Thousands of people in India killed by reckless Big Pharma drug trials

(NaturalNews) The second largest country in the world, India, has become a hotbed of pharmaceutical fraud, as unscrupulous drug companies, mostly from the West, continue to use India's generally poorer populations as human guinea pigs in unethical and flat-out inhumane clinical trials. And India's Supreme Court is finally taking action against this massive organized crime ring by ordering India's health ministry to justify its approval of 162 global clinical trials to take place in the country.

Image: www.chrisspivey.co.uk

Because it is a rapidly developing nation with lax regulatory protocols, India has been a primary target of the pharmaceutical cartel in its never-ending quest to dominate the medical systems of the world. Major drug companies have been largely successful in swindling the Indian government to approve trials for all sorts of "new chemical entities" (NCEs), many of which have been tested on rural Indians in poorer communities, where there is minimal access to proper medical care.

The situation has apparently gotten so out of control in India that several human rights advocacy groups have taken to the legal system for a remedy, filing a petition back in February pressuring government officials to take action. India's Supreme Court listened and, following a recent hearing, agreed to give the government an ultimatum that forces it to provide evidence backing the science behind its approval of these trials. The health ministry reportedly has just two weeks to comply with this order.

"Clinical trials of NCEs are being conducted without following proper protocol, and companies are taking advantage of poor people," says Amulya Nidhi, coordinator of Health Right Forum, a non-profit campaign seeking to end illegal and unethical drug trials in India.

The organization's website adds that an increasingly large number of clinical trials are taking place in the country with little oversight, which poses extreme risks for public health. This is evidenced by the fact that more than 1,500 Indian people died during clinical trials that took place just between the years of 2010 and 2012. And many more will follow them into their early graves, that is unless the government steps in now and stops multinational drug companies from preying on the less fortunate for massive financial gain.

"Trials of NCEs have fired controversy in India because of the high number of deaths that have occurred in the last few years," writes Dinsa Sachan for Chemistry World. "According to information from the health ministry, 1,542 deaths were reported in clinical trials between 2010 and 2012."

Doctors, leaders speak out against pharmaceutical corruption in India

Speaking on behalf of the common people of his country, C.M. Gulhati, editor of India's Monthly Index of Medical Specialties, told reporters that testing of NCEs in India "does not help the country." On the contrary, it only helps multinational drug companies "cut costs and avoid payment of compensation," a brave public admission.

Chinu Srinivasan, from the non-profit organization Low Cost Standard Therapeutics, agrees. He told reporters that Phase II and Phase III clinical trials for NCEs, which are the only ones currently allowed to take place in India, are incongruent with his country's social and political structure. Like many others, Srinivasan recognizes that India's current regulatory framework is severely lacking, which facilitates widespread abuse of the system by morally bankrupt pharmaceutical companies.

"We are concerned about and committed to the interests of the people," adds Nidhi about the purpose of her organization's campaign, noting that she and many others could not care less if drug companies incur losses as a result of an improved regulatory structure that protects the people of her country from being used and abused by Big Pharma.

Article source: naturalnews.com

Sources for this article include:

http://www.rsc.org

http://www.livemint.com

http://www.unethicalclinicaltrial.org

Study Reveals Shocking Amount of Mercury in Many Foods we Eat

According to The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency: Mercury poses a health risk to everybody but especially to young children and fetuses because they’re still developing.  Prolonged low level exposure may cause learning disabilities by hurting the ability of children to think and read.  Adults who have been exposed to high levels of mercury may experience trembling hands and numbness or tingling in their lips, tongues, fingers, and toes.  Acute mercury poisoning especially through ingestion, can damage the brain, liver, kidneys, and even cause death.

Image: www.hivehealthmedia.com

(Natural News)…Research published in Environmental Health and conducted in part by a scientist at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy has revealed that high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is contaminated with the toxic heavy metal mercury. [...] (source)
High-fructose corn syrup is used in almost everything, it seems. A second study conducted by David Wallinga, M.D., entitled “Not So Sweet: Missing Mercury and High Fructose Corn Syrup” reveals that nearly one-third of all grocery items sweetened with HFCS  were contaminated with mercury. [...]

WHERE DOES ALL THE MERCURY COME FROM?

