It’s hard to know what is the best cookware for your health. When I was first married, cooking in aluminum pans was a hot topic. Aluminum use was linked to Alzheimer’s disease, they said. More recently, the topic of using Teflon coated skillets has been in the news. Teflon use is linked to cancer, they say. Earlier this year, my mother couldn’t wait to show me the newest thing out there, the GreenPan from Belgium. She was so excited to get one and was amazed that I hadn’t heard of them. This non-stick coated pan is PTFE free (the substance under question in Teflon). But since I’m skeptical of new products that haven’t stood the test of time, and choosing healthy cookware is an important decision to make for a family, I’ll stick with cast iron and stainless steel.

Cast Iron Cookware

Although used since the 4^th century in China, Abraham Darby perfected the production of cast iron pots in England in the early 1700s. Since that time, no adverse health effects have been reported from their use. In fact, using cast iron can increase the iron in your food—especially if cooking high acid foods like tomato sauce. Iron is important in the diet because the red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body through the bloodstream. An estimated 3.5 million Americans suffer with anemia (iron-poor blood); the symptoms of which include fatigue, lack of energy, headaches, and dizziness. Although you can overdose on iron, it is rare. Women lose iron through blood loss at menstruation. Athletes lose iron through perspiration; and those that consume excessive amounts of coffee and tea block their body’s absorption of this important mineral.

Made of heavy iron, cast iron pots or skillets are virtually indestructible. And once you season your cast iron, they provide cooking as non-stick as non-stick can get. However, maintaining that finish is an important part of cast iron care.

Stainless Steel Cookware

The next healthiest choice of cookware is stainless steel. Actually, stainless steel is made of several different metals. According to a report on the safe use of cookware by Health Canada, the only metals in a high-quality, stainless steel pan that may affect health are iron, nickel, and chromium. Nickel may cause a reaction in those allergic to that metal, but the iron and chromium are necessary in the diet and cannot leach into your foods in any dangerous amounts. For added safety, never store high acid foods like tomato sauce or rhubarb in stainless steel pans and if the surface of the pan has been destroyed with pitting or deep scratches, discontinue use.

As with any cookware, proper care is essential. The great thing about stainless steel is that you can clean the pans in the dishwasher. However, if you have burned or stuck food on them, do not use steel wool or metal scouring pads as they can scratch the surface. First wash the pan with a soft cloth in hot soap and water. If a little extra is needed, use a nylon scrubby with a non-abrasive cleanser. When done, rinse in hot water and dry immediately to prevent water spots from forming.

If your cupboards are still filled with Teflon-coated or aluminum pans, do not despair; choosing healthy cookware is easier than you might think. Cast iron can be found in junk shops for a bargain and resurfaced; and the cost of quality stainless steel pans has come down in recent years. When we were starting out, I would replace one pan at a time as the budget would allow until I could afford to buy the best cookware for our health. In the meantime, refrain from using the coated or aluminum pans with high-acid foods or at high temperatures.

Photo by yalin_cyp

Arsenic in apple juice—the breaking news of the past week. Started by Dr. Mehmet Oz, on his popular television program, this controversy has either raised fear and doubt in the minds of parents that regularly give apple juice to their children, or fueled the fire of scoffers who do not really care. When I was asked to look into this matter and write a post on it, I have to admit that I was leaning toward the scoffer camp. But after serious investigation, I find myself taking a totally different stance—that of, “take it seriously, but don’t let it be your burden.” Let me explain.

I first thought it silly. I thought I knew that apple seeds naturally contain arsenic. My oldest son has eaten his apples, core and all, his entire life and he’s still kicking. “What’s the big deal?” I asked. Then after a little reading, I discovered that apples do not have arsenic in them, they have cyanide—an entirely different chemical. So, I kept digging; and here are the facts as I discovered them.

