March 11, 2014

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Food for Thought

Did You Know?

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Homemade Wheat Bread

Submitted by Nyla Otoupalik

Ingredients:

For 4 loaves:

4 cups wheat flour

1/2 cup applesauce

1/2 cup honey

1 T sea salt

2 cups warm water

Optional: 2 cups of raisins and 4 T of cinnamon (picture shown in Did You Know? section)

Preparation:

Mix it all up. Dump some white unbleached flour in corner of bowl. Empty 2 packages of rapid rise yeast in the white flour and mix it around a little in the white flour.

Then, add 2 more cups of warm water. Add raisins and cinnamon option now if including. Mix it all up good. Keep kneading in white flour until dough is a little more wet than dry. Knead it a few times, form a ball and let rise until about double.

Cut into fourths, knead each section, form a nice loaf and set into pans (greased). Let rise until about double.

Bake at 350 degrees until dark golden brown - about an hour or more. Ovens vary. If you can resist, cut bread later. If not, cut it up and enjoy!

Food for Thought

Character without skill is not enough to be wildly successful.

Skill without character is not something folks will work with for long.

Character and skill balanced will produce all your heart desires for success in every aspect of your life.

(Sorry, I can't remember who I heard that from to credit him/her but it is wisdom to be sure!)

Sugars and Infant Formula

Oligosaccharides (sugars) in the milk of farm animals are much less abundant and structurally less complex than sugars in human milk. Therefore, infant formula does not provide newborns with necessary human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). Bovine milk has been used as the model for infant formula but it is radically different from human milk.

Bovine milk has four times the amount of protein than human milk. Human milk has 100 to 1000 times more oligosaccharides (sugars) and those sugars are dramatically more abundant and complex. Human milk has 2.5 times more (100 vs 40) unique sugars than bovine milk and 80 times more fucosylated sugars (sugars glycosylated with the sugar fucose).

Primate milk (chimpanzees and gorillas) is closer to human milk than bovine milk but interestingly their milk is still radically different from human milk. It is so different that cluster analysis comparison of their oligosaccharides compared to human demonstrate that human milk does not even follow primate phylogeny! Human milk did not evolve from primates. It had an independent emergence potentially driven by distinct pathogen exposures.

As an alternative and in an attempt to mimic the multiple benefits of human milk, formula companies are currently adding other non-HMOs to infant formula. They include galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and fructooligosaccharides (FOS). FOS is often made synthetically. It is important to understand that GOS and FOS do not occur in human milk at all. It is not surprising to note that pectin-derived acidic oligosaccharides have failed to affect infant stool viscosity, frequency, pH or feeding tolerance. Mother's breast milk is still vastly superior to the latest infant feeding formulations.

Additional studies are being recommended to assess short- and long term benefits or adverse effects of introducing non-human milk in early infant feeding. It remains to be seen whether concentrations of non-human oligosaccharides in infant formula are sufficient to trigger adverse IgE-mediated responses.

Many questions remain and much needs to be explored. Unfortunately, we have added these compounds into infant formula without fully understanding the ramifications. What is clear, is that human breast milk is best suited for infants. If at all possible mothers should breast feed to provide the best immune system support to their babies.

March came in like a Lion in many, many places we have been. But, we are grateful we haven't had any trouble on the roads and the snow, ice and frost are quite beautiful when no one is harmed by it.

Sometimes, winter seems to drag on just like hard things in our lives. When it feels too hard, too lonely, too long...look up! It won't last. History has shown that time and time again. And, when things are cheery, peachy-keen, rosy to the hilt, know too, it won't last either. This is LIFE.

Our job is to learn with the ebb 'n flow. Many times our growth comes best when it is ebbing. While it's not fun to have hardship and trial it is often what brings us exactly where we need to be for the best thing to occur. I believe we all get exactly what we need to refine and polish us so we can become the very best versions of ourselves!

So, if winter has seemed too long for you as it has for me at times, know that the promise of Spring is near. This always makes me smile!

Fresh, "Safe Wheat" Bread

Its fun to bake using the "staff of life" if you can find what really IS the staff of life! So much has been done to alter our wheat that our bodies no longer recognize this wheat. But, if you know where to look you can find ancient grains that have not been over-hybridized and you can avoid the modern wheat. This option is much safer for ourselves and our families.

Our bodies LOVE this grain! Since I have been purchasing what I call, "safe wheat" I have had fun baking my mom's famous bread - be sure to see the recipe in this issue. I've made pancakes for my grandchildren, pie crust for Christmas, cinnamon rolls for that occasional splurge and other treats I had given up on due to the fact that I knew the flour was harming me. Now, when I indulge it is with safe wheat and I feel great about doing it! =)

If you too would like to feel good about the bread you eat or other wheat treats and don't know where to look just hit reply and ask about it. I'll be happy to send you a few resources. There is still 1% of the world's production that is safe (not tampered with) so there are options.

