A friend of mine just recently gave birth to her first child, and she has been dealing with the issue of vaccination. Based on what I've read, I am against vaccinating infants. An infant's immune system is not yet fully developed and I think it's absolutely foolish to inject live viruses into a tiny body that is only 2 months old.

In the U.S., infants are supposed to be given vaccinations at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 months. If it was my child, I would refuse. The effectiveness of vaccines is questionable (at best), and in my mind, vaccines should NOT be given to infants (children under 2 years). There is even good evidence against vaccinating adults.

Here is a very sarcastic video that decribes the dangerous ingredients found in most vaccines (including the flu shot).

According to Dr. Vetrano, there is no such thing as a B12 deficiency because the body gets B12 coenzymes from bacteria in the intestinal tract and from natural plant foods. Dr. Vetrano argues that the real problem is one of digestion and absorption. Namely, failure to digest, absorb and utilize the various cobalamins from food and natural sources (i.e. bacteria in intestinal tract).

Dr. Vetrano makes some very surprising points, especially her claim that cyanocobalamin (which is in every Vitamin B12 supplement) is not usable by the body and is toxic. Article is excerpted below. *Note: Capitalization in certain sections of this article is Dr. Vetrano's emphasis, not mine.

Rethinking & Clarifying the B12 Issue

By Dr Vivian V. Vetrano

There is no such thing as a B12 deficiency, even in 100% raw vegan food eaters. They do not have to eat dirt, animal products, or take pills to secure coenzymes of B12. Bacteria in the intestinal tract make it for us, and the metabolically usable and necessary forms of coenzyme B12 are contained in unprocessed, fresh natural plant foods, particularly in nuts and seeds. The real problem in so-called B12 deficiency is a failure of digestion and absorption of foods, rather than a deficiency of the vitamin itself.

Vitamin B12 coenzymes are found in nuts and seeds as well as in many common greens, fruits, and many vegetables. If we ate 100 grams of green beans, beets, carrots, and peas we would have half of our so-called daily minimum requirement of Vitamin B12 coenzymes providing our digestion and absorption are normal. From Rodale's The Complete Book of Vitamins, page 236 we find the following clarification: "As you know, the B complex of vitamins is called a 'complex' because, instead of being one vitamin, it has turned out to be a large number of related vitamins, which appear generally in the same foods."

A little publicized source of active Vitamin B12 coenzymes is from bacteria in the mouth, around the teeth, in the nasopharynx, around the tonsils and in the tonsilar crypts, in the folds at the base of the tongue, and in the upper bronchial tree. This source alone will supply sufficient quantities of Vitamin B12 coenzymes for the very small requirement of total vegetarians, especially considering that their needs for this vitamin are not as great as for those on conventional diets.

I have studied the Vitamin B12 issue thoroughly, and have learned that biochemists, neutraceutical scientists, and many writers mistakenly use the term Vitamin B12 for cyanocobalamin, THAT IS NOT USABLE BY THE BODY BUT which is in all vitamin B12 supplements. When speaking of Vitamin B12 they are referring to the semisynthetic Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) that initially was contaminated with poisonous cyanide during its chemical extraction from animal tissues. Carbon columns are used during the extraction process and the carbon combines with nitrogen from the medium forming the poisonous cyanocobalamin, that scientists insist on calling Vitamin B12. The original method used to extract Vitamin B 12 from its sources included heating the medium in a weak acid, the addition of cyanide ion, and exposure to light. In this process the coenzymes were converted to cyanocobalamin, yet this was over looked. (Review of Physiological Chemistry, Harper, Harold A., Lange Medical Publications, New York, 1977, page l81. Also refer to Cobalamin: Biochemistry and Pathophysiology, Wiley. N. and F. Sicuteri, New York, 1972.)

Moreover, in the manufacture of vitamin supplements, cyanide is added to the medium because the carbon and nitrogen are needed to form large molecules as are found in vitamins; and IN ADDITION they need it to extract the B12 from fermentation liquors and liver homogenates. Carbon is needed in great quantities when making vitamins or any other manufactured vitamin or substance that mimics the natural vitamin that normally contains a lot of carbon.