Most people don’t know how high-fructose corn syrup is really made. One of those processes is a bizarre chemical brew involving the creation of caustic soda by exposing raw materials to pools of electrified mercury in a large vat. Through this process, the caustic soda gets contaminated with mercury, and when corn kernels are exposed to this caustic soda to break them down, that contamination is passed through to the HFCS.

Another toxic chemical, glutaraldehyde, is also used in the production of HFCS. It’s so toxic that consuming even a small amount of it can burn a hole in your stomach.

But don’t worry: The Corn Refiners Association insists that HFCS is a “natural” ingredient, and their Chicago-based PR firm Weber Shandwick is now also claiming that HFCS has been declared “natural” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It hasn’t really, of course, but that doesn’t stop the press releases from claiming it has. (If you think a liquid sugar processed with glutaraldehyde and contaminated with mercury is “natural,” then you’ve been duped. There’s nothing natural about a processed food ingredient made with toxic chemicals.)

A Weber Shandwick representative calls me every time I post an article about HFCS, by the way, usually with demands that I remove the entire article. I’ve invited the Corn Refiners Association to a phone interview to defend their position that HFCS doesn’t cause diabetes or obesity, and to answer questions about whether HFCS is really “natural.” So far, they have declined to be interviewed. It seems they don’t want to face real questions from an honest journalist who refuses to be censored by powerful corporations.

One thing I’ve got to say about the Corn Refiners Association is that they have a well-funded PR machine running around the internet trying to make everybody remove stories that say anything negative about HFCS.

I’ve noticed that the Corn Refiners Association is a master at spinning the truth. For example, the president of the CRA, Audrae Erickson, said this in a statement responding to the mercury findings: “Our industry has used mercury-free versions of the two reagents mentioned in the study, hydrochloric acid and caustic soda, for several years.”

Well sure, that’s true. But what is Erickson NOT saying? She’s not saying that ALL the HFCS is made without mercury. She just says that somewhere in the industry, somebody is using a mercury-free version of the caustic soda. That doesn’t mean all the HFCS is mercury free, yet if you don’t read her statement carefully, you might be misled into thinking that. Her statement, in fact, leaves open the possibility that 99% of all HFCS might still be manufactured using mercury.

Note carefully that Erickson does not say all HFCS sold in the U.S. is free from mercury. Instead, she makes a clever statement that results in most readers assuming that’s what she means. The CRA is well known for using this kind of language spin tactics.

NaturalNews challenges the CRA to state that all HFCS is free from mercury.

Sources:  Real Farmacy & naturalnews.com

Even More Uses of the Wonder Herb Turmeric!

Image: www.stepintomygreenworld.com

Turmeric is a culinary spice widely used in Southeast Asia. Recent research reveals why this herb is such a powerful healer due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

The health benefits of Turmeric have been recognized by Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years. It has been used to treat everyday problems such as indigestion and flatulence, as well as more serious problems such as arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, high cholesterol, heartburn, jaundice, liver disorders, and menstrual disorders. Turmeric can also be applied topically in poultices to reduce inflammation and to relieve wounds, cuts, and bruises.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Inflammation inside of the brain has been suspected to be one of the contributing factors in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity. Therefore, regular daily consumption of Turmeric capsules may be an effective way to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s.

Arthritis

Due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, it is not surprising that Turmeric is now being used as an effective natural remedy for Arthritis pain. Therefore, taking 500mg to 1000mg Turmeric capsules three times per day may provide significant relief from osteoarthritis pain.

Asthma

Since turmeric is an anti-inflammatory, it can help reduce the inflammation associated with asthma. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk, and drink this mixture as an effective asthma home remedy.

Cancer

Several recent studies have found that Turmeric can induce apoptosis, a process that triggers the self-destruction and elimination of damaged (cancerous) cells. Further research is still required before the full effects of Turmeric on cancer cells can be determined. However, existing studies suggest that daily Turmeric powder or supplements combined with a balanced, nutritious diet may help prevent or even destroy cancer cells.

Colds and Flu

Turmeric’s anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal agents can help our body fight against colds, cough and flu. Therefore, when symptoms of these infections are present, simply mix one teaspoon of Turmeric powder into a glass of warm milk once per day. Also drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Diabetes

Recent studies have shown that the antioxidant agents in Turmeric help reduce insulin resistance, which may prevent the onset of Type-2 Diabetes. Therefore, a simple preventive remedy is to take one teaspoon of turmeric powder twice a day with meals. Curcumin extracts or capsules can also be used as an alternative to the powder.

Inflammation

Turmeric’s key ingredient Curcumin is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, Turmeric powder can help in healing cuts, wounds, and other skin infections including boils.

Heat one cup of Flax Seed Oil in a small saucepan on the stove. Thinly slice a small onion and add it to the hot oil. Fry the onions until they are dark brown and crunchy. Remove the brown onions and mix 2 tablespoons of Turmeric powder into the oil. Turn off the stove and let the oil cool down to a temperature that is comfortable to touch. Using a cotton swab, apply a small amount of the oil onto the injured or infected skin area. Apply this three times per day until the wound or infection is cured. Save the remaining oil into an airtight container for future use.

For internal injuries, fractures, sprains, and herniated disks, dip a piece of unbleached cotton fabric into the warm Turmeric oil. The fabric or cotton pad should be large enough to cover the outer skin of the affected area. Secure it in place and leave this cotton pad on overnight.

You can also add one teaspoon of turmeric powder into a warm glass of milk and drink it before going to bed to prevent internal inflammation and infections.

Weight Loss

Curcumin in Turmeric powder has been found to help increase the flow of bile, an important component in the breakdown of dietary fat. Therefore, taking one teaspoon of Turmeric powder with every meal may be an effective weight loss aid when combined with a healthy diet and exercise program.

What are the Side Effects of Turmeric?

Moderate use of Turmeric powder as part of regular diet is fairly safe, and recent studies have found that a dosage of 500mg capsules of Turmeric three times per day is safe. However, prolonged consumption of high doses of Turmeric extract may cause stomach or liver distress, as well as dehydration and constipation. Therefore, it should be avoided by people with gallstones or bile obstructions. If you are currently taking blood thinners (including Aspirin), you should consult your doctor before taking Turmeric since it is an anti-platelet (prevents blood clots).

Source:
Home Remedies and Natural Cures: Provides unbiased and detailed information on home remedies and natural cures for a variety of common illnesses, along with the magical health benefits of many herbal products.

Why you should decalcify your pineal gland and how

Why you should decalcify your pineal gland

Nestled deep inside the middle of your brain rests the pineal gland. Descartes believed it to be the seat of the soul and scientists have found that it produces melatonin, which affects sleep patterns. In the metaphysical community, it is believed that the pineal gland in most people today is not activated or stimulated, due to too much electronic stimulation and fluoride in tap water and toothpaste.

Image: mishunderstanding.wordpress.com

However, pineal gland activation is possible if you know how. But why should we care about pineal gland activation? What are the benefits of pineal gland activation?

There are seven Chakras in our bodies and the pineal gland is the 6th one. All of the chakras should be balanced for the optimal performance of the body and the mind. Pineal gland activation will help the 6th Chakra reach its potential, which includes clairvoyance, psychic abilities, imagination, and dreaming.
Pineal gland activation will awaken our minds ability for prophecy. A person who has achieved pineal gland activation will experience increased psychic awareness and psychic talents. Some people believe that supernatural powers will be initiated with pineal gland activation.

Besides increased psychic awareness, pineal gland activation will help the pineal gland, or the third eye, to act as a stargate that can see beyond space and time. It also acts as a link between the physical world and the spiritual world.
That's not all. Other benefits of pineal gland activation include telepathy and a greater level of perceptiveness that can go beyond this three dimensional world. There are three crystals in the pineal gland which help with this ability of visionary capacity. The three crystals are apatitie, calcite, and magnetite.

Apatitie helps with inspiration, spiritual oneness, and psychic enhancement, while calcite is for the expansion of powers. Magnetite aids with mediation, visionary purpose, and establishing our experiences in the physical world. Together, all these three crystals create a cosmic antennae, which aids the transfer of signals between the different dimensional planes.

All these benefits have caused some people to believe that the most famous prophets of our history all have undergone pineal gland activation.

If all these benefits sound like something you want to experience, the next step is to learn how to achieve pineal gland activation. The most important step in activating the pineal gland is to raise the frequency in the body. This can be done through meditation, visualization yoga, chanting, dancing, drum sounds, Tai Chi postures, Qigong positions, and using stereo grams. Any of these methods will open the third eye (the pineal gland) and help you to be able to see beyond the physical world. This process takes practice - with practice, you will be able to do this faster and more often.

