The Healing Nature of Horses

 By Jennifer Rae Vliet - ThePlainTruth.com

Anyone with any level of self-awareness can attest to feeling something very unique when they are in the presence of a horse. It is no wonder as they are also very special and significant to God as we can see horses mentioned in the Bible over 150 times. In scripture they are used both literally and figuratively. We read about how David formed an actual chariot calvary of 100 horses and we also see equine used as a comparative and metaphorical reminder of the immense strength of God. Then of course the chilling accounts of the Four Horsemen and all that they and their horses signify in prophecy.

Fast forward to the days of our reliance on them as America was progressing in efficiency and modernity. We had nearly become one with them, finding a dependence for travel and farming, for mail delivery...even as trustworthy companions in combat and of course so much more. Anyone with a love for history and horses can see their value and espouse a continued appreciation...holding them in high regard.

Today, you can just do a search for horse therapy experiences and some of the most beautiful sites you will ever see will pop up hoping you will make it a priority to attend their equine retreats and experiential workshops. Studies do show how spending time with the horse kind can add to one's life in so many different ways. Therapies include and are not limited to helping the disabled, helping those dealing with various levels of autism, presented as necessary distractions for cancer patients, and provides much needed healing for our veterans who are plagued with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Overall, they bring a sense of peace and calm and help focus us in the moment which in itself is important and healing. In a day where there are so many distractions, crazy and overwhelming news, and the pace of life is just way too fast...being with a horse can be centering and life giving. For those of us grounded in our faith and with having an understanding of the awesome creativity of God, it makes sense that maybe what we are sensing in their presence is something spiritual and directly related to our Creator...the true Healer.

Here is an interesting column from WithersforWarriors...

studies suggest:

In the evolving landscape of therapeutic practices, equine therapy emerges as a compelling modality that bridges the ancient bond between humans and horses with contemporary healing methodologies. At its core, equine therapy encompasses a range of treatments involving interactions with horses to promote physical, emotional, and mental health benefits in people. This form of therapy is not new; historically, the therapeutic value of horses has been recognized for centuries, with documented instances of horse-assisted activities dating back to the classical civilizations of Greece. Yet, it is the scientific underpinning and systematic application in modern therapeutic contexts that lend equine therapy its current significance and burgeoning interest among practitioners and patients alike.

Equine therapy is predicated on the premise that interactions with horses can lead to significant psychological and physiological benefits. Horses, with their unique sensitivity to human emotions and non-verbal cues, provide immediate feedback to the actions and emotions of their human counterparts, creating a dynamic platform for therapy. This interaction facilitates a variety of therapeutic goals, including the improvement of individuals’ emotional regulation, enhancement of social skills, and the strengthening of motor skills.

Today we delve into the scientific rationale that supports equine therapy as a legitimate and effective therapeutic approach. It aims to uncover the theoretical foundations that explain how and why equine therapy works, supported by empirical evidence from research studies and practical observations. By examining the psychological theories and physiological mechanisms at play, as well as reviewing the modalities of equine therapy and their specific applications, we provide a comprehensive overview of the science behind equine therapy.

The significance of exploring the science behind equine therapy lies not only in validating its effectiveness but also in understanding the nuances that make it a unique and powerful tool in mental health treatment and rehabilitation. As the demand for holistic and integrative therapeutic practices grows, equine therapy stands out as a modality that offers a holistic approach to healing, encompassing the physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions of well-being. Through this exploration,we aim to contribute to the broader dialogue on therapeutic innovation and the future of mental health treatment, underscoring the indispensable role of equine therapy in the therapeutic landscape.

Theoretical Foundations of Equine Therapy

The effectiveness of equine therapy, though empirically evident in many instances, is grounded in a complex interplay of psychological theories and physiological principles. Understanding these foundational theories is essential for grasping why equine therapy has emerged as a viable and beneficial therapeutic modality.

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework of equine therapy is rooted in the biopsychosocial model of health, which posits that biological, psychological, and social factors all play a significant role in human health and disease. Equine therapy, by integrating interactions with horses into therapeutic practices, leverages these multifaceted dimensions to promote healing and well-being. The presence of horses in therapy sessions offers a unique combination of biofeedback mechanisms and psychological engagement that is distinct from traditional therapy environments.

Psychological Theories

1. Attachment Theory: Attachment theory suggests that the quality of relationships in early childhood significantly influences an individual’s emotional health. Horses can act as “transitional objects,” facilitating emotional connections and providing a sense of security and comfort to individuals. The non-judgmental nature of horses, combined with their responsiveness to human behavior, creates a safe space for individuals to explore attachment behaviors and emotional responses.
2. Biofeedback Theory: This theory involves the process of gaining awareness and control over physiological functions through the use of immediate feedback. Horses naturally respond to human emotions and physical states, providing instant feedback to the handler or rider. This interaction can help individuals become more attuned to their emotional and physiological states, facilitating self-regulation and emotional control.
3. Cognitive-Behavioral Theories: Cognitive-behavioral theories focus on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Equine therapy can be structured to challenge negative thought patterns, provide opportunities for correcting cognitive distortions, and develop more adaptive behaviors and coping strategies. The experiential learning aspect of equine therapy, where participants engage in tasks with horses, can reinforce positive behavioral and cognitive changes.

