Spirulina scare -- a case study on credibility of nutritionals manufacturer

A student of mine, Angeline informed me recently
that there has been a chained email passing around to
ask people to avoid Spirulina,
due to some possibilities of hepatic and neuronal intoxication.

I am grateful that I was alerted about it,
as I have benn encouraging consumption of Spirulina
as a form of supplement and
especially when the source of the chain email was credible.

I hence went do some literature search to confirm
the situation and I now quickly report it here
for better awareness and clarity:

Some important findings:


i. Cyanobacteria (a.k.a. Blue Green Alage) is proven to be able to produce hepatotoxin (toxin for liver) and neurotoxin (toxin for the brain) in 2005. The study was done on 30 strains of Cyanobacteria, but Spirulina (a genus of a very diversified Cynobacteria phyllum) was not included. -- original full scientific publication here:
http://www.pnas.org/content/102/14/5074.full.pdf+html

ii. Subsequently, two Spirulina manufacturers (Cyanotech and Earthrise) committed third party laboratories to test for the toxins and Spurilina was certified free of the toxin. Reference here: http://naturalnews.com/007740.html

iii. in 2008, about 36 Chinese health products containing general cyanobacteria and spirulina were subject to toxin test and found to be Mycrocystins (hepatotoxin) positive in most of them. The level was however low. -- I only had access to the abstract of the article, so didn't find out what exactly are the 36 products tested. If they were mixtures of general cyanobacteria and spirulina in the detected samples, it's not conclusive to claim Spirulina produced toxin, as it's not a pure Spirulina health product. Reference here:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18569007

iv. In 2009, another group of scientiests detected anatoxin-a (neurotoxin) in 3 of 39 Cyanobacteria supplement (containing Spirulina). Again, only abstract was obtained, not sure if the supplements contains other cyanobacteria besides Spirulina.  Reference here:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19520132


Interpretation:

i. Spirulina which has been consumed for centuries by indigenous Africans and Americans are unlikely to have lethal dosage of toxins. Tests have been done to prove Spirulina does not produce hepatotoxin and neurotoxins. Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirulina_(dietary_supplement)#Historical_use

ii. But because general Cyanobacteria ubiquitiously produces these toxins, scientists and the public tends to extrapolate that Spirulina is capable of producing such toxins if given the appropriate growing condition. -- It's known that some Cyanobacteria produce these toxins on and off depending on growing conditions.

iii. Hence it all boils down to the stringency of the culturing and manufacturing processes in which mutation of Spirulina, toxin-inducing growth environment and contamination by other cyanobacteria in the culture (ie hygience/sterility), may occur.

iv. Advice is to buy from reliable manufacturers who commit to testing of each batch of Spirulina for the presence of toxins plus engaging third party certification body to certify the products free of hepato-/neuro-toxins on constant and periodical basis.

-- This is why buying supplements from reliable company is important. Not all supplements on the shelves are safe and sound.


Hope the above quick report could help readers
to make the appropriate choice and adjustment.


Well regards,
Kee Yew
pureland2012-at-gmail.com





{Learning Holistic Wellness for Wisdom and Compassion}

A dinner worth celebrated for

It was an amazing evening last Saturday,
when I brought my Organic Living meetup group
for a raw organic vegan dinner at Green Room Cafe.

At this rare event, I was totally mesmerised among
the classy al fresco ambience at the cafe,
the creative and deliciously raw Balinese dishes,
and the company of 16 (environmental-)friendly organic goers!

The unique dishes we had was not even in the cafe's usual menu.
Diana von Cranach the raw chef personally "orchestrated"
the entire series of raw dishes
specially for us -- to celebrate
Living health food, Veganism and Organic Living
3 in one go! hahaha... :D




Raw Organic Vegan
Menu

  


Carrot "Rice" with
Curry Vegetable



Living Biscuit with
Papaya Soup





Raw Chocholate Mousse
with Mango



Organic Goers with
Diana von Cranach



What was truly precious about this dinner
was meeting the like-minded people,
people who seriously care about
environmental health,
organic farming and
have big compassion for the animals.

Diana also shared with us how
organic living should start with
fresh foods and
knowing the kind hearted people who farm for our food.

We started the dinner gathering at around 6.30pm,
but none of was willing to leave until it was 10pm-ish...
Great moment always seemed so short =)


Warm regards,
Kee Yew
pureland2012-at-gmail.com

{Learning Holistic Wellness for Wisdom and Compassion}





Learning about the hidden truth of the current economy



Click here to enter
GoldSilver Knowledge Centre

In May 2009,
I attended the 4 day workshop by
Robert Kiyosaki and his Rich Dad team
on how manage our own financial health
without the intervention by agents and brokers.

That was my very first time,
I got to know Mike Maloney,
one of Kiyosaki's associates,
who gave a very in depth analysis on
the current economy and
how physical gold and silver have become
the essential financial equipment
to cushion the already deteriorating economy.

I bought my first batch of silver coin
on the 3rd day of the workshop,
and subsequently another batch order of silver coins
from Perth Mint (after some discussion with a few financially well-informed friends)
and also my first piece of gold coin in Malaysia
when I thawed my other investment
around the same time.

Ever since I kicked started my golden and silver path,
I have been continuously following
Mike Maloney's educational videos and reports
as well as other articles to reassure my "new venture" into gold and silver.
and to reinforce my learning about the hidden truth of the current economy.

In contrast to most people think,
gold and silver are not truly an investment,
as it doesn't really give dividents or cashflow.
It's merely a "parking lot" to park our wealth during this financial crisis
which is stepping up day by day.

While I am still at my infancy stage in learning financial wellness,
after two years of multi-session and intensive practice of
financial knowledge that I have learnt from Kiyosaki, Maloney, Harris Dent, T. Harv Eker etc,
I am beginning to have a clearer picture the rough mechanism
how we the middle class or the grass roots
are being enslaved/illusified/deceived/intimidated
by financers, financial institutions and even governements.

This 90min video, below, by Mike Maloney is one of the most
comprehensive recapitulation of many things that he taught
in his past workshops, books, reports, newsletters and interviews.
-- especially helpful for those who are bound by hectic life and
don't have time to read Maloney's book.

Mike Maloney is a sincere financial educator,
even my old classmate who hold a high position in a bank's investment wing agrees:

.

.

Whether to invest, or not to invest; gold, silver or shares or real estate etc,
all that I wish is that at least my friends around are well informed about
the economic environment (mess) we are dwelling in.

Ultimately it's not gold or silver that cushion us from the bumpy road ahead,
it all boils down to awareness,
like how we should manage our bodily health, our fragile environment and spirituality.


With metta,
Kee Yew
pureland2012-at-gmail.com


{Learning Holistic Wellness for Wisdom and Compassion}

Holistic Wellness Events Update (1)

Dear friends,

As an improvement to help keep LHW readers informed
about educative and recreational holistic wellness events,
I will be starting, from now on,
to periodically post a listing of upcoming events including:
lectures, workshops, tours and social gatherings =)

For a start, here is the list!
-- Thank you for supporting Learning Holistic Wellness  :D

****************************************************

30th Aug 2011

o Detoxification and Health Workshop (Mandarin)
 8.30am - 5.00pm
 Awareness Place Wellbeing Centre, #03-39 Bras Basah Complex, S180231.
 Tel/Fax: 6336 5067
 Email: sem@kmspks.org
(This is the last Mandarin Detox Workshop I planned for 2011. An opportunity to learn the core principles of detoxification and understand how heal naturally, the proper way. Step-by-step guide to do DIY Detox at home provided end of the workshop.)

o Holistic Wellness Symposium (English/Mandarin)
 8.30am - 6.00pm
 SingPost Building 5th Floor Auditorium
 Tel : 6749 8509
 Email : hws@eco-harmony.net
 (This event is organised by a prominent player in holistic wellness education, Kampung Senang. They are doing this annual Holistic Wellness Symposium for the third year. This event will expose one to wider perspective of alternative natural healing and I benefited from Kampung Senang's events a lot, hence the recommendation)


3rd Sep 2011

o A raw organic evening with Diana von Cranach

 6.30pm-9.00pm
 Green Room Cafe, Bishan Park II
 Details: http://www.meetup.com/Organic-Living/events/29942651/
[Please RSVP latest by 29th Aug]
(Extremely rare opportunity to learn from a raw guru from Bali. I met Diana once and tasted her Baliness style raw food many times.. absolutely amazing. Do join me for the special event that I have pushed quite hard to make it happen =P )


17th -18th Sep 2011

o Trading Mastery Intenstive
 2 full days
 Singapore Expo
 Details: http://tradingmasteryintensive.com/
 (This event is organised by a financial education academy, Royal Edlen at which I attended my some of my financial courses. A reliable and sincere education company, hence the recommendation. If interested, let me know as I can fetch the tickets @ a good discount, being an existing student there. -- I will be helping out at the event.) 


