By Nisha Jackson, PhD, MS, WHCNP, HHP

We are exposed daily to a class of chemicals called phthalates, which are a component in a huge range of products including pill coatings, glues and adhesives, building materials, personal care products and cosmetics, detergents, paints, plastics and on and on. Diet is believed to be the main source, and the effects of phthalates have been researched heavily in the past decade. The use of phthalates to make plastics, including food containers and baby bottles, is being phased out, and phthalates are on the cusp of regulation. However, many phthalates exist in our environment and some have been linked to hormone disruptions, especially when heated.

Eating organic is something we all need to consider.

The pesticides and herbicides used on most non-organic crops can be hormone disruptors and otherwise harmful and should be avoided. The continued use of hormones and antibiotics in industrial meat production, along with the pesticides and herbicides used on animal feed, all pass on to us when consumed.

What to do?

1. Use cast iron pans instead of nonstick.

2. Avoid excessive chemicals and artificial colorings and toxins by going easy on the processed foods (basically most of what comes in a box). Try to eat more whole foods and fewer that come out of containers, especially cans and plastic.

3. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store. My favorite advice: Eat foods from the earth and sea, organic foods that walk around, and plenty of nuts and seeds

4. Go organic when possible, especially with dairy, meat, and poultry.

5. Eat low-mercury fish such as tilapia and pollock.

6. Wash veggies and fruits well.

7. Do NOT microwave food in plastic.

8. Try to drink more filtered water and avoid plastic water bottles.

9. Drink less tap water unless it comes from your own well and you’ve had the water tested for contaminants.

Even though organic can be expensive and sometimes time consuming to find to purchase, it is still the smartest choice in safely enjoying a wide variety of foods.

Again, make it a positive goal to go goal green. Start simple; come up with a plan where you budget in a few items each month for healthier living.

Your health depends on it!

Best of Health, Nisha

By Nisha Jackson, PhD, MS, WHCNP, HHP

For decades scientists have studied how land, air, and water pollution impact human health. Now they’re documenting the toxic effects of industrial chemicals that are accumulating in everybody from grandparents to babies still in the womb.

A study published May 4, 2009, showed that traces of up to 48 chemical contaminants were present in the blood of the women tested. The women had been educated to avoid direct contact with these chemicals such as flame-retardants, synthetic fragrances, and some plastics. The chemicals identified in their bloodstreams were mostly from unregulated household goods, plastics, beauty products, and food and water.

If you’re like me, you love to slather, spritz or powder yourself with the yummy beauty care products available to us. But the reality is that the skin, our largest organ, is a porous protector. Here’s something scary. It has been estimated that over a lifetime, a woman absorbs four pounds of lipstick, most of which contains toxins. And lipstick is just one of many products absorbed by the skin.

Some current (yes I did say current) cosmetic ingredients include formaldehyde, a known carcinogen and 1,4-dioxane, a by-product of cosmetics manufacturing. It is a known eye and respiratory tract irritant and is suspected of causing damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys. It may contaminate deodorants, shampoos, toothpastes and mouthwashes. These products are unregulated and often pass through our skin with toxins that can disrupt development and the endocrine system.

What to do?

1.   Seal outdoor furniture to avoid the possibility of leaching arsenic.

2.   Leave your shoes at the door.

3.   Avoid perfume, cologne, and products with added fragrance

4.   Buy products with natural fibers such as cotton and wool that are naturally fire resistant to help reduce your exposure to flame-retardants.

5.   Switch to natural and environmentally friendly cleaning products including dishwashing and laundry detergents and bathroom and counter cleaners. For fresh smelling air, use a ventilator fan and/or open a window. Avoid using plug-in chemical air fresheners.

6.   Consider using lotions, creams, shampoos and other personal care products that are organic and not filled with toxins that absorb quickly through your skin.

Going green starts with education. Then you make a conscious decision to change some of your patterns of living, and exercise the discipline to move forward with those changes.

Make it a positive goal to go green! Start by implementing one or two of the above tips. It will make a difference in your health and wellness!

Best of Health, Nisha