• Arsenic is a semi-metal element that occurs naturally in the earth’s crust.  You can neither taste nor smell it. It is used as a wood preservative, and in the manufacture of paints, dyes, certain drugs, soaps, and some electronic parts. In these manufacturing processes, and in the mining industry, it is released into the environment. Also, as pertinent to this discussion, it has been used extensively as a pesticide from the 1860s. Found to be effective against the codling moth on apple trees, orchards continued its use in the United States until 1988.
• The EPA limit for concentrations of arsenic in drinking water is 10 parts per billion.
• In September, The Dr. Oz Show reported test results of 36 samples from 5 different brands of apple juice purchased in 3 different locations across the country. The independent lab testing these samples found that 10 had higher arsenic levels than allowed in drinking water—up to 23 parts per billion. Dr. Oz also disclosed that 60% of the apple concentrate used in the production of apple juice comes from China—a country that has not yet banned the use of lead-arsenic insecticides.
• The FDA currently allows 23 parts per billion of arsenic in apple juice. However, the agency has never seized apple juice that exceeded that level.
• The FDA criticized Dr. Oz’s lab results because they only report the total arsenic levels, not inorganic arsenic versus organic arsenic. Most scientists agree that inorganic arsenic is toxic and a known carcinogen while organic arsenic is “less toxic.” However, in an appearance on Good Morning America Dr. Oz stated, “(There is) a lot of debate over the safety of organic arsenic; and the body converts organic to some types of inorganic that are very toxic. It is misleading to claim that all organic arsenic is safe.”
• This past Wednesday National Public Radio reported that Consumers Union, publishers of Consumer Reports, tested 88 samples of popular juice brands purchased in grocery stores. Ten percent of the samples contained more than 10 ppb (the legal limit for drinking water). As a result of these tests, Consumers Union asks the FDA to adjust their current standard of 23 ppb to 3 ppb.

And that is where we, the consumers, are left. Waiting, wondering, “What is our government going to decide is best for us?” However, as I reported after watching the movie Food, Inc., our government is not the one I want making these decisions for my family. What does Dr. Oz recommend? He said that he would not quit giving his 4 children apple juice. He said that drinking a box of apple juice is not going to cause irreparable damage to a child. He is concerned with long-term effects. He is concerned for the children that drink large quantities of apple juice. He said, bottom line, “The FDA should not allow more arsenic in our apple juice than they allow in our drinking water.”

That leads me to my “totally different stance.” Even if apple juice had no harmful arsenic, should children be drinking large quantities of it? One mom commented on Dr. Oz’s website that her child drinks “vast amounts of the stuff.” But nutritionists recommend that babies under the age of 6 months have nothing but breast milk, and that older children have no more than 6 ounces of fruit juice a day. Why limit something that seems to be healthy? Fruit juices are high in sugar. In fact, both apple juice and Mountain Dew are 13% sugar. And in a country that predicts that one-third of the next generation will suffer with Type-2 diabetes, why would we want our children drinking 13% sugar all day long?

The decision is up to you. Trust the FDA, continue to allow your children to drink fruit juice all day long and not worry about cancer in their future. Or, as Dr. Oz and most nutritionists recommend, everything in moderation.

References:

• http://www.doctoroz.com/episode/arsenic-apple-juice
• http://soils.tfrec.wsu.edu/leadhistory.htm
• http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2011/09/15/dr-besser-vs-dr-oz-apple-juice-showdown-on-gma/
• http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/11/30/142961997/tainted-nectar-consumer-group-warns-of-arsenic-in-fruit-juice
• http://fight4yourhealth.com/answers/organic-vs-inorganic-arsenic

As a young adult, coffee ruled my life. I didn’t mean for it to happen. I didn’t even like coffee. But having to be at my desk at the print shop at 7 a.m. was not easy for this night owl. At first I simply enjoyed the aroma from afar. Then, I’d pour myself a cup to get that smell a little closer. I’d hold the mug in my hands to warm them between jobs.

The next thing you know, I was sipping. Not too much at first. One must acquire a taste for coffee. But it didn’t take me long. Next thing you know, I soon downed the entire mug, black, and going for more. I became a regular at the office coffee bar. The last straw was buying my own Mr. Coffee for the apartment so I could indulge on the weekend.

Isn’t that how every addiction begins? First a glance, then a smell, then one sip at a time. Once I knew I couldn’t make it through a day without a pot of java, I determined to cut back. That didn’t work. So I quit—cold turkey. The effects resembled a druggy going through DT’s.

• Massive headaches
• The shakes
• Uncontrollable nervousness
• Blood-shot eyes
• Inability to crawl out of bed
• Depression
• Disorientation

Then I was free—until I met my mother-in-law. Another one caught in the clutches of this legal lethal substance, she’s a sly one, and oh, so sweet. How could I resist her urgings to have just one cup. Before you could say Jack Robinson I was falling off the wagon.

This roller-coaster ride of caffeine addiction went on for years before I finally conquered it—for good. But now, 20 years later, I’m finding that it’s not only more readily available, it’s cool. It’s expected, and it’s downright in-your-face.

I honestly believe that if caffeine was sold in little vials in back alleys, dark stairwells, or in truck stop locker rooms, it would be illegal. But it’s not; and it’s not. And I didn’t realize how scary it had become until I found “energy shots” in my son’s car.

Several medications should not be taken while consuming caffeine. A few are:

• Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin.
• Bronchodilators such as theophylline
• Herbs such as Echinacea
• And some over-the-counter preparations, like Excedrin, already contain caffeine. So if you take them you are getting more in your system than you realize.

So what’s the problem?

Maybe you feel you handle your caffeine addiction just fine and would rather I butt out of your business. But let me give you a few things to think about, then you decide.

• An article on MayoClinic.com reports “Data from two large, long-term women’s health studies suggest a connection between high caffeine intake and precancerous or high-risk breast lesions.” If I were a woman with sore, cystic breasts, I would re-evaluate my caffeine intake.
• The amount of caffeine in 2-3 cups of coffee can significantly raise your blood pressure.
• Caffeine impairs insulin action. If you have type-2 diabetes, and struggle to keep your blood sugar under control, you should limit your caffeine consumption.
• Caffeine can interfere with sleep and sleep patterns. If you work in a field that requires a good night’s sleep, have small children that wake you up in the night, or are in the time of life that sleep evades, eliminating caffeine from your diet is in order.
• Suffer from irregular or rapid heartbeats? Caffeine is known to aggravate the symptoms.
• Caffeine, coffee in particular, is known to aggravate stomach issues. If you suffer from indigestion or heartburn, have a peptic ulcer or irritable bowel syndrome, or any other non-ulcer stomach pain, you should greatly limit or eliminate your intake of coffee.

I finally gave up coffee for good because it caused extreme pain in my stomach. If coffee bothers your stomach, too, next week I will share a way to prepare it that will not only reduce its caffeine content, but also reduce the stomach-burning acids.

How about you? Share your struggles with caffeine in the comment section below.

Photo by doug88888

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 26 million Americans have diabetes. They also predict that if current trends continue, 1 in 3 Americans will have diabetes by 2050.  In light of these staggering statistics, I’d like to share five sure-fire ways to help lower your sugar—for those who feel they’ve tried everything.

Lose weight

A friend recently went for his yearly check-up with his physician. His sugar was borderline. Concerned, he asked the doctor if he needed to go on a special diet. “No. Just lose 20 pounds and you’ll be fine,” the doctor said.

Whatever that means for you, drop any excess weight that you carry around—and I don’t mean the big purse on your shoulder. Being overweight prevents your body from making and using insulin properly. Having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 puts you at a much higher risk of type-2 diabetes than your lighter friends. To figure your BMI, use this National Institutes of Health calculator.

Exercise

Physical activity helps to improve your body’s use of insulin, thereby controlling your blood glucose levels. Most Americans lead a sedentary lifestyle, which puts them at risk for diabetes. If you work a sedentary job, getting moderate exercise such as walking briskly, mowing the lawn, riding a bicycle, or swimming at least 30 minutes five times per week, will greatly lower that risk. It is also important to do something physically active every day. Better 10 minutes of exercise every day, than one hour once a week. Physical activity not only helps to control your blood glucose, but also helps you to lose weight, and lower your blood pressure.

Senior citizens, or anyone with pre-existing health issues, should consult their family physician before beginning a regular exercise program. However, they should not hesitate to just move—walk around the block, park at the far end of a parking lot, or pull the weeds in the flower bed.

Stop smoking

Smoking cigarettes not only increases your risk of diabetes, the activity brings with it a tremendous boatload of issues. Stopping smoking just makes sense no matter what physical condition you are in. If you sincerely desire to stop and need help, see your doctor. He can prescribe medications to help you wean yourself off nicotine. Or, at least you can try the over-the-counter patches on the market. Just do it.

Make dietary changes

Giving up Cokes and Snickers bars is not enough to tackle something like diabetes. If you want to see some real changes, consider the following:

• Eat your food as close to the way as God made it as possible. That means rather than eating apple pie, eat apple sauce; and rather than eating apple sauce, eat an apple.
• Eat smaller meals with some form of protein throughout the day. Choose beans, peas, and nuts as your protein sources over meat and dairy.
• Eat the rainbow. That means white (sugar, flour, pasta, and rice) is out.
• Add plenty of whole grains to your diet—brown rice, old-fashioned oats, and whole wheat bread products.
• Discover a variety of fruits and vegetables and eat freely of them. Ditch the banana and potato routine. French fries do not count as a vegetable.
• Stop eating out—especially fast food. Just don’t do it.
• Give up the boxes. Cook your food from scratch. You never know, what triggers a rise in your blood sugar just might be the additives in that box of factory food you had for dinner last night.

