Articles
The truth about detoxing
God made our bodies with an already highly sophisticated built-in detox system, working 24/7 against toxins, toxicants and pathogens. We often hear the term “detox” being thrown around irresponsibly, usually by marketing schemes. Schemes such as green juices, coffee enemas, restrictive diets, herbal teas or shakes. We aren’t saying that there isn’t a need to be mindful of exposures or that we don’t need to worry about what we put in our bodies, that would also be irresponsible but what we want to hopefully achieve by our readers looking at this article is that our bodies are working extra hard for you and the best thing we can do in return is to nourish and support the systems already in place. In this article, we’ll go through your body’s six key detoxification organs. The liver, kidneys, colon, skin and lungs- showing you what each one does, what it detoxifies and how to support it through your everyday nutrition and lifestyle. No gimmicks or selling points. Just real, practical ways to help your body do what it was divinely designed to do. What is detoxification? You can define detoxification as your body’s way of eliminating waste and harmful substances. This includes- toxicants (from man-made sources), toxins (from biological sources), excess hormones, bodies byproducts from metabolism (ammonia or carbon dioxide), pollutants, alcohol, medications and sources from foods. Your skin The largest organ in our body, and known as our body’s first line of defence. The skin is responsible for activating your immune system when harm does pass through, but it also helps our body expel toxins from your body from the inside out, in addition to keeping the beneficial chemicals in. Detoxes Sweat contains urea, salt, ammonia and heavy metals (interestingly, research has shown that sweating through dynamic exercise leads to significantly high excretion of heavy metals such as nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and arsenic (As)). Toxins and old skin cells. How it works The skin helps remove waste through sweat glands, which release a fluid called sweat. Sweat is mostly water with some salts and waste products, and it plays a key role in helping the body cool down and get rid of small amounts of excess salts and fluids. How to support your skin Stay hydrated Avoid overuse of harsh skincare products Be mindful of the sun and UV rays (wear sunscreen) Collagen, vitamin c and zinc help support skin repair and strength Regular movement and gentle sweating (exercise or sauna) Your lungs We don’t often think of our lungs as part of the detoxification system, however they play a really vital role in removing waste. And they work very hard—exchanging about 6L of air per minute. Detoxes Carbon dioxide Airborne toxins, pollutants and microbes How it works With every exhale, the lungs release waste gases and help filter out harmful airborne substances. The bloodstream picks up toxins and transports them to the lungs, where they reach the alveolar sacs (tiny air sacs at the base of the lungs). Waste gases like carbon dioxide are expelled, and more “stubborn” toxins can be trapped and later removed through coughing or phlegm. How to support your lungs Avoid smoking and minimise environmental pollutants as much as possible (certain candles, fragrances, pollution and cleaning products) Regular exercise (to help strength and restoration of the lungs) Hydrate for healthier mucous production Increase antioxidant-rich foods- vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E. Include more dark green vegetables and dark red/purple/blue fruits such as berries Ventilate your living areas, remember to open the windows occasionally for fresh air Your kidneys These important bean-shaped organs are one of the main organs in the detoxification system. Filtering half a cup of blood a minute! And all your blood in 30 minutes. Detoxes Urea (protein) and uric acid Electrolytes (sodium, chloride etc) Alcohol Medication Excess water How it works Kidneys can be explained simply as “sophisticated sieves”. Blood enters the kidneys through an artery from the heart. Each kidney contains up to a million tiny units called nephrons, which work to filter and clean your blood. After the kidneys remove waste, the cleaned blood returns to your body, while the waste, now in the form of urine, moves into the bladder. How to support your kidneys Ensure to hydrate sufficiently Aim to have healthy blood pressure to prevent kidney damage Being active and doing the recommended amount of exercise weekly is important in keeping a healthy blood pressure Manage your blood sugar levels, this is also incredibly important