Toxic Chemicals in Your Home

If you were told that there were toxic chemicals in you home, what would come to mind?…
cleaning products?
insect sprays?

Most of us are aware of the toxicity of these, but few would suspect the bathroom to contain a whole host of toxic chemicals.
Would you expect your shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste and make-up to contain toxic cancer-causing ingredients?
Most people wouldn’t, trusting in the protection of government agencies.

Dr. Samuel Epstein reveals some important information that at present is being hidden from the general public – information that everyone has the right to know.


Who is Samuel Epstein?

  • professor of environmental medicine
  • author of articles and books on effects of toxic ingredients and contaminants in food and household products
  • founder of the U.S. Cancer Prevention Coalition

The following article appeared in the Herald Sun, March 30, 2003

Call for cancer tags on make-up

Mary Papadakis writes…

A leading US cancer expert has called for warning labels on cosmetics containing carcinogenic substances.

US Cancer Prevention Coalition chairman Dr. Samuel Epstein says health warnings similar to those found on cigarette packets should be placed on ‘cancer-causing’ cosmetics and toiletries.

Dr. Epstein claims…There is overwhelming evidence on the presence of a wide range of carcinogens in cosmetics and personal care products.

Australian cosmetics expert and author Kevin Farrow said consumers were under-estimating the impact of small doses of carcinogenic substances found in products such as shampoos and moisturisers. Mr. Farrow, author of “Skin Deep: said “consumers needed to start thinking of their skin as the largest organ which was vital for respiration. We look at the skin as something that comes between us and the world and so we sort of look at it as a piece of clothing that doesn’t belong to us.”

So what’s wrong with our personal care products?

 Almost ALL shampoos, bubble bath, shower gels and toothpaste contain a foaming agent called Sodium Lauryl Sulphate.

 

So what’s wrong with SLS?

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate: “routinely used in clinical studies to irritate skin tissue; corrodes hair follicles and impairs ability to grow hair; carcinogenic Nitrates can form when SLS interacts with other nitrogen bearing ingredients; enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, liver, lungs and brain from skin contact; impairs proper structural formation of young eyes – damage is permanent; can damage the immune system; can cause separation of skin layers and inflammation to the skin.” (Journal of American College of Toxicology; Vol. 2,1983)

“As reported in model studies published in 2000 by the Danish Institute of Public Health, a single 24-hour exposure of SLS to human skin damages skin protein and causes prolonged disruption of ‘the skin barrier integrity of the skin’, to allow the penetration of carcinogens such as nickel and chromate. Thus, skin absorption of carcinogenic ingredients could be greatly increased by SLS type detergents.” (“Unreasonable Risk”, Samuel Epstein, 2002, p. 39)

Almost ALL hair conditioners, skin lotions and make-up contain a sliding agent called Propylene Glycol.

 

So what’s wrong with propylene glycol?

Propylene Glycol: “implicated in contact dermatitis, kidney damage and liver abnormalities; can inhibit skin cell growth in human tests and can damage cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin and surface damage. May be harmful by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption. May cause eye irritation. Exposure can cause gastro-intestinal disturbances, nausea, headache and vomiting, central nervous system depression.” (Material Safety Data Sheets)

 

Summary of toxic chemicals in personal care products:

Shampoo/ conditioner – most contain Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulphate, DEA, TEA, Coal Tar

 Hair Sprays & Styling/ nail polish – most contain BHA, DEA, TEA, Methylene Chloride, Toluene, Flurocarbons

 Toothpaste – nearly all contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Saccharin, and some contain Fluoride

 Mouthwash – most contain alcohol concentration of more than 25% linked to mouth and throat cancer

 Dusting Powder – contains talc which acts like asbestos

 Bubble bath & body washes – most contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, DEA, TEA, MEA, PEG, Quatenium, fragrances

 Skin care/ cosmetics/ make-up – most contain Propylene Glycol, Alpha hydroxy-acids, Bentonite, Coal Tar, PEG, Petroleum

 Sunscreen – most contain PABA, Benzophehenones, Dibenzoylmethanes which are possibly cancer causing when heated

 Bar Soaps – most contain ammonia, formaldehyde and phenol, in addition to having a PH of 9, which removes the protective acid mantle making skin more vulnerable to penetration

Do we really know the cause of cancer? Why are 1 in 3 getting it? How about allergies? chronic fatigue? A.D.D.?

Samuel Epstein is convinced that these problems occur because “Our total environment – air, water, workplace and consumer products are contaminated with industrial carcinogens. We are exposed to these from conception to death”. He believes that the above products present greater risks than smoking.

Samuel Epstein’s site: www.preventcancer.com

For more information on safe products, please email us.

Could you be suffering from heavy metal toxicity?

Common symptoms:
High levels of toxic minerals, such as mercury, cadmium and lead, can cause chronic and sometimes serious illness such as: chronic fatigue, inability to lose weight, diabetes, brain fog and auto-immune disease.

Which heavy metals cause the main problems?

  • Mercury
  • Aluminium
  • Arsenic
  • Cadmium
  • Lead
  • Uranium

Heavy metals find their way to the cells, where they sit on receptor sites. This means that good minerals and hormones cannot attach themselves to the receptors in the cells. As a result we may not be able to absorb good minerals. Hormones may not be able to reach their target sites in the cell, so we could have an imbalance.

Mercury

Mercury is the number one most toxic metal on our planet.
What problems could it cause?
Mental issues; fatigue; nervous system problems like anxiety, poor sleep; gastro-intestinal problems; kidney problems; hormonal imbalance; lack of absorption of essential minerals; diabetes; allergies; heart disease; chronic fatigue syndrome, auto-immune diseases; cancer.
What are the sources of mercury?