Try a few supplements

Dr. Andrew Weil, founder of the integrative approach to medicine, recommends four different supplements for those with type-2 diabetes:

• Chromium improves a person’s glucose tolerance and works to balance blood sugar levels. Take 1000 mcg of GTF (glucose tolerance factor) chromium daily.
• Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that enhances the body’s glucose uptake. It also helps to promote and maintain eye and nerve health. Start with 100 mg a day.
• Magnesium helps to promote healthy insulin production. Four hundred milligrams daily is recommended.
• Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that maintains a healthy cardiac function. Because diabetics are prone to heart disease, take 60-100 mg with a meal.

Several herbalists also recommend the use of cinnamon for diabetes. Studies have shown it to improve the body’s utilization of insulin. You can purchase this common kitchen spice in capsule form for this reason. However, caution must be used if combining cinnamon with other supplements that lower blood sugar, such as chromium and alpha-lipoic acid. Also, those with liver damage must use caution with large amounts of cinnamon as it can increase liver problems. Taking cinnamon with drugs that affect the liver (such as acetaminophen) can increase its risk.  If you take any medication, consult your physician before taking any alternative treatments.

 Photo by chris.peplin

Stress is a relatively modern term that is attributed to the cause of a whole host of health problems; however, stress is a serious matter and, left untreated, can have untold consequences on your health. Given the fast pace at which we live our lives today, it is no surprise that the majority of people will suffer some form of stress at some point in their lives; everyone has a breaking point but knowing how to deal with it in a healthy way is the key to a quicker recovery.

Definition of Stress

Stress is a term that can sometimes be over or misused. The British Medical Association defines stress as “ any interference that disturbs a person’s mental and physical well-being” (source: Illustrated Medical Dictionary, British Medical Association). It is also important to remember that it is not necessarily just the source that causes stress but how we react to it; the body can cope with a certain level of stress but at some point this becomes an “overload” and that is when the body begins to break down.

Causes of Stress

Causes of stress can be major life changing events (even happy ones) or a small sequence of events that build up; some of the major causes of stress include:

• moving to a new home

• getting married

• divorce

• having a baby

• death of a spouse

• major illness

• death of a family member

• losing a job

• retirement

• money issues

• environmental factors – noise, pollution, air and water quality

• pressure of work.

(source: Stress and Your Health)

Signs of Stress

The effects of stress can manifest in different ways in different people. Signs of stress may build up over time but stress can affect you physically, mentally and emotionally. Although many of the signs of stress can be attributed to other health issues too, these are some of the signs of stress:

• crying for no reason

• exhaustion

• headaches

• aches and pains in all parts of the body

• lack of motivation

• over-eating/under-eating

• alcohol abuse

• drug abuse

• irritability and unreasonableness

• anxiety and depression

• insomnia

• forgetfulness

• dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, chest pain

• skin problems.

(source: Stress Symptoms)

Effects of Stress on Your Health

The long term effects of stress on your health can cause you a number of problems; these include:

• high blood pressure

• heart disease

• acne, eczema, dermatitis and other skin disorders

• menstrual difficulties

• depression and anxiety

• obesity.

Coping with Stress

Once you recognize that you are suffering from stress, you can take steps to both control it and get yourself healthy once again. The main piece of advice that I was always given with regard to stress was to remove yourself from the cause of your stress; however, this is not always immediately possible, so learning a few simple techniques and ways to cope with stress can help protect your health. You need to take care of yourself both physically and mentally in order to cope with stress; coping techniques can include:

• yoga – helps both body and mind and is simple to practice at home or away

• aromatherapy – some essential oils may help you to cope with stress more easily

• exercise – exercise several times a week, even just a short walk

• relaxation – make time just “for you” – such as reading a book, taking a bath, watching a movie, etc.

• learn to “breathe” – yoga can help you to breathe more deeply and in turn relaxes the muscles

• maintain a healthy diet – although stress makes us turn to comfort foods that are high in sugar, in reality a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables, fish, meat etc is more beneficial to helping your body cope with stress

• don’t self-medicate – excessive alcohol intake, drugs, smoking and over-eating creates further health problems

• seek support/help from friends/family/professionals – a strong family/friends network helps you to talk through your difficulties and gain additional help; seek professional help if you feel that your problem has become serious and requires medical intervention.

