Health Publications
Topic: RSS FeedAll about nightshades: explore the hidden hazards of your favorite food with macrobiotic nutritionist Lino Stanchich
New Life Journal, April-May, 2003
The name "nightshades" sounds mysterious and even a bit spooky and ominous. Data gathered from noted scientists, horticulturists, medical researchers, and macrobiotic sources provides a look at the facts and fables about these popular plants, their characteristics, history, effects, and their enduring appeal to the world's appetite.
What Are Nightshades?
Tomatoes, white potatoes, red and green bell peppers, the "hot" peppers such as chili and paprika, as well as eggplant belong to the Nightshade Family, a botanical genus called Solanaceae species. This species also includes tobacco, poisonous belladonna, and the toxic plants herbane, mandrake, and jimson weeds. According to nutritional researcher, author, and Cornell University instructor, Norman F. Childers in his The Nightshades and Health, the origin of the word "nightshade" is not clear. He explains that old English writings described these plants as Nightshades because of their "evil and loving" nature of the night.
Used in shamanism, witchcraft, and even poisonous murder, nightshades have a history of both mystical danger and scientific caution. Some nightshade plants are ingredients in potent narcotic medicine and sleeping pills. It is reported that nightshades contain high levels of alkaloids which cause the bones to excrete calcium, other minerals, and trace elements from the body. Many enlightened doctors and nutritionists recommend that those suffering from arthritis symptoms eliminate nightshades. In this article, the focus will be on two of the most favorite "vegetables" in America.
The History of Tomatoes
When first introduced to Europe, tomatoes were thought to be deadly poison. Their vines and suckers are known to be poisonous to livestock. Yet, tomatoes became vastly popular throughout southern Europe, especially in Spain and Italy. Today in America they are among the most popular vegetables. Tomato ketchup and salsa are commonly used as well-loved condiments and are even considered "a vegetable serving" by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The History of White Potatoes
When white potatoes, also called "Earth's Apples," made their journey from Peru to Europe, they were also thought to be poisonous. Yet, this popular tuber has become a staple throughout Europe and the United States. White potatoes contain solanine, which has been shown to cause a very toxic effect in susceptible people, contributing to arthritis, calcium depletion, and stiff joints, as well as painful wrists, ankles, and knees. In his book Poisonous Plants of the United States and Canada, John Kingsbury documented that when solanine was eaten in large amounts by either humans or livestock, death was the outcome. When calcium is depleted from the body by potatoes, nervousness and sleeplessness may result because calcium is our natural tranquilizer. Solanine from potatoes accumulates in the body and the harmful effects may take years to appear in those who have sensitivity.
Why Eliminate Tomatoes and Potatoes?
According to macrobiotic theory, tomatoes and potatoes create a natural balance to meat, dairy, fats, and the excess salt found in the Standard American Diet. The chemical and energetic qualities of potatoes and tomatoes produce extreme, expansive effects which can expand and weaken the bones, joints, teeth, gums, and all body organs, especially for those who are sensitive and allergic to them.
In a study published in the Journal of the International Academy of Preventive medicine, of the 5000 arthritis sufferers who eliminated Nightshade, seventy percent reported relief from aches, pains, and disfigurement.
Why Do We Crave Nightshades So Much?
There is a reason why people crave nightshades. Potatoes and tomatoes are very high in potassium and help counter the high sodium of animal foods. Nightshades may aid in the digestion of fatty, dense proteins. Consider America's favorite meals: meat and potatoes, and pizza with cheese and tomatoes. We crave these combinations of foods because our bodies unconsciously strive to achieve balance.
