60 Day Turnaround

I have read a lot on disc herniations over the last seven years, so much so, and so much regarding the increasing frequency of such, that I believe that 90% of the population over the age of 40, is on the “spectrum” of herniation.

What I mean by the spectrum, is that they are at some level of dysfunction that is similar to, or developing into, herniation.  The image below from Spine Universe (http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/herniated-disc/herniated-discs-definition-progression-diagnosis), demonstrates the general progression of herniation, and how it appears.

The first image, disc degeneration, we diagnose that every single week in someone new.  In other words, from 13-75, I expect to regularly see this in people who have suffered trauma, the most common one in youth, is sports related, and in adults, it has been a car accident.  I believe that the level of herniation that exists in the average 40+ adult, is prolapse.

This is a point at which there is usually obvious visual changes to the spine which can be seen via x-ray.  Thinning of the disc, bone spurs that extend laterally (away from) off of the body of the bone, and the disc protrudes along the edge of that bone spur.  And this is the reason why we care, because this alteration in bone and soft tissue disposition, has the potential to put incredible stress on the nerves, and spinal cord.  We have actually found a significant number of people in the last four months, who have bone spurs that are putting pressure on either the meningeal sac (the sac that holds the CSF fluid that protects the cord), or directly on the spinal cord.

I am writing about this less to INFORM you about what is likely happening to you and your spine, but rather to inspire you to action for your children’s spines.  You see the issue, is that they are the ones who are going to have severe issues, even worse than yours, if YOU don’t do something to inspire them to DO something.  I say this because they are exposed to an exponential increase in spinal degenerative states.

Posture.

Yeah, thats it.  You see, the trauma is simply a precipitating event.  It weakens the soft tissue ligamentous structures that support the spine.  Through normal healing, which requires mobilization of scarred tissues, the spine will return to normal function.  The problem, is that we go through a period of immobilization, followed by (in 90% of cases) a constant state of poorly supported spinal position.  Posturing that pushes the weight of the head forward on the spine (seated, whether in school, in a car, at a computer, holding a mobile device… big one right there), this head forward position puts stress on the vertebrae, causing it to malform, to compensate for that stress.

The result is the degenerative changes to the spine and disc that I have discussed here.  This is the worst case scenario for long term nervous system function, and health… and it is way too common a scenario these days.

What is the solution?  A lifetime of chiropractic care?  Yes, that will help, but even that might come too late.  Postural concern?  Yes, that is important, reduction of trauma?  Yes that too.  In the end, we have a duty to pay attention to everything that puts stress into ours and our children’s spines.  I am not as fearful of the trauma, as I am the posture.  I say this because the things that can act as trauma to the spine, are so plentiful, that limiting the damage from sports, only leaves opportunity for damage due to constant forward head posture.  There is a no win situation in our culture, unless you are simply all over the posture.

So take this information to try to prevent, but use us to detect.  We are running a patient appreciation day this day, June 11th, a special opportunity for you to get those you care about checked out.  I recommend you take advantage of this with your kids.  Don’t ignore the importance of this possible situation.

Be well and be blessed, lets get this community on the path to great long term health. – Dr. E

Well, the reality is that we all need guidance in anything that we are not experts at ourselves, and I don’t mean knowledge experts.  I mean application experts.  You might have all the knowledge of how to land a fighter plane, but until you have spent hours in the simulator, then hours actually landing one as a passenger, I doubt anybody would willingly go with you on ride.

So utilizing that illustration as our foundation, you probably need guidance.  Until you are ready to land the plane.  So for now, the guidance is in lifestyle habits.

Sleep – don’t let me guide you quite yet.  I have said it time and time again, these last couple years, and this will continue until I am complete… I have neglected sleep under the notion that I will sleep when I am dead.   Actually, the real notion is more like Nehemiah re-building the walls of Jerusalem.  He basically said “I am busy, don’t bother me, leave me alone to complete my work”.  Which is what I am saying.  But I will tell you how important sleep is, I just know I am sacrificing that piece right now.

