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New Study Links Common Pesticide to Chronic Kidney Disease

AHA Publisher — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 08:00:48 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – According to new statistics released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 37 million Americans – a startling 15 percent of adults across the nation – are now estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Not only that, but an astounding 90 percent of people with CKD do not even suspect they have it! And, even when severe kidney disease is involved, only 3 out of 5 individuals with the condition are aware of it. Against the backdrop of these disturbing figures, a just-published study reveals that malathion – the most popular organophosphate insecticide in the United States – substantially raises the risk of CKD in the American population. Clearly, this calls for closer examination of the link between this toxic pesticide and CKD. Let’s take a look at the research. WARNING: Chronic Kidney Disease Has Potentially Deadly Consequences Chronic kidney disease, also known as chronic kidney failure, involves damage to the kidneys and loss of kidney function. This serious condition jeopardizes the kidneys’ ability to filter waste products from the blood and excrete them through urine – causing fluid, electrolytes, and toxins to build up in the body. The early stages of kidney disease are often symptomless, causing the condition to go unnoticed. More advanced kidney disease may be indicated by fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, urination that becomes less or more frequent, confusion, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Keep in mind, CKD can lead to severe – and even life-threatening – complications, including pulmonary edema, heart disease, high levels of potassium in the blood, seizures, and irreversible kidney damage. The condition can progress to end-stage kidney failure, which – unless addressed by dialysis or a kidney transplant – is fatal. Malathion Exposure Is Linked to a 25 Percent Increase in Chronic Kidney Disease, Study Suggests In the study, which was published October 14 in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, researchers examined the effects of pesticides on kidney health in the US population. The research involved over 41,000 participants and was conducted using data from the USA National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Animal studies have previously shown that exposure to malathion increases markers of kidney injury, such as levels of serum creatinine and urea. And human studies, as well, have linked malathion to kidney damage. Also driving the research was the growing incidence of unexplained chronic kidney disease in tropical countries. While hypertension, diabetes, and aging are primary factors for chronic kidney disease, international researchers had noticed the growth of cases of CKD with no known cause, particularly in agricultural workers in poorer sections of India and Sri Lanka. The scientists suspected that environmental toxins such as pesticides might be playing a role – and wanted to examine the possible effects of pesticides on kidney health in the United States. And they found that malathion exposure was associated with a significant 25 percent increase in chronic kidney disease in the United States! Study co-author Nicholas Osborne, PhD, an associate professor at the Queensland University School of Public Health, reported that the study provided evidence of altered kidney function in people exposed to malathion. “Malathion,” Dr. Osborne stated, “increases the risk of low kidney function in the general US population.” Wait, There Is More! Malathion Depletes Supplies of the Body’s Most Potent Disease-Fighting Enzyme Categorized as a “probable carcinogen” by the World Health Organization, malathion has been linked in animal studies to birth defects and various cancers. It has also been shown to be an endocrine disruptor. Scientists believe that malathion and other organophosphate pesticides cause their damage by reducing the metabolism of glutathione, the body’s most important natural antioxidant. This in turn leads to increased oxidative stress and disease. Malathion is licensed for agricultural and domestic use – as well as for mosquito control in recreational areas – and turns up in a wide variety of applications. It may be used on fruits, vegetables, shrubs, and lawns, as well as in household pesticides for ant control. It can also be found in products used to treat fleas and ticks on pets – and even makes an appearance in some treatments for head lice on humans. Short-term effects of high exposure to malathion include headaches, nausea, dizziness, cramps, diarrhea, excessive sweating, blurred vision, and accelerated heart rate. Minimize Exposure to Malathion and Other Environmental Toxins While the Environmental Protection Agency insists that the small amounts of malathion used for mosquito control make effects on humans “unlikely,” Dr. Osborne warned that chronic exposure to pesticides – even in very small doses – can lead to negative health outcomes. Natural health experts note that people can be exposed to small – but damaging – amounts by eating conventional chemical-dependent foods, inhaling the spray through mosquito spray programs, and being exposed to “drift” from local landscape applications. To minimize exposure, experts advise remaining inside or avoiding the area for at least 30 minutes post-spray. Close windows and doors, turn off window air conditioners, and close vents during spraying – and for at least 10 minutes after. Minimize contact with surfaces in recently-sprayed areas, and – if these areas are contacted – wash skin well. Rinse both homegrown and store-bought fruits and vegetables well before cooking or eating. Of course, organic produce contains far lower amounts of synthetic pesticides. So, whenever possible, spend your food money wisely. And, don’t forget to protect your fine furry friends. Pet food and water dishes should be brought inside, and ornamental fishponds should be covered, if you notice any spraying of toxic chemicals. Other natural steps you can take to support kidney health include avoiding the overuse of NSAID medications, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, bypassing sodium-laden processed foods, and managing medical conditions that can harm kidneys. The fact that chronic kidney disease is common in American adults is disturbing, especially when you consider the lack of awareness. But: the fact that malathion appears to contribute to the growing global incidence of the disease is even worse. Be proactive and protect your health. It’s worth it! Editor’s note: Click here to learn more about kidney health inside the Fatty Liver Docu-Class. It’s available now. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com MayoClinic.org Health.NY.gov BeyondPesticides.com To read the original article click here.

