Researchers questioned nearly 60,000 pregnant Danish women about their consumption of sweetened beverages. They found that women who drank one serving per day of a carbonated, artificially sweetened beverage were 38 percent more likely to give birth prematurely than women who did not consume such drinks. Women who consumed four or more serving of such drinks daily increased their risk of premature delivery by 78 percent. A similar, albeit smaller risk was seen for non-carbonated, artificially sweetened drinks. There was no increase in risk associated with sugary drinks.

A premature birth was defined as a delivery before the 37th week of pregnancy. Only deliberately induced premature deliveries were associated with artificial sweeteners; there was no connection between the sweeteners and spontaneous premature births. This suggests that artificial sweeteners may cause distress in either the fetus or mother that leads doctors to induce early delivery.

The exact cause of the connection could not be determined, but scientists believe that toxic breakdown products of the sweeteners might play some role. The sweetener aspartame, for example, is broken down in the body to phenylalanine.

"Large doses of phenylalanine are toxic to the brain and can cause mental retardation and seizures in people with a particular genetic disorder called phenylketonuria," writes Debra Lynn Dadd in the book Nontoxic, Natural and Earthwise.

"Other people experience headaches, depression, mood swings, high blood pressure, insomnia, and behavior problems," Dadd writes.

"Aspartame is not recommended for use by pregnant women as it is known to cause birth defects."

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the dietary supplement industry's trade association, called the new vitamin D recommendations "a modest step in the right direction that fell short of truly capturing the extensive and positive research that has consistently supported the need for people to significantly raise their vitamin D levels." (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-rele…)

According to scientific studies, right now 70 percent of whites are deficient in vitamin D, and 97 percent of African Americans are deficient, resulting in outrageously higher rates of cancer among blacks compared to whites (http://www.naturalnews.com/030392_c…). The Institute of Medicine curiously claims such deficiencies do not exist, however.

Nutritionally-aware health professionals had hoped the Institute of Medicine might suggest raising the daily intake of vitamin D to a level that would actually help prevent cancer: 2000 IUs a day, or even as much as 4000 IUs a day. Most informed nutritionists right now recommend anywhere from 2000 IUs to 4000 IUs per day for adults, and the research on the connection between cancer and vitamin D is clear: Vitamin D prevents 77 percent of all cancers (http://www.naturalnews.com/021892.html).

But this is precisely why the Institute of Medicine absolutely cannot allow more vitamin D to be taken by the American people — it would destroy the pharmaceutical industry's primary business model by making people well!

Government warns people not to take too much Vitamin D (seriously…)

And so today, even as it reluctantly adjusted the daily recommended intake to the 600 IU level (800 for the elderly), the Institute of Medicine issued a ridiculous warning against "megadosing" on vitamin D. (It considers a "mega dose" anything over 4000 IUs.)

The mainstream media even jumped on the bandwagon, reporting that anything over 10,000 IU can "cause kidney damage." And yet, doctors who know about vitamin D deficiency routinely prescribe 50,000 IUs a day for their patients to help them recover and restore their vitamin D back to healthy levels. (That amount is only safe for people who are severely deficient, by the way. NaturalNews agrees this is not a safe dose for a person who already has sufficient levels of vitamin D in their body.)

Dr Michael Holick, the vitamin D expert who has been routinely attacked by conventional medicine for educating people about vitamin D, takes 3,000 IUs a day himself. He's featured in a NaturalNews special report called The Healing Power of Sunlight and Vitamin D which can be downloaded for free at: http://www.naturalnews.com/rr-sunli…

The 600 IU level is a pitiful amount of vitamin D that's guaranteed to continue the epidemic of vitamin D deficiency in America. "This is a stunning disappointment," said Dr. Cedric Garland, one of the top researchers who has studied the ability of vitamin D to prevent cancer.

A massive vitamin D deficiency conspiracy among Big Pharma, Big Government and the mainstream media?

The real story in all this, by the way, is that there is a massive conspiracy to keep the American people vitamin D deficient for as long as possible. This conspiracy is achieved through the use of outright lies such as this whopper published by CBS News a few days ago: "While some people truly are deficient in vitamin D, the average person already has enough circulating in his or her blood. That's because we also make vitamin D from sun exposure, and because many people already take multivitamins or other D-containing dietary supplements."

