Natural Health and Wellbeing harmed by excess Antioxidants

Natural health lovers will be disappointed to hear the latest news that excess Antioxidants can have a harmful effect on our health. But not for long! Mainly highlighted is the creation of breathing difficulties in elderly people. Excess doses of Antioxidant were found to have caused an imbalance of Pro-oxidants in the body (these are normally known as the evil twin of Antioxidants). The research is based on studies from Kansas State University in the U.S. where they tested animals with different doses of antioxidants. Now not to sound a sceptic, I fully support scientific research but it’s likely that these animals were probably given really, really high doses of antioxidant and that too in an artificial format.

Natural forms of Antioxidant come in the form Broccoli, Blue berries, Sweet potatoes, Lentils, Goju berries and Yogurt amongst other things and are essential as part of a balanced diet. These antioxidant rich foods are meant to combat aging, harmful effects of environmental pollution, smoking, stress and disease. In addition, all those that are dedicated to natural skin care will know that anti-oxidants are important for keeping us looking young.

Unfortunately, over farming and soil depletion have left our fruits and veg depleted of many of the important rich nutrients that we need on a daily basis. Therefore a good Antioxidant created from as natural means as possible helps to replace what is not there any longer. Intelligent people will realise that everything in moderation is good for us, too much protein has its side effects, as does excess fat, as does excess water, but neither can we survive without them.

Natural beauty comes not just from using pure creams and potions, but mainly from a rich varied natural diet, regular excercise and plenty of water. So if you want to look and feel well, antioxidants are still well on the list, but just in moderation

C&A Re-Confirms it’s commitment to Organic Cotton Clothing

C&A - The major high street organic clothing retailer have said in a statement issued in eco textile news that “C&A remains committed to being one of the leading textile retailers in the market for organic clothing,” as they continue to believe that “a growing number of our customers are interested not just in up to date fashion that offers value for money.

“The high demand for textiles made from organic cotton also shows the customers’ high regard for a sustainable quality of textiles as well as a sustainable development in the cotton growing industry.”

This commitment comes following the claims made in the German Financial Times about contamination of Organic Cotton with Genetically Modified Strains. C&A also revealed that it was currently undertaking an in-depth investigation into the allegations made in the paper.

“We have contacted the certifying authorities and are actively investigating the validity of the details of the report. We will conduct an immediate in-depth-investigation on site in India,” the company said.

Certified standards for organic or ‘Bio-Cotton’ as it is known in certain European markets require that no genetically modified cotton seeds are used in its cultivation. “Accredited certification agencies have the responsibility to ensure that this is the case,” concluded C&A . The investigation continues, it is likely that the accrediting bodies will be coming under fire with much pressure from retailers globally to ensure that the matter is in hand.

Purity of H&M Organic Clothing Under Fire

H&M the high street clothing chain, have come under fire for reports that their eco conscious organic clothing may be contaminated with GM strains of Cotton from India.

According to German Independent lab Impetus, roughly a third of cotton samples tested contained genetically modified cotton. This was traced back to India, which is responsible for more than half of the global supply of organic cotton which is used by H&M and many other clothing manufacturers worldwide.

Monika Buening of the Federal Consumer Affairs Agency has said that although H&M are not to blame directly they should have been more vigilant. This is an issue now for the entire organic cotton industry and will need to be addressed by all manufacturers in order to retain confidence of the market. buyOrganics will be issuing requests to all its organic clothing suppliers requesting further information and clarification on the matter. This may involve checking samples from other labs to substantiate whether the claims are true, and having more independent tests done. The majority of clothiing at buyOrganics is Bamboo with very few lines being made of organic cotton.

Can Makeup be dangerous during pregnancy?

A recent article posted by DANIELLE ROSE in northjersey.com points out the difficulties that pregnant women face in trying to avoid toxins, eat healthy and take care of their developing baby.

A firm follower of using natural products, Danielle often makes up her own blends and potions to ensure that she stays well and healthy. What’s wonderful is that the type of things that she blends herself, are mostly made of products you would use to cook with. That is the true beauty of using natural products. However creating safe makeup is not something that can easily be created from home.

Danielle points out that although most women will switch to organic foods, quit drinking and leave toxic jobs such as painting the nursery to their husband, they often don’t realise that what they put on their skin can be just as important to baby's health. So natural skincare products should be picked carefully. Daily moisturizers, makeup, foundation all sit on the skin for hours.
Danielle points out that the skin is a porous organ and it absorbs lotions and makeup into the body, along with the chemicals they are comprised of, which is the whole basis of nicorette patches and contraception patches.

