Day 123 This Alkaline Year: Tax Junk Foods?

From articles in the Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition, (Volume 4, July, 2009) it has become clear that the Federal government’s  Farm Bill, intended to stabilize and support the American farm, has evolved into a system that severely influences  major public health issues.

In the first article cited above (pp. 393-408),  Richard J. Jackson and associates from the UCLA School of Public Health defined these primary issues as: 1) rising obesity;  2) food safety; and 3) environmental health, especially the public exposure to pesticides and other toxic substances.   “By generating more profit for food producers and less for family farmers; by amplifying environmentally destructive agricultural practices that impact air, water, and other resources,  the Farm Bill influences the health of Americans more than is immediately apparent,” Jackson wrote.

In the second article (pp. 251-291),  David Wallinga from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health suggests: “For at least 50 years, American agriculture policies have promoted production of, and ultimately lower market prices for, commodity crops like corn, wheat and soybeans.  Over the last three decades in particular, these “cheap food” policies have exacerbated the negative impacts of an industrialized agriculture on the health of the agro-ecosystem, as well as on the health of the humans who must share and be sustained by it.”

The third article,  Linkages to Achieve Healthier Diets and Healthier Communities ( Mary Story, Michael Hamm and David Wallinga,  pp. 219-224), grew out of the April, 2009 Airlie Conference, in which 100 experts in health, nutrition, obesity, sutainable agriculture, economics, business, marketing, and public policy, met to discuss how the nation can moved toward a healthier and more sustainable food system.  The article’s authors noted: “It is increasingly clear that public health dietary guidelines and obesity prevention cannot be met without a focus on the food system, from field to fork.”

The article noted that U.S. farm policy for commodity crops has helped to make the sweeteners and fats added to processed foods some of the cheapest substances available today.  By contrast, fruits and vegetables receive little government support and their cost has risen relative to inflation.

As the U.S. Farm Bill had received its six-year passage the year preceding the Airlie Conference, there was little danger that any major effective  measures could come out of this gathering, which was sponsored by, among others, the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. 

I would like to suggest what may be a more efficient way to change farm policies that adversely affect our health:  tax junk foods.

This of course would involve convening an intelligent panel of experts to determine what, exactly, is junk food.  French fries? Potato chips? Candy bars? Peeps? Ice cream?  Cookies?  Colas and other soft drinks? Breads?  Doughnuts? Cakes? Maple bars?  Feedlot-farmed beef, which are most hamburgers?  Sweetened cereals?  These would be tops on most lists.  Would the proposed tax be applied to items in grocery stores alone, or would they extend to fast-food chains and other restaurants?

Of course, during the legislative process, the question of whether beer, wine, and spirits are junk foods would arise.  I’d include all three; although both already are taxed, a little extra might cut down on the drinking situation.  I can think of only one country—Russia—where alcohol plays as important a negative role in human health as it does in this land of ours.

Is it possible that, with higher prices on junk foods, combined with government supports for organically-grown fruits and vegetables,  we might become wiser about our food choices?  I think so. 

Day 122 An Earthquake, A Tsunami and A Road Race

In the wake of the 8.8 Chilean earthquake and just before  the ensuing tsunami in Hawaii, this morning I ran my first road race in 20 years. A 5K benefit held at the retirement community of Quail Creek for the Green Valley Food Bank and the Animal Rescue League, it was exceptionally well organized.   The new Fivefingers shoes; after  three weeks’ breaking-in time, let me run a little farther forward than normal, which may have given me some sort of “sprinters’ push.”  What I mostly felt was that my 10 toes were helping with the effort, a fine sense of solidarity there!

Although my time wasn’t exceptional—39:35—it put me first in my 70-74 age group.  I was humbled,  however, by a trim woman who ran ahead of me  during the whole race, enabling me to use her and her friend as pacers.  Afterwards, she allowed to being 79 years old!  I can only be happy that she’ll graduate to the 80-84-year-old group next year when I move up to the 75-79 group, so we won’t be in direct competition!

