Laurianne Macdonald, B.Sc., MPH, CHt, Licensed RTT Practitioner

November 22, 2024October 7, 2025

Monsanto’s Evil Children, Franken-food, GMO, Bio-enhanced, Biologically Modified, Lab Grown, mRNA vaccinated beef… and the “beet” goes on.

November 22, 2024 by Laurianne Macdonald, B.Sc., MPH, CHt, and Licensed RTT Practitioner

Back in the seventies and early eighties it was all about the pesticides and fungicides and chemical fertilizers used to produce our fresh fruits and vegetables. Like all things, there were two sides to the coin. Heads up, the corporate AG industry won with more yield and higher profits. Tails saw local organic growers losing the farm to corporate AG. And in some tragic cases, their livestock, their children, or their own life to cancer.

But those stories only came out from behind the curtain of corporate corruption and political profiteering when some avenger dared to write a book or make a movie. Meanwhile, we got used to having to peel away the most nutritious part of our produce, wash them in vinegar to neutralize the toxins, and drink bottled water.

After all, scientists did the research and declared the risk nominal.

Sounds so close to normal. But you have to wonder why an estimated 125 countries have banned or restricted the use of more than 150 US pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers. In fact, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, about three million pounds of agricultural pesticides the WHO considers “extremely” or “highly hazardous” are still being used annually in the US.

WHO hazard class	Pesticide	Estimated annual use (lb)	Number of countries ban
Extremely hazardous	PHORATE	500k500k	38
Extremely hazardous	TERBUFOS	383k383k	34
Extremely hazardous	ETHOPROPHOS	131k131k	8
Extremely hazardous	ALDICARB	75k75k	103
Extremely hazardous	CHLORETHOXYFOS	19k19k	29
Highly hazardous	DICROTOPHOS	824k824k	34
Highly hazardous	METHOMYL	636k636k	12
Highly hazardous	CYFLUTHRIN	141k141k	29
Highly hazardous	ZETA-CYPERMETHRIN	131k131k	Unknown
Highly hazardous	TEFLUTHRIN	131k131k	1
Highly hazardous	OXAMYL	101k101k	3
Highly hazardous	FORMETANATE	37k37k	1
Highly hazardous	METHIOCARB	2k2k	4
Highly hazardous	OXYDEMETON-METHYL	2k2k	30
Highly hazardous	METHIDATHION	1010	33
Highly hazardous	FENAMIPHOS	33	6

In the U.S. we’ve been conditioned to believe whatever the governmental and its “protective” agencies, doctors, and scientists tell us. How that happened is a history lesson I’ll save for another time. Just know blind trust was a predictable premeditated affect of greedy leadership.

We the people didn’t bother to notice that the same companies profiting off the manufacturing and use of such chemicals were the same companies paying the “scientists” for tweaked research finding and statistics. The most recent and worst example of this sort of crime against health and humanity was the inimical inoculation incident of 2020. We simply believed what we were told because it sounded like good news.

The cog works of this malfunction include lobbyists who then share the “good news” with our public officials and protective agencies. Believers become benefactors. Now ‘inside trading‘, PAC donations, and backroom deals corrupts our government, politicians, legislation, healthcare system, and food supply.

But hey, I digress. Back to the PSA at hand.

So it was that our fruits look pretty in a bowl on the counter and vibrant veggies brightened our dinner plates. We felt like we were doing good because we were eating fresh.

Hadn’t all the morning shows and health gurus told us so.

It never dawned on us that we were not to blame for our expanding waist lines and ill health. As far as the general public was concerned the FDA seemed to be doing a fine job of protecting us. I guess that is how chemicals seeped into just about every mouthful we swallow and product we purchase now.

Meanwhile, genetically modified organisms (GMO) snuck on scene. Once again the ‘good news’ propaganda kept the public pacified with promises of healthy abundance. I’d be willing to bet you did not know that beet, tomato, potato, sugar, rice, soy, beans, salmon, poultry, and corn where some of the first GMOs?

That is probably because wheat stole the show in the early 90s. Talk about false flags.

Anyway. GM wheat spreading into fields where it had not been sowed was scary news. Especially when you consider that GM wheat containing Roundup recumbent DNA was supposed to be sterile. Roundup being one of those chemicals on the WHO’s highly hazardous to human health list and all.

This Frankenstein food product reproducing with organic wheat was equivalent to fallen angels mating with earthbound women. Yup. Since then, all hell has broken loose. It is now near impossible to not eat GMOs, especially given the inexhaustible number of GM products grown in the U.S.

