Have you ever heard of goji berries? When you learn of all of the benefits and nutritional properties of goji berries, it is hard to understand why you haven't heard of them before. Goji berries grow in a small region of the Himalayan mountains in Tibet. As such, they are not widely available, nor inexpensive - like many other "common" berries. Goji berry lore claims that men having lived over 200 years by eating them. They have such amazing properties that it warrants further study and consumption of the small fruit.

If you search PubMed under "lycium barbarum," goji berries' latin name (not to be confused w/ lychees, which are something different), you will find 66 different research studies. These studies include the neuroprotective effects in those with Alzheimer's disease. As it's my area of interest, I wonder if goji berries hold a similar protective benefit for those with autistic spectrum disorders.

Here are some facts about goji berries. Goji berries:

? Contain 19 amino acids ? the building blocks of protein ? including all eight that are essential for life.
? Contain 21 trace minerals, including germanium.
? Contain a complete spectrum of antioxidant carotenoids, including beta-carotene in higher amounts carrots. Goji berries are the richest source of carotenoids of all known foods. ? Contain Vitamin C at higher levels than oranges.
? Contain B-complex vitamins, necessary for converting food into energy.
? Contain Vitamin E.
? Contain an anti-inflammatory agent called Beta-Sitosterol. Beta-Sitosterol also lowers cholesterol and has been used to treat sexual impotence and prostate enlargement.
? Contain essential fatty acids.
? Contain a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound called Solavetivone.
? Contain betaine, which is used by the liver to produce choline, a compound that calms nervousness, enhances memory,promotes muscle growth, and protects against fatty liver disease. Betaine also provides methyl groups in the body?s energy reactions and can help reduce levels of homocysteine, a prime risk factor in heart disease. It also protects DNA.
? Contain polysaccharides which have been demonstrated to strongly fortify the immune system.
? In Mongolia, they are commonly used by first trimester mothers to prevent morning sickness. It is a gentle and soothing fruit that is loaded with available vitality.

In addition to all this, goji berrries contain very high levels of antioxidants. In fact, they have more than 10 times the level of antioxidants of blueberries (one of the foods highest in antioxidants that Americans consume). Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC), a test developed by USDA researchers out of Tufts University in Boston, which measures the antioxidant level in foods has found goji berries to contain 25,300 antioxidant units vs. blueberries level of 2,400.

The most common ways to consume goji berries are dried, as juice, and even as frozen juice bars. They taste great, enjoy!

U.S. Biotek and Carbon Based Labs have joined resources to offer a simple and accurate lab assessment for environmental pollutants. The assessement tests for seven of the most common environmental toxins, including: xylene, toluene, parabens, phthalates (plastics/plasticizers), styrene, and more.

These chemicals have been found to contribute to miscarriages, infertility, fetal abnormalities, and cancer. They are known endocrine disruptors and neurotoxins. These chemicals are so widely found in our environment that everyone has some levels of them in their bodies - they are present in the breast milk of nursing mothers. The important thing to note is: does an individual have extremely high or low levels (indicating an inability to detoxify).

I highly recommend the test. The lab assessment is a simple urine test that simply requires urinating on a stick and sending it to their lab. The cost is around $165 U.S. Biotek created and runs the test. Carbon Based adds an additional evaluation. You can contact either company, or your health care provider, for further information.

We'd like to invite you to join us at our monthly Autism Parent/Practioner meeting! Please tell (or forward this newsletter to) friends that might also be interested in attending. It's a free and wonderful way to connect with other parents, listen to guest speakers, and share information.

Marin City Southern Marin Public Safety Building (Firehouse)
Annette Rose Meeting Room
850 Drake Avenue, Marin City.

Contact Julie Matthews for more information about our November and December meetings.

Nourishing Hope: Environmental Contributors, Biochemical Observations, and Nutritional Intervention for Autistic Spectrum Disorders Including ADHD, by Julie Matthews, CNC.

Once I discovered that imbalanced biochemical pathways influence the symptoms of ADHD and autism and that food, nutrition, and, proper supplementation can have significant impact on these disorders, I was hooked. I wanted to learn and understand more. I inherently knew that if ?we? could better comprehend these factors and influences, that, working together, we could use that knowledge to help these children and their families. Throughout my studies, as I researched liver function, endocrine immune system, food sensitivities, etc., I would always explore the questions ?how is this effected in autistic spectrum disorders, and how do we impact it through nutritional or supplemental intervention??

Nourishing Hope is the culmination of 5 years of study, research, and clinical experience on autistic spectrum disorders and the effects of nutrition, environmental factors, and biochemical imbalances on these conditions. In this time I have consulted with more than 100 families with children on the spectrum, read countless books and research papers, routinely attended leading conferences on the subject (DAN!, AutismOne), and collaborated with half a dozen doctors (and their patients).

At NourishingHope.com you will find the introduction, table of contents, and further information on the book. My desire is that this book will help people physically nourish themselves and their children toward health, and nourish hope that there is a way, there is a path to healing.

Healthful Living is pleased to announce the availability of our far infrared sauna by High Tech Health. It is the sauna and detoxification method specified by Sherry Rogers in "Detoxify or Die." A far infrared sauna is a special type of dry sauna that is very effective at detoxification of heavy metals and environmental toxins. It is also widely used for weight loss, immune function, and pain reduction.

The health benefits of a Far Infrared Therapy Sauna include:
? Superior Detoxification: Removes Heavy Metals & Fat-stored Toxins
? Increased Cardiovascular Conditioning
? Stimulated Immune System
? Improved Circulation
? Pain Relief
? Weight Loss and Cellulite Reduction
? Beautiful Skin
? Stress Reduction

Uisng a far infrared sauna 3 times a weeks for one to three months is a great way to detoxify heavy metals and environmental toxins. Healthful Living's sauna is available for use as part of their "Mind/Body Detox Program," and as discounted monthly sauna packages. If your interested in purchasing your own sauna, ours is available for trial use. Contact Healthful Living for further details.