Alternative Health / Hemp in America

Hosted byGeorge Noory

Alternative Health / Hemp in America

About the show

In the first half, registered pharmacist, nutritionist and cosmetic chemist, Ben Fuchs shared alternative health concepts, and offered tips on supplements and healthy changes to one's diet and lifestyle. Reacting to a new study that found that vitamin supplements may not extend life, Fuchs agreed that in theory, food is the best way to take in nourishment, but because soil has often been depleted of essential minerals, supplements remain a vital source for needed nutrients. Talking about ways to boost the immune system, he cited the importance of relaxing the body and limiting food stressors such as sugar (which depresses the immune system). Vitamin C, selenium, and zinc are among the best supplements for immunity, he added.

Hyaluronic acid, available in supplement form, as well as naturally in things like bone broth, helps build connective tissue, and is an excellent supplement for the eyes, Fuchs reported. As far as supplements that enhance brain function, he recommended EFAs (essential fatty acids), and Vitamin E, as well as eating a ketogenic diet. He also related the condition of blepharitis (an inflammation or irritation of the eyelids) with digestive and immune system issues.

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In the latter half, publicity consultant Jen Hobbs, who co-authored Jesse Ventura's book "Marijuana Manifesto," talked about America's history with hemp, and how the plant offers many benefits for health and a wide range of industries. For decades, hemp was listed as a Schedule 1 narcotic but was finally classified as an agricultural crop when the Farm Bill of 2018 passed, opening up a new range of possibilities for the versatile plant. Hemp, she explained, could be considered a cousin to marijuana, but lacks its psychoactive properties, and grows more like bamboo. Hemp seed is a superfood, she said, and packs a lot of nutrition (including Omega 3 & 6's, and protein) in a small amount.

Often made from hemp (as well as cannabis in states where it's legal), CBD has become extremely popular and is associated with a wide variety of health benefits. It's recenlty been added to such products as beer, soda, and water, she noted. Hemp, Hobbs continued, can have a positive impact on the environment-- it has a property called phytoremediation which allows it to absorb toxins from the soil with its deep roots. A group of farmers in Italy is using it to clean their lands which became contaminated by pollution from a nearby steel mill. Hemp has also shown promise as a fuel, and as a filament for 3D printers.

News segment guests: Mish Shedlock, Dannion Brinkley

Bumper Music