Just a few frightening facts to consider: Corn is used to make high fructose corn-syrup. HFCS is in an estimated 85% of our packaged foods, including protein and health-nut bars. Beet juice is touted to be a health drink. Eggs, salmon, soy, and that wonderful apple a day that promises to keep the doctor away are all GMOs.

More than 30 countries have banned GMOs. Not the U.S.

The terms “GMO,” “biologically enhanced,” and “bioengineered” are often used interchangeably. As defined by the FDA, a genetically modified organism is any organism containing altered genetic material, while “bioengineered” identifies products that contain detectable genetic materials not created through conventional breeding or that are found in nature.

And, I’m not sure all that murky mumbo-jumbo matters. The fact is, under the current labeling laws, organic is even more subjective. Industry standards report that products containing 70% or more verified organics can use the term. That is because of a legislative loophole.

The Stabenow-Roberts GMO-Labeling bill (S. 764), signed into law by President Obama in 2016 mandates labeling only when there is a substantial difference in the nutritional or safety characteristics of a new food. Since the FDA does not consider genetically modified and bioengineered products create substantial differences in nutrition and safety, this law masquerades as protective.

It also makes it abundantly clear that our democratic government-ship is neither ethically or morally committed to lead this country in the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. It did not matter that studies show the increased use of genetically modified and bioengineered products in the US correlates with increases in chronic inflammatory diseases like celiac, colitis, food allergies, type II diabetes, neuritis, tendonitis, eczema, vaginitis, and cardiovascular disease. (https://www.businessinsider.com/things-that-wouldnt-exist-without-gmos-2015-8) They didn’t follow the science when the science went against lining their pockets.

So my best advice; quit all packaged food, fast food (especially McDonalds), and choose your meals carefully when dining out. Eat as close to nature as possible whenever possible. Eat local and seasonal produce, remembering the following PLU code rhyme: 9 is fine, 8 we hate, 3 or 4 soak before.

And please, stay informed, because now we have mRNA vaccinated beef, CRISPR technologies, and lab grown meat to worry about. Because the beat goes on.

November 15, 2024October 7, 2025

Let’s Make America Healthy Again: Going to the Mattresses

November 3, 2024 by Laurianne Macdonald, B.Sc., MPH, CHt, and Licensed RTT Practitioner

Things are about to change here in America. Thank God! The plug has been pulled on the swamp. Like never before, we have all been given a historic opportunity to take back our government.

It’s amazing!

Citizens are actually being asked to nominate and vote for worthy federal department administrators. It’s never been done before. No more nepotism, unmerited DEI, or incompetent sycophant hires making policy, writing legislation, or telling us what to do.

You’ve got to love it.

So, for those that know me, you know that for decades I have been passionate about the policies that endanger all our lives; fixing our food supply, and detoxing our environment. I earned my B.Sc. and MPH in integrative medicine and public health just so I can work towards a better and healthier future for every American.

The chemical and pharmaceutical companies have corrupted our food supply, taken care out of our healthcare system, and created the swamp that is our current governing population. They are all feeding the same money making monster: “make them sick and make them pay to keep being sick”.

I really hope I’m not telling you something you didn’t already know.

But you might not have heard about the MAHA movement. MAHA stands for Make America Healthy Again. It is a movement spearheaded by RFK Jr. Learn more at Make America Healthy Again

Please help me get a job with this new administration. It would be my honor to help Make America Healthy Again. See why I feel more than capable of being part of the Make America Healthy Again administration by reading the Nominee Details below.

Now you know everything you need to know to sign up and VOTE for me or people like me: People who have a passion to help others and are ready to “go to the mattresses” and do some real good.

Nominate me for a position you have in mind at Policies for the People, or cast your vote for the positions I’ve already been nominated for at https://nominees.mahanow.org/t/laurianne-uhrich-macdonald/20771

Together we can Make America Healthy Again.

Nominee Details

Laurianne Uhrich-Macdonald 954.644.9345

Bio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriannemacdonaldfl/

Resume or CV https://www.lauriannemacdonald.com/about-5

Writing or Publications https://independent.academia.edu/LaurianneMacdonald

Website https://www.lauriannemacdonald.com/

Video Link https://www.youtube.com/@lauriannemacdonald171

Social Media https://gravatar.com/lauriannemacdonald

What general topic area where this person has the most expertise?

