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Hand Sanitizer & Skincare Products May Increase BPA Absorption Through the Skin

The AHA! Team — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:12:49 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – Your handy hand sanitizer could increase the amount of BPA absorbed through your skin. How many of you have ever taken advantage of the free hand sanitizer that cashiers leave at the checkout counter? How many of you keep a bottle in your car or purse for a quick squirt before sitting down to a meal? While your intent may be in the right place – to kill harmful bacteria and viruses that you may come in contact with in your day-to-day life – you could suffer an unintended consequence, according to a scientific paper. Specifically, your handy hand sanitizer could increase the amount of BPA absorbed through your skin. Recent research highlights even more concerns, particularly for children. Their study reveals that chemical-based hand sanitizers pose risks such as skin irritation, hypoglycemia, and acidosis and may also contain harmful contaminants such as methanol, benzene, and acetaldehyde. These contaminants can have toxic effects through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal absorption. Using hand sanitizer makes it easier for a harmful chemical to get into your bloodstream, research shows Conventional hand sanitizer usually contains about 65-90% alcohol along with other chemicals, many of which are potentially harmful in their own right. In a paper published in PLOS One, the researchers discovered that people who used hand sanitizer and then touched receipts had significantly higher blood serum and urine levels of another harmful chemical, BPA. Specifically, hand sanitizer use was associated with a 100-fold increase in BPA absorption. Why is this so? It turns out that skin care products like hand sanitizers are explicitly designed to make the skin more permeable. So every time you pump a bit of the product into your palm, you’re potentially opening the gates to toxic chemicals … even if most (though never all) of the germs on you will be killed. Sounds like a tough trade-off. The serious problem with BPA and a few tips for keeping your hands clean without the need for hand sanitizers In case you don’t remember, BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical found in plastics and can easily leech into the products they contain – water, food, infant formula, etc. Here’s why we don’t want BPA in our bodies: Endocrine disruptors The chemical is a known endocrine disruptor, which means it mimics and/or disrupts the function of key chemical messengers in the body, including estrogen. This can lead to everything from reproductive health issues to bone health issues. In fact, animal and human research has linked BPA exposure to issues like cognitive impairments, male and female infertility, and impotence. Of course, communicable bacteria and viruses can also harm your health, and it’s well-established that healthier hands mean healthier bodies. So, what’s a health-conscious consumer to do? First, wash your hands with soap and water whenever possible, especially if your hands are visibly dirty. This tried-and-true practice is still deemed the best way to reduce the spread of germs. If you can, opt for natural soaps and skin care products that are gentle on your skin, effective, and free of harmful additives like parabens and phthalates. These additives can also disrupt hormone function or even increase the risk of cancer. And if you’re out shopping, consider asking for an emailed-only receipt. Editor’s note: The best way to remove phthalates is to sweat. Discover a way to own your own at-home personal sauna to remove unwanted toxins safely and effectively. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Newsweek.com PLOS.org NIH.gov CDC.gov To read the original article click here.

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Homemade Frankincense Soap Bar Recipe

The AHA! Team — Fri, 23 May 2025 05:36:35 +0000

Recipe by: Kyra Oliver via Dr. Axe -This homemade frankincense soap bar recipe provides hydration and vitamins while cleansing your skin! It’s easy to make and free of harmful chemicals. Homemade Frankincense Soap Bar Creating your own natural skin care products can be both rewarding and beneficial for your skin. This Homemade Frankincense Soap Bar is a prime example: a natural, nourishing soap that’s simple to make and free from harmful chemicals. This soap combines the therapeutic properties of frankincense essential oil with the moisturizing benefits of pomegranate oil, all set in a gentle soap base. This homemade frankincense soap bar recipe is great for your skin. It provides hydration and vitamins while cleansing your skin. Plus, it’s easy to make and free of harmful chemicals. Try it today! Key ingredients Frankincense essential oil Derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree, frankincense essential oil is renowned for its skin-enhancing properties. It boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks and signs of aging. Additionally, its astringent qualities promote skin cell regeneration, leading to a smoother and more youthful complexion. Soap base The soap base serves as the foundation of your homemade soap. Opting for a natural, unscented base ensures that your soap is gentle on the skin and free from synthetic additives. Glycerin-based soap bases are particularly popular due to their moisturizing properties, which help maintain the skin’s natural hydration levels. Pomegranate oil Pomegranate seed oil is a powerhouse of antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It deeply hydrates the skin, enhances elasticity and promotes cell regeneration. Regular use can lead to a more radiant and youthful appearance. Soap molds Using soap molds allows you to shape your soap into aesthetically pleasing bars. Silicone molds are especially favored for their flexibility, making it easier to release the finished soap without damage. They come in various shapes and sizes, enabling you to customize your soap bars to your liking. How to make a homemade frankincense soap bar Making this homemade frankincense soap bar is easier than you might think. In fact, it takes just a half hour. To start, place the soap base in a glass bowl, and set the bowl in a saucepan filled with water. Heat on medium until the soap base melts completely. Once melted, remove the bowl from heat, and allow the mixture to cool slightly to prevent the essential oils from evaporating. Next, stir in the frankincense essential oil and pomegranate oil, ensuring they are thoroughly mixed into the soap base. Carefully pour the mixture into your chosen soap mold. Allow the soap to cool and solidify completely at room temperature. Once set, gently remove the soap bar from the mold. Store your homemade soap bar in a cool, dry place at room temperature. These natural soaps not only cleanse, but also nourish your skin, leaving it feeling soft, hydrated and rejuvenated. Other DIY soaps If you’re looking for other homemade soap recipes, here are some others to try: Homemade Hand Soap Homemade Laundry Soap Homemade Lavender Soap Bar Homemade Dish Soap with Lemon and Lavender Oil Homemade Body Wash Author: Kyra Oliver / Total Time: 30 min / Yield: 30 uses Ingredients ▢ 30 drops frankincense essential oil ▢ Soap base ▢ 5 drops pomegranate oil ▢ Oval bar mold or decorative soap mold Instructions Put soap base in glass bowl, and then place that bowl in saucepan with water. Heat stove to medium, and allow the base to melt. Remove from heat, and let it cool slightly. Add the frankincense and pomegranate oils. Mix well, and transfer to a soap mold. Let the mixture cool fully before popping bar out of mold. Keep it stored at room temperature. Nutrition Serving Size: 166g – Calories: 312 – Sugar: 5.2g – Sodium: 43mg – Fat: 16.6g – Saturated Fat: 13.4g – Unsaturated Fat: 3.2g – Trans Fat: 0g – Carbohydrates: 37.6g – Fiber: 4.1g – Protein: 4.7g – Cholesterol: 82mg To read the original article click here.

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Homemade Dishwasher Detergent with Orange and Lemon Oils

The AHA! Team — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 05:35:21 +0000

Recipe by: Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN via Dr. Axe – The average dishwashing detergent has some unhealthy ingredients, so why not make a DIY dishwashing detergent right at home? Not only will you save a ton of money, but you can also be positive that the ingredients are safe for you, your family and the environment without question. Did you know that many conventional dishwashing detergents contain some ingredients that are not safe for you and your family? According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and its “guide to healthy cleaning,” these detergents can include phosphates, preservatives, formaldehyde and more. Some of these products “may contain ingredients with potential for acute aquatic toxicity; chronic aquatic toxicity; nervous system effects.” Yikes. Instead, consider making your own homemade dishwasher detergent. Not only will you save a ton of money, but you can also be positive that the ingredients are safe for you, your family and the environment without question. (And for a backup store-bought dishwasher detergent, opt for one of these.) How to Make DIY Dishwasher Soap In a medium bowl, add the washing soda and purified water. Washing soda is a chemical compound that is safe to use for removing dirt and grease. It can even treat hard water. More specifically, it is the salt of carbonic acid. Because washing soda is often made from the ashes of burned plants, you may see it named as soda ash. Purified water is important to help avoid chemical contamination. Blend these ingredients. Next, stir in the vinegar, citric acid and kosher salt for this homemade dishwasher detergent. White vinegar helps disinfect safely but also helps keep your dishes spot free. The vinegar contains acetic acid, which helps take the grease off while acting as a rinsing agent. Citric acid helps add some shine to your dishes while removing the minerals that may be caused by hard water found in your area. Kosher salt is an amazing ingredient because it is a mild preservative and can get some of those tough to clean stains off of your dishes by acting as a gentle scouring agent. It’s now time to add the essential oils and mix well. Wild orange oil is perfect because it fights off grease and bacteria while enhancing your kitchen with a delightful scent. Lemon essential oil is a powerhouse of freshness, and it’s a great in a homemade dishwasher detergent. Pour into a glass bottle and store in the fridge. Tips To use, give the bottle a good shake and then add your DIY dishwasher soap to the dispenser. About 1½–2 tablespoons of detergent per load should do the trick. I suggest storing your homemade dishwasher detergent in the refrigerator to prevent fermentation and mold since it is chemical and preservative-free. A quick rinse before loading the dishwasher can provide a boost to a good set up of clean dishes. Precautions Though this homemade dishwasher detergent is safe, it’s best to keep it out of reach from children and pets. If you notice any irritation, please discontinue use. For best results, make sure to clean your dishwasher periodically. You can run the dishwasher using a cup or two of vinegar and baking soda to help provide a thorough cleansing. AUTHOR: Dr. Josh Axe TOTAL TIME: 10 minutes YIELD: 30 uses Ingredients ▢ 2 ounces washing soda ▢ 3¼ cups purified water ▢ 4 ounces white vinegar ▢ 1 ounce citric acid powder ▢ 1 cup kosher salt ▢ 20 drops orange essential oil ▢ 20 drops lemon essential oil Instructions In a medium bowl, add the washing soda and purified water and mix well with a wooden spoon. Stir in the vinegar, citric acid and kosher salt. Add the essential oils and mix well. Pour into a glass bottle and store in the fridge to prevent fermentation and mold (since it is chemical and preservative-free). Use about 1½–2 tablespoons of detergent per load. Give the bottle a good shake before dispensing. Notes Because this is a chemical-free dishwasher detergent, you need to give your dishes a quick scrub and rinse before loading. To read the original article click here.

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Capsule Solution Set to Replace Disposable Toiletry Bottles

The AHA! Team — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 05:13:38 +0000