It might sound simple, but we all forget to practice the simple things in life when we become weighed down with stress! Modern day life is fast paced – but it doesn’t have to be a roller coaster of stressful situations if we can learn how to manage stress more effectively, and in turn become more healthy.

Photo by bottled_void

Parkinson’s disease killed my father-in-law. It took a beautifully vibrant man and stole a little piece of his dignity every minute of every day for over 20 years. The latest studies link this hideous disease to pesticide use. We can believe it. Dad used pesticides freely and without reservation.

I trust that Natural Health Ezine readers do not coat their bodies with Off, spray their homes with Rid-A-Bug, or even rid their gardens of pests with Sevin dust. But what about organic pesticides? Even they come with dire warnings. The panel on the bag of Rotenone—an organic pesticide—reads, “Hazards to Humans and Domestic Animals CAUTION: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Causes moderate eye irritation. Avoid contact with eyes, clothing or breathing (spray mist). Remove contaminated clothing and wash clothing before reuse.”

Try Alternatives First.

I only use chemicals as a last resort. First I spend hours squishing worms and picking off beetles and dropping them into a cup of soapy water. One time the squash bugs were so bad that we used the vacuum cleaner and just sucked them up. Worked like a charm. But when our food supply is seriously threatened, I will feel compelled to pull out the big guns (organic, of course). And when I do, I take extra precautions.

Cover Your Bases.

• Read and follow all label directions.
• Never spray any chemicals near food, pet dishes, or water ways.
• Make sure that your children—and their toys—are not in the vicinity.
• Store all products out of the reach of children and pets.
• Always store the product in its original container.
• Choose the right product for the job.
• Dispose of empty containers appropriately.

Dress Appropriately.

When handling any chemicals—organic or not—you want to protect yourself. No matter how hot it is outside wear long sleeves and pants, closed shoes, and non-absorbent gloves. Many chemicals are absorbed through the skin.

Wear a Mask.

The air is rarely still on our hilltop place. And though you will want to try to apply only when there is no wind, even the slightest breeze will blow the fine dusting powder or sprays all over you. If you do not have any paper dust masks, tie a bandana around your nose and mouth and tuck the point into the front of your shirt.

Wear Eye Protection.

Do not assume that your everyday eyeglasses are enough protection. Also, contact lenses can absorb and trap materials in the eyes. Safety goggles or a face shield is the preferred method of eye protection.

Clean Up Promptly.

Immediately after applying your chemicals, wash out any equipment used and store properly. Return any unused product to its original container and store in a safe place away from children and pets. Also, remember to remove your shoes and wash them with the hose before entering the house.

Undress Appropriately.

After taking care of the garden, don’t just take off the gloves and mask and go flop on the couch with a glass of iced tea. The chemical residues on your clothes will be spread onto your furniture. After applying anything harsh in the garden, take off your gloves and shoes and wash your hands in the hose. Then enter the house via the laundry room and drop your clothes and gloves right into the washer. Wash them separate from any other clothing. Go straight from there to the shower. Then, when a child wants to climb into your lap, you know it’s a safe place to be.

Photo by Shelley & Dave

Top of the summer season’s questions and one of the most controversial, is can a natural approach to sun exposure be safe? This is a tough question to answer – start doing your research and the deeper you go, you’ll find a plethora of conflicting information and a minefield of scientific gobbledygook.

Holistic approach, anyone? Surely, for the everyday natural woman/man/child, we need information that addresses our lives from all angles, and not just the narrow slices of scientific studies that add to our confusion?

The first question I asked to try and uncover some answers was;

How Harmful is Sun Exposure?

Dangerously Harmful Sun

In most recent years, the message has very definitely been that sun = danger. Is that really the case? The most prevailing viewpoint you’ll read about is that exposure to sunlight (even on cloudy days – it is the ultra-violet (UV) light that does the alleged damage) without protection can be extremely harmful to your health. It makes for some scary reading…

According to recent news from Cancer Research UK;

• 2 young adults are diagnosed with skin cancer every day;
• Men’s skin cancer death rates double in last 30 years;
• Deadly skin cancer rates soar for baby boomer generation …

Read on and you’ll discover that the danger lies most specifically with painful sunburns. This results in DNA damage which can lead to mutated cells forming into sometimes deadly skin cancers.

Aside from the dangers of sunburn, the common view is that the cumulative effect of normal everyday activities in the sun can also lead to greater risk of skin damage. The advice is

• cover up
• avoid the sun, especially during peak hours between 11am and 2pm
• slap on the sunscreen (SPF factor 15+).

Therapeutic Healing Sun

Far back in ancient history, it was believed that sun exposure is a healthy undertaking and vital for physical and mental health.The Egyptians were believed to practice heliotherapy (sunlight therapy), and there is firm evidence which points towards them understanding the role of sunshine in their medicinal practices. It has also been demonstrated that the Greeks used sun therapy in therapeutic medicine, treating metabolic disorders, rickets and more.

Rickets is a disease of soft bones that was common in Victorian times but has since receded, primarily with the fortification of foods with added vitamin D and vitamin and mineral supplement initiatives. Vitamin D is notoriously hard to find naturally by means of diet alone and therefore vitamin D supplements are commonly recommended today. Of course, a reliable and natural source of vitamin D is the absorption of sunlight!

There is some argument today that the safe sun messages prevalent in the media can in fact result in a population so deficient in vitamin D that it is at risk from many other diseases aside from rickets and osteoporosis including “many common cancers (for example, breast, colon, prostate), type 2 diabetes, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, periodontal disease and autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes of childhood and multiple sclerosis”.1

Prior to the introduction of antibiotics in the 1950s, sun therapy was commonly used by doctors in Europe and North America to treat infectious diseases.

To Sunbathe or Not?

Nowhere does the pro-sun argument recommend exposing yourself to the sun to such an extent that you burn and even the message by one of the UK’s most vocal proponents of regular sun exposure, Oliver Gillie, founder of the Health Research Forum is to “Sunbathe safely without burning – every day if you can“.

It seems to me that aside from the mental advantages of being outdoors on a sunny day, we can benefit physiologically from safe daily sun exposure. As to whether deliberately sun bathing to achieve a tan makes sense, then I’d suggest that’s up to the individual to weigh up their particular circumstances and apply the holistic assessment that science seems unable to provide, including their skin type, their geography and their diet.

Could it be that this most recent change of behaviours in the human population, whereby we rush to the beach, to strip off and bake in the sun for two weeks with minimal exposure throughout the rest of the year, has also led to an increase in skin cancers?

Whatever your skin colour or nationality, if you do decided to expose yourself to the sun, then the most natural way is to do it safely, keep active and avoid barbecuing yourself! If you have a light coloured skin that burns easily and live in the north, then it makes sense to sunbathe gradually and regularly for short time periods.

As for achieving a sun tan, I know I personally feel better and think I look healthier in the summer months when I achieve a tan, however I do try and avoid passive sunbathing. As a natural woman, I also avoid using chemical based skin creams with high SPF factors and turn to natural alternatives.

Sources:

1. Evidence of deficiency and insufficiency of vitamin D in the UK: National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) data, 1994-2004, Barbara J. Boucher, MD, FRCP, Centre for Diabetes and Metabolic Medicine, Queen Mary School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK: Sunlight, Vitamin D & Health

SunSmart Campaign, Cancer Research UK
Health Research Forum
Heliotherapy in Ancient Greece
The Healing Sun

Photo by furbychan

Safe sun exposure in the modern age is generally accepted to include the application of sun screens or blocks with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15+. As our awareness of the potentially harmful nature of some cosmetic ingredients grows, so does an ever increasing amount of natural and organic labelled sun screen products become available.

What issues should you be concerned about when it comes to safe, natural sun exposure and sun protection creams, lotions and potions?

Photosensitivity

Phototoxicity and photoallergic skin reactions can make any sun exposure potentially harmful and extremely uncomfortable for sufferers. Both conditions can occur when ultra violet (UV) radiation transforms certain chemicals on the body which then go on to damage and irritate the skin, causing rashes and other reactions. Potentially phototoxic chemicals are found in everyday beauty products including some sunscreens and can include anti-ageing ingredients and perfumes. It’s worth noting that some plant products, foods and essential oils are also known to cause photosensitivity, so if you have a reaction you should pay attention to what you’re wearing on your skin, what you’re putting on your skin and what you’re eating.

Chemical Sunscreens

These sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and dissipating their energy and need constant reapplication. In addition to being found in dedicated sun protection screens, these chemicals are also added to everyday personal care products such as lipsticks and moisturizers, with some known to cause skin irritations. From an environmental viewpoint, this group of chemicals is seen to be causing significant damage to the coral reefs, with significant amounts of sunscreen found in both freshwater, seawater and marine life (up to a quarter of sunscreen is released into the sea during a 20 minute submersion). Perhaps more worryingly, some researchers are expressing doubt over their ability to protect against skin cancer in the first place, in addition to causing hormone disruption.

