A: Allergies to cat dander and fur may be treated with homeopathic remedies, available from your local natural-products store, rather than using antihistamines. They are fast-acting and are effective for both short-term and long-term relief. If you have a pet, purchase a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and vacuum your home often (daily is best). Include an essential fatty acid source in your diet, like fish oil, to reduce inflammation caused by allergies.

A: Quite simply, choosing organic means fewer chemicals, pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides in your daughter’s body. Some of these chemicals remain in animal fat cells (which are then ingested by humans) and may disrupt hormones. A recent study provided further evidence that the nutritional values in organic foods are greater than that of non-organic. Naturally-raised cows produce meat and milk products that are richer in a number of vitamins and CLA than conventionally raised cattle. Choosing organic is very much a personal choice, but consider the “why not” factor. If there is even the slightest chance that organic is a healthier choice, (especially considering the competitive prices of organic produce nowadays), why not buy organic?

A: Quinoa has a lot of phytic acid, a natural ingredient in grains that can cause digestive upset (and usually does). Soaking quinoa in water overnight, and then pouring the water down the drain (exactly what you do to prepare dry beans) gets rid of the phytates (and even cuts down on the cooking time).

A: Keratosis Pilaris, characterized by bumps on the backs of the arms, is a sign of vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is naturally occurring in fish and butter, but for treatment of the skin, introduce a vitamin A supplement at 25,000 IU for a few weeks. The bumps should disappear by then. Reduce supplementation to 10,000 IU but keep the bottle on hand in case the bumps return.

To verify that this is the cause, another sign of low vitamin A is night blindness. If there is a reason to avoid vitamin A (pregnancy, liver problems), then beta carotene is another (less effective) option. Beta carotene is found in brightly coloured vegetables and fruit (carrots, red peppers, broccoli, etc.). An article about skin care/conditions will appear in an upcoming issue of the Naturally Savvy newsletter.

A: Allergies to cat dander and fur may be treated with homeopathic remedies, available from your local natural-products store, rather than using antihistamines. They are fast-acting and are effective for both short-term and long-term relief. If you have a pet, purchase a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and vacuum your home often (daily is best). Include an essential fatty acid source in your diet, like fish oil, to reduce inflammation caused by allergies.

A: Boiling water kills bacteria but does not reduce its fluoride content. It does, however, reduce the amount of chlorine. In fact, evaporation alone will reduce chlorine - leaving uncovered water in a pitcher for 20 minutes will allow most of the chlorine to dissipate. To drink water without fluoride, purchase distilled, reverse osmosis, or water that's been filtered by a 3-part carbon filter.

A: If by energy you mean calories (another word for energy), meat or cake (depending on the type of cake) are the most energy-dense.

Lean meats like turkey and chicken have the fewest calories/least energy; Angel food cake is the least energy-dense cake; cakes with icings, fillings, nuts, and cream cheese provide the most calories.

In holistic health the term "energy" represents life force. Enzyme-rich foods (like raw fruit and vegetables, sprouts, fresh-pressed juices, and raw nuts) are energizing. Because these foods are enzyme-rich, they free-up our energy resources for tasks other than digestion.

Meat, bread, and cake, on the other hand, are not enzyme-rich foods and are often the cause of low energy, fatigue, and a sluggish metabolism.

To immediately boost your energy levels, start your day with a glass of water and a generous squirt of fresh lemon juice, followed by a juice preparation made from fresh vegetables and fruit (try a combination of spinach, celery, and apples).

A: Starting your day with a glass of water and lemon is a gentle way to:

• Naturally boost energy levels. Many find they aren't interested in a cup of coffee after water and lemon;
• provide a shot of vitamin C to help meet our need for the important antioxidant vitamin;
• favorably alter blood's pH in the alkaline direction;
• stimulate the liver to "melt" fat stores and cellulite; and
• detoxify the blood and liver.

This practice may be continued daily for as long as you like; however, since lemon is tart and can erode the enamel on teeth, you may wish to drink it through a straw. To further detoxification, introduce dandelion root tea (herbal) daily for a three week period every few months. This is a liver and kidney cleanse and will boost immunity, energy levels, and fat burning.