Physiological Perspectives

The interaction with horses also has a direct impact on human physiology, which can be beneficial in therapy. Key physiological effects include:

• Stress Reduction: Interacting with horses has been shown to lower levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, and increase levels of positive neurochemicals, such as endorphins and oxytocin, which are associated with stress relief and feelings of well-being.
• Sensory Stimulation: The physical interaction with horses, including grooming, petting, and riding, provides sensory input that can be particularly beneficial for individuals with sensory integration issues, such as those on the autism spectrum. This sensory input can help in regulating the sensory system and promoting calmness and focus.
• Hormone Regulation: The presence of horses and the bond formed through therapeutic activities can stimulate the production of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” which plays a role in social bonding and emotional regulation.

The theoretical foundations of equine therapy provide a multifaceted understanding of its effectiveness. By incorporating elements from attachment theory, biofeedback, and cognitive-behavioral principles, along with recognizing the physiological impacts of human-animal interactions, equine therapy offers a rich, integrative approach to treatment. This complex theoretical base not only supports the efficacy of equine therapy but also underscores its potential as a therapeutic tool in addressing a wide range of psychological and physiological issues.

Modalities of Equine Therapy

Equine therapy encompasses several distinct modalities, each designed to leverage the unique benefits of human-horse interaction to meet various therapeutic goals. These modalities cater to different needs, ranging from mental health support to educational and developmental benefits, and even physical rehabilitation. Understanding the specific approaches within equine therapy helps to appreciate its versatility and the broad spectrum of conditions it can address. READ MORE>>>>

For our veterans, I found this promising snippet from dvnf.org:

A combination of evidence-based practices and theories are utilized in conjunction with the therapy horse as means of helping our nation’s heroes overcome their invisible wounds in StableStrides’ Equine Assisted Therapy program. Equine Assisted Therapy assists veterans with post-traumatic stress symptoms by processing and facilitating the reconnection between thoughts and feelings and, more specifically, learning to approach rather than avoid emotions and uncomfortable situations. This therapeutic process uses experiential learning and is solutions-focused meaning veterans are challenged to find solutions to problems in a timely and effective manner using the horse as a medium; learning is then applied and translated into everyday life. Veterans develop an awareness of their impact on the environment and make adjustments to produce the desired outcome.

After only his third Equine Assisted Therapy session at StableStrides, one veteran felt compelled to let go of a very heavy reminder from his past. For over 10 years this veteran had kept a large mangled piece of metal as a reminder. The piece of mangled mental was a broken piston from a vehicle that was used as an I.E.D. in Iraq…and an attack in which he was in charge of cleaning up the aftermath. After learning how horses are able to let go of the past and live in the present, this veteran decided he too was ready to live in the present and decided to leave the mangled metal reminder he’d carried for so long with the StableStrides team for good. SOURCE

In closing out this segment of Your Health Today...here are three short videos that show this emotionally moving therapy, in action....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUYUtVNCYl0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRU4N3pkEAg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiCX9Oc27fU

We hope you enjoyed this Your Health Today segment from The Plain Truth dot com. It is one of our top missions to encourage everyone to learn God's way of healing and to follow His path to health and wellbeing; this way your life and your families' lives will be blessed!

If any of our readership has had any experiences with horse therapy, we invite you to share in the comments section.

The Bennies of Castor Oil

 The Castor-Oil plant is in the Book of Jonah 4:6-10: "Now the LORD God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort…" 

Castor Oil Benefits for Skin, Hair, Constipation and More

By Jillian Levy, CHHC

For centuries, at the first sign of illness, many parents and grandparents would immediately turn to giving their children castor oil, either topically or internally, to naturally boost immune function and speed up healing.

Folk healers worldwide have also used it to treat a wide variety of health conditions for thousands of years. For example, the reputed benefits of castor oil goes as far back as the ancient Egyptians, who used it to treat eye irritations and as a powerful natural skin care remedy.

It also has deep roots in India, where it’s considered to be a skin-healing, digestive-soothing, antibacterial ingredient that is utilized in Ayurvedic medicine.

What is castor oil used for today? As explained more below, it has natural stimulant laxative properties; has been shown to boost lymphatic, circulatory and immune health; and can help treat constipation, arthritis and more.

What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is a non-volatile fatty oil that is derived from the seeds of the castor bean (Ricinus communis) plant, aka castor seeds. The castor oil plant belongs to the flowering spurge family called Euphorbiaceae and is mainly cultivated in Africa, South America and India (India accounts for over 90% of castor oil exports globally).

