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Top Incentives 2 Pay More 4 Ur Food

--When you purchase organic, ocean-grown, and generally loved for foods, you are supporting global preventative medicine. Consumption of highly mineralized foods creates physical, spiritual, and emotional independence from the ‘system’ of compartmentalized healthcare, reducing the need for sick days, doctors visits, and hospitalizations.

--Spending on quality foods decreases expenditures on ineffective or temporary treatments like aspirin, antacids, and cough medicines. A proper diet promotes wellness and vitality, relieves pain and allergies, and alleviates symptoms of dis-ease.

--Superfoods like goji berries, cacao, coconut butter, and maca are farmed in less privileged countries where the threat of industrialization and deforestation plagues native farmlands. Supporting such farms boosts economy, sustains agriculture, and protects land, rainforests, and water sources from eventual devastation. Purchasing from local farmers everywhere locks out the questionable business practices maintained by industrialized nations’ mega corporations.

--By supporting organic, loved-for-food you are joining a global community of people who care about rescuing Earth and Humanity from further pollution, sadness, and deterioration.

--Highly mineralized foods satiate the mind, body, and spirit more quickly and effectively than conventional foods. This means you eat less and lose unneeded weight.

--Minerals are the building blocks of life—they help you think more clearly.

--Organic standards limit the use of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, gamma radiation, artificial preservation, and genetic modification. By purchasing and/or growing foods that are harvested naturally, without the use of chemicals, we take votes away from supporters of ruthlessly modified “Frankenfoods”.


Research, experience, and spend cautiously. Product labeling can be deceiving. Not all organic food is grown with love.

Adverse reactions to herbal medicine, drugs often unreported

The adverse effects of taking prescription drugs with natural health products are dramatically under-reported or not reported at all, so their potential risks may be underestimated by health-care professionals and the public...

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Allopaths, Naturopaths, and Integrative Medicine

A Lesson in Technology, Diagnostics, and Bullshit Detection



Allopaths are clinical health professionals–physicians, psychiatrists, pharmacists, nurses—the backbone of the great American resource of Western Medicine. They practice allopathy, a therapeutic system in which a disease is treated by conventional means, i.e. with drugs (usually pharmaceutical) that have effects opposite to the symptoms. Got an itch? Use antihistamines. Got an infection? Use antibiotics.

There is an over reliance on drugs in this system and I question the efficacy of allopathic methods.

Allopaths possess an amazing power to diagnose ailments. As trained clinicians they are taught to function from offices and to surround themselves with technologies like blood pressure cuffs, syringes, bone density scanners, stethoscopes, scales and computers. They perform tests, cross-reference results, and use math-based logic to accurately pinpoint the root cause of symptoms. For some patients this is a comfortable situation. For myself, this system lacks integrity.

In the allopathic system a patient receives a diagnosis for their symptoms and usually the diagnosis is followed by a prescription for a particular medication or ‘treatment’. The treatment process then falls into the hands of the pharmaceutical industry—a very BIG business—and the pharmaceutical companies have an enormous impact on American allopathic diagnostic techniques.

Pharmaceutical companies actually possess the ability to create a new diagnosis, which in turn creates new dis-eases. It’s a form of invention. By embarking on huge marketing and PR campaigns, drug companies, and the allopathic research doctors that work for them, actually define new diseases, attempting to create a marketplace for new drugs.

Drug companies provide clinical doctors and pharmacists with frequent seminars, including fully catered banquets generally involving food and alcohol, where they teach about new diseases and the drugs available for their treatment. Representatives from the drug companies visit doctors’ offices and pharmacies bearing gifts in the form of marketing materials such as pens, pins, pads, posters, coffee mugs, and water bottles, all of which display the name of the new drug. This promotes the ‘brand name.’ The representatives also bring food, usually junk foods such as pizza, donuts and desserts, and sometimes they even cater office lunches, to encourage the office staff while they work to promote their new diseases and treatments.