A: Unfortunately many commercially-bought sushi rolls contain ingredients that don't need to be there - like aspartame, MSG, and cream cheese. Sushi contains nori (seaweed), rice, and ginger as its basic ingredients, with soy sauce (or tamari) and wasabi on the side. Raw fish like salmon or tuna and vegetables (such as cucumber) or avocado can be added.

Imitation crab meat (called kamaboko) has been used by the Japanese for hundreds of years. It is usually made from Alaska pollock (cheaper than crab and has less fat and cholesterol). Sugar and/or sorbitol as well as artificial flavors, colors, egg white, starch, and oil are added during processing.

Look for fresh sushi that is made with minimal ingredients. Most good Japanese restaurants use higher quality ingredients. If you're picking up sushi at your local market, read labels before buying.

A: Digestive enzymes work in the upper digestive tract (stomach, small intestine) and probiotics in the lower. They need not be taken together, however, they benefit each other and help to complete the digestive process. Undigested food entering the large intestine "feed" unfavorable microorganisms, furthering the need for probiotics.

A: Candida is an umbrella term used to describe an overgrowth in the intestines of about 60 fungus-type organisms. These organisms develop a root system that give off toxic by-products that destroy the gut lining enabling the fungi to progress throughout the body. Candida feed off sugars, starches and yeast. Starve candida by avoiding sugars, starches (breads, pasta, rice, potatoes, beans, baked goods), yeast (e.g., bread, baked goods), mold (e.g., cheese, leftovers), fungi (e.g., mushrooms), fermented foods (e.g., pickles, vinegars - incl. ketchup, mustard, salad dressings…), supplements containing sugar and/or yeast, dairy products, and limit fruit consumption to 2/day. Safe foods include all vegetables (mainly raw), avocado, eggs (if well tolerated), fish, flax oil, olive oil, fresh vegetable juices, ghee, honey, poultry (organic), raw & fresh nuts & seeds, red meat (organic) and some tofu. Be sure to chew food carefully, and drink freshly-pressed vegetable juice whenever possible.

A: The liver helps regulate sex/menstrual hormones; thus, detoxification – which often involves some type of liver work – usually results in improved hormone balance (for example, a reduction in symptoms of PMS or regulation of the menstrual cycle). The fact that you were able to menstruate after almost 20 years indicates that with a little support, your menstrual hormones can be normalized. It’s worth consulting a naturopathic doctor for a full work-up to determine hormone levels and perhaps a prescription of progesterone, but in the meantime, here is some advice:

• Continue liver detoxification: Drink a glass of water with freshly squeezed lemon first thing in the morning and dandelion tea later in the day. Provide liver-supporting antioxidants like vitamin C (ascorbic acid), lipoic acid, grape seed extract, quercetin, and NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine).
• Include broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts in your diet a minimum of three times each week.
• Supplement with nutrients that support hormone balance: B complex (particularly pyrodixine and folic acid), 1000 mg of fish oil (EPA/DHA), 400 IU of vitamin E, and 60 mg of Diindolylmethane (DIM).
• Maintain a body fat percentage below 30% and exercise daily.
• Limit caffeine (from all sources) to 100 mg a day. That’s one cup of coffee.
• Avoid alcohol.

A: Grapeseed oil is an exception - its rich antioxidants prevent the formation of free radical chains that are typically produced when oils are exposed to high temperatures. Olive oil and canola oil are safe for heating at lower temperatures (for sautéing or warming), but the longer they are heated, the faster they break down. Ironically, butter and organic coconut oil are the ideal fats for frying. They are saturated fats (which means that if used excessively, they may contribute to heart disease over time) but are highly stable.

A: Store tea leaves, or teabags, in an air-tight container to maintain freshness. Black tea can be kept for up to two years, green tea for up to one year, in a cool, dark cupboard. Some herbal teas can lose their flavor within a month if stored improperly.

A: Introducing whole foods to your children while they’re young can help to prevent diabetes and obesity later on in life. Start their day off with cereal made from the whole grain like oatmeal (not instant). Pack lunches with sandwiches made from sprouted grains, and provide raw green beans, carrots and fresh fruit as snacks.