because when your body’s cells can’t use the glucose (sugar) in your blood, your kidneys are forced to work extra hard to filter your blood Stop smoking (cigarettes and vaping) as smoking damages your body’s blood vessels (slower blood flow) to your kidneys Monitor your salt intake and processed foods Your liver The human liver is the primary detox organ, and not only performs over 500 functions but also filters and processes toxins. Detoxes Alcohol Medications and drugs Hormones Metabolic waste How it works The liver will receive blood from the digestive tract through the portal vein to the liver, carrying nutrients, medication and also toxic substances. Once they reach the liver, these substances are processed, altered, detoxified and either stored or passed back into the blood. Others are mixed into bile, which the liver produces and releases into the bowel, helping to eliminate waste through the digestive system. How to support your liver Avoid excessive alcohol intake. Also avoid unnecessary medications and drugs. Aim to include more mono- and poly-unsaturated (omega 3) fats to reduce inflammation . Research has also shown that just a 5% weight loss can reduce the fat that can accumulate in your liver. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and brussels sprouts contain special compounds that turn into helpful substances, like sulforaphane, which support the liver by boosting the production of enzymes that break down and remove harmful toxins. Bitter greens such as rocket or mustard greens, can stimulate bile production. The bitter compounds in these greens activate the liver and gallbladder, encouraging the secretion of bile, which helps with digestion and the removal of toxins from the body. Your gastro intestinal tract (GIT) The intestinal tract runs from the mouth to the colon and anus. Its not all about digestion, but also the elimination (detoxification) of toxins as well. Detoxes Toxins from food and the environment Used-up hormones, especially excess oestrogen Waste from digestion By-products from gut bacteria Microbes or pathogens that shouldn’t be there How it works Binds all waste, toxins, excess hormones (oestrogen and cholesterol!) to fibre so that they can be eliminated out with stool. The “good” bacteria in your gut help break down harmful substances. How to support your intestinal tract Instead of going on a juice cleanse for 2 weeks (and they don’t have any fibre- which the gut really needs to be healthy) give it attention and care with increased diversity of vegetables, fibre and probiotics Include more probiotic rich foods like fermented milks, sauerkraut or kimchi and prebiotic foods such as onions, garlic, spring onions etc Water helps move everything along your digestive tract and keeps bowel movements regular Stress affects digestion and gut lining integrity Help your gut by reducing the toxins it has to deal with in the first place (ultra processed foods, alcohol and excess sugar) A healthy gut lining helps prevent toxin reabsorption (try adding collagen, bone broths or glutamine to repair your gut lining) Your lymphatic system The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, lymph nodes and organs (like the spleen and thymus) that helps your body remove waste, balance fluid levels and transport white blood cells for immune defence. Detoxes Cellular waste Toxins and environmental chemicals Pathogens (viruses, bacteria) Dead or damaged cells Excess fluid How it works Lymph vessels collect waste from your tissues. This fluid (lymph) is carried through lymph nodes, where it’s filtered. Cleaned lymph is then returned to your bloodstream for final waste removal via kidneys, liver, skin and colon. How to support your intestinal tract Stay hydrated as lymph is mostly water, without enough, it becomes “sluggish” Exercise and increase your activity if you are sedentary as the lymphatic system is stimulated by moving your muscles and getting your heart rate up See a professional for lymph massage Focus on an anti-inflammatory diet rich in nutrients and low in fast foods and refined carbohydrates After seeing how hard our body works to naturally detox, it’s clear why commercial detoxes that are low in fibre and nutrients can be risky. These detoxes don’t support the body’s natural processes and can actually do more harm than good. The idea of a “detox” can be great because it brings awareness to one’s eating habits and choices. So instead of relying on restrictive or fad detoxes, focus on nourishing your body with whole foods, fibre, exercise and movement, reducing alcohol and increasing nutrients that support our bodies natural detoxification processes, in a sustainable way.
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Sarcopenia
Sarcopenia, a Greek term for “poverty of the flesh, ” describes the loss of muscle mass, function and strength from the ageing process. This results in a decreased quality of life, increased falls and injury and inability to perform daily tasks. “Muscle mass decreases approximately 3–8% per decade after the age of 30 and this rate of decline is even higher after the age of 60”- Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care Firstly, it is important to recognise symptoms of sarcopenia. Do I struggle to lift more than 4.5kg? Do I have difficulty walking across the room? Do I have a weak grip strength? Have I fallen more than once this year? If you have answered yes to any of the above questions then let’s have a look at how a functional nutrition approach can help. 💪Total calorie intake is important for ageing. So often we see in older clients and patients that there is a tendency to under-eat due to taste changes, decreased appetite and eating difficulties. It is important for us to monitor that we are getting in enough energy from a balanced, nutritious diet that will support our body. If we under-eat, our body naturally uses fat for fuel, and then muscle for energy to live and move. On the other hand, we also often eat too much, but have an “empty calorie” intake, meaning that we eat non-nutritious foods but high in calories (think chips or pastries). 💪Focusing on ensuring that we get enough protein in our ageing years is vital for muscle loss prevention. The minimum of 0.8g/kg/day is what we look for, with the aim of at least 1.2-1.6g/kg per day for older adults’ metabolism and if living with illness or disease (link). Simple ways to reach this easily? Aim for at least around 20-35g of protein per meal Trying to eat protein first before carbohydrates (so we don’t get full) Whey protein is also a supplement to consider if you are not getting enough protein in the day. Whey protein also contains leucine which is an amino acid that is involved in muscle maintenance. Collagen supplementation is also important because as we age our body produces less and less natural collagen, and collagen is important for the creation of muscle protein. 💪Micronutrients such as vitamin D which is an important supplementation for sarcopenia prevention. This is a fat soluble vitamin that is involved in calcium absorption, bone formation and helps maintain muscle strength and function. A very interesting study showed that in their research, there is a TWO TIME greater risk of sarcopenia in those who are vitamin D deficient. Another nutrient to watch for is the anti-inflammatory omega 3. If you are not getting two portions of fatty fish a week or regularly consume chia seeds or flaxseed oil- an omega 3 supplement is needed. Omega 3 may help with muscle growth and intramuscular strength. The reason is because temporary or long term inflammation causes a decline in protein synthesis (making muscles) as well as increases muscle breakdown. According to a research article in Metabolism, the Mediterranean diet is thought to help with sarcopenia, because it is rich in vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A and phytochemicals. Lastly, along with nutrition, exercise is the most effective intervention for improving quality of life in sarcopenic patients. Rogan Heyns, a local Capetonian biokineticist, mentions that he uses the following as outlined by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM): Progressive Resistance Training: This involves using weights, resistance bands, or body weight to progressively increase the load on muscles. It helps stimulate muscle growth and strength. Exercise Frequency: At least 2-3 days per week of resistance training is recommended, targeting all major muscle groups. Intensity: The intensity should be moderate to high (around 60-80% of the individual’s one-rep max). Initially, beginners may start with lighter loads and progressively increase. Functional Exercises: Focus on movements that mimic daily activities, such as squats, lunges, and stair climbing, to improve overall mobility and balance. Combining Aerobic Exercise: While resistance training is key, incorporating aerobic exercises (e.g., walking, cycling) helps maintain cardiovascular health and overall fitness, which supports muscle preservation. Consistent training helps to maintain or rebuild muscle mass, strength, and function, which is crucial in preventing frailty and improving the quality of life in older adults (link).
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Do you suffer from Rosacea?
Rosacea is a really nasty skin disorder affecting the curves and features of the centre of the face. It is often called acne rosacea. It’s generally characterised by one or more of the following: Light to heavy facial flushing (erythema) which can be transient or permanent Papules and pustules Telangiectasia – threadlike red lines or patterns that cross the face Rhinophyma – where the nose thickens and becomes bulbous Women of 30-50 are most often victims of this condition, and find it frustrating and embarrassing to deal with for obvious reasons. Allopathic treatments like cortisone and antibiotics are often used to treat it, but this doesn’t solve the problem in the long term. While its cause is supposedly unknown there are a number of factors which are known to trigger it including: Leaky gut syndrome (your gut flora are responsible for more than you know!). This one is the most obvious of all A mite that lives on the skin Poor diet and fizzy drinks Sugar/insulin dysregulation Auto-immunity Low immune status Various pathogenic bacteria living in the gut Helicobacter pylori (a germ that lives in the stomach) Some fungal infections (gut and on the skin) Alcohol is a known trigger if you are genetically predisposed Sometimes rosacea appears in people with autoimmune conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes type 1, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease, and is sometimes considered an auto-immune condition. However the ‘cause’ which makes the most sense, and where we’ve seen the best results, is in treating the gut and using supplements. Dysbiosis and gastrointestinal disorders in people lead to increased prevalence of the problem, and almost everyone we’ve ever seen with rosacea has leaky gut. Once this is addressed, the problem can be very efficiently controlled with a few basic nutrients. Natural treatments Clearly the GUT has to be addressed. Pathogenic bacteria may be assessed via a sophisticated stool test if you can afford it (not your regular lab). But if you don’t want to do this there is plenty you can do on your own. Some of these measures include: Dietary modification: this is absolutely essential if you want to beat it! NO more seed oils, margarine, gluten, dairy products other than butter, sugar, fructose, fizzy drink, alcohol, soya or processed food. Yes, it’s hard to start with, but so worthwhile Include healthy meats, eggs and other animal protein from grass-fed humanely reared animals. B12 is a KEY nutrient in dealing with rosacea. Get it from animal protein first and foremost. Eat more liver and eggs for vitamin A (vitamin A is only found in the animal kingdom and is not efficiently converted from beta-carotene to vitamin A in the body). This is one of your main ‘skin’ nutrients. Make sure your sugar and insulin levels are normal and that your homocysteine is low (blood tests will confirm this). Take a very good probiotic – MaxiProbiotic is an excellent one (from our online store) Take a good PREbiotic too – like MaxiPrebiotic – to allow effective implantation of probiotics – this takes time, and you need to keep up addressing the gut Take a good Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamine) under the tongue – every day Take a good B Complex daily as well – many B vitamins are missing in this condition and the condition responds well to a good B complex Make sure you are NOT trying to ‘alkalise’ your body! Forget the pH myth – it won’t do you any favours Pure Hydrolysed Collagen has a remarkable effect on skin MaxiMSM is also known to make a huge difference to the skin in a short time like collagen Zinc is a skin-specific nutrient and also encourages stomach acid production, and regulates insulin production. It is a fundamental nutrient in cell-mediated immunity and is an anti-inflammatory. Magnesium citrate is good for a number of things, but in this case for regulation of blood sugar if your problem is in this area – high blood sugar and insulin are VERY inflammatory and will drive this condition out of control Take 1000iu Vitamin D3 daily (make sure it’s D3 and not D2) – excellent for skin and has been shown to be effective in both rosacea treatment and autoimmune diseases. Direct sunlight can irritate rosacea, so in this case a supplement is much better than the sun itself Omega-3 fish oil has been shown to help in dealing with the inflammation of rosacea as it acts by competitively inhibiting pro-inflammatory pathways – take a higher dose than usual if your skin is very greasy All of the above are available from our online store here.
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The Case for fibre
There are 2 schools of thought about fibre, but let’s be clear – the human body is designed to use fibre. The more healthy fibre you get in your diet, the better your digestive system functions. BUT it must be HEALTHY fibre – not wheat or grain fibre, it should be mostly vegetable fibre. It also maintains a steady WEIGHT, maintains healthy CHOLESTEROL levels and keeps you REGULAR. Like so many other health issues, it all comes back to your gut. The health of your gut affects everything from your immune system to your moods. Poor diets have little fibre, are inflammatory and are full of processed food and sugar. If you don’t get enough fibre, you won’t have enough “food” to feed the healthy bacteria in the gut – it’s their favourite food. And this is KEY to good health. Healthy gut bacteria is everything. Our digestive enzymes can’t break down the vegetable fibre, so it intact as it moves through the digestive tract. And as it travels, the healthy microbes in our gut feed off the fibre’s vitamins, nutrients, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Too little fibre will starve these microbes, some die off, others end up eating the mucus lining of the digestive wall, and it becomes permeable, known as Leaky Gut Syndrome. This makes you more prone to infection as well. This weakens the immune system, a large part of which depend on these microbes, the body becomes inflamed and we are more susceptible to illness and obesity. How Much? Pretty well as much as you can because we just don’t get enough. Fibre-rich foods are a good start. Researchers have found in humans that the balance of bacteria in the gut can quickly change for the worse as soon you stop getting enough fibre. In general, women should get at least 30 grams of daily, while men should get at least 38. Some doctors say diabetics need at least 50g a day for good blood sugar control. A low-carb diet is an excellent way to eat, but this also means cutting out grains which are a source of fibre, though a very ‘bad’ source of fibre in that they inflame the intestines, cause weight gain and generally are a bad idea. They also lacerate the sides of the colon and grains themselves lead to Leaky Gut Syndrome. And don’t think “whole grains” are any good – they have extremely negative effects that cancel out their so-called benefits, such as the presence of phytic acid, which interferes with the absorption of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Researchers found our hunter-gatherer ancestors got about 100g or more of fibre daily from roots, berries, leaves, and other plants. A staggering amount. Whatever you do, don’t suddenly introduce massive amounts of fibre – start slowly, and ALWAYS include more water. Anytime you introduce more protein or fibre into the diet, you add more water. Best Sources of Fibre: these are generally vegetables and fruit, nuts, seeds, and in many cases a healthy fibre supplement (but there are good and bad ones here too, so be aware). Good Food Fibre: Avocado Leafy greens Cruciferous vegetables Almonds and other nuts Chia seeds Prebiotic fibre (such as is found in MaxiPrebiotic Berries Adding fibre to your diet is probably the safest way to ensure you get enough. Here are some good ways to do that: Skinny fibre MaxiPrebiotic Herbal Fibre Blend Chia seeds 4-seed mix (All available from our online store at https://sallyanncreed.co.za/shop) Food Serving Fibre (g) VEGETABLES Artichoke, cooked 1 medium 10.3g Asparagus, cooked 6 spears 1.8g Brocolli, cooked ½ cup 2g Brussel sprouts, cooked ½ cup 3g Carrots, raw ½ cup 2.3g Edamame beans, cooked ½ cup 4.3g Peas, green, cooked ½ cup 5.6g Potato/sweet with skin cooked 1 medium 3.3-4.3g Spinach, cooked ½ cup 3.7g FRUIT Avocado ½ cup 6.7g Cherries 20 3.4g Guava 1 fruit 3g Mango ½ fruit 1.7g Orange 1 medium 2.3g Pear 1 medium 5.3g Raspberries/blackberries ½ cup 4-5g WHOLE FOODS, NUTS, SEEDS, SUPPLEMENTS Oats, cooked ¾ cup 2.8-3.5g Beans, cooked ¾ cup 8.6g-13.6g Chickpeas, cooked ¾ cup 5.5g Lentils, cooked ¾ cup 6.2g Chia seeds 1 tbsp 3.7-5g Flaxseeds, ground 1 tbsp 1.9 Nuts ¼ cup 3-4g Seeds ¼ cup 3-3.7g MaxiPrebiotic Tsp serving 5.3g Psyllium Husk 1 tsp 3.2g-4g Ref: Canadian Nutrient File 2015.
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Can Vitamin D save your Life?
Yes, we believe vitamin D can save your life. Vitamin D is a true superstar which affects so much more than bones and teeth. The brain, immune system, hormones, cancer prevention and gene expression all rely to some extent on Vitamin D. In fact Vitamin D has been called “one of the simplest solutions to wide-ranging health problems”. Because almost every cell and tissue in the body has a receptor for Vitamin D. So it’s important to get enough, wouldn’t you say vitamin D can save your life? Vitamin D is made in the skin using cholesterol and sunlight, but how many of us get hours of daily sun on bare skin at noon? Studies show most people on this planet are deficient in the minimum RDA for Vitamin D, especially children (they use it quickly to build bones and teeth), and the elderly. You need to have a blood test annually if you are not sure. The preferred range is 50-70ng/ml, and it becomes harder for our bodies to produce it after 35 anyway. If you have heart disease or a history of cancer you want that up to 70-100 ng/ml. It is possible to overdose on D, but if you remain in these ranges and test annually, you will be fine. Overdosing takes a long time at high doses. Taking 1000iu a day will slowly get you to your right level, and you won’t overdose. Please note: Prescription Vitamin D is D2, not D3. D2 does not directly supply D3, and is given in much higher doses (50,000 iu weekly). When blood levels test normal, your doctor will take you OFF D2. But you’ll slip back to deficiency if not taking D3 on a regular basis. Foods which contain D3 Fatty fish such as wild (not farmed) salmon and sardines have roughly 400iu of D in a 90g serving. Liver and pastured egg yolk have a tiny bit – 40iu in 1 egg or 90g of liver. That’s a lot of liver, eggs and canned fish to get a dose of 1000 to 7,000 iu daily. A good supplement is so much easier. Cod liver oil has about 450iu per teaspoon. Mushrooms labelled as containing Vitamin D have been exposed to light and contain Vitamin D2 NOT D3. So it’s difficult to get from food. Absorption of all fat-soluble vitamins is decreased in those with intestinal inflammation such as Celiac, Crohn’s and Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other gut issues. NOTE: ALWAYS TAKE VITAMIN K2 WITH D. Never, never, take Vitamin D3 without K2. We have supplements in our online store with D3 and K2 at https://sallyanncreed.co.za/shop Ways Vitamin D can save your life: DNA repair and gene regulation. This is massive! Vitamin D impacts all the bad genes (turns them off) and all the good genes (turns them on), changing your entire future. One study showed a mere 2,000iu of vitamin D3 per day for a few months upregulated 291 different genes controlling 80 different metabolic processes. Imagine what you are missing out on if you don’t have enough D3? Prevents osteoporosis, hip fractures, arthritis and many types of pain. Studies show a sharp increase in all-cause mortality after a broken hip. Anything that stops us from exercising is harmful. Vitamin D is so important with Vitamin K2 for maintaining bone strength. Vitamin D plays a big role in the aches and pains of chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia too. The immune system. Vitamin D3 supports the “killer cells” of the immune system, helping white blood cells kill infections. We get sick less often and get well faster. Vitamin D3 is also a potent immune modulator for the prevention and resolution of autoimmune diseases like Multiple Sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease. Cancer. Vitamin D plays a role in most cancers. In one study, 70% of women with breast cancer were found to be vitamin D deficient. It has even been shown to prevent breast cancer cell growth and decrease the expression of cancer causing genes. It is essential after cancer treatment to track your Vitamin D twice annually and keep it at the top of the range or just slightly beyond – 75-100 ng/ml according to some experts. Maintains a healthy brain. Vitamin D affects production of serotonin which affects sleep, depression, PMS, weight, mood, digestion and more. It helps prevent Parkinson’s by enhancing the transmission of electricity to your neurons and by detoxifying your cells. Dementia, Alzheimer’s, memory and information processing are all affected by low D. Vitamin D activates and deactivates enzymes in the brain and the cerebrospinal fluid involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and nerve growth. Heart disease. People with insufficient vitamin D have an 80% greater risk of narrowing of the arteries according to a long-term study at Johns Hopkins. Vitamin D is important for reducing hypertension, atherosclerotic heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. One study showed Vitamin D deficiency increased the risk of heart attack by 50%. VERY important – Vitamin K2 plays a huge role here also. Don’t take D without K2, as the K2 prevents D from hardening the arteries or forming calcium deposits incorrectly anywhere in the body. Vitamin D plays many roles, but Vitamin K2 makes sure the calcium absorbed does NOT go to the arteries, but to the bones. It’s as important as D3. Diabetes & Weight Loss. Vitamin D stimulates insulin production and is important for Diabetes management and for weight loss. There’s almost no mental or physical function that D does not affect. You’ll find the excellently formulated vitamins – Vitamin D3 Premium and Vitamin K2 Premium at https://sallyanncreed.co.za/shop
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Top 10 Toxins to Avoid
Toxins to avoid: There are some very nasty chemicals out there – yes, they’re all bad – but some are worse than others. Below are some toxins to avoid. The liver is the most important detoxifying organ in the body. When the liver can’t effectively neutralise and dispose of toxins, they accumulate in the body. An essential nutrient for healthy liver function is Milk Thistle Here are our Top 10 toxins to avoid: 1. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES): These closely related chemicals occur in everything from soaps to toothpaste, and are found in virtually all shampoos and foaming products. They cause skin irritation, serious eye damage, diarrhea, breathing difficulty – even death – in laboratory animals. The American College of Toxicology discovered these chemicals can cause malformation in the eyes of children. While other research shows SLS in particular can damage the immune system. This can potentially leave the body open to damage, disorders and disease including cancer. Toxic residues can be left behind in the heart, brain and liver. 2. FD&C colour pigments: They may seem like harmless colorants, but the many pigments finding their way into personal care products can damage the skin. In addition it’s been shown that absorption of some of these colorants can deplete the body of oxygen and in extreme cases lead to death. The majority of these pigments are made from coal tar – a substance known to cause cancer in laboratory animals. 3. Isopropyl alcohol: How many times have you noticed this chemical listed on the ingredients of lotions, fragrances, cosmetics and similar products? You might think because of its widespread use that isopropyl alcohol is safe. This petroleum-derived substance is the same chemical used in antifreeze and as a solvent in shellac. Both inhalation and ingestion are dangerous – leading to dizziness, depression, vomiting, nausea and coma. 4. Polyethylene glycol (PEG): These harsh chemicals are used to dissolve oil and grease, as well as thicken products! Ugh. They are even used as oven cleaners!! Why would you want to use them on or in your body? Yet, PEGs find their way into many of the personal care products you use every day. Potentially carcinogenic, PEGs are known to damage the immune system and exposure can trigger cancer cell growth. 