I Wouldn't Cook With Teflon, So Why Floss With It?

Over the last several years, I've been changing my personal care products over to more natural and organic brands. The one item that I never thought to change, figuring it didn't matter, was dental floss. I was shocked to recently learn that the really great waxed flosses that don't shred or get stuck between teeth are, in fact, coated with a type a Teflon, called PTFE.

Teflon is a perfluorochemical (PFC), which research has shown can cause liver, pancreatic, testicular and mammary gland tumors in animals. PFCs--also found in stain resistant material-- can linger in a human body for years and the Center for Disease Control has found that most Americans have traces of them in their blood.

While I still prefer a nice wax on my floss to make cleaning between my teeth easier, I have now ditched the man-made variety for one made with vegetable wax. It works just as great without exposing myself to unnecessary toxins.

For more information on PFC's check out the Environmental Working Group's Web site.

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Health Expert/Author Shares Diet Downfalls & Tips

If you're looking to get in shape before summer, you may want to follow the advice of health expert and New York Time's bestselling author Jordan Rubin. In his latest book, Perfect Weight America: Change Your Diet, Change Your Life, Change Your World, he shares the three diet pitfalls to look out for and simple ways to stay on the right track.

The biggest diet sabotager, according to Rubin, is that most people don't have a plan.

"We're constantly bombarded with new, trendy diets--but most of us get confused by all the mixed messages and don't really follow just one plan," he says. Instead, Rubin suggests that the best weight loss plan is one that is based on common sense and one that you know you can follow through on.

Another downfall to avoid is eating the same boring foods over and over again. With a huge selection at the grocery store, Rubin suggests expanding your palate by adding five new, healthy, whole foods (think fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts--not processed foods from a box) in your shopping cart each week.

Also, don't spike your sugar levels by eating only fruit or whole grains. This can raise insulin levels too much, resulting in the suppression of leptin, a hormone that tells us when we have had enough to eat. Rubin says that it's best to mix complex carbohydrates with healthy fats or fiber.

"Adding peanut butter to a banana or munching on nuts with your carrot juice slows the release of sugar, which in turn slows the release of insulin," says Rubin.

Source: Natural Solutions (May 2008)

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Your Natural/Organic Personal Care Products May Contain Toxins

If you buy personal care products touted as natural or organic from the better-known brands found at health food stores, you'll be disappointed to learn that many of them contain residues of the chemical 1,4-dioxane, according to recent testing commissioned by the Organic Consumers Association.

The petroleum-derived contaminant is considered a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is a known animal carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program. Because 1,4-dioxane is a byproduct of the manufacturing process and not an ingredient, it does not have to be listed on labels.

The study found that shampoos and lotions from Jason Pure Natural & Organic, Giovanni Organic Cosmetics, Kiss My Face and Nature's Gate Organics were among those found to contain this contaminant.

The only way to ensure that a product does not contain 1,4-dioxane or any other possible toxin is to look for products that have the USDA organic seal on them. Brands that tested free of 1,4- dioxane included Dr. Bronner's, Terressentials, Aubrey Organics and Dr. Hauschka.

For a complete listing of the test results, visit OrganicConsumers.org.

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BPA in Plastic Alters Genes in Breast Cells

By now I hope most of you have thrown away your refillable, polycarbonate plastic water bottles. You know the ones that were almost too good to be true when they hit the market--hard and clear like glass, but don't shatter. However, more and more recent studies are linking the bisphenol A (BPA) found in polycarbonate plastic to health problems, including cancer and birth defects.

Building a stronger case against the wide-spread use of this synthetic chemical, a new U.S. study has found that when normal breast cells are exposed to trace amounts of BPA their behavior is dangerously altered. The cells take on gene activity that closely resembles those found in highly aggressive breast cancer.

BPA, also found in the epoxy resins lining most tin cans, babies bottles, some dental sealants, sports helmets and compact discs, is a known estrogen-mimicking chemical. Given the strong evidence linking prolonged exposure to estrogen with breast cancer, BPA's leaching into consumer goods had already raised red flags among scientists.

BPA may not be conclusively proven to cause cancer (yet), but the numerous links are too hard to ignore.

