Soy - Is it really a health food?

Touted as a health food for years - we have been misled by those who needed to create a market for soybean crops in the U.S. A wonderful book I recommend is called"Soy Deception", by well known thyroid expert Dr. David Brownstein. When I meet a vegetarian often I can spot those who consume a lot of soy, indicated by the puffiness of the face, particularly around the eyes, as Brownstein explains in his book/video series on thyroid dysfunction. This past summer I attended a vegan potluck with my daughter, and I explained why I avoid soy (spotting three likely soy consumers sitting across from me at the table). Lo and behold, after I explained what I had learned, I learn in return that each was on medication for thyroid issues. Obviously, I was not surprised.

Rather than ask all of you to read Brownstein's book, this link to an article by Dr. Joe Mercola, whom many of you are probably familiar, is a great summary of key points covered in the book. My self-appointed mentor, neurosurgeon Dr. Russell Blaylock, has written extensively on the ill effects of soy. Although many vegan enthusiasts still tout soy as a health food, even organic has its issues.

All soy, even organic, absorbs more glutamates from the ground than any other plant in the plant kingdom - per Blaylock. Glutamates are a form of neurotoxin - that word alone should make one nervous. Neurotoxins, as you may surmise, affect the brain - not only memory loss and function, but as well - behavioral disorders such as ADHD, ADD, bi-polar may experience a change in attitude or concentration after consuming soybean products.

In the June 2004 issue of the Blaylock newsletter, the good doctor reports on Alzheimer prevention, and cautions readers to avoid hydrolyzed soy protein isolates, soy extracts, and soybean oil, the latter of which is in the greatest percentage of processed foods. I truly believe Blaylock is a pioneer in the realm of cause and effect of brain dysfunction.

For vegans who are using protein shakes containing soy isolate, I encourage you to dig deeper, and consider a switch to an easy-to-digest yellow pea/ brown rice based protein powder. I personally use Arbonne Essentials, which not only tastes great, but has the additional benefit of cranberry protein - allowing for a 100% amino acid profile score. You are welcome to contact me for a complete ingredient list. By the way, this product contains NO artificial ingredients or trace heavy metals - as in "zero" ppm.

If you wish to consume soy - it is recommended to limit to 2-3 times weekly, and ONLY fermented soy products (no, this does not include milk). Organic is a critical choice, as explained in Mercola's article regarding U.S. grownGMO soy vs. organic (chart illustration as well). Below are the four soy foods fermented and considered a healthier choice.

• Natto
• Miso
• Tempeh
• Tamari (fermented soy sauce - be careful, you want fermented!)

On the subject of hormones, the estrogenic properties of soy may have a benefit for those suffering from hot flashes, but that is an entirely different subject of which I would be happy to discuss with you privately. A hormone supplement containing soy is much different than consuming main course dishes made with tofu.

In Mercola's article, he is not 100% accurate, from my understanding of estrogen receptors, in regard to soy contributing to cancer. Phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) are not the same as estradiol - the cancer-contributing hormone that our body produces. This is an entirely different subject for discussion.

For the purposes of a clean eating or elimination diets to promote healthy living - soy can be inflammatory, is often allergenic and prohibits nutrient uptake.

May you enjoy good health all the days of your life.

Rita Shimniok, Purely Living Wellness, LLC

Elimination Diets....Are They Worth the Trouble?

Elimination diets are popular, and often prescribed by nutritionists and endocrinologists trying to get to the bottom of a patient's GI issues. 

Yesterday I shared my own journey back to good health, and how I did not eliminate, but reduced gluten and dairy.

For people who are not having serious health concerns, the concept of eliminating their favorite food groups for 30 days is a short-lived idea. Short-lived because it requires planning ahead for grocery shopping, recipes, and more. Finding a great support system is key for success, and I am fortunate to be a part of a great group of people in a private Facebook forum that focuses on healthy living. We share recipes, and store bought foods that we have found, with great joy and diligence in label reading, that meet the elimination diet criteria.

If the thought of eliminating a food group 100% for thirty days seems overwhelming, I encourage you to cut back on ONE food group (gluten/wheat or dairy are two food groups that are typically prime suspect for a host of symptoms) for four weeks.  These two food groups are most often associated with skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and more. Keep in mind that cutting back can help one lose weight, but as long as a food group is still in the diet, a skin condition or other ailment is not likely to go away.

If weight loss is your goal - counting calories is not necessary, and you don't need to measure or weigh yourself unless you wish to....your clothes will let you know if your body is losing body fat through the mid-section and elsewhere, and in all likelihood, your joints and overall sense of wellness will be tell tale signs of how your body is responding.

It is imperative to find an alkaline-based (aka vegetable/plant-based food) substitute to take the place of the glutenous foods you are eliminating. Whether it is breakfast cereal, toast or bagel, or sandwich or pizza - you want to fuel your body with food that does not fuel diseased cells. Fresh, raw plant-based foods are a great choice. For me personally, a vegan, low-glycemic protein shake  free of soy (thyroid disruptor), and artificial ingredients, was key to my success. I added Arbonne Fiber Boost to my shake as well, as my diet seriously lacked fiber (important for colon cancer prevention) and the combo of protein and fiber helped me to feel full well past the lunch hour (as a strawberry smoothie was my breakfast meal replacement).

Now that farmer's markets are back in season, it is a great time to cut back on gluten, and instead, indulge in nutrient-dense foods for a healthier and happier life.

May you feel great, look great and live great!
Rita S.