Make-up
and body care products have been linked to allergic reactions, birth defects,
and even cancer. It is a medically recognised fact that our body absorbs
significant amounts of what we put on our skin. With certified organic
food rapidly becoming the nutrition of choice by the health conscious amongst
us, why would we accept any less for our skin? An environmental health
specialist at Stirling University in Scotland, Dr. Baillie-Hamilton details
how toxins may be linked to dozens of serious health problems, including
immune system diseases, neurological disorders, digestive disorders, hormonal
imbalances, cardio-vascular diseases, cancer, hyper-sensitivity, obesity,
musculoskeletal disorders and childhood health problems. "These chemicals
are simply not going to go away," Institute reports "pesticides are
a likely cause of immune suppression for millions of people throughout
the world" and that 25% of the chemicals in the environment are neurotoxins
linked to increased incidence of brain disease.
The
Ugly Side of Cosmetics
February 3, 2005 the Food and Drug Administration issued an unprecedented
warning to the cosmetics industry stating that the Agency is serious about
enforcing the law requiring companies to inform consumers that personal
care products have not been safety tested. When risky chemicals are used
in cosmetics, the stakes are high. These compounds are not trace contaminants.
They are the base ingredients of the product, just as flour is an ingredient
in bread. Many of these chemicals are found in percent levels in personal
care products, nearly all easily penetrate the skin, and some are ingested
directly after they are applied to lips or hands. And increasingly, companies
are adding customized, futuristic "penetration enhancers" to drive ingredients
even deeper into the skin, like Loreal's new nanoparticle technology —
a miniscule, fluid-filled sack designed to burrow deep into the skin to
deliver its "active ingredients." No safety testing required. Scientists
find common cosmetic ingredients in human tissues, like industrial plasticizers
called phthalates in urine, preservatives called parabens in breast tumor
tissue, and persistent fragrance components like musk xylene in human fat.
Do the levels at which they are found pose risks? Those studies have not
been done. They are not required.
Make-up
and body care products contain ingredients suspected of causing cancer;
potential neuro-, liver-, and immunotoxins; and suspected hormone disruptors
that could cause birth defects in any children she might bear in the future.
Many consumers may be surprised to learn that the US federal government
doesn’t require health studies or pre-market testing on personal care products.
Manufacturers are free to put just about anything they want into cosmetics—a
far-reaching category used by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
to include everything from make-up and deodorant to lotions and mouthwashes.
Instead, the safety (or not) of the ingredients in these products is
looked into almost exclusively by a manufacturer-controlled safety committee
called the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel. Consequently, “89 percent
of 10,500 ingredients used in personal care products have not been evaluated
for safety by the CIR, the FDA, nor any other publicly accountable institution,”
says the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG). “The absence of government
oversight for this $35 billion industry leads to companies routinely marketing
products with ingredients that are poorly studied, not studied at all,
or worse, known to pose potentially serious health risks.”
For example, EWG found ingredients certified by the US government as
“known or probable carcinogens” in one of every 120 cosmetic products on
the market, including shampoos, lotions, make up foundations, and lip balm.
What this adds up to, says the group, is that “one of every 13 women and
one of every 23 men are exposed to ingredients that are known or probable
human carcinogens every day through their use of personal care products.”
Also
of particular concern are the inclusion of phthalates—a group of industrial
chemicals linked to birth defects that are used in many cosmetic products,
from nail polish to deodorant. Phthalates are not listed as ingredients
on product labels; they can only be detected through laboratory analysis.
In April of this year, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC)—a coalition
of environmental, social justice, and consumer groups—learned that the
FDA has completed a study on the safety of phthalates in cosmetics but
is refusing to release its findings. According to preliminary information
uncovered by the CSC, two-thirds of health and beauty products analyzed
by the FDA late last year contained phthalates. Two of the most toxic phthalates,
DBP and DEHP, have been banned from cosmetics products sold in the European
Union (EU) but remain unregulated in the US. In response to the FDA’s refusal
to publicly release this information, Friends of the Earth, a founding
member of the CSC, has filed a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain
the study.
Another class of chemicals that’s gotten some press recently is parabens,
short for “para hydroxybenzoate.” These preservatives are widely used in
cosmetics, particularly nail polish. Recent studies have implicated parabens
as being associated with breast cancer, though more testing is needed.
Though there isn’t always definitive evidence that a given chemical
can cause adverse health affects, the fact that so few have been studied
for safety is of significant concern. Plus, there’s the effect over time
of all these chemicals we’re applying to our bodies to consider. The average
person’s morning routine puts him/her into contact with over 100 chemicals
before breakfast, according to Aubrey Hampton and Susan Hussey, founder
and vice-president of marketing, respectively, of Aubrey Organics. The
cumulative effect of all of the chemicals in these products can add up
over time, and no one truly knows what the results are.
The
human body continually detoxifies itself, getting rid of the poisons that
assault it from both without and within. This book explains what toxins
are, why plants and animals produce them, and how the body resolves its
"internal trash-removal problem.". The book gives understanding and
guidance to people with often misunderstood chronic conditions. According
to Dr. Jacqueline 
Krohn,
"Cleansing toxins from the body can dramatically increase the quality of
life." Detoxification
is a normal body process of eliminating or neutralizing toxins through
the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph and
skin. Internal detoxification is one of our body's most basic automatic
functions but in our world today, body systems and organs that were once
capable of cleaning out unwanted substances are now completely overloaded;
thus many unwanted substances stay in our tissues. Learn
about Natural Detoxification Methods, Treatments and Products
Unprecedented exposure to chemical contaminants, pollution, toxic products
and stress has increased unhealthy conditions, from arthritis
and cancer to heart disease, and even the symptoms
of aging. An environmental health specialist at Stirling University
in Scotland, Baillie-Hamilton details how toxins may be linked to dozens
of serious health problems, including immune system diseases,
neurological disorders, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, cardio-vascular
diseases, cancer, hyper-sensitivity, obesity, musculoskeletal disorders
and childhood health problems. "These chemicals are simply not going to
go away," Institute reports "pesticides are a likely cause of immune
suppression for millions of people throughout the world" and that 25% of
the chemicals in the environment are neurotoxins linked to increased incidence
of brain disease.
Michelle Alpert, D.O -. "The world we’re living in today is a toxic
minefield — from vaccines to pesticides
to antibiotic-laden foods to mercury-poisoned
fish to pollution both indoors and outdoors. It’s no wonder so many people
are suffering from fatigue and chronic illness, as well as chronic infections
with viruses, bacteria and fungi. You can learn how to protect yourself
from the forces that can damage your body and wear down your immune
system. .
Unborn
babies soaked in chemicals, survey finds
WASHINGTON, July 14, 2005 (Reuters) - Unborn U.S. babies are soaking
in a stew of chemicals, including mercury, gasoline byproducts and pesticides,
according to a report to be released on Thursday. The report by the Environmental
Working Group is based on tests of 10 samples of umbilical cord blood taken
by the American Red Cross. They found an average of 287 contaminants in
the blood, including mercury, fire retardants, pesticides and the Teflon
chemical PFOA.
