Saturday, February 13, 2010

Food Matters Documentary - My Review About This Must-See Film

I am inspired. I am motivated. I am feeling high after watching this documentary, even though it's the fifth time I've seen it. When the publishers of Food Matters sent me a copy for review, I was elated because it had been on my to-do list for a long time. And, man, am I glad I saw it! I showed it to both my mom and husband and we all wholeheartedly agreed that this is a documentary we want to see a few times a year. It's that good! Every time I see it, I hear something new. And for the stuff I've already heard, it just further ingrains it in my subconsciousness and I feel myself internalizing its details more and more. I walk away feeling strong, smart, and empowered about my lifestyle decisions, albeit a bit frustrated at times because not enough people know this information. That's where YOU come in!


If you haven't seen Food Matters yet... get to it! You can rent it on Netflix or purchase it here. Once it's in your hot little hands - watch it multiple times! Then, be sure to share it with your family and friends. Here's some of what you'll learn:

  1. Heart disease and cancer are the top two killers in the United States annually. (That might not be breaking news to some people, but I get jolted every time I hear it.) Additionally, 39,000 people die due to unnecessary surgery and other errors in hospitals. But that's not all! 80,000 people die due to other infections in hospitals and 106,000 people die due to adverse drug reactions.
  2. Less than 6% of graduating physicians in the USA receive any formal training in nutrition! Holy sh*t!! No wonder they almost never prescribe nutritional remedies to things that, er, are 100% curable with nutrition. It just pains me every time I hear this. 
I pretty much hang on every line of Food Matters. I love the discussion of vitamins and the vital role they can play in helping fight illness at various quantities. It was fascinating to learn about therapeutic effects of niacin, and its history as a cure for depression with the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. It's important to recognize that vitamins enable the body to heal, it's not the vitamins doing the healing. The body is powerful when given the right tools and building blocks.


The documentary also covers eye-opening, scary information about drugs, their trials, studies, and regulatory approval process. You're not going to hear drug companies telling you that "two handfuls of cashews can give you the same therapeutic equivalent of a prescription dose of Prozac." No wonder I love Raw vegan cheesecake.


Food Matters also addresses the fact that cardiovascular disease is a lifestyle disease which can be reversed with... drumroll please... DIET, FOOD, NUTRIENTS, STRESS REDUCTION, EXERCISE. Again, this is not rocket science. It's a simple formula that we can all apply. (Ehem! I hope my dad is reading my blog.)  The scary aspect of it is the dependance on physicians who are viewed as omniscient, but who lack nutrition education, such as two physicians I heard last week on CNN and MSNBC about how heart disease "can't be cured." They don't know!! Instead, they are knowledgeable only about drugs, and educated by the drug companies themselves. Something is very wrong with that picture. But, of course, this isn't generally known to the public because:
  1. Most doctors are not trained to the know this information.
  2. There is no profit prescribing fruits and veggies. Drug companies have a duty to shareholders, and I get that. But, guess what? I have a duty to myself. So take that drug companies!
It was gripping learning about the amazing success of Gerson Therapy with some forms of cancer. Why aren't more oncologists recommending this? My Nana died of malignant melanoma, where Gerson Therapy has been particularly effective. Why didn't my Nana's doctor tell her about this amazing vitamin-megadosing, nutritional option? Because they didn't know about it!... Why not? Because they aren't taught about it, and frankly, many physicians are not open to natural therapies, even though that's how the body works. I wish I had known back then what I know now, because my grandmother would've been open to that form of therapy. I don't want to come off too hard on doctors because I do recognize that there is a place for them and hospitals. They're excellent in many aspects of medicine (acute illnesses, traumas, surgery, etc.) but they are systematically failing at helping us with many chronic diseases because they treat symptoms instead of underlying causes. The bottom line is, despite decades of research and new drugs, that the incidence of diseases like heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's, cancer, obesity, diabetes... they're going up. It's sadly laughable to look at the money spent on the "war on cancer" and its failure to reduce cancer rates or deaths. I just wish more professionals would talk about how a healthy plant-strong lifestyle is helpful at fighting cancer and preventing it. It's worked for so many already, and for those of us who don't have that diagnosis of cancer, let's do everything we can to prevent it. Go Plants!


Food does matter. Our bodies are powerful if only we'll give them a chance to be strong with healthy, organic plant-based foods. So, choose those! Stack the deck in your favor! Set yourself up to win! Strengthen your immune system nutritionally! Nourish yourself with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients! Watch Food Matters and get FIRED UP about this awesome lifestyle!


