The LifeCo Blog

I’ve just returned from another inspiring weekend in sunny Bristol.  The Vegan Fayre  is in its 6^th year with the Raw Living Foods area constantly expanding.  They always put on a great music line-up to bring in the crowds then provide a wide selection of great food, drink, stalls and information about becoming vegan, protecting animals and saving the planet!  There was a fantastic vibe - well done to Tim at Yaoh for putting on such an awesome event.  I was yet again impressed with Kate Magic from Brighton who made purple guacamole full of seagreens, purple corn and cacao nibs with bright orange carrot sticks – great for the Rainbow diet (written about by Dr Gabriel Cousins) and it tasted divine!  Kate talked about the wanders of superfoods and how to include them in our everyday diet and not to just consider them something special to add to smoothies or have at the weekend.  She added cacao nibs to her salads and algae in her chocolate to keep the balance between green and sweet.  At the end of Sunday, she made one of her magic cakes in approximately 20 minutes and wowed the crowd (who were all letting go of their inhibitions after consuming a dose of south American Suma and high levels of cacao).  I would highly recommend having a look at her website for great recipes and superfood information (http://www.rawliving.eu).  What else did I manage to find at the fayre – I’ve stocked up on Hemp Oil and Goji Berries and now have some new organic vegan facial products to try out but I think my favourite purchase of the weekend was some raw shea butter from Natural Options.  I really adore the creaminess and softness of Shea butter which is made from the nut of an African fruit and as they say on the card – ‘Home of Africa’s best kept secret in skincare’ and I have to agree with them JFor those of you who couldn’t make it this time, make sure to put a note in your diary for next year.

Filed under: raw, Vegan, Anna Middleton on June 4th, 2008 | No Comments »

Living in Istanbul brings its ups and downs.  It’s a massive city with traffic snarls and smog like I’ve never experienced but it also has a buzz unmatched.  I’m yet to make up my mind about it as a place to live but it’s a city everyone should visit at least once.  When the call of home becomes too loud to ignore these are what I’ll miss the most…

The call to prayer is haunting.  I’ve been here over a year and a half now and it still gives me goosebumps. I’ll never tire of it.

The skyline of the old city is like nothing I’ve seen anywhere else.  I could sit and look at it all day, soaking up the sounds and smells of the stalls and vendors. The Eminonu waterfront at night is like stepping back in time.

Lounge fm is the best radio station I’ve heard anywhere.  I’ll be tuning into Lounge online all over the world for as long as I can still groove.

If you’re looking for an oasis in the city, Club Sporium  is a sports and leisure complex in Akatlar above the Bosphorus. Work out, laze in the sun on the pool deck or head downstairs to The LifeCo spa for a hamam, massage or to see your blood live in action under the microscope in their well aging center . Satisfy your appetite afterwards at Hayal Kahvesi with the Saf menu of pure, delicious dishes.

Walk along the Bosphorus from Bebek to Kurucesme. Dwarfed by passing tankers and dodging the fishermen it’s a breath of fresh salty air.  Saf are here too .  Drop in for a filling wrap, a refreshing juice or smoothie. The Cubana banana is my favorite.

And to finish off jump in a cab for the 5 minute ride down to Ortakoy.  Enjoy Turkish fast food at the stalls or sit down at one of the waterfront restaurants and take in one of the greatest views in Istanbul where the Bosphorus bridge hangs over the Ortakoy Camii.  The old and the new of this amazing city.

Paul Harper

Filed under: Saf Restaurant, Istanbul, Bosphorus, city living, well aging, Saf, Hayal Kahvesi, Club Sporium, Ortakoy, live blood, lounge fm, Akatlar, Eminonu, call to prayer, goosebumps, waterfront, appetite, smoothie, banana, Bosphorus bridge, radio station on May 31st, 2008 | No Comments »

This week a friend sent me the link to a new online film by an expert on the materials economy and it took me a few days to click on it. I finally did because I wanted to clean up my email in-box, nothing more noble. Now I want to clean up my spending habits.