Castor is one of the oldest cultivated crops, but interestingly it contributes to only 0.15 percent of the vegetable oil produced in the world each year. This oil is also sometimes called ricinus oil.

It’s very thick with a color that ranges from clear to amber or somewhat green. It’s both used topically on the skin and taken by mouth (it has a mild scent and taste).

Studies suggest that many of castor oil’s benefits come down to its chemical composition. It’s classified as a type of triglyceride fatty acid, and almost 90 percent of its fatty acid content is a specific and rare compound called ricinoleic acid.

Ricinoleic acid is not found in many other plants or substances, making the castor plant unique since it’s a concentrated source.

Aside from its primary constituent, ricinoleic acid, castor oil also contains other beneficial salts and esters that mainly act as skin-conditioning agents. This is why, according to a report published in the International Journal of Toxicology, this oil is used in over 700 cosmetic products and counting.

Research studies have found that castor oil contains therapeutic components including fatty acids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, amino acids, terpenoids and phytosterols. These various compounds give the oil the following properties and potential health benefits:

• Anti-diabetic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Antioxidant
• Hepatoprotective (ability to prevent damage to the liver)
• Free radical scavenging
• Wound-healing

Compounds found in castor can help stabilize the texture and consistency of products, which is why castor oil is used in so many cosmetics, hair and skincare treatments.

Reports show that this oil can be safely taken internally. When swallowed, it’s hydrolyzed in the small intestine by pancreatic enzymes, leading to the release of glycerol and ricinoleic acid, along with other beneficial metabolites.

Benefits

1. Improves Immune Function

One of the major reasons castor oil has strong immune-enhancing effects is because it supports the body’s lymphatic system. The most significant role of the lymphatic system, which is spread throughout the whole body in small tubular structures, is that it absorbs and removes excess fluids, proteins and waste materials from our cells.

Castor oil may be able to help improve lymphatic drainage, blood flow, thymus gland health and other immune system functions.

For this reason, the oil and other parts of the castor plant have been used in traditional systems of medicine for the following health conditions:

• Abdominal disorders
• Arthritis
• Backache
• Constipation
• Muscle aches
• Parasitic infections
• Chronic headaches
• Gallbladder pain
• PMS
• Rheumatism
• Sleep problems like insomnia

A small, double-blind study published in the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine found that adults who used abdominal castor oil packs on their abdomens had significant increases in the production of lymphocytes compared with patients using placebo packs. Lymphocytes are the immune system’s natural “disease-fighters” that attack outside invaders such as toxins, bacteria and other perceived threats.

The lymphatic system also impacts the circulatory and digestive systems, which is why the oil is sometimes used to support heart health and resolve issues like constipation.

2. Boosts Circulation

A healthy lymphatic system and proper blood flow go hand in hand. When the lymphatic system fails (or edema develops, which is the retention of fluid and toxins), it’s much more likely someone will have circulatory issues.

This is due to the fact that the lymphatic circulatory system works directly with the cardiovascular circulatory system to keep blood and lymphatic fluid levels in an optimal balance.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, “A growing body of evidence reveals that the lymphatic system influences the health of multiple organs, including the heart, lung, and brain.”  So castor’s oil ability to positively affect our lymphatic systems likely means better overall circulation and a health boost to major organs like our hearts.

3. Moisturizes Skin and Boosts Wound Healing

Castor oil is completely natural and free of synthetic chemicals (as long as you use pure 100 percent pure oil, of course), yet it’s rich in skin-boosting ingredients like fatty acids. Applying this oil to dry or irritated skin can help to discourage dryness and keep it well moisturized, since it prevents water loss.

It can also help with wound and pressure ulcer healing thanks to its moisturizing as well as antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It mixes well with other ingredients like almond, olive and coconut oil, all of which have unique benefits for skin.

Lab studies have shown that castor oil is effective against many types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Out of all the staphylococcal bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus is considered the most dangerous and can cause mild to serious skin infections and other concerning staph infection symptoms.

4. Can Help Induce Labor

Castor oil is a time-honored natural remedy for inducing labor. For centuries, pregnant women at full term have taken it orally to help speed up uterus contractions.

In fact, it’s one of the most popular substances taken in a non-medical setting to induce labor.

According to studies, the reason castor oil can work to induce labor is due to the fact that the ricinoleic acid in the oil can activate EP3 prostanoid receptors in the uterus. Some animal studies have shown that active compounds in the oil attach to the molecules that makes muscles — in both the intestines and uterus — contract.

A 2018 observational case control study found that “The use of castor oil is related to a higher probability of labor initiation within 24 hours. Castor oil can be considered a safe non-pharmacological method for labor induction.”

In addition, the full-term women study subjects (between 40 and 41 weeks) who took castor oil had a lower incidence of Caesarean section.