Abigail Klein Leichman via Israel21c – Adding water to soap or shampoo concentrate to a reusable bottle at the point of usage would cut costs and pollution drastically. Eighty-five percent of the contents of all those plastic bottles of liquid soap, shampoo and detergent we use every day is water. Just 15% is the active ingredient that does the job we bought it to do. If the water could be added where the product is used rather than where the product is made, the package would be much smaller, lighter and cheaper. And that would lead to a cascade of environmental improvements in the manufacture, packaging, transport, storage and disposal of toiletries, cleansers and other water-based household products. The founders of Capsule Minimal have devised a revolutionary 3D-printed smart capsule containing the active ingredients. Insert the capsule into the company’s reusable metal bottle, add tap water, and the toiletry or cleaning product is ready. The two-year-old startup, which was chosen as one of 30 companies representing Israel at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai before the delegation was canceled, is seeking big-brand collaborations to bring its ingenious green solution to market. That’s insane “If you look around your home, most daily-use products are water-based: cosmetics, toiletries, paint, cleaning materials. You need a mediator to deliver active ingredients, and that’s usually water because most active ingredients are water-soluble,” says Ami Krupik, cofounder and chairman of Capsule Minimal. “We all have multiple water taps in our homes and yet we’re bringing water from thousands of miles away where the products were produced,” he says. “That’s insane. Why should you use water brought from one country to wash your hair in another country?” However, it’s not as simple to make a just-add-water shampoo as it is to make lemonade from a can of concentrate. “Most household products cannot be sold as concentrates, because they contain complex materials that must be mixed, heated and mediated in industrial plants to bring them into the water in a way that makes them usable,” Krupik explains. “There are many phases and energy investments involved in the manufacturing process. If you want to bring active ingredients directly to customers, they’d need machinery and a lot of effort. Most people aren’t able or willing to do that. We needed to enable this to happen easily without machinery.” Industrial plant in a bottle Capsule Minimal cofounder and CEO Yael Goethe, a biotechnology engineer and former R&D manager and COO of a leading clean-tech company, hit on the right formula. The technology she invented brings the industrial plant into the bottle in a physical, mechanical and chemical way. You put the active-ingredients capsule in the bottle with water, and the product makes itself, automatically activating phases including heating and mixing. The capsules will be produced in an efficient and green way and sold in a paper wrapper. “The market is very interested in our technology to solve the plastic waste problem — not just because they want to but because they have to,” Goethe tells ISRAEL21c. “There is regulation in Europe and in some parts of the United States that forces them to find a solution. Many potential strategic partners have approached us and we expect to sign collaborations because we want to be massive.” The company is building a proof-of-concept plant in northern Israel and is in talks with potential American and Israeli partners. “We don’t aim for niche products for the environmentally aware consumer,” Krupik emphasizes. “We want everyone — you and me, and our neighbors — to use it instead of the ordinary products we all use today. So we need a collaboration with a big player.” Capsule Minimal has patents and is in the process of obtaining regulatory approval for five categories of toiletries, including a variety of soaps and shampoos. “We chose to focus on the toiletries industry first, and next will be the cleaning industry,” Krupik tells ISRAEL21c. “These huge markets transport water every day in the millions of gallons.” The plastic problem Plastic pollution is at a pandemic level, and it’s not only the oil-based material itself that harms our environment. Millions of disposable plastic bottles are transported every day twice by truck, once empty and once filled with product. The heavier they are, the more fuel the trucks burns to transport them. The filled bottles are shipped by sea and stored in warehouses and finally retail stores, where they take up a lot of space that contributes to the air conditioning load. All of these steps cause greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels. Finally, when plastic bottles are disposed, they either sit in landfills forever, shed microplastics into the oceans, or get recycled in energy-intensive processes. A recent illustrative case is LEGO’s decision not to make bricks from recycled plastic bottles after projections suggested this material would ultimately leave a larger carbon footprint. In fact, Krupik and Goethe were motivated by their insider knowledge of plastic recycling. They were involved in developing new technologies for the recycling industry that decreased the amount of energy needed by more than 70%. “But the remaining 30% bothered us. We understood that recycling is not the real solution,” says Krupik. “There is always waste from everything we do, but we believe the main solution is reducing waste production.” Their innovation could significantly reduce the billions of toiletry and cleansing product bottles sold and discarded every year. A thousand of their capsules take up just one cubic meter. Holistic solution “It’s a holistic solution based in science,” says Goethe, who recalls being horrified at the sight of trucks dumping tons of landfill waste. “The reusable bottle is also an important part of this story,” she says. “The bottle is very aesthetic and practical. It opens from the bottom, so it’s very easy to clean and refill.” Capsule Minimal got its start at I4Valley Karmiel Incubator for Small Industry, which is supported by corporations such as Keter along with the Israel Innovation Authority. The company also has some private investors and recently opened a seed funding round. The current war, says Goethe, is presenting some challenges, but “we are able to work as normally as possible. We believe in the power of entrepreneurship and sustainability to make a positive impact, even — especially! — in difficult times.” For more information, click here. To read the original article click here.

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Toxic Fragrance Chemicals Cause Over a Dozen Adverse Health Reactions