· Health

Which government agencies would this nominee be suited for?

· Consumer Product Safety Commission

· Council on Environmental Quality

· Department of Agriculture

· Department of Education

· Department of Health and Human Services

· Department of Government Ethics

· Government Accountability Office

· National Science Foundation

· White House

If you know the position within the above agency/agencies or have a specific position in mind for this nominee, please specify below.

Office for the Assistant Secretary of Health

What general or specific policies does this person support or have expertise in, if any?

20 years’ experience in navigating health and care in a corrupted and toxic healthcare system and food supply chain controlled by chemical, insurance, and pharmaceutical companies that hold protective agencies, healthcare workers, farmers, and politician’s hostage. School nutrition is of major concern. Eliminating GMO, Bio-enhanced, and Bio-engineered, pharmaceuticalized supplements, and 90% of food additives, enhancers, and preservatives from our food supply. Establishing best habit practices for farmers that then reap real time rewards, support and financial incentives. Enforcing hardship penalties and fines for chem/pharm use in food manufacturing.

Has the nominee ever taken a stand for what is right or true in the face of high-stakes establishment opposition. If so, please describe.

Peaceful protesting. Boycotting Monsanto products. Not giving into Covid-19 vaccination and mask mandates. Speaking out against the propaganda and supporting those who do the same. Blogging, PSA posting, and working as Holistic Health Specialist to inform followers and clients of the dangers inherent to a corrupted system.

Please use this text box to highlight the most important information about how you think your nominee will serve the public in this role and to highlight how they have shown on or more of the following qualities, which can be described more fully in the circle with arrow popup in their work life.

1) Is Competent … incredibly hardworking. She is ethical and a responsible critical thinker, always professional and practices what she teaches as a nature-based caregiver/practitioner.

2) Is Honest… As CFO/Controller/Comptroller and HIPAA compliant therapist, she is honesty, ethics, and integrity incarnate.

3) Is Respectful … and diligent in research, finding the best options before counseling or creating any treatment plan based on her client’s diversity, ethnic, religious, and eco-socio demographics. There is not a biased or prejudiced bone in her body and she is dedicated to the ecclesiastic paradigm of nature and faith-based healing as taught to the Essenes after His travels across Asia by Jesus Himself.

4) Has Integrity … and is a moral compass for her family, clients and everyone who has ever known her.

5) Has Courage … which she illustrated at fifteen years old,when she had to fight for her right to return to high school while pregnant. She understood the dismal statistics of her return to school after having a baby, and wanted better for herself and the child’s future. She withstood ridicule, threats, and the disdain of her small-town community to earn her diploma.

She has gone up against school boards and education powerhouses like Harcourt to protect children.

Laurianne went back to get her graduate and master’s degree in alternative medicine at the age of forty-five, after suffering a debilitating disease, and the ineptitudes of a failing healthcare system that was on the verge of killing her.

She risked her life and painful recovery without support after being fired by an immunologist when she suggested a nature based approach. Laurianne was told she would die if she stopped taking the five medications she’d been on for decades. That was more than a decade ago. Now Laurianne is Rx free and healthier than she has ever been in her life.

She has spoken out against the tyranny of big-pharma, western medicine, and Covid-19 related mandates even when doing so was wildly unpopular.

6) Has a Proven Record… In 2005, Laurianne was solely responsible for abjuring an approved Sunshine States Harcourt Social Studies 5th grade textbook after proving to the school board the philosophies and edict was harmful to the mental health of children.

Laurianne has raised four altruistic, responsible, and shining examples of humanity: School teacher, administrative medical support leader, NSW (SWCC) active duty, and an RN.

She committed herself to her children and husband in a society that belittled and invalidated her position as a stay-at-home mom.

Meanwhile she helped others and her community through volunteer work and the care of grandchildren because of the cost of daycare. She continued her education, became an award winning artist, author, volunteer, and community leader.

Laurianne is currently working to complete a book titled, Healing the Whole You: A Holistic Perspective, as well as seeking a larger voice and platform in helping others. All while working to build her business and clientele as an Integrative Holistic Health Specialist.

In 2015 Laurianne was voted Volunteer of the Year by her local arts and education communities, based on her tireless dedication to helping and inspiring others.

In 2021 she protested vaccine and mask mandates in Tallahassee, helping to win the SB222/HB305 vote for her home state of Florida.

November 8, 2024October 7, 2025

How MAHA is Transforming America’s Health Agenda

December 8, 2024 by Laurianne Macdonald, B.Sc., MPH, CHt, and Licensed RTT Practitioner

“Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) is igniting a health revolution in America.” Its goal is to disarm big guns like the chemical companies, Big-pharm, and greedy AG corporations that hold our government, legislators, and protective agencies like the FDA, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) hostage.

Greed and corruption has led to widespread chronic disease, environmental degradation, and rampant public distrust. The Standard American Diet (SAD) is killing us and our children! It is affecting our economy. Many US foodstuff, meat, and dairy products are banned in other countries. https://www.wnct.com/on-your-side/consumer-watch/common-us-foods-that-are-banned-in-other-countries/

At least 38 countries have banned phorate, glyphosate, and other “extremely hazardous” insecticides the US continues to produce and use. The World Health Organization considers about 150 agricultural pesticides hazardous to humans that US corporate farmers continue to use.

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), as of 2021, the European Union has banned or restricted over 1,000 food additives, including:

150 synthetic food colorings
200 preservatives
150 emulsifiers and stabilizers
100 flavor enhancers
50 sweeteners

In contrast, the United States has a more lenient approach to regulating food additives, with the FDA allowing many substances that are banned or heavily restricted in other countries. However, the FDA does have a process for evaluating and regulating food additives, and some substances have been banned or restricted in the US due to health concerns.

“MAHA seeks to drive a transformative agenda by aligning the health-conscious, independent-minded voters with candidates who have the ability to disrupt the status quo. This includes prioritizing regenerative agriculture, preserving natural habitats, and eliminating toxins from our food, water, and air. The PAC’s purpose is to create a broad coalition of voters who are committed to reclaiming America’s health, liberty, and environmental integrity—ensuring that these critical issues are front and center.

MAHA isn’t just a political entity; it’s a movement with a singular purpose: to ensure that the next four years are defined by a commitment to public health, sustainable practices, and a government that truly serves the people. This PAC is the bridge that connects a vision for a healthier America.”

The above was quoted directly from the MAHA PAC website. Join MAHA today @ https://www.maha.vote/#join-the-movement

November 7, 2024October 7, 2025

Salt: Protecting you from evil in more ways than one.11/08/2024 by Laurianne Macdonald, B.Sc., MPH, CHt, and Licensed RTT PractitionerSalt: Protecting you from evil in more ways than one.

November 8, 2024 by Laurianne Macdonald, B.Sc., MPH, CHt, and Licensed RTT Practitioner

The primary function of your tonsils is to stop bacteria and viruses at the front gates… something like a detention center, not allowing foreigners in-country until their purpose and benevolence validated. Adenoids, like tonsils, are also on the frontline defending your body with every breath you take.

Both organs contain very special protein producing cells vital to your immune system. These proteins, also known as antibodies, kill malevolent invaders before they can enter the body. Directly connected to the lymphatic system, the adenoids and tonsils also ensure the safe removal of unsavory characters from your body before they do any harm.

The problem is, stress, nutrient deficient diets, toxin overload, preexisting conditions, and even sedentary lifestyles weaken the ranks, deplete the armory, and clog the immunity pipeline.

As we come into the cold and flu season, and watch COVID-19 numbers spike, it is paramount to support and bolster your immune systems in every way possible. I will not waste your time going over all the precautions you’ve all become accustom to over the past ten months, but visit an old and trusted piece of advice that needs your reconsideration.

First… it has been around for centuries because it works. And yes, technically they call such recipes and remedies folky or an old wife’s tale. However, nothing makes the old wife’s tale status unless it works. Besides, waiting around for science to prove something they will disprove three months down the road is, well, not exactly proving yourself the critical thinker you think you are.

Second… it is easy. Just keep a small container or pinch bowl of salt by your sink. Every time you return from an outing in public, or at least three times a day when at first feeling ill, dissolve a pinch or two of salt in water and gargle. I recommend and use organic Himalayan salt crystals, but table salt will do. Just remember to spit, not swallow.

Yup. That is it.

Your tonsils and adenoids will appreciate the assist.

If you are interested in nature-based, holistic, or integrative healing please schedule a consultation at http://www.lauriannemacdonald.com. Your health is yours to keep.

For more on the benefits of salt gargle https://www.ed.ac.uk/usher/news-events/news-2020/salt-water-solution-could-treat-covid-19-symptoms

May 7, 2013October 7, 2025

Natural Healthy Weight Loss: Part III

May 7, 2013 by Laurianne Macdonald, B.Sc., MPH, CHt, and Licensed RTT Practitioner

Part III: Exercise

In 2008 the US government issued the first ever Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG). The Food Pyramid was changed to reflect the need for daily physical activity. It was a step in the right direction. Just one most ignored, probably because 60 minutes of exercise every day is just too big a step. Today obesity in America is at an all time high. US named third fattest country in the world, is not a headline any of us are proud of. After considerable contemplation, I figured there are two things that need to be done. First we need to prove it doesn’t take sixty whole arduous I-don’t-like it-it-hurts minutes of exercise a day to lose that extra 20 lbs 65% of us are walking around with. Second; support and reinforcement of informing everyone about the importance of daily exercise needs to be paramount. Too many do not know how GLUT-proteins research proved exercise is as essential to any health regimen or weight loss program as water is to life? That GLUT-proteins are metabolized and produced only during exercise. These essential proteins enhance the glucose uptake process optimizing metabolic systems and cellular performance. This means, without exercise, many metabolic systems collapse.

In the last ten years a better understanding of the glut proteins and glycemic index have caused a dramatic shift in our evaluation and utilization of nutritional guidelines for physical fitness as well as the treatment and diagnosis of diabetes and other metabolic syndrome related diseases. It’s a wonderful thing. In fact, they (being the proverbial “they”) are on the verge of proving that as little as 30 minutes of exercise three times a week can help you maintain your weight and optimize your health (reduce your risk for diabetes, cancer, and stroke). 30 minutes… 3 times a week… Now that’s more like it. Even the average, busy-around-the-clock with kids, jobs, homes, and life American can handle that. At the very least, it seems more probable than 60 minutes of exercise that turns into two hours because you have to get into gym clothes, get to the gym, get stretched then socialize with gym buddies for ten before exercising, then get home and showered. 30 minutes can be done in a walk around your neighborhood or in a local park, playing ball with your son, or dancing with your daughter to the music of her favorite band. I can think of a gazillion other ways to get 30 minutes of exercise 3 times a week… without it hurting.

What can you think up? I’d really like to hear.

But before I leave the subject of how important exercise is to natural and healthful weight loss, I want to say that the PAG report also recommended an abundance of fruits and vegetables with an emphasis on whole grains and whole foods. (Gee, doesn’t that sound familiar.) It suggested limiting sugars and solid fats such as butter, and red meat, and high glycemic index foods such as flour and complex carbohydrates. It also recommends eliminating prepackaged or processed foods. (Go figure.)

To put about as fine a point on it as I can, exercise coupled with whole food nutrition and proper supplementation pretty much guarantees natural, healthful, and sustainable weight loss. I do not know anything else that does.

There is one final but important note I feel obligated to mention as we cannot speak about wanting to lose weight without discussing depression. According to the CDC, clinical depression affects 1 in 10 adults in the U.S. Because depression is believed to be a multi-factorial consequence resulting from stressors that include obesity and sedentary lifestyles, the Antidepressant-Lifestyle-Physiological-Social (ALPS) model includes moderate aerobic and anaerobic exercise as integral aspects of recovery. Research has proven the benefits of exercise for those suffering from depression, even so little as fifteen minutes a day. 15 minutes! To a happier and healthier you.

April 19, 2013October 3, 2025

Natural & Healthful Weight Loss: Part II

May 7, 2013 by Laurianne Macdonald, B.Sc., MPH, CHt, and Licensed RTT Practitioner

Part II: Herbs & Supplements

It is no wonder, what with the US being named third fattest country in the world, 50% of Americans already dieting, and nearly 65% of us wishing to lose 20 lbs or more, that in 2012 over $1 billion dollars was spent on weight loss pills alone. Market data suggest the weight loss products and programs make up a $60 Billion dollar a year industry. Amazingly, over half of all diet industry’s claims are false. But that explains why $147 Billion dollars were spent on obesity related medical issues in 2012.

There is no and never will be a little magic pill that shrinks fat cells, burns calories, and curbs cravings… that is in anyway natural. Pharmacology is derived from the classic Greek word ‘pharmakon’, meaning poison. Pharmaceutical companies have wizened to the market trend, fooling consumers and loop-holing labeling legislation with corporate subsidiary names like

And my all-time favorite, NATUREX. (Am I the only one who sees an oxymoron here?)