Nutrition – HUGE.  You need guidance, which is why you need to come to my event this Wednesday.  How do I know you need guidance?  Remember, 500 ptnts a week for over a decade.  You have all taught me something.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1513988868821385/

Exercise – I think this is one of the most important investments you can make.  At least for several months,  I believe everyone should try receiving instruction in your workout.  Whether a personal trainer, or group exercise class, or CrossFit, or martial arts.  Having someone to lean onto for the first few months, is huge, which then turns into the knowledge you need to go it alone, or better yet, to feel comfortable in an ever progressing class.  The reality is that you won’t even know what you are missing, until you have spent about 4-6 months in a CrossFit class.  Go do it, it is worth it.

Chiropractic – of course you need someone else to perform the adjustment, but better yet.  You need to know you need it.  Did you ever have a relief care chiropractor, and think you were getting all there was?  No focus on correction, no re-x-rays, no change?  This is a lot like everything else above this point, you will commonly have no idea how good it can be.

Lastly – PEACE – I don’t know that we are the best to guide you in this pursuit, though we have done it many times, and will do it all again in September with the 60 Day Turnaround.  But in the meantime, submit to someone who can lead you to peace.  Stress is a killer.  Number one leading risk factor of heart disease.  You need to take it seriously, it is serious.

The list is short, but concise.  You need a leader, and we are here to lead.  Be sure to check the calendar online or the white boards around the office!  Be well and Be blessed! – Dr. E

Hey Guys – Dr. Mercola always likes when we share his articles in partiality, so here is another one.  You only get 5 of the 9 here, so be sure to go to the article at – http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/06/10/9-unhealthy-foods.aspx

The great news for you is that you can come to our workshop at CrossFit Bridgemill next Wednesday night at 7:30pm, and get yourself on track to understand why lists like this make a lot of sense.  Get signed up here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1513988868821385/

Also – if you check out our calendar online, you’ll see all of our upcoming events! Right here – http://www.healthsprout.com/events/calendar/

By Dr. Mercola

Many foods have been heavily promoted as being healthy when they are nothing more than pernicious junk foods. In the featured article, Clean Plates1 founder Jared Koch shared his list of nine staple foods that are far less “good for you” than you’ve been led to believe.

Here, I expand on the selections that are mentioned in the featured article.

1. Canned Tomatoes

Many leading brands of canned foods contain BPA — a toxic chemical linked to reproductive abnormalities, neurological effects, heightened risk of breast and prostate cancers, diabetes, heart disease and other serious health problems. According to Consumer Reports’ testing, just a couple of servings of canned food can exceed the safety limits for daily BPA exposure for children.

High acidity — a prominent characteristic of tomatoes – causes BPA to leach into your food. To avoid this hazardous chemical, avoid canned foods entirely and stick to fresh fruits and vegetables, or switch over to brands that use glass containers instead—especially for acidic foods like tomatoes.

2. Processed Meats

As Koch warns, processed deli meats like salami, ham, and roast beef are typically made with meats from animals raised in confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs).

This means they’re given growth hormones, antibiotics and other veterinary drugs, and raised in deplorable conditions that promote disease, these meats are also filled with sodium nitrite (a commonly used preservative and antimicrobial agent that also adds color and flavor) and other chemical flavorings and dyes.

Nitrites can be converted into nitrosamines in your body, which are potent cancer-causing chemicals. Research has linked nitrites to higher rates of colorectal, stomach and pancreatic cancer. But that’s not all. Most processed deli meats also contain other cancer-promoting chemicals that are created during cooking. These include:

• Heterocyclic Amines (HCAs) which are hazardous compounds created in meats and other foods that have been cooked at high temperatures. According to research, processed meats are clearly associated with an increased risk of stomach, colon and breast cancers.
• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Many processed meats are smoked as part of the curing process, which causes PAHs to form. PAHs can also form when grilling. When fat drips onto the heat source, causing excess smoke, and the smoke surrounds your food, it can transfer cancer-causing PAHs to the meat.
• Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs): When food is cooked at high temperatures—including when it is pasteurized or sterilized—it increases the formation of AGEs in your food. AGEs build up in your body over time leading to oxidative stress, inflammation and an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease.

The truth is, processed meats are not a healthful choice for anyone and should be avoided entirely, according to a 2011 review of more than 7,000 clinical studies examining the connection between diet and cancer. The report was commissioned by The World Cancer Research Fund2 (WCRF) using money raised from the general public. Therefore the findings were not influenced by any vested interests, which makes it all the more reliable.