One downside of using castor oil to help with delivery (and the reason it’s not commonly used in hospitals) is that some women feel nauseated after taking it.

5. Helps Dry, Irritated, Sun-Burnt or Acne-Prone Skin

As a natural antibacterial agent, castor oil works similarly to coconut oil for boosting skin health. It also makes a great general skin moisturizer and anti-inflammatory blemish treatment.

If you want to get rid of acne forever, you need to get to the source of the problem. Castor oil is a great natural home remedy for acne.

As it penetrates deep into the skin, it fights bacteria overgrowth that can clog pores, while softening and hydrating irritated skin at the same time.

As mentioned earlier, this oil has been shown to fight off Staphylococcus aureus, which is linked to development of acne.

CONTINUE READING ABOUT CASTOR OIL AT THE PLAIN TRUTH's YOUR HEALTH TODAY ONLINE>>>>

WATCH Tucker Carlson: How insurance companies work to keep us sick and monetize chronic illness

 An unhealthy, over-medicated country means record profits

By Tucker Carlson

https://x.com/TuckerCarlson/status/1873791179952971802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1873791179952971802%7Ctwgr%5E271fd62867b55f100cba4c0f922ce8fc96d4e8c5%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheplaintruth.com%2Fwp-admin%2Fpost.php%3Fpost%3D39136action%3Dedit

How your smartwatch may be raising your risk of cancer

 The band on your smart watch may contain chemicals that scientists have linked to fertility problems and cancer, according to a new study. 

By MAIYA FOCHT HEALTH REPORTER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals that are widely used in manufacturing everything from fabric to nonstick pans to cosmetics. 

They don't break down in the body or environment, hence the nickname 'forever chemicals, and have been found in air, water, fish and soil across the world. 

Some studies have linked them to birth defects, increased risk of prostate, kidney and testicular cancer and fertility problems.

The new paper tested 22 different brands of smart watches and found that 15 of them contained PFAS chemicals, though they did not reveal which brands. 

They found more expensive brands were more likely to have high levels of the toxins than less expensive brands.

These devices are all the rage in a wellness revolution increasingly focused on individuals interested in tracking their sleep, exercise and heart rate data.  

Roughly 21 percent of US adults and 35 per cent of Brits are believed to use a smart watch, and they wear them for an average of 11 hours at a time.

Smart watches offer programs to track sleep habits, heart rate, exercise and more. The average user wears their device for 11 hours a day, according to the study

Some studies have suggested that long term wear of products containing PFAS may make it so that these chemicals are absorbed through the skin and stored in the body 

This means around 54million people in the US and 13 million in the UK could be exposed to these chemicals for long periods every day. 

The researchers did not share what brands they tested. 

READ MORE>>>>

The Chestnut

 These delicious nuts provide many health and beauty benefits due to the abundance of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and dietary fibers, etc.

Bharat Sharma ~ GoodHealthAll.com

Chestnuts are the nuts belonging to Genus Castanea, and are closely related to the beech family or Fagaceae family.  They are scientifically known as Castanea Sativa and are available in four varieties such as European chestnuts, Chinese chestnuts, American chestnuts, and Japanese chestnuts.  These delicious nuts provide many health and beauty benefits due to the abundance of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and dietary fibers, etc.

Health Benefits of Chestnuts

Some major health benefits of chestnuts are as follows.

(1) Strengthen Bones and Teeth

Chestnut strengthens our bones and teeth due to the abundance of bone-strengthening minerals like calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, etc. 

Calcium is an essential mineral for bone health as it promotes the growth and development of the bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

Potassium improves bone density by neutralizing acid load and reducing the loss of calcium from the bones.

Potassium in chestnuts is an essential mineral for bone health as it works with calcium for the formation of bones. 

Magnesium in chestnuts also plays an important role in improving bone density. 

(2) Provide Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Anti-inflammatory compounds such as vitamin C and dietary fibers in chestnut reduces pain and inflammation caused by inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, rheumatoid, gouts, asthma, and bronchial asthma, etc. 

(3) Improves Digestive Health

Chestnut is good for the stomach and improves our digestive health. 

Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidant compounds like phytonutrients, etc in chestnut protects our digestive system from free radical damage. This reduces the risk of various cancers like colon cancer, abdominal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and intestinal cancer, etc.

The laxative properties of dietary fibers in chestnuts improve bowel movement and provide relief from constipation and other digestive problems like abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and flatulence, etc.    A1Q

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces the risk of diverticulosis, a condition that causes inflammation in the small areas of the inner lining of the intestinal walls. 

Other nutrients like calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and B vitamins, etc in chestnuts also play a significant role in improving digestive health.

READ MORE>>>>

Radiation levels in New York spike as mysterious drones terrorize the Northeast

 By MATTHEW PHELAN FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

Radiation levels have spiked in New York City, fueling conspiracy theories that the drones terrorizing the Northeast are searching for a missing nuclear warhead.

