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New Study Reveals: Hidden Risks of Pesticides in Popular Fruits and How to Avoid Them

The AHA! Team — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 08:14:33 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – As a healthcare professional committed to promoting holistic health and well-being, I find it increasingly important to discuss the implications of pesticide exposure from non-organic produce. Recent findings from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and investigations by Consumer Reports have shed light on the concerning levels of pesticides found in both domestic and imported fruits and vegetables, raising substantial concerns about their impact on human health, particularly hormone systems and potential developmental issues in children. The EWG’s 2024 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce highlights that a staggering 75 percent of all conventional fresh produce sampled contains residues of potentially harmful pesticides. More alarming, items on their Dirty Dozen list—which identifies the 12 non-organic fruits and vegetables with the most pesticides—show that 95 percent of samples harbor pesticide residues. Among the most frequently detected are fungicides such as fludioxonil, pyraclostrobin, boscalid, and pyrimethanil, with some showing properties that may disrupt the endocrine system and harm the male reproductive system. Furthermore, Consumer Reports’ recent analysis echoes these findings, indicating high levels of pesticide contamination in commonly consumed fruits and vegetables, with a significant portion originating from imports. The report highlights that certain produce, like strawberries and green beans, even when labeled organic, still show pesticide levels due to widespread contamination and issues in pesticide regulation enforcement. Consuming too many pesticides in food can lead to a variety of health problems. Neurological Effects: Pesticides have been linked to neurological problems due to their potential to act as neurotoxins. Chronic exposure can impair cognitive function, cause memory deficits, and increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease. A study by Freire and Koifman in 2012 found that exposure to pesticides in agricultural settings significantly increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease in individuals. Cancer: Various pesticides have been classified as probable carcinogens. Long-term exposure to these chemicals can increase the risk of cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia, and prostate cancer. A significant study by Alavanja et al. in 2013 suggests that high levels of exposure to certain pesticides may correlate with increased risks of multiple types of cancer in agricultural workers. Hormonal Disruption: Pesticides can interfere with hormone function, leading to reproductive and developmental problems. These chemicals can mimic or block hormones, disrupting the body’s normal hormone functions, which may lead to issues such as infertility, birth defects, and developmental delays in children. Research published by Mostafalou and Abdollahi in 2013 highlights the endocrine-disrupting potential of several widely used pesticides and their implications for human health. The implications of these findings are profound, especially for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women. Fungicides and other pesticides are linked to various health issues, including hormonal disruptions and developmental problems in children. For instance, studies have shown that fludioxonil can act like estrogen and increase the proliferation of breast cancer cells. Similarly, pyrimethanil has been linked to thyroid disruption and may block androgen receptors in the body, posing risks to thyroid health and reproductive functions. The dangers of pesticides extend beyond individual health concerns. The USDA’s tests, which still found traces of 254 different pesticides in fruits and vegetables after washing and peeling, suggest that the current methods of reducing pesticide exposure are insufficient. The presence of multiple pesticide residues can lead to compound effects that are not yet fully understood, potentially making them more harmful than the sum of their individual parts. Three Effective Ways to Reduce Pesticide Residues on Your Fruits and Vegetables To combat these risks, it is crucial to adopt strategies that minimize exposure to pesticides, especially for those most at risk. While washing and scrubbing produce under running water can reduce pesticide levels, no method entirely removes all residues. Thus, opting for organic produce becomes a safer choice. Organic farming not only limits the use of synthetic pesticides but also supports sustainable agricultural practices that benefit the environment. Proper Washing Techniques: Wash strawberries and other produce under cold running water rather than warm or hot, as higher temperatures can cause some fruits and vegetables to absorb contaminants present in the water. Cold water is sufficient to remove surface dirt and some residues. Scrubbing firm produce with a brush and soaking delicate fruits like strawberries in cold water for a few minutes can help remove additional pesticides. Use filtered or reverse osmosis water if possible, as it’s free from potentially harmful contaminants commonly found in tap water, ensuring that you’re not adding more pollutants while trying to clean your produce. Natural Cleaning Solutions: Consider using a natural produce wash, which can be more effective at removing residues than water alone. You can make a simple and effective wash at home by mixing one part vinegar to three parts water. Soak your fruits and vegetables in the solution, then rinse thoroughly with cold, filtered water. The acetic acid in vinegar helps to break down pesticides and remove bacteria and viruses. Peeling and Trimming: While you might lose some fiber and nutrients, peeling fruits and vegetables can remove pesticides that linger on the skin. For strawberries, since peeling isn’t an option, remove the leafy cap and any white flesh directly beneath it, which may hold more residues. This step can be useful for produce where the outer layer or skin is not typically consumed. As we continue to uncover the long-term impacts of pesticide exposure, it becomes clear that current standards may not adequately protect our health, particularly that of children. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other health organizations recommend minimizing children’s exposure to pesticides, citing links to developmental delays and various health disorders. While the health benefits of consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables remain clear, the potential risks associated with pesticide exposure cannot be overlooked. It is imperative for consumers to be informed and cautious about their produce choices, opting for organic when possible, and for policymakers to enforce more stringent controls on pesticide use. By taking these steps, we can help ensure a healthier future for ourselves and our children, free from the hidden dangers of pesticide contamination. To read the original article click here.

