PARABENS

In recent years PARABENS have become a very hot topic. Many of you may be wondering what parabens are, where you find them and why they should be avoided.
First, lets begin with the what: Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Parabens are effective preservatives in many types of formulas. These compounds, and their salts, are used primarily for their bacteriocidal and fungicidal properties.

Where you find them is almost every cosmetic product. They can be found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, personal lubricants, topical/parenteralpharmaceuticals, spray tanning solution and toothpaste. They are also used as food additives. Common parabens include methylparaben (E number E218), ethylparaben (E214), propylparaben (E216) and butylparaben. 

Less common parabens include isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, benzylparaben and their sodium salts. These will always be listed in the ingredients section of the product you are purchasing.

Why should we care about parabens? Parabens are considered to be safe because of their low toxicity profile and their long history of safe use; however, a few recent studies have begun to challenge this view.

It seems as if parabens act as endocrine disruptors (they disrupt our hormone system), man or woman, estrogen or testosterone. What is an endocrine disruptor? Endocrine disruptors are chemical substances, primarily man-made synthetics, that interfere with the function of the endocrine/hormone system. 

These chemicals mimic, block or disrupt the actions of human (and animal) hormones and, unexpectedly, do more damage at low levels of exposure than at high levels.

These chemicals can also work in sinister yet subtle ways by disrupting the body's ability to produce adequate quantities of hormones or by interfering with the body's hormonal pathways. One single chemical can affect many parts of the endocrine system. Often minute amounts of several of these environmental hormone chemicals can combine to create effects thousands of times more potent than a single chemical.

The endocrine system regulates every function of the body. It consists of the thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal glands, the pancreas, the ovaries and the testes, all linked to the hypothalamus in the brain. The hypothalamus is like the mainframe computer of the body, sending signals to the glands that provide the instructions for creating hormones.

When you rub body care products on your body or hair dye on your scalp you can absorb or inhale synthetic chemicals that contain endocrine disruptors which may send false signals to your body's endocrine glands. When your glands are confused they cannot function normally and serious health problems result. In addition, when you bathe, whatever chemicals aren't absorbed by your body are washed down the drain into the drinking water supply, where they can cause a cascade of negative environmental problems. These endocrine disruptors are affecting algae and other microscopic life, fish, whales and birds. Humans are exposed when they drink the water and eat the fish contaminated by personal care product chemicals. The government has found sunscreen chemicals in fish and human breast milk.

Endocrine disruptors are stored in a body's fatty tissues and do not get flushed out with water, thus they accumulate over the years. It is now recognized that the dramatic increases of breast cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma and thyroid cancer have been linked to exposure to environmental estrogens. In particular, parabens mimic estrogen, a hormone necessary for a healthy menstruation, reproductive system and fat cell activity. A Scottish study found parabens in human breast tumors. In the past twenty-five years in the US, alone, thyroid cancer has increased more than 45%, with more women being affected than men, and has become the number one cancer in children under age twenty, many of whom suffered from fetal endocrine disruption.

How can you protect yourself? Read every ingredient on every personal care product label and be suspicious of every chemical ingredient.
Here is a list of common products that contain parabens:
  • Cosmetics Foundations
  • powders, concealers
  • eye makeup (liners, shadows, mascara)
  • facial makeup (blushes)
  • bronzes
  • makeup removers
  • lipstick, quick-dry nail products
  • Pharmaceutical Products Topical dermatological medications, eye, ear and nose drops, rectal and vaginal medications, bandages, parenteral products, including antibiotics, corticosteroids, local anesthetics, radiopharmaceuticals, vitamins, antihypertensives, diuretics, insulin, heparin, and chemotherapeutic agents
  • Personal Care Products Moisturizing lotions and creams, dentifrices, sunscreens, cleansers and other skin care products, antiperspirants and deodorants, soaps, including liquid hand soap and toothpastes, shampoos and conditioners, colognes, and perfumes
  • Food Products (E210-219)Marinated fish products, salad dressings, mayonnaise, mustard, spiced sauces, processed vegetables, frozen dairy products, jams and jellies, soft drinks and fruit juices, baked goods, and candies
  • Industrial Products Parabens are used industrially in oils, fats, shoe polishes, textiles, and glues.
To You and Your Families Health,

Jim Rohn's 6 steps to living a good life.