232 Toxic Chemicals found in 10 Babies
Laboratory tests commissioned by the Environmental Working Group have
detected bisphenol A (BPA), a plastic component and synthetic estrogen,
in umbilical cord blood of American infants. Nine of 10 randomly selected
samples of cord blood tested positive for BPA, an industrial petrochemical.
BPA
has been implicated in a lengthening list of serious chronic disorders,
including cancer, cognitive and behavioral impairments, endocrine system
disruption, reproductive and cardiovascular system abnormalities, diabetes,
asthma and obesity. In all, the tests found as many as 232 chemicals in
the 10 newborns, all of minority descent. The cord blood study has produced
hard new evidence that American children are being exposed, beginning in
the womb, to complex mixtures of dangerous substances that may have lifelong
consequences. more...
Studies
show that pesticides can harm children’s health. Yet across the country,
kids are being exposed to high levels of dangerous chemicals at school.
From
the time we start preparing a room for a new baby, we are making choices
about the child's environment. Many people get ready for a new child by
painting, papering, and carpeting a baby's room with conventional products.
They don’t realize that by doing so they may be creating an environment
high in toxic chemicals. Most of us take it for granted that babies should
be soothed with petroleum jelly and mineral oil, washed and shampooed with
chemical-based cleansers, fed from plastic bottles, swaddled in disposable
diapers, surrounded by scented products and put to sleep in pajamas treated
with fire-retardant chemicals. But although parents act out of love, they
are often unaware that the choices they make may be harmful to their child.
There are baby care products by the hundred. How can a parent identify
healthy alternatives? more
25
MAR 2008 A new study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
reveals that 97% of Americans are contaminated with a widely-used sunscreen
ingredient called oxybenzone that has been linked to allergies, hormone
disruption, and cell damage. A companion study published just one day earlier
revealed that this chemical is linked to low birth weight in baby girls
whose mothers are exposed during pregnancy. Oxybenzone is also a penetration
enhancer, a chemical that helps other chemicals penetrate the skin. Environmental
Working Group identified nearly 600 sunscreens sold in the U.S. that contain
oxybenzone, including products by Hawaiian Tropic, Coppertone, and Banana
Boat (see
the full list of 588 sunscreens here) as well as 172 facial moisturizers,
111 lip balms, and 81 different types of lipstick. The Food and Drug Administration
has failed miserably in its duty to protect the public from toxic chemicals
like oxybenzone in personal care products. At the request of industry lobbyists,
including Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who represented the
Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association, the agency has delayed final
sunscreen safety standards for nearly 30 years. FDA issued a new draft
of the standards last October under pressure from EWG, but continues to
delay finalizing them at the behest of the regulated industry. more
Modern chemistry keeps insects from ravaging crops, lifts stains from
carpets, and saves lives. But the ubiquity of chemicals is taking a toll.
Many of the compounds absorbed by the body stay there for years—and fears
about their health effects are growing. The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) released data on 148 substances, from DDT and other
pesticides to metals, PCBs, and plastic ingredients, measured in the blood
and urine of several thousand people. The
Pollution Within
Dr. Steve Nugent, the past president of the American Naturopathic
Medical Association, reported recently that "in the typical American home
there are more toxins inside the home than outside the home! Your cells
actually contain over 400 new toxins that didn't even exist 45 years ago
and we are losing the battle against toxins!" It's a fact. There are increasing
amounts of toxins and chemical agents in the water we drink, the food we
eat and the air we breathe - they all contribute to the breakdown in cellular
communication and disease. Studies have discovered various 
chemicals
from our foods and environment that indicate man contributes 700,000 tons
of pollutants into the air every day, ranging from everyday household cleaners
to cosmetics and hair dyes. Chemicals and toxins accumulate in fat tissue.
The more chemicals and toxins, the more fat the body manufactures.
Toxic
Overload: A Doctor's Plan for Combating the Illnesses Caused by Chemicals
in Our Foods, Our Homes, and Our Medicine Cabinets
Dr. Baillie-Hamilton
According to "National Geographic," studies, various chemicals from
our foods and environment that indicate man contributes 700,000 tons of
pollutants into the air every day, ranging from everyday household cleaners
to cosmetics and hair dyes "One new chemical enters industrial use every
20 minutes," says Paula Baillie-Hamilton, MD, only to join many hundreds
of thousands of synthetic chemicals already in use. "As a result, the average
person living in the developed world is now contaminated with up to 500
industrial toxins, few of which have been properly tested for harmful effects."
Indeed, the US has only recently begun long-term research to establish
a baseline for toxins in a portion of our population. Five percent of the
1,007 women in one such study had troubling levels of polychlorinated biphenyl
(or PCB 188), which has been linked to breast cancer and weight gain.
"A staggeringly large number of the most common diseases of the developed
world [most kinds of cancer, hormonal disorders, and low energy including
chronic fatigue syndrome, immune disorders, heart disease, and sexual problems]
are related to or can be triggered by these toxins," Dr. Baillie-Hamilton
adds. Nowhere does the idea of “natural” or “organic” take a more gratuitous
bruising than in the skin care industry. Many labels have long lists of
chemical names, some followed by the phrase “derived from …” (some natural
substance). This is grossly misleading for consumers who are looking for
genuine safe skin care products.
SecreSea
Nature's Beauty Secret Since the Dawn of Mankind
SecreSea is designed to
indulge your skin with Mother Nature’s first and finest ingredients. This
skin care line contains timeless offerings from sea and land, using only
the highest-quality ingredients, extracts and essential oils to rejuvenate
and purify your skin. SecreSea generously nourishes the skin with marine
phytoplankton and then adds aloe vera, lavender, CoQ10 and other nutrients
to support healthy skin. With SecreSea Nature's Beauty, you will:
* Cleanse
naturally with no harmful foaming agents
* Gently
polish and refine your skin
* Refresh
and hydrate your skin, and uplift your spirit
* Diminish
the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
* Deeply
nourish tissue layers for a youthful, radiant glow
* Balance
hydration and lock in moisture
Do
you have a question or need guidance? click
here to contact Shirley .
Medicine
for the Earth: How to Transform Personal and Environmental Toxins
Based
on the conviction that "we can reverse environmental pollution through
spiritual methods," Ingerman (A Fall to Grace) coaches readers through
inward and outward preparation for performing "transmutation," the channeling
of spiritual energy to create positive physical effects. Given the firm
belief that it can be done, the inner preparation of spiritual harmony
and the creation of sacred space through ceremonial ritual in community
with others, Ingerman promises that while pollution should be avoided,
it can be dispelled after the fact. Citing the purportedly miraculous cures
accomplished with natural water sources allegedly imbued with spiritual
energy (e.g. the miracle cures of Lourdes, the parting of the Red Sea and
the water that Jesus is said to have turned into wine), Ingerman illustrates
her claims with controlled experimentation with water pollution. Her clear,
practical exercises call upon a variety of ancient and current resources,
including shamanism, to recruit assistance from the spiritual realm in
executing her metaphysical prescription for reversing environmental damage:
"intention + love + harmony + union + focus + concentration + imagination
= transmutation." While Ingerman may not convert skeptics, she is highly
regarded in New Age circles for her previous work focusing on personal
transformation, soul loss, and recalling higher purpose. Fans of Carolyn
Myss and Larry Dossey will appreciate her role in spearheading the movement
toward using individual spiritual energies to heal the world around us.