A: All baked goods that call for butter or oil - cookies, cakes, muffins, bread, and even pizza dough can be made fat-free. Directly substitute a fruit purée like unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for the fat. If the recipe calls for one cup of butter, use one cup of applesauce instead. The sweetness of the fruit allows you to reduce the sugar by half as well! To boost the nutritional value of your baking even more, add a tablespoon of fiber like ground flax seed, psyllium or inulin to your recipe.

A:You can polish silver with common household ingredients. You'll need:

• tinfoil
• 2 cups boiling water
• toothpaste
• a glass pot or pan
• 1-2 tbsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. salt

Line the glass pan or pot with tinfoil. Add the baking soda and salt. Pour in the boiling water. Place your silverware in the pan and leave it to soak for at least 1 hour. Polish silverware with toothpaste, rinse, and you're done!

A: Pot barley is the unrefined, whole grain. Pearling removes the barley’s bran covering. Pearled barley is easier to cook but has less fiber and fewer nutrients than pot barley.

A: Putting weight on is often more difficult than taking it off! The first thing you want to do is have your doctor check out your thyroid. An overactive thyroid (aka hyperthyroidism) increases your metabolism making it very difficult to put on weight. Your diet - at 100 lb - should include a minimum of 1,300 calories, more if you're active. A protein powder (whey, soy, or rice protein) makes an excellent base for smoothies. Include one or two as a snack daily for easy-to-drink nutrients & calories. If tolerated, add a tbsp. of peanut or almond butter to it. Formulas labeled "weight gainers" are available at nutrition stores. Read the label to ensure no aspartame is listed. In your diet, include nuts, seeds, avocadoes, and take an essential fatty acid supplement (like flax oil or fish oil) daily.
Resistance training (with weights) will increase your body mass and your appetite. If exercise is part of your daily routine, reduce the cardio and train with weights instead.

A: Vitamin D is best known for helping the bones absorb calcium. What isn't as well known is its impact on mood. Vitamin D reduces anxiety disorders (like panic attacks) and boosts serotonin supporting a positive mood and relieving depression). Low vitamin D levels may result in softening of bones and osteoporosis, as well as low serotonin levels leading to insomnia or even depression. Besides bone building and mood, the role of vitamin D related to these conditions is currently under investigation:

• Muscle strength - vitamin D lowers the risk of falling by improving balance and muscle performance.
• Osteoarthritis – vitamin D’s anti-inflammatory effects on cartilage are promising.
• Gum disease – vitamin D suppresses inflammation that causes periodontal disease.
• Cancer – vitamin D hinders the growth of new blood vessels that feed tumors.
• Insulin & Diabetes – preliminary evidence shows that vitamin D may positively influence insulin resistance.

Aim for 1,000 IU of vitamin D a day. Unless you’re exposed to sunshine regularly, take a supplement. Vitamin D is also found in multivitamins and added to most calcium supplements. There is very little risk of overdose. Research indicates that it is safe to take well over 2,000 IU daily, but always speak to your doctor or health care practitioner before taking a large dose of any supplements.

A: There are a few options for sweetening coffee. If you prefer to use real sugar, Sucanat (which stands for "Sugar Cane Naturally") is your best bet. It's made from dehydrated sugar cane, so it retains many of the nutrients of the plant (mainly minerals). If a non-caloric sweetener is your preference, stevia is my first choice (a very safe plant based sweetener) or, if you can find it, HealthESweet (no aftertaste, but not widely available).
Cream or milk is up to you. The fat content in cream is significantly higher, but either way, I recommend organic dairy - it's free of hormones, pesticides, or antibiotics and rich in CLA, an essential fat and powerful fat burner.

A: The metallic taste in your blood is from iron - a mineral naturally found in blood and essential to life and normal energy levels. Most of the iron in the blood is found in hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues.
A deficiency of iron leads to fatigue; an excess can be identified by a simple blood test (rare in women, dangerous for men).
Either way, the blood's metallic taste is a good thing.