Extreme foods have extreme effects. In macrobiotic terminology, potatoes and tomatoes are extremely yin and expansive. Animal protein is heavy, salty, and yang. Therefore, potatoes help balance the salt and protein of meat. Tomatoes, which are astringent and acidic, assist in the digestion and discharge of dairy products and help counterbalance the greasy query of the fatty, over salted cheese
Consider some of America's favorite meals: cheeseburger, french fried potatoes, soda, and ice cream, or steak, baked potato, coffee, and cheesecake. Each of these meals contains a high protein animal food, served with nightshades and sugar. This is a lethal combination that depletes calcium and other minerals from the bones and body. For those who are sensitive and allergic to nightshades, they can weaken the bones, joints, teeth, and all body organs. More than 50 million Americans have arthritis and more than 60% of women over age 65 have osteoporosis. Add to this statistic the epidemic quantity of Americans with back pain, knee and foot disorders, and tooth decay, which are all due, in large part, to helps prevent bone weakness. The macrobiotic diet contains whole foods that are extremely high in natural minerals and include: grains, beans, vegetables and sea vegetables, sea salt, and miso. Macrobiotic foods strengthen, maintain, and even rebuild bones. Recent theories now have begun to view arthritis as a deficiency and/or depletion of calcium in the body; a theory more in line with the macrobiotic perspective.
BNET TalkbackShare your ideas and expertise on this topic
Subscribe to this discussion via Email or RSS
-
1
DrRobDAquila
Dr. Rob D'Aquila
This is a great article. I often see nightshades as the cause of a lot of musculoskeletal pain in my patients. Thank you for the in-depth information.
-
2
drmitaljohn
Loosing Weight - Goal Of life
Losing weight is not really that difficult. It just needs a person?s conviction and dedication. So first step, if you want to lose weight, you have to really want. That?s problem with most people. They know they have a weight problem; they start to feel unhappy about themselves, but do nothing about it. Sure, they tried all kinds of diet, all types of exercise, but don?t seem to work. Why? Because if they don?t see any results, they want to see the results immediately and that doesn?t happen, they start thinking about how they are and how miserable these intensive exercises are still so inefficient. Then they go back to their old ways, overeating and lounging themselves and are inactive.
Losing weight does not happen overnight. Losing weight won?t be easy at first, but becomes easier and easier. The more calories you burn, the elegant you are going to get healthy and you will become. That is the best way to lose weight? Everything has to start from within. Think for a moment and ask yourself, why I gain weight in the first place? The answer: Because of their lifestyle and eating habits. So how do you change it? By changing your lifestyle and eating habits.
Have you heard of stories of people saying that they looked at themselves in the mirror and suddenly they just told them, I no longer am a great person and I would start losing weight? That is the power of affirmations. They saw themselves in the mirror and that triggered a thought in your brain that you no longer want to be like and want to change. They said they thought and want to become a new person. These are the people who actually end up losing weight, and successfully, a story to tell and inspire others.
Positive affirmation is so important in everyone?s life. He can solve all your problems; you can solve all your problems by thinking positive. If you have a weight problem, look at you and say no longer be obese. I'll change my habits and I choose to take an active role lifestyle, say this over and over again. Say out loud! Shout it out! Seize the moment; enjoy the beginning of your new life.
Once you have got, you should not look back. You should not think of their failures in search of his past to lose weight. Instead, they live in the present and inspire you every day. Say to yourself, feeling lighter now enjoy this feeling, I feel healthy now focus on the new you. Indulge in weight loss affirmations and look for this complete change in itself. Start changing the way we think and the rest will follow. Dieting will be easier, it's easy to exercise, healthy eating will be easier and better it feels will be rewarding!
Stay positive and reach their goals. Lose weight naturally, there?s no need for weight loss pills that probably could even damage your turn to help you stay healthy. Losing weight requires a change in lifestyle. You all change your life if you have changed your thinking. You can lose weight if you really want it on you. Make that change and choose to be healthy. It doesn?t need to be the first day of the month or early next Monday... Start now. Go to the mirror and say I'm thin, beautiful and healthy.
You may be interested in reading <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.herbalcureindia.com/weight-loss/lose-weight-naturally.htm">Slimming Pills</a> and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.herbalcureindia.com/weight-loss.html">Natural Weight Loss Supplements</a>. Also visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ayurvedicherbalcure.com/ayurslim-capsule.html">Herbal Weight Loss</a> -
3
drmitaljohn
Why men are prone to premature ejaculation!
Ejaculation is naturally very rapidly in humans during coitus. Indeed, in nature, it is always preferable to ejaculate quickly in order to increase his chances of transmitting life.