The emissions, clocked by GQ Electronics' Geiger Counter World Map, were detected near the Bronx and Upper West Side Wednesday.

The application shows a radiation reading of 1048 counts-per-minute (CPM), i.e. how many particles were detected, in the Bronx: higher than normal background radiation.

The average person is typically exposed to background radiation that measures around five to 60 CPM, though CPM varies with sensor devices, according to NASA.

And, on the the Upper West Side, the app's reading measured a still high 175 CPM. 

Now, an attorney and long-time critic of China claims that the spikes are a clue that the northeast's mystery drones might be a secret US government effort to identify 'an implanted nuclear weapon' hidden somewhere in the city by America's enemies.

'This is not something which is just wild speculation,' that lawyer and author, Gordon G. Chang, told reporters Monday.

'For more than a decade,' Chang explained, 'US officials have been worried about the North Koreans taking apart a [nuclear] device, smuggling the parts into the United States and reassembling it in the location of their choice.'

READ MORE>>>>

Forest Bathing Benefits

 By Jennifer Rae Vliet ~ Just recently, a deputy sheriff showed up at our house with plans to arrest me for trespassing on a wooded path that I had been walking on for the last 15 years. True story. I merely avoided the pokie because said deputy felt I truly did not know that I had been trespassing. Aside from the creeper that took pictures of me and followed me home without me knowing that happened to report me to the police about my recent walks, I shared with family what a bummer this is for me because being in the woods has been such a place of solace and somehow has felt healing to my being. Apparently, my phone had been listening because I had multiple reels in social media within hours sharing about the healing that can take place from being in a wooded area. Fast forward to the birth of this column for Your Health Today! A lot of this I did not know and had really never thought much about...

This is about submerging oneself in nature, getting away from technology and stress as well and about taking time to soak in all of the benefits the woods happen to have for our health! God has created a thriving eco system of life within the woodlands and there are many scientific studies to show that talking to our house plants can help THEM thrive...it makes sense that spending time with foliage and earth in this manner can give to us, too. In the woods, we are exposed to cleaner air, essential oils and other compounds that boost our immune system and fight cancer!

",,,and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations" - Revelations 22:2

While this scripture is symbolic as God uses the metaphor of a tree in many respects to relay His important messages and truths, it is beautiful in its own right for this forward.

So, what is "Forest Bathing"? Forest bathing, or “Shinrin-yoku” as it's called in Japan where the practice was founded, is a way of immersing your senses in nature that has proven benefits for our physical and mental wellbeing. Time in nature can boost our immune systems and creativity, settle our minds, and lower our stress levels. But how do you forest bathe? While an actual bath in the forest is not required, here’s an introduction to get started improving your connection with nature and your health.

And of course one of my favorite humans has something to say about it too. Here is Dr. Eric Berg on the topic of Forest Bathing...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oukG5O3IvNE&t=48s

From Sempervirens.com: A walk in the woods gazing at trees, flowers and, if you’re lucky, wildlife, can leave you feeling restored and rejuvenated. Although we inherently feel that spending time in nature is good for us, we may not realize just how good it can be for our health. Forests not only play a major role in cleaning our air and water, but also provide beneficial changes to the minds and bodies of those who spend time among the trees.

Exposure to forests strengthens our immune system, reduces blood pressure, increases energy, boosts our mood and helps us regain and maintain our focus in ways that treeless environments just don’t.
These benefits don’t necessarily come from intense physical activities many people do in the forest such as hiking or mountain biking. Almost anyone can reap the rewards of a short sojourn to the woods. The Japanese call it "shinrin-yoku" or "forest bathing." Even 20 minutes in a forested space is enough to produce positive changes in the body.

Why is this?

The secrets lie in the plants themselves. For one reason, forests contain a higher concentration of oxygen than urban spaces do. The next and perhaps most surprising reason comes from the chemicals plants produce called phytoncides. These chemicals are natural oils that plants use to defend themselves against unwanted pests such as insects, bacteria or fungi.

Phytoncides improve the human immune system by increasing natural killer cell activity. These cells respond rapidly to virus-infected cells and tumor formation. Studies show that increased natural cell activity can last for more than 30 days after a trip to a forest, suggesting that a trip once a month would enable individuals to maintain a higher level of natural killer cell activity. Other benefits from phytoncides include an increase in anti-cancer proteins; a reduction in blood pressure, heart rate and stress hormones; reduced test scores for anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion; and increased scores for vigor

So, if you live near an evergreen forest – a forest that contains trees such as pine, cedar, spruce or fir – you live near some of the best phytoncide producers around.

In closing, I want to share a link, here to find trails and wooded paths near you so you can benefit from the blessings of being drenched in God's healing creations! Protect yourself accordingly of course, know your surroundings and get informed about any potentially threatening wildlife. If anyone has any experiences or comments on the topic, please sound off below. We always welcome comments on The Plain Truth!