A: The daily maximum recommendation for Vitamin A (a fat-soluble vitamin) is 10,000 IU, although more can be used therapeutically as long as it's temporary. Beta carotene is converted to vitamin A by your liver (assuming your liver is healthy enough to complete the conversion) but you cannot overdose on it. If you're already taking a multivitamin, look at how much vitamin A is included before purchasing a separate vitamin A supplement. There aren't many multivitamins that provide the full 10,000 IU dosage. Vitamin A is found in fish and butter. Beta carotene is in all orange vegetables and most green vegetables.

A: Red 40 is a dye found in many foods with a reddish hue. It may trigger headaches in adults, but its effects are more likely to be seen in children. If your child experiences symptoms like hyperactivity, temper tantrums, and/or dizziness following ingestion of foods containing red 40 (like soda or chips), the dye may be the cause.
The FDA regulates color additives for use in foods and classifies them as either dyes or lakes. Lakes are the water insoluble form of a dye. They are more stable than dyes and ideal for coloring products containing fats or oils such as cake mixes, hard candy, and chewing gum.
Titanium dioxide is used as a white pigment in candy coating, flour, glazed fruit, soaps, creams, lip gloss, some medications, and paint. Allergies to titanium dioxide are extremely rare.

A: A popular weight loss aid, Garcinia cambogia has been shown to reduce appetite and inhibit fatty acid synthesis in animal studies. It is available as a dietary supplement and is also known as hydroxycitric acid (HCA).

A: Rapeseed is a winter crop and part of the Brassica family (related to broccoli, cabbage, and mustard). There are two types of rapeseed crops. One type is used industrially and is mildly toxic to humans. The other is what canola oil is made from. The word “canola” or “Can.O, L-A” is an abbreviation of Canadian Oilseed, Low-Acid. Canola oil is a monounsaturated oil (like olive oil) and is more stable than polyunsaturated oils. Most canola oil is genetically modified, so purchase only organic canola oil for cooking and baking.

A: Flax seed oil is derived from crushing flax seeds and is an excellent source of essential fatty acids (EFAs). The major issue with flax seed oil is its tendency to go rancid; thus it must be shielded from light, heat and air (oxygen) from the moment the seeds are pressed. Flax seed oil should be in a dark container and refrigerated when you purchase it and should go directly into your fridge when you arrive home. Once opened, it must be used within three to four weeks.

A: The best approach is to use oil of oregano. This herb destroys fungus quickly and can be taken both internally and topically. Purchase the tincture (liquid) form and apply it to the affected areas. You may prefer to dilute the oil with olive oil if it's very concentrated. In addition, you can drink a couple of drops in some water to eliminate the cause of the fungus (often begins in the intestines). Repeat this practice for three weeks. In the meantime, reduce or, better yet, remove all sugar, yeast, cheese and mushrooms from your diet.

A: Clothing made from natural and organic fibers are available at Whole Foods Market. To view a list of stores in the UK, visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com/UK. www.wholefoodsmarket.com/UK. All of the clothing sold at the Canadian chain, Cotton Ginny is organic www.cottonginny.ca. More designers and fashion outlets are recognizing and responding to the demand for natural fibers, so stay tuned for much, much more.

A: The easiest answer is as close as your local supermarket – buckwheat pancake mix. Buckwheat is entirely gluten-free and mix made from this antioxidant-rich grain can be purchased at supermarkets, natural food stores and even some pancake houses. Look for other gluten-free pancake mixes at your natural food store by Glutino www.Glutenfreeflour.com/recipes, Bob’s Red Mill, and Gluten-Free Pantry.

A: That's an excellent question. Many of the vitamins in fruit are water soluble and easily destroyed by changes in temperature. Although some colorful fruits like berries retain most of their antioxidants even when frozen, much of the vitamin C and many of the minerals are far less available. The best solution is to purchase a juicer and prepare fresh vegetable and fruit juices daily. To get the most out of the fruit and vegetables, drink your juice within half an hour of pressing. Look for our feature article on Whole Foods Eating for more information.

A: Apple cider vinegar is considered a cure-all. Though not yet completely understood, it appears that apple cider vinegar’s acidity and high levels of potassium are responsible for many of its healing properties. It is useful for improving digestion and is a powerful detoxifier. Apple cider vinegar may reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, regulate blood pressure, improve circulation (and thus, memory, energy), reduce inflammation (like arthritis pain), fight osteoporosis, and help fight candida. Use it as a salad dressing, or take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar each morning before you eat or drink anything else.