According to Dr. Alan Greene, author of "Raising Baby Green," many cosmetics and sunscreens contain what are called nanoparticles, particles so tiny that they permeate the skin and body tissues quickly and deeply.

A regular issue of concern that Danielle raises is the difficulty of really knowing what is in the product you are buying, coupled with the fact that the list of ingredients that are safe during pregnancy varies from source to source. In addition, manufacturers are not required to list all the ingredients on the product label and chemicals can get hidden under generic terms such as ‘fragrance’. I recently had a customer who was buying organic shampoo and I pointed out to her that it contained Rosemary (Which is not considered by general aromatherapy circles to be suitable for pregnant women in the first two trimesters) I suggested that she switch to another shampoo which contained gentler ingredients such as lavender, the smell of which is also less likely to turn a pregnant woman’s stomach. Lavender naturally helps ease nausea. Some other natural herbs and essential oils - basil, birch, cinnamon bark, sage and tarragon should not be used during pregnancy.

Also a beauty product listed as "organic," may not always be organic. Many high street brands and less scrupulous brands may only add a few organic ingredients to a concoction of other less favorable ingredients. One of Danielle’s favorite sites and mine too for determining the safety of skin care products is cosmeticsdatabase.com. It rates thousands of cosmetics on a scale of zero to 10 with 10 being a high hazard and zero being low.

Another good resource Danielle uses is Greene's book. In his chapter "The Bathroom," he lists and explains the types of ingredients to be wary of and many safer alternatives to the common cosmetic.

Danielle recommends making your own moisturizer , body scrubs, and facial masks using simple ingredients such as olive, grapeseed, safflower and walnut oils. For instance you can add oil to Epsom salts to create a safe and effective scrub. Blending with Essential oils should be done more carefully, however. Essential oils are concentrated plant matter and should always be purchased pure (not blended with other ingredients) and used diluted in the proper proportion with a base oil (never used directly on the skin).

For many of these reasons sighted by Danielle and other beauty experts in the field I’m really particular that buyOrganics check ingredients, only take on reputable brands and help customers one to one as much as possible make the right choice. We have special herb blended teas by Earth Mama to sooth many pregnancy ailments such as morning sickness, postpartum blues and even a blend to help your milk increase naturally when breastfeeding baby. Coupled with pure natural skincare and makeup products that do not contain nanoparticles, parabens or phthlates, and that we have vetted ourselves for purity, you no longer need to blend away yourself!! And can just purchase and apply with confidence.

Are Stain Repellants making you more susceptible to developing Thyroid Disease?

The latest research from a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP) has for the first time linked thyroid disease with human exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

This chemical is a persistent organic chemical used in industrial and consumer goods, including nonstick cookware and stain- and water-resistant coatings for carpets and fabrics. It is also used during the process of making common household and industrial items, including nonstick pots and pans, flame-resistant and waterproof clothing, wire coatings, and chemical-resistant tubing. PFOA can also be formed by the breakdown of certain other highly fluorinated chemicals used in oil- and grease-resistant coatings on fast-food containers and wrappers and in stain-resistant carpets, fabrics, and paints. Some of these products are everyday items that are used in our home.

Numerous animal studies show that PFAAs can affect the functioning of the mammalian thyroid hormone system, which is essential for maintaining heart rate, regulating body temperature, and supporting many other body functions, including metabolism, reproduction, digestion, and mental health

This latest study revealed that people with higher concentrations of PFOA in their blood were more likely to report a history of thyroid disease.

Tamara Galloway, a professor of eco-toxicology at the University of Exeter (U.K.) School of Biosciences and the study’s senior author, says, “These results highlight a real need for further research into the human health effects of low-level exposures to environmental chemicals like PFOA that are ubiquitous in the environment and in people’s homes. We need to know what they are doing.”

However due to the methodology used in conducting the experiment Galloway stresses that the evidence from the new study does not rule out the possibility that having thyroid disease may change the way the body handles PFOA. Further research is needed.

If you’re already dedicated to making healthy choices then you may already be avoiding many of the possible offenders. Our advice from a natural living and healthcare perspective is to choose natural products for your home wherever possible, for instance, natural paints, wood flooring, or wool rich carpets and natural fabrics such as hemp or jute. If possible avoid stain repellants especially in closed spaces and on sofas and furnishings. Avoid re-using fast food wrappers and containers and safety dispose of them in the bin. Choose pots and pans that are stainless steel or ceramic based rather than non stick and opt for natural fibre, untreated organic clothing where possible.