Here we go again. Another governing body that is looking after the interests of big business instead of the people, and this time they've got vitamin and mineral supplements in the cross hairs. 

Be concerned. Be very concerned of the power of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, a little known, but extremely influential international body that sets standards for food-related trade. 

Many people are worried that the work of Codex will seriously erode the availability of dietary supplements -- first overseas and then, eventually, in the United States. Some frightening scenarios are being bandied about, from weakening the strength of the supplements we buy to actually banning the sale of certain supplements altogether. It's already happening in Europe with the European Food Supplement Directive, which Dr. Wright has talked about in various issues of Nutrition & Healing. 

We all need to learn more about the Codex Commission and the very threatening possibilities of its actions. The clearest and calmest explanation I have seen to date about the work of this body and its scary implications is an article Dr. Wright forwarded to me, titled "The Fate of Vitamins" by Peter Byrne. You can find it by visiting www.smart-publications.com and entering the article title in the search field. 

Tell everyone you know that is interested in their own health about Codex and how its decisions can seriously restrict access to vitamin and mineral supplements worldwide. We all need to remain on top of the actions of this international body and its impact on companies that produce these products. This is a defining moment for those who believe in the power of natural healing and our right to unrestricted access to these essential nutrients. 

****************************************************
The 411 on the 2/16 ratio 

Q: I am concerned about my family's history of breast cancer and heard there is a test that could measure my own personal cancer risk based on my estrogen levels. Can you tell me what this test is all about? 

JVW: According to research, 2-hydroxyestrogens are "good," while 16-hydroxyestrogens are "bad," and promote cancer growth. If you have more 16-hydroxyestrogens than 2-hydroxyestrogens, you have an increased risk of estrogen-related cancers like breast cancer, uterine cancer, etc. 

A simple urine test called the 2/16 ratio can measure your levels of these estrogens. 

If the results say your 2/16 ratio is off, you can improve it by eating three to four servings a week of Brassica vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, or Brussels sprouts. But, there's no need to go overboard. Excessive intake of these particular vegetables can suppress thyroid function or lead to goiter. Soy products or 1 tablespoon of freshly ground flaxseed daily can also boost your ratio. 

It may take only one of these foods to raise your 2/16 ratio, but sometimes it takes two or three to see a difference. 

In many cases, your ratio will improve on this diet in just four to six weeks. If you find you're still not where you should be, you may want to consider taking supplements of the 2/16-ratio-improving substance found in Brassica vegetables, di-indolymethane (DIM). Take 60 milligrams three times daily and then check your ratio in another four to six weeks. 

**************************************************** 

What is...Codex Alimentarius? 

Two United Nations organizations established Codex Alimentarius (which is Latin for food code) in 1962 to establish an international set of standards for food quality and safety and to ensure fair practices in food trade worldwide. The Codex Alimentarius Commission is the top governing body that oversees all Codex activities. Members come from 172 countries and meet annually in either Rome or Geneva. Each country has only one vote, which is cast by the chief delegate. Other participants can express their opinions, but cannot vote. Those include individuals from food, chemical, and pharmaceutical corporations, industry trade groups, and non-profit organizations. 

Traditionally, Codex standards were considered guidelines, not mandatory regulations. This changed when the World Trade Organization (WTO) was formed in 1995 and announced that it would enforce all Codex standards, guidelines, and recommendations, in effect making them mandatory international trade standards. 

Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Editorial Director
Nutrition & Healing