If you looked at the label of a food product and it included no ingredient list, and no information about where the ingredients were sourced or how they were processed, would you want to consume that product? Most of us who have even a little bit of concern about what we put in our bodies would most likely answer this question with a resounding “no!”  Yet, if you consume bottled water that is exactly what you are doing: consuming a product that gives little to no clear information about its quality or safety.

Every 27 hours Americans consume enough bottled water to circle the earth’s equator in its entirety, with plastic bottles stacked end to end. In just one week, those bottles would stretch more than halfway to the moon! How did we wind up in this predicament? Bottled water companies have more or less succeeded in convincing Americans that bottled water is far superior to tap water. However, they fail to disclose essential facts about their products, such as the geographical location of the water’s source, and test results that would confirm this water’s so-called “purity”. A 2011 study by the Environmental Working Group shares some other facts that the bottled water industry would rather its consumers not know:

• The Federal government does not mandate that bottled water be any safer than tap water–the chemical pollution standards are nearly identical. In fact, bottled water is less regulated than tap water.

• Close to half of all bottled water is sourced from municipal tap water (Yup, the same stuff that comes out of your faucet).

• It takes an estimated 2,000 times more energy to produce bottled water than to produce an equivalent amount of tap water.

• Production and transportation of bottled water in the US consumes more than 30 million barrels of oil each year and produces as much carbon dioxide as two million cars.

• Plastic water bottles are the fastest growing form of municipal solid waste in the United States, contributing nearly four billion pounds to landfills, annually!

And if all that wasn’t enough to make you re-think bottled water, we haven’t even gotten into that whole “BPA” thing yet. What BPA thing, you ask? Bisphenol A (BPA) is an estrogen-like chemical commonly used to make clear plastics. It has been shown that it can leach into the liquid it contains (like water). Increasing amounts of scientific evidence show a correlation between high amounts of BPA in the body and infertility, weight gain, behavioral changes, early onset of puberty, cancer, and diabetes. If you absolutely have to purchase a food product that is packaged in plastic, check the bottom. If you see a “7″ or the letters “PC” (for polycarbonate) put it down. Plastic with recycling labels #1, #2, and #4 are better choices because they do not contain BPA.

Tap water has its own share of issues that are of concern. Most water supplies are susceptible to contamination by a number of harmful chemicals, either as a result of runoff from pesticides used on farms and other industrial waste, or they are deliberately treated with chloride or fluorides. Fluoridated water should definitely be avoided. Fluoride is an enzyme inhibitor that contributes to bone loss, bone deformities, cancer and a host of other illnesses. It offers very little protection against tooth decay. Because bottled water has a 50/50 shot of being from a municipal source, there’s a high probability that it could be fluoridated too.

So what are we to do? Well, the most ecologically and economically sane option is to buy a water filter. There are a variety of good choices for water filters, which vary from the kind you actually install to run through your kitchen sink, or entire home water system, to portable filters that can be placed in a BPA-free water bottle, for easy transport. Consumer Reports recommends installing an under-the-counter filter for greatest economic efficiency, as the filters don’t need to be replaced as often. The less often you need to replace a filter, the less often you need to dispose of an old one, reducing waste.

A ceramic, charcoal or compressed carbon filter is effective for removing toxic heavy metals, while leaving beneficial minerals such as calcium and selenium intact. These filters do not remove chloride or nitrates as effectively though. Some of these carbon filtration systems run the water through a second filter to remove most of the fluoride. Reverse Osmosis filters will completely remove the fluoride and nitrates, but they also denature the water, removing beneficial minerals. Fine clay or mineral ions can be added to this water to supplement–www.radientlifecatologue.com has an assortment of high quality water filtration systems. They also feature BPA-free water bottles whose maker’s donate a portion of their profits to aid in the effort to solve problems related to water shortage crisis, and oceanic pollution. Portable water bottles that contain a built-in filter are another alternative to bottled water. They are also useful for times when you are traveling, or backpacking. Some good BPA-free brands include Katadyn, CamelBak and Bobble. The consumer reports link at the bottom of this article contains an excellent comparison of water filters based of effectiveness, durability and price. Some of their favorites included:

• Clear2 0 carafe filter ($30 + $40-$100 per year for replacement filters)

• Pur Vertical FM 3700 faucet-mounted filter ($25 + $30-100 per year for replacement filters)

• The Aquasauna AQ-4000 Counter top filter ($100 + $50-100 per year for replacement filters)

• The Culligan preferred series 350 Undersink filter ($145 +$50-$100 per year for replacement filters)

Bottled water products should be placed in the same category as hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup and aspartame. In short, they should rarely, if ever, be consumed. The money you spend on a water filter will save you countless dollars in the long run, while giving you access to healthier drinking water. Simultaneously, it spares the earth from pounds upon pounds of solid waste. Funny how choices that are good for our bodies are often good for the earth too.

References:

1. Fallon, Sally. Nourishing Traditions. New Trends Publishing. Washington DC, 1999.

2. Environmental working group report on bottled water:  http://static.ewg.org/reports/2010/bottledwater2010/pdf/2011-bottledwater-scorecard-report.pdf

3. http://www.ewg.org/bpa/tipstoavoidbpa

4. Great water filters for sale: http://www.radiantlifecatalog.com/product/KOR-WATER-BOTTLE/Point-of-Use-Devices-POU

5. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/bpa.htm

6. Consumer reports water filter reviews: http://pressroom.consumerreports.org/pressroom/2010/04/cr-finds-10-recommended-water-filters-that-can-replace-bottled-water-.html

7. http://www.katadyn.com/usen/katadyn-products/products/katadynshopconnect/katadyn-water-filters-ultralight-series-products/katadyn-mybottle-purifier-blue-splash-2/

Ingredient watch

Written By Lissie Lyles |

A hot steaming mug of hot cocoa is a classic winter comfort. As this month’s Herbs and Spices article points out, there are some troubling conditions for many people who harvest the world’s chocolate. From a nutrition standpoint, sugary, stimulant beverages, such as hot cocoa are not meant to be a part of the daily diet. Once in a while, a high quality hot chocolate is still a luxurious treat many of us like to indulge in. Buying fair-trade, organic hot cocoa reduces the chances that the cacao beans we are consuming were treated with dangerous chemicals during cultivation, or were grown on farms that use exploited labor and trafficked children.

Most well known grocery store hot cocoa brands are not fair trade, or organic; many contain all sorts of strange additives and fillers. Here’s a list of some popular hot cocoa mixes, contrasted with an organic, fair trade option.

Swiss Miss Chocolate Flavor Hot Cocoa Mix:

Ingredients: sugar, modified whey, cocoa (processed with alkali), hydrogenated coconut oil, nonfat milk, calcium carbonate, less than 2% of: salt, dipotassium phosphate, mono- and diglyderides, artificial flavor, carrageenan. Contains milk.

Pros: I’m just going to type a little smiley face here: ☺ (Cute isn’t it?), instead of typing something snarky.

Cons: The first ingredient listed is sugar. This cocoa is not certified organic, and could contain cocoa powder sourced through child slavery. If that weren’t reason enough to make you want to put down the box, the hydrogenated oil, chemical additives and long ingredient list are further reasons to never consume this beverage.

Nestle Hot Cocoa mix (fat free):

Ingredients: dairy product solids, nonfat milk, cocoa processed with alkali (dds insignificant amount of fat), Calcium Carbonate, Cellulose Gum, Salt, Artificial Flavors, Sodium Aluminoilcate, Sucralose, Sodium Phosphate, Scesulfame Potassium (Non-nutritive Sweetener).

Pros: Nonexistent.

Cons: As delicious as “dairy product solids” sounds…DPS are modified dairy products obtained by the removal of protein and/or lactose and/or minerals from milk or whey. Removal is accomplished by physical separation techniques, such as precipitation or filtration. PH adjusting chemicals are then added to this powdered ash and protein. Sodium Aluminoilcate contains the dangerous heavy metal aluminum. Scesulfame Potassium is an artificial sweetener that research has shown negatively impacts insulin levels, and may even contribute to some forms of cancer. If all that’s not enough to make you want to put this box back on the shelf, this hot cocoa has the same problems mentioned above. There is an extremely high chance the cacao was sprayed with dangerous pesticides, by child slaves.

Ghirardelli Double Hot Cocoa:

Ingredients: Sugar, Cocoa, Unsweetened Chocolate, Soy lecithin (an emulsifier), Vanilla

Pros: Only five ingredients, four of which are pretty much actual food.

Cons: The sugar, cocoa and vanilla are not organic, or fair trade sourced. While Ghirardelli’s website makes lots of lofty claims about their high quality beans, there is no mention of the actual source of their beans.

Equal Exchange Hot cocoa mix:

Ingredients: Organic evaporated sugar cane juice*, Organic nonfat dry milk powder, Organic cocoa powder*, processed with alkali, organic guar gum, sea salt, organic carob bean gum, organic vanilla powder, Organic vanilla extract, organic maltodextrin, organic gum arabic. (*=fair trade ingredient).

Pros: Organic and fair trade sourced ingredients. Member of The Fair Trade Federations (FTF), which is one of the most reputable groups in the fair trade movement.

Cons: Non-fat dry milk powder makes it not suitable for vegans, or those who are lactose intolerant. Because of the long-ish ingredient list, the milk powder and emulsifiers, this should still be considered a processed food. Meaning, that it’s best consumed occasionally, not regularly.

Chocolate was once considered a luxury food, something we did not eat every day. Being mindful of the great distances that chocolate must travel, as well as the intense labor required to grow, harvest and process this treat, makes the extra dollars spent on fair trade organic chocolate well worth it. Cheap chocolate, at the expense of exploited child labor, is far too high a price to pay.

References:

1. Fallon, Sally. Nourishing Traditions. New Trends Publishing. Washington DC, 2001.

2. http://www.minimus.biz/Swiss-Miss-Hot-Cocoa-F20-1002301-7100.aspx

3. www.amazon.com

4. http://shop.equalexchange.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=10505

5. www.wikipedia.org/cocoa

There is a lot of hooey when it comes to the fantastic claims on the labels of cosmetic products; and sunscreens have to be among the most confusing products to decode. With lots of long chemical and mineral names, big claims about SPF, UVB and UVA; lots of warnings about getting it in the eyes, rashes, seals of approval from this or that group, it can be overwhelming trying to choose a good sunscreen.

Due to the FDA’s failure to update its sunscreen safety standards, which has not happened since 1978, it is very easy for sunscreen makers to include false claims on their labels and even worse, include dangerous ingredients that increase the risk of skin cancer, and disrupt hormones.

Thanks to a team of scientists and researchers that comprise the Environmental Working Group, there is a Sunscreen Guide to help consumers distinguish quality from quackery. They tested over 14,000 sunscreens, for both safety and effectiveness. Here is a simple guide to healthy sun protection, and list of do’s and don’ts when sunscreen shopping.

Do:

• Remember that the best sun protection is still a hat, shirt, and staying in the shade, particularly at the hottest times of day. Staying hydrated helps too. Also remember that some early or late in the day sun exposure, (the AMA recommends 10 minutes a day) without sunscreen, allows you to absorb vitamin D; which is a vital nutrient from the sun’s rays.

• Reapply sunscreen often, especially if you’ve been swimming, or in the sun longer than an hour.

• Choose sunscreens that protect against UVB and UVA exposure. UVB radiation is what causes the skin to blister; while UVA is what releases free radicals in the body, contributing to melanoma and other cancers. Both contribute to rapid aging of the skin. Many high-SPF sunscreens have little to no UVA protection.

• Mineral Sunscreens (creams, not powders) that contain zinc and titanium are reported to have the best safety profile, in terms of being ingredients that do not appear to penetrate the skin, while still providing UVA protection. A non-mineral ingredient that is still safe and provides UVA protection is avobenzone (at least three percent) but make sure it is not accompanied by nasty, hormone disrupting ingredients

(see “Don’ts”).

Brands that meet the qualifications of UVA protection without the presence of toxic ingredients include:

1. Alba Botanica Mineral Sunscreen, Fragrance Free

2. Badger Sunscreen for Face and Body

3. COOLA SPF 45 Mineral Baby Moisturizer Unscented

Don’t:

• Sunscreen is not a substitute for responsible sun protection (mentioned above), nor is it an excuse to bake in the sun for hours. Don’t forget to reapply often.

• Spray-on and Powdered mineral sunscreens should not be used; due to the risk of dangerous metals and chemicals being absorbed into the body through the lungs.

• Sunscreens that contain vitamin A or retinyl palmitate should not be used. Recently available data from an FDA study indicates that when applied to the skin, in the presence of sunlight, vitamin A may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions. The sunscreen industry adds this ingredient to 41 percent of all its products, so be on the look-out.

• Products that contain hormone disrupting ingredients such as oxybenzone or 4-MBC should also not be used, especially on children. These ingredients have been found to have many toxicity and stability concerns, and are easily absorbed into the body.

Products that are shining examples of what NOT to buy:

1. Banana Boat Baby Max Protect SPF 100: High UVB protection, but ineffective UVA protection (don’t be fooled by the big numbers).

2. Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection SPF 55: Bottle says “Mild as Water,” and this is a classic example of the aforementioned hooey. The label also warns to “stop use if rash or irritation develops and lasts,” and to “contact poison control if swallowed.” Yup, just like water.

3. Panama Jack Naturals Baby Sunblock SPF 50: And here is an example of how the word “natural” is absolutely meaningless on a cosmetics label. It contains the toxic hormone disruptor oxybenzone, in addition to a mostly petroleum based ingredient list. Yuck.

References:

1. Begoun, Paula. Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter without Me, 5th Edition. Beginning Press. Seattle, 2001.

2. http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/

Product #1

Ingredients: Chicken Broth (Contains flavor), Potatoes, Carrots, Chicken Fat, Peas, Modified Food Starch, Autolyzed Yeast, Natural Flavoring, Vegetable Starch, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Nonfat Dry Milk, Sugar, Salt, Spice.

Product #2

Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken Meal, Turkey Liver, Dried Ground Potatoes, Natural Chicken Flavor, Guar Gum, Carrageenan, cranberries, ground flaxseed, salmon oil, taurine, dried kelp, Yucca Schidigera extract, chicory root extract, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, vitamin E supplement, choline chloride, cobalt proteniate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin d-3 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride (B6), riboflavin supplement, vitamin A supplement, vitamin b-12 supplement, potassium iodide, biotin.

Of course there are some obvious differences as #2’s ingredient list is much longer, and contains many nutritional supplements. #1’s ingredients list has several items that could be classified as vague. For example, “Modified Food Starch,” does not reveal the source of the “food.” “Natural Flavoring,” “Vegetable Starch” and “Spice” also leave us wondering what the true origin of these ingredients might be. Have you guessed the difference yet?

Product #2 contains more chicken meat (and turkey) than product #1, which contains no chicken meat at all, just fat and broth (and flavor). Why might this be strange? Well, we may as well spoil the surprise for you: Product #1 is Dinty Moore Chicken Stew, and product #2 is Wellness Brand Wet Cat food. That’s right, canned chicken cat food, contains more chicken than a can of chicken stew designated for human consumption.  Not only that, but the cat food contains no added salt, while the chicken stew packs in a whopping 1020 mg of Sodium per serving! That’s 2040mg per can! This could in part be attributed to the natural flavorings, and spice, which are really just cover up words for MSG. Autolyzed Yeast is also the source from which MSG is derived.

The chicken stew provides about 12 grams of protein, and aside from some vitamins A and C, and small amounts of Calcium and Iron, offers little in the way of vitamins and minerals. The cat food on the other hand, contains Omega3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, Vitamins, D, E, A and C, Magnesium, Folic Acid, Iodine, Copper, just to name a few. Dinty Moore stew? It does not contain any of those supplements. While some of the cat food ingredients may sound complicated, like Manganese Proteinate, they are really just mineral proteinates, resulting from the chelation of minerals with amino acids and proteins. This chelation process makes the minerals more bio-available and safe for human and animal consumption. The cat food contains plenty of whole meats, fruits and vegetables. The Chicken stew contains some vegetables, but it also contains sugar, and dry milk powder (which has been shown to have high heavy-metal content). None of the cat food ingredients have a vague source, or are considered to be harmful.

While neither of these products necessarily sound appetizing, it is interesting to consider the power of a label. The cat food contains more real food, less harmful ingredients, and more beneficial nutrients than the chicken stew, making it the healthier food choice. Even so, because the Dinty Moore is designated as “human food,” were we given the choice between the two cans, the more socially acceptable meal choice would certainly be the canned chicken stew, unless of course, you are a cat.

References:

1. www.wikipedia.com

2. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-autolyzed-yeast.htm

3. http://www.jhbiotech.com/animal_products/proteinates.htm

4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyridoxine

5.http://www.amazon.com/Wellness-Canned-Chicken-Turkey-Formula/dp/B002ANCEI6?SubscriptionId=0K76CZ6RCX2Y05HSNPR2&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B002ANCEI6&tag=sppwtb-20

6.http://www.shopwell.com/dinty-moore-chicken-stew-w-fresh-potatoes-carrots/chilis-stews/p/3760011346?f=srvm&nr=40&sp=4

• Propylene Glycol (PG) and Butylene Glycol: Found in Anti-freeze. Pentrates skin, weakens protein and cellular structure. Removes barracles from boats!
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Detergent, poses serious health threats. Used in garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers. In 90% of personal-care products that foam.
• DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamiine) & TEA (triethanolamine): Hormone-disrupting chemicals, can form cancer-causing nitrates. Americans exposed 10-20 times per day with shampoos, shaving creams and bubble baths.
• Sodum Hydroxide: The most recent addition to our personal care products. A poison (caustic lye) found in drain cleaners, found in our toothpaste!
• Triclosan: Synthetic “antibacterial” with a chemical structure similar to Agent Orange! The EPA registers it as a pesticide. Widespread use in antibacterial cleansers, toothpastes and household products.
• DMDM & Urea (Imidazolidinyl): Two of many preservatives that often release formaldehyde which cause joint pain, skin reactions, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep.
• Polythylene Glycol (PEG): Carcinogenic petroleum ingredient; reduces the skin’s natural moisture. Increases the appearance of aging, leaves you vulnerable to bacteria. Used in spray-on oven cleaners and cleansers to dissolves oil and grease.
• Liutane or Propane: Found in aerosol products. May be narcotic and cause asphyxiation.
•  Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40): drying, irritating solvent; strips skin’s moisture and immune barrier, makes you vulnerable to bacteria and viruses. Found in shellac, antifreeze and personal care products. Promotes brown spots and premature aging.
• Mineral Oil: Petroleum by-product; coats the skin like plastic wrap, clogging the pores. Interferes with skin’s ability to eliminate toxins, promotes acne and other disorders. Baby oil is 100% mineral oil!
• FD&C Color Pigments: synthetic colors from coal tar; deposits toxins onto the skin, causing skin irritation. Absorption of certain colors can cause depletion of oxygen in the body and death.
• Fragrances: Can contain up to four thousand ingredients (including animal urine), many toxic or carcinogenic. Causes headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing, vomiting, and skin irritation.
• Parabens: Act as preservatives; are present in moisturizers and deodorants. Chemicals in cosmetics can pass through the skin, into the bloodstream and internal organs.
• Phthalates: Some of these chemicals have the potential to disrupt hormones and affect reproductive health, or make us more susceptible to cancer or health problems.

Reference:

1. This information was provided directly from the Terrible Toxin pamphlet.

Written by Rita Shurtliff |

There are many personal care products including deodorants and antiperspirants on the shelves today. The trend is to make deodorants and antiperspirants that smell like perfume. Have you ever considered what makes up the gel or white colored paste we slather under our arms to stay fresh and sweat free?  Remember the commercial “Never let them see you sweat;” sweating is actually very healthy for you. It is our body’s way of getting rid of unwanted toxins. Toxins are also known as chemicals in body waste, and the by-product that is produced when organs metabolize what is ingested or topically applied.

Unfortunately all products are not created equal and many health and beauty items are full of toxic ingredients. Some of the most common ingredients found in deodorants and antiperspirants are: parabens, zirconium and aluminum.

Over the last eight years, several research studies have shown that various types of parabens act like estrogen when introduced to animal tissue cultures. Estrogen has been known to drive the growth of cancer cells.

Research at Reading University has suggested there may be a link between the increase in breast cancer in the last 25 years which coincides with the introduction of antiperspirants. Breast cancer tumors in men and women tend to occur in the upper-outer section of the left breast, which could be because right-handed people apply more deodorant into their left armpit.

Some researchers think that by preventing sweating, you block the excretion of toxins which can build up in the lymph glands. Zirconium and aluminum in antiperspirants have also been found to enter cells and mutate DNA, which may lead to cancerous growth as well as disrupt hormone levels.

In addition to the above mentioned ingredients, there are several other ingredients that are not listed on deodorant and antiperspirant labels. Fragrances and or scents for instance; are they synthetic or are they natural oils?  Over the past decades more fragrances have been added to deodorants and antiperspirants. The scent of spice, the great outdoors, and lavender, to mention a few, may enhance the smell of deodorants but do they contribute to the effectiveness of the product? Are they toxic to our health?

There is of course a natural route; mineral salts have proven to be effective in stopping body odor and have been used to eliminate unpleasant body odor dating back to ancient civilizations. Mineral stones are available today in sprays, gels and bars.

Look for other “safe” choices, such as: deodorants made with vegetable glycerin, lichen, herbs or herbal extracts, de-ionized water or distilled water, green tea, aloe Vera, baking soda and essential oils. All of these ingredients may be found in stick, spray or in a roll on format.

Remember, good health is a result of choice – choose wisely!

References:

1. Top 7 Ingredients to Avoid by Dr. Christine H. Farlow, D.C. “The Ingredients Investigator.” Dr. Farlow has been researching ingredient safety since 1991.

2. EPA & FDA Websites: Dr Samuel Epstein, University of Illinois, Chicago; Philippa Darbre, Journal of Applied Toxicology.

For more info, contact NatureRich at (775) 331-6490, specializing in mineral-based, pH balanced products.

Written by Brittany Russell |

As winter rolls in, our skin seems to become drier with the drop in temperature. Considering skin is the body’s armor, it is important to protect and enrich the skin to ensure its youth and longevity. With such a variety of products on the market, and in the event that you received more bottles of lotion that you will ever need during this past holiday season, it is important to be aware of the little things: ingredients in moisturizing lotions, the helpful and the harmful.

Petrolatum or Petroleum Jelly

This ingredient is very common in hand and body lotions and is an FDA approved over-the-counter skin protectant, creating a sealing effect on cuts, inhibiting germs from getting through the skin and creating infection. Though it sounds like the perfect answer to painfully chapped skin, beware – petrolatum is often contaminated with impurities linked to cancer and various health concerns.

Mineral Oil

Similar to petrolatum, also called paraffin oil, mineral oil is another common ingredient in lotions. It is a by-product in the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline and other products based from crude oil. It is fairly inexpensive to use and acts as an emollient, trapping water in the skin. While typically safe to use, some may experience acne problems and other reactions may occur due to an allergy.

Lanolin Alcohol

This ingredient is considered an emollient alcohol, highly refined and rich in skin-softening cholesterol. The alcohol is derived from lanolin, a fatty secretion from sheep’s wool. Because it so easily absorbed into the skin, it may cause allergic reactions or clog pores.

Consumers should always be conscious of the ingredients in products that we put in and on our bodies. Being aware of allergies and harmful side effects is essential. A great way to avoid any complications with store bought lotions is to make your own! Try a homemade lotion recipe.

References:

1. www.natural-skincare-authority.com/PETROLATUM.html

2. www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-32605-Mineral+Oil+Top.aspx?drugid=32605&drugname=Mineral+Oil+Top

3. en.mimi.hu/beauty/lanolin_alcohol.html

HEALTH BRIEF

People everywhere, especially in our geographic area, are slathering moisturizers and sunscreens on themselves in an effort to fight the effects of the summer sun and wind.

Remember that your skin is the largest organ in your body and it acts like a sponge. Then consider that the average person applies 126 unique ingredients to their skin every day.

And, when you check the label on your favorite lotions, notice how many DOZENS of items there are in the ingredients list — many of which you can’t pronounce.

Those mystery words can be a hazard to your health. Moreover, not all the ingredients will necessarily be listed on the label. Here are a few other things to be aware of:

• No pre-market safety testing is required because these products are used on the outside of the body.

• The word “Natural” on the label doesn’t necessarily mean that all the ingredients are natural and nontoxic.

• Note how often propylene glycol occurs as an ingredient. Did you know it is the main ingredient in antifreeze?

Research your products. The more you know, the more the better decisions you can make.

Reference: www.ewg.org

For more info, contact Nature Rich at (775) 331-6490.

In June we discussed the dangers of sunscreens. The list below is a guide to purchasing the best possible sunscreen products (EWG and Nat’l Geogr. Green Guide). Take it with you to the store.

Top 10 Best Sunscreens:

1. Keys Soap Solar Rx Therapeutic Sunblock, SPF 30

2. Trukid Sunny Days Facestick Mineral Sunscreen UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum, SPF 30+

3. California Baby Sunblock Stick No Fragrance, SPF 30+

4. Badger Sunscreen, SPF 30

5. Marie Veronique Skin Therapy Sun Serum

6. Lavera Sunscreen Neutral, SPF 40

7. Vanicream Sunscreen, SPF 35

8. UV Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+

9. Sun Science Sport Formula, SPF 30

10. Soleo Organics Sunscreen all natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+

Top 10 Best Common Brands Recommended by the EWG:

1. Blue Lizard – anything without oxybenzone

2. California Baby – anything with SPF 30+

3. CVS with zinc oxide

4. Jason Natural Cosmetics Sunbrellas Mineral Based Sunblock

5. Kiss My Face “Paraben Free” series

6. Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock

7. Olay Defense Daily UV Moisturizer with zinc

8. SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense

9. Solar Sense Clear Zinc for Face

10. Walgreens Zinc Oxide for Face, Nose, & Ears

When possible, avoid the following ingredients:

• PABA: Though rarely used now in sunscreens, beware of products that contain the ingredient. Forty percent of the population is sensitive to it, experiencing red, itchy skin.

• Benzophenone (benzophenone-3), homosalate, and octy-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate): These chemicals have shown estrogenic activity in lab tests. Dr. Margret Schlumpf of the Univ. of Zurich’s Inst. of Pharmacology & Toxicology says they disrupt hormones, affecting development of the brain and reproductive organs in laboratory rats. Because people are already exposed to these chemicals by eating fish (where benzophenone accumulates in the fat), using sunscreen containing these chemicals unduly increases the exposure. Based on her studies, Dr. Schlumpf advises people to avoid products containing benzophenone and the related chemicals above.

• Parabens (butyl-, ethyl-, methyl-, and propyl-): Parabens may also mimic estrogen, but because they are very common in sunscreens, avoiding them may prove difficult.

• Padimate-O and Parsol 1789 (2-ethylhexyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoic acid and avobenzone): These two chemicals have the potential to damage DNA when illuminated with sunlight. On the skin’s surface, they  do protect from UV damage; however, once absorbed into the skin, these same chemicals can prove destructive. Dr. Knowland’s research indicates that Padimate-O and Parsol 1789 “are excited by the UV energy which they absorb and become reactive, acquiring the potential to attack cellular components, including DNA.” Knowland cautions that “DNA damage inflicted by an excited sunscreen is much less capable of being repaired by naturally occurring repair mechanisms than the DNA damage inflicted by UV alone.”

References:

1. www.thegreenguide.com/doc/103/sunscreens

2. www.ewg.org

The Fattening, Dumbing Down & Poisoning of America

Written by Nancy Deville

Reviewed by June Milligan, MEd, CCHt |

This book is a provocative must-read for anyone interested in health and wellness, because it reveals the “why” behind the mystery of America’s health crisis. Nancy Deville, bestselling author, has painstakingly researched the ugly realities of our factory-food industry, and in doing so, exposes how real food is altered to become the toxic substances we eat every day. These substances have a cumulative effect in our bodies, and although we may or may not have a reaction to them today, we will most certainly have a negative reaction in the future if we keep eating this stuff.

These factory-foods and US factory-farm practices are causing obesity, degenerative and autoimmune diseases such as lupus, heart disease, Type I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Type II diabetes as well as cancer and accelerated aging. Also caused by our factory-food habits are ADD, ADHD, insomnia, exhaustion, depression, panic disorders, rage, agitation, anorexia nervosa, bulimia and lack of sex drive.

That many girls reach puberty at 8 or 9 years old, that many boys are becoming feminized by the hormones and substances in their food, and that Americans have been steadily shrinking in height since WWII is a direct result of our factory-food diet. Heart attacks were unknown before 1900, indeed the first recorded heart attack occurred in 1926. Today heart disease kills 700,000 Americans each year. Since 1900 our food habits have changed dramatically. We are the richest nation, and the fattest and the sickest nation. Something’s wrong here. What has changed most dramatically?  Our natural way of eating and living has become industrialized.

The author explains how real food is broken down into its basic components in laboratories and factories, by using heat and chemical solvents. These components are then mixed with colored dyes, preservatives, synthetic vitamins and hundreds of other substances. The industry then promises good health, beauty and satisfaction, but because of the processing and additives, these factory-foods actually lack the life-sustaining nutrients necessary to maintain healthy metabolic processes. The end products of these food experiments are foreign and toxic to our bodies. Rather than feeling satisfied by these low-nutrition products, the resulting “hysterical” hunger provokes us to want even more of them, because we continually feel unfulfilled. We feel dissatisfied because we are nutritionally stressed.

Real foods contain the perfect ratios of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and fatty acids necessary to maintain healthy metabolic processes. This perfect ratio cannot be duplicated by food manufacturers. For instance a raw apple has over 4000 micro-nutrients. Taking them apart chemically while adding other substances and calling the result a health bar is simply ridiculous. The process destroys the nutrition.

While being nutritionally malnourished, we’re getting fatter and fatter because of the continuous ingestion of empty calories contained in substances called food that our bodies don’t know what to do with. Consequently, many of these toxic substances are immediately stored in our fat cells, just to get them out of the bloodstream. Fat cells don’t multiply; they just get bigger. So we are now a nation of fat, malnourished people; both children and adults are experiencing an epidemic of degenerative and autoimmune diseases which doctors cannot cure, while the diet and drug industries reap record profits from our factory-food habits. However, changing from factory-food to real food can and does cure most of these problems.

Look in your pantry. It won’t take long to find that most of what’s in there has “high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)” among the first ingredients. Look at the labels on most boxed, bagged, canned or bottled food products in your supermarket. Most contain HFCS. So what is that, why is it bad for us and why don’t they just use sugar?

HFCS is highly addicting manmade sugar and it’s much cheaper for food processors to use than sugar. Eighty percent of HFCS is extracted from genetically modified corn and is made using fermentation, fungus and chemicals. Like sugar, fructose has no nutritional value, and so it must rob your body of nutrients in order to be metabolized. The introduction of HFCS parallels a 47% spike in Type II diabetes and an 80% increase in obesity in that same time period. Since it permeates so many foods, and we consume them all day long, HFCS contributes to “hysterical hunger” (addiction) like no other food additive on the market.

People often think they’re engaging in “emotional eating” when actually they’re suffering from factory food pathology. The HFCS we constantly ingest causes a prolonged neurotransmitter imbalance. This causes us to crave more. When we eat HFCS our brains are permanently on code red, so that we either act out our anxiety or crash if we don’t get our sugar fix, while our cells are desperately crying out for real nutrition, for whole food.

What about aspartame, the sugar substitute? Well, that’s an amino acid that excites brain cells to death. Healthy Beginnings reviewed Dr. Blaylock’s book Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills in September 2007. Excitotoxins (both aspartame and MSG) are considered the central mechanism for most neurological diseases, but the effects may take years or even decades to manifest. One of the components of aspartame actually turns into formaldehyde when it reaches 86°F in your body. The truth is known, so why were these toxins approved by the FDA?

In the case of aspartame, after many studies proving the substance unsafe, and through a combination of sloppy science, intrigue, self-interest, ambition, greed and politics, the FDA finally okayed it. The fact that Donald Rumsfeld was president of G.D. Searle (the developer of aspartame) at the time didn’t hurt. Those folks who hop back and forth between government and industry are perfectly poised to use their contacts in government to further their industry agendas. Plus the FDA has been proven over many years to be both inept and corrupt. The government agency which is supposed to protect America’s food and drug supply is actually doing just the opposite.

Look in your pantry and see how many drinks and processed foods there are containing aspartame. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, people who consume aspartame on a consistent basis may look forward to: anxiety attacks, arthritis, asthma, brain cancer, chronic fatigue, depression, insomnia, memory loss, migraines, numbness of extremities, seizures, tachycardia, tinnitus, vertigo, vision loss and weight gain. Since the introduction of aspartame in the 1970s, the incidence of brain tumors has risen exponentially. The original studies by the G.D. Searle Company found a 47% increase in brain tumors in rats exposed to aspartame, and yet the firm still marketed it. Searle was later purchased by Monsanto Chemical, and is still selling as much aspartame as possible.

One of the biggest mysteries regarding obesity today is that some people become obese on normal amounts of food. Studies on MSG and aspartame in mice found that test subjects and offspring are shorter than normal and become obese on normal amounts of food. What’s even worse is that these substances cause serotonin to dip, the neurotransmitter that gets you high on life!  Without enough serotonin in your brain, you’re into doom and gloom plus carb craving!

Death by Supermarket also exhaustively researches soy myths, isoflavone supplementation, how different kinds of fatty acids affect our bodies, as well as myths about milk and dieting. Nancy Deville writes in an easy-to-understand style and her book is footnoted throughout. There is an extensive index, so you can probably find the definitive research on any symptom or condition you wish. Given the domination of our food supply by agri-business and multi-national food manufacturers, it is imperative that we take control of what our family eats. The alternative is a witch’s brew of diseases, ailments and painful conditions.

Nancy Deville says, “Each one of us must conquer our resistance to change. We must face off every single day with the resistance that makes us want to succumb to the seductive siren call of the food, diet and drug industries. What else is worth fighting for, if not your health and happiness, and especially that of your children?” This book should definitely be a part of your family library. The time to start educating your kids is now.

See the book for voluminous references.

For more info contact June Milligan at 775-786-9111 or june@joyfulchanges.com, specializing in increasing awareness and eliminating emotional blocks.

Ingredients in Personal Care Products

By Diane di Costanzo |

Americans buy about $20 billion worth of personal care products every year. Unfortunately, many ingredients in these potions and lotions are linked to damaging effects on human health and our planet. Unfortunately the government doesn’t require safety testing for these products before they go to market. So we’ve culled a list of the worst 12 chemicals you do not want on your skin.

1. ANTIBACTERIALS: In cleansers, deodorants and cosmetic products, antibacterial agents such as Triclosan encourage drug-resistant bacteria (Apr 1999, J Biol Chem; July 13, 2000, Nature).

2. COAL-TAR COLORS: So-called coal-tar chemicals are found in many “FD&C” or “D&C” colors used in makeup and hair dye. FD&C Blue 1 and Green 3 are carcinogenic; impurities in D&C Red 33, FD&C Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 have been shown to cause cancer when applied to the skin.

3. DIETHANOLAMINE (DEA): Widely used in shampoos, DEA is a suspected carcinogen; its compounds and derivatives include triethanolamine (TEA) which can be contaminated with nitrosamines, shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Contamination is more likely if the product also contains Bronopol.

4. FORMALDEHYDE: In eye shadows, mascaras and other cosmetics, formaldehyde is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen,” according to the National Toxicology Program’s “9th Report on Carcinogens” Jan 2001. The EPA classifies it as a probable human carcinogen. Liquid formaldehyde in the ingredients DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15, can be absorbed through the skin and nails. Consumer concern has led many manufacturers to remove it from nail polish. Quaternium-15 causes more dermatitis complaints than any other preservative, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Bronopol or 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, can contribute to formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines, per the FDA.

5. GLYCOL ETHERS: Banned in France in 1999, but still widely used in the US as an industrial solvent in nail polish, deodorant, perfumes and cosmetics; some are hazardous to the reproductive system. Other effects may include anemia and irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat. Avoid EGPE, EGME, EGEE, DEGBE, PGME, DPGME and anything with “methyl” in its name.

6. HEAVY METALS: Lead–A brain- and nervous-system toxin; a known carcinogen and hormone disruptor; lead accumulates in the bones. Lead acetate is in many hair dyes and makeup. Mercury–A potent nervous-system toxin that accumulates in the body; micro amounts are allowed as a preservative in eye-area cosmetics. Thimerosal, which contains mercury, is commonly found in cake mascara.

7. PARABENS: Used in underarm deodorants and many lotions, parabens were found in tissue samples from human breast tumors (Jan/Feb 2004 J Appl Toxicol). The estrogenic activity of parabens may be linked to development of breast cancer, since estrogen is “a major etiological factor in the growth of human breast cancer” (editorial accompanying study). Many parabens, including methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, and isobutyl-, have shown hormonal activity.

8. PETROLATUM (vaseline, petroleum jelly): A petroleum product used in cold creams, lipsticks, lip protection, baby creams, eye shadows; it can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.

9. PHENYLENEDIAMINE (PPD): Found in many hair dyes, and linked to skin irritations and respiratory disorders; PPD is mutagenic and a suspected human carcinogen, banned in Europe. Aka: Oxidation dyes, amino dyes, para dyes, peroxide dyes.

10. PHTHALATES: Used widely in fragrances, deodorants, nail polishes, hair products and lotions, their oily texture acts like a moisturizer and helps lotions penetrate skin. Several of these of chemical plasticizers have been found to produce cancer of the liver and birth defects in lab animals. Since phthalates often hide behind the term “fragrance,” choose “fragrance-free” products or ones scented exclusively with pure botanicals or essential oils.

11. SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS): The Cosmetics Ingredient Review (CIR; cir-safety.org), reported that SLS causes “severe epidermal changes” to mouse skin, a finding that “indicates a need for tumor-enhancing activity assays.” This year, after review of over 250 existing SLS studies, the CIR concluded that SLS is not cancer-causing. Samuel Epstein, MD and Public Health expert recommends avoiding SLS. Other reports connect SLS with premature cataract development.

12. TOLUENE: This solvent found in many nail (and industrial) products can cause kidney, liver and nervous system damage with long-term exposure and irritates the skin and respiratory tract.

Additional References:

1. www.annalsnyas.org/cgi/content/abstract/1076/1/784

2. www.womenandenvironment.org/newsreports/media/News%20Item%202008/Postarticle/newsitem_view

3. www.epa.gov/ogwdw/contaminants/

For more info visit www.thegreenguide.com/doc/100/10uglies

By Lauren Birtwhistle |

Thinking back to your high school or college biology classes, you may recall the not-so-subtle fumes of formaldehyde lingering around the school’s laboratory. Aside from the foul stench, this chemical is capable of causing a lot more damage then you may realize.

Why is this chemical so dangerous? Perhaps it is because of how often we come in contact with it in our every day lives. Formaldehyde is not just in labs. Here is a list of some of the most common products containing the chemical:

• Pressed wood products

• Carpets

• Combustion appliances

• Cigarettes

• Clothing (to bind pigments, as a fire retardant, to create stiffness, water repelling and wrinkle resistance)

• Grocery bags

• Cosmetics

• Paper products (paper cups, paper towels, napkins facial tissue)

• Vaccines

Spotting the chemical may be difficult. Pay attention to labels and do not just look for “formaldehyde”, but formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. One of the most common names for a formaldehyde-releasing preservative to look for is Quaternium-15. Other formaldehyde-releasing preservatives include:

• Bromonitropropane diol (Bronopol)

• Diazolidinyl Urea (Germall II)

• DMDM Hydantoin (Glydant)

• Tris (Hydroxymethyl) Nitromethane (Tris Nitro)

This colorless gas can take a toll on many different parts of the body. Effects can be caused by inhalation or contact with the chemical, even in low doses. Symptoms include irritated eyes and respiratory system, headaches, rashes, hives, dizziness, nausea, and chronic fatigue. Some less common symptoms of formaldehyde exposure are heart palpitations, ear infections, trouble sleeping, memory loss, trouble focusing, depression, weakness, migraines, abdominal pain, aching joints and muscles, and difficulty breathing.

One of the biggest concerns and a very controversial topic is the use of formaldehyde in vaccines. Visit http://www.informedchoice.info/cocktail.html for a list of common vaccines and their ingredients. You may be surprised at how many list formaldehyde as an ingredient.

According to Hauptmann et al, in the American Journal of Epidemiology, “Concerns about the presence of formaldehyde are based on its toxicological profile and suggestions that it may act as a carcinogen. Although industrial exposure to formaldehyde may be associated with certain cancers, cancer risk has not been fully established and may relate to degree of exposure.”

There is conflicting information about formaldehyde all across the internet. But with a chemical that is so common in consumer goods, any questioning leaves room for concern.

References:

1. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/54551/how_to_protect_yourself_

from_the_dangers.html

2. http://www.skinandaging.com/article/5158#

3. Hauptmann M, Lubin JH, Stewart PA, et al. Mortality from solid cancers among workers in formaldehyde industries. Am J Epidemiol 2004; 159: 1117-1130

4. http://ohioline.osu.edu/cd-fact/0198.html

By Lauren Birtwhistle |

You can find this mild preservative in many products such as food, wine and even herbal supplements. Its main purpose is to inhibit the presence of mold, yeast, and microbes, thus giving products a longer shelf life.

Potassium Sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, a natural organic compound isolated from the oil of the unripened rowan berry (sorbapple or mountain ash berry). The chemical structure of sorbic acid was determined in the late 19th century and chemically synthesized in 1900. Sorbic acid and its salts were not used commercially until the 1940’s when their ability to interfere with ATP metabolism in microbes, while posing no health risk when eaten by mammals, was discovered. Since the 1950’s, sorbic acid has been repeatedly tested for safety and efficacy, and today is one of the most thoroughly tested food additives in US history. Few substances have had such extensive, rigorous, and long-term testing. It is non-toxic even when taken in large quantities, and breaks down in the body into water and carbon dioxide in the Krebs Cycle. It is metabolized just like any other polyunsaturated fat. Generally used in very small amounts, it is safe, non-toxic and non-sensitizing.

Diacetyl

Are you a fan of buttered popcorn? Well workers in popcorn plants most likely are not. As recently as 1992, a rare disease called bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as “popcorn lung”, is being seen in many employees of popcorn plants. Bronchiolitis obliterans is a destruction of the lung’s airways. It does not respond to normal asthma medications and many of these workers are ending up on a lung transplant waiting list.

Although it has not been exactly determined what in the flavoring is causing harm, diacetyl is a chemical commonly used in the production of buttered popcorn. It has been linked to respiratory problems and lung diseases. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), “A cause-effect relationship between diacetyl and bronchiolitis obliterans has not been established, as food-processing workers with this lung disease were also exposed to other volatile food-flavoring agents.”

However, they have listed the following potential symptoms of exposure to the chemical as:

• Eye, mucous membrane, respiratory system, and skin irritation

• Persistent cough

• Phlegm production

• Wheezing

• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)

• Unusual fatigue

• Episodes of mild fever or generalized aches

• Severe skin rashes

As of September 4, 2007, the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers have recommended a reduction in the use of diacetyl and a few major popcorn companies are beginning to turn to an alternative ingredient. ConAgra (Orville Redenbacher and Act II popcorn), the Weaver Popcorn company (TrailsEnd popcorn), General Mills Inc. (Pop-Secret) and the American Pop Corn Co. (Jolly Time popcorn) are responding to this recommendation. The food companies have not pinpointed exactly when the new popcorn will be available at all stores because the timetable depends on how much popcorn a store sells and how much of the product stores keep in their own warehouses. In addition to this recommendation, Assemblywoman Sally Lieber has introduced a bill to ban the use of diacetyl by 2010.

Popcorn is not the only product that contains diacetyl. It can be found in butter, margarine, beer, and wine. However, health problems have only been seen in workers of popcorn plants. The Washington, D.C.-based Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association has said consumers shouldn’t worry about eating microwave popcorn as long as they follow directions, which typically include a warning to open bags of popcorn away from the face. As of this printing, there has only been one reported case of “popcorn lung” from a consumer who ate multiple bags of popcorn every day for years.

References:

1. www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/10/12/butter_flavoring_can_cause_

lung_disease_diacetyl_a_chemical_additive_to_watch_out_for.htm

2. http://angrytoxicologist.com/?p=28

3. www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2007/12/18/

popcorn_firms_removing_flavoring_chemical/

4. Center For Science In The Public Interest in Washington, D.C. www.cspinet.org/

By Frank Schallenberger, MD, HMD, ABAAM |

Here is a question that a reader (Betty R.) sent to me by email: “Everyone seems to be pushing the flu shot. What do you think of it? Should I get one?” This is such a great question, that I thought all of you would like to see my answer.

Dear Betty,

No, I don’t think you should get one. Neither does a new study published in the October 26, 2006 issue of the British Medical Journal. In this study, Dr. Tom Jefferson, coordinator of the Cochrane Vaccines Field (see Editor’s Note below) in Rome, Italy, conducted an extensive review of all of the previous studies on the effectiveness of the flu vaccine.

He looked specifically at whether or not the vaccine decreased hospital admissions, death rates, or time off work. According to Dr. Jefferson, vaccines “have little or no effect.” He said, “We’ve got an exaggerated expectation of what vaccines can actually do. I’m hoping American and European taxpayers will be alerted and start asking questions.”

Dr. Jefferson looked very hard at what the flu vaccine is supposed to do and what it actually does. What he found has really shaken up the vaccine proponents. According to the doctor, “almost none” of the benefits that the vaccines theoretically offer are actually seen in the real world.

Consumer health advocate Mike Adams, author of “Conquering the Common Cold,” has gone much further. He has called the flu vaccine “one of the greatest medical cons perpetrated on the populations of the world. Flu shots prevent colds in only about 1% of people who get them, making them 99% useless,” Adams said. “They also inject unhealthy substances such as mercury preservatives directly into tissues, poisoning the patient with a chemical burden that accumulates with each flu shot.”

I have never advocated flu shots for any of my patients. From what I have seen, the few that have ignored my advice either get sick from the vaccine, or they get the flu anyway. I would much rather have them get the flu, which would immunize them naturally, than have ineffective and potentially dangerous materials injected into their bodies. After all, it’s not getting the flu that is the problem. It’s getting over it. And with the right natural therapies, such as vitamin C and hydrogen peroxide infusions, treating the flu homeopathically is a slam-dunk.

And the safety issue is another concern. Just three days before Dr. Jefferson had his study published, health officials in the Israeli town of Kiryat Gat immediately stopped the use of the flu vaccine. This was because four people died after receiving the injection. Because the people targeted most aggressively for flu vaccines are the elderly and sickly, we will probably never know the true death rate. When one of these people dies from the vaccine, doctors usually attribute the death to their disease and not to the vaccine.

Dr. Jefferson asks why doctors still use the flu vaccine in spite of the absence of any proof that it works. He says the reasons “are unclear,” but I think he really knows why. The flu vaccine is big business.  And thanks to drug company lobbying, we taxpayers are not just paying for flu vaccines. We are also subsidizing the deaths and other malpractice litigation that stem from their use. What a bargain.

Instead of getting a flu shot, try taking vitamin D. It’s one of the most effective flu fighters I’ve seen. It’s inexpensive (make sure you buy vitamin D3, as vitamin D2 is synthetic and doesn’t work well). And you can find it at any good health food store.

That said, the guidance of a health-care practitioner is always recommended; the elderly, parents of young children and those in poor health should seek decision-making support from a knowledgeable health care provider.

[Editor’s Note:  The Cochrane Vaccines Field (CVF)…was founded to facilitate the gathering of evidence on vaccines and their effects (ability to prevent the target disease, short and long term safety and efficiency) finalised to the production of systematic reviews. The CVF formulate criteria for population-based quality assessment of vaccines. The Cochrane Vaccines Field was registered in 1996 and has been based Italy since 2000.]

References

1. Tom Jefferson. “Influenza vaccination: policy versus evidence”. British Medical Journal 2006;333;912-915.

2. To read the complete BMJ report online go to:  www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/333/7574/912.

3. “Taiwan halts flu vaccine after four Israelis die.” dpa German Press Agency. Published: Monday October 23, 2006.

For more info call Dr. Schallenberger at 775-884-3990.

By Lauren Birtwhistle |

Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A is a chemical compound widely produced and sold in consumer products. When introduced to the body, Bisphenol A acts as an estrogen receptor agonist, meaning that it activates estrogen receptors, causing similar physiological affects as the body’s own estrogen. Bisphenol A may also be an endocrine disrupter, causing problems in the reproductive systems of mammals, including humans.

Studies testing for the presence of Bisphenol A in humans have shown that 95% of subjects tested, showed signs of the chemical, and in concentrations higher than the amount in tested laboratory animals. People are exposed to and run the risk of ingesting Bisphenol A often. It is used to line the inside of many canned foods, hard plastic water and baby bottles and even some dental fillings. It can leach out of its container, allowing it to be ingested.

Studies in laboratory rats showed an increase risk of developing breast cancer, aberrations in the chromosomes of grandchildren of rats exposed during pregnancy, and increase the susceptibility of male rats to prostate cancer, among other effects.

Despite a widespread belief that Bisphenol A poses human health risks, government regulatory agencies insist that normal use of products containing the chemical is harmless.  The City and County of San Francisco did, however, ban the production of baby bottles containing Bisphenol A in June 2006, but the ban was never enforced and was repealed in May 2007.

As more attention is focused on Bisphenol A, additional studies are being requested to verify its affects on people.  Meanwhile, prudent people might wish to avoid using products that contain the compound, and many retailers are offering alternatives.

Carrageenan

Carrageenan is extracted from seaweed to produce a gelatinous substance used in many consumer products. The sea weed is harvested from abundant forests in the Atlantic Ocean near Britain, Continental Europe and North America.

Carrageenans are made of very flexible molecules that allow it to form a variety of different, useful gels at room temperature. Because of this, it is used as a food additive, as a thickening and stabilizing agent. There are three commercial classes of carrageenan:

• Kappa — strong, rigid gels

• Iota — soft gels

• Lambda — form gels when mixed with proteins rather than water, used to thicken dairy products.

Carrageenans can be found in ice cream, sauces, beer, toothpaste, shampoo, marbling, diet soda, and pharmaceuticals to name a few.

Health risks involved in the consumption of carrageenan have been studied. Several studies have suggested that it may contribute to intestinal inflammation and gastrointestinal lesions, including possible malignancies. In 1972 the FDA determined there was sufficient evidence from animal experiments to propose limiting the type of carrageenan that could be used in food products.

In 1982, the International Agency for Research on Cancer found enough evidence in animal models linking degraded carrageenan with gastrointestinal cancers to state that it posed a carcinogenic risk to humans. Other research groups also have listed it as a known carcinogen based on animal studies.

Tricalcium Phosphate

Tricalcium Phosphate is a mineral found naturally in many foods. Other names for the mineral are calcium orthophosphate, tertiary calcium phosphate, tribasic calcium phosphate, or “bone ash”. It is commonly used in powdered spices as an anti-caking agent, a raising agent, in some cheese products, and in dental powders.

Tricalcium Phosphate is also used as a nutritional supplement. It is sometimes used to prevent and treat calcium deficiencies. Tricalcium phosphate can be a very healthy addition to your diet but may interfere with other medications and should not be taken if you are pregnant. You should consult with your healthcare provide before beginning a tricalcium phosphate supplement.

References:

http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/definitions/bisphenol-a

http://www.healthy-communications.com/carrageenan.html

http://www.qualityhealth.com/psp/hwContent.jspa?hwid=d03803a1&secid=d03803a1-whatis