Page 18 - Summer2014

Caustic Commentary

likens GMO production and distribution to terrorism (www. that mice have a surge of white blood cells around birth, but
globalresearch.ca, May 20, 2014). Geopolitical analyst Wil- this response is reduced when their mothers are exposed to
liam Engdahl predicted the move would increase productiv- antibiotics. The offspring of mothers given antibiotics were
ity in Russia while that in Europe would decline. Sri Lanka more vulnerable to deadly E. coli infections, especially when
has partially banned glyphosate (the herbicide Roundup) they were born prematurely. Unfortunately, not only are moms
following a deadly kidney disease epidemic (www.i-sis.org. routinely given antibiotics—if they test positive for Strep, for
uk, April 9 2014). example, or have a Cesarean section—critically ill babies are
often treated with antibiotics as a precaution without proof
WORLD’S OLDEST of infection (Nature Medicine 20,
PERSON 469–470 (2014).
The world’s oldest person is
Peruvian Filomena Taipe Men- MCDONALD'S NUTRITION
doza, who has led a secluded Dietitians go to professional confer-
life in the heart of the Andes ences to get continuing education
mountains. Her government credits. At the recent conference of
identity card puts her date of the California Dietetic Association
birth as December 20, 1897, (CDA), attendees had only one choice
making her one hundred six- for food—McDonald's, the only Gold
teen years old. What does she Sponsor. McDonald's served salad
eat? Definitely not a “Paleo” with additive-laden ranch dressing, a
diet. “My secret to longev- strawberry pink yogurt parfait, choco-
ity is a natural diet—pota- late chip cookies and other paradigms
toes, goat meat and beans,” of processed food. Vendors in the ex-
she says. She also has never hibit hall included Davidson's "Safest
drunk canned drinks, and she Choice" pasteurized eggs, Butter Buds
cooks everything she eats from (fake butter flavor), Carmi Flavors,
her garden (news.yahoo.com/ Monsanto, Nestlé, Smart Balance,
peruvian-116-stakes-claim- and Sysco (which supplies foods to
oldest-woman-crown-214858246.html). The region also boasts restaurants and hospitals.) The sessions had food industry
eight other individuals who are one hundred ten years old or sponsors as well. The Wheat Council hosted a presentation
older, all presumably eating a mixed diet of natural foods. about how gluten intolerance was just a fad, not a real medi-
cal problem. The International Food Information Council—
COLLATERAL DAMAGE
The war on germs, which uses antibiotics indiscriminately FOR SCIENTISTS AND LAY READERS
and keeps babies and children from exposure to the real world Please note that the mission of the Weston A. Price
of germs, has created a generation of children with poor im- Foundation is to provide important information about diet
mune systems. The latest evidence comes from a study by and health to both scientists and the lay public. For this
reason, some of the articles in Wise Traditions are neces-
the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where researchers sarily technical. It is very important for us to describe the
found that when pregnant women take antibiotics, this can science that supports the legitimacy of our dietary prin-
depress the immune system of their offspring. By contrast, ciples. In articles aimed at scientists and practitioners, we
moms can help strengthen a child's ability to avoid illness by provide a summary of the main points and also put the
passing on certain germs. The study showed that bacteria in most technical information in sidebars. These articles are
the gut play a crucial role in fostering the rapid production balanced by others that provide practical advice to our lay
of infection-fighting white blood cells. The researchers found readers.
18 Wise Traditions SUMMER 2014 Wise Traditions

137720_text.indd 18 7/1/14 11:40 AM