Please keep in mind that these same drug companies manufacture, market, and sell the medication that treats the new dis-ease PLUS they sell the health-insurance coverage required by the patient to afford the compulsory treatment medicine(s)! So, before running directly to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription—the ‘magic bullet’, the ‘cure in a bottle’—I believe it is an important step to question the allopath’s ability to properly treat symptoms.

Naturopaths are holistic practitioners that treat a wide variety of illnesses and offer alternative medicines which are non-pharmaceutical. Instead of the ‘disease’ they believe in treating the ‘whole person’—the spirit as well as the physical body—and emphasize preventive care. They often recommend changes in diet and lifestyle to enhance the health of their patients. Usually, their treatment methodologies are rooted in ancient Eastern medical philosophies like Chinese Medicine and are founded on the premise that people are naturally healthy and that healing can occur by removing obstacles to a cure and by stimulating the body's natural healing abilities. In naturopathic medicine the foundations of health are diet, nutrition, homeopathy, physical manipulation, stress management, and exercise—obviously, in my opinion, more favorable forms of treatment.

Unfortunately, thus far in my experience, many naturopathic practitioners possess poor diagnostic skills. Improper diagnosis can lead to improper treatment, often prolonging and exaggerating preexisting symptoms. Certain practitioners actually denounce the use of technology and will claim that they can feel blocked energies, or can simply see an illness by examining the face. Occasionally this is effective, but, as in the case of the allopathic practitioner, I again find it important to question the naturopath’s ability to properly diagnose and treat my symptoms.

In the 21^st century, in our modern world, we experience modern illnesses that absolutely require the use of modern diagnostics. A truly ‘whole body’ approach is one in which we admit that technology helps us live in this world and our wellbeing is constantly effected by the use of technology. Therefore, in a very modern way, we must incorporate technology into our diagnosis and treatment methods.

Hypothetically, if a naturopath told you that your liver stopped working because you’ve munched too many mashed potatoes and your only hope is to choke-down some magic cure-all herb grown in Swahili zebra dung, then tell Dr. Houdini to buzz-off and take yourself to a clinician, get an ultrasound, get some blood-work done, and determine what your precious organs are truly experiencing.

Better yet, seek to enlist the services of an Integrative Medicine practitioner. Integrative Medicine is the newest in medical theories and is being taught at universities throughout the world. It combines the functional elements of both allopathy and naturopathy. Its doctors recognize that clinical tactics are great for diagnosis, holistic techniques make great treatments, and they actively employ the strongest methods from all known medical systems.

If integrative medicine is not practiced in your area, use allopaths and naturopaths to your advantage. Obtain a proper clinical diagnosis and work in conjunction with an alternative practitioner to produce the most natural and effective remedy for your condition. Consider using the technology of the Internet to learn more about allopathic, naturopathic, and integrative medicines. Spend time discovering diagnostic and treatment options that appeal to you.

I’m a naturalist. Many people assume this translates to a personal longing for the simple ways of the past. They are mistaken. I live in the present. I embrace the modern, the technology, and the idea that the Buddha exists in everything. I am vigilant when seeking answers in this modern world—with so many healing methodologies available, true health is earned through scrupulous questioning and stringent bullshit detection.

Fosamax & Osteonecrosis

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (the surgical sector of dentistry), there may be "serious underreporting" of Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (BRONJ) from Merck, the manufacturer of Fosamax.