The AHA! Team — Wed, 29 May 2024 08:10:50 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – The dangers of secondhand smoke are well known. But what about the dangers of “secondhand scents? According to a recent study published in The Science of The Total Environment, air fresheners can cause severe adverse health effects such as cardiovascular disease, systemic inflammation, and autonomic dysfunction. Another study showed that a stunning 34 percent of the American population suffers adverse effects after exposure to air fresheners and other scented products. Fully half of those affected experience health problems severe enough to be classified as “disabling.” Keep reading to discover how ordinary scented products can present serious risks to environmental quality and your health. Harm caused by fragrance products is at “epidemic” proportions In a population survey published in Air Quality, Atmosphere, and Health, researcher Professor Anne Steinemann examined the impact of common scented products on the health of 1,136 adults in the United States. Dr. Steinemann, an internationally recognized authority on environmental pollutants’ health effects, concluded that these problems’ adverse effects constituted an “epidemic.” Fragrances are found in a wide variety of commercial products, including laundry detergents, fabric softeners, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, shampoos, hair sprays, soaps, perfumes, and scented candles. Exposure also results from the practice known as “scent branding,” in which fragrances are wafted through the entire indoor environments of public spaces such as hotels, airports, and shops. In fact, Dr. Steinemann reported that 99 percent of Americans are regularly exposed to fragrance products – whether through their own use or through involuntary exposure from someone else’s use. The study revealed that almost a quarter of all Americans experience adverse effects from proximity to someone wearing fragrance products – such as perfumes, colognes, or lotions. 19 percent of the population has problems being in a room that has been cleaned with scented products, while a significant 14 percent experience health problems from the scent of laundry products being vented from homes or businesses into the environment. Reactions to fragrances can be debilitating Exposure to synthetic chemicals in fragrances can cause a range of symptoms, including migraines, dizziness, rashes, muscle cramps, mucosal symptoms, and gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea or diarrhea. Immune system problems – such as swollen lymph glands, fatigue, and fever – can also occur, along with even more serious conditions such as anaphylaxis, loss of consciousness, seizures, and rapid or irregular heartbeat. Dr. Steinemann reported that the most common adverse effects were respiratory problems at 18.6 percent, congestion at 16.2 percent, and migraine headaches at 15.7 percent. Important note: When it comes to triggering asthma attacks, the Institute of Medicine has placed fragrances in the same category as secondhand smoke. For at least half of the individuals affected, the effects are severe enough to be potentially disabling – as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. In other words, the adverse effects can substantially limit major life activities such as seeing, hearing, eating, walking, learning, reading, communicating, or working. According to the survey, 15 percent of the population reported losing workdays – or even jobs – due to the effects of fragrances. In addition, 22 percent reported having to avoid specific areas because of possible exposure to a fragrance that would sicken them. And 20 percent typically decide to leave an area upon detecting a fragrance. The word “fragrance” is used to disguise a witches’ brew of toxins Outrageously, manufacturers can use a single word – “fragrance” or “perfume” – on a product label in order to designate a cocktail of up to 100 noxious chemicals and synthetic compounds. An analysis of 37 fragrance products showed that they emitted 156 different VOCs (volatile organic compounds), 42 of which are classified as toxic or hazardous under U.S. federal law. Yet, fewer than 3 percent were disclosed on the products’ labels or websites. Fragrance chemicals include human carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxins, respiratory irritants, and toxins such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, chloromethane, and ethanol. Toluene, a hazardous waste product that has been shown to damage the central nervous system, is often found in fragrance samples. According to Dr. Steinemann, even low-level exposure to these toxins can cause serious (unwanted) effects like asthma attacks, anaphylaxis, seizures, and unconsciousness. In addition, synthetic fragrances have been linked to adult and childhood cancers, neurological problems, immune system weakening, and autoimmune disorders. Are we really willing to sacrifice our health for the sake of a pleasing scent? Let the buyer beware: Deceptive labels conceal toxins Warning: a label claiming the product is “green,” “natural,” or “organic” is no guarantee of safety – as even products labeled in this way can emit hazardous environmental pollutants. In another example of deceptive labeling, “unscented” products often contain perfume – a “masking fragrance” that hides the telltale scent of the synthetic chemicals. Fortunately, safe alternatives to toxic cleaning supplies and personal care items do exist. Natural health experts advise using non-toxic standbys such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, lemon juice, and unscented castile soap – while substances such as rosemary, avocado, and olive oil can be used to create natural beauty products. Dr. Steinemann, who says her study has “important implications for businesses, schools, homes, and other private and public places,” strongly recommends the institution of “fragrance-free” policies. As her study makes clear, most Americans do not want to be assaulted by unwanted fragrances – and many have shown they are willing to vacate the premises to avoid these obnoxious irritants. Maybe businesses and manufacturers will take notice. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Sciencedirect.com Link.springer.com Link.springer.com Link.springer.com Drsteinemann.com To read the original article click here.

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