Breast Milk Sugar Nutrients'

Super Powers

Publications documenting the amazing powers of human breast milk referred to as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are proliferating. Lars Bode's review, "Human milk oligosaccharides: Every baby needs a sugar mama," published in Glycobiology, September 2012 and Jessica Shugart's synopsis, Mother Lode, in Science News, January 11, 2014 are just two examples. Below is a summary of the more technical review published by Lars Bode in Glycobiology.

History

Two camps have studied breast milk over the years. The pediatric/microbiology camp discovered that intestinal bacteria was different in breast- vs bottle-fed infants in 1900. In 1926, Schonfield coined the term "bifidus-factor" when he discovered that the whey fraction of human milk contained a growth-promoting factor for Lactobacillus bifidus, an important bacteria in the gut. The chemistry camp determined that the carbohydrates were different in human versus bovine milk. Later they determined the lactose element was the same but humans had an additional carbohydrate fraction which they called gynolactose. In 1954, the two camps came to one conclusion: the bifidus factor and gynolactose were the same and they are now known as human milk oligosaccharides or HMOs for short. These saccharides or sugars found in human breast milk turn out to be responsible for an impressive number of health benefits.

The findings summarized below lead to a very formidable implication: If breast milk sugars (which are provided orally to the infant) have such astounding benefits in infants, then it is certainly reasonable that nutritional glycobiology is a valid field and supplementing these sugars in a diet where they are lacking could prove to be equally impressive to children and adults since the biological processes are identical.

Composition Due to Genes

HMOs vary in amount and composition between women and over the course of lactation. While HMOs are composed of five monosaccharides (glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and N-acetylneuraminic acid or sialic acid) there are over 100 different characterizations and isolations of these oligosaccharides. Every woman does not synthesize the same set of oligosaccharides. but four basic milk groups have been established based on Se (Secretor) gene and Le (Lewis) gene encoding which basically determines how fucose is glycosylated. However, these four groups are really an oversimplification as the levels of enzyme expressions and activities create a continuum of HMO profiles throughout the world. They are very diverse and complex structures and science does not understand how or what they do.

Composition Due to Nutrition and Environment

In addition to these genetic variations, other factors such as nutritional and environmental aspects can affect oligosaccharide amount and composition in human breast milk. Over the course of lactation to her developing infant, the levels of sugars change. Colostrum, the thick, yellowish fluid secreted a few days before and after birth contains the highest amount of sugars. As milk production matures, the HMO concentration declines slightly but always exceeds the concentration of milk protein.

An amazing adjustment of mother's bodies is found in the following: milk of mothers delivering preterm infants has higher HMO concentrations than full term milk. When understood in terms of the need for these sugars in brain development of the developing fetus, the design of life provides this nutrition even though the baby is no longer inside the mother's body - they get the extra levels through an increase in the breast milk! The biological mechanisms put in place to recognize that situation, compensate, and add the proper sugar and amount into the breast milk (Sialic acid increases 13-23%) is truly impressive.

In summary, HMOs provide the following amazing benefits:

Prebiotics

A prebiotic is a selectively fermented ingredient that allows specific changes, both in composition and/or activity in the gastrointestinal microflora that confers benefit to host well-being and health. HMOs are prebiotics that serve as metabolic substrates for beneficial bacteria and provides them with a growth advantage over potential pathogens. So, HMOs encourage healthy gut bacteria in the infant's digestive tract for optimal gastrointestinal health.

Antiadhesive Antimicrobials

HMOs are antiadhesive antimicrobials that serve as soluble glycan receptor decoys and prevent pathogen attachment. These sugar antennas serve as deflectors and fake attachment points so bacteria and viruses run into them before they get lower and closer to the cell membrane. This way the microbes attach to fake antennas and this keeps them from reaching the real antennas. This protects the cell and serves as a biological warfare shield. According to recent research, the antiadhesive and antimicrobial effects of HMO likely explains the lower incidence of intestinal, upper respiratory and urinary tract infections in breast-fed compared with formula-fed infants.

Intestinal Epithelial Cell Modulators

HMOs directly affect intestinal epithelial cells (cells on the surface of the intestinal wall) and modulate their gene expression which leads to changes in cell surface glycans (glycosylation) and other cell responses. HMOs are able to directly affect intestinal epithelial cells, induce differential gene expression and modulate a cell response. The binding of enteropathogenic E. coli is significantly reduced as it uses sialylated cell surface glycans to attach to the host's intestinal epithelial cell and the HMOs lower the gene expression of sialyltransferases (enzymes binding sialic acid).Reducing bacterial infection from ruthless bacteria like E. coli provides a powerful alternative to the growing limitation of antibiotics in fighting super bugs.

Immune Modulators

HMOs modulate lymphocyte cytokine production, potentially leading to a more balanced Th1/Th2 response (T-cell type 1 and type 2 helper cells). When cord blood T-cells were exposed to sialylated HMOs (HMOs containing the sugar Sialic acid), the number of interferon and interleukin producing CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ increased. Sialylated HMOs influence lymphocyte maturation and promote a shift in T-cell response toward a more balanced TH1/TH2-cytokine production and low-level immunity. In addition, sialylated HMOs reduce interleukin (IL-4) production in a subset of lymphocytes from adult patients with peanut allergy, which leads to the inference that certain sialylated HMOs contribute to allergy prevention. In addition, macrophage (white blood cell) activity is stimulated. Being able to turn up and turn down (modulate) the immune system response is critical in degenerative and autoimmune diseases.