So, now these types of manufacturers get away with touting their All Nature, From Nature, or Ultimate Botanical Benefits hoping consumers looking for that healthy pill, will not look past the pretty green label. They hope you will not remember that it is the processing of “active ingredients” that turns an organic compound into poison. Below is a list of some of the products these companies are currently producing besides Green Coffee Bean with Svetol®. There’s a bit of redundancy for you. Did you know that Svetol is simply a brand name for Green Coffee Bean Extract? Does too much of a good thing ring a bell?

Re-Body/Green Coffee Bean Extract products
ResVitale
Reserveage
Hydroxycut/Hardcore and Hardcore Elite
Genesis Today/Pure Green Coffee Bean with Svetol
Xenadrine XT
RealDose Weight Loss Formula No.
Nutrigold®
NanoLean™
go4trim
Diet Formula With Svetol®
Total DIET Success
Kleissinger Labs
Bodylogix®
Thermogenesis™
Trim Energy®
NatureWise™
Sports Research SVETOL/Green Coffee Bean Extract
Wonder Labs 100% Svetol

When there are more shelves filled with powders, products, and pills than those that carry natural and organic whole foods, it’s easy to understand how we lost our way and why it is so hard to tell the difference between the good, the bad, and the ones that actually work.

The one thing we should all know by now is that health does not come in a bottle. Be wary when the great O (Oprah) orates on how wonderfully easy it was to lose fifty while supplementing with Hoodia or as Dr. Oz endorses Svetol®. Dr. Oz’s latest wonder product is taking the market by storm: Garcinia Cambogia. Hydroxycitric acid, the active ingredient in this little green pumpkin shaped fruit from India is what is in Hydroxycut and many other diet pills and supplements. It is also the ingredient that like ephedrine was recalled by the FDA because of an association with health problems like liver damage, seizures, cardiovascular disorders, and rhabdomyolysis, (a type of muscle damage that leads to even more health problems). That is not to say that the product itself is bad for you, but the processing used to extract the active ingredients often results in the lost synergy with other alkaloids and tannins in the originating plant. Again I will refer to Food Synergy, written by Eliane Magee.

And don’t get me wrong. There are many pure and natural extracts and whole extract products out there that help curb an appetite, regulate blood sugar, maintain good cholesterol level, and even burn fat. Ginger root, capsicum (hot pepers), Avena Sativa (oats), and cynara scolymus (globe artichoke) all aid fat metabolism. Turmeric, blue cornflower, berberis vulgaris (barberry) help liver function and therefore possibly lipid digestion. B12, raspberries, and caffeine (the subtler organic green coffee bean extract, not Svetol®) are all easily accessible supplements that are used to help maintain a healthy weight and stimulate the metabolic processes. Traditional Chinese medicine often combines the following herbs in weight loss and appetite suppressant remedies.

Humulus lupulus (Hops) may help with emotional eating, perhaps because of its calming effects.

Alchemilla Vulgaris (Lady’s Mantle, Lions Foot, Bear’s Foot, Nine Hooks), is an astringent used for detoxification.

Olea Europea, (Olive) is a diuretic and glycolic stabilizer that helps maintain metabolic homeostasis.

Cuminum Cyminum, (Parsely) and

Mentha spicata, Longifolia (spearmint) are popular digestive aids.

Simply Natural & Cafe carries a wide variety of weight loss and metabolic enhancing products and the staff is always happy to help you find what might work best for you.

