toxins Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Top 10 Places You Should DEFINITELY WASH Your HANDS After Touching

The AHA! Team — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 06:49:46 +0000

News Editors via Natural News – What is green coffee? (Article republished from GreenMedInfo.com) It’s impossible to count, but how many people have gotten sick from Covid, the flu or the common cold from simply touching something that someone else who was sick touched, and then touching your fingers to your mouth, nose or eyes? The easiest way for germs, bacteria, viruses and pathogens to enter your body and make you sick is through your wet orifices, and that’s why we are here to remind you of the top ten places where germs sit and wait to jump onto your fingers and into your body through your eyes, nose or mouth. Wash your hands with warm water and soap after touching these popular germ-laden places #1. Money So easily we forget when we handle money that it’s actually one of the dirtiest surfaces in the universe. Money can trade hands up to 100 times in a day and the odds of at least one of those people being sick are very high, especially during the cold and flu season (now). Whether it’s cash or change, the end result is the same. People sneeze and cough into their hands, they rub their eyes, pick and wipe their nose, pick their teeth and eat food with their hands, and even let their dogs lick their mouth and nostrils. Gross. Then you touch the money they touched and voila. You’re sick. #2. Touchscreens How easy it is to forget or not even realize that you’ve touched some automated screen to ring up your groceries, personal care items, household goods or even to pay the bill at the doctor, pharmacy or hospital. Germs are microscopic, that’s why they’re called microorganisms, so it only takes the tip of one finger to touch the pin pad to enter your debit or credit card secret code to pay for your goods and services. Then, you will most likely touch an itchy eye, adjust a contact lens, or shove a piece of gum or a mint in your mouth without even thinking about it. Bam – you just pushed sickness right through your gate, into your “home.” #3. Restaurant menus Wait, did you go to the bathroom and wash your hands before you left for the restaurant, or did you wait until you arrived there? Guess what? It doesn’t matter, because as soon as you touch the menu to figure out what you want to eat, you just touched one of the most hand-trafficked places on the planet. Now, most likely, you will touch your food, whether some finger-food appetizer, a sandwich, or you just drop a piece of whatever on the plate, grab it and toss it in your mouth. Researchers at the University of Arizona swabbed menus and found a whopping 185,000 bacterial organisms on them. Maybe, from now on, you should look at the menu, order, then hit the restroom and wash up. #4. Animals Americans love their pets. They are unconditional best friends. They’re good for company, entertainment, snuggling and of course, pictures and videos for sharing on social media. What happens, though, when the dog licks the owner’s face, or the cat hops up on the kitchen table after using the litter box? It’s important to wash your hands well after petting, holding or playing fetch with your pet, or anyone else’s pet. #5. Kitchen sponges Wow, these things get really nasty. People seem to keep the same ones forever and a day, until they’re chock full of grease, food particles and a million germs (over 300 species of bacteria have been found living in them) that get on your hands, your cookware, your silverware, your plates, your bowls, and then find their way into your body. Buy a bristle brush with a handle and toss out that nasty sponge. #6. Other people’s pens Bet you didn’t think of that one. You have to sign for a package, or an invoice, or sign in at a front desk, and then you touch your mouth, nose or eyes, and the person or persons who used that pen before you were sick as dogs. Pens have up to 10 times the germs of an office toilet seat. Let that sink in. #7. Doorknobs, handrails, poles and handles go anywhere and the odds are you’re going to touch at least half a dozen. At the office, store, building, bathrooms, homes and public transportation. #8. Everything at the airport, bus or train terminal this includes rails, tables, chairs, money, door handles, tray tables and any buttons you push for anything. #9. Anything at the doctor’s office, clinic or hospital. #10. People’s hands it’s too easy to shake someone’s hand or even fist bump and forget you did it. Thirty seconds later you’re touching your face and then they tell you they’ve been fighting a cold, the flu or Covid. Tune your food news frequency to FoodSupply.news and get updates on more ways to eat clean, keep germs out of your body, and avoid common illnesses. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com TheHealthy.com To read the original article, click here

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3 Nutrients That Can Keep Dangerous Statins Away

The AHA! Team — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 06:21:01 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – Big Pharma has brainwashed much of the world into thinking that statins are all that stand between patients and heart attacks – and now they’re poised to cash in on the miserable side effects caused by these drugs. I get a lot of patients who come down from New York for the winter. Not long ago, one of these patients told me a story about an old mafia trick he’d heard of… Each night, gangs would drive around the city stealing manhole covers. The next morning, like clockwork, city authorities would hire contractors to replace all the missing manhole covers. Of course, the contractors were controlled by the mafia. And the city authorities who hired them were on the take from the very same mob. Fortunes were made. It was a win-win situation. The only losers were New York taxpayers. I’m reminded of this story because Big Pharma is about to play the same game. But instead of manhole covers, they will be using cholesterol-busting statin drugs. Let me explain… Big Pharma has brainwashed much of the world into thinking that statins are all that stand between patients and heart attacks – and now they’re poised to cash in on the miserable side effects caused by these drugs. Drugs that you don’t need in the first place. I’ve been warning patients against these Big Pharma toxins for decades. Not only are they a waste of time when treating heart disease – in fact, they raise your risk of heart attacks – but they come with a long list of side effects. Some of the more dangerous side effects include high blood sugar, liver damage, memory loss, muscle pain, dystrophy, and rhabdomyolysis (when muscle cells burst).1 Now a team of researchers at Ben-Gurion University in Israel has declared that the muscle pain and dystrophy caused by statins is a “new” disease. And they’ve discovered that a new drug to treat a hereditary muscle disorder also works for the side effects of statins.2 The researchers have now filed a patent for the new drug, and it’s just a matter of time before Big Pharma comes calling. Talk about disease-mongering… I smell a rat – and I don’t mean a lab rat. If this new drug were a manhole cover and the researchers were contractors in trucks, they’d surely be suspected of mafia connections. Like most people in the developed world, there’s a high chance that a doctor has persuaded, scared, or even straight-up bullied you into taking a statin. You see, their multibillion-dollar global business is based on the decades-old lie that high fat and high cholesterol cause heart disease. It’s not true. You don’t need statins at all. I know that may sound jarring, but cholesterol doesn’t cause heart disease. Multiple studies prove it – including the landmark Framington Heart Study, which found no link between high cholesterol and raised heart disease risk.3 Only Big Pharma and their shareholders need statins. 3 Powerful Heart Nutrients That Replace Statins The good news is that for every statin, there are safe, proven, and inexpensive natural alternatives your cardiologist will never tell you about. Nutrient # 1 – Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): This omega-3 fatty acid eliminates the need for statins and has been proven to raise HDL. It’s a potent defender against heart disease. One study discovered that if you take just 1.5 grams of DHA per day for a few weeks, your HDL can shoot up by 7%. No Big Pharma drug can do that.4 I recommend supplementing with at least 600 mg of DHA and 60 mg of the EPA form of omega-3 in a combination of squid and krill oil. Nutrient # 2 – CoQ10: This nutrient provides fuel for your mitochondria — the tiny power plants inside each of your cells – in your heart. Statin drugs are the biggest killer of CoQ10 levels. Supplementing with CoQ10 can bring immediate, often-lifesaving benefits. Studies show that taking CoQ10 daily reduces arrhythmias, improves your heart’s pumping ability, and reduces your risk of death from heart attacks. CoQ10 also lowers blood pressure and your atherosclerosis risk.5,6 If you’re taking statins, your levels are likely to be dangerously low, so I recommend a supplement of at least 100 mg a day. And look for the ubiquinol form of CoQ10. It’s eight times more powerful than the more common ubiquinone form. Nutrient # 3 – PQQ: While CoQ10 does a great job of squeezing more power from your mitochondria, it does nothing for the mitochondria you’ve lost. That’s where the little-known nutrient pyrroloquinoline quinone, or PQQ, comes in. PQQ triggers your heart cells to build healthy new mitochondria, which produce more fuel so your heart pumps with more energy.It’s hard to get enough PQQ from natural sources. I recommend taking 10 mg of PQQ daily with your CoQ10. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1. Wilson P, et al. “High density lipoprotein cholesterol and mortality. The Framingham Heart Study.” Arteriosclerosis. 1988;8(6):737-741. 2. Yogev Y, et al. “Limb girdle muscular disease caused by HMGCR mutation and statin myopathy treatable with mevalonolactone.” PNAS. 2023;120(7):e2217831120. 3. Wilson P, et al. “High density lipoprotein cholesterol and mortality. The Framingham Heart Study.” Arteriosclerosis. 1988;8(6):737-741. 4. Egert S, et al. “Dietary alpha-linolenic acid, EPA, and DHA have differential effects on LDL fatty acid composition but similar effects on serum lipid profiles in normolipidemic humans.” J Nutr. 2009;139(5):861-868. 5. Burke B, et al. “Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 in isolated systolic hypertension.” South Med J. 2001:94(11):1112-1117. 6. Kamikawa T, et al. “Effects of coenzyme Q10 on exercise tolerance in chronic stable angina pectoris.” Am J Cardiol. 1995;56(4):247-251. 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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Detox Your Liver: A 6-Step Liver Cleanse

AHA Publisher — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 08:00:41 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Every person’s health and well-being depends on how well her body removes and purges toxins. With exposure to environmental toxins, toxic body care products and processed foods, most people are in desperate need of a serious detox! A liver cleanse is a great way to do this. One of the main ways that the body rids itself of toxins is through the liver. In fact, the liver is one of the hardest working organs in the body. It works tirelessly to detoxify our blood, produce the bile needed to digest fat, break down hormones, and store essential vitamins, minerals and iron. When liver function is not optimal, we cannot digest our food properly, especially fats. That’s why it’s so important to avoid fatty liver and follow a liver cleanse diet to remove toxins from the body. What Does the Liver Do? Some of the essential functions of the liver include: Processing nutrients absorbed by the intestines so they are more efficiently absorbed Regulating blood composition to balance protein, fat and sugar Destroying old red blood cells Producing essential chemicals to help blood clot properly Breaking down and metabolizing alcohol and medications Producing essential proteins and cholesterol Removing toxins from the bloodstream, including bilirubin, ammonia and others Storing of minerals, iron and vitamin A Scientists know that for the liver to take care of the body, it must be able to perform optimally. When many people think of liver disease, they often think of alcohol-induced cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a serious health condition, but contrary to popular thought, alcoholism is not the only cause. In fact, there are a number of nonalcoholic factors that can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and liver damage, including Eating uncooked shellfish Some medications (including acetaminophen) Chronic malnutrition Eating poisonous wild mushrooms and exposure to chemicals Chronic hepatitis B Risk Factors for Liver Health Today, we are faced with so many environmental toxins occurring in our homes, places of work and in our food supply. It is essential for our general health and well-being to maintain good liver health. Below are some of the risk factors associated with impaired liver function. Low potassium levels Heavy alcohol abuse Intravenous drug use Blood transfusions prior to 1992 Exposure to certain industrial chemicals and environmental toxins Unprotected sex Obesity and a diet high in saturated fats, and processed foods Tattoos or body piercings High levels of triglycerides in the blood Prescription medications including acetaminophen Viral infections Autoimmune diseases Signs of an Unhealthy Liver If you have recently noticed any of the symptoms listed below, you could be suffering from impaired liver function. It is particularly important to consider these researched symptoms if you identify with one or more of the risk factors mentioned above. Bloating and gas Acid reflux and heartburn Constipation Skin and/or eyes that are yellowish (a symptom of jaundice) Inability to lose weight High blood pressure Moodiness, anxiety or depression Dark urine Rosacea Chronic fatigue Excessive sweating Bruise easily Poor appetite Fortunately, you can help improve your liver’s functioning. Through a thorough liver cleanse, you can start to feel better in a matter of a couple of weeks. Liver Cleanse Diet Follow this natural liver cleanse diet to help boost your health and vitality: 1. Remove Toxic Foods from Your Diet If you are eating a diet high in processed foods, you are putting the health of your liver at risk as these foods basically work against liver health. Hydrogenated oils, refined sugar, convenience foods and lunch meats are notoriously toxic to your system. Hydrogenated oils, also known as “trans fats,” have higher levels of saturated fat. The chemical structure of the oil itself has been altered to increase shelf life. Consumption of trans fats dramatically increases the risk for heart disease by 25 percent or more. In addition, it is believed that trans fats cause problems with our immune system and can lead to inflammation throughout the body. Added nitrates and nitrites, commonly found in convenience foods, fast foods and lunch meats, have been linked to serious health conditions. These chemicals are used to preserve foods to make them last longer, inhibit bacteria growth and preserve color. Replace these foods immediately with liver friendly healthy choices. Healthy foods taste great, and, with a bit of creativity, you can create healthful meals for your family that will support liver health. Roast your own organic chicken breast and turkey breast to replace deli meats for quick lunches and after school snacks. Replace chips and other processed snacks with fresh fruit, carrot sticks, nuts and homemade granola bars. In addition to eating a healthy diet, it’s important to be sure your digestive enzymes are functioning properly. Problems with liver enzymes can also contribute to liver disease and may be related to other digestive illnesses such as Crohn’s disease. 2. Drink Raw Vegetable Juice It can be nearly impossible to eat all of the raw vegetables you need to make your liver cleanse effective. However, by juicing a variety of raw vegetables, you can easily get the 4–5 servings of fresh, organic vegetables you need. Even vegetables that aren’t your favorites can be disguised and enjoyed in a fresh vegetable juice! With impaired liver function, juicing vegetables has the added benefit of making the vegetables easier to digest and more readily available for absorption. Vegetables ideal for liver cleanses include cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. While that combination may not sound very enjoyable, you can add other vegetables that you enjoy to the mix including carrots, cucumber, beets and greens. All of these vegetables help to reduce acid levels in the body, helping to create a more friendly pH balance. Experiment with your favorite flavor combinations; you can add fresh herbs including parsley, mint and others to make the juices more enjoyable. To improve liver health, try my Orange Carrot Ginger Juice. Research suggests that fresh, organic carrots are essential to any liver cleanse. In the liver, the beta carotene is converted into vitamin A to help flush out the toxins in the body while reducing fat in the liver. The high fiber content helps support a healthy digestive tract, hastening the elimination of toxins in your body. The ginger root helps to soothe the digestive tract, reduce intestinal gas, and has strong anti-inflammatory compounds. The fresh oranges in this recipe not only add tangy sweetness, but also add significant vitamin C, additional vitamin A and vitamin B6. 3. Load Up on Potassium-Rich Foods Are you getting the recommended 4,700 milligrams per day of potassium? Chances are, you aren’t. Potassium-rich foods help to lower systolic blood pressure, lower cholesterol and support a healthy cardiovascular system, in addition to helping cleanse your liver. If you have been tempted to take potassium supplements, instead add these healthful foods to your diet. Sweet Potatoes Surprisingly, it is not the banana that is the richest in potassium. It is the sweet potato. A single medium sweet potato contains nearly 700 milligrams of potassium, not to mention the high fiber and beta carotene content. A sweet potato only has 131 calories, yet is rich with vitamins B6, C, D, magnesium and iron. While naturally sweet, the sugars actually are slowly released into the bloodstream through the liver, without causing a spike in blood sugar. Tomato Sauces Potassium, and the other beneficial nutrients in tomatoes, is significantly concentrated as a sauce, puree or as a paste. As an example, 1 cup of tomato puree contains 1,065 milligrams of potassium, but 1 cup of fresh tomatoes contains only 400 milligrams. When selecting tomato sauce, paste or puree, be sure to choose those made only from organic tomatoes. To make your own concentrated tomato sauce, slice organic tomatoes in half and roast face down in the oven for 30 minutes at 425 degrees F, until the skin has shriveled. Remove from the oven, and let cool. Slide the skins off and gently crush in your food processor or blender. Strain to remove seeds, if you desire. Pour into a Dutch oven, and let simmer until thick, 1 to 2 hours. Beet Greens and Spinach Rich in antioxidants, beet greens contain over 1,300 milligrams of potassium per cup. Add beets and beet greens to your fresh vegetable juice recipe; finely chop and add raw to salads; or sauté lightly, like other greens. Beets also naturally cleanse the gallbladder and improve bile flow. Fresh organic spinach is easily added to your diet, and it’s a good source of potassium, containing 840 milligrams per serving. Beans White beans, kidney beans and lima beans are all rich in potassium, protein and fiber. Swap out garbanzo beans for one of these potassium-rich beans in your favorite hummus recipe. Enjoy it with carrot sticks and celery sticks. Blackstrap Molasses Just 2 teaspoons of this rich all-natural syrup contains 10 percent of the daily-recommended amount of potassium. In addition to potassium, blackstrap molasses is rich with iron, calcium, manganese and copper. Incorporate blackstrap molasses into your diet by replacing other natural sweeteners with it. You can use it to create barbecue sauces and to top oatmeal or quinoa porridge in the mornings. Two teaspoons added to coffee intensifies the richness of the coffee, while lowering the acidic taste. Bananas And finally, add a banana to your favorite smoothie. While in comparison to the other high potassium foods on this list, the banana’s 470 milligrams of potassium are only part of the story. Bananas assist in digestion, and help to release toxins and heavy metals from the body — all of which are essential during a liver cleanse. Please note: If you have high levels of potassium in your kidneys, foods rich in potassium should be consumed moderately. 4. Coffee Enemas Coffee enemas help with constipation, reduce fatigue, and aid in liver detoxification. An enema targets the lower portion of your large intestine and can be done at home, unlike colonics, which include the entire bowel and are performed outside the home by a professional. During the enema, organic coffee is retained in your bowel, allowing the fluid to enter the liver through the intestinal wall. This has a stimulating effect that increases bile flow, helping to jump-start both your gallbladder and your liver. This sparks the production of the chemical glutathione, a strong cleansing compound that helps to release the buildup of toxins in your system. Flushing the toxins out during liver cleanses is critical so they don’t build up and are moved quickly out of your system. Combine 2 tablespoons of organic ground coffee with 3 cups of filtered or distilled water in a pot and bring to a boil. Simmer gently for 15 minutes and allow to cool. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth and use in your enema kit. Try to retain the mixture for 10–15 minutes and then release. If you’ve experienced complications from using enemas in the past, it’s best to talk to a doctor before trying to perform a coffee enema on your own. The first time you try a coffee enema, it’s a good idea to do so under supervision or with guidance of a medical professional, although some people feel comfortable jumping right into the process. Coffee enemas aren’t usually recommended for pregnant women or children since they can be sensitive to the effects of caffeine. 5. Take Liver Support Supplements Milk Thistle Milk thistle is considered the “king” of detoxifying herbs, making it ideal for a liver cleanse. Milk thistle helps to eliminate the buildup of heavy metals, prescription medications, environmental pollutants and alcohol in the liver. In addition, it helps to reduce the negative effects on the liver after chemotherapy and radiation. Research indicates that the active ingredient silymarin helps to strengthen the cell walls in the liver, while supporting healthy regeneration. Milk thistle can be taken as a supplement or as a liver cleansing detox tea. Dandelion Root Most homeowners hate the dandelion, as it populates yards every spring. But, this flower, and its root, is actually packed with vitamins and minerals....