  1. Dental amalgams (metal fillings) are the number one cause. If your amalgam fillings are more than 12 years old they will almost definitely be leaking. They will also most likely be giving off toxic vapour.
  2. Vaccinations
    In the past, most vaccinations relied on mercury as a carrier (Thimerosal). There has been much controversy over using a mercury carrier for infant vaccinations, so mercury has now been replaced by aluminium, which has its own problems (see below). However mercury is still used in Hep B and flu vaccines.
  3. Food sources of mercury (Methyl mercury)
    Contamination of foods in manufacturing, e.g. corn starch. (esp. fructose corn syrup)
    Fish to avoid: shark, barramundi swordfish, gemfish, blue-finned tuna, orange roughy; generally larger, older predatory fish
    Safer fish: canned wild Alaskan salmon, sardines; generally the smaller the fish the less mercury

Aluminium

What problems could it cause?
Neurological (brain and nervous system); depression, anxiety
What are the sources of aluminium?
Vaccinations; industry; water

Arsenic

What problems could it cause?
Vascular (veins, arteries, heart); cellular health
What are the sources of aluminium?
Industry

Cadmium

What problems could it cause?
Kidney and musculoskeletal disorders
What are the sources of cadmium?
The main sources are the old pesticides like DDT and Dieldrin, which are now banned in Australia. HOWEVER these pesticides are still in the soil and will be there for many years to come. New estates built on old farming land / old orchards, churn up the soil and the old pesticides are carried by the wind. We breathe them in. If going overseas, be aware that these chemicals may still be used in other countries, and may be put through the air conditioning system of the plane for easy fumigation.

Lead

What problems could it cause?
Anaemia; hypertension; neurological (brain and nervous system)
What are the sources of lead?
Industrial sources

What can be done?

Your naturopath can arrange a Mineral Hair Analysis and if necessary provide supplements to clear specific heavy metals from your body.

What is Mineral Hair Analysis?

  • Testing a sample of your hair can tell us:
  • which minerals are lacking in your body
  • which minerals may be causing a toxic overload.

How much does it cost?
Cost: $115

Health Supplements

Do we really need nutritional supplements?
Or can we get all the nutrients we need from the food we eat?
Let’s say we choose the best food available in our supermarket…no processed food… nothing from cans, nothing frozen, no ready made snacks, no fast foods or junk foods….
just fresh foods and natural ingredients…

Even if we tried our best to maintain a healthy diet, the truth is, we would not be getting all the nutrients we need for good health.

Where have all the nutrients gone?
Fresh fruit and vegetables may look great, but when analyzed show amazing deficiencies in vitamins and minerals.
Around 1945, agricultural “experts” decided that the earth needed help in producing better crops, and the use of chemical fertilizers began. Unfortunately, the very chemicals applied cause the millions of micro-organisms to flee, and so the ground became quite sterile.

Plant life grown on sterile land becomes very sickly. Insects will attack unhealthy plants, leaving healthy plants alone. The farmer now has the problem of insects destroying crops, so he must spray with poisons to kill the insects. These poisons, of course, find their way through our bodies, causing destruction at the molecular level, and damaged cells contribute to various degenerative diseases, the biggest one being cancer.

What are the effects of insufficient nutrient intake?
Much of the food we buy lacks the essential vitamins and minerals. Our body is a marvelous machine, and when given the right nutrition, has the ability to maintain good health and even heal itself. However without the basic tools, the body gradually breaks down. Today more and more people are dying of degenerative diseases like heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and osteoporosis.

Unfortunately people do not start to think about health until they have health problems. Young people who feel healthy, often don’t realize that nutrient intake is important in the present as insurance for the future. The ‘invincibility of youth’ is like a healthy bank account from which it is possible to make too many withdrawals. Bone strength, in later life for example, depends on the amount of bone building that was done during youth. The immune system is another area under attack. As we age, the efficiency of our immune system decreases. The stresses and toxicity of the modern environment weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of diseases like cancer.

The cancer rate is now 1 in 3 in the Western world. This means that 1 in every 3 people will get cancer sometime during their life-time. Do we just accept it as a fact of life?

The good news is that degenerative diseases are not inevitable. All of the above mentioned diseases can be avoided, and in some cases reversed, by sufficient nutrient intake and healthy life style.

Can nutrients help me avoid viral and bacterial diseases?
New viral/bacterial diseases are on the rise. Many of those emerging do not respond to anti-biotics. The best way to avoid these diseases is to have a healthy immune system. Those with weakened immune systems are the most susceptible.

Which nutritional supplements should I take?
Most of us think of vitamins before minerals. However, if minerals are not present, then vitamins will not do their job. Minerals are the catalysts that vitamins and enzymes need to do their work. Minerals come in several forms, but to get the 60 minerals we need daily, a supplement needs to be plant based colloidal liquid. This makes the minerals biologically available.

To the foundation of minerals, one can then add vitamins. Vitamins and minerals must be in a balanced formula. Too many people run to the shop and buy Vitamin C, or Vitamin B because they think they need it. The truth is, our nutrient level will correct itself, whatever the deficiency, when we take a balanced formula.

There are basically two kinds of vitamin and mineral supplements: cheap supplements that can be purchased from shops, or those based on latest scientific research. (You will probably not find the best ones in shops.) The best supplements, based on latest scientific research can be around 95% absorbable as opposed to 25% absorbable for the cheaper brands. The cheaper brands have the MINIMUM amount of the nutrient required by the government, which is not actually enough to make a difference. The quality vitamin and mineral supplements contain the proper amounts, in addition to being perfectly balanced.

What are free radicals and anti-oxidants?
We are constantly bombarded with cellular-damaging substances, (called free radicals), generated by our environment from air, water, pollutants and other substances.

Free radicals are “the bad guys”. They are also produced as the natural byproduct of breathing. They are damaging to the body and need to be neutralized by enzymes, which are normally present in out diet. Anti-oxidants, “the good guys”, destroy free radicals.  Because our food does not contain the anti-oxidants that it once did, and because of environmental pollution, we need anti-oxidant supplements to help deal with toxic overload.

How can we be sure of quality?

It is important that the health supplements you use are based on the latest scientific research, and have been produced under strict quality control. Supplements should also be 95 – 98% bioavailable. This means that they are available to the cells, and do not pass through the body unabsorbed. Not all vitamin and minerals supplements are the same. The basic rule of thumb is, you get what you pay for.  Naturopaths can supply you with quality ‘practitioner-only’ supplements. If you prefer to bi-pass the naturopath and buy supplements for yourself, then don’t go to the shops looking for them. There are several companies companies that provide superior products through direct marketing. This kind of marketing means that there are fewer financial overheads, making it possible to put more money into the quality of the product.