20th-25th Sep 2011

o 5-Day Meditation Retreat (Mandarin)
 6D5N  (overnight stays compulsory)
 Beeh Low See Buddhist Temple, 71B Jalan Jurong Kechil S(598588)
 Tel: 6735 5900
 Email: ddrum@singnet.com.sg
 (This event is organised by Dharma Drum Singapore, a supporting branch of the well-established Dharma Drum Monastry in Taiwan. The meditation retreat will be guided by venerables from Taiwan, who are recognised for their proper skills and understanding of meditation. I attend Dharma Drum's meditation retreat every year since 2007. I have been tremendously benefited, hence the recommendation. I will be in the retreat again this September. Hope you could join me.)



25th Sep 2011

o Organic Pot Luck Party cum Organic Documentary Session
 3.30pm-6.00pm
 GroundUpInitiative @ Sustainable Living Kampung
 Details: http://www.meetup.com/Organic-Living/events/31129782/
 (Do check out the details in the link. The documentary is inspiring and I bet the food and people at the pot luck party will be amazing too!!)


2nd October 2011

o The Basics of Healthy Diet (English)
 9.30am-5.00pm
 Central National Library (Imagination Room, L5)
 Details: http://thevegschool.net/courses-schedule
(This is the inaugral opening of my pet project, The Veg School! I promise that this veg education event is like no others before. You could only expect surprises, comprehensive and intensive veg knowledge, good food, freebies, hands-on food prep and more!! I must see you there :D )


9th October 2011

o Nutritionals For Preventive Medicine (English)
 3.30pm-4.30pm
 Central Library (Possibility Room, L5)
 Tel: 91175756
 (This is a newly created topic in my portfolio, helping lay public understand the different tiers of nutritional supplement, criteria for good supplement, the pros and cons, and how to harnest the power of nutritionals for preventive medicine.)


 26-29th October 2011

o Health Retreat in the Borneo Mountains
 4D3N
 Borneo Highlands Resort / Kuching
 Details: http://CieloSereno.net/borneo2011.htm
 (Another organic tour organised by my Non-Profit Organisation, Cielo Sereno, which aspires to improve the organic awareness in Singapore via fun educational tours. This premium tour to the Borneo may not be repeated. If you like the healing magnetic field in the mountains and the pure taste of local organic produce, please don't miss it! AirAsia is offering cheap flight now, join us before it's too late!)

****************************************************

Well regards,
Kee Yew
pureland2012-at-gmail.com


p/s: should you need any extra info about any of the above events, please do not hesitate to email me @ pureland2012-at-gmail.com or call 91175756.

p/p/s: should you like future email notification of new blog posts/updates, you may want to subscribe to Learning Holistic Wellness.


{Learning Holistic Wellness for Wisdom and Compassion}

The Trilogy of Diabetes (5)

The participation of Zinc
in insulin secretion by Beta-cell
in the pancreas

At this juncture,
one may find that diabetes is actually
a little more complicated as it sounds from the surface.

Sugar/glucose metabolism in our body is
very sophisticated and tightly controlled.

Under normal circumstances,
the balance/homeostasis of glucose metabolism
isn't easily disrupted,
unless we ourselves constantly bombard our body with
excessive fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
over a prolonged period of time.

According to the Health Promotion Board a few years ago,
the average consumption level of protein in Singapore
is around 78g/day per person,
which is way excessive compared to the recommended level of
45~55g/day.

Now, it's not difficult to make sense why
the diabetic trend is constantly climbing.


Addendum 1: The magic bullets for diabetes

Diabetes can also be perceived as a disease of malnutrition
-- meaning,
we have been overfeeding on macronutrients (fats, proteins, carbo)
but
constantly have been lacking of minerals and fibre
due to the prevailing trend of meat based diet and non-organic farming nowadays.

The prolonged lacking of minerals in our diet
contributes just as much in causing diabetes,
as excess fats and proteins do.

Studies shown that diet low in minerals
e.g. magnesium, zinc, chromium, vanadium
poses higher risk of diabetes.

The reason is simple, these minerals
are the key co-factors in different stages of glucose metabolism
from insulin secretion, to insulin activity to glucose uptake and conversion.

Hence, minerals can be seen as one magic bullet
in preventing or stabilising diabetes (during milder stages).

Another magic bullet for preventing or improving diabetic health
is the very humble fibre.

Because fibre slows down the absorption
of glucose from the gut into the bloodstream,
it helps reduce the blood sugar shock and
in turn reduce the chance of obesity
and over-exhaustion of the pancreas.


Addendum 2: The (preventive) cure is in the daily diet

Summing up all of the points above
it's implied that,
in order to prevent or mitigate diabetes,
a wise person would prefer a diet:
- low in fat
- moderate in proteins
- fibre to go with carbohydrates (tehcnically known as low glycemic index food)
- high in minerals

While there many options to fulfill the above criteria,
certainly, a whole grain based vegan diet
would be one good example =)

Even better, if one can go organic,
for the higher content of minerals in organic produce.

