Healthy with Jodi

Is Chewing Gum Bad for You? (One Ingredient Is Linked to Gut Destruction)

Disturbing side effects of chewing gum.  Alternative bad breathe ideas and reasons why you should rethink putting gum in your mouth.
Gut Destruction

Chewing gum manufacturers have been turning to an ingredient called titanium dioxide for years. Now used in nanoparticle form, this extremely tiny metal compound is posing some serious emerging health threats. This is probably the scariest reason to avoid gum.

Generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration, this compound is often used in nanoparticle form to create a bright white pigmentation in paints, plastics … and chewing gum. (2) It’s also found in tons of other foods, like candies and powdered white sugar (donuts!) and even bread. Although it’s allowed on store shelves and considered safe, scientists are starting to paint a different picture.

In fact, a 2017 study published in the journal NanoImpact shows that nano-titanium oxide ingredients like titanium dioxide can severely impact gut health. Researchers exposed small intestinal cells to a meal’s worth of nanoparticles over four hours (acute exposure) or three meal’s worth over five days (chronic exposure). What they found is a bit shocking.

Chronic exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the diet:

Weakened the intestinal barrier
Slowed down metabolism
Triggered inflammation
Weakened the gut’s defense against pathogens

Blocked nutrient absorption of key nutrients like iron, zinc and fatty acids
The nanoparticles actually blunted the effectiveness of the small intestines’ microvilli. Microvilli are tiny projections that jut off of small intestinal cells and work to absorb nutrients our bodies need to survive. (3)

People also face this type of titanium dioxide exposure through toothpaste, and it’s even sometimes used to created a smoother texture in chocolates and to create a brighter appearance in skim milk.

In 2012, Arizona State University found that titanium dioxide nanoparticles turned up in five percent of products tested, including Twinkies and mayonnaise samples. Under public pressure, Dunkin Donuts stopped using nano-titanium dioxide in its donuts’ powdered sugar in 2015.

“To avoid foods rich in titanium oxide nanoparticles you should avoid processed foods, and especially candy. That is where you see a lot of nanoparticles,” — Gretchen Mahler, PhD, study co-author and assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Binghamton University, State University of New York. (4)

Beyond that, many chewing gum products contain emulsifiers to retain flavor and keep gum from sticking to your teeth. (5) The trouble is, many emulsifiers act almost like detergent in your digestive tract, throwing off the natural balance of your gut flora. In fact, research in lab animals suggests certain emulsifiers used as food additives could contribute to colon cancer development.

Is Chewing Gum Bad? More Reasons to Stop

Migraines

For children and adolescents dealing with vicious migraines and tension headaches, the natural solution could be right under their noses: Stop chewing gum. A small study published in Pediatric Neurology discovered that nixing gum led to significant improvements in 26 out of 30 adolescents in the study. Amazingly, 19 of them experienced complete headache resolution. No pills, no treatments — they just stopped chewing gum. (6)

If you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of a migraine naturally, your gum habit is a great place to start. In tweens and teens, common proven headache triggers include stress, lack of sleep, hot weather, video games, noise, sunlight, smoking, skipping meals and menstruation. Now we can add gum to the list. Researchers aren’t sure if it’s the artificial sweeteners or a TMJ issue related to gum and headaches, but the good news is we can stop many headaches with this simple step. (7)

Sinister Sweeteners

You’d expect fake sweeteners like aspartame in diet soda, but chewing gum? Come on! Different chewing gum companies turn to ingredients like aspartame, sorbitol, high-fructose corn syrup, acesulfame K, sucrolose and xylitol. Some actually use multiple fake sweeteners in a single gum product.

These ingredients are linked to serious health issues like tooth decay, liver fat buildup, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, leukemia, lymphoma, kidney tumors and more. Acesulfame potassium, also known as acesulfame K, is among the most common artificial sweeteners detected in breast milk. That’s troubling, since the ingredient is also linked to thyroid dysfunction. Sucralose harms the gut, throwing off healthy levels of enzymes and disrupting the microbiome. (8)

While xylitol and sorbitol may seem more natural, these processed sugar alcohols aren’t absorbed well by the body and cause an allergic reaction for those who have a sensitivity to it. And then there are the digestive sugar alcohol and xylitol side effects, including bloating, gas, cramping and diarrhea. And get this: Its laxative effect is so pronounced that it’s actually part of the chemical makeup for many over-the-counter laxatives.

Special note to dog owners: Xylitol and other sugar alcohol-based sweeteners are life-threatening toxins to dogs. Be mindful of breath mints, candies, sugar-free gum, frozen desserts and other foods when your pets are around. (9)

Better Bad-Breath Fighters & Gum Alternatives

Bad breath is a good excuse to reach for gum, but as you can see, the side effects are bad news, especially for your gut. Luckily, there are better ways to cope. After ruling out potential underlying issues for bad breath, you can turn to these things to naturally improve your breath:

Eat parsley.
Drink enough water, especially tap into the benefits of lemon water.
Learn how to safely tap into peppermint oil benefits.(Not recommended for young children.)
Learn about oil pulling with coconut oil.
Avoid grains and added sugars.
Final Thoughts on ‘Is Chewing Gum Bad for You?’
American played a huge role in spreading the popularity of chewing gum all around the world.
However, today’s ingredients include fake dyes and flavors. But perhaps most concerning is nanoparticle-sized titanium dioxide, an ingredient used in everything from gum, candy and bread to paint and plastics.
Nano-titanium dioxide helps create a vibrant white color, but scientists now show that it can impact small intestinal cells in a way that blocks absorption of key nutrients, slows the metabolism, increases inflammation and weakens the gut’s ability to protect against dangerous pathogens.
Chewing gum is also linked to migraines and tension headaches in children and adolescents.
There are still some chewing gum companies that rely on old-fashioned, real-food ingredients, but they are sometimes harder to come by.

Source: www.draxe.com

Lemon Sautéed Spinach & Quinoa

Lemon Sautéed Spinach & Quinoa 
Vegan, Vegetarian
Happily serves 4

ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

1 bag spinach
¼ Cup pumpkin seeds
1 Cup tri color Quinoa, cooked
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 chopped yellow onion
1 TBSP of Avocado oil
1 lemon, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste

Pre-heat cast iron pan over medium heat.
Saute chopped garlic and onion, remove and keep aside.
Add a portion of the baby spinach to the pan, stir frequently continuing to add spinach until entire bag is added.
Steam spinach until soft bright green (only takes about a minute.)
Remove from heat! Drain off water!
Stir in Quinoa, oil, spinach, garlic, onion, and pumpkin seeds
Sea Salt and pepper to taste .
Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over spinach before serving.

Protein Collagen Pancakes

Protein Collagen Pancakes
Gluten Free, Dairy free
Happily serves 2-3

ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

2 Free Range Pasture raised eggs
1 egg white
1/8 Cup melted Coconut oil
1/4Cup Coconut flour
2 scoops Bone Broth Protein Powder
Dash cinnamon
1/8 tsp Himalayan sea salt

Liquid Bone broth or water to thin (I only needed about a TBSP)
Stevia if desired sweeter

Whisk eggs and oil together thoroughly.
Stir in coconut flour, protein powder and Himalayan sea salt and allow to sit for 5 minutes
Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
Once hot, drop batter into cast iron skillet, cook until bubbles form on one side, flip and repeat.
Serve Hot

Herb Vs. Spices

Herb Vs. Spices
The difference between the two is where they are obtained from a plant.

Herbs come from the leafy and green part of the plant.
Spices are parts of the plant other than the leafy bit such as the root, stem, bulb, bark or seeds.

We often hear the term “herbs and spices”. As any amateur chef knows, herbs and spices are vital ingredients in many dishes. They add flavor, aroma, color, texture and even nutrients.

Both spices and herbs are parts of plants (fresh or dried) that are used to enhance the flavor of foods. They’ve also been known to preserve foods, cure illness and enhance cosmetics.

Herbs are usually grown in more temperate areas than spices and have great medicinal value and are also used in the preparation of cosmetic products.

Spices are usually dried before being used to season foods. Unlike herbs, they are grown in more tropical countries. They’ve also been known to preserve foods and some have medicinal value, such as turmeric with its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal properties.

Despite the above clarification, according to the American Spice Trade Association, spices are defined as “any dried plant product used primarily for seasoning purposes”. This really broadens the definition of spices, allowing it to include herbs, dehydrated veggies, spice blends and spice seeds.

Here are a few example of herbs and spices, along with their reported nutritional/health benefits.

Spice Nutrition
Cinnamon
Lowers blood sugar levels, LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides especially in people with type 2 diabetes

Ginger
Can stop nausea and may also relieve heartburn

Cloves
Have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic properties; they are known for relieving flatulence and can actually help promote good digestion as well as metabolism

Chili
Contains capsaicin which puts the heat in chilies, may lower the risk of skin and colon cancers, shown to suppress appetite and boost metabolism

Mustard seeds
Contain phytonutrient compounds that protect against cancers of the gastrointestinal tract; believed to reduce the severity of asthma

Herb Nutrition
Basil
Rich in Vitamin A and K. Assists with combatting bowel inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis

Oregano
Assists with inflammation

Mint
Helps with digestion and asthma

Parsley
Protects against rheumatoid arthritis, antioxidant-rich, fights cancer, high in vitamin C and iron.

Thyme
Contains the oil, thymol, especially helpful for chest and respiratory problems, also acts as an antiseptic and disinfectant.

Old Label vs. New labeling on food-FDA Announement


Old vs New Label – What’s Different?
While much of the new label’s look isn’t drastically different from the old label, the information and layout have been revamped. According to the FDA’s announcement, the most notable differences between the old and new label include:
* Increasing the type size for “Calories,” “servings per container,” and the “Serving size” declaration, and bolding the number of calories and the “Serving size” declaration to highlight this information.
* Requiring manufacturers to declare the actual amount, in addition to percent Daily Value of vitamin D, calcium, iron and potassium. (They can voluntarily declare the gram amount for other vitamins and minerals.)
* Changing the footnote to better explain what percent Daily Value means. It will read: “*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.”
* Adding the “Added Sugars” declaration directly beneath the listing for “Total Sugars.”
* Removing “Calories from Fat” because research shows the type of fat is more important than the amount.
* Serving sizes must be based on amounts of foods and beverages that people are actually eating, not what they should be eating.

Image source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Now that you have a better understanding of the new label, let’s discuss some labeling strategies you can use to meet these label requirements without causing major disruptions to your business.
Label Tips for Manufacturers
Updating your labels can be a pain but with some planning, it can be a much easier process. Below are some suggestions to help you get started on your path to FDA label compliance:
* Mask old info with cover-up labels: Also known as “block out labels,” this unique label material allows you the ability to completely cover up the old Nutrition Facts while continuing to use the last of your label inventory.
* Embrace a new label look: Updating labels with the new Nutrition Facts can be the perfect opportunity to evaluate your current label design and try something new or make improvements.

Women’s Multi Vitamin 40+

Ortho Multi Women 40+
Protocol for life Balance
120 Capsules $30.00

-Iron-Free Formula for Post-Menopausal Women*
-With Cranberry and Superfruits – Acai, Mangosteen and Pomegranated
-A Dietary Supplement
-Vegetarian/Vegan
Iron-Free Ortho Multi™ Women’s 40+ provides balanced nutrition for the support of total body wellness for menopausal and post-menopausal women.* In addition to a full range of daily vitamins and minerals, Ortho Multi™ Women’s 40+ supplies free radical fighting ingredients such as CoQ10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Lutein and Lycopene to help fight the ravages of aging.* Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Boron, Vitamins D and K have also been included as key bone building nutrients. This comprehensive and completely vegetarian formula features chelated minerals, as well as coenzyme forms of B6 and B12 for enhanced bioavailability.

Servings Per Container: 30
As a dietary supplement, take 4 capsules daily in divided doses with meals or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Serving Size: 4 Veg Caps
Amount Per Serving
Vitamin A … 10, 000IU 
(100% as Beta-Carotene)
Vitamin C … 300mg
(from Calcium Ascorbate and Ascorbyl Palmitate)
Vitamin D … 1, 000IU 
(as Ergocalciferol)
Vitamin E … 200IU 
(as d-alpha Tocopheryl Succinate)
Vitamin K … 80mcg 
(as Menaquinone K2 and Phytonadione K1)
Thiamine … 25mg 
(from Thiamine HCI)(Vit. B-1)
Riboflavin … 25mg 
(Vitamin B-2)
Niacin … 30mg 
(Vitamin B-3)(as Niacinamide and from Inositol Hexanicotinate)
Vitamin B-6 … 25mg 
(from Pyridoxine HCI and Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P-5-P))
Folate … 800mcg 
(as Folic Acid)
Vitamin B-12 … 200mcg 
(as Methylcobalamin)
Biotin … 300mcg
Pantothenic Acid … 50mg 
(from D-Calcium Pantothenate)
Calcium … 250mg 
(from Calcium Carbonate (Aquamin® TG Red Algae Sea Minerals) and Calcium Ascorbate)
Iodine … 150mcg 
(from Potassium Iodide)
Magnesium … 100mg 
(from Magnesium Citrate and Aquamin® TG Red Algae Sea Minerals)
Zinc … 15mg
(from from Zinc Bisglycinate)(TRAACS®)
Selenium … 200mcg
(from L-Selenomethionine)
Copper … 1mg
(from Copper Bisglycinate)(TRAACS®)
Manganese … 2mg 
(from Manganese Bisglycinate)(TRAACS®)
Chromium … 120mcg 
(from Chromium Picolinate)
Molybdenum … 75mcg 
(from Sodium Molybdate)
Potassium … 25mg 
(from Potassium Chloride)
Cranberry … 100mg
(Vaccinium macrocarpon)(Fruit)(Standardized to min. 6% Quinic Acid)
Pomegranate Extract … 50mg
(Fruit)[min. 40% Punicalagins (Punicosides A and B)]
Organic Acai … 50mg
(Euterpe oleracea)(Fruit Skin and Pulp)
Mangosteen Extract … 50mg
(Fruit Peel)(Garcinia mangostana)(min. 10% Mangostin)
CoQ10 … 30mg 
(Coenzyme Q10)
Alpha Lipoic Acid … 30mg
Choline … 25mg 
(from Choline Bitartrate)
Inositol … 25mg
Aloe Vera … 25mg 
(Leaf)(200:1 Concentrate)
Lycopene … 500mcg 
(from Natural Tomato Extract)
Lutein … 500mcg 
(from Marigold Flowers)
Other Ingredients: Cellulose (capsule), Cellulose Powder, Stearic Acid (vegetable source) and Silica.
CAUTIONS/INTERACTIONS: Iodine may occasionally cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. This product contains Vitamin K, which is contraindicated in individuals taking warfarin. Some ingredients in this formula may affect the absorption or metabolism of medications. If you are taking any pharmaceutical medications, consult your healthcare practitioner before taking this product. If you are pregnant or lactating, consult your healthcare practitioner before taking this product.

Garlic Shrimp Salad

Gluten Free, Dairy Free
Happily serves 4

ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

SALAD- greens and sprouts

3 Garlic Cloves
1 lb Wild caught Shrimp
1 Cup Asparagus
1 Cup Artichoke
3 TBSP Bone broth
1 Red bell pepper
3 TBSP Fresh Parsley

DRESSING

3 TBSP  Fresh lemon juice
3 TBSP Hemp Seed Oil
1-2 TBSP Dijon Mustard
1 tsp Raw Honey (can sub Stevia or Monk Fruit)
Himalayan Sea Salt
Cracked black pepper to taste

Press Garlic, Let sit 5-10 mins.

Chop bell pepper and asparagus. Cut Artichoke.

Rinse and drain Shrimp, pat shrimp dry
Add bone broth to cast iron skillet, sauté asparagus, artichokes, and bell peppers.
Whisk it together lemon juice, hemp seed oil, mustard, honey and garlic.
Toss shrimp with veggies,  dressing and herbs, lay on a bed of MicroGreens.
Best if you let the shrimp marinade at least 15 minutes.

Jamaican Cornmeal Fritters

JAMAICAN CORNMEAL FRITTERS

Vegan, GF

Happily serves 10

All ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

1½ cup corn flour 

½ cup GF flour

2 tbsp Coconut sugar

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp Himalayan sea salt

1½ cup room temperature water

2 tbsp coconut or avocado oil

Coconut Oil for frying

Heat a cast iron skillet with about ½ cup oil on medium heat.

While its heating, mix all ingredients into a bowl (will take on a thick pancake consistency).

Once oil is hot in pan, add several large dollops of cornmeal mixture into pan.

Fry 5 minutes or so on each side until golden yellow.

Remove fritters when evenly golden yellow on both sides, and place on paper towel to clean excess oil.

Pumpkin Cornbread

PUMPKIN CORNBREAD

Vegan, GF, Dairy Free

Happily Serves 8

ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

¾ cup almond or coconut milk, room temperature

¼ cup Coconut vinegar

1 cup cornmeal

1 cup GF All purpose flour (can sub quinoa flour)

½ teaspoon Himalayan Sea salt

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ cup softened coconut oil

cup brown sugar, packed (can sub coconut sugar)

1 can pumpkin puree or 2 cups fresh pumpkin

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and prepare a 9 in cast iron skillet (or square pan) with cooking spray.

Stir together nut milk and vinegar. Let sit for 10 minutes while you prep the rest of the ingredients.

Whisk together your dry ingredients: cornmeal, whole wheat pastry flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda and set aside.

Whisk together coconut oil and granulated sugar until well combined.

Whisk in pumpkin puree.

Stir in almond milk/vinegar mixture.

Now stir in your dry ingredients.

Mix until just combined.

Don’t over mix, or you’ll end up with tough bread!

Bake for about 25-35 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Remove from the oven, let cool slightly and then serve immediately 

More Cornbread Recipes

Amino Turkey Veggie Stir Fry Recipe

Amino Turkey Veggie Stir Fry

Happily serves 4

Gluten Free

All Organic ingredients:

2 tsp avocado oil

1 lb ground turkey (can sub Bison)

1 cup broccoli 

1 cup red and or green cabbage

1 medium yellow onion

3 cloves garlic

1 tsp ground ginger or ginger powder

¼ cup coconut aminos

Salt and black pepper to taste

2-3 green onion stalks, finely chopped

Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes 

Brown the meat in cast iron pan.  Cover and remove from heat while preparing the veggie mix.

On medium to high heat saute chopped yellow onion (not the green onions) and avocado oil for 3 mins.

In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, ginger and aminos and add to pan, and then immediately add veggies.

Cook for a 3-5 minutes, stirring often

Add chopped green onions and meat, combine well.

Salt and black pepper to taste

More Stir Fry Recipes