The two vitamin B12 coenzymes known to be metabolically active in mammalian tissues are: 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin (methyl-B12. When extracted in light, these two coenzymes undergo photolysis and are destroyed. Natural B12 is found solely in plants and animals, and that is the only form that can be called "coenzyme B12."

If an animal or individual is given cyanocobalamin the body removes the cyanide because it is not usable as a coenzyme and it is toxic. Then the cobalt of the former cyanocobalamin can combine with other substances that are not toxic and actually form Vitamin B12 coenzymes that are usable by the body. These normally existing Vitamin B12 coenzymes are labile and break down easily unless inside living tissue.

Potassium in the body can react with the cyanide found in cyanocobalamin – the "Vitamin B 12" – and form toxic potassium cyanide (KCN). Potassium cyanide is a poisonous compound used as a fumigant. This is one reason why the body jettisons the "Vitamin B 12" (i.e. cyanocobalamin) injections so rapidly. Within 24 hours most (about 90%) of the cyanocobalamin in supplements has been eliminated.

The names of cobalamins formed by the body or in a laboratory are: l. hydroxocobalamin if it combines with a hydroxyl ion (OH), and 2. aquocobalamin, when it combines with water. Cobalamin also combines with anions such as nitrite a form of nitrogen, chloride, and sulfur. These are not usable by the body. The two active coenzymes that can be formed in the body after stripping off the cyanide are 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin, or adenosylcobalamin for short, and methylcobalamin. The problem is that the cyanide is toxic and makes many people sicker than they were before taking the supplement.

Cyanocobalamin is in every vitamin B12 supplement known because it is stable and less costly to manufacture. But it is not usable in the body. If the body has sufficient energy it may be able to offload the cyanide and benefit from the useful component. Mainly, what people experience after taking cyanocobalamin supplements is stimulation. The toxic effect of the cyanide triggers a rush of energy as the body works hard to excrete the poison, and this fools people into believing that the supplement has "worked" to heal them. Meanwhile, if their blood tests show an increase in B12, it mainly reflects the amount of the CYANOCOBALAMIN in the blood stream. The usable forms are carried into the cells and can't be discovered by testing the blood as is the current practice. Blood tests are often inaccurate and, as previously stated, in the case of cyanocobalamin supplementation and B12 injections, about 90 % of it has been eliminated from the body in 24 hours.

Looking at it hygienically, no Vitamin B12 therapy can cause a recovery from any so-called deficiency disease. It may only hide the symptoms and cannot give an individual health. When people report that their apparent B12 deficiency symptoms have been relieved by cyanocobalamin supplementation, they are mistaken. They are not getting usable Vitamin B12 coenzymes, and their bodies are forced to convert the cyanide form into the active forms, methylcobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin. This extra function stimulates but wastes nerve energy, and they are are actually getting worse, not better. They have not addressed the cause of their troubles.

In summary, vegans and raw fooders all have sufficient amounts of coenzyme B12 in their diets, and FROM THAT produced in their bodies. The most common basic cause of a natural cobalamin deficiency is a failure to digest, absorb and utilize the various cobalamins from food and from the intestinal tract as in the case of gastritis or gastroenteritis. The cause of malabsorption is commonly a gastrointestinal disorder and this was known by pathologists way back in the l800s. In this case, one's lifestyle must be assessed and brought into unison with the needs of the living organism.

Furthermore, absorption of the natural B12 coenzymes can take place in the mouth, throat, esophagus, bronchial tubes and even in the upper small intestines, as well as all along the intestinal tract. This does not involve the complex enzyme mechanism for absorption (intrinsic factor) in the small intestine as required by cyanocobalamin. The coenzymes are absorbed by diffusion by mucuous membranes.

I don't know what to make of this article. It's disturbing to think that I'm putting cyanide into my body by taking a B vitamin.

However, Dr. Vetrano is right when she says that cyanocobalamin is used as B12 in most vitamins on the market today. Looking at my "Stress M" vitamin (a B complex with synergistic nutrients to aid in stress management), it lists B12 and then in parentheses it says "as cyanocobalamin." Same thing with my sister's multi-vitamin. Cyanocobalamin is used for B12.

While searching, I came across another interesting article on the B12 Hoax.

I don't remember where I heard this, but someone once told me that "Americans have the most expensive urine in the world" because they take so many vitamins—most of which are not absorbed and utilized by the body. Controversy exists over whether raw vegans should use vitamins and supplements. I know that Paul Nison favors taking supplements while eating raw; meanwhile other raw vegans are opposed to taking supplements.

What do you think? Do you take B-vitamin supplements?

In my earlier post, I wrote about the importance of finding a dentist that does not use amalgam fillings. So, what's wrong with amalgam fillings? Well, to begin with, look at the composition of amalgam.

Amalgam is composed of the following metals:

Silver 69.3%
Mercury 50%
Tin 17.9%
Copper 11.8%
Zinc 1%

Amalgam is 50% mercury, and mercury is toxic to the body. The long-term effects of mercury in the mouth have been shown to be extremely dangerous. Even worse, the combination of multiple metals (silver, tin, copper, zinc) interacting with mercury can cause even greater harm. An excellent article on dental fillings: Are Amalgams Safe?

Scientific Facts About the Biological Effects of Mercury Amalgams:

Mercury Penetrates the Blood-Brain Barrier & Weakens Immune System

Mercury penetrates the blood-brain barrier around the brain, and as little as one part per million can impair this barrier, permitting entry of substances in the blood that would otherwise be excluded.

–Chang and Hartman, 1972; Chang and Burkholder, 1974

Mercury Affects Nervous System & Prevents Protein & Amino Acid Absorption

The effect of mercury on the nervous system selectively inhibits protein and amino acid absorption into brain tissue.

–Yoshino et al.,1966; Steinwall, 1969; Steinwall and Snyder, 1969; Cavanagh and Chen, 1971

Mercury Linked to Parkinson's Disease

Mercury inhibits the synaptic uptake of neurotransmitters in the brain and can produce subsequent development of Parkinson's disease.

–Ohlson and Hogstedt, "Parkinsons Disease and Occupational Exposure to Organic Solvents, Agricultural Chemicals and Mercury" Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment Health Vol 7 No.4 : 252-256,1981

Mercury is Toxic to the Kidneys & Causes Pathological Damage

Mercury is nephrotoxic (toxic to the kidneys) and causes pathological damage.

–Nicholson et al, "Cadmium and Mercury Nephrotoxicity" Nature Vol 304:633, 1983

Amalgam is the Largest Source of Mercury Absorption

Based on a number of studies in Sweden, the World Health Organization review of inorganic mercury in 1991 determined that mercury absorption is estimated to be approximately four times higher from amalgam fillings than from fish consumption. Recent studies have confirmed this estimate. The amount absorbed can vary considerably from person to person.

Mercury Affects the Functioning of the Heart

Mercury fillings can contribute to a higher level of mercury in the blood, and can affect the functioning of the heart, change the vascular response to norepinepherine and potassium chloride, and block the entry of calcium ions into the cytoplasm.

–Abraham et al, 1984 "The Effect of Dental Amalgam Restorations on Blood Mercury Levels" Journal of Dental Research Vol 63 No.1:71-73,1984; Kuntz et al, "Maternal and Cord Blood Background Mercury Levels: A Longitudinal Surveillance" American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Vol 143 No. 4: 440-443, 1982; Joselow et al, 1972; Mantyla and Wright, 1976; Trakhtenberg, 1968; Oka et al, 1979

Mercury Affects Endocrine System & Accumulates in Thyroid & Pituitary Glands

Mercury exposure from amalgams leads to interference with brain catecholamine reactivity levels, has a pronounced effect on the human endocrine system, and accumulates in both the thyroid and pituitary glands, reducing production of important hormones.

–Carmignani, Finelli and Boscolo, 1983; Kosta et al, 1975; Trakhtenberg, 1974

Mercury induces the thyroid gland to absorb an increasing amount of nuclear radiation from the environment.

–Trakhtenberg, 1974

Mercury Reduces Function of Adrenal Glands and Contributes to Infertility

Mercury can impair the adrenal and testicular steroid hormone secretions, cause intolerance for stress and decreased sexual ability. In rats, it causes subnormal fertility and sperm production.

–Burton and Meikle, 1980; Khera, 1973; Stoewsand et al, 1971; Lee and Dixon, 1975; Thaxton and Parkhurst, 1973

Mercury in the body can produce contact dermititis and reduced function of the adrenal glands (Addison's disease), producing progressive anemia, low blood pressure, diarrhea and digestive disturbances.

–Alomar et al, 1983

Mercury Kills White Blood Cells, Causes Chromosomal Abnormalities & Alters Cells

Mercury has a distinct effect on the human immune system, especially the white blood cells. Mercury ions have been observed to cause chromosomal aberrations and alters the cellular genetic code. Mercury has the ability to induce chromosomal breakage, alter cellular mitosis, cause a drop in T-cell production and kill white blood cells.

–Vershaeve et al, 1976; Popescu et al, 1979; Skerfving et al, 1970,1974; Fiskesjo, 1970

High Mercury Levels in Pregant Women Linked to Fetal Birth Defects & Still Births

Mercury has an effect on the fetal nervous system, even at levels far below that considered to be toxic in adults. Background levels of mercury in mothers correlate with incidence of fetal birth defects and still births.

–Reuhl and Chang, 1979;Clarkson et al, 1981; Marsh et al, 1980; Tejning, 1968; Kuntz, W.D., Pitkin, R.M., Bostrum, A.W., and Hughes M.S., The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Vol 143 No.4:440-443,1982

Mercury is Linked to Alzheimer's Disease

A study related to mercury and Alzheimer's Disease was recently completed by a team of scientists led by well-respected researcher Dr. Boyd Haley. They exposed rats to levels of mercury vapor diluted to account for size differences between humans and rats. The rats developed tissue damage "indistinguishable" from that of Alzheimer's Disease. Repeating the experiment showed the same results. Dr. Haley is quoted as saying "I'm getting the rest of my fillings taken out right now, and I've asked my wife to have hers replaced too."

Patients with Amalgam Fillings Breathe Mercury Vapors

Studies show there is a continuous release of elemental mercury vapor from amalgam fillings–especially when chewing food or brushing amalgam-filled teeth. Further, the polishing of amalgams (by dental hygenists) and bruxism (grinding of teeth) may cause the release of high levels of mercury vapor and mercury ions.

I find it very disturbing that it is standard practice to fill cavities with amalgams. Most patients are unaware, uninformed and totally ignorant about the consequences. Essentially, dentists are slowly poisoning their patients, without telling them.

Don't go to a regular dentist. If possible, find a holistic, mercury-free dentist. You can find a mercury-free dentist here. One final note: Try to find a dentist that uses digital X-rays, since digital X-rays reduce radiation by up to 80% (when compared to traditional X-rays).

More information about amalgam fillings, toxicity of amalgam, and frequently asked questions about amalgam.

I went to the dentist last week for a regular cleaning, and received some bad news. I was told that I have 3 cavities—small cavities, but nevertheless, they are cavities. This is rather upsetting to me, since I've only had 2 cavities in my entire life, before beginning a raw food diet. Three cavities in less than one year is not good.

I remember Frederic Patenaude writing about how raw foodists often have dental problems, and his own personal struggles with cavities. Apparently, the acid in fruit can cause erosion of tooth enamel and contribute to faster rates of decay. Frederic Patenaude has suggested rinsing your mouth with water after eating any fruit. Unfortunately, I have not been very diligent with this practice (and now I am paying for it).

According to a study conducted by the Department of Operative and Preventive Dentistry at Justus Liebig University, raw food vegans have an increased risk of dental erosions…

Compared to the control group, subjects living on a raw food diet had significantly more dental erosions. Only 2.3% of the raw food group (13.2% of the controls) had no erosive defects, whereas 37.2% had at least one tooth with a moderate erosion (55.2% of the controls) and 60.5% had at least one tooth with a severe erosion (31.6% of the controls). Within the raw food group no significant correlation was found between nutrition or oral health data and the prevalence of erosions. Nevertheless, the results showed that a raw food diet bears an increased risk of dental erosion compared to conventional nutrition."

To make sure I don't develop any more cavities…

• I have started brushing my teeth after every meal. I will not let sugar from fruit sit on my teeth for long periods of time.
• I have started eating greens with my fruit. I think this may help to neutralize (or counterbalance) some of the acid from the fruit.
• I have scheduled 3 yearly dental cleanings—once every four months. This will help me recognize and respond to potential problems early. Previously, I had been visiting the dentist once per year because I am not very fond of doctors (i.e. traditional medicine doctors). Side point: Did you know that doctors are the third leading cause of death in the U.S.?

I encourage anyone who eats a high percentage of raw food to keep a close watch on your teeth, schedule regular dental cleanings, and brush after every meal. I would also suggest eating more whole foods, instead of juicing. Blending is better (in my opinion) than juicing because it retains the pulp, skin and fiber of the fruit.

Also, find a dentist who does not use amalgam fillings. See my next post on the dangers of amalgam fillings.

Steve Pavlina runs an excellent personal development blog, which I "accidentally" discovered 5 weeks ago. Steve writes about subjects that many people would "tiptoe" around, or avoid writing about altogether. Many of his articles are controversial and thought-provoking, and I enjoy reading them.

Steve writes about his personal explorations with consciousness, and discusses the nature of reality, entrepreneurship, productivity, how intentions manifest, health, goal-setting, discipline and metaphysics—among many other subjects.

Must Reads from Steve's Blog…

The Law of Attraction

In this article, Steve tackles some tough questions relating to the Law of Attraction such as…

• What happens when people put out conflicting intentions, like two people intending to get the same promotion when only one position is available?
• Do children, babies, and/or animals put out intentions?
• If a child is abused, does that mean the child intended it in some way?
• If I intend for my relationship to improve, but my spouse/partner doesn’t seem to care, what will happen?

How Intentions Manifest

Steve discusses how intentions manifest in the physical world, and how we receive confirmation of our intentions.

Why Do Intentions Take So Long To Manifest?

If we live in a universe that responds to thought, then why don't our thoughts instantly manifest? Steve answers this question brilliantly and provides 5 reasons why this occurs. He also explains how our subconscious beliefs can sabotage our intentions.

Subjective Reality
Subjective Reality Q & A

In these 2 articles, Steve discusses subjective reality and answers commonly-asked questions such as…

• How can I know that subjective reality is real?
• How many subjective realities are there?
• Why do I identify with this particular body and not someone else’s?
• But what if I don’t believe that I am consciousness? What if I believe I am a physical body with a mind?
• So if I were to believe in something that didn’t exist or that wasn’t possible yet, it would actually begin to manifest in the physical universe?
• What about the physical laws of science? Can I break them?

The True Nature of Reality (Podcast)

This is a great podcast. In this audio recording, Steve answers the following questions…

• What kind of reality do we actually live in? What are its capabilities?
• Do people, places, and objects still exist when you aren’t perceiving them?
• How can you manifest more of what you want and less of what you don’t want?
• What assumptions have you made about reality that are totally unprovable and may in fact be wrong?
• What are the limitations of the Law of Attraction, why do they arise, and how do you work around them?
• Why might subjective reality be a more accurate model than objective reality?
• What are the practical consequences of a subjective belief system?
• If you’re stuck in an unhappy situation right now, why are you stuck, and how do you change it?

Cause-Effect vs. Intention-Manifestation

Steve discusses how cause-and-effect is really intention-manifestation. Most importantly, he points out that we often sabotage our own success because our intentions are not clear, and we have negative thoughts towards that intention.

If you want to achieve a goal you’ve set, the most crucial part is to DECIDE to manifest it. It doesn’t matter if you feel it’s outside your control to do so. It doesn’t matter if you can’t yet see how you’ll get from A to B. Most of those resources will come online AFTER you’ve made the decision, not before.

If you don’t understand this simple step, then you will waste a lot of time. Step 1 is to decide. Not to ruminate or to ponder or to ask around and see whether or not you can do it. If you want to start your own business, then decide to make it so. If you want to be married and have a family, then decide to attract a mate. If you want to change careers, then decide to do so.

It blows my mind that people think that something else has to come before the decision. People waste months trying to figure out, “Is this goal possible?” And this makes a lot of sense to do so if you’re at a certain level of consciousness. But all you’re really doing is creating delay, and you’ll simply manifest evidence to suggest that the goal is both possible and not possible. You think doubt in your head, you find doubt in the world.