5. Chlorine: Despite being used in swimming pools, laundry products, sewage systems and tap water among other applications – chlorine is far from harmless. This chemical is widely known to cause delirium, diabetes, high blood pressure, circulatory collapse and a host of other serious conditions. It is also a likely carcinogen. This is why we use a distiller and have for 20 years! (See more here ) 6. DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (momoethanolamine) and TEA (triethanolamine): You will often find these acronyms listed in conjunction with other ingredients on product labels. These chemicals are carcinogens known as hormone-disrupting chemicals. They are frequently found in products that foam, such as bubble baths, body washes and shampoos. Dr. Samuel Epstein the Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois has noted that repeated skin exposure can lead to a significant increase in the rates of kidney and liver cancer. 7. Mineral oil and baby oil: What can be more harmless than something known as baby oil, marketed to protect an infant’s skin? Baby oil is still 100% mineral oil, a commonly used petroleum-based ingredient that is also used to make plastic wrap. Like plastic wrap, it robs your skin’s natural ability to breathe and release toxins. It can also slow down cell development, leading to breakdown of cells and premature ageing. We shudder when I think of how as a teenager we would rub this all over our bodies to get a faster tan! 8. Fragrance: It’s difficult to find a personal care product that doesn’t contain some sort of fragrance, from baby lotion to deodorants. Unfortunately, a surprising number of the compounds used in fragrance are themselves carcinogenic or toxic. Many fragrances are synthetic chemicals. Clinical studies have shown that repeated exposure can affect the central nervous system, causing depression hyperactivity, irritability, and behavioural problems. Make sure any fragrances you use are from essential oils – we only use natural fragrances in our Grace skincare range 9. Propylene glycol (PG): Commonly found in products as a “wetting” agent or solvent, you may be surprised to learn that PG is also the active component in antifreeze – actually, there is no difference in the industrial product and the personal care product ingredient. While known to break down protein and cellular structure it is still found in a multitude of skin and hair products including cosmetics. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires that workers wear protective gear when working around these chemicals. This is to guard against brain, liver and kidney damage. 10. Imidazolidinyl urea and DMDM hydantoin: These compounds are just a few of the many preservatives found in personal care products that are known to release formaldehyde (this is used to embalm the dead) – which has been shown to damage the respiratory system and cause heart palpitations, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other complications brought on by exposure include rash, joint pain, depression, headaches, chest pains, and sleep loss, to name a few. Exposure has also been shown to weaken the immune system and known to increase the risk of cancer. Educate yourself and invest in natural products with ingredients you understand and know. Better still know what toxins to avoid and where possible make your own!
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The Problem with Soy
Are you using soy milk thinking it’s healthier than dairy, or perhaps taking isoflavones for menopausal symptoms – or even eating tofu as a “healthy” alternative to animal protein? Many people today perceive soy products to be healthy, but nothing couldn’t be further from the truth. The risks to your health associated with soy are significant and worth looking at closely if you are considering soy as a dietary addition. While this article could go on for the length of an entire book, I’ll cover just a few areas to give you a good idea of the dangers you face when consuming soy products. Hormone Health Soy certainly is not a healthy alternative to HRT by any stretch of the imagination either, in fact it may worsen your symptoms. At the end of a 2-year study (published in Aug 2011 Archives of Internal Medicine) showed no improvement in symptoms or bone loss. Even a very small amount of isoflavones have the ability to disrupt hormonal balance (around 1 cup of soymilk). In fact dietary estrogens in the form of soy foods were found to have the potential to disrupt the endocrine system with the effects in women similar to taking the breast cancer drug Tamoxifen (Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine 1995 Jan;208(1):51-9). Thyroid Health A study done in 1999 found that just 2 tablespoons daily of roasted and pickled soybeans for 3 months (given to healthy adults receiving adequate iodine in their diet) was enough to cause thyroid suppression with the characteristic symptoms of malaise, constipation, sleepiness and even goiters (Nippon Naibunpi Gakkai Zasshi 1991, 767:622-629). It blocks the T4 to T3 conversion. Alternative to Animal Protein People eat soy to get ‘vegetable protein’ – but what they don’t realize is that the phytates in soy actually impede absorption of protein, deprive them of B12 and impede absorption of four key minerals: Calcium Magnesium Iron Zinc The phytates are deactivated when soy is fermented but how many people really eat it in the form of the traditional fermented form? Most ‘fermented’ soya is not made in the traditional method anyway. In the East very little soy is actually eaten and it’s all fermented in the ancient way. There is a dark side to soy too. In an excellent article entitled “The Ploy of Soy” by Sally Fallon and Mary G Enig, Ph.D., of the Weston A. Price Foundation – Fallon and Enig put the nutritional realities of soy consumption into perspective. Here are a few of the key points