It’s the biggest review of the evidence ever undertaken, and it confirms previous findings: Processed meats increase your risk of cancer, especially bowel cancer, and NO amount of processed meat is “safe.” You’re far better off ditching the deli meats and opting instead for fresh organically-raised grass-fed meats, or wild caught salmon.

3. Margarine

The unfortunate result of the low-fat diet craze has been the shunning of healthful fats such as butter, and public health has declined as a result of this folly. There are a myriad of unhealthy components to margarine and other butter impostors, including:

• Trans fats: These unnatural fats in margarine, shortenings and spreads are formed during the process of hydrogenation, which turns liquid vegetable oils into a solid fat. Trans fats contribute to heart disease, cancer, bone problems, hormonal imbalance and skin disease; infertility, difficulties in pregnancy and problems with lactation; and low birth weight, growth problems and learning disabilities in children. A US government panel of scientists determined that man-made trans fats are unsafe at any level.
• Free radicals: Free radicals and other toxic breakdown products are the result of high temperature industrial processing of vegetable oils. They contribute to numerous health problems, including cancer and heart disease.
• Emulsifiers and preservatives: Numerous additives of questionable safety are added to margarines and spreads. Most vegetable shortening is stabilized with preservatives like BHT.
• Hexane and other solvents: Used in the extraction process, these industrial chemicals can have toxic effects.

Good-old-fashioned butter, when made from grass-fed cows, is rich in a substance called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Much of the reason why butter is vilified is because it contains saturated fat. If you’re still in the mindset that saturated fat is harmful for your health, then please read the Healthy Fatssection of my Optimized Nutrition Plan to learn why saturated fat is actually good for you.

4. Vegetable Oils

Of all the destructive foods available to us, those made with heated vegetable oils are some of the worst. Make no mistake about it–vegetable oils are not the health food that you were lead to believe they were. This is largely due to the fact that they are highly processed, and when consumed in massive amounts, as they are by most Americans, they seriously distort the important omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Ideally, this ratio is 1:1.

Anytime you cook a food, you run the risk of creating heat-induced damage. The oils you choose to cook with must be stable enough to resist chemical changes when heated to high temperatures, or you run the risk of damaging your health. One of the ways vegetable oils can inflict damage is by converting your good cholesterol into bad cholesterol—by oxidizing it. When you cook with polyunsaturated vegetable oils (such as canola, corn, and soy oils), oxidized cholesterol is introduced into your system.

As the oil is heated and mixed with oxygen, it goes rancid. Rancid oil is oxidized oil and should NOT be consumed—it leads directly to vascular disease. Trans-fats are introduced when these oils are hydrogenated, which increases your risk of chronic diseases like breast cancer and heart disease.

So what’s the best oil to cook with?

Of all the available oils, coconut oil is the oil of choice for cooking because it is nearly a completely saturated fat, which means it is much less susceptible to heat damage. And coconut oil is one of the most unique and beneficial fats for your body. For more in-depth information about the many benefits of coconut oil, please see this special report. Olive oil, while certainly a healthful oil, is easily damaged by heat and is best reserved for drizzling cold over salad.

5. Microwave Popcorn

Perfluoroalkyls, which include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), are chemicals used to keep grease from leaking through fast food wrappers, are being ingested by people through their food and showing up as contaminants in blood. Microwave popcorn bags are lined with PFOA, and when they are heated the compound leaches onto the popcorn.

These chemicals are part of an expanding group of chemicals commonly referred to as “gender-bending” chemicals, because they can disrupt your endocrine system and affect your sex hormones. The EPA has ruled PFCs as “likely carcinogens,” and has stated that PFOA “poses developmental and reproductive risks to humans.” Researchers have also linked various PFCs to a range of other health dangers, such as:

• Infertility — A study published in the journal Human Reproduction3 found that both PFOA and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), dramatically increased the odds of infertility. PFOA was linked to a 60 to 154 percent increase in the chance of infertility.
• Thyroid disease — A 2010 study4 found that PFOA can damage your thyroid function. Individuals with the highest PFOA concentrations were more than twice as likely to report current thyroid disease, compared to those with the lowest PFOA concentrations. Your thyroid contains thyroglobulin protein, which binds to iodine to form hormones, which in turn influence essentially every organ, tissue and cell in your body. Thyroid hormones are also required for growth and development in children. Thyroid disease, if left untreated, can lead to heart disease, infertility, muscle weakness, and osteoporosis.
• Cancer — PFOA has been associated with tumors in at least four different organs in animal tests (liver, pancreas, testicles and mammary glands in rats), and has been associated with increases in prostate cancer in PFOA plant workers.
• Immune system problems — Several studies by scientists in Sweden indicate that PFCs have an adverse effect on your immune system. As described in a report on PFCs by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFOA was found to decrease all immune cell subpopulations studied, in the thymus and spleen, and caused immunosupression.
• Increased LDL cholesterol levels – A 2010 study in the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine5 found that children and teens with higher PFOA levels had higher levels of total cholesterol and LDL or “bad” cholesterol, while PFOS was associated with increased total cholesterol, including both LDL cholesterol and HDL or “good” cholesterol.

I strongly recommend avoiding any product you know containing these toxic compounds, particularly non-stick cookware, but also foods sold in grease-proof food packaging, such as fast food and microwave popcorn. Clearly, if you’re eating fast food or junk food, PFCs from the wrapper may be the least of your problems, but I think it’s still important to realize that not only are you not getting proper nutrition from the food itself, the wrappers may also add to your toxic burden.

 

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/06/10/9-unhealthy-foods.aspx

The anti vax movement is huge… the vax movement is huge… it is emotional, people almost come to blows over their opinions, and in the middle, you have guys like me, who are anti vax for my kids, I really don’t care what you do for yours, but tell me I am hurting society because I don’t vaccinate mine, and we are going to do battle.

Honestly, I know a ton of you will hate me for this, but I don’t even want anti-abortion laws.  I HATE the idea of abortion, and I totally agree that God will judge our nation.  So then, I feel like I should reach people where they are, love them to death, show them the beauty of the source of that love, and guide them so they would then choose not to.  And then, as a nation, we would as a majority choose not to abort.  Does that make sense, even if you don’t agree?  So I feel the same about vaccines, don’t make me, or anyone do it or not, just give me a choice, let my experience, intelligence and wisdom lead to my decision.

So, I posted this great image for all of you in another Daily Sprout, a little while back.  I read a pro vaccine post the other day, and it made me think of this image.  The PROOF that vaccines were NOT the reason why infectious diseases were eradicated/reduced.  Part of the reason perhaps, but look at the ridiculous evidence in favor of natural immunity.

I was interested in how well this author kept their emotions seemingly intact, but then at how obvious to me, that their position was one of passionate emotion as they so quickly dismissed the arguments that are commonly brought up by the anti vaccine movement, and referenced scientific evidence of safety.

It was written by “anonymous” which I also found interesting.  Don’t want to give away your obvious bend towards a singular belief huh?  Well, you’ll never find me posting as anonymous.  This is Dr. Eric J Richards, HealthSprout… Woodstock GA… The Garage, The Garage Games, CrossFit Silos, CrossFit Bridgemill, CrossFit Towne Lake… look me up.  Want to debate?  I am available.

The full article, is found HERE.  Anyways, this is an excerpt –

They say that measles isn’t a deadly disease.
But it is.

They say that chickenpox isn’t that big of a deal.
But it can be.

They say that the flu isn’t dangerous.
But it is.

They say that whooping cough isn’t so bad for kids to get.
But it is.

They say that vaccines aren’t that effective at preventing disease.
But 3 million children’s lives are saved every year by vaccination, and 2 million die every year from vaccine-preventable illnesses.

They say that “natural infection” is better than vaccination.
But they’re wrong.

I went through the links that were provided.  Of course, they are to one off studies, some with anecdotal evidence, others with opinion.  The reality is, I don’t need an opinion.  I need an answer.  Would somebody, anybody in the pro vaccine movement tell me why the above image exists?  Somebody?  Stop ignoring it, defend your precious vaccine, and give me solid evidence.  That one graph was the entire reason why we did not vaccinate our kids.

We fought long and hard for evidence that vaccines were winning the risk/reward battle, and once I saw that graph, it was all over for me.  No vaccines.