Modulators of Leukocyte Rolling and Adhesion

HMOs reduce selectin-mediated cell-cell interactions in the immune system and decrease leukocyte rolling on activated endothelial cells, potentially leading to reduced mucosal leukocyte infiltration and activation. What this means is that white blood cells travelling through the circulatory system are slowed and eventually stopped at the site of inflammation because endothelial cells on the surface of the cardiovascular wall extend glycoconjugates which bind to the glycoconjugates on the white blood cell. The initial contact decelerates the white blood cell and makes them roll over the endothelial cells where they adhere to other glycoconjugates and come to a complete stop. They then transmigrate through the wall of the cardiovascular system and enter the regions round about that need their help. The miracle of life is in the details. The immune system needs these sugar nutrients to operate correctly.

Brain Development Nutrients

HMOs provide Sialic Acid as potentially essential nutrients for brain development and cognition. Breast-fed preterm infants have superior development scores at 18 months of age and higher intelligence quotients at the age of 7. Brain development and cognition depend upon Sialic acid glycoproteins and gangliosides. Sialic acid concentrations in the brain more than double between a few months prior to birth and a couple of years after birth. Animal studies strongly suggest that dietary Sialic acid is an essential nutrient to serve the high demand during pre- and post-natal stages of brain development. Science is showing that adding these sugars like Sialic acid to your diet is extremely beneficial in creating those structures that support the body in its proper function. Proper structure equals proper function.

Who could believe that for decades we thought sugar in breast milk was used only for energy production in the newborn. It is clear that all sugar is not the same. Science has come a long way and we now realize that the study of sugars truly represent the next frontier of medicine.

Hanging Around

What fun it was to be with our youngest daughter's family recently. One morning I walked into the bathroom to wash my hands when I saw the towels hanging as you see in the picture posted. I smiled BIG inside but went ahead and washed my hands (after quietly taking the picture!) and then, of course, I had to dry my hands.

So, I went to the "towel racks" and screamed as there were people under those towels! Ha! The squeals of delight could be heard throughout the condo complex I'm sure! When I said, "What are you two doing??" PapaLaw (what our grandchildren call Larry) said, "Oh, just hanging around!" And, then our 3 1/2 year old Landon wanted to do it again! =) That's healthy relationship building!

I have a selection of recommended books...

which have nothing to do with education in Glycobiology but have everything to do with personal growth which I believe has been a huge part of my "wellness" journey. There is so much we can do in working to improve the quality of our lives. Reading for the wellness of our soul is a part of the whole.

Go to our Resources page for Personal Development for more suggestions.

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

by Malcolm Gladwell

Our Price: $4.65

The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire. Just as a single sick person can start an epidemic of the flu, so too can a small but precisely targeted push cause a fashion trend, the popularity of a new product, or a drop in the crime rate. This widely acclaimed bestseller, in which Malcolm Gladwell explores and brilliantly illuminates the tipping point phenomenon, has changed the way people throughout the world think about selling products and disseminating ideas.

NEW: Introduction to the Science of Glycobiology DVD!

This recently filmed and updated, educational DVD will give you a great foundation for why and how this science impacts the human immune system. Learn how creating the proper structures leads to the proper functions in your body. Having this class on DVD makes it easy to share with family, friends and/or your healthcare professionals. Click here to purchase yours.

Angie's Option: From the Inside, Out

My eBook is available!

From stay-at-home mom to CEO, I'm excited to share with you a little insight into how my life went from chronic sickness with a grim future, to a vibrant, healthy life and a future which holds unlimited potential. My journey is just a small part of what I share, however, as the real message of the book is what YOUR potential is! The universal truths I have come to understand and apply have brought me a great sense of satisfaction and joy and they can bring the same to you - it lies within. I hope you will be inspired and motivated to becoming the very best version of yourself and that you will see how very worthy you are for all you desire and dream to be! Price $4.95

New Synopsis of Glycobiology Class on DVD - 2 classes in 1

The new A Wellness Cellution class is now available on DVD. It contains an updated overview of the older Introduction to the Science of Glycobiology class. It also contains the ever popular What's Natural About Being Synthetic? class which had never been filmed before. This second class discusses the differences between natural and synthetic vitamins, inorganic and plant-based minerals, and how to use the Consumer Awareness Guide to tell the difference.

You can get the new class, called A Wellness Cellution, on DVD by clicking here.

About this Publication

Angie Law, founder and CEO of Angie's Option, Inc., is dedicated to spreading the knowledge of Glycobiology for the hope of all who are seeking help with health challenges or who would like to maintain their good health. To learn more about this important science, please visit www.AngiesOption.com.

For health and lifestyle questions, contact Angie:
Angie at AngiesOption.com

For science-related questions, contact Larry:

For eZine questions/comments, email us at: