May 2011 - everywomanover29

The Organic Consumers Association http://www.organicconsumers.org/ is an organization campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability. I love what they stand for and how they keep me informed through their website and great newsletter Organic Bytes.

Just one example of the great work they are doing is this: demanding labels on GMO Salmon in CA! It’s crazy that salmon is being genetically modified (you can read more about GMOs here) but the important thing is to make sure it’s at least labeled so we have a choice when shopping!

The most recent Organic Bytes newsletter shared much of this… the latest on the California bill AB 88, which requires labels on genetically engineered salmon. It moved forward on May 3, 2011, when it passed the Assembly Health Committee.

Assembly member Jared Huffman introduced the bill, AB 88, in anticipation of U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of the first-ever proposed commercialization of a genetically engineered animal, AquaBounty’s salmon.

“Knowing whether our salmon is genetically engineered is important for a host of reasons, including risks to our native salmon species, and allowing consumers to make dietary choices consistent with concerns they may have for the environment, food safety, and religiously or ethically based dietary restrictions,” said Assemblymember Huffman, in explaining the reason for introducing the bill. I say a big kudos to you Assemblymember Huffman!

If you live in California, AB 88 needs your help! The next vote is on May 18th in the Appropriations Committee. If your Assembly Member is on the Committee, please let them know you’ll be watching their vote to see if they support consumers’ right to know about GMOs!

And, if you live anywhere else in the country, there’s still time to stop Frankenfish! The FDA hasn’t approved it yet. Please tell President Obama to reject AquaBounty’s GMO salmon.

You can go to http://www.organicconsumers.org/ and enter your state to find this bill and other bills that may be affecting you and your families.

From the website: The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) is an online and grassroots non-profit 501(c)3 public interest organization campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability. The OCA deals with crucial issues of food safety, industrial agriculture, genetic engineering, children’s health, corporate accountability, Fair Trade, environmental sustainability and other key topics. We are the only organization in the US focused exclusively on promoting the views and interests of the nation’s estimated 50 million organic and socially responsible consumers. The OCA represents over 850,000 members, subscribers and volunteers, including several thousand businesses in the natural foods and organic marketplace. Our US and international policy board is broadly representative of the organic, family farm, environmental, and public interest community.

Anti-AnxietyFoodSolution1.indd

Here are a selection of quotes and facts from each chapter of the book: The Antianxiety Food Solution: How The Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood and End Cravings.

Introduction: “There’s a reason why I’m so passionate about working with people with anxiety and why I’m writing this book. I’ve had my own personal journey with anxiety…” Chapter 1: Figure Out Your Optimum Antianxiety Diet There are 4 antianxiety diets but “Eating real, whole, good-quality food is the foundation of this book and any program to prevent and alleviate mental health issues such as anxiety….” Chapter 2: Avoid Sugar and Control Blood Sugar Swings “Sugar and alcohol may contribute to elevated levels of lactate in the blood, which can cause anxiety and panic attacks” Chapter 3: Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol, and Nicotine In a study, “…those with panic disorders experienced increases in symptoms such as nervousness, fear, nausea, heart palpitations, and tremors after consuming caffeine and said the effects were similar to how they felt during a panic attack…” Chapter 4: Address Problems with Gluten and Other Foods “Clinical experience and specific studies support the connection between gluten and anxiety, social phobia, depression, and even schizophrenia” Chapter 5: Improve Your Digestion “…people with digestive complaints such IBS, food allergies and sensitivities, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and ulcerative colitis frequently suffer from anxiety and…depression.” Chapter 6: Balance Brain Chemistry with Amino Acids “GABA plays a major role in anxiety, and serotonin plays a role in at least some types of anxiety…. The great thing about supplementing with amino acids is that you’ll get immediate feedback: positive effects, adverse effects, or no changes at all.” Chapter 7: Address Pyroluria or Low Levels of Zinc and Vitamin B6 “Low levels of zinc and vitamin B₆ are frequently associated with a type of anxiety characterized by social anxiety, avoidance of crowds, a feeling of inner tension, and bouts of depression” Chapter 8: Other Nutrients, Hormone Imbalances, Toxins, Medications, & Lifestyle Changes “Mild to moderate deficiency of vitamin C may be associated with increased nervousness and anxiety… Supplemental magnesium together with vitamin B6 was shown to alleviate anxiety-related premenstrual symptoms, as well as breast tenderness and menstrual weight gain…” As you can see, there are many factors that can affect how anxious you feel and since we are all biochemically unique it’s important to figure out and address what may be triggering your anxiety, mood issues and associated cravings. © 2011 Trudy Scott

Archives for May 2011

Organic Consumers Association and GMO Salmon in CA

Antianxiety Food Solution Quotes