COMMUNITY BLOG

here’s a great piece of info from reader James Birt:

You have to wonder why more folks are not using an all natural produce wash, especially at the industrial and foodservice levels?
 
Here is the link:
 
http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2008/06/26/Produce_wash_kills_bacteria_on_food/UPI-42751214505272/
 
Produce wash kills bacteria on food
Published: June 26, 2008 at 2:34 PM
 
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PULLMAN, Wash., June 26 (UPI) — A fruit and vegetable wash, when used in food-manufacturing, can decrease food pathogens in produce-processing wash water, U.S. researchers said.
Researchers at the University of Idaho and Washington State University said the product sold commercially as FIT Fruit and Vegetable Wash, not only proved much more effective than the commonly used chlorine dioxide, but is made from ingredients like citric acid and distilled grapefruit oil that are generally regarded as safe.
Chlorine dioxide, used in food plants, can put workers at risk, when compromised by soils and plant debris in the wash water. In the study, chlorine dioxide killed 90 percent of the target organisms in the food plant and follow-up laboratory studies. By contrast, FIT killed 99.999 percent, said food scientist Dong-Hyun Kang of Washington State University.
“If you had a million bacteria, you would have one left,” Kang said.
The research — unusual because part of it was conducted under real-world conditions in an Idaho fresh pack potato operation — is published online ahead of print in the Journal of Food Science in August.

A few weeks ago, my friend Laurie and I picked 24 pounds of blueberries. The bushes were loaded and it was a cool breezy morning, near Ithaca, N.Y.  I brought home 4 big bags of frozen berries. I’ve used those berries twice, once to make the Blueberry Buckle recipe that’s on our website and another time to make blueberry corn muffins. I know I’ll be digging into them more come winter. The berries are special because they help me recall a very nice day.  I hope you’ve had a chance to pick berries, or peaches, or tomatoes this summer, or to visit a local farm stand and have a chat with the people who grow food locally.  They are worthy of your support!  

Posted by Gale Maleskey, MS, RD 

I wonder how many people are concerned about cell phone use. Do you use safety precautions when using your cell phone? Do you wear a headset, use the speaker phone when feasible? 

When I spoke with Dharma Singh Khalsa for the Newsflash I wrote this week — he was on his cell phone. We spoke for about 10 minutes. He assured me that if he knew it would be a longer conversation– he would have used a headset or a landline, etc. But it was noteworthy to me that he made the short call on his cell phone. In other words,  use caution but don’t throw away your cell phone!

Maggie Spilner , SAN staff writer

This week, I wrote about a new study that showed how important vitamin D levels are if you have breast cancer. Low vitamin D levels  at time of diagnosis almost doubled the risk of having the cancer spread. A few months ago, I wrote about another study that found a link between low calcium levels and risk of the spread of breast cancer to bones.  The low calcium levels turn bone into an environment conducive to cancer invasion. Both of these studies remind me how important it is to have a nutrition expert on your cancer team–one who will help you stay strong during your treatment and maximize your odds of long-term survival.

I’d love to hear from people who have used nutrition as part of their cancer treatment plan.  What advice can you offer to others? 

Submitted by Gale Maleskey, MS, RD

SAN Writer 

I didn’t know that you can get into a vicious cycle with some antacids, where, if you stop taking the drug,  you have a surge of stomach acid that makes you think you need to take the drug permanently. Some other ways to reduce heartburn include: not wearing clothes that are tight around the waist or chest, like a tight belt or bra, not drinking coffee, and chewing your food thoroughly so that it digests easier. I’ve also heard that, paradoxically, apple cider vinegar can relieve heartburn. I’m not sure how it works. Has anyone tried this? Any other home remedies to suggest for heartburn?

Submitted by Gale Maleskey, MS, RD

SAN Writer 

I’ve started paying a lot more attention to resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, grapes and some other fruits. Two studies in particular got my interest. One found that resveratrol inhibits the expression, or activation, of the genes that control aging. Another found that resveratrol reduces the number of fat cells. Anti-aging and anti-fat? What more could you ask for? I’m definitely counting that glass of red wine in my fruit-and-vegetable category! Red wine fans, let’s hear from you.

Submitted by Gale Maleskey, MS, RD
SAN Writer

It’s a very good idea to get regular screenings for skin cancer. A once a year total body inspection with the same physician — who will track your moles for any signs of change or appearance of new ones. Make a date with a friend and go together. This could be a life-saver. Melanoma is very curable when caught early. And pretty deadly when it is not.

staff writer, Maggie Spilner

Regarding this week’s newsflash on Blood Pressure and exercise, on another “note” - I recently read some research about how listening to relaxing music and breathing deeply for about 15 minutes every night can also lower blood pressure. Seems like the music is just added to take the tediousness about of the breathing exercise, but it does sound like a pleasant way to end the day. Is that something you would try?

 Or do you think those types of interventions are too hard to keep up with?

Staff Writer, Maggie Spilner

Do you know that about 70 % of your body’s immune system is located in and around your intestinal tract? It’s called GALT - for gut-associated lymphoid tissue. The friendly bacteria that live in your intestines help maintain this important part of your body’s defense.  That’s why it’s good to replenish your supply of probiotics as needed, especially if you’ve taken antibiotics that can wipe out friendly bacteria.  Are you someone who’s benefited from probiotics? Tell us about it.    

Posted by

Gale Maleskey, MS, RD

SAN Writer