This is, of course, a blatant lie. Most people don't take vitamin D supplements, and few people get any sunshine at all. The worst deficiency is, of course, among those with darker skin such as African Americans and, to some extent, Latinos and Asians, all of which are now suffering skyrocketing rates of cancer, diabetes and other diseases.

That the mainstream media (and the entire medical community) would lie to black people about vitamin D deficiency is no surprise: It was traditionally blacks who were chosen for Big Pharma's medical experiments throughout its nefarious history (http://www.naturalnews.com/019189.html).

And now, the American people are the experiment! The Institute of Medicine, Big Pharma and the FDA are all running a grand experiment entitled, "What happens if we keep all Americans — but especially the blacks — deficient in vitamin D?"

If you doubt the accuracy of that statement, consider the historical fact that the U.S. government conspired with the National Institute of Health to use Guatemalans as human guinea pigs in secret medical experiments for which President Obama was recently forced to apologize! (http://www.naturalnews.com/029924_m…)

Just as an explanation here, those with dark skin are far more likely to be vitamin D deficiency because dark skin pigmentation blocks the ultraviolet light that generates vitamin D in your skin. Watch my video here for a full explanation: http://naturalnews.tv/v.asp?v=5A62F…

The Institute of Medicine brazenly lied about vitamin D's effects on preventing cancer, stating on its website, "The IOM finds that the evidence supports a role for vitamin D and calcium in bone health but not in other health conditions. Further, emerging evidence indicates that too much of these nutrients may be harmful, challenging the concept that 'more is better.'"

In other words, the IOM wants you to believe that "more is NOT better" when it comes to vitamin D, even though most people are woefully deficient. This is a subtle way of telling people to avoid taking more vitamin D and thereby remain vitamin D deficient, which would of course keep people trapped in sickness and disease which generates huge profits for the pharmaceutical industry.

The vitamin D conspiracy is real. Government, Big Pharma and even some elements of the media are all scheming together to trap the American population in a state of lifelong vitamin D deficiency. But this conspiracy will ultimately fail because the nutritional science about vitamin D cannot be suppressed for much longer. Especially not if people inform themselves with nutritional knowledge by reading websites like this one.

Vitamin D is the nutrient that could collapse the cancer industry and destroy Big Pharma. That's why you need to keep learning about it and keep taking it to make sure your levels of vitamin D are high enough to prevent degenerative disease.

Mitochondria contain their own DNA aside from the cell nucleus and remain relatively unprotected and extremely vulnerable to free radical damage. Over time the DNA sustains mutations that disable the energy producing capacity of the mitochondria. Many biologists now believe that the number of functioning mitochondria determine human longevity. The more functional mitochondria you have in your cells, the lower your risk of disease.

PQQ Boosts Cellular Energy Production
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline quinone) is a natural enzyme cofactor that is emerging as an essential compound capable of mitochondrial regeneration. The results of a study published in the Alternative Medicine Review demonstrate that PQQ is a powerful antioxidant with a 5,000 time greater capacity to quell free radical damage compared to vitamin C. This prevents damage to the delicate mitochondria, and it prevents both functional decline that has been shown to initiate disease and energy decline.

Research recently published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry demonstrates how PQQ not only protects the integrity of existing mitochondria from oxidative damage, but also stimulates the growth of new mitochondria. Up until now only calorie restriction and vigorous exercise have been shown to exhibit these characteristics. This type of news should make headlines as it is an indicator that the aging process can be slowed. You won`t hear this information though because it relates to a natural substance that can`t be patented by Big Pharma.

CoQ10 Works in Harmony with PQQ to Boost Energy Levels
CoQ10 has long been known to increase energy levels as it is an essential cofactor in the production of cellular energy known as ATP. PQQ and CoQ10 work together as a team to combat the effects of cognitive decline commonly seen in the elderly. PQQ stimulates the production and release of nerve growth factor in the brain that protects memory and learning. When both cofactors are present in the blood, tests of cognition are dramatically improved in aging subjects.

PQQ is naturally found in a variety of foods including leafy green vegetables, fruits, green tea and wine. Supplementation is also available. Ground breaking research provides evidence that this little known enzyme cofactor may hold the key to prevention of brain aging while improving cardiovascular health and longevity.

Cran Concentrate

Native to America and part of the blueberry family, fresh cranberries are at their peak and sold in markets October through December. Easy to store in the freezer, they can be thawed and turned into a delicious dish created in minutes.