Jim Rohn's 6 steps to living a good life.

1. Productivity - if you don't produce you won't be happy.
2. Good Friends - the greatest support system in the world
3. Spiritualaty - Study, practice and teach what you believe in
4. Don't Miss Anything - Dont miss the small stuff.
5. Inner Circle - Family; Take care of them, they will take care of you. Inspire them, they will inspire you.
6. Ask for Gods help - we have a chance as human beings to participate in the miracle process.

Keith Abell, RPh CIP MI
http://TheRx4Health.com

Don't give up


TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Oftentimes, when we have a dream in our heart, we start off strong. We head down the path toward our goal, and we're so excited! But along the way, we hit some roadblocks and encounter some adversity. Many times, people will just give up and take the easy way out. But we have to remember, it's not how we start that counts; it's how we finish. Anybody can be fired up at the beginning, but I'm encouraging you to stick with it until the end! Have the determination to go all the way through. Don't stop at the halfway mark just because times are tough. Don't quit because you don't see anything happening. The scripture tells us not to walk by sight, but to walk by faith.
Today, if there's a dream in your heart, something you're believing for — a relationship to turn around, a business opportunity or to overcome an addiction — keep pursuing it! Run your race to win the prize! Don't settle until you see the fullness of what God has placed in your heart. As you stand strong in your faith, I believe God will pour out His favor and blessing upon you, and you will see the victory He has in store for you!

Keith Abell, RPh CIP MI
http://TheRx4Health.com

No resting for the Winner!


"The past should be a springboard not a hammock."
Satirist, Ivern Ball


Your action for today is to see if you've been resting on your laurels. If so, get moving.

Have an extraordinary day!


Keith Abell, RPh MI         
http://TheRx4Health.com

Mission Impossible

"Most of the things worth doing in the world were said to be impossible before they were done."
Jurist, Louis Brandeis
Your action for today is to see if there is something that you would like to do or have that seems impossible at this time. If it is something worth doing or having, set it as a goal and take the first action towards achieving it.
Have an extraordinary day!

Keith Abell, RPh MI
http://TheRx4Health.com

Be a Risk Taker

"Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash."
General, George Patton
Your action for today is to do something that requires you to take a calculated risk.
Have an extraordinary day!

Keith Abell, RPh MI
http://TheRx4Health.com

Nitrates Link to Alzheimer’s, Diabetes And Parkinson's Disease

Nitrates May Be Environmental Trigger For Alzheimer's, Diabetes And Parkinson's Disease
ScienceDaily (July 6, 2009) — A new study by researchers at Rhode Island Hospital have found a substantial link between increased levels of nitrates in our environment and our food with increased deaths from diseases, including Alzheimer's, diabetes mellitus and Parkinrson's. The study was published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

If you are suffering from Alzheimer's, Diabetes, Parkinsons or other medical challenges and you aren't satisfied with the ever increasing number of medications that aren't helping you get better then I may be able to help.

htp://GiveDoc90Days.com


Keith Abell, RPh MI
Pharmacist - CEO
Abell International Marketing

Part 7 in series: FDA Doesn't Regulate Shampoos & Conditioners – Propylene Glycol - Post 30

Part 7 in Series: FDA Doesn't Regulate Shampoos & Conditioners – Propylene Glycol
That is a real shock, isn't it?  Well, read on for more details….

As I mentioned in the previous post, I have learned a lot about the lack of safety concerns and regulations since I began researching the role that nutrition plays in our overall health.

The first thing that was a real eye opener was that for the most part, the FDA doesn't regulate cosmetics and personal care products. So when we thought they'd let us know about toxins and harmful ingredients….they weren't empowered to do that! Since 1894, this industry has been a self policing organization called the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association – or now known as the Personal Care Products Council.  It's made up of over 600 different product distributors and manufacturers.  It's about like having the fox watch the hen house to ensure 'voluntary regulation'.