For more information on excellent nutritional supplements, please contact us.

Untested chemicals

Untested cosmetics such as mascara, hair dye and liquid hand soap are just three of the products that are a concern, based on a study by the Environmental Working Group.

The following newspaper article gives more evidence that the government is not looking after us when it comes to testing for harmful ingredients in cosmetics, soaps and hair dyes. Only 11% of the 10,500 ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products have actually been tested! This is very serious, when you consider that chemicals with a low molecular weight get absorbed through the skin and accumulate in our organs. The Consumers Association of Penang published a book called “Cancer-causing chemicals in Cosmetics and Daily Use Products”, warning consumers of the dangers. They were prompted to carry out investigations when reported cases of cancer in Malaysia grew by 500% since 1970. This corresponded to the increased use of Western cosmetics.

Untested Cosmetics May Soon Carry Warning Labels
Would you rethink purchasing your next tube of lipstick or personal care product if it bore a warning label stating its safety had not been determined? This may become a reality if the FDA decides the ingredients in the product haven’t been adequately tested for safety.

Based on a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group, some products that are under close scrutiny by the FDA include:

  • Mascara, which can contain ingredients linked or potentially linked to cancer
  • Liquid hand soap, which may contain ingredients suspected of raising the risk of breast and skin cancers
  • Hair dye, which can contain coal tar, which has been linked to bladder cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Important factors that companies often leave out of product testing include the possibility the product may cause cancer or birth defects

The FDA has maintained a hands-off approach to performing any kinds of tests on cosmetics and toiletries prior to when they reach the market shelves. An independent panel of experts appointed by the cosmetic industry performs the only regulation that is done.

Over the past 29 years, the panel of “experts” referred to as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review has declared 694 ingredients to be safe and only nine to be unsafe. The Environmental Working Group disputed these findings by saying that the panel reviewed only 11 percent of 10,500 ingredients recorded by the FDA.

The Miami Herald March 31, 2005

Vitimin B17: Alternative Cancer Therapy

Philip Day has written an excellent book, “CANCER – Why we’re still dying to know the truth”. He outlines the exciting discovery of the use of vitamin B17 in curing cancer. Here are some extracts from his book:

“During the 1950s, after many years of research, a dedicated biochemist by the name of Ernst T. Krebs, Jr., isolated a new vitamin that he numbered B17 and called ‘laetrile’. As the years rolled by, thousands became convinced that Krebs had finally found the complete control for all cancers, a conviction that even more people share today.”
 
“‘Nitrilosides’ are natural foods rich in Vitamin B17. This vitamin is characterised by a large group of water-soluble, essentially non-toxic, sugary compounds found in over 800 plants, many of which are edible. one of the most common sources of B17 is found in plentiful supply within the kernels (seeds) of many non-citrus fruits, such as cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums and apples. However it is within the seed of the humble apricot that the highest concentrations of B17 can be found, up to 2 to 2.5 percent by weight in most varieties.

Krebs’ studies showed that when a human or animal system ingests sufficient amount of laetrile (or in its natural form, hydrocynacic acid), this substance becomes selectively toxic to cancer cells.

Krebs was aware that indigenous peoples consuming vast quantities of hydrocyanic acid were not experiencing any harmful side-effects. On the contrary, their lives were characterised by abundant good health and extreme longevity.
from Cancer – Why we’re still dying to know the truth, by Phillip Day

For apricot kernels in Australia:
www.apricot-kernels.com.au

Philip Day lists  foods containing vitamin B17. (Remember that while apricot, plum, peach and apple seeds contain higher concentrations, these other foods contain B17 as well)

  • sheep sorrel (see recipe for sheep sorrel tea in “The Healing Power of Food)
  • flaxseed
  • tapioca
  • alfalfa sprouts
  • barley
  • blackberries
  • brown rice
  • cashews
  • gabanzo beans (chick peas)
  • macadamia nuts
  • lentils
  • lima beans
  • millet
  • walnuts
  • yams
  • strawberries

Phillip Day’s research shows that people with cancer should consume apricot kernels, and people who do not have cancer should also consume them, in a lower dose, as a cancer preventative.

For those with cancer, Phillip Day suggests 40 per day, (depends on body weight), but build up to this amount gradually. Start with 5 per day and don’t take more than 5 in one hour. People who are free of cancer and want to avoid it should take 8-10 per day. For cancer patients particularly, it is important to consume paw paw, (containing the enzyme papain) or pancreatic enziymes which can be bought in capsule form from health shops. These enzymes strip the coating on the cancer cells, so that the B17 in the kernels can do its job. Vitamins A and E are also important for enhancing the work of the kernels. A pancreatic enzyme supplement is also advisable.

Paul Reid’s testimony, diet regime and steps to healing from cancer are outlined in our book, “The Healing Power of Food”, an excellent companion to Phillip Day’s book. The Healing Power of Food gives practical advice to those with cancer and those who want to avoid it. Paul took 30 kernels a day for 6 months and now takes a maintenance dose of taking 12 per day. He also takes paw paw enzymes each day.

Vitamin B17, found in the seeds of many fruits including apricots, has vital cancer fighting properties. 
Vitamin B17, also known as laetrile or amygdalin, has vital cancer fighting properties. It is naturally occurring in a variety of foods, such as buckwheat, berries, lentils, linseeds, almonds, cashews, buckwheat and millet, but it is most concentrated in the seeds of apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines and applesIt is a form of cyanic acid, toxic to cancer cells, although not toxic to other cells in the body. 1 
Pineapple, paw paw and additional pancreatic enzymes should be taken in the morning. The kernels should be taken throughout the day and not taken all at once. They should be chewed, or ground and then chewed. They can be added to foods to help disguise the bitter taste, e.g. with mashed banana. However they should be chewed, even if ground. 
The Hunzas, renowned for longevity, were traditional growers of apricots. They cracked the seeds of apricots, ground the kernels and added them to their food. 