Source: The Globe and Mail

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VG Contest Giveaway: SkinnySongs to Help You Lose Weight

Vibrant Glow is giving away a SkinnySongs CD (a $14.99 value) to one lucky winner looking to lose weight with upbeat, motivating tunes.
"SkinnySongs will help people reach their weight loss and fitness goals because the songs bring a sense of shared experience — and a sense of humor — to something that is traditionally not very fun. I love these songs!" says Dr. Michael Roizen, Chief Wellness Officer of The Cleveland Clinic and co-author of the New York Times’ best selling books YOU: The Owner’s Manual and YOU: On a Diet.

Enter the SkinnySongs CD giveaway by emailing VibrantGlow@gmail.com between Wednesday, April 16 and Tuesday, April 22. One entry per household please. Entries must be received by April 22 at 12pm EST. Drawing will be held on or about April 22. Winner will be notified by email. Any information entrants provides will only be used to communicate with entrant in relation to this contest.

Going Down the Wrong Path to Fight Children's Obesity

The other day I was thumbing through a parenting magazine and came across some disturbing news: the medical community is rethinking its recommendation that children under two should drink whole milk and instead may decide to encourage parents to offer their toddlers low-fat dairy.

Of course, the rational behind it is to prevent childhood obesity, but this proposed solution is hardly a prescription for good health. Children need nourishing fat in those early years for proper growth and brain development. Restricting it could be dangerous and impair this crucial development stage.

Additionally, a 2005 study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found drinking too much milk--especially low-fat--caused weight gain in children. The researchers concluded that while quantity played a role in weight gain, fat did not. Furthermore, low-fat dairy usually has extra whey protein added to it, which may also play a role in helping to pack on extra pounds.

My darling two-year-old daughter, who has been drinking organic, non-homogenized, VAT pasteurized, whole milk from grass-fed cows since I weaned her around one, is the picture of health. I have no intention on switching her right now to low-fat milk.

My goal from day one is not to have a skinny child, but to have a healthy child with healthy eating habits. Because of that I chose to breast feed her for a year (which has been found to help prevent obesity); feed her nourishing whole foods (such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and nuts); avoid process foods as much as possible; ensure she gets plenty of healthy essential fatty acids (from wild salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, olive oil, etc.); limit her time in front of the television; and make sure she has daily, fun-filled, physical activity.

Additionally, my daughter will not be joining the "clean-your-plate" club, which most people from my generation were forced into by well-meaning parents. Instead, I let her decide when she is hungry and when she is full. It's an innate quality so kids are pretty good at eating just the right amount if you let them.

Removing fat from a diet may be an option for adults, but it's not an option for growing little bodies and minds. While the childhood obesity epidemic must be addressed, we should be looking at the many other factors contributing to this trend, including too much screen time, junk foods, soda and even juice.

However, before we go and change our children's eating habits, we need to examine our own. Most parents don't just pass on their genes to their little ones, but their unhealthy ways, too. If we become healthier role models, then our children will most likely follow.

Related Articles:
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Natural Health Headlines- Week of Friday, April 11

Omega-3 Intake During Last Months Of Pregnancy Boosts An Infant's Cognitive And Motor Development
Research finds that omega-3 intake during the last months of pregnancy boosts an infant's sensory, cognitive, and motor development. (ScienceDaily.com - Apr. 11, 2008)

Blueberry flavonoids could have Alzheimer's benefits, study
Blueberries and other phytochemical-rich foods could help in increasing memory capacity by reversing age-related deficits in memory, according to a new rat study by UK researchers. (NutraIngredients-USA.com - Apr. 11, 2008)

Trans-fats linked to breast cancer risk in study
Study finds that women with the highest blood levels of trans-fats have about twice the risk of breast cancer compared to women with the lowest levels. (Reuters.com - Apr. 11, 2008)

Anticipating A Laugh Reduces Our Stress Hormones, Study Shows
New research finds that simply seeking out positive experiences that make us laugh can do a lot with our physiology to stay well. (ScienceDaily.com - Apr. 10, 2008)

Tart Cherries May Reduce Factors Associated With Heart Disease And Diabetes
Cherries may be a heart-healthy food. (ScienceDaily.com - Apr. 10, 2008)

Whisk Those Blues Away
Study finds 20 minutes of activity a week, including housework, is good for mental health. (HealthDay.com - Apr. 9, 2008)

Aerobic Exercise Keeps You Young
British study found it shaved 10 to 12 years off biological age. (HealthDay.com - Apr. 9, 2008)

Caffeine May Block High Cholesterol Linked to Alzheimer's
Its ability to stabilize blood-brain barrier may play role in neurological therapies. (HealthDay.com - Apr. 9, 2008)