To the author’s point that studies show that people die from whooping cough, and they die from measles and chicken pox too.  Well, fortunately, not many.  Unfortunately, yes some do.  But take a look at this Cartersville pediatrician’s point on natural immunity:

Ultimately, I believe that vaccine policy will change in the direction of “less is better.” Vaccines do not have zero risk. The pharmaceutical companies are biased, and influence vaccine policy more than they should. Chickenpox is not smallpox. Hepatitis A is not polio. Papilloma virus is not HIV. Are we trying to eradicate the flu from the world? What if something happens whereby we can’t vaccinate 90% of the population forever? How then will a society that has become dependent upon a fragile artificial immunity deal with these germs? In forty years will the flu and chicken pox be like the plague? I think these questions and others are legitimate ones. 

http://www.cartersvillepediatrician.com/vaccines-and-medications/48-vaccine-policy.html

Its cool seeing this from a pediatrician, and I am sharing it because even though I don’t see eye to eye with this doctor on many things, I love the point that is being driven home here, and think if you feel you need a pediatrician.  Which I am not too sure why you would, but if you think you do, then this one might be a good choice.

The point they drove home here – we are so disease fragile, that we are making chicken pox the next big scare.  Or measles, or any of the vaccinated diseases.  See, there is this fantastic thing that we should all be trying to get for our kids… an immune system.  You get one for free, but you keep one through work.  Antibacterial soap doesn’t help.  Lysol on everything doesn’t help.  Washing your hands after every contact with everything doesn’t help.  Eating conventionally raised food doesn’t help.

So to the “anonymous” author of the article above… you fool.  Don’t you realize that those studies are done showing the impact of infectious disease on the least common denominator?  And do you not realize that your pressure to crutch all of humanity is driving us all to be more of the least common denominator?  The idea of survival of the fittest is somewhat unfair in a society of intelligent and wise decision makers, but if we fail to sow then reap an immune system, then why are we even wasting our breath talking about the diseases of the 20th century?  The diseases of the 21st century have already proven they are more virulent, and we are well on our way to destruction by them at the current pace.

Build a strong body.  That is your task.  Be well and Be blessed – Dr. E

In the past I have posted workouts on Friday’s only, which of course is like asking someone to wake-up two hours before necessary on a Saturday just to prepare for the day.  So, I figured I should start a new trend and post some good workout ideas on Monday.

If you want more ideas on workouts, just enter “Workout of the week” in the search box on our daily sprout main page.

Remember, I always condone high intensity (your intensity will be found based on your fitness, but it should be your high), and if you consider yourself to be a risk, because of heart problems or other medical concerns, please ask for advice from myself or a treating physician (though their advice will probably be overly cautious, if you have health concerns you should play it safe first).

Todays workout will be an AMRAP, which basically designates that I am going to tell you a time, and you will achieve As Many Reps As Possible, in that amount of time.  For this one, we are going to go for 10 minutes.

And in that 10 minutes, you can count the rounds of the work that you do, as well as the remaining reps.   The Workout will take no hard explanation, and will hopefully get all of you to give this a try.

The workout, as many “Meters” as possible in 10 minutes.  You can measure however you like, but the idea is, you will need to run, walk, or crawl, as fast as you can, to accumulate 10 total minutes of “meters”.

If you can run a 4 minute mile, we would hope you would accomplish 2 miles + in 10 minutes.  Not sure I have to be concerned about any mis-interpretation, but I think I should state this very obviously.

Your point in this 10 minute AMRAP, is to get as far as you possibly can in the time limit.  So walking only if necessary, jogging only if you cannot run, and running as hard as you can as lnog as possible, fighting for the distance.  You do realize that running is the most efficient way of moving your load, via your power, over long distances?  Sure you could add a machine on to it, but without that, you are the best machine for running on the planet, period.  Longer distance, even though we seem to fatigue, is our specialty.

Look up persistent hunting, and watch some aborigine tribe run for 9 hours and track down a deer.  Yeah, we outrun them, why then can’t we run to the mail box?  A lack of trying.

So whatever it takes to accomplish this, I want you to do it.  Even if you walk the whole way.

Be well and be blessed!  – Dr. E

The Mission Principle – “I was made for more, I was raised for more and I have been hardened for more… Service”

We are a culture rooted in Greek civilization. Which is at its base, a conquer society. Conquer the next promotion, conquer the next opportunity, the next relationship, the next competitor, etc, etc.  Leg up, climb the ladder, there is only room for one.  Sadly, it doesn’t leave much room for anyone else, and forget helping others.  Our world is largely, lost.

