Natural Health News: February 2010

• Are Toxic Chemicals Making You Sick?
  
• How To Create a Foundation for Healing in Your Life
  
• Our Innate Healing Power

    

The Hidden Cause of Illness:
Are Toxic Chemicals Making You Sick?

by Andrea Chervenak

Could  toxins be the root cause of your health problems? Although there is greater awareness about the potential health risks associated with the ever increasing number of  pesticides and herbicides used on our lawns, crops, and foods, many unsuspecting products found in our homes and offices contain hidden toxins and chemicals that may be contributing to the ever-increasing number of undiagnosed and autoimmune  health problems.  Although our bodies were designed to filter these toxins, continued exposure can overwhelm our natural detox system, and result in imbalances that can potentially lead to autoimmune diseases, chemical sensitivities, and other more serious diseases.

Obvioulsy you can't live in a bubble, or eliminate all toxic exposure. What you can do is educate yourself about these potential hazards so you will be able to make educated decisons and purchases.  Here are a few ideas for protecthing yourself, and your family: 

1. Read Labels 
Use this rule: if you can't pronounce it, maybe it's not something you want to eat or use!

2. Ask questions
When purchasing items like furniture and mattresses chances are they were produced using formaldehyde, which can outgas for years once you bring it into your home.  It isn't easy to find chemical free products, but it is may be worth the extra effort to look for products made from natural woods and fibers that are untreated, or minimally treated.

3.  Buy natural and/or organic whenever you can. The fewer toxins you are exposed to, the less work your body has to do to eliminate them, and the healthier you will be!

4.  Visit our Natural Health Resource section to find sources for a large variety of natural/organic products and services.

5.  Pay attention to how you feel after you bring new things into your home - if you notice you are getting headaches, are more fatigued, etc it may be something that the products were treated with that are challening your immune system.

6.  Not sure if something you are eating, or brought into your home is bothering you?  Try using Muscle Testing - it's a simple, easy way to determine compatibility.

Potential toxins to be aware of:

• Toluene
  This petrochemical solvent can be an eye and skin irritant, carciogen and neurotoxin, as well as to cause reproductive harm.  It can be found in spot removers, paints, car cleaners, and memory foam products.
• PBDE Flame Retardants
  Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether is a flame retardant that has a similar chemical structure to that of dioxins and PCSs.  It can accummulate in the body and build up in the food chain.  PBDEs are carcinogenic and have been associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.  They can accumulate in breast milk and be transferred to babies and developing fetuses.  Flame retardants can be found in a large variety of products - from mattresses to bedding and clothing.
• Phthalates
  Used as a softening agent to make plastic more  flexible.  More than 90% of phthalates are used in PVC products, such as shower curtains*.  They can make their way into our system through contact with food and beverages, as well as through skin contact or by breathing fumes. Children are especially vulnerable as they may put toys in their mouth and ingest phthalates.  Phthalates have been linked to harming reproductive development and asthma. Additonal sources of exposure can be soft plastics that outgas into food and air, scented personal care products, plastic water bottles, and cosmetics.
  *Vinyl shower curtains can release as many as 100 chemicals associated with adverse health effects, contributing to respiratory irritation, central nervous system damage, liver and kidney problems, nausea, headaches, and loss of coordination.
• Formaldehyde
  Formaldehyde is used in everything from personal care products and cosmetics to furniture, building materials, mattresses, foams, plastics, and permanent press sheets!  This irritating, allergy-producing carcinogen can cause insomnia, coughing, headache, nausea, nosebleeds, and skin rashes.
• Naphthalene
  This suspected carcinogen found in mothballs, air freshners, deodorizers, carpet cleaners and toilet bowl cleaners can cause irritation to skin and eyes, as well as kidney damage.  It is very toxic for small children and infants, and may cuase blood damage to the fetus.
• Chlorine
  Chlorine is a powerful irritant and causes the most household poisonings in the U.S.  Found in household cleaners, laundry bleaches, dishwasher detergents, and tub & tile cleaners, this toxin has been linked to cancer.  Growing evidence suggests that drinking chlorinated water or being exposed to its fumes during a shower or bath may cause a variety of cancers.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
  This is an ingredient found in personal grooming products such as shampoos, liquid soaps, and toothpastes.  Even some "natural" brands may contain this ingredient so be sure to read labels. SLS can be irritating to the skin and may also react with other ingrdients to form carcinogenic nitrosamines and dioxin.
• Parabens
  Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, and Ethylparaben are widely used preservatives in personal care products such as shampoos, lotions, and cosmetics and may be responsible for skin irritation and allergic reactions. Again, read labels as many products marked "natural" may actually contain parabens.
• Fragrance
  Artificial fragrance may smell good, but it's probably not good for you.  95% of articifical fragrances are chemically derived and as many as 600 separate chemicals may have been used in its formula. Many contain formaldehyde and other carcinogenic substances, as well as cause allergic reaction, skin irritation, headache, or nausea.