Sexology: Ejaculation difficult, a common problem
How the desire to delay ejaculation is it published?
Rapid ejaculation: advantage or disadvantage?
Therefore, the character "rapid ejaculation" is rather more for which men have been selected by evolution over the millennia!
This is for all primates who ejaculate after all only a few coital movements back and forth.
And it is only now that women know they have also the possibility of access to sexual pleasure in making love, and since that procreation is no longer the most common goal of a union relation, this trait could become a liability.
The male sexual pleasure
Sexual Pleasure Women
The orgasm, ultimate sexual pleasure?
Pleasures of love: men and women very different!
Take time to love...
Making love during pregnancy is important!
How to control his ejaculation?
2 good reasons for his perinea muscles well...
Masturbation, you know his role?
Or a man suffering from rapid ejaculation is not ill: he feels a lot of desire, erections was perfect, a nice orgasm, ejaculation efficient ... All is well ... except the timing, which is not that he needs.
Life without sexual orgasm possible?
The orgasm, ultimate sexual pleasure?
All responses to questions about orgasm
Get a better control is not innate. It's a learning that is more or less easily as men. Masturbation may help or hinder learning. Help her when she leaves plenty of time to assess the rise of pleasure. The hamper when she is always rushed.
Masturbation, the gender differences
Masturbation is normal?
Masturbation, you know his role?
Currently, there are methods, exercises to perform alone or in pairs, possibly related to medical treatment that can progress towards the shared pleasure.
The sexologists believed that the results of these exercises would be more interesting, timely and clear that you are young, the body having more capacity to learn. In reality, learning to control his ejaculation is also effective when you have a sexual experience that when you are a beginner. Thus at any age it may be useful to consult a doctor to adopt the most suitable solutions to this concern when ejaculation uncontrolled waste really relational life and love.
For more useful information visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.herbalcureindia.com/male-health/male-libido-enhancer.html">Male Libido Enhancer</a> and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.herbalcureindia.com/male-health/premature-ejaculation.html">Premature Ejaculation Cure</a> at <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.herbalcureindia.com/">Herbal Supplements</a> -
4
drmitaljohn
What Causes Premenstrual Syndrome
What is PMS?
PMS is a set of symptoms that occur a week or two before your period and usually disappear when you're low.
Surely you realize that the days around your period are experiencing some changes, you can be more sensitive or irritable than usual and this can cause you problems with your partner or even your own because you understand that is what happens to you.
When the physical and emotional changes become uncomfortable and cause problems in your everyday life is said to suffer from "Premenstrual Syndrome." However, only a percentage between 5% and 10% suffer symptoms severe enough to cause significant impairment in their lifestyle.
Although not determined exactly what causes PMS, researchers think it is related to the interaction of the central nervous system and hormonal changes in your cycle.
Symptoms
There are many symptoms and each woman can have different symptoms, might also sometimes be more severe PMS than in the past.
To diagnose if you suffer from PMS is believed that you must submit at least one symptom "affective or mood" and a symptom "somatic or physical" during the five days prior to menstruation.
Affective or mood symptoms:
? Irritability
? Depression
? Anxiety
? Confusion
? Social withdrawal
Somatic symptoms or physical:
? Sensitivity in the bust
? Swelling in the belly
? Headache
? Water retention
? Swelling of legs or arms
? Outbreaks of acne
? Constipation or diarrhea
? More normal appetite
If you feel your PMS affects your relationship is important to talk with him and explain how you feel and how you can support you. Men often do not understand how we feel and despairing. Explain how you feel in those days and how you can help. Maybe you just need to behave more loving, to be more affective and you consent.
Take advantage of these days to pamper you too, can give you a chance to eat some whim. Walking is also good for relieving pain, take the opportunity to take a walk with your partner and if you have pain in your belly apply a hot compress.
If you suffer from severe PMS is most advisable that you go to your gynecologist, he can advise you on any effective treatment for you.