Personally, I succumb to the “I want to be best” thing quite a bit.  But fortunately it hasn’t really hurt me or someone because my sole proprietor nature keeps me from impacting anyone too directly thank goodness.  However, the problem is that we impact ourselves. Every time we take a bend towards conquering, we end up nicking away a bit of that servant heart that we should possess.

You were made to serve.  Try it, and tell me that I’m wrong. You were raised to serve. It is a funny thing, but we all have different childhood stories of our parents, our upbringing, and what it was like.  Yet every one of them prepared you to serve.  Either you did, out of anger or love, or you didn’t ever, and your heart will gravitate towards service because it needs it.

I was forced to serve my parents.  Get the forced to? Many if us feel that way, that we were forced to.  But the reality is that we should out of love, and those who align themselves with my statement of “forced”, much like myself, we’re serving out of anger.  Funny, I think this group sometimes makes the most joyful servants.

So I imagine we all have stories of hardening.  I was hardened for more service.  Huh? Most of our hard life stories might conjure up thoughts of deserving greater opportunity, deserving a grander place of existence. But those times where we were hardened by difficult times, we built a heart that knows the difficulty of life.  If we use it to filter life through the “oh, woe is me lens”, then we will surely fail to achieve what we are meant to… learning, which leads to wisdom.

But if we view it through the “count it all as joy” lens, the lens of, “I am better because life is harder”, then we will come out at the other end of ALL hardships, all of them, more ready and willing to serve.  To help others through their trials.  I sometimes have had people tell me that when I went through the loss of my sight in my left eye, that I had incredible faith.

I appreciate those comments, but if we stop and look at the story that was written on my life at the time… I had it made!  Families showed up to visit, bring dinners, lunches, breakfast.  Support showed up at the office to adjust patients.  My parents came down and spent a week with me, and my neighbors pitched in and paid to have my yard taken care of for several months.  It was awesome!

My point, I was cognizant enough to know that through my hardship, people showed up, and they poured out.  Because they had been hardened by life too, raised, and created to serve.  And there they were, serving.

So the Mission Principle. basically it is the key to a mission that will align with your purpose.  The purpose driven life has sold more copies than people.  Well, perhaps not, but it flew off the shelves.  Why?  Because it is that interesting to everyone, at some point.  The idea that you have a purpose.  So if you are making a mission for yourself, it better align with God’s purpose for yourself.

One of the most impactful components to any mission, is the need to serve others.  A mission that is from God, will put others first.  And this is the ultimate principle as it relates to creating a mission.

“To change the way the world perceives health while showing honor and respect to God and my Family.”  Mine hasn’t changed in a decade.

The Mission Principle is found in the 60 Day Turnaround, book forthcoming, and though I might have said it this way in my book, I am humbly reminded that writing this down really has nothing to do with me, and everything to do with God.
I pray that at the end of this Memorial Day weekend, you are moved by the idea of a mission.  We always said Be The Mission, in our Body By God 40 Day Challenge (back in the day)… I think its time to say it again.  Be The Mission!

Be well and be blessed! – Dr. E

Journal of Hematology & Thromboembolic Diseases – reports in their 2013 issue found here http://www.gmoevidence.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/JHTD-1-104.pdf, that Leukemia could be caused by GMO foods (genetically modified organisms).  Over the years we have taught specific workshops on GMO’s as well as the inclusion of this information in so many of our long duration food education workshops (Total Food Makeover, Body By God and our 60 Day Turnaround).

In this, we have always promoted the concern over GMO’s as being an unknown.  That to take God’s creation, throw it into the mess of man’s laboratory experimentation, inject some bacteria DNA into our normal food, and hope that it all works out, is the pathetic effort of someone acting blindly.  The bacteria that is at the center of attention is the Bt, this guy has been the bilogical king in this world, for years.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt),
a gram-positive, rod-shaped, spore-forming bacterium, is the most
important biopesticide sold worldwide [7,8], having been used for over
40 years by organic farmers who spray it as a foliar insecticide [7,9]

The model used in this study was to look at mice with toxic levels of exposure to Bt, which is present in many GMO products, especially corn (THINK – corn chips at any mexican restaurant, so if you are a PALEO dieter, who avoids wheat, and thus eats corn that is GMO, you are exposing yourself to this toxin every time you eat chips and salsa that are not organic chips).  These mice were evaluated for their red blood cell alterations first.