A: Sugar cravings are indicators of an imbalance somewhere in the body. The first thing I would look at is blood sugar levels. When you eat a meal that contains carbohydrates (sugar, starches, juice, fruit, or vegetables) blood sugar rises. A couple of hours later it begins to drop. The faster it drops, the faster your body craves more sugar to bring it up again. If this is the case, eat only complex carbohydrates and avoid all simple carbs (white bread, refined pasta and rice, and sugar-based products). Eat every 3 hours to prevent blood sugar fluctuations, and include fiber and/or protein at each meal. A great tool for regulating blood sugar is the glycemic index. Check out www.theglycemicindex.com and eat only low-GI foods.
Another reason for sugar cravings is candida – an overgrowth of micro-organisms in the large gut. To control this, take probiotic capsules at least once daily and follow the dietary recommendations above.
If you notice that your cravings occur at the same time each day (for example, at 3 p.m.), nip the craving in the bud by eating a healthy snack 15 minutes before the craving usually occurs.

A: The recipes in "The Healthy Kitchen" section on our website are rich in nutrients, utilize low-fat cooking techniques, and include ingredients that boost the nutritional profile. The more nutrients the body receives, the less likely it is to experience cravings (which are sometimes indicative of nutritional deficiencies and almost always indicate imbalances). One simple way to boost metabolism and increase the nutrients in your food is to add sea vegetables (a nicer way of saying seaweed). Sea veggies like kelp, dulse, and nori can be purchased at most health food stores and even grocery stores. Chop them up or grind them into flakes and add about a teaspoon to your meals throughout the day. Sea veggies are packed with over 60 minerals and trace minerals. Some of these minerals speed up metabolism and increase your body's internal thermostat helping it to burn more calories throughout the day.

A: Products containing organic ingredients will not likely change the texture of your hair, however, chemicals and alcohol from conventional products could damage hair. Many good natural conditioners and styling products are available from natural product and health food stores. Aubrey Organics and Avalon Organics have a variety of products to choose from and are widely available.

A: Hyperhydrosis is sometimes indicative of overactive thyroid. The thyroid gland regulates the body's temperature. If it's slightly overactive (meaning, overproducing thyroid hormones), your temperature will be higher than normal. An easy way to test this is to take your temperature each morning. It should be no higher than 98.6 F.
Another reason for abnormal and excessive sweating is a stimulant in your diet. Caffeine (in coffee, tea, sodas, chocolate, or some medications) and spicy foods increase thermogenesis (internal heat). Review your diet for any ingredients that your suspect may be problematic. If this is the cause, the sweating will stop once the ingredients are removed.

A: The experiment you described tests how quickly a supplement will dissolve in your digestive system. The faster it dissolves, the sooner the nutrients are absorbed into your blood. Capsules and liquid supplements are easily absorbed. Tablets take longer. Read more about this in our Natural Nutrition 101 section (How to Take Supplements properly). Most multivitamins don’t contain enough vitamin D to cause toxicity, even when combined with a vitamin D supplement.

A: Beans are one of the best natural sources of fiber; hence the health benefits of beans are the same benefits as those of a high-fiber diet – reduction of cholesterol, unsafe hormones, and even fat. Beans are also a great plant-based protein source. Thus, they have a low-glycemic value, meaning they help to stabilize blood sugar levels, fill you up without a lot of calories, and are an excellent for reducing weight and body fat. The best way to prepare beans is to purchase them dried and soak, rinse (repeat two or three times) and boil them until they’re very soft. If you buy canned, choose organic beans without EDTA.

A: You said it yourself, you've never felt better. I think that's the best indicator of whether your diet and supplement regime are working or not. As long as you remember to make your best attempt to get the majority of your nutrients from foods - especially colorful vegetables and fruit each day, the supplements will only serve to enhance what these foods are doing to balance your health.
I am a believer in variety and rotation, so if I could suggest one thing, it would be to take a break from your supplements every once in a while to allow your body to detoxify any fillers or excess that may be building up.