This rapid-fire film helped me see much more clearly how what I choose to buy:

1) has an effect on the world’s natural resources and the health of the environment
2) contributes to a lower quality of life in poor nations where natural habitats are ruined by resource extraction and production, forcing people into unhealthy factory work in slummy mega-cities
3) contributes to a lower quality of life in rich nations for the employees of superstores and the like which distribute these goods at rock bottom prices while stiffing the workers on pay and health benefits

….plus there is more damage waiting at other points in the consumer cycle, like

a) consumption (6 months usage per product is average in the USA, with products built to break or go out of fashion) and
b) disposal (especially the incineration of garbage which creates the world’s most toxic man-made chemical – dioxin – and releases it into the air we breathe), and
c) the role product-pushing corporations play in our lives and how our governments now work to please them rather than take care of us.

“The Story of Stuff” reveals that the rampant consumerism of our modern lifestyle has devastating consequences for our environment, third-world nations, the working class, personal health and even the general state of our happiness. Take a look. If you’ve got kids, let them watch and see if it changes the way they view the world of stuff.

The site also features hundreds of organizations working to change the cycle of the materials economy and suggestions about what we can personally do to change the unsustainable direction things are headed.

–Anastasia Ashman

Filed under: global warming, environment, health, awareness, work-life balance, city living, lifestyle, greenhouse gasses, carbon footprint, greenhouse gases, chemicals, depression, greenhouse gas, Planet Earth, Anastasia, sustainability on March 27th, 2008 | No Comments »

An interesting piece of information has presented itself on 2 fronts this week. I’ve just finished watching David Attenborough’s series “Planet Earth” and am also reading “The One Hundred Year Lie” by Randall Fitzgerald. Both are addressing the fine line we and our planet are riding though from different perspectives. 

“Planet Earth” is a glimpse at the wonder of our planet and the vast ecosystems which still survive in spite of man’s footprint as a species and our increasing demands on natural resources. “The One Hundred Year Lie” is an expose of the chemical industry and how it has pervaded every aspect of our lives, clothing, cleaning and our food. These man-made chemical poisons are popping up in the most unexpected of places and having a devastating effect.

In Costa Rica, an almost pristine environment, almost 50% of all frog species are under serious threat. This is due to the combined effects of a foreign introduced fungus and the fact that frogs breathe through their skin. This increases their sensitivity to chemical poisons which have spread world-wide and reinforces their position as an ecological barometer.  Their disappearance serves as a warning to us that we are all exposed to increasingly dangerous loads of man-made poisons.

This second point had the greatest impact on me. Both Attenborough and Fitzgerald bring attention to the fact that the breast milk of the average nursing mother in the USA is so laden with toxins that were it a bottled product it would fail FDA inspection. This information is the result of tests carried out nation-wide.  It appears that breast milk is a pathway for excreting toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis. We are not only poisoning ourselves and our planet but through the best of intentions we are also poisoning our newborn children.  Another reminder that the health of ourselves and our planet are absolutely intertwined.        

Breast is still best, far superior to formulas, dairy and all other so-called substitutes but reduce your toxin exposure from all sources, before during and after pregnancy and lactation. It’s never too late to make positive changes and get your baby off to a healthy start.

Paul Harper

Filed under: environment, detox, health, toxins, food, synthetic supplements, FDA, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, children, breast feeding, David Attenborough, Randall Fitzgerald, Planet Earth, babies on March 3rd, 2008 | No Comments »

The British government has announced it is phasing out incandescent light bulbs by 2011 in favor of largely fluorescent energy saving tubes.  While these tubes save 75% of the energy used by standard bulbs and thus greatly reduce the greenhouse gas effects of electricity usage this is not the only environmental or health issue to be considered.

These energy saving bulbs have long been used by businesses as a cost saving measure and have been linked with a range of health problems ranging from migraines and increased risk of epileptic seizures to the aggravation of eczema, dermatitis and other skin conditions There have also been reports linking fluorescent lighting with the auto immune disease lupus and chronic fatigue.