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Environmental Toxins Linked to Rise in Chronic Health Issues Among Children

AHA Publisher — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 07:00:11 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – Since when did it become normal for kids to have chronic illnesses? More and more children are diagnosed with chronic health issues like asthma, ADHD, type 1 diabetes, autoimmunity, allergies, obesity, and more. There was a time when a diagnosis like this would be a cause for concern, but today it barely registers as a blip on most healthcare professionals’ and even many parents’ radars. “It is what it is” seems to be the mantra. But it isn’t normal and shouldn’t be viewed as such. These health issues are not normal, especially for children. It’s time for Western medicine to take a step back, stop treating the symptoms, and get to the root of the problem. Therein lies the dilemma. Just how did we get here? Could environmental toxins be to blame? 43 Percent of Children Live With at Least One Chronic Health Condition Children are not only being diagnosed with chronic illnesses that were once exclusive to adults – some of these children are born with them. Tragically, children battling chronic health issues make up more than 70% of all pediatric intensive care admissions in hospitals across the country. An estimated 43% of children have at least one chronic health condition, according to one study that listed 20 common conditions. When they added obesity and being at high risk for developmental/behavioral issues to the mix, that number rose to 54%. These conditions included asthma, autism, diabetes, learning disabilities, and depression. Perhaps most alarming is that most of these conditions are carried on into adulthood, making them lifelong illnesses. Environmental Toxins – a Culprit for the Increase in Children’s Chronic Health Issues Environmental toxins are cited as one of the primary contributing factors in the dramatic uptick of chronic illness in children. Unfortunately, the U.S. (and most of the Western world) has a long history of harmful environmental chemicals. For example, lead has long been a culprit for a number of health issues and learning disabilities, and while it has been banned, it is still found in some places, such as lead paint that was painted over instead of being removed first. The same goes for asbestos. The pesticide DDT is another toxin that was widely accepted for a long time. While it has been outlawed, other harmful chemicals are cropping up to take its place. Each year, more and more toxic household products and harmful substances released into our environment are being identified. These toxic substances are in our homes, schools, workplaces, and even our drinking water. It can be difficult to avoid, especially if you aren’t certain exactly who your enemy is. Of course, we can’t disregard the dangers of glyphosate, indoor air pollution and the many toxins inside childhood shots. How to Reduce Environmental Toxin Exposure? It might seem like a losing battle, trying to fight a toxic environment around us. But there are steps you can take to minimize exposure. Read the labels. Read the labels on everything and avoid the more dangerous chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls, per-, and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and glyphosate. Filter your drinking water. Use a water filter at home that removes PCBs and PFAs from your water. Choose fresh, whole, organic foods. Organic foods have strict requirements for pesticide use so choosing these foods decreases your pesticide exposure. Avoid highly processed foods. Opt for natural, whole foods instead of overly processed foods laden with chemicals and additives. Use an air purifier. An air purifier can help filter volatile organic compounds from the air, so you are less likely to be exposed to chemicals in gas form that are released in your home from the products you use. Make your own natural household cleaning products. Vinegar, baking soda, and other natural substances can clean and sanitize your home just as well as store-bought products but without the harmful chemicals released into the air and left as residue on surfaces. The health of our children should be a top priority. They depend on us to make the world a safer place for them. We need to work harder to live up to that. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org NIH.gov ScienceDirect.com EnvironHealthPrevMed.BiomedCentral.com To read the original article click here.

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WARNING: Study Shows Exposure to Household Cleaning Products May Be as Harmful as Car Exhaust

AHA Publisher — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 07:00:18 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – Inherent in the phrase “cleaning product” is the idea that, upon using it, your space will become free of dirt, grime, and toxins. Unfortunately, in the latter case, that may not always be true. With COVID-19 bringing what we might call the “age of cleaning” into our homes, workplaces, and schools, we now coexist with a bunch of unwanted chemicals. Ironically, given that COVID is a respiratory disease, all this cleaning might actually be worse for our airways than doing nothing. A recent study found that commercial disinfectants can decrease indoor air quality and increase pollutants in both gas and aerosol form. Scientists Find Most Cleaning Products May Do More Harm Than Good Anyone who has ever stepped into a commercial building after the cleaning staff finished their work is then left with no doubt: that chemical smell is a very unhealthy feeling. With the use of strong disinfectants, that sharp smell is quite intense and, in many cases, sickening. Make no mistake about it: those synthetic scents are meant to cover up the cancer-causing chemicals within those products. The study’s authors carefully mimicked the indoor conditions of cleaners while taking measurements in real-time. What they discovered should shock all of us! Household Cleaning Aerosols May Emit More Harmful VOCs Than Cars, According to New Study Researchers discovered that commercial cleaning agents were detected in the air within minutes of their application to a surface. This was also noted to be in well-ventilated areas that convincingly duplicated those of a large office building. They measured a variety of pollutants, including oxidants, radicals, and aerosols, among others. In some cases, chemical concentrations were more than double that of normal outdoor amounts – without the same room to disperse. Why does that matter? In the study, researchers found that all those chemicals got sucked into human lungs. In fact, they deposited at rates comparable to or worse than that of aerosols inhaled from cars. Who Is at Risk of Developing Adverse Health Effects From Exposure to Cleaning Products? The short answer is that everyone is at risk with ubiquitous chemicals such as these. The longer answer is that we should be most concerned about people working with them routinely – cleaning staff, for example. Some of them spend all day, every day, using chemicals to disinfect common touchpoints throughout the office. They may also spend extra time disinfecting bathrooms and eating areas. In addition, let’s remember that due to the persistent COVID fear-mongering campaign, millions developed cleaning paranoia over the past two years – despite learning early in the pandemic that SARS-CoV-2 spreads by aerosolized droplets, not by touching surface areas. This means that attacking every office space as though COVID or other diseases are lurking on its surfaces may actually be counterproductive to our wellbeing. Redefine “Clean” by Saying NO to Toxic Chemicals That’s not to say cleaning is bad. We all intuitively understand the benefits of a clean home or workspace for mental health, and it turns out to be good for your immune system. But, be advised, take time to read product labels and opt for safer alternatives when purchasing cleaning products to be used in your home. We also need to follow science’s cues about which cleaning methods do and do not matter. Hopefully, this can be our wake-up call that adding toxic chemicals to indoor spaces won’t help fight a disease whose transmission isn’t affected by the use of these chemicals at all. Sources for this article include: Science.org DailyMail.co.uk DailyMail.co.uk To read the original article click here.

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Powerful UPDATE: Improve Your Heart Function with These Simple Interventions

AHA Publisher — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 08:00:40 +0000

Edit Lang via NaturalHealth365 – [Lately it seems] we give little to no consideration to the number one killer of American people – heart disease. It is incomprehensible how a disease claiming the lives of 659,000 Americans every year gets no real attention from mainstream media and health authorities. But we are here to change that. In another captivating interview, we bring you real, practical health information that you can use to take charge of your heart health. You will not want to miss this conversation between Jonathan Landsman of NaturalHealth365 and Dr. Robert DeMaria, America’s Drugless Doctor. A Healthy Heart Starts with a Healthy Liver, Here Is Why Few people are aware of the intricate connection that exists between the heart and the liver. As Dr. Bob explains, blood flows up through the legs through the liver to the heart. Therefore, it’s critical to consider what we put in and on our bodies when working to improve heart health because it affects the liver’s health. When the liver is compromised, the blood flowing back to the heart will become impeded. Watch the video (above) to hear his explanation and find out what you can do to improve the health of your liver and cardiovascular system. What You Eat Can Impact Heart Function We have all heard the expression, “you are what you eat.” It turns out, what you eat also has a drastic effect on your heart. For instance, most people don’t know that sugar removes B vitamins from the body. Why does that matter? Because B vitamins are necessary to protect the integrity of heart valves. Scientists have confirmed this in a recent study that found people who ate a diet rich in B-vitamins are less likely to succumb to cardiovascular disease. Heart WARNING About Dehydration, Toxins in Our Food and the Environment Eating the wrong foods, exposure to environmental toxins, and chronic dehydration also exacerbate heart issues. Dehydration is particularly damaging, yet, most do not make the connection between lack of hydration and heart function. Dr. Bob gives a simple yet often overlooked explanation, revealing how inadequate hydration causes red blood cells to stick together, resulting in reduced oxygen levels, causing oxygen deprivation in the heart. Conversely, drinking more water causes the blood cells to separate, carrying more oxygen, increasing energy. Listen to Dr. Bob’s tip on how to stay on top of your hydration using an Oximeter. What’s the Bottom Line? If you want to improve your heart health, you have no other choice but to take charge of your health. Be proactive and take the time to understand how your bodily systems work. Ultimately, in the body, everything is interconnected. By nourishing your liver, removing environmental toxins, eliminating toxic foods, and maintaining optimum blood circulation, you will be well on your way to a heart-healthy you. Share this video with your friends and family to help empower them to embark on this journey with you. Sources used for this article: CDC.gov Rumble.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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Black Ice Cream: An Activated Charcoal Treat for Detoxification

AHA Publisher — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 07:00:22 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Move over vanilla ice cream — there’s a much more interesting and healthy option just waiting to be eaten: black ice cream! You may have noticed a new food trend recently: black everything. From dark lemonades to coal-like pizza crusts, darkened foods are popping up everywhere. What gives these foods their dark hue is activated charcoal, and I have to admit, it’s a fad I’m into. It’s not because of the color, however. Activated charcoal is a terrific, natural way to rid your body of toxins. One of my new favorite ways to ingest activated charcoal is through ice cream. That’s right, black ice cream is a thing. It tastes good, and it’s good for you! What Is Black Ice Cream? Black ice cream is just a simple ice cream recipe that incorporates activated charcoal. My black ice cream recipe is also made from ingredients that you likely have on hand: canned coconut milk condensed coconut milk arrowroot starch vanilla extract cacao powder charcoal As you can tell from the ingredients list, not only is this activated charcoal ice cream super healthy, but it’s also dairy-free! You can even swap the honey for an alternative sweetener like maple syrup to make this black charcoal recipe vegan, too. Unfortunately, you’re not likely to see black ice cream alongside vanilla ice cream in your local ice cream shop, but thankfully it’s not hard to make what I think is one of the finest ice cream flavors in existence today. How did this seemingly goth ice cream get its start? You’re about to find out. Black ice cream doesn’t have a lengthy history, but it has a story nonetheless. The ice cream parlor that typically gets credit for starting the black ice cream trend is Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream, located in New York City. It was somewhat of an accident too. The main goal actually was not to create a healthy and black-colored ice cream, but rather to create a flavor that was coconut to the max. In 2016, this modern-day ice cream parlor debuted a new and very intriguing option: coconut ash. Why is it called coconut ash? This jet black ash ice cream gets its name from its key ingredient, which, according to founder Nick Morgenstern, is “simply the charred and processed remains of a coconut shell.” This coconut ash is a form of activated charcoal, and it’s why the final product ends up being such a rich, dark shade. How dark? Seriously, this ash ice cream is truly as black as you can imagine, yet it contains some very lightly colored and tasty ingredients, including coconut flakes, coconut cream and coconut milk, similar to the delicious recipe below. Health Benefits Now, when you think of ice cream, “healthy” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind. However, the ingredients in this activated charcoal ice cream make it a guilt-free treat. Let’s start with the main ingredient: activated charcoal. It’s a powerful detoxifier that’s often used in hospitals to treat patients who have overdosed or poisoned themselves. The charcoal binds to toxins and chemicals and draws them out of the body. The best types are made from coconut shells or identified wood species with fine grains and don’t have added artificial sweeteners. Activated charcoal is handy to have in the medicine cabinet. It helps alleviate gas and bloating and can even help the morning after too many cocktails. You can use it to whiten your teeth as well. In fact, you’ll find it in many natural toothpastes. It also promotes a happy digestive tract. One of the most versatile kitchen staples, coconut milk, is featured in this black ice cream recipe. Coconut milk gives this dessert a creamy texture and a little natural sweetness. It’s also known to lower bad cholesterol levels and help you lose fat. Cacao powder is a type of dark chocolate, so it’s packed with antioxidants. In fact, dark chocolate is often considered a superfood, and it helps lower blood pressure and increase blood flow to the heart. Instead of refined sweeteners, this black ice cream recipe uses honey, a natural sweetener option. Honey is full of enzymes, antioxidants and minerals that you just don’t get with table sugar. It’s also a lot easier on your blood sugar levels. How to Make Black Ice Cream Intrigued about making this activated charcoal ice cream? It’s pretty easy to do, so let’s get churning. You’ll want to pre-plan this charcoal recipe and stick your ice cream maker’s freezer bowl in the freezer for about nine hours. I find it’s easier to just place it overnight. The next day, put a medium saucepan on the stove, and add the coconut milk, condensed coconut milk, arrowroot starch, honey, vanilla extract, cacao powder and activated charcoal. Keep watch over it so it doesn’t come to a boil. Next, pour the black ice cream mixture into a bowl. Cover it, and place in the refrigerator for at least an hour before making the ice cream. Assemble the ice cream maker, and turn on the rotating freezer bowl. Next, pour the black ice cream mixture into the bowl, and churn for 15–20 minutes or until the ice cream reaches your desired consistency. If you’re a fan of thick ice cream, pour the mixture into a container. Cover it with parchment paper, and store in the freezer for about an hour. Then scoop the ice cream into a bowl. Serve the black charcoal ice cream with your favorite toppings. I love pistachios and Himalayan pink salt. Enjoy! Black Ice Cream: An Activated Charcoal Treat for Detoxification DESCRIPTION Move over vanilla ice cream — there’s a much more interesting and healthy option just waiting to be eaten: black ice cream! INGREDIENTS 2 cups full-fat coconut milk 2 cups condensed coconut milk 2 tablespoons arrowroot starch 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 4 tablespoons activated charcoal powder 3 tablespoons raw cacao powder INSTRUCTIONS Freeze the freezer bowl for at least 9 hours or overnight. In a medium-size saucepan, on medium-low, mix milk, condensed milk, starch, honey, vanilla extract, cacao powder and charcoal. Don’t let this mixture come to a boil. Pour mixture into a bowl, cover and place in the fridge for at least 1 hour before making ice cream. Assemble ice cream maker and turn on the rotating freezer bowl. Pour ice cream mixture into the freezer bowl and allow to churn for 15–20 minutes or until desired consistency. If you like your ice cream thick, pour the mixture into a container, cover with parchment paper and store in the freezer for about 1 hour. Serve with your favorite ice cream toppings. NOTES Swap the honey for another natural sweetener, such as maple syrup, to make this recipe vegan. Add healthy toppings of your choice, such as nuts and sea salt. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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Childhood Brain Tumors Linked to Mother’s Exposure to Pesticides

AHA Publisher — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 07:00:03 +0000

UCLA Fielding School of Public Health via Newswise – LOS ANGELES (April 2, 2021) – Research published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Research suggests that exposure during pregnancy to a wide variety of pesticides may lead to the development of central nervous system tumors during childhood. And the increased risk of these tumors – estimated as much as twice to 2.5 times higher for some pesticides – occurs even if the mother is not a farmworker, but lived as much as 2.5 miles (4000 meters) away from the field where the pesticides are sprayed, researchers found. “Exposure to certain pesticides, simply through residential proximity to agricultural applications during pregnancy, may increase the risk of childhood central nervous system tumors,” said Dr. Beate Ritz, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health (FSPH) professor of epidemiology and of environmental health sciences, one of the co-authors. “Policy interventions to reduce pesticide exposure in individuals residing near agricultural fields should be considered to protect the health of children.” The research – “Residential Proximity to Pesticide Application as a Risk Factor for Childhood Central Nervous System Tumors” – is being published in an upcoming edition of the peer-reviewed journal Environment Research, and is available on-line. Pesticides have been investigated as possible risk factors for childhood cancer since the 1970s, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified more than 100 as possible or probable carcinogens, based on toxicological and epidemiological data. “Many pesticides are neurotoxicants, and have even been found in cord blood, indicating placental transfer of these toxins to the developing fetus,” said co-author Shiraya Thompson, an epidemiology MS candidate at FSPH. “This, in turn, suggests prenatal pesticide exposure may increase childhood brain cancer risk.” This latest work, however, is the first study to track exposure and estimate risks of 77 separate and specific pesticides, said co-author Dr. Julia Heck, associate dean for research at the University of North Texas College of Health and Public Service and an associate professor of epidemiology at FSPH. “This study is the first, to our knowledge, to estimate effects for a large number of specific pesticides in relation to CNS tumor subtypes,” Heck said. “Our results suggest that exposure to specific pesticides may best explain the results of previous studies that reported relationships between broader pesticide types and central nervous system tumors.” The research team, from UCLA, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and the University of Southern California, all in Los Angeles, and the University of North Texas, analyzed cases of childhood central nervous system tumors in California between 1998 and 2013, with a focus on those living near agricultural fields. “California’s agricultural work force numbers more than 800,000, according to state estimates,” said Dr. Christina Lombardi, a co-author and epidemiologist with the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. “In addition to the negative health effects of pesticides on workers there are large numbers of pregnant women and young children living adjacent to treated fields who may experience detrimental health effects as well.” Their findings include that three types of cancers – medulloblastoma, ependymoma, and astrocytoma – are associated with specific pesticides, and the pesticides inuron, thiophanate-methyl, and triforine are possibly carcinogenic, among others. Because pesticides are often applied to fields and orchards from the air, the study makes clear that while California’s agricultural workforce are the most at risk, any expectant mother who lives in a community adjacent to agricultural land is as well, said co-author Dr. Myles Cockburn, with the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. “This transition from farmland to residential neighborhoods is abrupt across California, and, of course, constantly changing as farmland is developed,” Cockburn said. “The simplest way to mitigate these risks are by reductions in exposure to pesticides, through restrictions as aerial spraying and air blast that lead to increased drift, and by farming methods that decrease reliance on pesticides.” Methods: Cancer cases in children ages 0 to 5 years were drawn from California Cancer Registry records for 1988-2013 and matched to their birth certificates using name, date of birth, and social security number when available. The team achieved 89% matching success; most of the remaining 11% were likely born out of state. Researchers also excluded birth addresses outside of California; exposure information was not available for these locations, since most states do not require pesticide use reporting. The team limited analyses to the time period when full residential addresses were available on the electronic dataset of birth certificates (1998-2011). Because of the focus on rural areas, the present study was restricted to those mothers living during pregnancy within 2.5 miles (4000 meters) of an agricultural field to which at least one pesticide was applied. The final study population consisted of 387 cases of all astrocytoma (combined), 119 cases of diffuse astrocytoma, 256 cases of pilocytic astrocytoma, 123 cases of ependymoma, 157 cases of medulloblastoma, and 123,158 controls. Possible carcinogens were selected per the U.S. EPA’s classifications, and prenatal exposure was assessed according to pesticides reported by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation’s Pesticide Use Reporting system. To read the original article click here.

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