Another satisfying part of today’s run was having my blood pressure checked right afterwards; it was 124/81.  A couple of weeks ago, at the doctor’s office where I went to get authorization to take a DEXA test for bone density,  the top part was at least 20 points higher, because I was late and bothered by that.   Those numbers illustrate the danger of accepting blood pressure as a fixed, unchanging measurement, and also point out the benefits of serenity!

Speaking of the DEXA test, I’m doing a six-months experiment to find out whether taking 360 mg. of calcium and 800 IU of Vitamin D3 twice daily (for a total of 720 mg. of calcium and 1600 IU of D3),  at a different time than 2230 mg. of strontium citrate,  will increase my bone density.   Hence the DEXA test, which initially showed some bone deterioration. 

The Vancouver, B.C.  company which produces the calcium and strontium, AlgaeCal, Inc., is so confident of their products' effiiency that they offer your money back if there is no positive change within the six-month period.  Sounds like a winning gamble to me!

Back to the Chilean earthquake and pending Hawaii tsunami,  I’m sort of numb.  Will this be as heart-breaking as the Haitian disaster?  The Red Cross must have  a huge extra need of funds, so giving there will likely be my response.  Perhaps the Boston Marathon might enlist its runners to make the effort for Chilean relief?  I’d thought of organizing a  run this summer, to benefit either our cash-strapped Orcas Historical Museum or a group that provides frail seniors with travel to doctors’ appointments; would Chile be a better target for that energy?

Day 121 (Feb 26) Are Most Cancer-Inhibiting Foods Alkaline?

In my opinion, the  best TED talk was given earlier this month by Dr. William Li,  President of the Antiangiogenesis Foundation.  He provided a list of substances which, his research indicates,  inhibit the growth of cancer cells.  

What is fascinating is that there isn’t an ounce of meat, or poultry on the list; nor are there any “dairy” foods.  Apparently it isn’t intended to be a definitive list; he adds “others” at the end.

I compared the list, given below, with my acid-alkaline food guide,  and found that nearly all of these substances—more than 90 percent--are alkaline.  That doesn’t seem like a coincidence.  The notable exceptions are tuna, soy beans, and red wine, which are highly acidic.

Would I eat everything on the list regularly?  No, but I think it’s a step in the right direction, especially for anybody who has concerns about  cancer.    Although I’m not drinking red wine at present, a glass every month or so in the context of mostly-alkaline nutrition shouldn’t hurt me or anybody else.  But “moderation” means such different things to different people that I wouldn’t endorse drinking anything alcoholic.

In fact, the current state of public acceptance of  “experts” and  nutrition reminds me of the old drunk who lived in our community when I was little.  He owned a resort and played wonderful barroom piano whenever he dropped by our home.  But the time came when he was diagnosed with serious liver disease, and Dr. Heath told him he needed to stop drinking.  God bless him, he probably tried, but found sobriety difficult, so he went doctor-shopping until he found a medic  who said he could have an occasional drink.  ‘Occasional’ soon went back to morning, noon, and night.

Here’s Dr. Li’s list, which I’ve taken the liberty of alphabetizing:

Apples, Artichokes, Blackberries, Blueberries, Bok choy,  Cherries, Dark Chocolate, Garlic, Ginseng, Grape seed oil, Grapefruit,  Green tea, Kale, Lavender,  Lemons, Licorice,  Maitake mushrooms,  Nutmeg,  Olive oil, Oranges, Parsley, Pineapple, Pumpkin, Raspberries, Red grapes, Red wine, Sea Cucumber, Soy beans. Strawberries, Tomato, Tuna, Turmeric.

DAY 111 THIS ALKALINE YEAR; 'DUMBTH' TO THE NTH

The multi-talented Steve Allen coined the term ‘dumbth’ to cover his contention that Americans’ public discourse and poor decision-making shows that we are not operating with full decks.  The term came readily to mind while reading the comments on CNN’s story about Kevin Smith,  a fat director who was kicked off Southwest Airlines, although he’d bought two tickets, when the flight was full and they needed his second seat.