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NEW Research Links 3 More Pesticides to Parkinson’s Disease

The AHA! Team — Mon, 06 May 2024 18:41:51 +0000

Patrick Tims via NaturalHealth365 – The call to restrict or ban pesticide use is not mere alarmism; it’s grounded in substantial evidence and urgent necessity. Paraquat – a highly toxic herbicide – has long been linked to Parkinson’s disease. Now, a recent report has shed alarming light on the dire consequences associated with the use of three more pesticides. This latest analysis unequivocally demonstrates that these harmful chemicals, when applied to crops, are directly linked to the onset of Parkinson’s disease – a debilitating neurological disorder that robs individuals of their quality of life and independence. Pesticides used throughout the United States are now in the crosshairs The three pesticides currently under scrutiny are widely utilized in crop cultivation across the United States despite their potential to cause Parkinson’s disease. Despite being relatively unnoticed by many, there has been a concerning surge in the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease, mirroring the upward trend observed in several other neurological conditions. Research indicates that these toxic pesticides pose significant harm to brain neurons. While 14 pesticides have been associated with an elevated risk of Parkinson’s disease, the connection appears most pronounced with three specific pesticides. Parkinson’s disease manifests as the progressive loss of neurons in the brain, leading to debilitating immobility among patients. These neurons play a pivotal role in producing dopamine, a neurotransmitter crucial for transmitting signals throughout the brain. The decline or loss of such signaling capability profoundly compromises an individual’s motor control. Accumulation of the alpha-synuclein peptide within the neurons of Parkinson’s patients exacerbates neuron damage and impedes dopamine production, which is essential for signal transmission. Living in areas of high pesticide use increases risk of Parkinson’s disease Though the idea that chemicals might damage neurons in the brain was floated as early as the 1980s, it hasn’t been proven until recently. The research linked above will be formally presented this April at Denver’s American Academy of Neurology’s 76th annual meeting. Though the study has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal, it is only a matter of time until it reaches academic circles and mainstream society. The research, conducted by scholars from Washington University and Amherst College, sheds light on how the risk of Parkinson’s disease is closely tied to the extent of exposure to pesticides. These researchers delved into data concerning 21,549,400 individuals living in the USA and mapped the usage of pesticides across counties from 1992 to 2008. The findings showed that 14 pesticides were associated with a greater risk of Parkinson’s disease in the wide open spaces of America’s Great Plains and the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains. In particular, the pesticides atrazine, lindane, and simazine had the strongest link to heightened Parkinson’s risk. Simazine is an herbicide primarily used to control broadleaf weeds and grasses in various crops such as corn, sugarcane, citrus fruits, and ornamental plants. It can also be used to control weeds in non-crop areas such as highways, railways, and industrial sites. Lindane is an organochlorine insecticide – used to control pests in agriculture, forestry, and veterinary medicine. Lindane has also been used to treat lice and scabies infestations in humans and animals and to treat wood and seeds. Atrazine is a widely used herbicide primarily applied to control weeds in crops such as corn, sugarcane, sorghum, and other crops. It is also used in non-agricultural settings such as golf courses and residential lawns for weed control. The results of the study are deeply concerning: Those in areas with the highest atrazine use were 31% more likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s Those in areas with the highest lindane use were 25% more likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s Those in areas with the highest simazine use were 36% more likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s Though these three pesticides have been restricted in other countries, they are allowed in the United States. Strategies to reduce your exposure to toxic pesticides It’s crucial for every American to recognize that Parkinson’s disease has doubled in prevalence over the past 25 years. This condition is now the fastest-growing brain disorder worldwide, but you have the power to prevent yourself from becoming a statistic. Avoid fruits and vegetables that have been treated with pesticides. Instead of patronizing Big Box stores and corporate supermarkets that stock produce grown with pesticides, opt to shop locally at farmers’ markets, locally owned stores, and roadside stands that sell organic produce. Simply put, our food choices have the power to make this world less toxic and better for all of us. Sources for this article include: Aanfiles.bob.core.windows.net Medicalnewstoday.com Medpagetoday.com To read the original article click here.