A: Though non-toxic and non-allergenic gloves are on their way to the marketplace, I would suggest using a veggie wash that doesn’t require rubbing. Veggie soaks are available at natural food stores, and you can use food grade hydrogen peroxide to clean vegetables, fruit, and even meat. Veggie soak made with acids from citrus are available as well. Soak for 10-15 minutes, and rinse before eating.

A: One of the basic tenets of good food combining is eating fruit alone. Rich in its own enzymes, fruit essentially digests itself and can cause bloating and fermentation when mixed with other foods that take longer to digest. Eat fruit early in the day and between meals for best results.

A: Hormone imbalance is often indicative of estrogen dominance. There are a number of approaches to blocking and detoxifying estrogen. The ingredients found in cruciferous vegetables are perhaps the most effective. Indole-3-carbinol and calcium d-glucarate found in broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and kale block calcium from cells and encourage its detoxification from the liver and bowels. Eat any of these foods a minimum of three times per week. Indole-3-carbinol supplements are available, but there are more complete formulas that include both ingredients. 2 tbsp. of ground flax seed daily binds to and detoxifies estrogen from the bowels, preventing its re-absorption into your blood. Rosemary and turmeric are also being researched as estrogen blockers. Use liberally in foods. A methylated form of folic acid is crucial, as most women aren't able to methylate folate naturally. Also, avoid placing liquids in plastic containers, exercise, and limit the intake estrogenic foods like wheat and alcohol.

A: Studies have shown that an animal’s diet has a major influence on the nutritional content of its products. Animals raised in feedlots are fed diets specifically designed to fatten them up. The main components of their feed are genetically modified grain and soy. The American Grass-fed Association defines grass fed as “those food products from animals that have eaten nothing but their mother’s milk and fresh grass or grass-type hay from birth to harvest – all their lives.”*Grass-fed meats are often richer in antioxidants and good fats such as omega 3 (2-4 times more than in grain-fed meats) and CLA. They are also lower in unhealthy fats, lower in total fat and calories, and richer in vitamin E and beta-carotene. Though some supermarkets carry grass fed meats, they can also be purchased directly from the producer. For a list of producers of grass fed meats, visit www.americangrassfed.org/producers.htm

*Pigs and poultry need to consume grains in addition to grass.

A: Not necessarily. Most medical experts recommend, except in unusual circumstances, breast feeding until the infant is six months old. Long-term research has proven that formula-fed babies are at greater risk for obesity, and respiratory, intestinal and other bacterial infections. They also tend to have middle ear infections, lower cognitive development, and weaker immune systems. Although infant formulas are designed to mimic human breast milk, they miss the mark. Cow’s products have been implicated in a number of infant-related health issues including asthma and ear infections. Soy, however, has its own issues.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that cow’s milk and dairy-based formula is the next best thing to breast milk. They recommend that parents feed soy-based formula only to infants who cannot digest cow's milk. The popularity of soy formula continues to increase, however, with 1 in 4 now choosing soy. The main concern about soy formula is the phytoestrogen content - estrogen-like compounds found in some plants. There is some concern these substances could interfere with a child's development and may cause early puberty, thyroid problems, breast development in male children, and other problems. In spite of the arguments, soy milk has been given to infants for centuries in Asian countries and has been used in the United States since 1909, so many experts feel the controversy has gone too far.

Whichever route you choose, be sure to select an organic formula to protect your baby from early exposure to pesticides, hormones, and chemicals fertilizers.

A: There is a new sweetener that is safe and tastes great with no after-taste. The product available now is called HealthESweet. The functional ingredients include:
Tagatose: derived from dairy products, this natural sugar is only partially absorbed and provides a prebiotic effect.
Erythritol: naturally found in many fruits and vegetables.
Fiberrific: excellent soluble fiber source. Enhances absorption of calcium and magnesium. Promotes digestion and provides a prebiotic effect.
HealthESweet measures spoon for spoon, cup for cup like sugar. It can be used everywhere sugar is used, even in cooking and baking. It has no calories or aftertaste, and is safe for diabetics and hypoglycemics. It is 100% natural, vegan and kosher. It is free of saccharin, sucralose, aspartame, sugar, cyclamates. Maltodextrin, fructose and stevia. Watch our August video at http://www.naturallysavvy.com/NaturallysavvyTV_Clips.php for more information.