Cranberries are grown in bogs and float in water during harvesting. Researchers have found that the anthocyanin content of this berry (the flavonoid pigments that give cranberries their red color) is increased due to the amount of natural sunlight reaching their skin. As a result, water harvesting actually enhances the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the cranberry.

An important aspect of cranberries is that they carry a special combination of five separate types of antioxidants. Also special to the makeup of this fruit is the combination of resveratrol, piceatannol, and pterostilbene. These particular phytonutrients naturally found in cranberries provide maximum antioxidant benefits only when consumed in combination with each other. It's no wonder this powerhouse berry is supporting so many bodily systems in gaining health.

URINARY TRACT HEALTH – Researchers have found that proanthocyanidins (PACs) found in cranberries are "anti-adhesion" compounds that help prevent microorganisms from adhering to cells of the urinary tract.

DENTAL HEALTH – The same PACSs help prevent bacteria from forming in the mouth. They support the reduction of harmful plaque that leads to gum disease.

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH – Phenols in cranberries support the reduction of LDL cholesterol levels and raise levels of HDL cholesterol in the blood, help to reduce blood pressure, and prevent the formation of blood clots.

ANTI-CANCER – Scientists have established the answer behind the fruit's anti-cancer properties: the ability to trigger off programmed cell death in tumor cells. They have determined that certain compounds in the fruit can inhibit the formation of cancer cells.

ANTI-ULCER – Tannins found in cranberries can prevent the adhesion of ulcer-causing bacteria in the stomach.

Choose deep red, plump berries without scaring or bruising. Nicknamed "bounceberries" because they bounce when ripe, they are at their best when firm to the touch.

Since processing and heating cranberries reduces their nutrient and enzyme levels as well as the flavor, consuming the berry uncooked is best. Because the skin of the cranberry contains the bulk of its nutrients, eating the whole fruit is by far the healthiest way to consume this nutritious berry.

Below is a simple relish recipe perfect any time of year.

Raw Cranberry Relish

3 red delicious apples
3 ripe bananas
1 bag fresh/frozen cranberries (if frozen – do not thaw before processing)
Optional: sweetener to taste

Fork-mash bananas and set aside.
Wash and cut apples into chunks. In a food-processor or blender, pulse-blend apples and cranberries one handful at a time making sure to keep the fruit slightly chunky. Scoop out mixture as necessary.
Mix ingredients together. Best when chilled.

"If a child is behaving poorly, if he's inattentive, if he can't sit still, it may simply be because he's 5 and the other kids are 6," said Elder, assistant professor of economics. "Many ADHD diagnoses may be driven by teachers' perceptions of poor behavior among the youngest children in a kindergarten classroom."

He pointed out that although teachers cannot diagnose ADHD, their opinions are instrumental in decisions to send a child for a mental health evaluation.

This study suggests that 20 percent – or 900,000 – of the 4.5 million children currently labeled with ADHD have been misdiagnosed based on their age relative to classmates.

No blood tests or other medical analyses are used in diagnosing ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Children so labeled are routinely prescribed high-risk psychostimulants, despite documented adverse effects that can range from loss of appetite, anxiety and insomnia to stunted growth, high blood pressure and heart failure.

In 1987, the American Psychiatric Association voted ADHD into the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition – the psychiatric bible used in prescribing medication) as an authorized "mental disorder". There was no scientific evidence to support this as a brain malfunction, disease, chemical imbalance or neuro-biological condition. Yet psychostimulants widely prescribed for ADHD alter the natural chemistry of the brain and body and can have long term impact on children's health.

Big Pharma spends billions in convincing the public, schools, legislators and the press that ADHD, ADD and other so-called mental disorders are diseases on par with verifiable medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

How could all this come to be? The ADHD myth and its costly medications bring the pharmaceutical and psychiatric industries billions of dollars a year in revenue.

This marketing deception is not isolated to the U.S. A recent Canadian study suggests that many boys are prescribed ADHD drugs for being, well, boys. (Core symptoms used in diagnoses are inability to focus and hyper and impulsive behavior.) On Oct 18, 2010 Canada's Globe and Mail published an article entitled "Are we medicating a disorder or treating boyhood as a disease?"

"Last year, more than two million prescriptions for Ritalin and other ADHD drugs were written specifically for children under 17, and at least 75 per cent of them were for young males", wrote the author. The Globe's investigation shows that prescriptions for ADHD drugs in Canada shot up to 2.9 million in 2009, a jump of more than 55 per cent in four years. And ADHD prescriptions for males increased 50 per cent since 2005.