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WARNING: Gene-Edited Meat Products Coming to Supermarkets Near You

AHA Publisher — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – Sure, we know that most conventionally produced meat isn’t the healthiest food. For instance, numerous studies linked the consumption of meat – loaded with toxic chemicals and synthetic antibiotics – to cancer and heart disease. Even “leaner” meats seem to be healthy only when eaten in moderation, because of the toxicity already mentioned. Moreover, the meat industry is pretty rough on the planet, contributing to ozone depletion, antibiotic resistance, and animal cruelty. Supposedly to fix some of those issues, innovators have pushed gene-edited burgers for years now. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has heard their requests and has just approved the first gene-edited cattle. Gene-Edited Meat: Is it a Good Thing? These cows have shorter, slicker coats. The thinking? Those coats will help them withstand heat better. That will lead to less stress and higher meat production – but is that a good thing? Like the fake meat revolution, gene-edited meat products aren’t necessarily a beneficial replacement for the natural version. On the contrary, the processed substitution strips out vital nutrients that help you successfully digest foods that were meant to be eaten whole. What else? They’re often grown in conditions that harm the environment, such as those that use pesticides. In addition, they lack the synergistic health qualities that natural, heritage, whole foods bring to the table. If that’s not enough, nothing is saying gene-edited cattle will be grown in more human conditions once their DNA is tweaked. The very point of the modification seems to be packing cows “comfortably” into close quarters. Synthetic Foods: Not All They’re Cracked Up to Be The new green light has also missed several critical steps in a safe approval process. These include: Streamlining the approval process and skipping normal review factors Failing to conduct long-term safety and toxicity studies Not adequately safeguarding our genetic stock for the future Gene-Editing Leads to Unintentional Consequences This decision also ignores information showing that changing DNA in one area is not necessarily contained to that area. Instead, it may lead to long-term changes in cattle DNA. Brazil, for instance, was working toward herds of genetically dehorned cows. They used the same CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology approved by the FDA to adjust their cows’ genes. Then they discovered unintended DNA errors cropping up. Also, as COVID-19 has shown us, when one organism’s DNA changes, it can significantly impact another organism – i.e., human health. We can’t afford simply to ignore this. Here Is a Better Way to Meat Like meat? Want to have less of an impact on the environment? There’s a better way. For one thing, study after study conducted by luminaries such as the Rodale Institute has shown that organic food can feed the world. The argument that we need conventional and genetically engineered foods to address the planet’s food crisis is overblown, if not outright false. For another, there is plenty of environment-friendly meat to be had. We don’t need to purchase meat loaded with toxins, pathogens, parasites, and antibiotics. We can say no to Big Meat by refusing to buy fast food and avoiding synthetic and/or conventional meats at the grocery store and deli. Instead, patronize Earth-friendly, human, regenerative farms – which offer 100% grass fed beef products, from locally sourced smaller farms. These raise meat healthy for humans, honor our genetic heritage, protect breeding stock for the future, and tread lightly on the planet. It’s not too late to vote with our dollars. So say yes to better beef today. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org Wired.com RodaleInstitute.org To read the original article click here.

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Report Reveals SHOCKING Level of Glyphosate Contamination in Foods Sold by Top Grocery Stores

AHA Publisher — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 07:00:31 +0000

Wendy Miller via NaturalHealth365 – Do you ever wonder what is in your food? Most people blindly believe that if you buy from a “good company” like Whole Foods Market, Target, and Hy-Vee, you are getting quality foods safe for you and your family. Apparently, that isn’t the case and companies like Quaker Oats, those that make wheat bread, are some of the worst. The scariest part is that the FDA knows about most foods with higher than expected glyphosate levels and still considers them safe. Even non-GMO products have shown significant levels of weedkillers. Most Widely Used Weedkiller in U.S. Linked to Causing Cancer in Humans According to the National Pesticide Information Center, glyphosate is an herbicide used to kill broadleaf plants and grasses. Glyphosate is one of the most commonly used weedkillers in the U.S. and has been used since the 1970s. Roundup, the brand name of a broad-spectrum glyphosate-based herbicide initially made by Monsanto, has been linked to causing cancer in humans. Bayer/Monsanto, the maker of Roundup, has paid millions in damages to people who have used the weedkiller and consequently have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or other types of cancer. We are told it is natural and safe for small traces of pesticides and weedkillers to be found in agricultural products. But is that really so? And why is a known carcinogen being sprayed on our crops, anyway? And how much is too much? TOXIC Foods: Despite Risk of Severe Adverse Health Effects, Glyphosate Contamination Is Widespread Glyphosate can be found in foods as well as baby items like diapers. When used as a weedkiller, it can be found on grains and any other mass-produced farm crop. It can also be found in vegetables and fruits grown in your own gardens if you choose to use Roundup or other types of chemicals. If you live next to a large farming operation, you also run the risk of contamination through run-off from the farmer’s acreage to yours. It is mind-boggling to imagine that the chemical is used on over 70 different crops. Some examples of contaminated foods are rice, almonds, grapes, garbanzo beans, and sunflowers. How Much Gyphosate Is Too Much? The Answer May Surprise You In the United States, exposure to 1.75mg/kg BW/day glyphosate is considered acceptable. In Europe, the acceptable limit is much lower; 0.3 mg/kg BW/day. But it turns out, levels considered acceptable by government authorities do not necessarily mean safe. Both amounts have already been proven too high to be safe, but the FDA seems to disregard that the levels are dangerous. Comprehensive studies have already shown the link between developmental and reproductive issues in both female and male rats. DNA damage and alterations in how genes function have also been found in many peer-reviewed studies. Levels deemed safe by the EPA’s standard could be reduced by at least 100 times and still be too high to be considered safe. Comprehensive Glyphosate Testing Reveals Shocking Results Samples were taken from hundreds of foods sold by some of the most popular retailers, including Walmart, Target, Whole Foods Market, and many others. A variety of essential foods like grains, beans, and even protein shakes were tested. Thanks to the vast number and wide array of foods included, this was the most comprehensive glyphosate testing ever conducted in the U.S. What did the researchers find? Shockingly, both Walmart and Whole Foods Market sold foods that tested abnormally high, including non-GMO foods. What Can You Do To Reduce Your Exposure to Toxic Chemicals in Your Food? Be as vigilant as possible when it comes to reading labels. It’s also a good idea to go with brand names that you know and trust when it comes to buying organic or at least weedkiller-free foods. Avoid shopping at grocery stores that are known to follow their own rules when it comes to foods that contain contaminants and other hazardous chemicals. Follow the research performed by groups outside of the FDA or the toxic chemical companies. You may be surprised at what you learn. Take a close look at your shopping habits. Do you find yourself buying the same foods week over week? Most of us do, which is why doing your research about the brands you buy is critical. You may be shocked to find out that some of your favorite products contain toxic chemicals that could alter your DNA and even harm your reproductive health. What you put into your body every day will have a long-term effect on your health. It is undoubtedly clear that we cannot count on government authorities to protect us. Instead, protect your health by becoming informed and purchasing most of your foods from organic, non-GMO sources. And, above all, try to avoid consuming non-organic wheat, corn and soy products – which are loaded with unwanted toxins like, glyphosate. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org NPIC.orst.edu To read the original article click here.

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Worse Than Junk Food? Studies Show Farmed Salmon Among Most Toxic Foods on Planet

AHA Publisher — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 08:00:30 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – When you think of clean eating, chances are salmon immediately springs to mind. It is the poster child of brain-friendly, heart-healthy fare, advertised on cooking shows and in medical journals as a panacea for the ills of the modern age. And yet, not all salmon are created equal. Farmed salmon has gained an unfair advantage when it comes to its reputation, simply by dint of being related to its wild ancestor. New studies show, however, that not only is that advantage unearned, but it may also actually be prompting us to make terrible health choices. Because it turns out, farmed salmon is worse than junk food. Salmon Farms: Rife With Health Concerns for Humans and Fish As nicely summarized by The Defender, linked above, aggregated studies have some pretty terrible news to share about farmed salmon. These include the facts that: Fish farms pollute the ocean with toxic chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), which is linked to higher incidences of cancer, immunosuppression, neurotoxicity, and reproductive issues Farmed salmon contained toxin levels at as much as five times the rate of wild fish Farmed fish spread disease to wild fish populations, threatening ecosystems and our future food stock Toxins in fish food and local environmental pollutants on fish farms concentrate in the salmon and are passed on to people Here Is Why Farmed Salmon Is NOT a Health Food The above study found that farmed salmon is among the most toxic foods on the planet. So rather than the health food it is proposed to be, it has more in common with junk food. Why? Because fish are fed pellets that have more in common with low-grade pet kibble than with their natural food source. Close proximity to one another also means fish get diseases and attract parasites at higher rates, so they must be “protected” with antibiotics and pesticides. Many farms are located in naturally polluted waters, such as the mouths of dirty rivers. Where these empty out, the oceans receive massive loads of garbage, human waste, and algae blooms. Moreover, farmed salmon is often passed off as its superior cousin, wild salmon. This happens in restaurants, cheating the consumer and depriving career fishermen of valuable income. So if you wouldn’t feed your family McDonald’s, saying no to farmed salmon should be a no-brainer. It is not how we should spend our money as conscientious consumers. Wild Salmon Offers Plenty of Health Benefits Let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater, though. While the farmed variety should immediately go on your blacklist, wild salmon is still excellent for your health. It contains large amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for the brain and help keep your body in balance with the less-great Omega-6 variety. It is also a good source of protein, B vitamins, and important micronutrients such as potassium, selenium, and astaxanthin. The only thing you need to do? It’s actually pretty simple: buy the wild variety. It’s better for your body, for our food systems, for fishermen, and for the world, so make the switch today. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org Gatewaytosouthamerica-newsblog.com Healthline.com To read the original article click here.

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It’s Time to Get Off the “Pesticide Treadmill” and Here Is Why