Here is a great song they featured in Food Matters. Check out the lyrics here and sing along as you listen.





Here is a trailer for Food Matters.


Have you seen Food Matters? What did you think?

36 comments:

  1. I have not seen it yet, but I am putting it on my Netflix queue right after I leave this comment.

    I don't comment often, but wanted to say thank you SO MUCH for all the wonderful information on your blog. I have not yet committed to a 100% healthy diet, but I come here most days looking for inspiration, and I know I am changing the way I think, with your help, and Dr. Fuhrman's. :)

    Bless you, Kristen.

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  2. I'm adding it to my netflix queue right now! I'm fired up just from the trailer!

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  3. Kind of makes your head spin, huh? The medical system is so broken and corrupt. Luckily the information is out there for those of us who look. I'm so grateful that I'm plantcentric! I get so fired up over this topic it's best I not get started. Suffice to say I'm right there with you. Great post.
    xo
    Eco Mama

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  4. It's in my Netflix queue now! It sounds great and I can't wait to see it!

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  5. This has been on my wishlist through Amazon for a couple weeks now. I think I may just move it to my shopping cart!

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  6. Thank you again for passing on such important information.

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  7. Great comments everyone! Thanks for chiming in. :)

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  8. Hi Kristen!

    I haven't see it yet, but I have seen the trailer. Every time I hear David Wolfe say, "You are what you eat," I get chills because he is telling the absolute truth.

    Awesome post! This DVD is on my list of must haves.

    Take care! :)

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  9. I'm actually driving to my video store tonight to check this out, I'm pumped!

    It's frustrating when I try and share information with friends and family about the nutritional powers over disease and illness - and they roll their eyes like it's some "new age fad" or something. Like "how could our chemically engineered drugs be inferior to some carrots and cabbage?" Oh, the arrogance of humankind.
    All I can do is keep drinking my green smoothies and spreading the word to those with open ears and minds!

    (Your blog is awesome, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this documentary!)

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  10. Good for you, Blaine! Let me know what you think when you see it. :)

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  11. I just watched this Friday night and did a review of it on my blog as soon as it was over because I was so outraged and motivated for change. I was raving about it to my mom this morning because my dad is currently receiving treatment for cancer and no one has ever mentioned any kind of nutrient therapy! Thank you for reviewing as well. Knowledge is power and this information needs to be well known.

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  12. Thanks, Kristen. I am in El Salvador right now (just moved). I'm waiting for my Vita-mix blender to come. There is a lot of great produce here but it's NOT organic. You have inspired me to definitely get my home garden underway for my health and the health of my family (and hopefully as an inspiration to some other folks here).

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  13. Hi Jelena,
    That is so awesome. Please stay in touch, I look forward to hearing how it goes! :)

    Cheers,
    Kristen

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  14. This can never be talked about too much. Well done!

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  15. I totally want (need!) to see this. I also need to see all the food-related movies that I havent seen in the past 18 mos. Need to make some time for that!

    I got some Nutiva hemp seeds btw and am all over making your cheezy hemp sauce...soon. Will LYK when I get it made :)

    xoxo
    happy vday kristen, hubby, baby :)!!!

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  16. Seen it, own it, did a review on my blog too awhile back. You know, there are individuals in my life who could truly benefit from watching this powerful film but unfortunately, think stuff along these lines is quacked. I mean, some of these peeps were upset I used a MIDWIFE - HORRORS! Anyway, I do hope more people take the time to watch this. Thanks for posting your review and comments - gotta get the word out! ;)

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  17. great review, kristen. i'll have to check it out!

    happy v-day!
    xoxo

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  18. There are a TON of awesome documentaries like this at sprword.com. Just click on the "must watch" section and go to the health tab. There's also a documentary exclusively about the gerson therapy, called "the beautiful truth".

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  19. Hi, Kristen -
    I added this movie to my netflix queue. Also wanted to let you know that I made your chocolate cherry bomb shake and was blown away (no pun intended!). It truly amazes me that something this delicious can be so healthy. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
    Karen

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  20. Thanks Kristen for another great post. I wanted to let everyone know that if you are too impatient to wait ( like me ) you can go to the FoodMatters website you can pay a small fee and watch it online. Thats
    www.foodmatters.tv

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  21. I've only seen bits of this. Looking forward to seeing the whole doc. On my netflix queue now :). I love being inspired.