Following analysis of the red blood cells, the bone marrow was evaluated as well.  In the leukogram (table that analyzed the lymphocytes), there was a significant increase in the instance of lymphocyte presence in the mice with 24 hour and 7 day exposure to this toxin.  This represents a significant step towards leukemia, or perhaps an absolute diagnosis of leukemia in some cases.

The authors of the study were quick to dismiss the study findings as not being sound enough for conclusion at this time (I believe it is part of the pressure of reporting a study that flies in the face of Monsanto, and all that it could mean from a perspective of fear), see below.

In conclusion, results showed that the Bt spore-crystals genetically
modified to express individually Cry1Aa, Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac or Cry2A
can cause some hematological risks to vertebrates, increasing their toxic
effects with long-term exposure. Taking into account the increased risk
of human and animal exposures to significant levels of these toxins,
especially through diet, our results suggest that further studies are
required to clarify the mechanism involved in the hematotoxicity found
in mice, and to establish the toxicological risks to non-target organisms,
especially mammals, before concluding that these microbiological
control agents are safe for mammals.

It wasn’t a conclusive study to the authors, however it suggests that there is definitely a risk of hematotoxicity (blood toxicity) that could cause alteration of cells into leukemia like cells.  I personally believe you have to take that as a cautionary blow, and that we need to be pulling Bt out of our environment first, and doing following studies later.

And therein lies the problem.  In our country, it is easier to push a drug, or a food through the channels to get it on the market, and then deal with consequences later.  Where true safety would suggest that a producer should prove the safety of a product before it is ever let on the market.  This is just one example of hundreds.

Think deep, read up, be wise, be blessed and be well!  – Dr. E

So often we write and talk about the dangers lurking in our supermarkets.  You’ve probably heard us say by now to “know your dirty dozen, and your clean 15”… “eat lots of healthy fats”… “avoid processed food”…”sugar is destroying your health!”… ”buy organic grassfed beef”… Probably the most important thing that you can know when entering your local grocery store is that a multinational chemical and agricultural corporation is responsible for putting much of the food onto the shelves. Let me reiterate for emphasis. A chemical company…  is almost solely responsible for feeding the masses.  Many of you know the name, while others may be hearing it for the first time. MONSANTO!

Monsanto has its fingers in over 90% of this country’s crops.  90%!  There has been a growing concern over this matter in the last 10 years as Monsanto continues to not only douse our crops with pesticides and herbicides, but they have been messing with the actual genetic make –up of our foods.  With cancer rates on the rise every year, and with research showing a causal relationship between genetically modified/chemically laden foods and cancer (as well as a host of other diseases), the world has become increasingly restless and people are speaking out in a big way.  Many countries have bans on genetically modified foods already, including Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, France, Japan, and Mexico.  The list goes on, and if we want change here in the US, we need to speak out as well.  If you are outraged and you want your voice to be heard, you are in luck! 

This weekend March Against Monsanto will take place on a global level.  This article explains that over 350 cities, including every major city in the US will march against Monsanto this weekend.  Now, stop and think about that… that is a very significant event.  EVERY major city in the US… and it stretches even further to become a WORLDWIDE event.  Any guesses on why we won’t hear about this monumental event in the mainstream media? MONEY, MONEY, MONEY!  Let your voice be heard this Saturday the 24^th from 11-2 pm in Freedom Park.

At 9:30am, I knew exactly what I was going to write this about.  At 11pm, I have found myself going in a different direction with my thoughts.  But the real point, is that we are following along these last few “Lifestyle” sprouts I have written…

Taking it easy and the re-post from four years ago of a Man on Fire.

That there is a busy-ness that occupies are lives, and that there should be purpose that overrides that busy-ness.  If we can do that, if we can live with purpose beyond our running around, then we can achieve success.  Whether it be financial, familial, relationships… regardless.  Mission and purpose must rule the day.  I have written about mission and purpose, and have spoke on these topics, dozens of times over the years since we first taught The Body By God 40 Day Challenge.  

Today, as I sat in church, I began to consider the impact that the past has on our ability to truly achieve mission and purpose in our lives.  Andy Stanley has been speaking on the topic of “starting over”.  Truly focusing on the depth that it takes to use the “Past to remind me, not to define me”.