FDA may outlaw food dyes ‘within weeks’: Bombshell move would affect candy, soda and cakes, revolutionize American diets

 By  Brooke Kato

The Food and Drug Administration will decide on a ban of certain food dyes in the coming weeks after receiving a petition to review the safety of Red 3, NBC News reports.

“With Red 3, we have a petition in front of us to revoke the authorization board, and we’re hopeful that in the next few weeks we’ll be acting on that petition,” Jim Jones, the deputy commissioner for human foods at the FDA, said during a Senate meeting this week, per NBC.

According to the FDA, the agency has reviewed the safety of Red 3 —which is derived from petroleum and found snacks, beverages, candy and more — in food and drugs “multiple times” since it was first approved in 1969, but the petition has requested for the additive to be reviewed once more.

Red 3, found in fan-favorite sweets and other foods, could be banned in the US, NBC News reports.Africa Studio – stock.adobe.com

The FDA will decide on the fate of the food dye Red 3, an additive found in cereals, candies and more that yields a vibrant cherry red hue, in the “next few weeks.”

“With the holiday season in full swing where sweet treats are abundant, it is frightening that this chemical remains hidden in these foods that we and our children are eating,” US Representative Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), a ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, wrote in a letter to the FDA.

“While food companies must ensure that the food they market is safe, they are also only required to ensure that their products meet FDA’s standards. This means that thousands of products that contain this chemical can remain on the market.”

He argued that there is “no reason” for the additive to be in food “except to entice and mislead customers” to make products appear “more appealing.”

Thomas Galligan, who works at the Center for Science in the Public Interest as a principal scientist for food additives and supplements, echoed a similar sentiment.

“These food dyes only serve one function in food, to make them look pretty so you and I want to buy it, it’s a marketing tool,” he told NBC.

While the FDA has stated that food dyes are safe and do not pose health risks, the dye was banned from topical drugs and cosmetics in 1990.

READ MORE>>>>

US Life Expectancy Ranking Will Drop to 66th by 2050, Study Says

 More than 260 million people in the country could be overweight or obese by 2050, leading to diseases, it said.

EpochTimesHealth

The United States is set to fall in worldwide life expectancy ranking by mid-century, with widespread obesity adversely impacting people’s health, according to a recent study.

The peer-reviewed study, published in The Lancet on Dec. 7, forecasted the life expectancy for Americans between 2022 and 2050 after taking into account the impact of more than 350 diseases and injuries.

Study authors said overall life expectancy is projected to increase from 78.3 years in 2022 to 79.9 years in 2035, and to 80.4 years in 2050. The study said the increase “is forecasted to be modest compared with that in other countries around the world.”

As a result, America’s global rank in terms of life expectancy is projected to decline from 49 in 2022 to 66 in 2050 among 204 nations and territories. In addition, ranking in terms of health-adjusted life expectancy, which estimates the average number of years an individual lives in good health, is projected to fall from 80 to 108.

Despite the slight increase in life expectancy, health improvements are expected to slow down in the nation as a result of obesity issues, said Professor Christopher J.L. Murray, co-senior author of the study and director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), said a Dec. 5 statement from the institute.

Rising obesity rates are a “serious risk factor to many chronic diseases and forecasted to leap to levels never before seen,” he said. “The rise in obesity and overweight rates in the U.S., with IHME forecasting over 260 million people affected by 2050, signals a public health crisis of unimaginable scale.”

Gender-wise, life expectancy ranking of American females is forecast to drop from 51 in 2022 to 74 in 2050. For men, the ranking is expected to fall from 51 to 65.

“These lower rankings put the U.S. below nearly all high-income and some middle-income countries,” the institute said.

Researchers pointed out that the findings “highlight the alarming trajectory of health challenges in the USA, which, if left unaddressed, could lead to a reversal of the health progress made over the past three decades for some US states and a decline in global health standing for all states.”

Between 1990 and 2021, mortality rates for several leading causes of death, like stroke, cancer, and ischemic heart disease, declined nationwide, which contributed to life expectancy improving during this three-decade term.

Chronic Obesity

The study’s categorization of excess weight as a key risk factor to good health comes as the United States is facing an obesity crisis.

More than two in five American adults are obese, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which estimates more than 100 million Americans are obese and more than 22 million have severe obesity.

Obesity rates have skyrocketed over the past decades, jumping from 30.5 percent in 1999–2000 to nearly 42 percent during 2017–2020, with rates of severe obesity almost doubling.

“Many adults with obesity have other serious chronic diseases. For example, 58 percent of U.S. adults with obesity have high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease. Also, approximately 23 percent of U.S. adults with obesity have diabetes,” the agency says.