What is even MORE shocking is that there are more safety regulations and far more banned chemicals in places like the EU, Canada, Japan, and other health conscious markets than here in the U.S.A. Makes it feel an awful lot like consumers are guinea pigs.

So, what do you need to be aware of in your own products like shampoos, conditioners, lotions, etc.?  Make use of resources that help you determine what is safe for your health and that of your family.  For example, the following ingredients are just a few of the toxins that can actually make you ill if you use them daily in shampoos and conditioners:

·         Propylene Glycol – This ingredient is found in engine coolants and antifreeze, airplane deicers, tire sealants, rubber cleaners, polyurethane cushions, paints, enamels, and other products as a solvent or surfactant. It's a skin irritant that can also cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.  It's more than likely in your shampoo!



REMEMBER, your skin cannot protect you against these toxins.  It is NOT a barrier to entry as many of the medical patches have proven for years.  And toxins in your shampoo and conditioner could well be MORE toxic than what is in your food.

Keith Abell, RPh MI
Pharmacist
http://GiveDoc90Days.com
(206) 337-7271

Part 5 in series: FDA Doesn't Regulate Shampoos & Conditioners – Monosodium glutamate (MSG) - Post 28

Part 5 in series: FDA Doesn't Regulate Shampoos & Conditioners – Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
That is a real shock, isn't it?  Well, read on for more details….

I noticed last night when looking at my blog that part 6 in this series came up but part 5 never posted. Oh well, automation does not always work correctly. So I will get right to it. 

As I mentioned in the previous post, I have learned a lot about the lack of safety concerns and regulations since I began researching the role that nutrition plays in our overall health

Today I will outline the 5th chemical compound found in many personal care products on the market. After you read this be sure you go back and watch my video blog post about what I found in one product in particular. http://youtu.be/KXKIpsDaaTc 

·         Monosodium glutamate (MSG) – In your shampoo?  Kidding, right?  Nope, it's often hidden and referred to as yeast extract, naiad, glutamic acid, or glutamates.  Nontheless, the reactions to it in your shampoo are just like in your food.  Symptoms include headache, dizziness, numbness, burning sensations, tingling, facial pressure, nausea, drowsiness and weakness.



REMEMBER, your skin cannot protect you against these toxins.  It is NOT a barrier to entry as many of the medical patches have proven for years.  And toxins in your shampoo and conditioner could well be MORE toxic than what is in your food.

Keith Abell, RPh MI
Pharmacist
http://GiveDoc90Days.com
(206) 337-7271

Part 6 in series: FDA Doesn't Regulate Shampoos & Conditioners – Diethanolamine (DEA) - Post 28


Part 6 in series: FDA Doesn't Regulate Shampoos & Conditioners – Diethanolamine (DEA)

That is a real shock, isn't it?  Well, read on for more details….


As I mentioned in the previous post, I have learned a lot about the lack of safety concerns and regulations since I began researching the role that nutrition plays in our overall health



So, let's get right to the sixth chemical compound found in commonly used products.

·         Diethanolamine (DEA) – This toxic chemical ingredient reacts with nitrite preservatives and contaminants in personal care products to form nitrosodienthanolamine (NDEA). NDEA is a known, potent carcinogen.


DEA seems to block choline, a nutrient vital for healthy brain development.  Pregnant women actually need extra choline for fetal development. An associate dean for research at the UNC School of Public Health believed that choline is necessary to help provide proper nutrients for a health baby.


Recently, the FDA reported that around 42% of all cosmetics are contaminated with NDEA – with shampoos having the highest concentrations.

REMEMBER, your skin cannot protect you against these toxins.  It is NOT a barrier to entry as many of the medical patches have proven for years.  And toxins in your shampoo and conditioner could well be MORE toxic than what is in your food.