Click here for a listing of Heal With Hope articles about reducing toxic exposure.

Great thanks to Lifekind for providing much of the information presented in this article.  Lifekind sells organic and natural bedroom and bathroom essentials, including organic mattresses, bedding, and personal grooming products.  www.lifekind.com
 

Create a Foundation for Healing

by Andrea Chervenak

I often hear from people who have health conditions that are not responding to medical treatment, or those who are distressed  because they have an undiagnosed illness and have no idea what their next step should be.  While I would never attempt to diagnose or treat a specific illness, there are things that everyone can do to support the body's natural healing process, and create an environment where healing can take place.

1.  Love and support your body.  If you want to create an environment of healing one of the most important things you can do is to be sure your body is receiving proper nutrition.  Start by asking yourself this question before you eat or drink anything: “Is this going to support my body and make me stronger & healthier?”  If the answer is no, then don’t eat or drink it! 

Eliminate foods that weaken you, such as sugar & artificial sweeteners, processed foods, white flour, fatty meats, fried foods, artificial additives & preservatives, and soda.  Unless you have been instructed otherwise by a medical professional, I highly recommend a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and protein, as well as seeds and nuts.

2. Use organic/natural products whenever possible.  So much of our food supply is exposed to pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers.  Meat and dairy products can contain residual amounts of hormones and antibiotics.  In addition to having concerns about the health of our planet, I believe over-exposure to these toxins may be putting added stress and strain on the body, resulting in imbalances that can lead to illness, as well as weaken the immune system.  While our bodies do have a natural filtration system to rid itself of toxins, the increased toxic exposure from foods, personal care products, household cleaners, detergents, and home & office furnishings can overwhelm the body, especially one that is already stressed due to illness. (Additional articles of interest: Reduce Toxic Exposure, Hidden Causes of Illness)

3. Probiotics & Digestive Supplements – A healthy gut is vital to a healthy immune system.  Poor diets, illness, and overuse of antibiotics can result in an imbalance of the intestinal tract which contains billions of intestinal flora. Why is this important to your health? Because the intestinal tract is responsible for the breakdown and absorption of food, aids in digestion,elimination of toxins and immune function. Replacing these beneficial intestinal microorganisms (such as lactobacillous acidophilus) can help to rebalance your system. Probiotics contain live bacteria (good) to get, and keep, your system in balance. You can also try adding yogurt with live active cultures to your diet, but if this is not listed on the container, look for a less processed yogurt that does! 

Digestive Supplements can help to replace the digestive enzymes that you may be lacking due to age or illness. These supplements aid in digestion and ensure you are absorbing and getting nutrients from the food you eat.  There are many products on the market so I recommend you speak with your doctor or health practitioner for a recommendation. 

4. Sleep well.  I can’t stress enough how important good sleep is.  This is when your body does its healing work.  Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep a night.  If you are having trouble sleeping read our article on Sleep Disorders for suggestions on ways to get a good night’s sleep.

5. Exercise is not only important for healing, but for maintaining health as well.  Obviously if you are ill you may be limited by what you are able to do – but try to do something!  There was a time I was unable to get out of bed, so when I could I would do simple stretches, leg lifts, and arm raises while lying down.  If you can walk, do so as much as possible.  If you can’t get out, walk around the house…I used my hallway as a walking trail many, many times. As you get stronger, try putting on an upbeat CD and dance around the house! Activity will raise your spirits, improve circulation, and help you heal! (For more exercise ideas: Exercise)

6. Reduce Stress I am sure it is not going to come as surprise that stress is harmful to your health, and can hinder the body's ability to heal. Do your best to limit your exposure to stressful situations and people, and learn how to cope with the stress you can’t eliminate.  Meditation is a great way to let go of stress and learn to relax. You don’t need fancy equipment or have to follow any particular rules.  Just find a quiet spot, get comfortable, and simply concentrate on your breath.  Begin to incorporate slow deep breathing (in through the nose/out through the mouth) as you repeat a word or phrase (silently is fine) to help you avoid distractions (particularly your mind which may try to interfere with your period of restfulness). More About Stress
 
7. Visualization is a powerful tool for shifting our focus from negativity to positivity!  I know it can be difficult to maintain a positive attitude when you are not feeling well, but I also know that visual images are powerful aids for releasing alignment with negative thoughts and emotions, and being better able to think, feel, and be more positive... thereby attracting more positive energy to your life! 

Create a picture in your mind of you as the happy, healthy person you want to be. Then every time you start thinking negatively, consciously let go of those thoughts and replace them with the image of you as you want to be. Breaking these patterns of thinking takes time, but simply being aware of negative thoughts helps to chase them away!