Steve Pavlina is doing brilliant work by helping people improve their lives—and better understand themselves and the universe. I think his blog is a real gem, and I hope you find it useful too.

From the magazine, Natural Awakenings,a free alternative health magazine that I picked up at Whole Foods…

Most people today lead excessively nature-separated lives. Some doctors believe that this disconnect leads to poor mental health. Ecopsychologists believe that reconnecting people with nature will improve mental health. Anyone who's experienced nature—whether in open backcountry or a sunny backyard, whether in the context of sea or stars—knows how nature renews and re-creates us.

So maybe traffic, concrete and skyscrapers really are driving us crazy. Polluted inorganic environments may well be contaminating our heart, mind and spirit. A 2004 study even suggests that kids who engage with nature are less apt to have attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADD). And a Univeristy of Michigan study found that people with views of nature from home are happier."

This is a good reminder to spend more time outdoors. Interestingly, we can find scientific evidence for "ecopsychology" in the field of harmonics and physics. The resonant frequency of the Earth's electromagnetic shield is referred to as The Shumann Resonance, and although this frequency varies, it's around 7.8 Hz. Apparently this Earth frequency has extremely beneficial effects on living organisms, including humans.

According to a site about electromagnetic frequencies…

The Schumann Resonances are quasi-standing electromagnetic waves that exist in the Earth's 'electromagnetic' cavity (the space between the surface of the Earth and the Ionosphere). So long as the properties of Earth's electromagnetic cavity remains about the same, these frequencies remain the same. Presumably there is some change due to the solar sunspot cycle as the Earth's ionosphere changes in response to the 11-year cycle of solar activity.

Depending on your point of view, living beings either evolved in this natural electromagnetic environment or were created with Divine Intelligence to live in harmony with it. One thing is certain: Since life began, the Earth has been surrounding all living things with this natural frequency pulsation. Many experts believe that the wide spectrum of artificial man-made EMF (electromagnetic frequency) radiation masks the natural beneficial frequency of the Earth.

Electropollution may cause us to feel more stressed, fatigued and "out of balance." Laboratory research has shown that exposing living cells to the Schumann Resonance had the effect of "protecting" them from ambient EMFs, allowing the cells to increase their immune protection, and decrease the absorption of depression-inducing chemicals.

[This connects with the "ecopsychologists" who believe that people often develop depression, mood swings and mental problems when they spend too much time indoors.]

Some researchers believe that by producing a 7.83 Hz pulse with a field generator (Schumann device), we can counter the effects of the irritating man-made fields. [Man-made electromagnetic fields are produced by radiation from power lines, cell phones, microwaves, and most technology. According to scientists, depending on where we live, we spend a large amount of time existing in 50 and 60 Hz power fields.] By replicating the Earth's natural rhythm, we may be providing ourselves (at least in our immediate vicinity) with a more healthy environment."

Even more interesting…

The Schumann Resonance lies within the alpha range (human brain waves are normally in one of four states–beta, alpha, theta, or delta). Alpha waves range between 7-12 Hz. This is a place of deep relaxation, but not quite meditation. In Alpha, we begin to access the wealth of creativity that lies just below our conscious awareness—it is the entry-point that leads into deeper states of consciousness.

Endorphins are naturally generated in the alpha state, and we feel more relaxed. Perhaps this explains why we feel better after spending time outdoors.

If you eat meat, or know someone who does, please pass this video on to them. This video depicts the way animals are used and abused for human consumption. It is disgusting from a health perspective. From a compassion/decency standpoint, it is simply horrifying.

Meet Your Meat–PETA Video

Health Reasons to Eat a Vegan Diet

• Who wants to eat something that is overweight and diseased? (Most cattle are lame by the time they are put on the truck to head to the slaughterhouse. Their legs cannot support the weight they must carry from being overfed and "fattened up.")
• Do you really want to eat something that contains antibiotics, hormones, and perhaps pieces of other animals? (cows are often fed the dead remnants of other animals)
• Up to 90% of hens have broken bones or are hemorrhaging by the time they make it to slaughter. Do you want to eat something that is hemorrhaging or has broken bones (conditions that affect the surrounding tissues)?
• Once an animal dies, its flesh begins rotting. You are eating something that becomes more rotten with each passing day.
• Meat acidifies the body (disease thrives in an acidic environment) and contributes to cholesterol formation, heart attacks and clogged arteries.
• Red meat consumption doubles the risk of colon cancer. (The body has to work very hard to eliminate the animal waste from the colon, and often the body can't eliminate fast enough, because more meat is continually being added.)