March 26, 2013October 7, 2025

Natural and Healthful Weight Loss: Part I

March 26, 2013 by Laurianne Macdonald

Part I: Nutrition

Natural and Healthful Weight Loss… big subject. Everybody is either talking about it or trying to do it… or both. According to the CDC, 35.7% US adults and approximately 18% of children under the age of 19 are obese. Nearly 65% of Americas admit to wanting to lose 20lbs or more. It is estimated that upwards of 50% of Americans will start or try a new diet this year alone. Nearly all of them will not be able to keep the weight off for 5 years or more. Not a bright and shiny spot in health news today. Personally, any measure of success I’ve had with fad diets, calorie-counting aps, or by stacking my fridge full of pre-packaged and processed products was expensive and pointless. And recently I’ve come to believe a big part of the problem is that there is less and less NATURE in the things we put into our bodies. The Standard American Diet is SAD, unnatural, and most of all… unhealthy. We gorge on animal fats, sugar, and all those pre packaged processed food snacks that even when they tout only 100 calories, made from nature, or guarantee 2 sizes in 2 weeks, are really, really bad for you. Why? Because the majority of them contain high fructose corn syrup.
55 % of all pre-packaged foods on the grocery shelves today contain high fructose corn syrup. It is a product three times sweeter than regular sucrose (table sugar), enabling producers to save money by using less. Economics aside, recent research suggests that corn syrup is absorbed differently in the body than other sugars and may actually act more like a fat. It increases the production of insulin which fatigues the pancreas leading to insulin resistance and other metabolic syndrome conditions like diabetes. It also increases production of the hormone leptin which regulates fat storage while suppressing ghrelin, the hormone that regulates appetite and intake. “Another concern is how fructose affects the liver”, says J.P Bantle who led the University of Minnesota study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Apparently, corn syrup is converted into the chemical backbone of triglycerides more efficiently than glucose, increasing blood cholesterol levels in test subjects.
Eliminating processed and packaged foods from your diet is like a metabolic reboot. Our bodies are designed to work with nature. Like the food they serve at Simply Natural & Cafe. Natural and whole foods (not WholeFoods®) are all we need to survive, heal, and administer. Food Synergy, written by Eliane Magee, describes whole food nutrients and how they work together in the fight against major diseases such as obesity, heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes. The School of Medicine at Texas Tech University recommends whole foods diets for obesity and hypertension. So do I… so quit paying for those fancy prepackaged processed meals. Eat whole. By simply eliminating processed foods from your diet you will shed pounds while actually eating more and optimizing your health potential.

January 24, 2013October 7, 2025

FLU… (Rolling my eyes)

Month: January 2013 By Laurianne Macdonald

At first I wondered why I would want to write anything on this subject. It seems everybody and their grandmothers have already done so. But I went to several of my favorite blogs, articles, and post (checking out the competition) and saw that they all said pretty much the same thing. What a surprise.

Anyway… how many of us don’t already know that what is commonly known as the flu is a contagious virus caused by one of the many strains of influenza germs that are easily spread and attack the upper respiratory tract and mucus membranes. Well, some 60% of Americans don’t need me to tell them that. They already know all about this year’s flu, and that it is a bad one. Terrible, in fact. Like most A strain viruses, it comes on strong and fast with chills, fever, body aches, sore throat, cough and extreme fatigue. Other symptoms include headaches, sinus congestions, runny nose, stomach ache, vomiting, and, of course, the dreaded diarrhea. For most, these symptoms will usually resolve in about ten to fourteen days, not to detract from your pain…

But for some these primary conditions are dangerous. According to the CDC children under five, adults over sixty-five, pregnant women, and those with preexisting conditions like asthma, chronic obstructed pulmonary disease (COPD), and congestive heart failure (CHF), obesity and immune disorders, all have a higher risk of suffering complications that may require medical treatment or hospitalization. In worst cases, they can result in death. Last week the CDC reported that 8.3 percent of deaths nationwide were the result of the flu epidemic.

So, what can you do to protect yourself?

Most allopathic doctors, the CDC, and probably even your own mother will tell you to get vaccinated. Reports indicate a 62% efficacy of this year’s flu vaccine, and even I’m thinking that’s pretty good odds. But then, when I see that needle and fluid and remember that I really have no idea what’s in that liquid or what it will do to me, ‘one size does not fit all’ rings in my head. I remember that just yesterday a report came out: Over 800 children in Europe now suffer narcolepsy linked to the swine flu vaccine. I remember we’re not supposed to talk about stuff like that here in America; it is not good for the free market, pharmaceutical companies, and the westernized medical industry that thinks they have it right after only two hundred or so years of trial and error.

But, when was the last time one of those high-profile ‘Health and Nutrition’ or “Medical News’ blogs reminded you that the knowhow behind herbs used in Ayurvedic and Chinese, hell, even Native American medicine, is over three thousand years old, or said, out loud, there is more behind things like astragalus, Echinacea, goldenseal, and even simple cayenne pepper not being approved by the FDA as immune boosting medicine than the old wives tale excuse? It certainly isn’t lack of effectiveness.

What about once you have symptoms?

You can get $10.00 off your Tamiflu prescription. Tamiflu has been clinically proven to reduce and relieve symptoms a whole 1.3 days faster than without taking the drug within 48 hours of your first symptom. Why? Because it has the same antiviral (stops the virus from being able to reproduce) as onions, thyme, oregano, honey, and that home-made chicken soup your mom used to make.