AHA Publisher — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 08:00:20 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – For decades we’ve known that pesticides and agriculture are a deadly combination. Over the years, the government has passed regulations that make it look like they are making an earnest effort to “clean up” our food when, in fact, they are simply exchanging one pesticide that has come onto our radar and garnered a lot of attention for another that is more obscure. The less you know, the more you will accept. Your government is riding on the hope, the assumption, that the people are largely uninformed – and they’re absolutely correct. The truth is, pesticides have made their way into not only the crops but also the animal herds. And the effects are long-lasting as well as devastating. The pesticide treadmill is real, and it is detrimental to your health. What Is the “Pesticide Treadmill” and Why Is it Detrimental to Your Health? The pesticide treadmill is a trap that gets farmers caught up in a vicious cycle of pesticide use. They begin innocently enough with minimal product. That doesn’t last long, though. As weeds and insects develop resistance to pesticides, the farmers must use a higher quantity and more toxic chemicals to maintain control. The resistance that insects and weeds develop due to pesticide use breeds superbugs and superweeds which do not respond to the chemicals being used. When this happens, and farmers begin seeing it in their crops, they use more potent chemicals like 2,4-D, linked to reproductive problems, brain damage, and several types of cancer. To put this into perspective, farmers in the United States in the 1940s lost 7% of their crops to pests. Today, that number has increased to 13% despite the increased use of pesticides. It is estimated that since 1945 as many as 1,000 weed and insect species have developed a resistance to pesticides. The sad truth is that this is entirely unnecessary. There are several alternatives available for managing garden, lawn, and home pests without harmful, toxic pesticides. But Wait, the Damage Does Not Stop There! Pesticide Use Leads to MANY Serious Problems Several serious problems can emerge from this pesticide use. As the farmer must use stronger and more toxic chemicals, those chemicals are transferred to the people who eat the crops. But they are also transferred to the animals that graze on the lands and are fed either from food grown on the farm or stored in close proximity to the pesticide use or storage. These chemicals have been linked to a number of health problems, an increased risk of death, and birth defects. These chemicals are seeping into our water, soil, and food chain. There isn’t much that pesticides haven’t touched. And that’s a problem. The U.S. Geological Survey conducted tests on rural waterways and found that pesticides contaminated more than 61% at high enough levels that it was harmful to the aquatic life there. In the soil, pesticides decrease microbial diversity, which destroys the organic matter that holds water in the soil, increasing the farmland’s resiliency to drought. And if that isn’t enough, this pesticide problem is not only confined to the farms using the chemicals. The chemicals can also find their way onto other farms via water runoff and other ways. So even farms that are not caught up in the pesticide treadmill are still affected. Here Is how to Reduce Your Exposure to Toxic Chemicals in Your Food One of the best ways to escape the effects of the pesticide treadmill is to turn to small, local farms instead of massive commercial farms. These farms use cottage gardening, a small-scale plan that uses smaller plots of land for farming. As a result, it is easier to manage, and pesticide use, if any, is on a much smaller scale. While there are companies out there developing alternatives and products that may help break that cycle, they still have a way to go. Today, your best bet is to look to the small, local farmers to get your food. You have a better chance of staying pesticide-free that way. Sources for this article include: Panna.org ChildrensHealthDefense.org Panna.org Enviropaedia.com To read the original article click here.

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DEADLY Cocktails: Pesticide Combinations Decimate Record Number of Bees, Far More Than Previously Thought