Keith Abell, RPh MI
Pharmacist
http://GiveDoc90Days.com
(206) 337-7271

Part 4 of series: FDA Doesn't Regulate Shampoos & Conditioners – Dioxane - Post 27


Part 4 of series: FDA Doesn't Regulate Shampoos & Conditioners – Dioxane

That is a real shock, isn't it?  Well, read on for more details….
It really is shocking that the FDA doesn't regulate cosmetics and personal products, or any other agency for that matter. Even if they did they would spend more time chasing after companies like General Mills for making a TRUE claim that oats lower cholesterol than they would spend going after truly unsafe products. They actually threatened General Mills that they would declare Cheerios an unapproved drug and confiscate all the product in their warehouse if they did not cease making the claims.

Did you know that there are more safety regulations and far more banned chemicals in places like the EU, Canada, Japan, and other health conscious markets than here in the U.S.A. Makes it feel an awful lot like consumers are guinea pigs.

So, what do you need to be aware of in your own products like shampoos, conditioners, lotions, etc.?  Make use of resources that help you determine what is safe for your health and that of your family.  For example, the following ingredients are just a few of the toxins that can actually make you ill if you use them daily in shampoos and conditioners:

·         Dioxane – This toxic chemical was one of over 200 carcinogens linked to breast cancer in 2007 in the medical journal, Cancer. This link to cancer was reported as early as 1965, yet it is still found in personal care products today – for both adults and children!



In 1985, the FDA requested a voluntary limit of dioxane in products of 10 parts per million, but that hasn't happened. 

REMEMBER, your skin cannot protect you against these toxins.  It is NOT a barrier to entry as many of the medical patches have proven for years.  And toxins in your shampoo and conditioner could well be MORE toxic than what is in your food.

Keith Abell, RPh MI
Pharmacist
http://GiveDoc90Days.com
(206) 337-7271

Part 3 in series: FDA Doesn't Regulate Shampoos & Conditioners – Dioxane - Post 26


FDA Doesn't Regulate Shampoos & Conditioners – Dioxane

That is a real shock, isn't it?  Well, read on for more details….

As I mentioned in the previous post, I have learned a lot about the lack of safety concerns and regulations since I began researching the role that nutrition plays in our overall health. You have now seen the first 2 of the most common chemicals found in personalt care products. Lets take a look at the next one:

Alright , we have seen the first 2 of the most common chemicals found in personal care products.
·         Dioxane – This toxic chemical was one of over 200 carcinogens linked to breast cancer in 2007 in the medical journal, Cancer. This link to cancer was reported as early as 1965, yet it is still found in personal care products today – for both adults and children!
In 1985, the FDA requested a voluntary limit of dioxane in products of 10 parts per million, but that hasn't happened. 
REMEMBER, your skin cannot protect you against these toxins.  It is NOT a barrier to entry as many of the medical patches have proven for years.  And toxins in your shampoo and conditioner could well be MORE toxic than what is in your food.

Keith Abell, RPh MI
Pharmacist
http://GiveDoc90Days.com
(206) 337-7271

Part 2 of series: FDA Doesn't Regulate Shampoos & Conditioners – Paraben - Post 25


FDA Doesn't Regulate Shampoos & Conditioners – Paraben
 That is a real shock, isn't it?  Well, read on for more details….

As I mentioned in the previous post, I have learned a lot about the lack of safety concerns and regulations since I began researching the role that nutrition plays in our overall health.
Here is the next toxin that can be found in these products that actually make you ill if you use them daily in shampoos and conditioners:
·         Paraben – Used as a preservative, this toxin has been linked to hormone and endocrine system disruption. Used as an antimicrobial ingredient, this chemical is considered a xeno-estrogen (false estrogen) because it interferes with normal hormonal and estrogen behavior. Xeno-estrogens mimic, disrupt and block normal behavior and pathways.  For example, parabens can impact fertility, pregnancy, menstruation, and even fat cell activity.  Too much estrogen can cause weight gain, fluid retention and depression.  Scientists have found paraben nodules in breast cancer tumors. 