During a hearing in December 2023, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) highlighted the issue of obesity among children, pointing out the link between having excess weight and getting diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

The senator called for banning the advertising of junk food targeting children, saying that such a move could aid in reducing obesity rates among kids.

“For decades, we have allowed large corporations in the food and beverage industry to entice children to eat foods loaded with sugar, salt, and saturated fat. This situation has led to an addiction crisis, with ultra-processed foods being as addictive as alcohol and cigarettes,” he said.

In August, president-elect Donald Trump said that he plans on setting up a panel of experts to investigate the reasons behind surging childhood health issues, including obesity.

In a video from September, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., president-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to head the Department of Health and Human Services, said chemicals in the soil and ultra-processed foods as contributing factors to the country’s obesity situation.

The United States’ food supply is “loaded with high fructose corn syrup and seed oils and hundreds of artificial additives and flavors and processed carbohydrates that don’t exist in nature and that are banned in other countries,” Kennedy said.

SOURCE>>>>>

What Did Your Great-Great-Great-Grandparents Eat?

 Analysis by Ashley Armstrong from Mercola.com

Story at-a-glance

• Life expectancy in the United States is currently declining, making it the only developed nation with this concerning trend. Since the 1930s, there has been a dramatic 700% increase in chronic disease development, rising from 7.5% prevalence to 60% of the population having one or more chronic conditions today
• In the 1800s, people ate three structured meals daily (breakfast, dinner, supper) without snacking or fasting, maintaining a simpler relationship with food than we have today
• Our ancestors consumed a high-carb diet rich in saturated fats, with minimal polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), as they didn’t use vegetable oils or eat many nuts and seeds
• The 1950s marked a significant shift in dietary recommendations, particularly regarding saturated fats and animal products, leading to major changes in the American diet
• To optimize your health, return to simpler food principles: cook at home, source quality ingredients within your means, stay active, and prioritize happiness over strict dietary rules

There is profound value in looking to the past, drawing from the wisdom of our ancestors to uncover how they cultivated healthy, balanced lives and sustained their communities across generations.
While their life expectancy may not have been as long, this data is skewed by low birth survival rates, which modern Medicine has drastically improved. And did you know that the U.S. actually has a decline in life expectancy in modern times?
America is the only developed nation with a *declining* healthy life expectancy and total life expectancy!1 We aren’t doing something right!


Since the food we eat every single day plays the biggest lever in improving our health, let’s investigate the diets of our ancestors.
The 1800s offer us a unique window into a different relationship with food — one where abundance was celebrated, meals were a source of joy, and the dinner table was the heart of family life. In an era before processed foods and modern food fears/orthorexic behavior, people maintained a simpler, more intuitive connection with their meals.
What I find most intriguing is how their approach to food differs from our modern perspective. While we often grapple with complex dietary rules and restrictions, our ancestors focused on nourishment, celebration, and making the most of available ingredients.
So, let’s step back in time and explore what graced our great-great-great-grandma’s dinner table for the month of November. The meals might inspire your own culinary adventures! I’ll share some photos from a few different vintage cookbooks, then discuss some of the consistent trends at the end!

Truthfully, they ate a very metabolically supportive diet. They ate a lot of food (calories), didn’t fast, ate high carb, consumed primarily saturated-rich fat sources and ate low PUFA, and they consumed B vitamin rich animal protein sources.
I am slightly fascinated by the farming and culinary traditions of our ancestors, so I hope you enjoy these vintage meal plans as much as I do! So, first, let’s check out meals from “What shall we eat?” published in 1868. Meals our great-great-great-grandparents could have consumed.

I am slightly fascinated by the farming and culinary traditions of our ancestors, so I hope you enjoy these vintage meal plans as much as I do! So, first, let’s check out meals from “What shall we eat?” published in 1868. Meals our great-great-great-grandparents could have consumed.

Next, let’s check out a meal plan from “What shall we have to eat?” published in 1893. Meals our great-great-great-grandparents, or great-great-grandparents might have consumed.

Isn’t it eye-opening to take a look at 1800s meal plans? No crazy diet rules, no food fear, and plenty of calories. While we don’t need to go this extreme with food prep, it’s a reminder to ditch the diet stress. Notable trends:

Ate 3 meals/day, no intentional fasting, but also did not frequently graze/snack (instead of “breakfast, lunch, dinner” they called the meals “breakfast, dinner, supper”)	No dietary extremes
Did not fear carbs (ate high carb)	Consumed mostly saturated fats, and ate relatively lower polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) (no vegetable oils, and didn’t eat much nuts and seeds)
Consumed food that is demonized across a variety of diet camps: meat, dairy, flour, sugar, fruit, potatoes, and grains	No processed food/food in a package

One of the biggest changes has been the TYPES of fat consumed.