Producing certain sounds can activate your pineal gland. One method is to make the sound'nnnn' while covering your ears. Then sound 'mmm' for a few minutes, and then say 'ngngng' for the same amount of time. These sounds will put a light pressure on the pineal gland, which stimulates it and activates it.

Light is one of the stimulators for the pineal gland. You can do a mediation that includes a beam of light. One method is to close your eyes and focus all of your thoughts on the pineal gland (remember, it is in the middle of your brain). Send beams of light to the following locations, all in this order: your front side, the back of your head, to the left of you, to the right of you, straight up, and straight down. Breathe in deeply thought your nose, and then exhale through your mouth. Repeat all the steps several times before relaxing and opening your eyes. Source: Untold Truth for Humanity

How to decalcify your Pineal Gland

Stop ingesting fluoride: One of the substances that does a great job calcifying the pineal gland is fluoride (sodium fluoride). Fluoride is very harmful to the pineal gland because it disrupts the pineal gland’s natural functions by hardening its interior walls. Fluoride is also very toxic to the brain and other organs of the body.

The name fluoride is a cover up term for many of the dangerous chemicals that make up fluoride, including arsenic, lead, aluminum, cadmium, fluorosilicic acid and even radioactive materials. If you live in the U.S., fluoride is commonly found in drinking water, fluoridated toothpaste and conventional produce.

To effectively remove fluoride from drinking water, you will need to use a water purification system that has a special filter called activated alumina (AAL). The water purification system worth checking out is made by Berkey. Reverse osmosis water filter systems are also great at removing fluoride. As for toothpaste, only use fluoride-free toothpaste.

Take an iodine supplement: Studies have shown that iodine supplement may help the body remove fluoride. The iodine supplement I recommend is NutrioDine because it is made of atomic iodine, a form of iodine that the body can easily utilize without the harmful effects of toxic buildups. I do not recommend taking potassium iodide because it can cause toxic buildups, especially if it is taken for long periods of time. For food, I recommend eating organic kelp because it is high in natural iodine.

Eat organic food: Most foods that are not organic usually contain harmful synthetic chemicals and heavy metals. Many of these toxins are toxic to the pineal gland. To reduce the level of these toxins in your body, you will need to eat organic food. Organic foods are produce with strict guidelines; therefore, they are not suppose to contain harmful synthetic chemicals and genetically modified ingredients.

The levels of nutrients in organic foods are usually higher than conventional foods. Many of these nutrients are essential for purging toxins from your body. Magnesium and calcium are two important nutrients for helping your body eliminate toxins, especially fluoride.

Consume natural butter oil and cod liver oil: High-vitamin butter oil and cod liver oil are very beneficial for decalcification of the pineal gland, because it helps decalcify calcium deposits. One of the best natural butter oils and cod liver oils is Green Pasture’s Blue Ice Royal Butter and Cod Liver Oil. Source: http://energyfanatics.com/

Here's a good video that we posted a few months ago on the pineal gland:

Marijuana Legalization to be Voted on in Maine

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Advocates of recreational marijuana use are looking to an upcoming vote in Maine as an indicator of whether the East Coast is ready to follow in the footsteps of Colorado and Washington by legalizing cannabis.

Image: www.weedist.com

Voters in Portland are being asked whether they want to make it legal for adults 21 and over to possess — but not purchase or sell — up to 2.5 ounces of pot. The Nov. 5 vote is being eyed nationally as momentum grows in favor of legalizing marijuana use.

The Marijuana Policy Project, a Washington, D.C.-based group that supports legalization, says it targeted Portland because it's Maine's largest city and because, unlike many other states and cities, it has an initiative process to get the referendum on the ballot. Organizers hope passage of the Portland initiative could spur similar results in other liberal Northeast cities.

"I think there's national implications, keeping the momentum that Washington and Colorado started last November in ending marijuana prohibition," said David Boyer, the organization's political director in Maine. "This is just the next domino."

There's no organized opposition to the referendum, but law enforcement and substance abuse groups are speaking out against it.

Continue reading

Source: NPR