Note:  Check your product labels for these names –
  • Propylparaben
  • Parahydroxybenzoic acid
  • Parahydroxybenzoate
  • Methylparaben
  • Ethylparaven
  • Buylparaben
  • Benzyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid
  • Methyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid
  • Propyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid
  • Butyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid

REMEMBER, your skin cannot protect you against these toxins.  It is NOT a barrier to entry as many of the medical patches have proven for years.  And toxins in your shampoo and conditioner could well be MORE toxic than what is in your food.
Keith Abell, RPh MI
Pharmacist
http://GiveDoc90Days.com

(206) 337-7271

Part 1 of series: FDA Doesn't Regulate Shampoos & Conditione​rs – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - Post 24

Part 1 of series: FDA Doesn't Regulate Shampoos & Conditione​rs – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

That is a real shock,isn’t it?  Well, read on for more details….

As a concerned pharmacist I'm going to be sending out a series of posts about the shocking details regarding ingredients in products we put on our skin. I want you to think about this, drug manufacturers are developing an increasing number of medications designed to be placed on the akin and then absorbed into your body. If this is a legitimate way to deliver medications into your body then it only makes sense that these toxic compounds are also absorbed. Take a look at this special report from fox news then read on.

 

Each post will highlight a different ingredient.<br /> <br /> I have learned alot about the lack of safety concerns and regulations since I began investigating the role that nutrition plays in our health.<br /> <br /> The first thing that was a real eye opener was that for the most part, the FDA doesn’t regulate cosmetics and personal care products. So when we thought they’d let us know about toxins and harmful ingredients, they weren’t empowered to do that! Since 1894, this industry has been a self policing organization called the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association –or now known as the Personal Care Products Council.  It’s made up of over 600 different product distributors and manufacturers.  It’s about like having the fox watch the hen house to ensure ‘voluntary regulation’.<br /> <br /> What is even MORE shocking is that there are more safety regulations and far more banned chemicals in places like the EU, Canada, Japan, and other health conscious markets than here in the U.S.A. Makes it feel an awful lot like consumers are guinea pigs. <br /> <br /> So, what do you need to be aware of in your own products like shampoos, conditioners, lotions, etc.? Make use of resources that help you determine what is safe for your health and that of your family.  For example, the following ingredients are just a few of the toxins that can actually make you ill if you use them daily in shampoos and conditioners:<br /> <br /> <b>Sodium Lauryl Sulfate</b> [often referred to as SLS] – This chemical ingredient helps shampoo and soap to lather and foam. It’s used in car washes and garages as a degreasing agent. Acting as a performance enhancer, it helps other ingredients penetrate, allowing potentially toxic ingredients to enter the bloodstream.  According to the Environmental Working Group(EWG), research on SLS has shown links to <br /> <br /> <ul> <li>Skin and eye irritation</li> <li>Development and reproductive toxicity</li> <li>Endocrine disruption</li> <li>Ecotoxicological, biochemical or cellular changes</li> <li>Neurotoxicity</li> <li>Possible mutations and cancer</li> </ul> <br /> Visit www.ewg.orgto see the list of research studies in their PubMed library.  There are some over 15,000 studies as well as lists of health concerns and adverse conditions related to SLS. <br /> <br /> Note:  SLS goes by a number of names, including:  sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium laurel sulfate, sodium dodecylsulfate, sulfuric acid, sodium salt sulfuric acid, A12-00356, Akyposal SDS, Aquarex ME, and Aquarex methyl. Check your products for this ingredient.<br /> <br /> REMEMBER, your skin cannot protect you against these toxins.  It is NOT a barrier to entry as many of the medical patches have proven for years.  And toxins in your shampoo and conditioner could well be MORE toxic than what is in your food.<br /> <br /> Keith Abell, RPh MI<br /> Pharmacist<br /> <a class="telified" href="skype:2063377271?call" nr="2063377271" pattcc="+1" style="-moz-border-radius: 3px; background-color: #ffffdf; color: #00001f;" title="Use as phone number">(206) 337-7271</a>