Mental problems including depression, sleep disorders and cravings have been linked with fluorescent lighting in prisons- not only among inmates but also support staff including doctors and chaplains. At the 1999 International Light Conference at Reading University in England, fluorescent lighting was linked with radiation leakage and possible depletion of mood elevating brain chemicals serotonin and melatonin. This can lead to depression of severity enough to trigger suicide attempts.

Fluorescent tubes also contain mercury. If not properly recycled and isolated mercury poses a significant health risk to all humans and animals who come into contact with it.  The average tube contains 20 milligrams of mercury and the US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the yearly production of fluorescent lamps contains enough mercury to contaminate 20 million acres of water .  Mercury concentrates in animal tissues, passes up the food chain and is one of the most toxic substances known.  Even breathing mercury vapors can cause neurological damage and symptoms ranging from loss of coordination to vision and speech impairment.

The Migraine Action Association and other pressure groups in the UK are lobbying the government to provide other alternatives. Maybe this form of lighting should be phased out for the good of our planet and our own health.

Paul Harper

Filed under: global warming, environment, city living, greenhouse gasses, carbon footprint, fluorescent lighting, mercury, food chain, epileptic seizures, migraines, eczema, dermatitis, depression, Environmental Protection Agency, greenhouse gas on February 26th, 2008 | 1 Comment »

Chocolate and coffee are two of life’s pleasures as far as I’m concerned. They also have numerous health benefits. But many people have told me they should be avoided at all cost during pregnancy. I beg to differ.

I love my coffee - actually savor more than indulge. So when my doctor told me I should avoid coffee and black tea, I mentally blocked out the coffee part.

Then a new study came out which said that coffee consumption is linked to miscarriages. When discussing with friends, some felt I should stick to the new recommendations. But another friend who has had a couple miscarriages shed some personal light on the subject. She tried to conceive under a variety of circumstances - with caffeine, without caffeine; in her home country, overseas; with a great diet, with a poor diet. Her point is that, while it’s good to err on the side of caution, there are so many factors that play into whether a baby will make it to term or not, that it’s unrealistic to single out just one.

Chocolate is another thing that I haven’t given up (I tell myself junior is the one who wants it, but really I know better). Chocolate also falls under the list of caffeinated no-no’s. But a friend in Switzerland was told she should eat chocolate every day during her pregnancy. According to Swiss doctors, a couple squares of dark chocolate every day make for a happy baby. Maybe it’s just propaganda to get people to keep eating chocolate, but she does have one of the happiest babies I know.

So, while I don’t plan to over do it with these treats, I will definitely consume them in moderation. Pregnancy is not an easy time in one’s life, and I think we should be allowed to have a little indulgence every now and then.

- Lisa Johnson

Filed under: pregnancy, coffee, chocolate on February 21st, 2008 | No Comments »

I’ve just spent the past weekend in Munich.  What a great city. I was staying just round the corner from the Marienplatz  - the huge outdoor pedestrian mall at the center of the down town area.

Munich offers the best of both worlds, small city charm with all the sights, shopping and conveniences of a large metropolis.  The English gardens provide a green escape for residents and visitors alike- though its not quite so green at this time of year.  It was a bit chilly.

So I was pleased to find a warm welcome waiting in the historic Zerwirk building, a 2 minute walk from my hotel and the Marienplatz.  Zerwirk is the home of Saf Munich , an innovative new restaurant and juice bar.  They also have a deli and shop downstairs stocking a great range of organic food, wines and products for healthier living.

I enjoyed a delicious organic smoothie, spicy soup and salad before heading back outside into the crisp winter afternoon.  I hope it wont be too long before my next visit! 

Paul Harper 

Filed under: Saf Restaurant, health, wine, organic, city living, beer, food, bars, Munich, Marienplatz, English gardens, mall, pedestrian, Zerwirk on February 20th, 2008 | No Comments »

 Here’s some good news from the UK. Last year England joined the growing number of european countries banning smoking in public places, especially in restaurants and bars.  

The ban corresponded, according to this survey, with over 150,000 people quitting smoking. If you want to have a positive impact on the health of your people and environment this is obviously the way to go.