Ephesians 4:26-32

²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”^[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸ Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Those of you who have sat through my time management, mission management, purpose focused talks, have heard me speak of a time when we had seven offices, when I was spending more time with investors, and doctors (managers) than with patients.  The dreams were lofty, the potential was huge, but the focus was my own… not the purpose or mission that was defined for me by God.

So it failed.  I mean, sure, we did well for awhile, and I have a lot of reasons why it didn’t work out, but in the end, I look at myself as the failure between the corporate goal and where we landed.  No, please, don’t worry, it’s ok.  I have let my past be an education and nothing more in this light.  I still have huge lofty plans, but they have changed.  I have determined my place, and mission, and now we dream, and soar in those dreams, just like before… but different.

Along the way, I must say, there have been many issues that have brought their own struggles, and along the way there have been plenty of times when I have felt the tug of the baggage of past failure.  But, it is with effort, thought, and consideration that I can identify all that the past would do to my self esteem and my overall focus on the future.  And it is through this, that I can trust in God for the wonders of a new day.

This is where the key lies… the recipe.  It is in our ability to not just look into the past and see the lessons that we have been taught as lessons; but to also dig in so deep that we can completely forgive ourselves for failures, and by doing so, move forward without baggage, but with freedom.  Freedom to pursuit purpose and mission from God.

Be Blessed and Be Well… and Dream Big for a new day of hope and love.  – Dr. E

I am on a mission, it is why God put me here, and it is the thing that burns inside of me.  The mission is to pull people from a burning building, and to carry them to safety.  The biggest problem with my mission, is that most people do not have any idea that they are in the burning building.

YOU are in the building.  If you subscribe to any of what culture has to offer you in the way of diet, exercise, health PHILOSOPHY, spirituality… then you are there.  I could rant and rave for days on each of these topics individually, but it would get boring along the way.  But if you will simply trust the basis of this argument, then you will be pulled from the building, and will have amazing life change because of it!

Scratching the surface: Diet – Low Fat is still “in”, according to culture.  Does anyone out there believe that the “Low Fat” idea hasn’t been around long enough to have an impact?  How about “Diet” drinks and foods that are low sugar (high artificial sugar)?  The answer doesn’t lie in the low fat low sugar food, it lies in the lifestyle decisions for every food that you eat.

Exercise… do we really believe that another exercise video is the answer to our problems?  That we somehow are in need of one more infomercial piece of equipment?  Duh!  It is the decision that fails us, we fail to decide to be different, from this point forward.  We get back to the gym, then we are done, then back, then done, then back, then done… see-saw, see-saw, forever.  Lifestyle.

In the end, it really comes down to health philosophy, and the way you look at those decisions and how they impact your life.  Cultural philosophy says that you can make it through your life without making wise decisions, that there is SO MUCH technology in our healthcare, that we can SAVE you from your bad decisions with a pill and/or a surgery.  This is such a flawed opinion, and is so far from reality, that it is almost easier to believe the lie, than to do something about it.  Just consider the deaths in our country, 2/3 are lifestyle disease that are highly preventable… yet this cultural representation that the medical profession can save us with a chemical, IS NOT SAVING THEM!!!

Chiropractic is an answer in itself, adjusting the spine to allow for the best possible flow of information from your brain to your body, and to maintain that flow for your lifetime, with no other wise decision, will eliminate a HIGH percentage of risk.  Add other positive lifestyle decisions and you will live a life free from so many afflictions and ailments.

So here it is.  I am on a mission, I put a lot of time into making sure that I can lead you the way you need to be led, and in the direction that will allow you the best possible life.  So, SHOW UP.  That is it, just make it to our office, read my blog DrEricRichards.com (currently dead – will revive this under the 60 Day platform in the next year) read our Daily Sprout’s on the web site healthsprout.com, and make it to our workshops.  That is all you need to do.

If you are willing to take the steps to follow, then the lifestyle choices will become easier and easier.  That is all there is to it!  Do IT!  I want to see everyone tonight, and you should make every step you can to make it.  There is no easier time, life NEVER gets easier.  I am ready to act, follow me, let’s act together and change the community!!  Health for everyone!!

God Bless!!!!!! – Dr. E