"We analyzed best-selling products, and about half of them made some claim about being green, natural, or organic," explained Ann Steinemann, professor of civil and environmental engineering and of public affairs at UW, and author of the study. "Surprisingly, the green products' emissions of hazardous chemicals were not significantly different from other products."

Consumer cleaning products are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, so companies that manufacture them are not required to disclose their ingredients. Many products simply list "fragrance" as an ingredient, even though a "fragrance" can contain a cocktail of hundreds of different chemicals. And according to the study, more than 33 percent of products tested emitted at least one hazardous chemical recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a probable carcinogen.

As far as cleaning supplies go, a simple vinegar and baking soda solution is a safe and natural alternative to chemical supplies; it is both inexpensive and highly effective. Avoiding products that contain "fragrance" ingredients is also recommended.

Alan Smith: Rescued from Death by Vitamin C

This story was featured in New Zealand/Australia TV`s version of "60 Minutes". Alan Smith was lying near death in a coma and on life support in a New Zealand hospital with complications from last year`s Swine Flu. The doctors had decided to pull the plug on his life support system since there was no hope for Alan`s survival. Alan`s family disagreed and insisted on the hospital`s administering IV high dose vitamin C as a last resort.

Despite having nothing to lose with a hopeless patient for whom they were about to take off life support, every hospital MD refused to administer IV mega dose C. The family had to enlist an attorney to coerce the hospital into following their request. It took several weeks of urging and referrals for available practitioners from American MD Thomas Levy before vitamin C therapy was reluctantly administered.

After 13 days of mega dose IV vitamin C administration, Alan Smith walked out of the hospital. He had been in a coma for nine weeks! The scurvy condition that exacerbated his Swine Flu may have been part of his leukemia. Less publicized but even more impressive is that he is now leukemia-free a year after his coma recovery.

Mega dose IV vitamin C has been used to cure cancer before, although the orthomolecular physicians prefer to keep a low profile about this. They prefer to promote it as a useful adjunct to other forms of cancer treatments. This appears to be partly a strategy for keeping the Medical Mafia off their backs.

Beyond Anecdotal

Mainstream medicine tends to dismiss this type of incident as anecdotal. But orthodox medicine also dismisses reams of research papers and case studies of other successful vitamin C recovery cases from orthomolecular physicians. Instead, medical profession authorities focus on poorly conducted or biased studies by mainstream institutions.

Dr. Levy is among several doctors in the USA and Australia who have used IV high dose vitamin C to cure extreme cases of infectious disease in thousands of cases. And there are cancer cases that have benefited as well. Thousands of successful orthomolecular case studies exist, yet the Medical Mafia claims there is no documentation proving vitamin C`s efficacy.

Important Caveats

The mega doses of vitamin C are well beyond bowel tolerance of ingested vitamin C. So they have to be administered by IV to bypass the digestive system. The resultant high blood levels of vitamin C flips this antioxidant into an oxidizing mode. Cellular oxidation eliminates bacteria, viruses, and even cancer cells.

Dr. Riordon`s protocol requires a check for G6PD enzyme deficiencies. Though this deficiency is very rare, ensuring it`s not there is important. This enzyme is needed to maintain membrane blood cell integrity. If lacking, the high oxidation from mega dose C can cause hemolysis, which ruptures blood cells and empties their contents.

It is also important to maintain sufficient blood levels of copper while mega dosing IV vitamin C. Mega doses of IV Vitamin C depletes this mineral, which may lead to serious complications for someone already in bad shape.

The significant increase in overdoses due to packaging inconsistencies led the FDA to issue new guidelines back in 2009 for how to properly package and label such medicines. Many manufacturers still sell the dubiously-labeled medicines, but authors of the study hope that their investigation into the matter will result in improvements.

Children's medicines are responsible for landing thousands of children in the emergency room every year for overdoses. A recent report found that when manufacturers stopped selling children's cold and cough medicines labeled for children under age two, the number of admitted children to the ER dropped by more than 50 percent.

And last year, the U.K. Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) flat out told parents to stop giving their small children such medicines because they are not safe and often do not even work. Many of them are also loaded with toxic ingredients like corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, food colorings, stabilizing agents, and preservatives.