Read more on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ayurvedicherbalcure.com/evecare-syrup,capsule.html">Premenstrual Syndrome</a> and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ayurvedicherbalcure.com/menosan-tablet.html">Menstrual Problem</a> and Also Visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.herbalcureindia.com/female-health/m2-tone.html">Irregular Menstruation Treatment</a> -
5
drmitaljohn
Healthy Heart ? Use Cholesterol Lowering Food
A healthy heart leads to a healthy life free of disease. This article has covered a list of foods that are very helpful in reducing cholesterol level. Taking proper care of your health is above all that you do in your daily schedule so try to follow them - for you and your family happy.
High blood cholesterol problem may result in complications such as heart problems critics. You can have high blood cholesterol due to several reasons. You can control some of these factors, but some of them can? It is controlled. The life is one of the most important factors leading to high blood cholesterol. But sometimes it is seen that the people going through a perfectly healthy lifestyle may suffer from high blood cholesterol. This may be a hereditary factor that is one of the major factors influencing cholesterol in our blood.
Normally, our body produces a certain amount of cholesterol. Individuals, who are predisposed to high risk blood cholesterol problem, can only depend on medications prescribed by an expert in health. They need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and have a balanced diet, including plenty of healthy foods that reduce cholesterol. They need to work on some important factors such as weight management and diet.
You should choose food that helps. Do not take food that contains saturated fat, Trans fat and cholesterol. You can completely eliminate these elements from your diet, or can at least minimize the consumption of it.
Avoid sitting in front of the computer for a long period of time. If your daily routine lacks physical activities, you're running a great risk for various complications, such as high cholesterol. Even doing some simple exercises, like walking for an hour daily can help you manage your cholesterol level. If you can include in your daily exercise, you're on the way to manage blood pressure and triglyceride level.
If you have high blood cholesterol, you need to regularly check your body weight. If you are overweight, you should immediately take appropriate measures to lose weight.
If you are having you should increase your intake of foods high in soluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps to manage high cholesterol by absorbing it and then extracting the body through the digestive system. Foods that are good source of soluble fiber are apples, blackberries, oranges, apricots, peas, beans, broccoli, grapefruit, and sweet potatoes.
The Omega 3 fatty acids are to a significant level. You should take mackerel, salmon, sardines, and many others in your daily diet to meet the demand for omega 3 fatty acids in your system. Omega 3 fatty acids help in minimizing cardiovascular problems. If you do not want to have as much fatty fish, you can replace the foods that rely on lower cholesterol, such as walnuts, soybeans, and ground flax.
Apart from these, you can also add sterols in your diet. Sterols are nutritional substances found in plant cell membranes. Pistachio nuts, sunflower seeds, wheat germ and contain high amounts of sterols. Sterols actually resemble the chemical structure almost identical to cholesterol. If you take sterol in your diet, cholesterol claims for access to receptors located in the small intestine. Thus, it minimizes the production of cholesterol by effectively blocking their access to the small intestine. Hence, results in decreased cholesterol level in the body.
I have mentioned a good list of foods in this article that may help to lower high blood cholesterol level. So, take care of your diet and live a healthy life.
Important Notice: We are not intended to provide health advice in this article and are for general information. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.
Read more on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ayurvedicherbalcure.com/Herbs/shuddha-guggulu.html">Lower Cholesterol Remedies</a> and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.herbalcureindia.com/ayurvedic-herbs/arjuna.html">High Blood Pressure</a> and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://swamiramdevmedicines.com/herbal-remedies/divya-hridyamrit-vati.html">Heart Disease Remedies</a>
Most Recent Health Articles
Most Recent Health Publications
Most Popular Health Articles
- 50 home remedies that work: these safe, fast, and effective fixes will relieve what ails you - Cover Story
- Detox in 7 days: a detoux diet can help you shed up to 10 pounds and leave you feeling terrific. Our weeklong plan shows you how to lose the weight and keep it off - Cover story
- All about nightshades: explore the hidden hazards of your favorite food with macrobiotic nutritionist Lino Stanchich
- Treat sinusitis naturally: breath easy and relieve sinus pressure with these remedies - Quick Fixes and Long-Term Solutions
- La anemia falciforme - causas y tratamiento
Most Popular Health Publications
Content provided in partnership with
