The TOXIC INGREDIENTS lurking in your favorite Skin, Hair, and Makeup Products...

 Its been awhile since I did my last blog entry and this topic is something I'm passionate about spreading the word about because its one of the most misunderstood topics in the health movement.  Primarily because many of the so-called "organic" and/or "natural" lines you often see at Whole Foods Market, Trader Joes, or small organic chain supermarkets although might contain some organic ingredients, they also contain very inorganic ingredients.  These inorganic ingredients which in reality are chemicals compromise the integrity and safety of such products.   But unless you the consumer take the time to educate yourself on  what ingredients to look for and what ingredients to absolutely avoid you might not realize the so-called "natural" toothpaste is pretty much no different then the crest brand toothpaste you used growing up plus some cool organic herbs added.   

To add insult to injury the government actually doesn't require organic or natural skincare/haircare/makeup lines to list all chemicals they add to their products if it makes up less than 5% of the total ingredient list even with  the organic seal.  Just as long as they are not comprised of fragrances or petrochemicals.  However, to complicate things further the trade secret law outsmarts that if the creator of the product thinks it would reveal their secret formula.  The skincare lines I recommend in my previous blog you can be assured to the best of my knowledge and research do not cover up or have any hidden ingredients.    In effort to help you understand the risk factors and dangers of traditional products ingredients, below I am highlighting the top ingredients you need to watch out for.   Now onto the TOXIC INGREDIENTS...and this by no means is an extensive list so bear that in mind when reading.


1.  SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS)/SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES)/AMMONIUM LAURYL SULFATE(ALS)- The most commonly used names for this chemical that is in nearly every conventional shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face product in order to make your products lather.   According to the Environmental Working Group Cosmetic Safety Database and PubMed's Science Reports there is over 16, 000 studies that have shown the dangers to using this chemical including:

• Irritation of the skin and eyes
• Organ toxicity
• Developmental/reproductive toxicity
• Neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, ecotoxicology, and biochemical or cellular changes
• Possible mutations and cancer

Furthermore, SLS, SLES, and ALS are often contaminated with three known carcinogenic chemicals: Ethylene oxide, 1,4 dioxane, and Nitrosamines.  In other words, cancer causing ingredients!  Its no wonder, cancer is becoming so widespread when we are using products every day.   Be sure to watch out for other names for this chemical like: Sodium dodecyl sulfate, A13-00356,Sulfuric acid, monododecyl ester, sodium salt, Akyposal SDS,Sodium salt sulfuric acid, Aquarex ME, Monododecyl ester sodium salt sulfuric acid,Aquarex methyl.  

2. PRESERVATIVES AND FORMALDEHYDE- Including METHYL, BUTYL, ETHYL, PROPYL Parabens have been shown to not only be irritating to the skin but have also been linked to the development of breast cancer (Journal of Applied toxicology Jan/Feb 2004).   Also, steer clear of GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract) as its contaminated with one of these ingredients as I explained in my previous blog entry.  Furthermore the following preservatives release small amounts of a probable carcinogen Formaldehyde according to the EPA including: diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantion, imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium 15, bronopol (2-brono-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol).  According to The Green Guide and Natural Healthy Concepts, exposure to the Formaldehyde over long periods of time can result in: 

• asthma attacks,
• involuntary sweating,
• breathing difficulty, 
• nausea
• headaches
• insomnia
• ear infections
• chronic fatigue
• cancer
• chest pains
• allergies

*Safer preservatives are rosemary extract, Gold, ascorbic acid (if from non gmo source),  and pycnogenol to name a few. *

3. GLYCOLS (propylene glycol, glycerin, ethylene glycol, carbitol, diethylene glycol, EGPE, EGME, EGEE, DEGBE, PGME, DPGME, or Methyl-):  Commonly used as a humectant in moisturizers despite the FDA warning the dangers of using this ingredient in concentrations greater than 5% even on small parts of the body.  

•  According to the Green Guide, "some glycols can affect the reproductive system or cause birth defects and overexposure can result in kidney damage and liver abnormalities."  

4. FRAGRANCES/PHYTHALATES: (Methylene Chloride, toluene, Methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, ethyl alcohol, and benzyl chloride) So be weary if you see "natural fragrance" or something similiar at the end of the ingredient list because thats usually a cover up for some nasty chemical.  *The best natural alternative to fragrances are to use pure unadulterated Essential Oils such as Young Living Oils. *

• According to The Green Guide, "Phythalates are responsible for causing liver cancer and birth defects to the animals that have been tested for its dangers. Pthalates can penetrate deep into the skin, making the internal body parts susceptible to its dangers."  
• Not only that, because of the government's trade secret law, companies are actually not required to list fragrances on the ingredient list.  Therefore, just because a product states that its fragrance-free does not in fact actually mean it is fragrance free because of the trade secret law.  

5. LEAD/MERCURY:  Everyone should know by now the dangers of heavy metals on the body but very few people are probably aware just where they could be getting exposed to these things and what the side affects are. 