Tamiflu, or oseltmivir, have the following side effects: allergic reaction, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue and throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nosebleeds, sleeping problems, cough, rashes, blistering and peeling skin, sudden confusion, delirium hallucinations, unusual behavior, and self injury.

So, again, I ask why?

As someone who suffers from chronic lung disease, I know I’m at risk. I know there are people who wish I’d get the vaccine. Because I can’t give statistics on how well my onion soup and daily astragalus supplements or oregano oil disinfectant work to keep me healthy, they think I’m wrong to believe in them. I hope me and Simply Natural & Cafe, where I get my astragalus, Echinacea, and good advice on other products that help keep my immune system strong, will beat this flu season. I just wonder… do they have Laurianne’s Onion Soup on the menu yet?

Laurianne’s Onion Soup

Ingredients

1/2 cup salted organic butter

4 onions, sliced

2 garlic cloves, chopped

2 fresh thyme sprigs

Freshly ground black pepper

1 cup burgundy

2 quarts organic beef broth

1 fresh baked baguette, sliced and toasted

Organic goat’s cheese (optional)

Directions

Melt the stick of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper and cook until the onions are caramelized. Add the wine and reduce until liquid is gone. Discard thyme sprigs. Turn the heat down to medium low. Add beef broth and bring soup to a simmering boil. Serve with dollop of goat’s cheese on baguette toast centered in bowl. (Caution, cheese can cause phlegm: serve without if there are signs of congestion.)

January 7, 2013October 7, 2025

There is no OZ when it comes to your health

January 7, 2013 by Laurianne Macdonald, B.Sc., MPH, CHt, Licensed RTT Practitioner

DEP recalls, GMOs, Monsanto… Oh my!

With growing concern over the use of pesticides, low nutritional value of hydroponic or commercially grown produce and the Frankenstein abomination known as genetically modified organisms (GMO) being the scariest thing to come out of food science laboratories since high-fructose corn syrup, the health food and supplement industry is now a $20-billion dollars a year business. Unfortunately, not everyone has your health and wellbeing in mind when they offer advice, that latest cure-all elixir, or that next best supplement.

Now more than ever, it is important to be a well informed consumer.

The last time I went to Whole Foods I brought a handful of questions about the herbal tincture everybody was talking about. I walked out confused and with a bag full of product I paid too much for. After taking my son to the local GNC with hopes to learn which protein supplement is best for an athlete of his age and activity, I realized I knew more about the products on the shelf than the store manager. I find the same to be the case at most health food suppliers and vitamin shops. That may seen an unfair statement as I am working toward my degree in alternative medicine, but making sense of the endless array of product… brain enhancers, gout relievers, natural anti-inflammatory or holistic cures for allergies, is daunting to say the least. You need a degree to wade through the plethora of propaganda and marketing mumbo -jumbo if only to avoid worrying that something you’re taking may have contraindications, be toxic if used incorrectly, or counteract the effects of your current blood pressure medicine.

I’ve been fortunate enough to find a place and people that have sifted through all the holistic hoopla-la and commercialized confusion plaguing the health food and supplement industry today. After witnessing the shift in philosophy and commercialization of the market, Richard Pearl and Sharooz Taheri decided to open their own shop. At Simply Natural Shop and Cafe, they keep some of the old ways intact: things like personalized attention, experienced and knowledgeable staff, and a true commitment to protecting the holistic lifestyle… all while keeping pace with the latest industry and medical developments.

When I first walked into Simply Natural, the hometown feel was comforting but a little disconcerting; I’d grown accustom to being confronted by shelves and walls stacked ceiling high and six layers deep—not by a friendly “hello”. Then, I was allowed to shop at my leisure, not prodded and probed at every turn. I was encouraged to ask if I had any questions and found that after a while all I wanted to ask was why there weren’t more places where the staff was so well versed or how come other stores don’t treat me so well.

I came to find out Richard and Sharooz believe everyone who enters their shop in Sunrise is an honored guest. That is why they serve only the best time proven products, supplements and organics, provide news and information from reliable, unbiased sources, and offer advice backed by thirty years of experience. Sharooz is even a specialist in iridology and Neurofeedback (Brain Training), offering diagnostics and holistic counseling.

So, you don’t really need to get your degree in Alternative Medicine to take better care of yourself or your family. But your health and wellbeing is a precious treasure you must protect by staying alert, capable of telling the difference between market trends, diet fads and current medical findings. Be aware of pharmacological threats, nutritional guidelines, and always bring your questions, concerns, and need for unbiased, honest answers to someone you trust.