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Immunize

20 Powerful Immune Boosting Botanicals

• Garlic
  
• Echinacea
• Lomatium
  
• Reishi
  
• Shiitake
  
• Maitake
• Agaricus Blazei
• Cordyceps
• Licorice root
• Camu Camu
• Acerola Berry
• Amla Berry
• Mangosteen Skin
  
• Astragulus
  
• Shizandra Berry
• Aloe Vera
• Noni
• Red Algae
• Limu
• Amalaki
  

Music

I serve an extensive client list with a range of music services. If you are looking for innovative musicianship, whatever your music needs might be, contact me, I get it done

• Music 4 Film, Television, & Web
• Electronic Beats
  
• Live Percussion / Drums
  
• Film Scores
• Sound Design
• Composition
• Arrangement
• Production
• Club/Party/Lounge DJ
  
• Artist Management
  

1 888 232 2807

Workshops & Demonstrations

In cooperation with other health professionals, I provide instructional workshops and seminars where we discuss the latest concepts and practices in health and wellness. I'll demonstrate techniques that lead to a healthier and happier life for you, your co-workers, family, and loved-ones.

Topics include,

• Fasting
• Detox & Cleansing
  
• Raw Foods
• Macrobiotics
• Healthy Food Choices / Menus / Shopping Lists
• Cooking Classes
  
• Private or Group Instruction
• Cooking Parties
• Getting the most from your diet and lifestyle

Learn how to make better lifestyle choices and enhance your quality of life. Please contact me if you are interested in arranging a workshop or demonstration in your area.

1 888 232 2807

Natural Chef Services

Most people call on me to help them feel and look better, increase their energy, gain stamina and vitality, and to help them alleviate the symptoms of various ailments and illnesses. Using my culinary degree and a background in food-as-medicine, I provide outstanding quality food choices for people from all walks of life.

Don't be mistaken! I prepare all sorts of cuisines, use meats, and make whatever else you desire. From health-nuts to foodies, people are always insisting my work is pretty damn scrumptious.

Please contact me to discuss your interests and we'll detail a program custom tailored to your needs.

• Bi-Weekly/Weekly Meal Preparation
  
• Menu Planning
• Kids Meals & Health Drinks
• Dinner Parties
• Gifts & Special Occasions

1 888 232 2807

About Me

A professional percussionist since early youth, I founded my first venture, an event production company, at the age of 19 while enrolled at the University of Colorado at Boulder studying business, politics, and East Asian cultures. This company, which further involved me with music, grew over the years into a full-fledged music production company where I wrote and produced for solo artists and bands and began a professional career as a disc jockey. I also composed and arranged the soundtracks for two feature-length documentary films, “Shorty” and “UnConventional,” both released by Revolution Earth and executive produced by renown actor, Danny Aiello.

For 10 years, I worked in pharmacy (both retail and long-term care) as a board certified pharmacy technician. This experience provided me with a thorough knowledge of vitamins, supplements, and eldercare; as well as exposing me to corporate pharmacy and insurance company “big-business” practices. At 27, I realized that using pure food as medicine was a stronger path to true health and made the decision to become a holistic chef. Now an honored 2006 graduate of the Chef’s Training Program at The Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts in New York City, one of the most prominent learning institutions for training health-supportive chefs, I am dedicated to showing the world that food is healing medicine, and that attention must be paid to the way, and with what, we feed not only our body, but our mind and spirit.

Almost immediately upon graduation from The Natural Gourmet Institute, I began working as a personal holistic chef for celebrities. In this role, I focus on each client's unique needs and strive to enhance their quality of life using natural techniques. I achieve these goals with carefully combined elements of holistic health care, raw foods, macrobiotics, herbal alchemy, and shamanic healing practices.

Pulling from my musical background, pharmacological knowledge, and my own experiences during a 10-year long journey to healthy foods, I call this whole-life approach Nutritive Harmony. I believe that true healing, health, and longevity is found in the combination of how we feed our bodies and how we nurture our life force and energy. Mineralization, which is achieved through varied and vibrant eating suggestions, is the main goal of my program of total self-rejuvenation, which is further supported by activities such as yoga, Qigong, meditation, running, walking, sun gazing, musicianship, and careful cooperation with eastern and western medical doctors.

While continuing my own education and research in all areas of holistic health and spiritual growth, I enjoy sharing my Nutritive Harmony techniques with other healthcare practitioners, teachers, parents, and children. I strongly believe that promoting a positive interaction between self and food from a young age is the surest way for healthy and life affirming habits to be instilled in future generations—clearing a path to a more positive future for all.