• According to The Green Guide, "Lead is known as the brain and hormone toxin as it alters natural hormone processes, causing disruptions to the body’s natural flow...Mercury is known for its drastic effects to ones nervous system when a person is exposed to it for a long time." Both are commonly found in various cosmetic lines particularly lines that are created to be longer lasting for the wearer.  If you get chapped or swollen lips after using a lipstick its likely you're allergic to it and it has lead present in it.  

6. ANTIBACTERIALS: You ever wonder why despite all the soap we use and the numerous times we wash our hands that we still manage to not be able to protect ourselves against diseases like E Coli and Salmolnella? Well thats partially a result of the excessive use of antibacterial agents.  Triclosan is one example that is a synthetic antibacterial agent that the EPA registers as a pesticide and is classified as a Chlorophenol (chemicals suspected of causing cancer in humans).  ABC News recently published an article online stating that "recent research suggests these products may encourage the growth of “superbugs” resistant to antimicrobial agents, a problem when these bacteria run rampant, turning into a dangerous infection that cannot be treated with available medication...Triclosan creates an environment where the resistant, mutated bacteria are more likely to survive." 


7. SUNSCREENS: As cited in The Green Guide, "Benzophenone, benzophenone-3, homosalate, Octy-methoxycinnamate have shown estrogenic activity in lab tests.  While Padimate-O and Parsol 1789 are chemicals that have the potential to damage DNA when illuminated with sunlight. On the skin's surface, the chemicals do protect from UV damage, but once absorbed, these chemicals can prove destructive." A safer alternative is to use a sunscreen with non nano particle sized Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide which only rest on the surface of the skin and don't penetrate deep inside like traditional sunscreens.  *


8. ARTIFICIAL COLORS:  According to The Green Guide, "FD&C Blue 1 and FD&C Green 3 are carcinogenic, and D&C Red 33, FD&C Yellow 5, and FC&C Yellow 6 have been shown to cause cancer when applied to the skin.  Some artificial coal-tar colors contain heavy metal impurities, including arsenic & lead, which are carcinogenic." And Mind Body Green also states "Absorption can cause depletion of oxygen and even death."


9. DIOXIN: Although you won't commonly see this ingredient listed on skincare labels since its often contained in other toxic ingredients such as SLS, triclosan, emulsifiers, sanitary napkins, etc.  Another reason to steer clear of those other ingredients.   Dioxin has shown to cause cancer, birth deformaties, miscarriages, nervous system disorders, and reduced immunity.  


10. BENZOYL PEROXIDE: Commonly seen in anti- Acne products.  A possible tumor promoter. A known skin, eye, and respiratory irritant.  Produces DNA damage and may act as a mutagen. 


11.DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), & TEA (Triethanolamine): Commonly found in most shampoos, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.  A skin/eye irritant that has been known to cause contact dermatitis.  Since its easily absorbed through the skin its resulted in various organ cancers.  

This is by no means a comprehensive list but it is a starting point for you.   I also encourage you to use sites like Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) or that has taken the time to assess unbiased thousands of skincare products and create a rating based on the toxicity of each so you can see for yourself the potential dangers of such products. Download their app so you can check out the safety of your favorite products before you buy them.  According to EWG, 89% of 10,500 ingredients used in personal care products have not been evaluated for safety by the FDA.  So keep that in mind if an ingredient doesn't show up on the database because it doesn't mean its necessarily any safer.  Rather it just means there isn't enough studies on that particular ingredient to know for certain the toxicities and long term cumulative affects of using that ingredient. 

One thing you should always ask yourself when it comes to label reading of skincare is:  Could you eat the all of the ingredients without getting seriously ill? If the answer is no, then its best to stay away from such products because even though you may think your just applying these products topically, the fact of the matter is they're still being absorbed into your skin and eventually hitting the bloodstream.  Why add to your toxic load just in the name of vanity when you could still maintain beatiful skin, hair, and nails without resorting to such products.   If you can't live without a few at least reduce your toxic load.   Start by aiming to replace the  stuff you use everyday (face wash, shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, etc) with safe, organic (look for USDA certified Organic seal), and chemical free alternatives such as the products I mentioned on my previous blog entry.  

References:

The Green Guide Product Report (Moisturizers, Body Lotions, and Hand Creams)

http://www.thegreenguide.com/the-dirty-dozen-ingredients-in-personal-care-products

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5971/12-Toxic-Ingredients-to-AVOID-in-Cosmetics-Skin-Care-Products-Infographic.html

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/style/12-toxic-beauty-ingredients.htm
www.ewg.org

The so-called "healthy" vegan foods to avoid..

There is no doubt that going vegan or better yet raw vegan not only impacts our environment in positive ways but also our health.   But many vegans and vegetarians fail to realize that just because a food is vegan doesnt mean its healthy.   This is mostly the case with foods that are processed or genetically modified.   I wanted to touch on a few major ones that are most often used in dishes that are not so healthy.