Want more reasons?

Additional reasons courtesy of Adrian Cooper

• Meat contains many dangerous chemical substances such as: carcinogenic growth hormones, DDT, preservatives, tranquilizers, hormones and other drugs fed to animals, arsenic, sodium sulphate and numerous other chemical compound used in livestock farming, all of which are consumed with meat.
• The "run-off" from thousands of "slaughter-houses", an extremely evocative phrase, is a major pollutant of rivers, streams and lakes; thereby causing further suffering, death and destruction.
• Rain forests are being levelled at an unsustainable rate to provide land for cattle, and also to grow soy beans to feed cattle, thus further damaging the environment.
• 20% of all methane, a major contributor to climate change, is produced by cattle.
• Vegetarian and vegans have considerably more endurance and stamina. It has been medically proven that that, on average, a vegetarian or vegan has 2 to 3 times more endurance during physical exercise than a comparable meat eater, and will recover from that exercise up to 5 times faster than the comparable animal eater.
• Vegans live on average 5 to 7 years longer than meat eaters.
• The proteins originating in vegetables, fruits and nuts are in a far more readily available and digestible form than than "meat protein." This is why the world's largest mammals such as elephants, rhinoceros, giraffe and many others can grow so large.
• The amino acids required by the human body to physically repair itself, under "instruction" from the energy body are found in vegetation, fruits, nuts, etc.
• Human teeth are designed for grinding and chewing in exactly the same manner as a herbivorous animal.
• Humans have no teeth that are characteristic of carnivorous animals as used for tearing flesh.
• The human hand has no claws or thumb designed for handling meat. Our hands and fingers are rather designed for harvesting vegetables, fruits, nuts etc.
• The strength of hydrochloric acid in the human stomach, the acid used to break down food into a digestible form, is only 5% of the strength of hydrochloric acid found in carnivorous animals. This is because vegetation is much easier to "break down" than meat.
• The alimentary canal, which is the entire digestive canal of a human is many times longer in comparison to body size than the alimentary canal of a carnivore. This is so a meat eating animal can eliminate putrefying meat as as soon as possible, a requirement that does not apply to vegetation. This is one major reason why cancer of the colon is rapidly increasing in human beings, as well as other related digestive tract diseases.
• Humans are unable to deal with excess fat in the same way that carnivorous animals are. This is a major reason why, due to eating meat, humans are increasingly paying the price in the form of obesity, heart diseases such as hardening and obstruction of the arteries, and related diseases such as diabetes. These are all increasing as parents feed children more and more harmful food. It should also be noted that a child produces most fat cells in the body at a young age, and once produced these fat cells will always exist and have the ability to manifest as fat. So once a child has been "fattened" by parents, they will be fighting against obesity and fat related diseases all their physical life. An obese child will always become an obese adult.
• When we consume a vegan diet we also consume an ideal balance of other crucial substances such as carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, chlorophyll and numerous others.

While reading an alternative health magazine, I came across an interesting comment in an editorial column. In the column, a local chiropractor mentioned that metal body piercings are typically inserted at prime accupuncture points, and can block energy, disturb meridians, and cause long-term heath problems.

Intellectually, this made sense. But I wanted to find out more, so I went online. I discovered a very interesting article about metal rings, body piercing and health. The author writes:

"It is a little known fact, that metal anywhere on your body negatively affects your health. How can that be?

In his article, "Chinese Lessons for Modern Chiropractors" Dr. George Goodheart, the father of Applied Kinesiology spoke of his discovery called the Antenna Effect. He found that it is possible to tape a small metal ball onto an acupuncture point and accomplish longer term stimulation to that point. These little BB's are now called AcuAids and are used by thousands of doctors daily. This was an important discovery. Like those tiny BB's, any metal that is constantly on a given point on the human body may cause problems. The critical factor is where the points are located on the body.