Schurr currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. In addition to serving his clients with healthful culinary creations, he's an active and professional DJ, drummer, composer, and entertainment producer. Schurr lectures, is president of Channeled, a music business and production company, and is also as a contributor on www.detoxmoxie.com, a web-log about one woman’s real-time journey as she detoxifies her world. Recently, Mike authored his first book on Nutritive Harmony, inked a record label deal, and co-contributed on a NYT best-selling book with celebrity talk-show host, Montel Williams.

“Food Experts” or “Tofurkies”?

I wonder what an expert really is. When I was younger I asked my father, “Pop, what’s an expert?” I don’t recall his answer, but I do recall relentlessly debating what qualities substantiate a person to deserve the rather impacting, high-title of “Expert.”

We threw words around like, ‘researched,’ ‘studied.’ ‘advanced,’, and ‘experienced.’ I vaguely remember ‘extremely knowledgeable’ creeping in there too. We talked about gurus, which quickly turned into gyros, then falafel, and then we stopped for lunch.

So, expert? Guru? What gives? Is anyone really that all knowing?

People call upon me for all sorts of health and wellness advice, and I’m always happy to give some. I do have experiences to share—a sort of ‘wisdomosity’ that could be useful to some, if, of course, it falls upon the right ears, at the right time, and at the right place. I mention this because I have noticed that people usually hear only what they want to hear … and for that matter, say only what they want to say … and I, myself, am included in that so I try to be mindful when handing out advice–essentially, I refuse to be an “expert.”

I was recently invited to do an interview with a journalist on the topic of health and wellness. After the invite I thought, “Why does he want me? Does he really believe that I am some sort of expert?” But, in light of my career, I put that type of self-doubt behind me, scribbled down some of my latest thoughts on health and figured, screw it, who really cares?

I met him at a large organic supermarket, uptown. He was a sturdy, white-collared professional. A jovial and, apparently, brilliant man. He was open and eager to share with me his remarkable views on certain green-powered movements like bio-diesel, peace, ending world hunger, and sustainable agricultural–for me, all very fun topics of conversation. We jived immediately and I could tell he wanted to see where I stood on things.

He was, of course, a journalist and this was, of course, an interview.

I thought I was really enjoying the process. We shared laughs, philosophies, prophecies, chatting for hours. Though we were both having a great time, I noticed that from time to time this brilliant man jarred me with words that struck me as unsettling. By the end of our time together, I noticed myself feeling a little … well … unsettled and it wasn’t until we left each other’s company that I had the time to ask myself, what just happened?

Going back over our hours together, I recalled that he questioned me to great length about my feelings concerning this or that “expert”’ opinion.

“Experts say diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, along with plenty of fiber and exercise, is the key to health. So, Mike, what are your thoughts about that?”

Whoa. That!? That gets me where it hurts. Now, while the aforementioned theory of health is somewhat true, it’s that same food pyramid baloney we have been fed since the second grade. If that were really true and experts really know, then why is our country facing such a drastic health crisis?

I didn’t say that aloud during my interview, rather I sat mindfully and thought to myself, “Self? Now, you’re no expert, but it’s all about energy, dude, and food has energy, and if you don’t nurture your food’s energy all the way from birth to death, well then, you’ve got ‘energyless’ food, and what good is that? How can you derive any substantial energy from food if the food has no energy?”

As I pondered how to say this and not sound like a stoner, he blurted out, “See these researchers are my friends over at Harvard and MIT and such, and they are mostly vegetarians, and the data is right here in this study.” They’ve spent years…” He snarled, “Here, look at this.”

He slid in front of me a thick and foreboding document—THE research study. Thankfully, Brilliant Man summed it up for me once again. “It’s here in the research, amidst all the numbers and statistics, right here in the conclusion.” Grabbing the document, he furiously flipped pages, and then jammed his finger on the table, pinning down the very last page. He was excited now.