Dr.Ernst Krebs Jr. medical graduate of Illinois in 1941, with his father, researched the use of enzymes and Vitamin B17, in their treatment of cancer. He built upon the research of Professor John Beard, from Edinburgh University, 30 years before. Krebs found that Vitamin B17 was extremely toxic to cancer cells, although harmless to normal cells. He discovered that the cancer cell had a protein covering, and if the body’s pancreatic enzymes dissolved that covering, then the cancer cell can be destroyed by the white blood cells, but even more effectively by Vitamin B17. The two components, Hydrogen cyanide and especially Benzaldehyde in the B17, are extremely toxic to cancer cells. 2 

In normal cells, the enzyme rhodinase, produced in the liver, renders B17 harmless. Every day we produce several hundred cancer cells. We need to get them early with a diet rich in B17. B17 seeks out and destroys only the cancer cells. Krebs recommended eating ten apricot kernels per day for life as a preventive measure. A maximum of 5 kernels at any one time in a two-hour period is recommended to prevent excess B17 building up in the liver. Vitamin B17 should not be taken by people with liver cancer, or by people with liver malfunction. 3 
Dr Binzel, who uses nutritional therapy along with Vitamin B17, explains that removing the tumour does not correct the defects in an individual’s defense mechanism, so it is likely that the tumour will come back. Dr. Binzel does not start his patients on laetrile until the patients have been on vitamin and mineral supplements, enzymes and the diet for ten days to two weeks. He finds that laetrile seems to have little or no effect until a sufficient quantity of other vitamins and minerals are in the body. Zinc, for example, is the transportation mechanism for the Laetrile. The body will not rebuild any tissue without sufficient Vitamin C.4

References:

  1. Woollams. C., The Tree of Life, 2004, p. 151
  2. Binzel, P.,Alive and Well, 1994, p. 24
  3. Woollams, C. Op. Cit.,p. 153
  4. Binzel, P., Op.Cit.,p. 25 & 99

Environmental Toxins

Increasing Cancer Rates:

1900-40:

  • Minerals & trace elements were still present in the soils
  • There were virtually no herbicides or pesticides
  • Food was typically picked ripe & eaten fresh
  • Food was free from chemical additives and preservatives & colours
  • Very little processed food
  • Minimal products used on the skin
  • Cleaner environment with low air pollution

Nutrition – High
Toxins – Low
Cancer rates 1 in 80

1950–1970:
  • Pesticides & herbicides introduced
  • chemical fertilisers replace natural fertilisers
  • Use of chemical food additives & preservatives & colours increases
  • More products applied to skin
  • Chemicals used in the home environment
  • Chemicals adding to air pollution and water pollution

Nutrition – Moderate
Toxins – Moderate
Cancer rates 1 in 30

1970-2000
  • Nutrition levels are very low, minerals & trace elements are depleted from the soils
  • Pesticide use is increasing
  • Over 350 chemical additives in our food, over 100 additives are known or suspected carcinogens
  • Large amounts of processed food with the goodness often stripped from the final product
  • A huge range of toxic & carcinogenic chemicals are applied to our skin, tiny amounts are absorbed into our blood stream & stored in our body
  • Many chemical products in the home
  • Over 75,000 chemicals in daily use

Nutrition – Low
Toxins – High
Cancer rates 1 in 3

 

Check your bathroom product labels for the following harmful ingredients:

CODE:

C = Linked to CANCER in animals and/or humans, or forms carcinogen nitrosamines when mixed with other ingredients.

(WARNING: All confirmed human carcinogens, except arsenic & possibly benzene, have been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Occupational studies clearly show that repeated and prolonged exposure to even very small quantities of carcinogens can lead to cancer.)

S = Skin/eye irritant, may cause allergic reaction.

O = Accumulates in organs.

A = Can cause asthma.

N = Neurotoxin, damages the central nervous system or Teratogen, affecting the embryo.

Code:

Chemical:

Products

C S

Alcohol

Mouthwashes

At 25% + concentration is linked to tongue and throat cancer. 30mls of mouthwash can cause seizures, brain damage & coma in children/infants, 150ml causes death.

C O S

Aluminium Antiperspirants & deodorants Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease and Breast Cancer Antiperspirants. Aerosol sprays remain in the breathing zone of adults for up to 24 hours and much longer for babies and small children.

C S O A

Food no.320

BHA: Butylated hydroxyanisole(derived from coal tar dye)

Makeup, lip balm, lip gloss, lipstick.

C S O A N

Food no.321

BHT: Butylated hydroxytolueneDerived from coal tar dye and petroleum.

Lipsticks, eye liner, shaving cream, baby oil/lotion, hand/body cream.

Up to 13% of cosmetic BHT is absorbed through skin. Affects the reproductive organs.

C S O A

DEA: Diethanolamine Dishwashing detergents, shampoo, conditioner, soap/liquid soap, baby products, bubble bath, lotion, shaving cream, cosmetics.

In Nov. 1997 the National Toxicology Program (US) reported that DEA was a carcinogen, readily absorbed through the skin, is an eye & skin irritant, can cause impaired vision and can accumulate in organs causing toxic effects.

it as carcinogenic, capable of toxic accumulation in organs.

C S A

‘Sodium’ Fluoride:

Toothpaste, Fluoride Mouthwashes

Poisonous when ingested over long periods, accumulates in body tissues. Linked to bone cancer. Children swallow approx 25%-50% of toothpaste they use. 1g of fluoride can cause dangerous poisoning, adults ingest .3mg fluoride when brushing, and 5-10g is lethal. Banned in Canada and restricted in Europe/UK (Sodium fluoride used in toothpaste, it is a toxic by-product of aluminium filings, different from naturally occurring calcium fluoride)

C S N

Methylene Chloride: Hairspray, insect spray, fragrances, air freshener sprays, shampoo, cleansing lotions.

A nervous system poison, known to cause birth defects in developing embryo.

(Aerosols)

C S A N

Phenylene-diamines Hair Dyes and Eye Lash Dyes Colouring derived from coal tar, a known carcinogenic. Can cause blindness on eye contact. This chemical is linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, multiple myeloma, breast cancer, and is a suspected teratogen (affecting the embryo). Banned in Europe.

C S O N

Food no.:

405, 477

1520

Propylene Glycol Lotions, baby wipes, deodorants, foundations, mascara, shaving cream, shampoo, conditioner, toothpastes, hair dye, anti-freeze Used in larger concentrations in deodorants than industrial chemicals. May cause eczema. Accumulates in the heart, liver & kidneys (may cause abnormalities & damage)

C S O

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, bubble bath, shaving cream, cosmetics. Sodium lauryl sulphate: accumulates in heart, liver, lungs & brain. Damages immune system and mutates genetic info in cells. Impairs ability of hair to grow, damages hair cuticle, linked to eye damage & urinary tract infections. Causes skin irritation/eczema. Causes mouth ulcers. Reacts with DEA & TEA to form potent carcinogenic nitrosamines, releasing formaldehyde.

C

Food no.

553-553b

Talc Cosmetics, foundations, eye shadow, eye/lip pencils, powders & condoms Is contaminated with asbestos like fibres, 60% increased risk of ovarian cancer.

C S A N

Toluene: Hair spray, hair gel, nail products, perfumes and fragrances Fragrance vapours in the air are readily inhaled. Trigger for asthma, damages the nervous system, and causes headaches. Suspected of causing birth defects.

Fibromyalgia

What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a condition in which there is musculo-skeletal pain without any obvious tissue damage. The pain is usually widespread but sometimes occurs in only one region of the body. It is a common condition in the community, affecting an estimated three to five per cent of the population. Women are affected ten times more commonly than men. Fibromyalgia can also cause fatigue, and there can be substantial overlap with chronic fatigue syndrome.

The most common symptoms experienced by people with fibromyalgia are:

  • Widespread pain in muscles, ligaments and tendons
  • Pain may be aching, burning, throbbing or stabbing
  • Muscles may feel like they have been pulled or overworked
  • Muscular stiffness, which is usually worse in the morning
  • Fatigue, including “brain” fatigue
  • Poor quality sleep
  • Headache
  • Irritable bowel syndrome – constipation, diarrhea, abdominal gas
  • Additional symptoms may include minor swelling, poor concentration, joint disfunction and other problems.

Aggravating factors: changes in weather, cold drafty environments, hormonal fluctuations, stress, depression, anxiety, over-exertion.

Possible causes
Medical practitioners agree that the basic underlying cause is unknown, but may be triggered by:

  • Infection
  • Injury
  • Poor sleep
  • Stress

Alternative practitioners believe that Fibromyalgia could also be caused by:

  • Oestrogen dominance
  • Diet
  • Environmental factors

Elaine Hollingsworth, director of Hippocrates Health Centre of Australia, says that symptoms are so close to those of oestrogen dominance or progesterone lack, that it appears to be beyond co-incidence. Progesterone, which offers great protection during pregnancy, could also be critical to our good health.

Oestrogen dominance means low progesterone levels. We need the right balance of progesterone for protection against lifestyle diseases, and for a strong immune system. Our bodies absorb oestrogen from pesticides, plastics, drugs, chemicals in personal care products, glues and household cleaning agents. It is now known that the skin is a carrier, not a barrier. This means that substances get absorbed through the skin and carried to our organs. Many substances accumulate gradually in the liver and kidneys.

Most shampoos, bubble bath, shower gels and toothpaste contain a foaming agent called Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. This substance has over 90 different names, so unless a foaming product is labeled SLS free, then the foaming agent will be SLS, used by the manufacturer because it’s cheap. SLS can form nitrates when it interacts with other substances. It goes in through the skin easily, allowing the penetration of other carcinogens. It can damage skin and can damage the immune system.

Almost ALL hair conditioners, skin lotions and make-up contain a sliding agent called Propylene Glycol. This is another substance that is highly absorbable, and can also cause kidney and liver abnormalities.

Other toxins to watch out for in bathroom products are the chemicals, DEA, TEA, or anything with a capital E, formaldehyde, aluminium, toluene and fluoride. Most hair sprays, nail polish, perfumes, deodorant, talc, make-up, sunscreens all carry hidden dangers, and promote oestrogen dominance as they get absorbed into our bodies. Be aware that the labeling of a product as natural, organic, or herbal may not necessarily be safe.

 Many chemicals, particularly those found in cheap plastics, are oestrogen mimics. Much of our food, drink, toothpaste and shampoo are sold in these cheap plastic containers. We absorb these chemicals as they leach out of the bottle into the contents. We absorb oestrogen even by handling plastic wrap. Synthetic oestrogens, or oestrogen mimics, all cause oestrogen overload in our bodies. Animal fat consumption increases oestrogen levels. So does HRT and the pill. Many researchers are convinced that oestrogen dominance is responsible for the spreading of cancer in the body. Excess oestrogen, especially oestrogen mimics, have been clearly shown to weaken the immune system. They not only cause cancer, but also reproductive problems. Health researcher, Phillip Day, agrees that Fibromyalgia is caused by oestrogen dominance. Try to find safe products, and don’t use products that you don’t need.

Fibromyalgia is aggravated or worsened by toxins in food, especially aspartame. This substance is known to mimic Fibromyalgia symptoms in the body. It is known to cause headaches, nerve disorders, insomnia, depression, chronic fatigue, dizziness, brain fog, hormonal problems, dementia and many other symptoms. Aspartame is found is diet soft drinks and sweets or chewing gum sold as “sugar-free”. Even small doses have seriously impact health.

Recommendations:

Supplements:
Choose supplements that will both detoxify and restore the nutrient balance. This means taking a complete balance of minerals and vitamins.

Also take:

  • Magnesium – for energy and muscle relaxation.
  • St John’s Wort – eases depression and improves pain tolerance
  • Vitamin C and Grape Seed extract – powerful anti-oxidants that protect muscle cells from damage
  • Coenzyme Q10 – helps relieve symptoms of chronic fatigue
  • Valerian – to assist sleep

What else you can do:

  • Use a hormonal balancing cream, containing Mexican Wild Yam and Chaste Tree extract, to build progesterone levels.
  • Avoid toxins in food. Don’t eat foods with additives. Major on unprocessed foods.
  • Avoid toxins in personal care products and cleaning products. Find a company that has safe products.
  • Use paper lunch wrap, (not plastic), and store food in good plastics, (such as Tupperware) or glass jars.
  • Don’t reuse cheap plastic water bottles.
  • Avoid all sugar and yeast, found in bread, pasta and alcohol.
  • Eat a predominance of raw fruits and vegetables.
  • For adrenal exhaustion, eliminate grains except for brown rice.
  • Eliminate polyunsaturated fats – they promote overactive thyroid.
  • Drink plenty of pure water.
  • Avoid regular tea and coffee. Herbal tea is okay.
  • Make yourself fresh juices between meals to keep up energy supply.
  • Take hot baths or showers to soothe soreness, increase circulation and relieve stiffness.
  • Visit a massage therapist.
  • Get at least 8 hours sleep per night
  • Avoid stressful situations
  • Be positive

Latest findings:
Aerobic exercise may actually help to relieve symptoms when combined with stress management techniques. Forty-five minutes of exercise, 3-5 times per week eased pain in a trial group. You need to gradually work up to this.

 References:

  • Phillip Day, “The ABCs of Disease”
  • Elaine Hollingsworth, “Take Control of your Health”
  • Reader’s Digest, “Healing power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs”
  • Chris Woollams, “Oestrogen, the killer in our midst”

 

Antioxidants

We are constantly bombarded with cellular-damaging substances, called free-radicals, generated by our environment, from air, water, pollutants and other substances. Sunlight, radiation, drugs, pesticides, chemicals, fried foods, alcohol and tobacco smoke are just a few more examples of free-radical generating substances. Free radicals are also produced as the natural byproducts of oxygen metabolism, or simply, breathing. Oxygen free radicals serve a purpose in the body by burning bacteria and waste. 1 
We can therefore say that free radicals are not all bad. They do have a purpose. However, when out of control they become toxic. 

How do free-radicals get out of control? 
Years ago, our foods contained enough vitamins and minerals to keep free-radicals under control. The substances responsible for doing this task are called anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are present in fruits and vegetables that have been grown in nutrient-rich soils, vine-ripened and eaten fresh from the garden. However today, our soils are depleted of minerals, and so are our foods. Fruit is picked early and artificially ripened. It is placed in storage, transported and marketed, and finally reaches the consumer devoid of antioxidants. Vegetables are no better. A carrot is no longer a carrot! 
Additionally, our bodies have far more free-radicals to deal with because of the stresses of 21st century living. All up, free-radical damage affects us all. 

What are the visible signs of free-radical damage? 
Free-radical damage contributes heavily to the two biggest killers – heart disease and cancer. 
  
The Lancet medical journal in 1996 reported a Cambridge University study showing antioxidants reduce the rate of death from heart attack by 77%. In the USA, “Cancer Prevention Study 2” (CPS2) involved 1 million Americans taking “combination antioxidants” over 7 years, showed a 20% reduction in all causes of mortality. Extensive scientific studies and a growing number of testimonials prove these antioxidant formulas can dramatically improve health, retard ageing, prevent and often reverse disease processes such as cancer. 2 

Traditional antioxidants, like Vitamins A (Beta-Carotene), C and E are well known for their positive effects on the body. Their limit is that they only remain effective in the body for up to three hours. Other more powerful antioxidants, called ‘oligomeric proanthocyandins’, commonly referred to as OPCs, are effective in the body for up to three days. The best sources are from Grape Seed and White Pine Bark (pinus strobus). OPCs have been found to be 50 times more potent than Vitamin E and 20 times more powerful than Vitamin C. 3 
  
OPCs also have shown to act as an anti-inflammatory, an antihistamine, strengthen blood vessels and act against bleeding gums. They act as “super-smart missiles” which, when consumed, go into your body and target any damaged cells, restoring them. 4 
Another extremely powerful category of antioxidants are Curcuminoids, found in a certain type of Turmeric. Curcuminoids have been shown to have amazing anti-mutagenic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They offer protection from the influence of environmental toxins, and appear to have the ability to combat cancer-causing agents in the system. They are 60 times more powerful than Vitamin C and 150 times more powerful than Vitamin E. 5 

There are over 70 different conditions where the use of antioxidants have significantly helped people regain and maintain optimal health. Some of these are: 
ADD/ADHD, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, eye problems, gastro-intestinal problems, joint pain, lupus and other auto-immune diseases, inflammation and skin conditions. 6 

 
1. Tonita d’Raye, The Great Grape and Fine Pine, p. 8
2. Be Informed, The Global Health Alert
3. Ibid
4. Mark Virkler Go Natural, p 125
5. The Global Health Alert
6. Ibid

Anti-Cancer Diet

Points to consider

Fruits and vegetables

  • Essential for our daily intake of vitamins and minerals. In their raw form, plant chemicals present in fruit and vegetables will destroy free radicals in the body.
  • Plant chemicals fight the viruses and diseases we come into contact with from day to day. They help build a healthy immune system.
  • Certain vegetables should be avoided due to starchy carbohydrate content: white potatoes and corn, (as well as potato starch and corn starch food additives)

Grains

  • Avoid all wheat, even wholegrain wheat
  • Limit starchy carbohydrates because starch turns to sugar which feeds cancer.
  • Certain gluten free grains are better, (buckwheat, millet and quinoa), but still should be consumed in small amounts because a low carbohydrate diet is essential for avoiding or beating. Starches convert to sugar which feeds cancer.
  • See Wheat, the UNhealthy wholegrain by William Davis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbBURnqYVzw

Nuts and seeds

  • An important source of vitamins and minerals.
  • High in potassium, iron and phosphorous.
  • A good source of protein and ‘good’ oils.
  • Peanuts are not nuts and can cause health problems.

Fats and oils

  • Good fats are essential because they protect the cells from toxins in the body.
  • The best oils are those present in whole foods, (unprocessed).
  • The Essential Fatty Acids, omega-6 and omega-3, are best taken in the form of flax seeds, sesame seeds, avocado, olives and coconuts.
  • Fish oils are important for omega-3, but must be guaranteed mercury-free.
  • Any processed oil that is consumed should be cold-pressed.
  • An oil is not cold-pressed unless it is labelled cold-pressed.
  • Coconut oil and butter withstand high temperatures so can be used for cooking.
  • Heat extracted oils, or heated oils become carcinogenic, (toxic and possibly cancer-forming), in heat processing. This includes canola oil, general cooking oil and all margarine!
  • Oils should be stored in the dark.
  • Organic coconut oil has excellent health benefits, despite being a saturated oil
  • Organic butter is a valuable source of vitamins A,D,E and K.

Meat

  • Meat is a good source of essential protein.
  • Non-organic meat may contain chemical residue, antibiotics and hormones. The fat cells of animals provide the store house for these toxins.
  • Organic, home-cooked meats are best, and do not contain stored toxins.
  • Fish has many good properties, but due to mercury content, most is unsafe to eat. Wild Alaskan Salmon and sardines are probably the safest.
  • Processed meats like ham, bacon and sausage meats contain added chemicals and should be avoided.

Dairy products

  • Non-organic dairy products can contain toxins, stored in the fat cells of the animal. Organic dairy products are better.
  • The fat in homogenised milk has been broken down so much that it is easily absorbed. It causes weight gain and damages the arteries.  Non-homogenised milk is better.
  • Cow’s milk is mucous-forming and may a major cause of allergies.
  • Calcium found in plants can be absorbed well due to magnesium content, so provide good alternatives to cow’s milk.
  • Plant foods high in calcium are green vegetables, sesame seeds, tahini, chick peas, almonds, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds or pepitas, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, parsley, beetroot.
  • Goat milk may be more suited to humans than cow’s milk.
  • Cultured dairy products like bio-dynamic yoghurt and feta cheese can be assimilated more easily due to the presence of helpful bacteria which break down the molecules in the milk.

Eggs

  • Eggs are high in nutrients. Free-range organic eggs are best.
  • Free-range eggs are less prone to viruses that battery eggs. Organic raw eggs can help to detoxify heavy metals from the body
  • Eggs are a complete protein.
  • Free-range eggs from healthy chickens do not cause heart disease, but are protective.

Sugar

  • All forms of cane sugar should be avoided, whether brown, white or raw.
  • Processed cane sugar gives only a temporary energy boost, after which the energy level is lowered, and the body placed under strain in the digestive process.
  • Simple sugars occurring naturally in fruits and plants are good fuels for cells, producing energy. However even fruits should be eaten in small amounts. Too much fruit gives us a carbohydrate overload.
  • Other naturally occurring simple sugars such as honey, molasses or maple syrup can be used in small amounts.
  • Be aware of the sugar content of processed foods, e.g. tinned foods.
  • Foods labelled ‘no added sugar’ will probably contain the artificial sweetener, aspartame. This is a brain toxin.

Salt

  • All white salt should be avoided.
  • Sodium chloride, (table salt), has been refined to a state that is useful for flavour only.
  • The refining process creates toxicity.
  • Only unrefined salt should be used: Himalayan (pink) salt is best; Celtic (grey) salt. These unrefined (coloured) salts contain valuable minerals.

Acid or alkaline?

  • Sugar and starchy carbohydrates are acid forming. An overbalance of these foods in the diet will cause our bodies to be acidic. Body acidity can be tested using litmus paper on saliva or urine samples.
  • Raw vegetables are alkaline forming and create an internal alkaline environment.
  • The body should be slightly alkaline to function properly.
  • Cancer cell growth is thwarted in an alkaline environment.
  • For an anti-cancer diet, eat 75 – 80% raw fruit and vegetables at every meal.

Vitamin B17 for alternative cancer therapy

Philip Day has written an excellent book, “CANCER – Why we’re still dying to know the truth”. He outlines the exciting discovery of the use of vitamin B17 in curing cancer. Here are some extracts from his book:

“During the 1950s, after many years of research, a dedicated biochemist by the name of Ernst T. Krebs, Jr., isolated a new vitamin that he numbered B17 and called ‘laetrile’. As the years rolled by, thousands became convinced that Krebs had finally found the complete control for all cancers, a conviction that even more people share today.”

“‘Nitrilosides’ are natural foods rich in Vitamin B17. This vitamin is characterised by a large group of water-soluble, essentially non-toxic, sugary compounds found in over 800 plants, many of which are edible. one of the most common sources of B17 is found in plentiful supply within the kernels (seeds) of many non-citrus fruits, such as cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums and apples. However it is within the seed of the humble apricot that the highest concentrations of B17 can be found, up to 2 to 2.5 percent by weight in most varieties.”

Krebs’ studies showed that when a human or animal system ingests sufficient amount of laetrile (or in its natural form, hydrocynacic acid), this substance becomes selectively toxic to cancer cells.”
Krebs was aware that indigenous peoples consuming vast quantities of hydrocyanic acid were not experiencing any harmful side-effects. On the contrary, their lives were characterised by abundant good health and extreme longevity.
from Cancer – Why we’re still dying to know the truth, by Phillip Day, pp. 23-26

To find out more about this therapy, get hold of Phillip Day’s book. Available from www.credence.org

Philip Day lists foods containing vitamin B17. (Remember that while apricot, plum, peach and apple seeds contain higher concentrations, these other foods contain B17 as well)

  • kernels of apricots, plums, peaches, apples and nectarines
  • sheep sorrel (see recipe for sheep sorrel tea in The Healing Power of Food)
  • flaxseeds
  • tapioca
  • alfalfa sprouts
  • barley
  • blackberries
  • cashews
  • garbanzo beans (chick peas)
  • macadamia nuts
  • lentils
  • lima beans
  • millet
  • walnuts
  • yams
  • strawberries

Phillip Day’s research shows that people with cancer should consume apricot kernels, and people who do not have cancer should also consume them, in a lower dose, as a cancer preventative.

For those with cancer, Phillip Day suggests 40 per day, (depends on body weight), but build up to this amount gradually. People who are free of cancer and want to avoid it should take 8-10 per day. Don’t take more than 5 in one hour. For cancer patients particularly, it is important to consume paw paw and pineapple each day, as the natural enzymes strip the coating on the cancer cells, so that the B17 in the kernels can work. Vitamins A and E are also important for enhancing the work of the kernels.