AHA Publisher — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 08:00:47 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – Honey bees have been under attack for over a decade, yet most people don’t know about it. Bees are threatened with extinction, and their complete disappearance would be catastrophic to life as we know it. Yet, mounting evidence suggests that pesticides are key factors in their decline. Considering the importance of bees, why do we keep using products and instituting practices that kill them off? That is the question the world must finally look in the face and answer, thanks to recent research regarding pesticides’ impact on bee populations. And it’s about time! Here Is Why Bees Are Critical to Maintain Our Food Supply The impact that bees have on our environment is immense. They are a crucial component in pollination which means the growth of flowers, trees, and other plants that provide food and shelter for animals and humans. They are major contributors to interconnected, complex ecosystems that support life for diverse species to coexist. They are master crop pollinators. Remove the bees, and our food supply will be threatened. No bees mean no food gardens, and that means empty plates. They also produce honey which possesses remarkable healing properties. High-quality, organic, raw honey works as an antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial making it as beneficial for the body as it is for making life a little sweeter. Yes, bees are that important. Pesticide Combinations Are Particularly Deadly to Bee Populations, Studies Suggest A study published in 2019 had several sobering conclusions: Since 1970 nearly half of all insect species have disappeared Currently, 41% of insect species are at risk of becoming extinct 1 in 6 species of bees have become locally extinct in at least one geographic area or region An August 2021 report published in Nature identified specific pesticide combinations that pose a substantial threat to bees, causing more damage than previously thought. When bees interact with multiple agrochemicals, it can increase bee mortality significantly. More importantly, it synergistically impacts bees, meaning that if one pesticide kills 10% of honeybees in a colony and a different pesticide kills another 10% in that same colony, a synergistic effect could lead to a mortality rate of up to 40% or greater. And this is what is currently happening and why our bees are dying. It’s Time For More Rigorous Regulations on Pesticides Researchers and environmental advocates are calling for more stringent regulations for pesticides as the ones currently in place are ineffective in protecting bees. Scientists recommend that not only should individual pesticides or chemicalsbe tested, but common combinations be tested as well. Many chemical companies sell a “cocktail” comprised of several different pesticides and chemicals designed for agricultural purposes. While the individual ingredients have undergone testing, there is no testing for the compounds formed when the chemicals are combined. Survival of Bees Are Affected by MANY Threats Pesticides are not the only threat bees face. Poor nutrition and parasites can also affect bees, but not in a synergistic manner that pesticides do. Invasive species, habitat loss, and pollution also factor into the decline of bees, but again, not to the magnitude that unregulated pesticide compounds do. Our bees are important, and as guardians of our world, it is our responsibility to protect them. More research is needed to study and address all of the threats that bee populations face and examine and analyze pesticide and chemical compounds used in agricultural settings and elsewhere. Keep in mind, the bees were here first … and they are vital to sustaining life as we know it and keeping our ecosystems in balance. Simply put, it’s time to show nature the respect it deserves. We can all benefit from that way of living. Sources for this article include: Nature.com EcoWatch.com NewsTarget.com Independent.co.uk To read the original article click here.

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CANCER ALERT: 300+ Chemicals Found to Increase Risk of Breast Cancer

AHA Publisher — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 07:23:02 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – According to the American Cancer Society, the typical woman has a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer at some point in her lifetime. Sadly, the rates of breast cancer have increased dramatically in recent decades. Today, breast cancer remains the most common type of cancer affecting women, other than skin cancer. Why are breast cancer rates skyrocketing – could the growing number of cancer-causing chemicals found in our environment be to blame? Data from one new study suggests yes. Hundreds of Chemicals Found in Common Everyday Products Shown to Promote the Synthesis of Hormones Linked to Breast Cancer, New Research Finds The study, published in the recent edition of Environmental Health Perspectives, used laboratory testing to identify chemicals that may cause breast cancer by elevating the synthesis of estradiol (estrogen) and progesterone, two hormones linked to an increased breast cancer risk. The researchers found that 296 chemicals demonstrated the ability to increase the activity of one or both of these hormones. Chemicals, including hexythiazox, oxyfluorfen, pirimiphos-methyl, and 3,3′-dimethylbenzidine, were found in various sources, including “pesticides, consumer product ingredients, food additives, and drinking water contaminants.” The researchers note that at least 53 of the chemicals tested are currently being used in consumer products, despite the fact that there is “inadequate information to assess carcinogenic potential.” Incredibly, as many as 13% of the nearly 300 chemicals were previously identified as “unlikely” carcinogens or reproductive/developmental toxicants, despite showing cancer-causing potential in the comprehensive laboratory study. How could such a misclassification occur? One explanation relates to a failure of conventional toxicology testing. Generally, toxicology testing of U.S. consumer products only looks at whether chemicals mimic estrogen or bind to hormone receptors. But what is rarely tested is whether chemicals can actually trigger estrogen production, which is exactly what these researchers discovered. “Because [estradiol and progesterone] are important risk factors for breast cancer, chemicals that increase their synthesis may also increase the risk for breast cancer and must be prioritized for further research and exposure reduction,” the authors conclude. Beyond Everyday Household Items, Common Pharmaceutical Products Have Been Associated With Breast Cancer, Too It’s not just food, pesticides, and household products that can expose you and your loved ones to chemicals that increase the risk of cancer. Unfortunately, many drugs and medical products have an elevated cancer risk, too. Remember hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? Once widely recommended by medical professionals, HRT has been strongly linked to breast cancer, as just one example. We see this especially among postmenopausal women, who are more likely to have breast cancer when they have higher blood levels of estradiol, according to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. According to BreastCancer.org, combination HRT increases a woman’s risk of breast cancer by as much as 75 percent. Another group of medications linked with breast cancer – oral contraceptives, according to the National Cancer Institute. Indeed, the International Agency for Research on Cancer and World Health Organization identified combination oral contraceptives (which contain estrogen and progestin) as a Group 1 carcinogen back 2005 – putting “the pill” in the same category as arsenic, asbestos, and tobacco smoke. Question: if you’re a female or the parent of a female, did your doctor ever explain to you the full range of risks associated with this medication? Were you ever informed that oral contraceptives might cause cancer? Sources for this article include: Childrenshealthdefense.org Grandviewresearch.com NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov Komen.org Cancer.gov WHO.int To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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SHOCKING Truth You Should Know About Your Drinking Water