“Right here, see? All the experts are saying the same thing ... a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, along with plenty of fiber and exercise, is the key to health. Everyone has the same conclusion! We are all talking about the same thing!”

Again, I paused to ponder the statement and thought, “Whoa! You mean to tell me that people borrowed precious money, people paid for and got paid to research for countless hours, to poke, prod, and engorge humans with various foods—some with whole grains, others with soy by-products, others with pork dogs and who knows what else? And all the while, Brilliant Man’s friends in white coats held clipboards and charted notes and plotted checks and then clocked out at 5 o’clock to scramble home for the family Tofurkey feast?”

Privately, again, I mused that it was no wonder what they had come up with was redundant baloney. Vegetarians may not eat meat, but they may still eat a lot of un-healthy, processed, energy-less crap!

This precious document, probably worth millions in production value, sat in front of me like a live television reporter with a camera and mic to my face … and Brilliant Man was desperate for a response to his questions ... and the research from the “experts” taunted, “So, what’s it gonna be… healthy raw boy?”

Brilliant Man just starred at me as I took a deep breath. I had nothing to say to him. At least, not just yet. He had to endure of few more moments of mindfulness on my part before he would hear a thing.

I thought, “What about the minerals in the food? Did they study organic foods, ocean-grown foods, raw vs. cooked!? I mean, are we even playing the same game here, dude?” It was at that precise moment that I recalled my general distaste for the word and concept of “expert.”

Enough time had passed and I knew it was time to focus. I had to reply to this question … but what were my feelings about this … this … expert research? It hit me. There was only one response.

“Love,” I blurted. “This study, and all other studies and for that matter the sciences, have never been able to quantify love, and THAT is the most important aspect to health and wellness. No one will be truly healthy unless we all learn to love our food from its birth until its death.”

I think Brilliant Man loved my answer. “Wow! Love!” he said, “That’s so perfect for the book. I completely see your approach now and I understand why you work.”

After hours of deliberation and pages and pages of scribbled notes, that statement seemed to have finished it. Brilliant Man said, “I think I’ve got everything I need from here. I would love to walk around now and listen to you while you free-associate.”

We left Whole Foods and walked downtown toward Brilliant Man’s office, stopping ever so often while I pointed out things that I found interesting. I went on about saving the planet, the World Health Organization, consumerism, meditation, peace, and how it all ties into food. (This was an interview, and I was obviously still on-the-record.) He asked me to take him to a local organic market. So I headed us into my favorite, Westerly. We got jazzed over produce. We bugged out over different sea-salts. I grabbed a stem of cilantro and pinched a leaf. “Smell,” I said. “This smells better than conventionally grown stuff. It’s stronger, more alive.”

Brilliant Man marveled at the seemingly endless array of hard-to-find health foods. “This place is so much cooler than Whole Foods,” he said. To augment his newfound love, I introduced him to some of my favorite products and showed him brands that absolutely require Love be an ingredient.

Eventually we parted ways, Brilliant Man back to his office and me to a sun-filled summertime jaunt around New York. I was free the rest of the day, what would it be? The park, the water? My bike? The gym? Music? I chose to meet up with a very loving person. “How was it?” she asked.

“Brilliant Man,” I replied and then drifted off, once again, submerged in my own mindfulness of the experience. Breaking the long silence, I finished, “He’s a brilliant man.”

It took two months after the interview for me to fully realize the scope of this brilliance. He was kinda hip for a journalist/researcher with crazy scientist friends from Ivy League schools, and that interview actually changed my life.

He got me thinking, “Maybe his vegetarian scientist expert buddies are hip too ... and maybe, just maybe, if we say it enough, they’ll start appraising the love in our food, how hopeful.”

But I’ve since withdrawn, “Yeah, that’s all we need, more fodder for the Tofurkies.”

www.ururfood.com