Paul Reid, whose healing is outlined in The Healing Power of Food, built up to 30 kernels a day at the peak of his nutritional therapy and now takes a small maintenance dose. It is essential to take pancreatic enzymes or paw paw enzymes while taking apricot kernels.

Superfoods
Find out about seven superfoods that have recently been discovered to have excellent health benefits:
http://www.pluscorp.com.au/7-superfoods-for-a-happier-healthier-you

 

 

 

Paul Reid: Healing from Lymphoma

Paul Reid, Victoria, Australia.

Hear Paul’s story in part 3 of this 5 part youtube series:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMEkF3_DwGQ

 

The Healing Power of Food, written by my wife Cheryl, describes my journey from disease to health, and explains the diet and lifestyle changes undertaken in the process of healing from cancer (with no medical treatment), diagnosed Jan 1997.

I had been suffering from chronic fatigue for a number of years. I also suffered from colds and chest infections, which lingered on for months, sometimes requiring up to five courses of antibiotics to regain health. Upon examination by my doctor it was discovered my spleen was enlarged and some lymph nodes enlarged.

In December 1996, at the age of 55, I went for a C.T. scan, which showed probable lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. Although suffering from a persistent cough, and in no condition to undergo surgery, I was strongly urged by the specialist to undergo diagnostic surgery as soon as possible. This was to find out the exact type of lymphoma so that appropriate treatment could be given.

My wife and I were given much confidence by the specialist, who assured us that 90% of all lymphoma cases are completely curable by chemotherapy. Because most cases of lymphoma are aggressive, and fast moving, diagnostic surgery seemed fairly urgent. This would involve removal of some lymph nodes deep down within the abdomen, by no means a simple operation as many abdominal organs would be in the way.

At the same time we were beginning to consider what alternative therapies had to offer and were reading as much information as we could get our hands on about natural therapy. We were given the name of a health retreat in Queensland, Australia run by naturopaths. The retreat offered short-term live-in sessions involving fasting, colonic cleansing and natural therapy. Despite strong opposition from the cancer specialist, I decided to cancel my diagnostic operation and instead go for 9 days of natural therapy. On returning home, there was no sign of the cough, and I felt much rejuvenated. As I continued with my strict diet, along with herbal tonics and food supplements as recommended by the health retreat, my health continued to improve. I was gaining more and more confidence in natural therapy.

Additionally, I received prayer, a powerful experience that gave me faith. This was to be a great source of encouragement later, when I experienced times of despair and depression. Each time of depression presented a battle, which I had to fight with determination, holding on to the promise of life through faith in God, rather than focusing on the prospect of terminal illness.

Later in February I had a call, out of the blue, from the cancer specialist who explained that it was imperative that l submit myself for diagnostic surgery because there was a strong chance that the lymphoma was aggressive. I finally decided to go for the surgery. I was now feeling much stronger and able to face it. The surgery involved seven days in hospital, five of those days on an intravenous drip of saline solution. This was a traumatic experience but I made a good recovery. I returned immediately to the strict diet and supplements.

Two weeks after the surgery we were called to discuss the results. Much to everyone’s surprise, I was not in the 90% of ‘curable’ lymphoma cases. I had a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, (follicular small cleaved cell type involving mesenteric lymph nodes), for which there was no medical cure. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were ineffective on this type of cancer, (as at January 1997). The cancer was said to be fairly slow growing, which meant I had approximately four to seven years to live. Fortunately there was no evidence of secondary cancer.

Instead of being shocked by the news, my wife and I were relieved. By this time we had done enough research on natural therapy to know that chemotherapy and radiotherapy were not the only way. In fact we were relieved to be free from making the decision on which way to go. Also because my cancer was slow growing, it meant that there was time for natural therapy to work. So for me, obedience to a strict, healthy diet, making use of the healing properties in God’s creation was the only effective way to go.

We continued to believe that God would heal by both natural and supernatural means. Natural therapy meant obedience to a strict healthy diet, taking of the best nutritional supplements we could find. Making use of all the healing properties in God’s creation played as much importance as our overall belief that God would heal.

The first year proved to be the most difficult. Keeping hope and faith alive was not always easy, but vital. We discovered that the way we spoke about the illness was important. It was often necessary to explain to people why we were eating the way we were, or why I didn’t have enough energy to do things on certain days. Instead of saying, “I’ve got cancer”, I would say, “I’m recovering from cancer.”

One year after diagnosis, my chronic fatigue had lessened; the occasional cold was thrown off within a week without resorting to antibiotics. My health had improved dramatically.

Four years after diagnosis we read about the value of taking apricot kernels for healing and prevention of cancer. In Phillip Day’s book, Cancer, Why We’re Still Dying to Know the Truth, we found testimonials of people who had been healed from cancer using natural therapy, part of that therapy being vitamin B17 found in apricot kernels. I started taking the kernels along with the important enzymes . Fresh pineapple provides the enzyme, bromelain, and fresh paw paw or papaya contains papain. These fruits are eaten for breakfast. Additional pancreatic enzymes are taken in tablet form. I took 30 kernels a day for six months, just to make sure that the cancer was really gone, and then continued on a maintenance dose of 14 per day. Many people think that apricot kernels are toxic, but this is not the case. The compound of cyanide they contain is different to the toxic form of cyanide. Vitamin B17 is only toxic to cancer cells.

I also changed my nutritional supplements to those mentioned in Phillip Day’s book, and my energy level increased dramatically as a result of these supplements – more powerful than any I had ever tried before. We also threw out all our regular brands of personal care/bathroom products and substituted them for the safer non-toxic ones mentioned by Phillip Day. Detoxification is the key, and that means not putting into your body harmful chemicals that get absorbed through the skin.

Currently I am in good health. I still continue to take a maintenance dose of 10 kernels per day and still continue with the very effective supplements.

What do the doctors say? At my regular six-monthly check-ups by my G.P. finds no sign of swollen nodes or spleen. As for my oncologist, his advice was “just keep on doing what you have been doing.” He sees no need to undergo another C.T. scan, which involves some degree of exposure to radioactivity. The physical evidence is enough!

Apricot kernels in the media – Read Paul’s comments on two newspaper articles that featured his cancer survival story.