Some 527 persons commented on the article; many of these became entangled in other arguments such as whether noisy babies should be allowed to fly,  Mr. Smith’s general character, advice to him or to the airline,  or international relations.  Regarding the latter, someone suggested that in Europe,  Americans are recognized by the size of their bottoms, another reader  retaliated by stating that in the U.S., Europeans are recognized by their body odor and ugly shoes.

I know that many overweight artists—and I assume that Mr. Smith is among them—feel that exuberant eating is at the core of their talent.   Singers, for instance, may believe that huge bodies are more resonant.   Although I think they are mistaken,  it certainly is within their rights to eat as much of anything  as they can afford, as long as that doesn’t negatively affect others.   Being crowded by an obese neighbor on a cross-country flight is an adverse effect.

One solution to the problem of overweight row-mates:  airlines could offer measurement devices similar to those used to determine whether luggage fits into overhead compartments.  At the boarding gate, each passenger would do a quick sit and if they didn’t fit, would be asked to wait until the flight was loaded.

As Mr. Smith had apparently purchased two tickets  ahead of time,  I think the airline should have honored that.  It might have been in its best interest to have previously made a flat policy stipulating that such tickets would only be honored when the flight was not full.  But they can’t have it both ways; that would be ‘dumbth’ at its nth.

DAY 109, THIS ALKALINE YEAR: Have Your Chips and Eat Them Too

Far less hands-on than frying, baked chips and other vegetables can provide nutritious, tasty side dishes.  My current favorites are parsnips, moderately alkaline-forming, full of vitamins and even a hint of sweetness for those of us for whom sugar is out.

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees while slicing three medium parsnips into ¼-inch rounds.  Into a large glass baking pan,  put 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon nutmeg.  Dump in the sliced parsnips, mix thoroughly,  and place in oven to bake for 30 minutes.  Serve hot, with salad and a vegie burger.  Serves 2-4 eaters.

Baking can, of course, be done with potatoes or carrots, although they’re more acidic than parsnips, turnips, or beets.  With the latter two, I’d use turmeric or garam masala rather than cinnamon and nutmeg.  Salt the latter to taste, of course.

DAY 106, THIS ALKALINE YEAR

TED Prizewinner Lacks Knowledge of Human Biochemistry

Until I looked at one of his first TV shows—featuring a beef-and-ale stew--I was delighted to read that Jamie Oliver won the imaginative TED Prize, given to meaningful speakers each year at a nonprofit group’s conference.  The $100,000 prize  carried with it the right to make a “wish” that could change the world, and his wish was for an overhaul of America’s poor decisions about eating, which he rightly noted are shortening life spans and increasing health care costs.

         I watched his TED speech and applauded his suggestions for ways to combat obesity at home, school and Main Street. Some of these included teaching cooking skills in schools, encouraging supermarkets to include food education, and a return to more care in cooking at home.

         However, one of the poorest decisions this so-called celebrity chef  (He stars in a new reality show called “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution) could have made was to feature a meat-and-ale stew on one of his first U.S. TV shows.   Meat is one of the most acidic eating choices anybody can make, seconded only by alcoholic beverages.  In addition, with the filthy conditions under which most beef is raised in this and other countries, and the genetically-engineered corn with which cattle are stuffed, meat is OUT on any sensible diet.

         As Robert Young, PhD, has patiently explained many times, when our diet is primarily acidic, as are standard American meals, our bodies lay on fat in order to encapsulate the acids so they won’t damage our tissues and organs.  This can be demonstrated, shown, proven.  What will it take to get well-intentioned people such as Oliver to understand simple, biochemical facts?

         And from an ecological point of view, as John Robbins points out, with 25 percent of the world’s mammalian species threatened with extinction and livestock grazing being the leading cause of species in the U.S. and abroad being threatened or eliminated, cattle are a wasteful species, uneconomical in the long run.