A Month of Exercise Helps Ease Heart Failure
Moderate regimen saw heart output, breathing improve, researchers say. (HealthDay.com - Apr. 8, 2008)

Food as Medicine?
Caffeine, green tea, tart cherries may fight MS, cancer and heart disease, studies suggest. (HealthDay.com - Apr. 8, 2008)

Too little childhood sleep tied to later problems
Less childhood sleep can double a child's risk of being overweight and increases chance of having anxiety and depression later in life. (Reuters.com - Apr. 7, 2008)

Depressed people more prone to Alzheimer's
Study finds that depression is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease developing later in life. (Reuters.com - Apr. 7, 2008)

Magnetic Resetting of Brain to Beat Depression

For the millions of people suffering from depression, but can't seem to get their brains unstuck from a downward spiral no matter what treatments they try, new hope is on the horizon.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)--a safe and noninvasive therapy using a rapidly changing magnetic field to stimulate neurons in the brain--is showing promising results in numerous peer-reviewed studies as a major breakthrough in treating depression in cases that are resistant to any other forms of treatment, including prescription drugs.

Currently, TMS isn't FDA approved. However, doctors are allowed to use it as an 'off-label' treatment. Last year, the FDA’s Neurological Devices Panel concluded that TMS treatment is safe, but requires further research to demonstrate efficacy.

TMS patients usually feel a tingling sensations on the scalp and have to wear ear plugs to block out the loud clicking noise from the magnetic pulse, but overall, it's not an uncomfortable experience. The treatments are administered daily for several weeks, although some people see results immediately.

People wanting to try TMS now can either participate in a clinical study or visit a private physician offering it off-label. Participating in a study usually doesn't cost anything. However, a 30-minute session with the latter option is estimated to cost about $300 and insurance usually doesn't cover it, at least for now.

In addition, TMS has also been found to help rehabilitate stroke patients. It is also being researched as a potential treatment for schizophrenia, posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, migraine headaches, autism, mania, anxiety disorders and chronic neuropathic pain.

For more information about TMS, including how to participate in a clinical study, visit elata.org.

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Making the Healthy Change to Grass-Fed Beef

Last month I convinced my husband that we needed to make the switch to grass-fed beef instead of the stuff I pick up at Whole Foods. While the meat behind the counter may not contain antibiotics or hormones like the stuff from conventional grocery stores, it's not organic and it's not from cows that were once grazing on an open field that would translate into healthier beef on our plates.

After placing my deposit on a portion of a cow a couple of weeks earlier, the day finally came for us to make the trek out to the country to pick up about 80 pounds of organic, grass-fed Angus beef at a small family farm. It did cost quite a bit more than conventional beef and just slightly more than the meat I buy at Whole Foods, but it's worth it!

I'm not sure what was the catalyst that made me make the extra effort. Maybe it's because I'm pregnant and need to eat very healthy. Or maybe because I figured I'm still paying quite a bit for meat at Whole Foods. I guess I also started realizing that if we are going to eat beef, then it should be the way nature intended---lean (yes, as lean as chicken), and with a higher content of omega-3 fatty acids (that heart-friendly essential fat that may reduce your risk of cancer) and "conjugated linoleic acids" or CLA (another super healthy fat that's a weapon against cancer and may even help with weight loss).

In addition to being healthier, I also enjoy the fact that I am serving my family a safer meat. Organic, grass-fed meat is less likely to contain dangerous E. coli or mad cow disease.

I was worried that the beef would be tougher than the grain-fed variety, but as long as I cook it a little lower and a little less, then it's delicious. Marinating helps too.

Managed the right way, allowing cows to graze in an open pasture is also much better for the environment than plumping up the bovines on grains and hormones in a factory farm.

The best place to find out more about grass-fed beef is at EatWild.com.

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Normal Weight Doesn't Always Mean Healthy

If you thought you were healthy because your weight falls in the normal range, you'll be in for a big surprise. It turns out more than half of all normal-weight Americans are susceptible to heart disease, diabetes and other metabolic disorders because they have too much body fat, reports a new study.

Researchers found that these people suffering from "normal weight obesity" had blood chemistry changes similar to those that are overweight, which can have an adverse affect on heart and metabolic health.

If you're normal weight, but are a man with more than 20 percent body fat or a woman with more than 30 percent body fat, you'd fall into this category.

The best remedy? Get fit with exercise and strength training.

Source: Health Day

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