A: For diarrhea, either brown rice or white rice (and even oatmeal) will help bind stool, but in some cases the rice bran may irritate the dog's digestive tract. Start with brown rice; if you see no improvement, switch to white. In the meantime, add a probiotic (like acidophilus) to his/her food.

A: Cornstarch is one of the biggest and least expensive sources of carbohydrate sweeteners used by food manufacturers.
Cornstarch is split into a variety of smaller fragments (called dextrins) with acid or enzymes. The smaller fragments are then converted by hydrolysis into various cornstarch sweeteners which include corn syrup, corn syrup solids, high fructose corn syrup, maltodextrin, and crystalline fructose. Modified corn starch describes the method used to process the cornstarch so that it easily dissolves in a cold or hot liquid without having to boil the liquid first.
When a corn syrup has been concentrated to contain less than 10% water, it can be listed as “corn syrup solids” in an ingredient statement. To qualify as “corn syrup solids,” the glucose (dextrose) content must be at least 88% of the weight of the concentrated syrup. This product can be called “dried glucose syrup” or “glucose syrup solids” in an ingredient list. Corn syrup is often used in low-fat foods as it adds sweetness, viscosity, and improves texture.
All variations of corn starch are genetically modified (unless otherwise stated) and are synonyms for “sugar”. They absorb quickly into the blood and should be limited as much as possible.

A: There are a number of ways to detoxify the colon. For healthy maintenance and prior to a detox, increase your dietary fiber to 25-50 grams daily. Drink enough water to keep stool soft for easy elimination, and protect the bowels with a regular pre- or probiotic supplement. Follow with 2 TBSP of either ground flaxseeds, psyllium, or Fiberrific daily.
A variety of colon cleansing kits are available both at health food stores and through multi-level marketing (MLM). Some of these products contain aggressive laxative-type ingredients (like cascara sagrada), and though they are not harmful if used short term (2-3 weeks), long term use is not recommended. Renew Life carries excellent, safe products (available at most health food stores) specifically formulated colon cleansers (e.g., general detox, candida cleanse). You can read about them at: www.renewlife.com.
A colon detox should last a total of 3 months. Begin with half the recommended dosage and ensure you're eliminating (“pooping”) at least once a day before increasing the dose. Should you become constipated, increase your water intake, and massage your belly (from right to left) and stop cleansing until your bowels are moving regularly.
If you're interested in colon hydrotherapy (fast detox of the colon), consult a practitioner in your city.

A: Yes, that is possible. There are a number of foods that cause stool to change color: beets make it red, greens turn it green, etc. Foods containing significant amounts of iron generally darken stool. Other reasons for that color are low water or fiber intake - dark stool sometimes means it sat in your colon a little too long. If the color doesn't lighten up to normal, or if you see any blood (blood from the upper intestine looks black by the time it's released), consult with your doctor or health care practitioner immediately.

A: Though carrots and tomatoes contain the polyphenols “ellagic acid”, “gallic acid” and “quercetin”, they are not necessarily rich sources. Gallic acid is found in almost all plants, particularly in walnuts, grapes, tea, and hops. Ellagic acid is found in many red fruits and berries, including raspberries (best source), strawberries, cranberries, pomegranate, and some nuts (walnuts, pecans). Guava can contain up to ten times more antioxidants than most other fruit. Its main plant antioxidants are found in the leaves and include ellagic and gallic acids, but guava is a rich source of quercetin. Quercetin is thought to contribute to the anti-diarrhea effect of guava. Onions are known as the best source of quercetin.

A: Yogurt can be a wonderfully healthy food, depending on how it's made. Natural yogurt made in the traditional style (e.g., Baltic yogurt) is rich in probiotics, especially acidophilus. Fruit bottomed, blended, or dessert yogurts are not made using traditional methods. Bacteria is manipulated to co-exist with fruit (doesn't happen in nature!) or the yogurt is tampered with in other ways. As long as you eat naturally- made or organic yogurt, one cup a day is part of a healthy diet. Be aware of signs of allergy or sensitivity to dairy. They can begin overnight and without warning.