         All that said, I commend Mr. Oliver on wanting to prevent obesity among American and other children and adults.  A better understanding of nutritional chemistry and biochemistry would serve him well in his  mission.

Day 98 Full Day: Scary Road, Great Hummus, SHOES Arrived!

Day 98 Full Day: Scary Road, Great Hummus, SHOES Arrived!

Today has been one of those lovely, relaxed journeys that make retirement worthwhile!  Well, it wasn’t all relaxed.  Jack likes to explore side roads and byways, so we took a 21-mile dirt road from Green Valley, Arizona, across the Santa Rita Mountains.  The narrow, rutted road winds up through a canyon, with many hairpin turns, each one being a potential death scene should we meet anybody coming from the other direction.  Fortunately, we didn’t!

We had lunch in an old hotel in Patagonia, a restaurant called Home Plate which not only boasts photos of baseball greats but also serves the best hummus I’ve ever eaten.  It tasted like a normal hummus recipe with the addition of ground, dried tomatoes and basil.   Four YUMs for that lunch!

Had already done the five-mile run with Binka-dog in the morning.   By the time we arrived home, Jack was ready for a nap and I wanted to row and do the weight-machines workout, along with ten minutes of stretching.  The hot tub at the athletic center has jets that hit all the sore muscle groups.

Back home again, my new running shoes, the Fivefingers, had arrived!   They come with helpful instructions for donning them (“With the single strap fully open, insert your foot while gradually aligning each toe to the appropriate toe pocket—it’s often best to start with your big toe and work down to the little one. . . Check to make sure one toe is in each pocket"); even so, the process took me half an hour for the first foot and 15 minutes for the second one.  My toes weren’t used to being told what to do.

“Now that I have these on, they’re staying on. I may sleep in them tonight,” I told Jack  when all ten toes were in their right places, and I’d pulled up the heel cup and fastened the strap.

“That’ll certainly give you a running start tomorrow morning,” he said mildly.

I went out and ran a couple of blocks on macadam, then a few feet on the crushed rock that around here constitutes most of our front yards.  Felt fine on both surfaces.  The layer of rubber on the soles and around the toes is plenty to cushion against the pebbles.

Despite the colors blending well--black Vibram soles, grey and grey-green fabric uppers, the Fivefingers appearance is, well, weird.  "I feel like an ape," I told Jack.

"As long as it's a female ape," he said.

Running will never be the same. I’m looking forward to that.

Day 95 Least, Most Pesticide-Free Vegetables

Are some nonorganic vegetables safer than others? The answer seems to be a qualified “yes.”

Based on data from nearly 87,000 tests for pesticide residues in produce (collected by the U.S. Dept. Of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration,  analysts from the Environmental Working Group (EWG)  have developed a shopper’s guide to vegetables containing the most and least pesticides (see Foodnews.org).

Based on this guide, you might want to buy the organic versions of these vegetables: peach, apple, bell pepper, celery, nectarine, strawberries, cherries, kale, lettuce, imported grape, carrot, and pear, as these are on the EWG’s “dirty dozen.” 

The fewest pesticides, generally in produce with the thickest skins, are found in onion, avocado, sweet corn, pineapple, mango, asparagus, swet pea, kiwi, cabbage, eggplant, papaya, watermelon, broccoli, tomato, and sweet potato.

EWG researchers indicate that people who eat the 15 least contaminated conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables ingest fewer than two pesticides a day, while people who eat the 12 most contaminated produce take in an average of 10 pesticides daily.  Their conclusions: eat a varied diet, rinse all produce, and buy organic when possible.  I often buy COSTCO’s avocados and grapefruit, non-organic but huge, flavorful, economical buys.

In addition to the food-news Website mentioned above, www.earthshare.org is another good source of information. And www.responsibleconsumer.net, www.betterworldshopper.com,  and www.greenamericatoday, are all good sources.