Ingerman, a therapist and well-known practitioner of soul retrieval, provides
a thorough, thoughtful treatise on personal and planetary healing through
the spiritual transmutation of environmental toxins. Motivated by her near-death
experiences, she contemplates unconditional love through respect for sacred
space, divine power, and nature's elements.
How
to Survive on a Toxic Planet
by Dr. Steve Nugent (also the author of
The
Missing Nutrients)
Why do people need glyconutrients
now at this time in history, and not before? Before food was processed
as much as it is now, people were getting at least a low level of these
essential nutrients. But, the body's ability to make the missing six biologically
active sugars are now seriously compromised by these following factors:
Stress from physical sources, such as accidents,
inactivity and from mental and emotional factors.
Inadequate nutrition due to critically serious mineral
depletion in the soil on which foods are grown and to the stripping away
of nutrients in the processing of foods.
The common use of foods, chemicals and drugs that
interfere with the utilization of nutrients that are in the food.
Toxins: there are 75,000 synthetic chemicals/toxins
in our environment (air, food, and water)
All these factors disable your body’s ability
to complete the enzymatic processes that should normally convert the common
sugars such as glucose to the other missing ones. This is why it is critical
to supplement. Without communication between cell to cell, it is impossible
to ever be well! Every cell in your body is surrounded by monosaccharides.
There are eight that are essential. These monosaccharides can change their
configurations or communication messages thousands of times per seconds.
Cells actually touch each other in order to communicate. Dysfunction and
disease occur when the components necessary for cell to cell communication
are absent or are in short supply.
Nutraceuticals/Glyconutritionals/Saccharides
- It's Role in People and Animals' Health and Wellness
Consumers
Deserve Strong Organic Standards for Cosmetics
Most 'Organic' Cosmetics Labels Mislead Public - Certified
Organic is your only guarantee of synthetic chemical free products
which are truly non-toxic.
WASHINGTON, DC -Scores of "natural" cosmetic companies will be in Washington,
DC September 5-7 for the Natural Products Expo East, the largest natural
products trade show on the East Coast. While most companies that sell increasingly
popular "natural" soaps, shampoos and skin creams in natural supermarkets
such as Whole Foods and Trader Joes do not claim their products are "organic,"
an increasing number of these brands, such as Avalon Natural Products,
JASON, and Nature's Gate, are misleading consumers into thinking up to
70% of such products are in fact "organic."
The body care companies in question claim that "organic floral waters"
are somehow key functional components of their products. However, floral
waters, that are also called "hydrosols," did not exist as an ingredient
in body care formulations until companies started to use them to make fraudulent,
inflated "organic" claims. Not only is the presence of these hydrosols
largely inconsequential, their actual organic content is minimal since
they are mostly ordinary distilled water. Nonetheless, various so-called
"natural" body care manufacturers are using these waters to green-wash
their products and make organic label claims, even though their formulations
are in fact largely composed of the same conventional synthetic cleansers,
conditioners and preservatives found in mainstream products. These companies
assert "70% organic ingredients" on their labels and advertising to mislead
consumers into thinking that they are buying mostly organic products when
they assuredly are not.
Similar to an infusion or tea, which is made by boiling botanical material
in water, floral waters are made by steaming plants, and then cooling the
steam back to water. Products made with infusions or teas cannot count
the water in such teas or infusions as organic in calculating organic content
under NOP food standards. However, it has become distressingly common practice
to use "Steam Tea" as the main "organic" ingredient in many personal care
products by misleadingly counting the ordinary water in such "Steam Teas"
as organic. .
The fraudulent practice of counting such water as "organic" in some
major companies' body care products has been getting a lot of attention
in mainstream press, from The New York Times and Los Angeles Times to Consumer
Reports. The OCA has demanded that organic body care standards should mirror
the standards for organic food products. This means that:
1. Certified organic agricultural feed-stocks are utilized
exclusively, versus petroleum or conventional vegetable feed-stocks, in
the manufacture of the key basic cleansing and conditioning ingredients.
2. Manufacture of such ingredients is reasonably simple
and ecological.
3. The toxicity of each ingredient is minimal.
4. Non-agricultural water is not counted in any shape
or form as contributing to organic content.
The OCA is a grassroots nonprofit organization concerned with food safety,
organic farming, sustainable agriculture, fair trade and genetic engineering.
Health
and Wellness in the USA
How
to Survive on a Toxic Planet
Dr. Steve Nugent is an internationally known expert in the therapeutic
use of dietary supplements and a leading researcher in the connections
between environmental toxins and diseases. He had one of the most successful
complementary medicine practices in North America where patients came to
see him from around the world. His patient waiting list was rarely less
than a year long. During those years he tested more than 6,000 dietary
supplements. Thousands of doctors have relied on his advice in this area.
Since 1977, he has educated health care professionals and the public in
many countries. He is the author of Nugent's Physicians Desk Reference
for Applied Clinical Nutrition used by thousands of doctors worldwide.
In 1989 his teachings turned exclusively toward the environment and human
health. In 1998, he retired from practice to dedicate all his energies
to delivering the vitally important message in this book. Through radio,
television, tapes, his writings and his lectures, he has reached millions
with this message. His exceptional communication skills have made him enormously
popular with audiences around the world. This book is Dr. Nugent¿s
culmination of years of experience and research. You will learn scientific
facts, worldwide statistics, and the latest information on breakthrough
dietary supplements. You will also find basic tips that will teach you
How to Survive on a Toxic Planet.
Detoxification
for Optimum Health Chemicals and Toxins Are The Primary
Cause of Illness, Disease and Obesity
Substances that are toxic to our bodies come at us from all directions:
the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, the cleaning products
we use, and the metabolic waste produced inside us. Toxins build-up in
the body contribute to premature aging and chronic and degenerative diseases. 
Studies
have discovered various chemicals from our foods and environment that indicate
man contributes 700,000 tons of pollutants into the air every day, ranging
from everyday household cleaners to cosmetics and hair dyes. Chemicals
and toxins accumulate in fat tissue. The more chemicals and toxins, the
more fat the body manufactures. more
Silent
Spring, released in 1962, offered the first shattering look at widespread
ecological degradation and touched off an environmental awareness that
still exists. Rachel Carson's book focused on the poisons from insecticides,
weed killers, and other common products as well as the use of sprays in
agriculture, a practice that led to dangerous chemicals to the food source.
Carson argued that those chemicals were more dangerous than radiation and
that for the first time in history, humans were exposed to chemicals that
stayed in their systems from birth to death. Presented with thorough documentation,
the book opened more than a few eyes about the dangers of the modern world
and stands today as a landmark work
Natural Skin Care ... What does "natural"
mean?
As the number of people who are concerned about toxins in our environment
grows, more and more skin care companies are jumping on the "natural" and
"organic" anti-aging skin care product bandwagon.
But what does "natural" and "organic" mean when we see them on a mainstream
manufacturers skin care product label?
-
How do we really know if the skin cream product is really natural?
-
How do we really know if herbal skin care products are safe and non-toxic?
-
What are the best natural alternatives to synthetic and mostly toxic chemicals?
Natural skin care - is it really any better for us?
Our skin is the largest eliminatory organ in the body. It is a two-way
membrane. Toxins are eliminated through the skin via perspiration and absorbed
through the skin into the body’s circulation system, through hair follicles
and sebaceous glands, but not through the sweat glands. One square inch
of skin contains approximately 65 hairs, 100 sebaceous glands and 650 sweat
glands. Every square inch of your skin is like a thousand open mouths,
absorbing into the body most of what is put on it.
What skin care products are truly natural and proactive?
Skin care manufacturers are not supposed to claim that their products
penetrate the skin. If they did, the products would then be labelled as
“drugs” and would be governed by much stricter regulations. However, it
is now recognised that the skin does absorb many ingredients in skin care
preparations. This is both good and bad. Good, because it means our skin
can be nourished from the outside with some wonderful ingredients. Bad,
because some skin care manufacturers can use harmful chemical ingredients
that would never be allowed to be taken orally, but are still absorbed
into our system, through our skin.
SO - WHAT DOES “NATURAL” AND THE UBIQUITOUS “ORGANIC” MEAN ON SKIN CARE
PRODUCT LABELS?
Nowhere does the idea of “natural” or “organic” take a more gratuitous
bruising than in the skin care industry. If we first take the word "natural"
and look it up in the Concise Oxford Dictionary we would find this description
of natural thus; “existing in, or caused by nature; not artificial; uncultivated;
wild existing in natural state; not disguised or altered”.
It seems pretty clear what "natural" actually means to me! Does it to
you? However when vested interests in the skin care industry get hold of
the word natural - they put a whole new slant on it. It may seem pretty
clear to you and me exactly what we mean by natural but for the marketing
men they obviously haven't read the dictionary and start bending the interpretation
of natural to suit themselves.
Many labels have long lists of chemical names, some followed by the
phrase “derived from …” (some natural substance). This is grossly misleading
for consumers who are looking for genuine safe skin care products.
Synthetic Chemicals are anything but natural!
When chemicals such as Cocamide DEA or Sodium Hydroxysultaine are followed
by the words “derived from coconut oil” the consumer is led to believe
that these synthetic chemicals must somehow be "natural". While this may
be true in some cases where a natural oil or extract is actually used,
it is ultimately irrelevant because what you end up with after the chemical
solvent extraction and processing is usually anything but natural or pure.
It is just another chemical concoction with some rather awful sounding
long names to describe the process the original "natural" substance went
through
Now what about "organic"?
Again if we look in the dictionary for the word organic it is pretty
obvious to us what we expect to find as far as safe natural products in
general are concerned. Would you say in the context you are expecting to
use or find the term organic that this would be a fair description;
"produced and involving production without the use of pesticides, artificial
fertilizers or synthetic chemicals."
To me it seems rather elementary that when describing a product as organic
that the above is exactly what the customer would expect. However to the
marketing men this is not what they mean by organic. Lets delve a little
deeper into this play on words
To create Cocamide DEA, a foaming agent found in some shampoos, requires
the addition of a synthetic chemical and known carcinogen, Diethanolamine
– DEA, to the coconut oil. It is therefore no longer natural, or safe!
If we look at the term “organic” on a label, we usually think it means
“grown and cultivated without the use of chemicals” as stated above. That
is the conclusion most skin care companies would like us to come to when
they use the rather loose term organic.
Unscrupulous skin care companies are cynically using the chemistry definition
of “organic” – which is also defined in the dictionary as "a compound
that contains a carbon atom" to confuse consumers. This is known in the
trade as confusion advertising so the real picture becomes blurred. Carbon
is found in everything that has ever lived. Vested interests - by using
this definition of organic, they are saying that a toxic petrochemical
preservative called Methyl Paraben is “organic” because it was formed from
natural leaves that rotted over thousands of years to become crude oil,
which was then used to make this toxic totally un-natural preservative.
How absurd is this when consumers are looking for natural
skin care products?
The play on the word organic gets even worse. An increasing number of
companies are now claiming to use “organic” herbs in their products. But,
what about the rest of the ingredients? Are they safe? Are they "natural"
or from an "organic" source? Surely there must be an authority that
governs the use of the term “organic” on labels? The simple answer is NO.
What skin care products are truly natural?
The term “Certified Organic” IS governed by a number of internationally
recognised bodies. In Australia the Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA)
is the largest. Searching for products with the logo of a certifying body
on the label is the only way you can guarantee the organic authenticity
and integrity of every ingredient in the product. This can then truly be
called a natural skin care product. Without the "Certified Organic" label,
the organic claim means nothing, as it cannot be verified and most likely
it is a complete hoax perpetrated by the marketing men and their hype.
HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT WE ARE BUYING IS REALLY A “NATURAL” SKIN CARE PRODUCT?
Fortunately, there is a very simple way to differentiate between the
hype and truth in skin care and that is to read the ingredient list on
the label. It is a legal requirement that all skin care products must be
labelled with the ingredients in descending order of their quantity in
the product. A good rule of thumb is to divide the ingredient list into
thirds: the top third usually contains 90-95% of the product, the middle
third usually contains 5-8% and the bottom third, 1-3%.
Here is the ingredient list of a so-called “natural” and “organic” skin
moisturizer from a well known “natural” skin care company. (compare to
an ingredient list of a Certified Organic natural body moisturiser.)
APRICOT CREAM
Natural or Organic ingredients include
1 Water (deionised)
2 Isopropyl Palmitate (Palm Oil Derivative)
3 Apricot Kernel Oil
4 Bis-Digyceryl Caprylate/Caprate/Isosterate/Stearate/ Hydroxysterate
Adipate (vegetable Triglyceride)
5 Glyceryl Stearate SE (vegetable derived)
6 Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (glycerin-derived emollient)
7 Ceteareth - 12 (Organic Emulsifier)
8 Tocopherol Oil (vitamin E)
9 Chamomile Extract
10 Sage Extract
11 Linden Extract (Lime Blossom Extract)
12 Balm Mint Extract
13 Shea Butter (From Karite)
14 Wheat Germ Oil
15 Carrot Oil
16 Cetyl Alcohol (organic Co-emulsifier)
17 Sodium Hydroxide (pH Adjuster)
18 Sorbic Acid (Organic Compound)
19 Tocopherol Acetate (vitamin E Derivative)
20 Methyl Paraben
21 Propyl Paraben
22 Imidazolidinyl Urea (Organic Compound)
23 Fragrance
24 FD and C Yellow No 5, D7C Red No. 33.
Content: Apricot oil (2.5%)
Take note of the last point that says "Content: Apricot Oil (2.5%).
Notice Apricot Oil is No 3 on the list. Because skin care manufacturers
are required to list the ingredients in descending order this means everything
AFTER Apricot Oil makes up less than 2.5% of the volume.
This effectively means that about 90% of the product is water and Isopropyl
Palmitate. Isopropyl Palmitate is derived from Isopropyl Alcohol, synthetic
alcohol and Palmatic Acid, a fatty acid from palm oil. It is known to cause
skin irritations and dermatitis and has been shown to have comedogenic
(acne promoting) properties!
Nos 5 and 5 are all produced by chemical reactions between various fatty
acids and glycerol (synthetic glycerine). They are largely synthetic and
have been shown to cause allergies and dermatitis! Far from natural!
No 7 is a synthetic emulsifier that may contain dangerous levels of
ethylene oxide and dioxane - both are known carcinogens. Again far removed
from natural!
Nos. 8 to 15 are natural ingredients used in tiny amounts merely to
make the product look good. They may have been grown using toxic organo-phosphates,
other pesticides and chemical herbicides and extracted with the use of
chemical solvents. Again anything but natural!
No. 16 May be natural or synthetic and has been shown to cause contact
dermatitis and eczema.
No. 17 Is otherwise known as caustic soda or lye - a powerful drain
cleaner extremely alkaline and corrosive. A known sensitizer for many people
with sensitive skin.
No. 18 Sorbic acid was once isolated from the Mountain Ash berry, but
is now chemically synthesised and is a toxic preservative. No longer natural!
No. 19 is synthetic Vitamin E.
Nos. 20-22 are toxic and allergenic preservatives which have been linked
to increasing oestrogen levels in women and is implicated in the rising
incidence of breast cancer
No. 23. Probably synthetic, may contain phthalates that have been linked
to birth defects. Phthalates are toxic gender bending chemicals found in
virtually everyone tested for them. It is certainly not natural to have
phthalates in your body or on your skin I can assure you.
No. 24. Synthetic colours that could be potentially carcinogenic.
NBC
news video: body pollution
Organic
food products and cosmetics
Do
you have a question or need guidance? click
here to contact Shirley .
Make-up and body care products have
been linked to allergic reactions, birth defects, and even cancer. It is
a medically recognised fact that our body absorbs significant amounts of
what we put on our skin. With Certified Organic food rapidly becoming the
nutrition of choice by the health conscious amongst us, why would you accept
any less for your skin?.
Here's what you need to know.
Suzanne Anich of Minneapolis, MN, has a morning routine similar to that
of many women. She shampoos and conditions her hair with products that
contain “natural ingredients,” according to the labels. She brushes her
teeth, then washes her face with an upscale facial wash with the word “purity”
emblazoned across the jar. Then, she applies an anti-aging moisturizer
and what she calls a “low-maintenance” selection of makeup.
Safe Cosmetics Illustration
Suzanne was surprised to find out that nearly all of the personal care
products she uses on her face and body contain ingredients suspected of
causing cancer; potential neuro-, liver-, and immunotoxins; and suspected
hormone disruptors that could cause birth defects in any children she might
bear in the future.
“I’m shocked that the US government allows these products to be put
on store shelves,” Suzanne says. “I’ll be throwing out most of my make-up
and starting over. It’s too bad, because the stuff I used seemed to work
well—too bad the people who make them don’t seem to care about their customers’
well-being.”
Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to find products that won’t endanger
your health—and companies that do care about their customers’ well-being.
Here’s what you need to know about the personal care products you may be
using and what your alternatives are.
Regulated or Not?
Like Suzanne, many consumers may be surprised to learn that the US federal
government doesn’t require health studies or pre-market testing on personal
care products. Manufacturers are free to put just about anything they want
into cosmetics—a far-reaching category used by the US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) to include everything from make-up and deodorant to lotions and mouthwashes.
Instead, the safety (or not) of the ingredients in these products is
looked into almost exclusively by a manufacturer-controlled safety committee
called the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel. Consequently, “89 percent
of 10,500 ingredients used in personal care products have not been evaluated
for safety by the CIR, the FDA, nor any other publicly accountable institution,”
says the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG). “The absence of government
oversight for this $35 billion industry leads to companies routinely marketing
products with ingredients that are poorly studied, not studied at all,
or worse, known to pose potentially serious health risks.”
For example, EWG found ingredients certified by the US government as
“known or probable carcinogens” in one of every 120 cosmetic products on
the market, including shampoos, lotions, make up foundations, and lip balm.
What this adds up to, says the group, is that “one of every 13 women
and one of every 23 men are exposed to ingredients that are known or
probable human carcinogens every day through their use of personal care
products.”
Also of particular concern are the inclusion of phthalates—a group of
industrial chemicals linked to birth defects that are used in many cosmetic
products, from nail polish to deodorant. Phthalates are not listed as ingredients
on product labels; they can only be detected through laboratory analysis.
In April of this year, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC)—a coalition
of environmental, social justice, and consumer groups—learned that the
FDA has completed a study on the safety of phthalates in cosmetics but
is refusing to release its findings. According to preliminary information
uncovered by the CSC, two-thirds of health and beauty products analyzed
by the FDA late last year contained phthalates. Two of the most toxic phthalates,
DBP and DEHP, have been banned from cosmetics products sold in the European
Union (EU) but remain unregulated in the US. In response to the FDA’s refusal
to publicly release this information, Friends of the Earth, a founding
member of the CSC, has filed a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain
the study.
Another class of chemicals that’s gotten some press recently is parabens,
short for “para hydroxybenzoate.” These preservatives are widely used in
cosmetics, particularly nail polish. Recent studies have implicated parabens
as being associated with breast cancer, though more testing is needed.
Though there isn’t always definitive evidence that a given chemical
can cause adverse health affects, the fact that so few have been studied
for safety is of significant concern. Plus, there’s the effect over time
of all these chemicals we’re applying to our bodies to consider. The average
person’s morning routine puts him/her into contact with over 100 chemicals
before breakfast, according to Aubrey Hampton and Susan Hussey, founder
and vice-president of marketing, respectively, of Aubrey Organics. The
cumulative effect of all of the chemicals in these products can add up
over time, and no one truly knows what the results are.
There are signs of hope that the cosmetics industry could be poised
for a major overhaul, however:
Major Companies Phase Out Phthalates: Under pressure from the CSC, top
cosmetics companies L’Oréal, Revlon, and Unilever recently said
they have voluntarily removed phthalates DBP and DEHP from products sold
in the US. Avon, Procter and Gamble, and Estée Lauder agreed to
remove phthalates from their products in 2004.
FDA Gets Tough: By law, companies are required to post a warning label
on products that have not been assessed for safety. In the past, most companies
haven’t adhered to this law. But last February, the FDA issued an unprecedented
warning to the cosmetics industry stating that it will be taking steps
to enforce the label law. “Such an enforcement action could ultimately
require companies to issue consumer warnings for the more than 99 percent
of personal care products on the market that have not been publicly assessed
for safety,” says the EWG.
The EU Gets Tougher: This past September, an amendment to the EU’s Cosmetics
Directive took hold, which requires companies doing business in Europe
to eliminate chemicals in their cosmetics that are known or strongly suspected
of being carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxins. Of the thousands
of questionable chemicals in these products, the directive targets about
450. (Compare that to the nine chemicals the FDA has banned or restricted
in personal care products.)
California Follows the EU’s Lead: Hoping to emulate the EU’s efforts,
California state senator Carole Migden (D-San Francisco) has introduced
the California Safe Cosmetic Act of 2005. This bill would require manufacturers
peddling cosmetic products in California to provide the state Department
of Health Services with a list of their products and to identify products
that contain chemicals identified as carcinogens or reproductive toxins.
And another recent bill (AB 908), introduced by Assemblywoman Judy Chu
(D-Monterey Park), would ban phthalates DBP and DEHP from cosmetics sold
in the state.
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Thc CSC is calling on all cosmetics
companies to phase the chemicals banned from the EU out of products sold
in the US. Visit www.safecosmetics.org to help the CSC call on companies
to be responsible. “Consumers have real power they’re not exercising,”
Janet Nudelman of the CSC told Dragonfly Media. “We need to let cosmetics
companies know we’re not going to buy their products unless they make a
strong commitment to safety.”
What to Look For - Here’s how to find the safest
personal care products for you and your family:
-
Be Suspicious of Labels: Though words like “natural” or “hypoallergenic”
look reassuring, on some products, they’re basically meaningless. The FDA
has no control over these labels. Products labeled “natural,” for example,
may contain some natural ingredients, but they may also include synthetic
dyes and fragrances. “Hypoallergenic” merely means that the most common
irritants are left out, but other potentially problematic chemicals may
still be in the mix. “Fragrance-free” means a product has no perceptible
odor—synthetic ingredients may still be added to mask odors.
-
Scrutinize Ingredients: The EWG recently launched its Skin Deep online
database, making it easier than ever to check the safety of over 7,500
personal care products, from OPI nail polish to Aveda shampoo to Johnson’s
Baby Oil. Visit www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep. If your product of choice
isn’t yet listed on Skin Deep, you can enter suspicious-looking ingredients
into Environmental Defense’s chemical database, Scorecard.org. Scorecard
lets you know about known and suspected health effects caused by hundreds
of chemicals, along with the sources (often government agencies) that have
questioned each chemical.
-
Cosmetics that contain certified organic ingredients generally contain
mainly natural ingredients, including those that have been grown without
the use of toxic pesticides. Unfortunately, organic doesn’t necessarily
mean problem-free. Even organic companies need to keep their products from
rotting away on store shelves, in warehouses, and in your medicine cabinet.
Some may turn to synthetic chemicals to keep their products fresh and useful.
Be sure to check the ingredients list on your favorite organic products.
more
The Compact for Safe Cosmetics: To date, 87 companies have signed the CSC’s
“Compact for Safe Cosmetics,” pledging to phase the 450 chemicals banned
by the EU out of all of their products. The vast majority of them are organic
and natural products companies—including members of Co-op America’s Business
Network, who are screened for their commitment to going the extra mile
to protect their workers, consumers, communities, and the environment.
In addition, cosmetics giants L’Oréal and Revlon say their cosmetics
now comply with European law, though they haven’t signed the compact. You
can find a list of the companies who have signed at www.safecosmetics.org/companies/signers.cfm.
The very best option is to find a cosmetics company that has signed
the CSC’s compact and uses certified organic and natural ingredients. Those
companies are listed in the box on this page, and many have products that
are readily available at natural products and food stores, as well as online
or by mail order.
One such company is EcoColors, which sells “almost all-natural” commercial
and home hair dye kits made with organic ingredients. “When I became pregnant
with my son in 1990, I was a hairdresser doing five colors a day in the
salon and teaching hair color at night,” says Lisa Saul, president of EcoColors.
“I started getting rashes on my wrists and having sinus issues, and I thought,
‘If these chemicals are doing this to me, what are they doing to my child?’”
That question led her to found her company, and it also takes her to
the lab on a regular basis, where she works on pinpointing problematic
hair dye ingredients and making her company’s products as safe as possible.
“I’ve known so many people who’ve gotten hurt by the chemicals in different
products,” she says. “So I’m committed to making sure hairdressers and
my customers are using things that are healthy for them.”
NBC
news video: body pollution
Organic
food products and cosmetics
Do
you have a question or need guidance? click
here to contact Shirley .
WHAT ARE THE NATURAL ALTERNATIVES TO CHEMICALS?
All skin care products, both synthetic and natural, contain items from
the following categories in some combination or other:
EMOLLIENTS
Emollients serve two functions; they prevent dryness and protect the
skin, acting as a barrier and healing agent. Water is the best emollient,
but because it evaporates quickly it is ineffective. It needs to be held
on the skin by emollient oils in what is called an emulsion. Synthetic
emollients are occlusive i.e. they coat the skin and do not allow it to
respire (much like plastic wrap), which can cause skin irritation. Some
synthetic emollients can accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes. They
are also non-biodegradable, causing a negative environmental impact. Far
from natural!
Natural emollients actually nourish the skin and care for it. They are
metabolised by the skin’s own enzymes and absorbed into it. They are readily
biodegradable and are of edible quality. Completely natural!
Some Synthetic Un-"Natural" Skin Care Emollients:
PEG compounds (eg PEG- 45 Almond Glyceride) may contain the toxic by-product
dioxane Synthetic alcohols (anything that contains the phrase benzyl –,
butyl-, cetearyl-, cetyl -, glyceryl-, isopropyl-, myristyl propyl-, propylene-,
or stearyl-) eg Isopropyl Palmitate, Diglyceryl Caprylate) have been shown
to cause allergies and dermatitis. Hydrocarbons (eg mineral oil, petrolatum,
paraffin) contain carcinogenic and mutagenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
(PAHs) and can cause chemically induced acne. Silicone Oils (eg dimethicone,
cyclomethicone, copolyol) can clog the skin like plastic wrap and cause
tumours when painted on lab animals (according to the Material Safety Data
Sheet supplied by the manufacturer).
Some Natural Skin Care Emollients:
Plant Oils (eg. Jojoba, Avocado, Rosehip) Shea, Cocoa and Jojoba Butters
HUMECTANTS
The main purpose of any cream is to keep the skin moist. Many conventional
creams form a suffocating film on the skin to prevent moisture loss. Even
a natural humectant, glycerin, actually attracts water from the air and
surrounding tissue. It keeps the skin moist as long as there is sufficient
moisture in the air. In a dry climate it actually draws moisture from the
skin. Collagen, elastin and keratin enjoy some popularity as humectants.
Whilst they are compatible with the skin and deposit a protective film,
they are usually sourced from animals and therefore cannot be termed “cruelty
free”. Some skin care companies would like you to believe that your skin
can use special animal proteins to rejuvenate and replace aging cells.
This is nonsense! The size of the molecules, even when broken down (hydrolysed),
are far too large to penetrate the skin. Even if they could get in, they
would be immediately rejected as foreign matter and attacked by the immune
system.
Natural phospholipids, from lecithin, are fantastic humectants. An important
benefit of phospholipids is that they are hygroscopic (attract water from
the surrounding air) and hold water where an increased level of hydration
is needed. Therefore, phospholipids increase the hydration levels of the
skin without being occlusive (forming a film to prevent water loss, and
preventing normal cellular function). A recent study proved the value of
topically applied phospholipids in skin care. It found that environmental
factors (sun, wind, pollution) and the detergents and solvents, found in
most skin cleansers, actually stripped the natural phospholipid content
from the top layer of skin. This loss resulted in a rough feel and a pitted
appearance under a microscope. Importantly, the phospholipids in the uppermost
skin layers cannot be replaced by natural cell function, as the top layer
of cells no longer metabolise; they serve only as a protective barrier.
Remarkably, the study showed that topically applied plant phospholipids
restore the barrier function of the skin, protecting it from substances
such as bacteria and harmful chemicals.
Some Synthetic Un-"Natural Humectants
1. Propylene Glycol – causes irritation and contact dermatitis
2. Ethylene/Diethylene Glycol – causes irritation
and contact dermatitis
3. PEG compounds (eg Polyethylene Glycol) –
may contain the toxic by-product dioxane
Some natural Humectants
1. Lecithin
2. Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5)
3. Glycerin
EMULSIFIERS
Surface-active-agents are substances capable of dissolving oils and
holding dirt in suspension so it can be rinsed away with water. They are
used in skin cleansers and shampoos which are often claimed to contain
"natural" ingredients
A serious problem with ethoxylated surfactants (those that utilise ethylene
or propylene oxide in the chemical reaction) is that they are often contaminated
with dioxane, a potent carcinogen. The exact same toxic carcinogen sprayed
on the Vietnam jungle during Agent Orange which caused hundreds of thousands
of birth defects and cancers in Vietnamese civilians and huge increases
in the cancer rates for US and Australian army personnel. Far from NATURAL!
These surfactants are listed on labels as ingredients ending with -eth,
(like laureth) or containing the phrase PEG (Poly Ethylene Glycol), or
PPG (Poly Propylene Glycol). Another dangerous class of surfactants are
amides. These are listed on labels containing the term TEA - TriEthanolAmine,
DEA - DiEthanolAmine and MEA MonoEthanolAmine. All compounds containing
TEA, DEA, and MEA can undergo nitrosation with other chemicals to form
nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. One study found that over 40% f products
containing triethanolamine (TEA) were contaminated with these potent carcinogens.
Would you call this "Skin Care"?
Natural saponins (foaming agents) are a much better choice for shampoos.
They gently cleanse the hair skin and scalp without stripping the natural
oils.
Some Synthetic Surfactants
1. Sodium or Ammonium Lauryl or Laureth Sulphate
2. Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
3. Sodium Lauroyl or Cocoyl Sarcosinate
4. Cocomidopropyl Betaine
5. TEA compounds
6. DEA compounds
7. PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) compounds
8. Quarternium -7,15,31,60 etc
9. Lauryl or Cocoyl Sarcosine
10. Disodium Oleamide or Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate
11. etc. etc. etc.
Some Natural Surfactants
1. Castile Soap
2. Yucca Extract
3. Soapwort
4. Quillaja Bark Extract
PRESERVATIVES
The decaying process is natural and happens with or without preservatives.
Skin care products do not (and should not) last for ever. Just like food,
all natural skin care products will eventually deteriorate and go rancid.
The effectiveness, not safety, of synthetic chemical preservatives has
only been “proven” by cruel animal testing. Chemical preservatives are
generally used because they are much cheaper than, and extend the shelf
life of the product more than natural alternatives. Once again so far removed
from natural it isn't funny.
You know eating fresh natural produce is far better for you than eating
denatured long shelf life food - Don't you? Well the same applies to your
skin care products. Safe non-toxic fresh skin care products are far better
for your health than the alphabet soup of chemical concoctions the "skin
care" companies generally come up with.
Storing natural products in the fridge will help extend their life.
Some Synthetic Preservatives:
1. Imidiazolidinyl Urea (Germall 115) and Diazolidinyl
Urea (Germall II) Causes contact dermatitis. Germall 115 releases formaldehyde
over 10°C. Un-natural!
2. DMDM Hydantoin Highly toxic, causes contact dermatitis,
contains formaldehyde. Used in shampoos and deodorants. Un-natural!
3. Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben Toxic, Causes
allergic reactions and skin rashes. Used in a huge range of products and
is implicated in increasing breast cancer rates when used as a preservative
in underarm deodorants. UN-natural!
4. 2-Bromo-2-Nitro-Propane-1, 3-diol. (Bronopol). Toxic
- causes allergic contact dermatitis. Used in face creams, shampoos, mascaras
and bath oils.
5. Benzalkonium Chloride - Highly toxic, primary skin
irritant. Used in shampoos, conditioner and deodorants. UN-natural!
6. Quarternium-15 Toxic, causes skin rashes and allergic
reactions. UN-natural!
7. Chloromethylisothiazolinone and Isothiazolinone - Cause
contact dermatitis
8. Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone-
Both cause allergies
9. Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) and Butylated Hydroxyanisole
(BHA) - Both cause allergic contact dermatitis - worse BHT is carcinogenic!
This alphabet soup of unnatural synthetic chemicals which go into making
the average skin care product and/or cosmetic is believed to be playing
a major part in the enormous increase in cancer rates in the developed
countries of the world. Research scientists such as Dr Samuel Epstein have
been speaking out strongly for decades trying to warn the public of the
dangers of un-natural toxic chemicals in personal and skin care products.
We are losing the "winnable war on cancer" due to vested interests totally
ignoring the damage that low level exposure to toxins over may years do
to our immune systems. Our grandparents were never exposed to this vast
array of artificial toxic chemicals.
Some Natural Preservatives
1. Tea Tree essential oil
2. Thyme essential oil
3. Grapefruit Seed Extract
4. D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E)
IS "NATURAL" REALLY BETTER?
Well you make your own mind up! There are some people who really do
think that there are "safe" synthetic chemicals which can be applied to
the skin and eaten in food without doing any harm. However didn't the cigarette
manufacturers maintain for over thirty years that the chemicals in smoke
never caused cancer too? Is it natural to breath deadly toxic fumes into
your lungs everyday? Is it natural to care for your skin by plastering
it in totally un-natural chemicals - the vast majority which have never
been tested for long term toxicity? It is easy to bury your head
in the sand and ignore these dangers as we listen to the hollow platitudes
of vested interests who are making billions from a gullible public.
If we look at chemicals from a historic point of view we see a pattern
of wonderful chemical and drug breakthroughs which are going to change
life for the better. They are sold to us on a platform of hype and false
promises as the answer to all sorts of problems. Subsequent disastrous
side effects and countless deaths have been caused by some of these new
wonder chemicals and drugs before they were pulled off the market and banned
long after the damage had already been done.
Remember the miracle of DDT? How this was going to revolutionise farming
in the world and destroy all the natural insect pests. Now every single
living creature on earth today, humans included, carry a burden of DDT
stored in their fat cells with who knows what consequences for generations
to come. What about thalidomide? Remember the miracle drug to ease women
through the "sickness" of bearing a child. How many tens of thousands of
children were born with defects from this incredible chemical folly?
How would you feel if by your uninformed use of toxic chemicals it
caused ongoing severe medical problems for your loved ones in the future?
The search for newer, better and safer synthetic chemicals goes on and
on - with new chemicals being released at a staggering rate onto the market
and the unsuspecting public. When you really think about it, the entire
process is so futile and foolish and is only being pursued in the name
of corporate profit. Mother Nature has always had the answers for us yet
man seems hell-bent on ignoring the most basic rule of all and that is
to live in harmony with nature not try to control it. Ultimately nature
reduces us back to the earth. For many of us, sadly well before our time
is due, we will be struck down by deadly cancer. The rate is already 1
in 3 in the US and is running very close behind in the UK and other developed
countries.
We should all avoid toxic synthetic chemicals from all sources. We can
do this largely by sourcing organic produce as much as we possibly can
and using only certified organic completely natural personal care products
and cosmetics.
You may be amazed at the huge difference these simple measures will
make to your health.
Informed people make informed choices.
NBC
news video: body pollution
Organic
food products and cosmetics
Do
you have a question or need guidance? click
here to contact Shirley .
Dr. Bruce Fife - "Every day we are exposed to toxins
in one form or another. We encounter them in the air we breath, the food
we eat, and the water we drink. The environment is filled with natural
and manmade toxins. Even our own bodies produce toxic metabolic waste.
While our immune system can detoxify and eliminate many of the toxins we
are exposed to each day, it can only do so much. If we are exposed to more
toxins than our immune system can process and eliminate, these toxins accumulate
in body tissues. As toxins accumulate in our bodies, cells and tissues
begin to degenerate. When this happens symptoms arise."
Toxaemia and Internal Cleansing
"Medical science is founded on a false premise. Namely, that
disease is caused by extraneous influences"
Dr. Tilden 1926 "Toxemia
Explained
"Autogenous self-generated poisoning is what we call Toxaemia."Natural
Hygiene holds that the one cause of all disease is the toxic saturation
at the cellular level of the bodily tissues, bloodstream, and fluids brought
on by the depletion of Nerve Energy reserves through wrong living habits.
This state of self-poisioning is alternately termed "Auto-Intoxication,"
"Toxicosis," and "Toxemia." Every act of every cell in the body produces
waste. This waste is poisonous, it is incompatible with the life of the
cell..." "The cells throw their waste into the lymph that carries it back
to the blood. The blood takes the waste to the excretory organs mentioned
above for elimination." "Normal elimination keeps the blood and lymph clean.
Toxaemia is hence the aftermath of Enervation. Enervation in brief is the
sum total of all our expenditures of nerve energy involved in our day to
day living. When the sum of our daily expenditure is greater than we can
or than we do recuperate daily, we become enervated. When an enervated
individual is saturated with toxins, any additional enervating influence
that puts an added check to elimination will cause the toxaemia to be pushed
above the point of toleration, and will precipitate a crisis, a process
of compensatory elimination through channels whose main work is not elimination,
e.g., en mucous membranes (colds, catarrh, inflammation and skin eruptions)."
"Natural Hygienists know the cause and they also know how to remove it.
Fasting will enable the body to rid itself of toxins and hygienic living
will prevent their recurrence."
"There is really only one disease of the body. It is called Toxemia.
Many doctors of natural hygiene have proven this in their work, but common
knowledge of the way the body works, along with common sense, will also
support this statement. In his book "Toxemia Explained" Dr. John Tilden
explains the definition of Toxemia as natures effort to eliminate toxins
from the blood." Paul
Nison
A further look at healing with nature. Nature
provides us with a simple, straightforward system for regaining and maintaining
superb human health and beauty.
Healing with Food:
Most human illnesses and diseases are due to a deficiency of vital nutrients.
When you supply your body with the proper nutrients, in a form that your
body can use, it knows how to repair itself.
Healing with Water:
Hydrotherapy has been used for centuries to heal the sick
Healing with the Sea:
There is no family of foods more protective against radiation and environmental
pollutants than sea vegetables.
Healing with Sunlight:
Sunlight helps the body heal wounds and injuries and overcome virtually
any illness.
Healing with Earth:
Clay is renowned to have many uses in promoting health in plants, animals
and humans.
Healing with Plants:
Plants have the power to supply the bodies’ life force with the energies
it needs to restore and maintain health.
Healing with Urine:
One of the most powerful, most researched and most medically proven natural
cures ever discovered.
Healing from the Hives:
Bee pollen rejuvenates your body, stimulates organs and glands, enhances
vitality, and brings about a longer life span.
Basic Healing
Principles: The body has an innate capacity to heal itself.
Self-healing can only occur once the cause of the illness has been
eliminated. Why elimination of the symptom is NOT the same as elimination
of the disease? Physicians and surgeons
palliate
symptoms
instead of removing causes
.
What
Every Parent Should Know BEFORE Their Childen Are Vaccinated! Why
are a growing number of parents and health care professionals around the
world questioning vaccination? The controversy stems from the thousands
of deaths and permanent disabilities attributed to vaccination annually,
as well as the many published medical studies, government statistics, 
congressional
testimonies, and other credible sources that directly contradict commonly
held assumptions about vaccine safety and effectiveness.
Bart Classen, a Maryland physician, published data showing that diabetes
rates rose significantly in New Zealand following a massive hepatitis B
vaccine campaign in young children, and that diabetes rates also went up
sharply in Finland after three new childhood vaccines were introduced.
More pictures
of vaccine damage available to view at the
CDC
website
In fall 1997, two influential professional magazines featured articles
asking the question: Has the decrease of infectious diseases in childhood
through the mass use of vaccines been replaced with an increase in chronic
diseases such as diabetes and asthma? The Economist, a prestigious international
magazine read by world leaders in government, business and public policy,
and Science News, a magazine read by both health care 
professionals
and the general public, explored the reported links between vaccines and
chronic diseases in their November 22, 1997 issues.
This
child died as a result of vaccines (CDC website)
Congressman
is calling for criminal penalties for any government agency that knew about
the dangers of thimerosal in vaccines and did nothing to protect American
children. Congressman Dan Burton (R-Indiana) during Congressional
Hearing: "You mean to tell me that since 1929, we've been using Thimerosal,
and the only test that you know of is from 1929, and every one of
those people had mennigitis, and they all died?" For nearly an hour, Burton
repeatedly asked FDA and CDC officials what they knew and when they knew
it. (Thimerosal contains a related mercury compound called ethyl mercury.
Mercury is a toxic metal that can cause immune, sensory, neurological,
motor, and behavioral dysfunctions.)
Vaccines:
deception and tragedy
Shaken
Baby Syndrome (SBS) or Vaccine-Induced Encephalitis?
Vaccines
and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
AUTISM:
is there a vaccine connection?
Library
- Books and Journals: Vaccine Controversy
Juvenile
diabetes and vaccination: the connection
Can
vaccines cause immune dysfunction resulting in allergies, asthma and anaphylaxis?
Homeopathy
can be used successfully to prevent and treat smallpox, measles,
whooping
cough, chickenpox, and other ailments.
Would you allow big brother to enforce vaccinations on your kids? Government
Enforced Vaccinations Vaccination Tracking Registry - Government programs
that limit your choices -and your rights- in health care when it comes
to mandatory vaccination. These mandates last for 40 or so years
and they're impossible to repeal. Also, learn about Legal Requirements
and Exemptions
Are Vaccines Damaging Our Pets?
Routine Vaccination: Is
it really safe and effective? Most recently, an article
appeared in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
entitled "Are We Vaccinating Too Much?" Read about the comments of veterinarians
who believe that vaccines are damaging our pets.
Most
Popular Life-Giving ProductsThe amount of toxins in our environment has reached a level where the FDA now has designated "permissible" levels of dioxin and other harmful chemicals in the environment, food and cosmetics. Today we have over 300 chemical toxins including dioxin in the tissues that were not found in any human before 1940. Make-up and body care products have been linked to allergic reactions, birth defects, and even cancer. It is a medically recognised fact that our body absorbs significant amounts of what we put on our skin. The absence of government oversight for this $35 billion industry leads to companies routinely marketing products with ingredients that are poorly studied, not studied at all, or worse, known to pose potentially serious health risks. more