Nanotechnology

Physical barrier creams work by deflecting the sun’s rays and zinc oxide is probably the most well-known of these. A natural ingredient pre-processing, this thick, opaque white paste is difficult to apply and is very visible and so the sunscreen manufacturers have been utilizing nanotechnology to turn this ingredient into a transparent sunblock.

Nanotechnology works by engineering particles down to tiny sizes. The concern over this is that particles become so small, they are absorbed by the skin to deeper levels than when the particles are large, with potentially harmful results. Research into the potential dangers of nanotechnology in personal care and food packaging industries is being undertaken and meanwhile the consensus by the nanotechnology industry and public safety regulators is that the particles do not penetrate skin to the level that they may cause harm.

However, there is some research quoted by Friends of the Earth which indicates there may be health risks involved and as such they have called for full safety testing and labelling of nano-ingredients in sunscreens. They have also produced a guide indicating which products contain nano ingredients and which do not, recommending that the public continues to use non-nano zinc based sunblocks for safe sun protection.

Natural Oil Alternatives

The Ancient Greeks used olive oil as a sunscreen when they felt the sun’s rays were too strong. With a natural sun protection factor of 2, this barrier of oil reflects half of the UV rays back at the sun!

There are other organic oils and butters with in built sun protection values and these include;

• shea butter (SPF4)
• sesame oil (SPF4)
• jojoba oil (SPF4)
• hemp seed oil (SPF6)
• coconut oil (SPF2)

Other high value SPF oils are wheatgerm oil (SPF20) and soybean oil (SPF10). Some seed oils are reputed to have extremely high SPF values and these include red raspberry seed oil (SPF between 28-50) ; and carrot seed oil (SPF 38-40).

Before you go rushing off to find some of these oils, SPF ratings are measured in laboratory conditions and there’s no indication that you will achieve the same effect by taking the raw ingredient and applying it to your own body. However, using these natural oils in their raw state or by blending into your own personalized compounds, you will benefit from the other well documented healing and nourishing properties, in addition to obtaining some protection from the sun’s rays without depleting your absorption of Vitamin D.

Sources:

1. Toxic Beauty, Dawn Mellowship: ISBN 978-1-85675-306-7
Friends of the Earth Nano Project
Red Raspberry Seed Oil
Natural Oils That Contain SPF
Are Sunscreens Safe

Photo by thinkjose

The following article is written by Thomas from Luxury Organic Mattress. Thomas is fascinated with creating green homes and writes about healthy options for mattresses and bedding. He compares organic wool, organic cotton, natural latex and natural memory foam mattresses.

The bedroom is often overlooked as a source of toxins in the home. There are harmful chemicals in your mattress, your bedding and even the everyday cleaning products you use.

Toxins can come from chemical residue still present in cotton and wool from the growing and manufacturing processes. They can come from any petrochemical derived substances you have in your bedroom such as memory foam. And they also come in the form of additives such as mattress glues and fire retardant sprays.

With a bit of focus and effort it is possible to green up the bedroom and reduce your exposure to chemicals, whether you go for the big step of getting an eco-friendly mattress or a series of small steps such as switching to a natural cleaning product and getting a houseplant.

Get A Houseplant

Having some greenery in the room brings a sense of calm and relaxation. It’s pleasant to look at. But a plant will also help with the carbon dioxide-oxygen cycle. It will purify the air in your room so you are breathing good quality O2.

Wear Organic PJs

There are organic cotton, organic wool or organic bamboo fabrics available at pretty reasonable prices. There is little point encasing yourself in fabrics that have been treated with chemicals when there are natural options available.

Do Your Laundry With Natural Products

Residue from your laundry detergent will be on your sheets and on your PJs. Make sure you do washing with a natural product to prevent any residual toxins.

Use Natural Cleaning Products

Don’t use a chemical spray to wipe down all the surfaces in your bedroom. Homemade products like vinegar, baking soda and lemon do an excellent job. They are anti-bacterial and don’t leave any toxic residue.

Use A Himalayan Salt Lamp

All our modern electronic equipment release positive ions into the atmosphere. This upsets the electromagnetic field and can make us feel grumpy and irritable. A Himalayan salt lamp is made from crystal rock that is millions of years old. It releases negative ions into the atmosphere to create balance.