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Is Cottonseed Oil Good or Bad for You? What You Need to Know

AHA Publisher — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 07:00:30 +0000

Christine Ruggeri, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Maybe you’ve noticed that the benefits and uses of cooking oils are getting lots of attention lately. People are trying to decipher between the “good” and “bad” oils. One that’s often brought up is cottonseed oil — a commonly used cooking oil that’s made from, you guessed it, cottonseeds. It’s actually known as America’s original vegetable oil. So why is cottonseed oil considered one of the danger foods in the American diet? Let’s dive in. What Is Cottonseed Oil? Cottonseed oil is a cooking oil made from the seeds of the cotton plant. It belongs in the same category as canola oil, soybean oil and safflower oil, as it’s really an inflammatory “vegetable” oil that’s processed and can easily oxidize when exposed to high heat, light and air. Cottonseed oil is refined in order to remove gossypol, a naturally occurring toxin in the seed’s oil that works to protect the plant from insects. If consumed, this natural pesticide may be toxic, so it’s always removed from the seeds that are used to make cooking oil or flour. You’ll find hydrogenated cottonseed oil on the ingredient list in many processed and packaged foods. It’s used in salad dressings, baked goods, cereals and more. Uses Cottonseed oil has many uses. It’s well-known for its use as a cooking oil, much like canola or soybean oils. But it’s also used in shortenings and packaged foods. Some products that may contain cottonseed oil include: potato chips baked goods (like packaged cookies and cakes) crackers snack bars cereals salad dressings mayonnaise margarine pasta sauce In foods, it’s used for frying, to add moisture to baked goods and to provide a creamy consistency in whipped creams and icings. Oil from cottonseeds is also used topically in some cosmetic products. It’s used as an oil and emollient that can soften the skin. It’s fragrance-free and used as a skin-moisturizing agent. You may find cottonseed oil in face and body cleansers, eye makeup and lipsticks. Potential Benefits 1. Contains Linoleic Acid About 55 percent of refined cottonseed oil is made up of polyunsaturated fats like linoleic acid. This is an omega-6 fatty acid that, when consumed in moderation, has been shown to help reduce inflammation, lower the risk of heart disease, improve brain function and boost immune function. Linoleic acid is also found in safflower oil, sunflower oil, corn oil and sesame oil. These types of omega-6 fatty acids should be consumed along with omega-3 fatty acids. Unfortunately, the standard American diet consists of way too much omega-6 fats, which can actually have adverse effects on your health. 2. Provides Oleic Acid Almost 20 percent of oil from cottonseeds contains oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid that’s found naturally in vegetable fats. Oleic acid is known for its ability to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. It may also help prevent type 2 diabetes, fight infections and promote brain function. Olive oil, almond oil and avocado oil contain even higher amounts of heart-healthy oleic acid. 3. Promotes Skin Health Cottonseed oil benefits the skin because of its moisturizing and soothing properties. Unrefined cottonseed oil contains vitamin E oil, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects. Although there isn’t any scientific evidence of this cottonseed oil benefit, it’s commonly used topically for these reasons. Keep in mind, if you aren’t using an organic product, there may be pesticides present. 4. Protects Hair Cottonseed oil for hair helps moisturize your hair and scalp, and it may help reduce or eliminate dandruff. It can also be used as a styler, helping add shine and tame your hair, reducing the need for hair products that contain chemical additives. Your hair may be less likely to break when you use just a bit of cottonseed oil before styling. Dangers 1. Gossypol Toxicity Research published in the Scientific World Journal indicates that consuming high concentrations of gossypol can lead to clinical signs of gossypol poisoning, which may include respiratory distress, weakness, apathy and impaired body weight gain. In addition to the possibility of health issues related to gossypol poisoning, the compound can also cause male and female reproductive issues, and it may interfere with immune function. Cottonseed oil that’s bought for cooking goes through an extensive refining process in order to remove the gossypol content. To experience gossypol poisoning, you’d have to consume high concentrations of the compound. 2. May Contain Pesticides Because cotton is not classified as a food crop, it’s often grown with high levels of pesticides. If you are buying a stand-alone cottonseed product, look for an organic option from a reputable source. But do be careful of packaged foods containing this ingredient, as they likely contain conventional cottonseed oil. 3. High in Omega-6s Like many vegetable oils, cottonseed oil contains high amounts of omega-6fatty acids. A diet high in these fats, and low in omega-3s, can lead to inflammation. Omega-6s are found in many unhealthy, convenient foods, like chips, pizzas, salad dressings and processed meats. If you’re consuming cottonseed oil with processed junk foods, it’s not contributing to your health. This is exactly why vegetable oils like cottonseed are foods to avoid. Healthier Alternatives Because of the potential toxic compounds present in cottonseed oil, and because it contains high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids, there are healthier alternatives out there. They include: Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Olive oil is higher in heart-healthy oleic acid and other monounsaturated fats. It’s known to reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It’s best for drizzling on top of salads or using to add flavor to dips and prepared dishes. Coconut Oil Coconut oil contains MCTs, or medium-chain triglycerides, that help increase metabolism, boost energy and support brain function. It’s excellent in smoothies, in baked goods and can be used for cooking. Avocado Oil If you’re looking for an oil that’s great for high-heat cooking, choose avocado oil. It’s rich in antioxidants, like lutein, and much higher in monounsaturated fats than cottonseed and other vegetable oils. Conclusion Cottonseed oil is considered a vegetable oil, and it’s often used in processed, packaged foods. Although when consumed in small amounts, it has potential health benefits due to its fatty acid content, it’s usually consumed along with unhealthy, inflammatory junk foods. There are healthier oils out there that contain more heart-healthy fats and less omega-6 fatty acids. Some of the best options include coconut oil, olive oil and avocado oil. To read the original article click here. For more articles by Dr. Axe click here.

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