"Perhaps two of the most important energy centers in the body are two areas where people are now commonly starting to pierce their bodies. One is the tongue. This is where the meridian for the central nervous system and its counterpart, the governing system, meet. Some people put a stud right in the middle of their tongue. My body cringes when I think of the harm they are doing to themselves energetically.

[My comment: According to a Chinese accupuncturist, piercing through the tongue depletes spleen Qi (energy) and can eventually lead to muscle wasting later in life.]

"A more common area of body piercing is the navel. This is right on the meridian for the central nervous system. The central nervous system is responsible for just about every single functioning part of your body. So if you have metal on your central meridian this can obviously have all kinds of effects on all kinds of different parts of your health. One [may] never realize the problems relate to the stud on the navel.

"The navel area is also very important for another reason. If you ask people who do martial arts, you will learn that this area is called the “hara”. This is your main power center. If you want to do martial arts you focus on this power center. If you want to pick up a heavy box, focus on this center. Any time you want to be stronger, if you feel this area, you will have more strength. Putting a metal stud there distorts and short circuits the energy.

"Wherever metal is present, it distorts the energy flow. If it is located near a meridian, it throws off the meridians and can have a small or even a large effect, especially long term on a person’s health."

Very interesting. Even more interesting are the accupuncture points on the ear.

Photo courtesy of Accupuncture.com

Fortunately, there are no accupuncture points associated with the middle earlobe, which the majority of women (myself included) have pierced. After looking at the diagram of the ear (above), it makes me less inclined to wear earrings.

I'm always surprised to see nutritionally savvy people (organic vegans, raw vegans, holistic health care practitioners) with dyed and chemically processed hair. I think there is a huge lack of awareness when it comes to the dangers of chemical hair coloring.

Using chemical hair coloring is just as dangerous as the pesticides and toxins that are sprayed on produce (if not more dangerous). Even more alarming is the fact that when you chemically color your hair, it's seeping into your scalp (your skin) and into your bloodstream.

When you color your hair, you're dumping toxic chemicals onto one of the most important spots of your body–your brain. This is where the blood supply is the richest in the entire human body (thus increasing the likelihood of harmful chemicals being absorbed into the bloodstream). The National Cancer Institute estimates that 20% of the non-Hodgkins lymphoma (the cancer that killed Jackie Kennedy-Onassis) is linked to the use of commercial, chemical hair dyes.

According to an article published in Energy Times…

• Most commercial hair coloring products contain cancer-causing agents and harsh bleaches. Some of the most dangerous are resorcinol and phenylenediamine derivatives (often preceded by an o-, p- or m- on the label). Another common hair dye ingredient, nitro-2-aminopherols, can initiate free-radical damage and DNA mutation which can lead to cancer. All of these chemicals have been associated with an increased occurance of asthma, Hodgkin's disease, lymphoma, breast cancer, bladder cancer and a form of leukemia called essential thrombocythemia."
• According to a study published by The American Journal of Epidemiology, hairstylists who worked with hair dyes for five years or more had had triple the risk of developing breast cancer.
• According to the American Cancer Society, people who used dark hair dye for two decades or more had a four times greater risk of dying from two cancers of the immune system, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
• Dr. Andrew Weil, the natural health care guru, advises against any use of hair colors or dyes whatsoever. Dr. Weil believes that the color additives in hair dyes "are energetic molecules that can interact with DNA, potentially causing mutations that lead to cancer."

More information on the dangers of commercial hair coloring.

The good news is you can color your hair naturally. How? The answer is Henna. It's 100% natural, and harvested from a plant that's grown in India and parts of China. Many people assume that Henna means red hair. While Henna does have a reddish hue, it will not turn your hair bright red. That's a misconception. You can choose from a range of colors: light blonde, brown, red, and black. From what I've read, Henna is effective at covering gray hair, too.

One caveat: You should understand that Henna has no bleaching properties. In other words, you can't become blonde if your natural hair color is brown or black. Also, make sure you buy 100% pure Henna, with no added ingredients. I recommend Morrocco Method Henna.

My friend and I applied Morrocco Henna a couple of days ago. The color turned out nicely, although the application process is pretty messy (it's a green plant paste you're working with).

Have fun!