Use Organic Bedding

Like organic PJs there is little point using fabrics that have been treated with chemicals when you can get organic ones for only a slightly higher cost. Organic bedding (sheets, pillows and comforters) are all readily available. There are a wide variety of styles, quality and prices so you should be able to find something that suits you.

Switch To An Organic Mattress

Few people are aware of just how toxic regular mattresses are. They are made from cotton that is grown and treated with heavy amounts of chemicals, fastened together with highly toxic glues and adhesives and then heavily sprayed with a toxic fire retardant. These chemicals are slowly released from the mattress in a process known as “off-gassing” and you then breathe them in or absorb them through your skin.

There are quite a variety of organic mattresses available, a fact that is not all that well known. It is however a reasonably expensive change to make as organic producers do not have the luxury of economies of scale the way regular producers do. But if you are in the market for a new mattress anyway then it’s something to consider.

The best option is always to start with the small little changes, like cleaning products and laundry detergent and form good habits. Then you can build up to those bigger changes that require more investment and commitment.

Photo by steveleenow

Yerba mate is a shrub found in the rainforest of South America. A country such as Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Brazil is where yerba mate can be found naturally. The leaves can be made to brew a strong tea and is a nationally made drink. It is also an alternative medicine source made to counteract a variety of health concerns.

What are the Benefits of Yerba Mate?

Yerba mate can be taken in tea form to help neutralize free radicals in the body. Studies have shown that yerba mate backs a larger punch than vitamin C when it comes to protecting cells and reducing the effects of aging on the body.

Yerba mate helps to Diminish Heart Problems and Promotes Weight Loss. A study conducted on healthy adults that are considered overweight, yerba mate, added to other herbs, was found to alter the weight of the adult significantly. Those that consumed the herbal mixture three times a day for 45 days dropped a significant amount of weight. Since yerba mate is regarded as a stimulant for the nervous system it is able to burn calories and breakdown carbs in the body during your normal exercise routine.

They also noted that they felt fuller quickly and their craving for food also decreased. The extract of yerba mate helps to reduce the dysfunction of the hearts muscle which is a condition that is found in those that suffer from a coronary blockage that restricts blood flowing to the heart.

Some of the other benefits include:

• Acts as a detoxifier to help boost the immune system.
• Aids in relieving allergies.
• Increases mental alertness and accuracy.
• Prevents the growth of bacteria responsible for bad breath.
• Provides the body with a combination of caffeine and alkaloids to help the body sustain energy. The amount of caffeine in the Yerba mate is comparable to the standard amount found in coffee. However, since the effect of the caffeine is balanced by the various nutritional attributes, the effect of the caffeine in “caffeine sensitive” people the effect may not be the same.
• Yerba mate is also known to fight against gastro-intestinal disorders by increasing the flow of bile in the body.

How to Make Yerba Mate Tea

Yerba mate is medicinal and a unique herb. It can be brewed as a tea from the leaves and the small twigs of the shrub. Unlike regular teas that are served in a tea pot or kettle yerba mate should be served in a gourd with a metal straw or a ‘bombilla’. You can also purchase mate cups made especially for drinking Yerba mate, they are generally made from metal, wood or ceramic.

1. Pack the dry Yerba Mate in the cup or gourd half way to the top.
2. Make sure the powdery flakes are mixed into the rest of the dry mate by placing your hand on the top and flipping the cup upside down and giving it a few shakes. This will help you to avoid the straw or ‘bombilla’ from being blocked.
3. Bring the larger stems closer to the top of the gourd. This will help filter the powdered leaves. It is best to do this step once you have completed step 2. Keeping your hand on the top of the gourd completely on the side and shake it back and forth. Tilt the gourd with the right side facing up so the Yerba mate remains on one side.
4. Insert the straw carefully into the empty side of the gourd so it does not disturb the arrangement of the herb and as far from the powdered leaves if possible. Pour cold water into the empty space just before you reach the top of the powder and wait for absorption.
5. Add hot water just as you did with the cold water. However, make sure the water is not boiling hot since it will give the Yerba mate a bitter taste.
6. If you are new to drinking Yerba mate and are used to stirring the tea resist the urge to do so. Once you begin drinking through the straw/bombilla you will run the risk of clogging it.
7. Lastly, make sure you clean the gourd or whichever cup you created the tea in and allow it to air dry.

You can drink Yerba mate cold or hot in the traditional method mentioned above or through other alternatives. An alternative method to making Yerba Mate is to prepare it your coffee maker, simply substitute where you would put the coffee grinds and put the yerba mate instead.

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