AHA Publisher — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 07:00:43 +0000

Wendy Miller via NaturalHealth365 – Too many people believe that since our drinking water is readily available and clear, it contains few to no contaminants. The fact is, almost 41% of our water supply that comes from wells contains some type of pesticide or other contaminants. Close to one-third contains some type of pesticide degradates. Degradates are produced as pesticides transform into various other compounds. Both pesticides and degradates can have a disastrous effect on a person’s health. There are solutions, however. How Pesticides Make Their Way Into Your Drinking Water Pesticides are applied to agricultural fields to reduce the risk of potential loss due to various types of pests. The problem is that the pesticides are washed off of the plants and into the ground. Rain and melting snow then carry them along the ground’s surface to lakes, streams, rivers, and ponds. Precipitation also carries the pesticides deep into the soil where it reaches our groundwater supply. Once it enters the aquifers and wells, it is then drawn up through pumps into our city water supplies. It is also drawn into the wells that supply rural homes. Pesticides Are More Prevalent Than You Think Even though many think that pesticides are only a problem in rural areas, pesticides are also sometimes found in the aquifers that support larger communities. Both pesticides and degradates can make their way into almost any water supply simply by following the path that water takes. Spraying is not the only way pesticides are applied. Aerial applications can spread pesticides much farther than their designated target area. This means the pesticides can be carried by the wind just as much as the water carries them. As a result, the migration patterns of pesticides are widespread no matter how it is transferred. Let’s Take a Closer Look at Pesticides in Groundwater There are four common herbicides found in groundwater samples. They include prometon, atrazine, tebuthiuron, and hexazinone. In addition to these pesticides, many mixtures of the four show up in various concentrations in aquifers and other surface bodies of water. Even though maximum contaminant levels have been established when it comes to pesticides, there are no real water quality benchmarks to go by. The Environmental Protection Agency has yet to develop definitive limits on when MCL’s actually become harmful to humans. What Can Be Done to Minimize Pesticides in Drinking Water? The introduction of organic practices in land management is a good start when it comes to cleaning up our water supply. Organic and regenerative agricultural practices will help reduce the number of pesticides being used and limit the number of chemicals that end up in our water supplies. As water moves through the soil on its way to the aquifer, a small portion of the chemicals and pesticides are filtered out. With fewer pesticides being used, less will eventually be found in our drinking water. The next time you draw a glass of water from the tap, think about how you can improve the water quality in your area. Find out what organic and regenerative agricultural practices are being used in your area. Learning as much as you can about what impacts our drinking water can be an eye-opening experience. And, of course, make sure – if needed – that you’re using a good water purification system or drinking a clean source of natural spring water. Sources for this article include: NaturalHealth365 EPA ACS.org To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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