| Did you know… Food labels don’t always give you the
whole story?
There are more than 10,000 chemical solvents, emulsifiers and
preservatives used in our processed foods and over 3000 chemicals
are added to our food supply?
That MSG has been scientifically proven to cause obesity and is
hidden under other names in our foods?
The EPA estimates that 4.3 billion tons of toxic pollution is
legally dumped into the U.S. environment every year?
Did you know...
That under your sink and on your counters are chemicals that
kill?
There is over 100,000 chemicals registered in the U.S. and less
than 10% has been tested for toxicity. This includes chemicals used
in our food, household cleaners, personal care products and over 2
billion pounds of pesticides we are exposed to every year?
Did you know…
The beauty and cosmetics industry is a self-regulated industry?
There is no pre-market testing required on these products.
In 1991 the FDA tested cosmetics and found that 95% (of the products
tested) contained cancer causing properties?
Parabens, one of the most used preservatives in cosmetics have
been found intact in breast tumors?
Most every person in the U.S. is aware of air
pollution. Most people are aware of water pollution and industrial
waste being dumped into our environment but how many people know
that many of our foods have chemicals in and on them that contribute
to cancer, diabetes, obesity and neurological problems. How many
people are aware that indoor air pollution in our homes and offices
is more toxic than outside air because of the cleaning products, air
fresheners and items such as carpets we bring into our homes and
businesses. Most people are shocked to find that there is no
pre-market testing required for our personal care products such as
lotions, cleansers, makeup and shampoos and that many contain cancer
causing chemicals or hormone disrupters known to cause birth
defects.
Scientists have now determined that 85% to 95% of
cancer can be attributed to environmental toxicity exposure. That
means that most cancers can be prevented by reducing toxic exposure.
Cancer rates are reaching 40% and gaining. Lung cancer is now the
number one killer of women even as smoking in females has decreased.
Of the 2.5 million arthritis patients in the U.S. females out number
males 3 to 1 and over 90% of lupus sufferers are female. Over 30%
of Americans are obese, over one million people per year are
diagnosed with diabetes and Alzheimer’s is reaching pandemic
proportions. Our teenagers are taking more prescription drugs for
depression than ever before and childhood cancers continually rise.
How do we overcome this toxic overload?
Awareness. This is the first step to taking control of your health
and limiting exposure to harmful ingredients. Reading labels,
shopping differently and making better choices is the key.
The rest of this article is an overview of
three different booklets written to arm you with information and
resources to overcome this barrage of toxicity.
Things to avoid in your food.
Preservatives such as BHT, BHA (causes liver and kidney damage,
behavioral problems, birth defects and a possible carcinogen),
artificial flavorings and food colors (possible carcinogens, toxic
chemicals and colors may be derived from coal tar).
High fructose corn syrup because it converts to fat, is not
metabolized and depletes chromium, which is essential to insulin
regulation.
Eliminate monosodium glutamate better known as MSG because it is
a neurotoxin (it kills brain cells), has been scientifically proven
to cause obesity and creates hyperinsulinemia which is directly
linked to diabetes.
Trans fats because they clog arteries and increase bad
cholesterol levels.
Simply stop consuming artificial sweeteners. Aspartame is also a
neurotoxin, it triggers the elevation of free radicals in the
lining of arteries, has been linked to Alzheimer’s and causes
cravings for carbohydrates. The FDA warns of possible neurotoxic
effects on pregnant women and children. For further information
read “Poison in the Pantry: The Truth Behind The Label”.
In personal care products the chemical load is astonishing.
Look for parabens: methylparaben, polyparaben, propylparaben,
etc. These are used as preservatives and are considered relatively
safe, however, recent studies have shown these chemical to be
hormone disruptors and intact parabens have been found in breast
tumors. Parabens cause an overgrowth of breast cells. Parabens are
used in blushes, lipsticks, foundation, eye shadow, etc.
Pthalates are also hormone disrupters and have been linked to
birth defects, are lethal in low doses in lab animals. Dibutyl
pthalate in nail polish increases breast cancer risk and causes
damage to liver and kidneys and has been linked to fertility
problems. Pthalates are used in antiperspirants, lotions, shampoos,
moisturizers, hair spray, etc.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a mutagen that damages the DNA ,is
used in most shampoos and many other products. It becomes
carcinogenic when mixed with other chemicals. SLS causes liver and
kidney damage and actually dries the skin by breaking down the
cellular barrier.
Fragrances and perfumes are the least regulated of cosmetics,
most are synthetic and toxic. A study in 1989 found that of 2983
chemicals used in the fragrance industry 884 are toxic.
For more complete information and listings of dangerous chemicals
read “Poison in the Pantry: The Beast Behind the Beauty”. Soon to
be released.
In our homes the chemical exposure comes from
many different and surprising sources. VOCs (volatile organic
compounds) are airborne chemicals and chemical compounds that are
toxic. VOCs come from air fresheners, chlorine and formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde is found in permanent press fabrics such as clothing,
bed sheets and draperies, paint, carpets, scented cleaners, plastics
and many other sources. Side effects range from mild irritation to
cellular mutations.
There is no law requiring pre-market testing of
even the most highly toxic chemical cleaners.
Dioxins are from chlorinated products (bleached
paper products) such as paper towels, white coffee filters, bathroom
tissue and tampons. Exposure to dioxins has been linked to
diabetes, ADD, endometriosis.
The most toxic chemical ever produced, TCDD, a
dioxin is a known carcinogen and is used in some tampons.
Air fresheners have been linked to increased
rates of asthma, headaches, depression and ear infections in
children.
To learn more about what to “clean” out of your
home “Poison in the Pantry: Secrets Under The Sink” the third
booklet yet to be completed will give you guidelines for eliminating
toxins from your personal environment.
As a consumer your dollar speaks loudest. As more and more
dollars shift to non-toxic products so do the manufacturers and
producers of these products. There is already a major shift in food
production and more is coming.
There are alternatives to toxic products. It may seem overwhelming
to change so much in your daily life but by replacing toxic products
with healthy ones one item at a time it is a simple transition over
time and eventually you have “de-toxed” your home and your personal
environment. If more and more households and businesses stopped
using and contributing to the production of these harmful chemicals
imagine the effect it would have on industrial pollution.
Change what you can and be aware of the rest. Honor yourself and
nature.
“Think globally, act locally.” J. Lennon
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