they make: Soybeans contain “antinutrients” that inhibit enzymes needed for protein digestion and amino acid uptake Soybeans contain hemaglutinin. A substance that promotes the clotting of red blood cells. Enzyme inhibitors are reduced in bean curd and tofu but not completely eliminated. When vegetarians substitute dairy products and meat with bean curd and tofu. they may risk serious mineral deficiencies. Kidney Stones Soy intake may also increase kidney stone risk. A 2001 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed how soybeans, tofu, and commercially processed soy products contain extremely high levels of oxalate. This is a compound that binds with calcium in the kidneys. It also increases the risk of kidney stone development. Genetic Modification 91-98% of the world’s soy is genetically modified. The genetic modification is done to impart resistance to the toxic herbicide Roundup. While this is meant to increase farming efficiency and provide you with less expensive soy. The downside is that your soy is loaded with this toxic pesticide. This toxic pesticide has been fingered in many cancers especially kidney cancer. There is also concern that it may cause Parkinson’s Disease. Inflammation & Allergies It’s also inflammatory. Inflammation from a soy allergy can develop anywhere in the body where there’s soft tissue. The most common places, besides in the gastrointestinal tract, are in the nose, lungs and skin. You could experience nasal congestion, sneezing, a runny nose, postnasal drip and sinus pressure pain from nasal inflammation, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The lungs can swell, leading to asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing. Hives, eczema and general itching are common skin inflammations from a soy allergy. Fattening Soy! Animals are fattened on corn and soy all over the world – it’s in the feed for every kind of animal, and is almost always genetically modified. If this fattens them, why would we think we’d not put on weight from soy? Soy is one of the most lucrative crops around. Sadly at the expense of other crops this awful bean is being grown instead of nourishing vegetables. As well as instead of putting animals back on the land. Over 350,000 farms in the United States produce soybeans. This accounts for over 50% of the world’s soybean production and $6.66 billion in soybean and product exports in 2000 (heaven knows what it is now…). Soy has a metabolic estrogenic effect in the body. If you’re male you may want to think twice before consuming processed or unfermented soy products, as these types of soy can be feminizing. Excess estrogen in men is a known cause for gynecomastia (fatty breasts in men), prostate enlargement and cancer. Women shouldn’t have excess estrogens circulating throughout the body either. Estrogen dominance is a known cause for PMS, breast cancer and other female disorders. If you can’t figure out why your stubborn fat and metabolic disorders increase the problem may well be the processed soy you are eating, perhaps without realising it. Whether it is soy milk, soy ice cream, veggie burgers, tofu or other processed soy based products, all overwhelmingly contribute to an excess of estrogen in the body. Bottom line soy is fattening for man and beast. Do You eat Soy? And in case you think you eat little or no soy – check the label. Surprise!! Soy is in everything today. From so-called health foods to cereals, breads, medications, meat products, protein bars and almost 100% of processed foods. You name it and you will probably find soy present. The only sure way to eliminate soy is to eliminate processed food completely and eat real food. It’s in everything from dog food to take-aways to baby food to vegetable oils. How to Recover from Being ‘Over-Soyed’ The gut will need healing if you have been exposed to a lot of soy. Eliminate all grains and all sources of soy. Introduce a lot of bone broths, sauerkraut, kimchi and other cultured foods, coconut oil and probiotic supplements.
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Are you eating enough Protein?
Here are some tell-tale signs you may not be getting enough protein in your diet. If you suspect you are not eating enough you can increase your meat, fish, eggs and poultry. Protein is essential to prevent muscle loss, and stay alive and well. Loss of muscle mass and decreased strength You are seldom full and snack constantly – protein keeps you satisfied for 5-7 hours without snacking You get hungry soon after eating a meal – if so eat more in that meal Anaemia – a sure sign of deficiency You struggle with energy levels, often feel tired and experience blood sugar highs and lows Are you often in a bad mood? It’s one sign of deficiency Do you have frequent infections/colds/flu, or do you stay sick longer without recovering? Do you have very weak/brittle finger nails and hair? Does your hair grow very slowly? Slow wound healing is a sign of protein deficiency You experience “stress fractures” – the body will ‘steal’ protein from your bones and organs if you don’t have enough proteinSo make sure you have plenty of healthy, clean protein (not the takeaway kind), with fresh vegetables and enough healthy fats to make you feel full and prevent snack attacks. You’ll feel so much better on more protein. Disclaimer: This post is subject to our general disclaimer https://sallyanncreed.co.za/disclaimer/.
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