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  22. Excellent, Nikki! I know what you mean! I love being inspired by these things, too. :)

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  23. I am totally renting this. I write about food and nutrition on my blog as well, and lately I have been experimenting with Raw foods. I tried to do it all at once with a detox and that didn't work, so I'm taking it in smaller steps. I love your blog, its offering me some GREAT advice and reinforcing that I'm not the only person who thinks that FOOD is the most important factor of our health. It amazes me, the people who think it has so little to do with anything. Anyway.. thanks for all the info!!

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  24. there was a documentary called the beautiful truth that talked a lot about gerson therapy. it's older, but SO good. you should check it out.

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  25. I'm arranging a screening at our local library of this movie! It's free to screen (no licensing fees) and they only ask that you let them know the dates to post on the foodmatters website. Have you seen A Delicate Balance? Another fantastic film.

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  26. Hello Kristen!

    I have a question and a comment.

    First, awhile ago, I watched a video of yours and you talked about your favorite spiralizer. I cannot find the video again--would you mind telling me which spiralizer you recommend?

    Now, just for my comment.... I wanted to say, to tell someone really, that I've decided to go into medicine. At 19 I had thyroid cancer which has made life slightly difficult... and raw food and veganism (I'm not 100% raw) have been some of the best "medicines" I have to combat my health problems. I'm hoping to go into oncology (of course) and I look forward to the days (years from now) when I will be able to bridge both medicine and healthy, whole foods.

    :)

    Yay!

    Glad your pregnancy is going so well!

    Best,
    Julie (from Michigan!)

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  27. Hi Julie,
    Congratulations. I'm very happy about your decision!

    I love my Benriner Turning Slicer, there is a link to it on my website here: http://KristensRaw.com/store

    Cheers and good luck!
    Kristen

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  28. That's awesome twocrunchybits! Yes, I have seen A Delicate Balance - another great one!

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  29. Great blogging here. I should go raw, but I'm a chicken. Just happened upon your page and think I could become a regular. Would be honored to have you visit mine one day. Have a great weekend, Keri (a.k.a. Sam)

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  30. Great Blog..

    Watching the file Food Matters was a turning point in my life. Everyone on the planet should get a copy.

    Merrin

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  31. I LOVED this film, brilliance and total inspiration that we are on the right path with our new way of looking at food. I am awake now!

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  32. I just watched the Food Matters documentary and it was amazing. It's just a reminder of how the best answers are the simple ones. It makes so much sense! I plan to go into physical therapy and I believe that nutrition is a big part of the healing process and eating right is such a simple solution to big issues. Hopefully, our medical institutions and health care system will catch up and fast.

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  33. Wow, you are an absolute inspiration, girl. Thank you so much for your articles and your profound knowledge of the Raw Vegan lifestyle. I can't stop reading! And this article just made me even more sure that eating Raw is something I want to attain one day.

    I plan to take it slowly at first, maybe 100% Raw once a week. But I hope to eventually eat a high Raw diet. I can not thank you enough for your blog and your books and the time you dedicate to enlighten others.

    We need more people, such as yourself, providing our society with this tremendous way of life. I just wish it was more in the public eye and in mainstream media.

    Maybe music is the way to go with it :) I'm a musician myself, and 'when' I'm famous one day, I will be exuding radiance and vibrancy to the world and I'll let them know it's because of the healthy lifestyle that I lead.

    Sorry for my rambling! But you got me motivated by this post. Anyway, keep writing and motivating others!

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  34. Hi J. Lynn,
    I love the ramble. :) Thank you for sharing!!!

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  35. I watched this last night...on a lonely V-day. Figured it doesn't hurt to learn to love yourself. I'm studying nutrition and have always known of raw food alternatives, but never been convinced in their potential. FoodMatters is thiiiiiissss close to making me a convert. I'm just worried that going raw will require more time spent shopping and prepping vegan recipes where before I could throw a processed packaged meal in the microwave for 3 minutes and be good to go. :(

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  36. @Christine:

    Christine, the rewards of going at least partially raw are well worth the time and effort.

    I'm not fully raw yet, but I am a vegan (unless you count raw, ethically-sourced honey).

    I got rid of our microwave recently as I am a bit wary of them. When you spend time prepping your food, it seems you learn to love it and your body more in the process.

    Also, a powerful blender is a life-saver. Today, I've made two meals in my blender already--easily done in under five minutes. You can make soup so easily and so deliciously in the same time it would take your microwave to kill nutrients in the other things you are eating.

    I promise you that it is a rewarding journey--one that actually makes you feel liberated (from food companies, from depression, etc.)

    MUCH LOVE TO YOU!!!!
    Julie

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