Combining breathwork with visualization can be extremely powerful. When you find yourself in a negative frame of mind, try this exercise:  Consciously say (out loud or silently): "I choose to release all negative thoughts from my mind and body now." As you take a deep breath in through the nose, visualize those negative thoughts being gathering up in your breath. As you release the breath out through the mouth, see all that negativity being released. As you take in your next deep breath see your body filling with positive thoughts and feelings, as you say to yourself, "I choose to be filled with positive thoughts and feelings."  Repeat until you feel more peaceful and positive.  (Additional articles of interest:  Breathing Techniques & Visualization Techniques)

8. Positive Thinking: "If you want to be it you have to see it!"  Clearly defining your intentions is vital to achieving them. Affirmations are a great way to remain focused on your objectives!  You can write them down to post in a place where you will see them frequently, such as the bathroom mirror, your computer monitor, or the refrigerator. An example of an affirmation might be: “I am a strong, healthy, powerful person!”  And every time you read it, see it!  Create an image in your mind of you as that strong, healthy powerful person! Remember the body actually has a physical response to the thoughts you think - so think good thoughts!  (Read more about Positive Intention. Also visit the Intention Affirmation page on our sister website, WearYourIntention.com and learn more about positive thinking and intnetion on our new website,ThePowerofPositiveIntention.com).

9. EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) is a simple technique that can help to release emotional blocks, many of which may manifest as physical symptoms. It involves gentle tapping on acupuncture points on the body and thinking/saying a set-up phrase.  It can be easily learned and does not require working with a practitioner, though I highly recommend working with an experienced  practitioner if you want to master the technique and use it to its full potential.  More Info About EFT
 
10. An Attitude of Gratitude:  There is nothing more powerful than learning to view life’s challenges as opportunities.  You may not control the circumstances of your life, but you can control how you react to them.  Be grateful for what you have, instead of focusing on what you may feel you have lost.  When you choose to live with gratitude for your blessings, the more blessings you will find to give thanks for.

11. Show yourself the same love and kindness you would offer to someone else in the same circumstances.  Anger and pity are weakening emotions Shift your thinking from the negative emotions that weaken you.  Love, honor, accept, and be patient with yourself.  We are all works in progress, and you are no exception! 

12.  Each day holds the possibility of a miracle.  This phrase hangs on the wall of my bedroom…it’s the first thing I see when I wake up, and the last thing I see before I go to sleep. It is a reminder that no matter how challenging the path you are traveling right now may be, there is always hope, and always the possibility of a miracle just ahead. 

Our Innate Power for Healing

by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger

This excerpt is part of a 15 article series, Heal Yourself in 15 Days written by Mike Adams of NaturalHealthNews.com.  I found this article to be a powerful reminder of our body's natural
 healing ability, and thought you would enjoy it too!

Why your healing potential is so powerful that you can't even turn it off!

When you scrape your elbow, a bit of blood oozes out to clean the wound and wash away bacteria. It then forms a protective scab that keeps out invading microorganisms while your skin has a chance to heal underneath. There, some real magic takes place: Your skin cells innately recognize the need to divide and grow to fill the wound. A cancer-like process is unleashed at the cellular level, activating nearby cells to divide and grow. Your DNA is replicated in the nucleus of each cell with the help of some of the most astounding nanotechnology every witnessed in human civilization. (The best scientists in the world can't even come close to recreating it.)

As your cells multiply, nutrients and building blocks are carried to them through a blood supply that adapts to the particular size and shape of the wound. If a blood vessel was destroyed in your accident, the growth of new blood vessels is spontaneously initiated to take their place, and they grow into the tissues within mere hours.

As your skin cells fill in the previous wound, the replication effort is delicately turned off, one by one, so that replicating skin cells don't keep replicating beyond what they need to -- a process that would cause the creation of a skin tumor. Your body's cells know exactly when to grow and exactly when to turn off, and when it's all said and done, you're left with a perfect replacement for the skin you previously lost.

Completely automatic healing

The truly amazing part of all this is not the cancer-like processes that are delicately controlled by your body wisdom; it's not even the fact that your body has the ability to re-grow lost cells -- it's the fact that all this takes place without any conscious involvement on your part.

Healing yourself is automatic, in other words. You don't have to direct blood to the wound, direct the cells to start replicating, direct the molecular waste products to be carried away and decide when cell replication should be stopped. All this happens without your involvement -- even without your awareness! Much of it happens while you sleep, in fact. While your conscious mind is dreaming, your innate body wisdom is working the biochemistry and energetic transformations necessary to repair your tissues.

You can't stop this process even if you wanted to. You could try to focus all your mental power on your skin not healing, and yet your skin would heal itself anyway.

That's because your body is a powerful self-healing organism. It heals itself automatically, innately, without your conscious awareness or involvement. Your ability to heal yourself is so powerful that you can't stop yourself from healing!

Why we don't always heal

If this is true, then why aren't you healing everything else? Why aren't you always in perfect health? The answer, as you've seen throughout this article series, is because we tend to erect barriers to our own healing. And we often misread the symptoms of sickness that are asking for help, "treating" them in a way that makes the situation worse.

To read the rest of the artices in this series, visit: www.naturalhealthnews.com

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