'm not talking about yoga mats and shoe rubber.

There's an even bigger issue that we need to address at Subway.

One that threatens human health and we can stop it.

We've tackled the bread, now it's time to tackle the meat – the meat that is irresponsibly raised with the routine use of antibiotics in the estimated 7.6 million subs that Subway sells each day.

Join me and ask Subway to stop serving meat raised with antibiotics.

We've changed this company before and together I know we can change it again.

Please take less than 30 seconds and lend your voice to ours.

Sign the petition and be part of history. 

Together we can make it happen. Do it for you, your children and the future of the human race.

I'm doing it for my Dad.

Xo,

Vani

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Dr. Group's recent blog posts. View this email in your browser. Leading Medical Journal Wants GMO Labeling Published August 22, 2015 The topic of GMO labeling is one of long standing, one that is seeing a clear divide in current media. Should foods in the United States require GMO labeling, following suit of many other countries throughout the world? If there’s nothing to hide, then why not label foods? The argument is that GMO foods are no better or worse for health than non-GMOs, and that labeling may confuse consumers and drive down profit for numerous food manufacturers. The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) is coming to the aid of labeling proponents, calling for the labeling of GMO foods in a recent perspective article. This bold step by a leading and respected medical journal may be the tipping point toward helping us know exactly what’s in our food. NEJM Says “Yes” to GMO Labeling Scientific consensus is that GMO foods are harmless in any amount, and the labeling of foods containing GM ingredients is worthless and cumbersome to food companies. This simply isn’t true, because there are numerous studies indicating GM food to be dangerous, or at least slightly irritating, to human and animal health. The NEJM says that GMO labeling “is essential for tracking emergence of novel food allergies and assessing effects of chemical herbicides applied to GM crops.” [1] It calls for the respect of consumers who want labeling of foods containing GM crops. It’s safe to say that in not doing so, consumers become distrustful of certain brands who refuse to label or lobby against labeling. So, if it’s the money companies think they’ll miss out on if they do label, they’re likely to also miss it by not labeling. But it isn’t just about the genetically-altered material that’s contained within GM foods. The NEJM further states: “And the argument that there is nothing new about genetic rearrangement misses the point that GM crops are now the agricultural products most heavily treated with herbicides and that two of these herbicides may pose risks of cancer.” Even the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is delaying a permit for Enlist Duo, a combination herbicide that is said to fight herbicide resistance. It has, however, been approved for use in a number of states. [2] It’s a good thing, too, considering that all chemical herbicides present a real threat to human health. Glyphosate, or Roundup, is a common herbicide that is a probably human carcinogen, so one can only imagine what Enlist Duo–an herbicide that is more powerful than glyphosate–poses. Vote With Your Pocketbook The best way you can let the food industry know you want GMO labeling and/or complete absence of GMOs from the food supply is to purchase organic. Any processed food you buy should be certified organic by the USDA, because these will not contain GMOs, pesticides, or any chemical ingredient of any kind. The more money that goes toward organic food, the more the industry takes notice. Most produce is not GM–yet. Still, conventional corn and soy are commonly GMO, so if you consume these foods, make sure they’re organic. How do you feel about GMOs? Please let us know in the comments! -Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM References: Philip J. Landrigan, M.D., and Charles Benbrook, Ph.D. GMOs, Herbicides, and Public Health. N Engl J Med 2015; 373:693-695. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMp1505660. Carey Gillam. EPA expands areas of approved use for Dow’s Enlist Duo herbicide. Reuters. The post Leading Medical Journal Wants GMO Labeling appeared first on Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog. Join the conversation and voice your opinion! Comment on this Article Now! More from Dr. Group's Blog: The Benefits of Resveratrol for Blood Pressure Pepsi Swaps Aspartame for Sucralose: Is It Worth It? Bifidobacterium infantis: The Health Benefits of Probiotics The 5 Best Natural Alternatives to Fluoride Lactobacillus gasseri: The Health Benefits of Probiotics Copyright © 2015 Global Healing Center, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive daily updates on Dr. Group's blog posts. Our mailing address is: Global Healing Center 2040 North Loop West, Ste. 108 Houston, TX 77018 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences