Must Read Consumer Report: What's unnatural about 'natural' cosmetics

Contributing Post By Jim Niedelman Aug 4, 2014

CONSUMER REPORTS -- Sales of cosmetics and personal care products labeled “natural” have soared recently. But, “natural” on the package does not necessarily mean natural inside. According to a year-long investigation by Consumer Reports ShopSmart magazine, many body care products with potentially harmful ingredients, such as coal tar color, triclosan, and chemicals that release formaldehyde. Prolonged use of these ingredients might pose an increased risk of cancer or other health issues.

For instance, Naturtint hair color says it’s made “with ingredients of Natural Origin”, but it contains a petroleum-derived coal-tar color—p-phenylenediamine—plus hydrogen peroxide. That combination might be carcinogenic based on preliminary animal studies.

Unscented Arm and Hammer deodorant, which says it has “natural” deodorizers, contains triclosan, an antibacterial. It might contribute to bacterial resistance and animal studies show it’s a potential hormone disruptor that may affect reproductive and developmental health.

Checking body washes that claim to be “natural” and “nourishing,” there are ingredients like quaternium 15 and DMDM Hydantoin. When combined with water, they can release formaldehyde, which is a human carcinogen if it’s inhaled.

Fortunately, some manufacturers and retailers are taking steps to reduce or eliminate potentially risky ingredients from their personal care products.

The best label to look for in beauty products is USDA Organic. Another option, if you shop at Whole Foods, look for its “Premium Body Care” seal. Those products are certified free of more than 400 risky ingredients.

Besides the word “natural,” Consumer Reports says when looking for cosmetics, don’t put much weight into the claims “dermatologist tested” or “hypoallergenic”. They aren’t independently verified.

13 Signs That You May Have a Thyroid Disorder: Hypo or Hyper?

Hyper and hypo thyroid disorders can be very confusing to differentiate  for women. This is a great article reposted from healthy and natural world (.) com.  Enjoy, share and I hope it clears up any questions you may have had!  

Your thyroid gland plays a very important role in your body. It is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, just above your collarbone. It is one of your endocrine glands, which make hormones that control many activities in your body.

There are a number of possible thyroid diseases and disorders, and the two of the most common thyroid disorders are hyperthyroidism (when your thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs) and hypothyroidism (when your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones). Other diseases include goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland), thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules (lumps in the thyroid gland) and thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland).

According to the American Thyroid Association more than 12% of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime, and these are many millions of people. Hypothyroidism is more common than hyperthyroidism and although the two disorders are closely linked, they have several important differences that affect diagnosis and treatment.

Here you can find a guide to the top 13 signs that you may have a thyroid disorder:

1. Fatigue and sleep disorders

Hypothyroidism - Fatigue is the number one symptom in hypo. You feel that you want to sleep all the time, or you sleep more than usual but still feel tired and exhausted with no energy. Hyperthyroidism – some people with hyperthyroidism find it hard to fall asleep, and therefore they feel tired or exhausted. This is because overactive thyroid can cause insomnia due to rapid pulse and anxiety which can make it hard to fall asleep or even wake you in the middle of the night.

2. Weight changes

Hypothyroidism - You have a weight gain or you find it very difficult to lose weight. This is one of the top symptoms in hypo. I have already written a few articles that will help you to lose weight by increasing your metabolism and by eating these foods. Hyperthyroidism – You may be losing weight although you eat the same amount of food as usual, or even losing weight while eating more than normal due to increased appetite.

3. Mood and mental changes

Hypothyroidism - You feel unusually depressed, sad and feeling down. This is because too little thyroid hormone affects the levels of serotonin in the brain. You may also find that your mind is not sharp and that you have poor concentration or poor memory or general brain fog. Hyperthyroidism – hyperthyroidism is more associated with anxiety or panic attacks, or you feel that you cannot relax. Also too much thyroid hormone can cause difficulty concentrating.

4. Bowel problems

Hypothyroidism - you have severe or long-term constipation. This is one of the top most common symptoms and is due to the changes in hormone level production that can cause a slowdown of digestive processes. Hyperthyroidism – you have diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

5. Muscle or joint problems

Hypothyroidism - you feel a sudden numbness, tingling or pain in your limbs. This is because producing too little thyroid hormone can affect the signals sent from the brain and spinal cord throughout the body. You may also feel general muscular or joint stiffness, pain or weakness, or have tendonitis in the arms and legs. Hyperthyroidism – can also cause a variety of muscle or joint problems, such as difficulties in holding objects with hands, or reaching arms above the head or climbing stairs.

6. Irregular periods, fertility and libido problems

Hypothyroidism - your periods are heavier, longer, more frequent and more painful. You may also suffer from infertility, low sex drive and hormone imbalances such as PMS. Hyperthyroidism – you have shorter, lighter or infrequent periods. You may also suffer from infertility (both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can interfere with ovulation, which impairs fertility).

7. Hair and skin changes

Hypothyroidism - your hair becomes dry and brittle and falls out easily. This is because too little thyroid hormone disturbs hair growth cycle. You may also have an unusual hair loss in the outer edge of the eyebrow or other body parts. Your skin might be dry due to slowed metabolism and your nails are brittle. Hyperthyroidism – can also cause hair loss typically just on your head and thin and fragile skin.

8. Body temperature

Hypothyroidism - your hands and feet are cold, or you feel cold and have chills, or your body temperature is consistently below 98.5. Hyperthyroidism – you sometimes feel too warm or sweat excessively.

9. Cholesterol Issues

Hypothyroidism - you have high cholesterol levels, especially when it’s not responsive to diet, exercise or medication. Hyperthyroidism – you may have unusually low cholesterol levels.10. Blood pressure

Hypothyroidism - it is estimated that people with hypothyroidism have two to three times the risk of developing high blood pressure. Hyperthyroidism – systolic blood pressure rises (the upper number in a blood pressure reading) However, diastolic pressure usually stays the same or goes down a little.

11. Heart rate

Hypothyroidism - You may have slower heart rate. The heart rate is modulated by thyroid hormone, so with lower levels of thyroid hormone the heart rate is typically 10-20 beats per minute slower than normal. Hyperthyroidism – your heart may be beating too fast or you you have heart flutters or palpitations.

12. Neck enlargement (goiter)

A goiter is any enlargement of the thyroid gland. You may feel swelling or lump or discomfort in the neck or a hoarse voice. Goiter can occur both in hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

13. Risk factors: Family History, age, gender and smoking

Some people are more likely than others to develop thyroid problems. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to susceptibility of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Family history – if you have a family history of thyroid problems, you are at a higher risk of having a thyroid condition yourself.

Gender and age – thyroid diseases are more prevalent in females, especially the elderly population. Women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems.

Smoking – one component of tobacco smoke is cyanide, which is converted to thiocyanate, which acts as an anti-thyroid agent. The most dramatic effect of smoking on the thyroid is its association with hyperthyroidism. According to an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1993 smokers are twice as likely as nonsmokers to develop Graves’ disease (a swelling of the neck and protrusion of the eyes resulting from an overactive thyroid gland)

So if you suspect you may have a combination of some of these symptoms, you may want to visit your doctor who can diagnose hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism by testing the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood. If you suffer from hypothyroidism, you can read my other post about 8 natural remedies to treat hypothyroidism.

10 Foods to Amazing Skin

While there's no overnight cure for blemish-free features, there are 10 specific ingredients that you need in your overall diet to improve your skin's appearance.

Want to let your inner beauty shine through? Find out how you can eat your way to gorgeous skin!

Source: FoxNews.com
 By Stephanie Nolasco,

Kale

Kale is a rich source of vitamin K. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits that helps you stay less bloated, which can prevent puffiness on the face. "The sulfur content in kale aids in reducing redness and flakiness, and vitamin K helps ward off cancer, while keeping circulation healthy," explains Dr. Jessica Krant, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. "This helps us maintain our glow and also removes toxins from our bodies."

 Mangos

 "Mangos boost collagen production for smoother, youthful-looking skin," explains Dr. Marina Peredo, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. "Because they contain carotenoids, they can also improve skin tone and color, giving a rosy glow to dull skin."

 Tomatoes

In a 2012 study, it was concluded that women who ate a diet rich in tomatoes had increased skin protection, reduced redness, and less DNA damage from ultraviolet rays, which can cause wrinkles. While you shouldn't give up on SPF, doctors say this juicy fruit should be part of your overall diet for better looking skin. "Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that protects the skin against UV radiation," saysDr. Julia Tzu, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University.

Water

Drinking water daily is a no-brainer, but if you tend to suffer from dry, flaky skin, chances are you're not hydrated enough. And tight skin is more prone to wrinkles and other signs of aging.  "Once you realize you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated, which takes its toll on your skin," explains nutritionist JJ Virgin, author of "The Virgin Diet." "Proper hydration means you sweat more efficiently to keep your skin glowing and looking fabulous." Virgin recommends starting your day with a glass of water and always keeping a bottle near you to ensure you're drinking throughout the day and night.

Salmon

Some medical experts love salmon for its ability to enhance smooth skin. "Omega 3 fatty acids are important because your body does not produce it," says Dr. Stafford R. Broumand, New York-based plastic surgeon and associate clinical professor of plastic surgery at the Mount Sinai Medical Center. "Fish is a great source of omega 3 fatty acid because it aids in the functioning of different types of cells in the body, including the skin. Healthy fats help to support the production and building of elastin and collagen, which in turn will help maintain supple, youthful-looking skin."

Coffee

Got cellulite? You may need to up the java intake. According to Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, co-director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, D.C. coffee grounds can help minimize the appearance of those unsightly dimples thanks to the caffeine that can dehydrate fat cells.  It's even a key ingredient in a beauty product that reportedly "improves the silhouette."  If you're on a budget, Tanzi advises mixing up your own scrub.

Avocado

 ""One of my best tips is to start by eating a bit of avocado every day as part of your salad, or even throwing half of an avocado into your morning smoothie," says New York City-based celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas. "Avocados supply the skin with healthy fats and phytonutrients to hydrate from the inside out and bring back your glow."

 Red Bell Peppers 

 "Red bell peppers are very high in vitamin C," explains health coach Lori Shemek. "Vitamin C aids the body in the production of collagen, a very important skin supporter that prevents sagging skin. Vitamin C also helps prevent inflammation that can accelerate aging."

 Blueberries

"For acne-prone skin, foods rich in antioxidants, like blueberries, will help the body eliminate toxins, clearing up the skin," says Dr. Frank Lipman. Eat them alone or add them to Greek yogurt.

Chocolate

 

Contrary to popular belief, chocolate is actually good for you, so long as you eat it in moderation and score the best quality. "Dark chocolate contains very high levels of flavonols, a highly potent form of antioxidants that firm and protect skin," says Shemek. "Ensure that the chocolate is at least 70% cacao - the higher the percentage, the better for your skin. A couple of squares should be enough."

What’s the Hype About Estrogen Dominance?

Xenoestrogens are environmental estrogens and they are more abundant than you think.  Most natural therapists believe that xenoestrogens play a huge part in the breast cancer epidemic we are currently experiencing.

Xenoestrogens disrupt our endocrine (hormonal) systems.  Estrogen, like every hormone naturally produced by the body, is a much needed chemical messenger that transports a signal from one cell to another.  The problem with xenoestrogens is that they mimic the effects of estrogen and compromise normal hormone function.

Combined with the estrogen naturally produced by the body, these foreign chemicals create an excess of estrogen (which has come to be known as “estrogen dominance”).

Since we know that breast cancer develops in the presence of estrogen maintained over a prolonged period of time, this puts both women and men at risk for developing the disease.

Research shows that xenoestrogens are linked to high rates of breast cancer, and also to endometriosis, an unusually early onset of puberty, infertility, and miscarriages.

In men, xenoestrogens are believed to contribute to decreased sperm counts, and prostate and testicular cancers.

Other health problems such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, and behavioral abnormalities in children, may also be linked to xenoestrogens interfering with the estrogens naturally produced by the body.

Because there are so many xenoestrogens in our cleaning products and gardening chemicals (which eventually get into the water supply), we are now finding that the reproductive systems of fish and amphibians have been affected.

Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance occurs when the ratio of estrogen to progesterone sways too much one way or another.  One of the most common patterns with estrogen dominance is to see an excess of estrogen in relation to progesterone, which is often too low.  Estrogen and progesterone work together like a system of checks and balances to achieve hormonal balance in both men and women.

Estrogen is an active hormone that is actually able to increase the production of its own receptors.  It stimulates tissue to grow.  When left unchecked (due to inadequate progesterone levels), it can stimulate tissue to grow inappropriately, especially in the breast.

How to Protect Yourself

Take a close look at the products you use on a daily basis – begin by checking the ingredients in your cleaning products (if they don’t have a list of ingredients, try to find them on-line), your personal care products like shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, facial care products, deodorants, etc. because this is where many xenoestrogens are commonly found. Doesn’t that make you mad?

Reduce your exposure to chlorine by using a shower head filter that filters out chlorine.  Choose unbleached products.

Limit your use of plastics, especially drinking from plastic water bottles and microwaving in plastic containers.

Learn to identify and minimize as many xenoestrogens as possible.

Chemicals That Have Estrogenic Effects

• Alkylphenol

• Atrazine (weed killer)

• 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) (sunscreen lotions)

• Benzyl Benzoate (fragrance ingredient, artificial flavor, preservative, and solvent)

• Butylated hydroxyanisole / BHA (food preservative)

• Bisphenol A (monomer for polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin; antioxidant in plasticizers)

• Chlorine and chlorine by-products

• Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (one of the breakdown products of DDT)

• Dieldrin (insecticide)

• Dimethicone (a plasticizer used in many products)

• DDT (insecticide)

• Endosulfan (insecticide)

• Erythrosine / FD&C Red No. 3

• Ethinylestradiol (combined oral contraceptive pill)

• Heptachlor (insecticide)

• Lindane / hexachlorocyclohexane (insecticide)

• Metalloestrogens (a class of inorganic xenoestrogens)

• Methoxychlor (insecticide)

• Nonylphenol and derivatives (industrial surfactants; emulsifiers for emulsion polymerization; laboratory detergents; pesticides)

• Pentachlorophenol (general biocide and wood preservative)

• Polychlorinated biphenyls / PCBs (in electrical oils, lubricants, adhesives, paints)

• Parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben commonly used as preservatives in personal care products)

• Petroleum jelly (a by product of the petroleum industry)

• Phenosulfothiazine (a red dye)

• Phthalates (plasticizers)

• DEHP (plasticizer for PVC)

• Propyl gallate

• Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (a foaming agent used in shampoos and toothpastes)

• Sodium Laureth Sulphate (              ”            )

That’s a big long list of baddies and it’s not even a complete list!  For a truly comprehensive database of product ingredients, go to: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ .  There you can look up the products you are using and see how they rate for safety.

Tomorrow I’ll provide you with a list of things you can do to limit your personal exposure (and also our environment) to xenoestrogens.

Sources:

http://www.energeticnutrition.com/vitalzym/estrogen_dominance.html#reading

http://www.johnleemd.com/store/breast_cancer.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenoestrogen

http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2012sunscreen/

Reference: Marie Clark (.) com

Antioxidants and Phyto-chemicals for GLOWING - inside and out! (Super Protector Juice Inside)

Beautiful skin starts with good nutrition. Try this fabulous orange, apple and broccoli juice, it's not only rich in Vitamin-C but also packed with anti-oxidants to make you glow from the inside and out. 

If you want a really direct, easy way to nourish and energize, you have found it in juicing. Yes, with a juicer and some fresh veggies and fruits, you can make incredibly delicious, colorful elixirs, and make sure that you are getting all those veggie servings. Toss those clunky, hard to swallow vitamins and feast on real food in liquid form, with all the antioxidants and phyto-chemicals you really need.

Super Protector broccoli · orange · apple

2 cups/115 g chopped broccoli, stems and florets 2 large oranges, peeled and seeded 1 large apple, cored MAKES ABOUT 2 CUPS

Sip a lively glass of apple and orange juice blend, with a little broccoli thrown in for color! If you are feeling a little under the weather, this vitamin C– and antioxidant-rich juice is just the ticket, and you can hardly tell you are having broccoli.

Juice the broccoli, oranges, and apple, in that order. Run the pulp through again to extract as much liquid as possible. Serve immediately.

Reference: Robin Asbell Author, Juice It

Farmers Market Produce a Mystery? (delicious *swiss chard curry wrap* recipe inside)

During the summer, many women and families try to find new and creative ways to enjoy local CSA or Farmers Market produce.  Like many of the "mystery vegetables in the CSA boxes,  Chard is one that a of people don’t cook it, because they don’t know what to do with it. The leaves are basically interchangeable with spinach.

Chard is the next kale......

From a nutritional perspective, it’s not a stretch.” Chard contains 13 different antioxidants,” raves Manhattan-based nutritionist, Amy Shapiro, RD. It’s full of detoxing elements, helps fight inflammation, and even has calcium.

Enjoy a Fresh Summer Chard Recipe! 

Curried Chickpea Salad Swiss Chard Wraps

Andrea Bemis, the farmer-foodie behind popular blog Dishing Up The Dirt, likes these chard and chickpea wraps because they’re simple, healthy, and can be whipped up in less than 10 minutes, so you can snap out of your sandwich rut in a flash.

Serve with a simple salad for lunch, or serve as a main course for dinner with a glass of chardonnay.

(Photo: dishingupthedirt.com)

2 cups cooked chickpeas (if canned, rinsed, and drained) 2 celery sticks, diced 1 cup carrots, sliced into thin matchsticks 1/2 cup parsley, minced 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup sunflower seeds 4–6 large rainbow chard leaves

For the curry dressing: 1/4 cup tahini 1/4 cup water 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice 2 tsp pure maple syrup 1/2 tbsp curry powder (start with this amount and add more if you like the heat) Salt and pepper, to taste

Prepare the chard leaves by shaving down the thick stalk. Set aside.

Combine all the ingredients for the curry sauce together and whisk until smooth. This works best with an immersion blender. Taste test and adjust seasonings if necessary.

In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, celery, carrots, parsley, raisins, and sunflower seeds. Stir in curry dressing and place an even amount of the salad on each Swiss chard leaf and wrap up like a burrito.

With LOVE & Beautiful Health.....

For more information, visit www.dishingupthedirt.com & Well and Good NYC

25 Benefits of Vitamin D

 

Thank you:  Hotzevitamins.com

Are endocrine disrupting hormones dangerous in cosmetics? (podcast + detail inside)

What are xenohormones and should we be worried about them in cosmetics?

Organic, natural  and "green" ....and now xenoextrogens? 

What are “Endocrine Disruptors”?

From the moment of conception, human growth and development is regulated by tiny amounts of biochemicals called hormones. Our bodies manufacture trace quantities of these chemical messengers, which enter our bloodstream and travel throughout our circulatory system, managing our metabolism and controlling the function of specific tissues and organs. Hormones are able to produce an array of sophisticated regulatory signals crucial to human health at part per billion or part per trillion levels in the blood. 

Disruption of the human hormone (endocrine) system can cause a broad range of illnesses, including reproductive and metabolic disorders and cancer.  There are numerous environmental chemicals that we potentially come in contact with on a daily basis that have been shown to disrupt the endocrine system.  Chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system are called endocrine disruptors.

 Common Endocrine Disruptors 

In October, 2013, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) published a list of 12 common environmental chemicals and toxins that act as endocrine disruptors in human physiology.  This means they disrupt hormonal signaling (alter hormonal responses) in the human body.  Since hormones act as biochemical messengers and regulators of physiologic function, this can lead to a wide range of physiological problems and it’s interesting to note that most of them impact multiple endocrine organs simultaneously.

Here is a list of those chemicals:

1. BPA

2. Dioxin

3. Atrazine

4. Phthalates

5. Perchlorate

6. Fire retardants

7. Lead

8. Arsenic

9. Mercury

10.  Perfluorinated chemicals

11.  Organophosphate pesticides

12.  Glycol Ethers

Learn more about endocrine disruptors and how to avoid them HERE.

I enjoy listening to Beauty and the Brains podcasts.   I think you'll find this an interesting audio interview!   You can listen to the episode found HERE.