Lastly, as a gentle reminder --
Diabetes is a disease not to be taken lightly of.

Many people has the misconception that there are
very effective drugs and recombinant insulin to help curb the condition.
However, without targeting the root of the problem
ie a balanced diet,
the medication will finally lose its efficacy
and diabetes is bound to worsen over time.

The worrying part of diabetes,
is when a diabetic comes to a stage where the kidney is impaired.
At this stage, one may perceive it as a tip-over point
beyond which the degenerative condition
will only spiral down hill (until death, sorry to be honest),
even then, a healthy diet cannot reverse the situation.

Hope this series of diabetes blog have been of some benefit to LHW readers.
To learn how to eat your way to health and balanced nutrition,
try get some scientific based veg education at The Veg School  :)


Best regards,
Kee Yew
pureland2012-at-gmail.com



{Learning Holistic Wellness for Wisdom and Compassion}

The Trilogy of Diabetes (4)

Excessive amino acids triggers
high blood sugar level,
cancelling the effort of insulin.

Episode 3: Excessive proteins induces insulin resistance

Q:  Why does this happen?

A:  It's all related to the confusion of another signalling pathway.

The story goes like this...

During starvation or emergency (e.g. life threatening events)
glucose are consumed quickly and low blood sugar situation occurs.

Our body will then be signalled to increase the blood sugar level
in order to feed the relevant muscles for emergency rescue,
via the release of two hormones:
cortisol (a stress hormone) and glucagon.

And, how exactly these two hormones are triggered
is, interestingly, via an elevated level of blood amino acids (or proteins)
which originate from
injured tissues (e.g. animal attack) or
digested muscles (due to starvation).

On a normal day,
when we have our 3 proper meals at proper timing,
comfortably at our dining table,
cortisol and glucagon shouldn't exist in significant level
(as there is no starvation or emergency occuring).

However,
with the large intake of meat and dairy in a meal,
our body mistakes those increased amount of dietary proteins/amino acids
as a signal of starvation/emergency!
Consequently, when cortisol and glucagon
(which act in the exact opposite direction of insulin)
are released,
they create a condition similar to insulin resistance,
subsequently forcing the pancreas to secrete exaggerated amount of insulin
to bring back the blood sugar to normal after the meal.

In long term, same drill, the pancreas gets exhausted and
fails to keep up the insulin production with the 'false emergency alarm'
after every high protein meal that we eat,
leading to high blood sugar level eventually.

The above are actually very established biochemical facts
which one can easily find in textbooks.
But, the general public who are under-informed about this "general knowledge",
may perhaps be mistaken that eating more protein food (meat and dairy)
in place of carbohydrate food,
is a 'wise' way to avoid the risk of diabetes.

How many times have we seen diabetic friends
dedicatedly cut down their carbo food,
but only to worsen their condition
by taking in large amount of proteins via a meat-based diet?
-- whenever I see that, I sense the shiver down my spine...

Next, we will discuss on two "magic bullets"
to mitigate the severity of insulin resistance
and the principles to formulate a diet to prevent diabetes.


Take care,
Kee Yew
pureland2012-at-gmail.com


{Learning Holistic Wellness for Wisdom and Compassion}

The Trilogy of Diabetes (3)

The condition where the insulin signalng/instruction
gets hindered/retarded is known medically as
insulin resistance.

While most people didn't know about the true cause of
insulin resistance,
they naturally turn to blame the result of insulin resistance
which is the sugar in the blood.

That under-information consequently lead to
unnecessary (or dangerous) action
of cutting down sugar/carbo/starch intake severely,
sometimes to the extent of developing phobia towards carbo.

Hence, it's not difficult to see some mis-informed diabetics ended
with weak limbs and poor concentration,
craving for fatty food to perk them up.
This in turn makes the situation worse.

Some diabetics even resist to shed off their excessive weight
despite doctors' advice,
as they couldn't make sense in between fats and their 'sugary' urine.

Even worse,
when their insulin resistance increase day by day,
and doctor's insulin pills slowly lose their efficacy,
they continue to cut down on sugar and replace calorie loss with fatty food.
Eventually. with frustration,
they blame it all on their genes (and sometimes even give up on treatment).
-- all because of serious misunderstanding of the cause of diabetes.

While diabetes indeed could be inheritable,
it's still mainly due to an imbalanced diet.
See The Humble Truth of Genes on why gene is not be blamed.

In the next episode,
why protein is the next culprit for diabetes.
-- yes, not mistaken at all, excessive protein causes diabetes as well.
Tune in!


With love,
Kee Yew
pureland2012-at-gmail.com




{Learning Holistic Wellness for Wisdom and Compassion}