A look at the smoking statistics from Ash reveal that around 12 million adults smoke in the UK. Smoking causes around 90% of deaths from lung cancer and around one third of all cancer deaths. It contributes to nearly 20% of all deaths from heart disease. Cigarette smoking damages every cell in your body and is estimated to cause approximately 114,000 premature deaths in England every year.

What stands smoking apart is that it is a habit that not only harms the user but also the unfortunate folks who happen to be near by or even in the same building. Especially vulnerable are children whose bodies are still developing.

Cigarette butts litter our parks, wash into water ways and kill birds and fish who mistakenly eat them. This drug which kills more people than heroin, cocaine all other illegal drugs should not only be banned in public places, It should be banned outright. The only people benefitting are tobacco companies and your government. 80% of the price of a packet of cigarettes in the UK is tax.  No doubt needed to pay for soaring DISEASE CARE costs. 

Paul Harper

Filed under: environment, carbon footprint, cancer, smoking, drugs, heart disease, children, tobacco companies, restaurants, bars on February 4th, 2008 | No Comments »

All the pregnancy books were warning about pregnancy edema - swelling of the legs. I have luckily been able to avoid it - up until now. But the past couple weeks I’ve come home at the end of the day and kicked off my shoes only to be greeted to a pair of ankles that I swear belong to somebody else!

babycenter.com says that edema happens during pregnancy because of a few factors. One is that there are more fluids going around my body. Another reason is that my big belly is putting pressure on my vena cava - the large vein going up the right side of my body that carries blood from the legs and lower torso back to the heart - causing blood to pool in my legs.

While all this may seem glamorous, since the swelling has started I noticed that my energy has dropped and I’ve become crankier.  So I asked naturopath Paul Harper to give me some tips on how to deal with this:

• Reduce bad salt intake: I have to admit, that I’ve been giving in to cravings of processed, salty foods, which has coincided with my edema
• Replace with good salt: organic salt from seaweeds and celery are a great way to feed salt cravings. It’s also easier for your body to process.
• Dring lots of water: to flush out salt and keep things moving
• Exercise: I walk about 2km every day to and from work, which is good. I also have yoga pants and videos, but Paul recommended I actually put them to use to get my circulation going which will help clear out the swelling.
• Increase saturated fats: This doesn’t mean go wild on the butter cookies and ice cream. But Paul said that if you’re eating a really healthy diet, but still puffing up, it could be from not enough sat fats. Too many essential fatty acids, especially in a bad form like over-processed vegetable oils, can weaken cell walls which makes it harder for them to get rid of wastes and take in nutrients. Saturated fats - especially from good vegetable sources like coconut oil and avocados - can strengthen cell walls and keep them working properly.

Looks like I better avoid the chips and get moving from now on!

- Lisa Johnson

Filed under: water, nutrition, diet, exercise, pregnancy, edema on January 31st, 2008 | No Comments »

I took this test to find out how toxic I was.  Mildly toxic was the verdict although I do my best to avoid all things synthetic in our environment.

This got me thinking, I work as a health professional, have access to top quality products and information and pride myself on practicing what I preach.  Most of my friends and colleagues think I’m pretty full on in my approach to diet and lifestyle but I’m still exposed to a lot of poisons on a daily basis.

The fact of the matter is that we are all being assaulted by chemicals every day.  Even taking a shower exposes us to chlorine, fluoride and other poisons in municipal water supplies, petrochemical residues in our soaps and shampoos, and aluminum in deodorants and toothpastes. And we call that cleaning ourselves.

Our bodies are incredible.  Their ability to throw off these poisons amazes me but today, man-made chemicals are taking a toll.  It has been postulated that over 90 percent of modern illness are diet and lifestyle related- the result of toxins in food, our homes and environment.

But that can be good news.  You have the power to change your life, to make positive changes that not only enhance longevity but the quality of your life, your energy and your environment.  A Detox program once or twice a year provides our body with the tools and inner support to spring clean itself and provide a platform for ongoing and increasing health.  And this test helped me pin point a couple of positive changes I can make too.

Paul Harper

Filed under: environment, detox, health, active aging, bodrum, toxins, city living, lifestyle, food, diet, positivity, chemicals on January 28th, 2008 | No Comments »