1.  SOY-  (aka. soybeans, soy protein, TVP, soy sauce, edamame)  When I first went vegetarian nearly nine years ago before going raw food vegan I was consuming soy milk, tempeh, and tofu products on a regular basis.   Afterall it appeared to be a mainstay for protein for my diet.  It wasn't until I became a raw food vegan that I learned the downside of soy and the harsh reality that over 90% of soybeans grown in the USA are genetically modified for herbicide resistance and are consequently sprayed with massive quantities of those toxic chemicals (As stated in natural news).   Furthermore, according to extensive research conducted by the Weston A. Price Foundation, soy phytoestrogens disrupt endocrine function and the potential to cause infertility and to promote breast cancer in adult women.   Soy phytoestrogens are potent anti-thyroid agents that cause hypothyroidism and may cause thyroid cancer. Additionally the high levels of phytic acid in soy reduce asssimiliation of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, and zinc.   Trypsin inhibitors in soy interfere with protein digestion and may cause pancreatic cancer.  Only fermented soy products (tempeh, miso, soy sauce) can be easily assimilated by the body.    The japanese and Chinese people traditionally ate only fermented soy products and in a far smaller amount than us americans.

2. CORN- Like soy over 90% of the corn in this country is genetically modified.  Genetic Modification of crops have shown to be disasterous to ones health resulting in food allergies, cancer, tumors, hormone imbalance amongst other things.   According to Dr. Mercola, "Animals fed genetically engineered Bt corn ate more, got fatter, and were less able to digest proteins due to alterations in the micro-structure of their intestines. They also suffered immune system alterations....The impaired ability to digest proteins may be of particular concern as this can have far-reaching implications for human health. If your body cannot digest proteins, your body will be less able to produce amino acids, which are necessary building blocks for proper cell growth and function."  Be mindful when your grocery shopping- because ingredients like maltodextrin, corn syrup, and even citric acid are often sourced from GMO corn. 

Further Reading: Dr Mercola discussing dangers of GMO's

3. AGAVE NECTAR ("raw" or not) -  yep. Although vegan and raved about for being low glycemic- turns out that is not the case at all.  This sweetner was originally fueled by the alcohol industry and became popular with vegan extremists that believe consuming honey is unethical.   Because the flavor is pretty neutral and texture is perfect for savory raw desserts, raw ice creams, and the like.  The thing is "raw" agave nectar is not even really raw nor low glycemic since more than half of it consists of fructose.  In order to extract the agave nectar from its plant it must be high heat processed.   And sadly much of the agave sold today is watered down with high fructose corn syrup! Which is definitely NOT healthful.   John Kohler, a mentor of mine has a great article going into more detail about this and the nutritional angle (or lack thereof) of agave that I have included a link for below.  Even raw food guru David Wolfe who once raved about the supposed benefits of agave has since turned around and shared his recent discoveries on the truth of the matter in his article titled "agave blues."

Healthier alternatives would be: stevia (the green leaf or powder not the processed white variety), raw honey (from ethical bee keepers), raw coconut sugar, lucuma powder, mesquite powder, xylitol (which comes from birch trees), or yacon syrup.  

Further Reading: 
David Wolfe Article: Agave Blues   
John Kohler article regarding Agave
Dr. Mercola article: "this tequila sweetner is far worse than high fructose corn syrup"


4.  GLUTEN GRAINS (Wheat, rye, oats, barley, spelt) - Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity are becoming more and more widespread today.  And yet millions of americans are unknowningly sufferings a host of health issues that potentially could be brought on simple from their consumption of gluten grains.   To make matters worse, GMO powerhouse Monsantos began genetically modifying wheat and their sister crops.  No wonder wheat has been a common allergen for the last few decades.   Health complications I suffered years ago post a major surgery lead me to discover my sensitivity to gluten.   Not only would the consumption of such grains cause me to break out in large pimples on my cheek but it negatively affected my digestion and delicate intestinal lining resulting in what alternative medicine doctors refer to as leaky gut syndrome.  As soon as I removed the offending foods my symptoms disappeared.   

Healthier alternatives to gluten grains would be non-gmo gluten free grains like quinoa, millet, amaranth, buckwheat (not from the wheat family), and teff.  

Further Reading: 
Dr. Hyman: What you don't know might kill you
Wheat and GMOs getting us sick gluten intolerance

5. RICE- Sadly, now rice too has joined the roundup of genetically engineered crops.  Golden rice is one variety that has been genetically engineered to higher beta carotene levels supposedly to help cure the massive vitamin A deficiency children in third world countries suffer.   But we must remind ourselves there are far safer ways to address malnutrition without genetically modifying ingredients.  Look for non-gmo labels when shopping from trusted non-gmo organic companies.  

In Conclusion: Just remember to read the labels of products before purchasing, Avoid the most common GMO crops- soy/corn/wheat and other grains/rice, download the non gmo shopping guide, as much as possible shop farmers markets and organic grocery stores, and make your own food so you know what are you are consuming.