The saturated fat, animal product and cholesterol fear-mongering propaganda starting in the 1950s led to a huge shift in our dietary fat. Since the 1930s, there has been a 700% increase in chronic disease development. In the 1930s, the chronic disease prevalence was 7.5%.2 Today, 60% of the population has one or more chronic disease.3,4

I’m not sharing these meal plans to suggest that you should eat exactly as they did. Instead, my goal is to help you reduce food fear and stress as you navigate the overwhelming and often confusing health space. The last thing any of us need is more stress in our lives!

Gaining perspective from the diets of our great-great-great-grandparents can be both liberating and grounding. In today’s world, where so many foods are scrutinized, this perspective can help alleviate unnecessary fear around eating.

Letting go of food fears can significantly enhance your well-being. Feel empowered to explore traditional food preparations and discover what nourishes your body best, rather than letting someone else’s anxieties dictate your choices. And to address the elephant in the room — yes, they did not have to deal with the crappy food system we all face today. OF COURSE food sourcing is important!

Our modern food system is undeniably complex and imperfect, and it does contribute to various health issues. But better options do exist, such as organic sugar or non-GMO, organic flour. Embrace the idea that there’s always a step forward you can take.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed, consider focusing on just one area of your sourcing to improve for the rest of the year — whether it’s meat, dairy, eggs, produce, or grains. Small, sustainable changes help avoid overwhelm and empower you to make a difference. Do the best you can and avoid what you personally can’t tolerate.

But instead of stressing about eating “good” and avoiding “bad” foods on a list made from some random health influencer (which will differ depending on who you follow) … Keep it simple: cook at home, source as high of quality ingredients that you can, stay active, and prioritize happiness.

More than 113 million people are drinking tap water that contains a newly identified chemical—and nobody knows if it’s toxic or not

 Do you know what’s in your drinking water? Scientists finally do, after solving a 40-year mystery about a chemical byproduct that kept showing up in tap water, which had them baffled.  

The new chemical compound—observed in tap water by scientists for decades—had remained unidentified, due to difficulties separating it from the high-salinity (saltier) water it was found in.

BY Beth Greenfield

But dogged researchers found a way, and now, according to a Nov. 21 research article published in the journal Science, there is a name for the compound: chloronitramide. 

That’s a byproduct of naturally occurring chemicals and chloramine—a disinfectant formed when ammonia is added to chlorine, added to drinking water since the 1930s to help stop the presence of harmful organisms, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In the U.S. alone, notes the article, chloraminated water systems serve more than 113 million people.

But is it toxic? That part, unfortunately, remains a mystery.

“Although toxicity is not currently known, the prevalence of this by-product and its similarity to other toxic molecules is concerning,” writes editor Michael A. Funk in the article’s summary. 

The chloronitramide was detected in 40 drinking water samples from 10 U.S. drinking water systems using chloramines, according to the article. In some cases, researchers found it at levels higher than the EPA limit on most disinfection byproducts. It was not detected in ultrapure water or drinking water not treated with chlorine-based disinfectants—in Switzerland, for example, where ozone is used for disinfection. 

A bit of good news is that the authors identified a way for consumers to remove the chemical byproduct from water: activated carbon. “It’s been shown to be removed by activated carbon in the literature,” study co-author and EPA researcher David Wahman said in a press conference about the findings on Thursday. “There probably needs to be a little bit more work done to figure out what it’s being broken down into…But I think a Brita filter, or…any kind of carbon based filter that you’d have in your refrigerator would probably remove it.”

The news about chloronitramide comes on the heels of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., president elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Health and Human Services Department, raising concerns about fluoride in drinking water. He has said that Trump will rid tap water of the chemical ion—which has been added to water on a widespread basis since 1962 to prevent tooth decay—on his first day in office, citing a range of health risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains that fluoridated drinking water is safe. 

Regarding the chloramines, water expert David Sedlak, Plato Malozemoff Professor of Environmental Engineering at UC Berkeley, told CNN, “The challenge is, we don’t really know about the health impacts, because unlike the free chlorine disinfection byproducts, there just hasn’t been as much toxicology done on these compounds.” And because local water systems cannot afford to investigate these byproducts, it will be up to the federal government, Sedlak said.

“It’s the kind of thing that, when government is functioning well, it does a good job protecting us by looking at these things. But I don’t think the EPA or CDC or NIH has the funding needed to answer these questions,” he said.

Susan D. Richardson, an expert in drinking water disinfection by-products at the University of South Carolina, told Chemical & Engineering News that the findings were groundbreaking. “It will be important to quantify this new disinfection byproduct in drinking water distribution systems to determine whether it increases or decomposes over time before it reaches consumers’ taps,” she said, adding that she suspects the chloronitramide is toxic but that the idea that activated carbon would remove it is “great.” 

Meanwhile, University of Southern California environmental engineering professor Daniel McCurry said in a Science journal commentary that the identification of chloronitramide, regardless of whether it’s found to be toxic or not, “warrants a moment of reflection for water researchers and engineers.”

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