Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net and Stuart Miles
I have a great tip for saving your nails from the toxic effects of chemotherapy. I have heard about this from several people who were going through chemotherapy (particularly Taxol) and they said it absolutely works and that it was introduced to them by the chemo nurses, so I decided to share it with you.
I can’t tell you how many women I know going through breast cancer have been upset about losing their nails – having them turn black and falling off is definitely stressful and it can’t feel very good either. Not all chemo regimens cause this, but so many do and Taxol seems to be the worst. It isn’t permanent but it can take up to 6 months to grow out a new nail and that’s a long time to be without a nail protecting your fingertips.
How to Save Your Nails While Undergoing Chemotherapy
Just before you sit down for your chemotherapy infusion, get a bowl of ice cubes and water and plunge your fingertips – so that your nails are covered – into the bowl of ice. If it gets painful, just withdraw them for a minute or two, but try to keep your nails in the icy water for as long as you can. Don’t do it to the point of pain or frostbite! Just keep putting them in and taking them out when you need to.
How It Works
Icing your nails constricts the blood vessels, so less toxicity gets through. The chemicals that cause hair loss can also affect your nails and your fingernails grow much more quickly than your toenails.
Why Keeping Your Nails Is Important
Nail care is your first line of prevention, especially if you have had a few (or all) of your lymph nodes removed along with your breast cancer tumor. You will need to be particularly careful of damage to the nail, also hangnails or cuts or burns on the hands or fingers, which could lead to infection. Lymph nodes exist to help deal with infection and if they are not present, or present but in diminished numbers, an infection could be quite serious for you.
A Warning About Manicures & Acrylic Nails
Please also be aware about the dangers of manicures and nail polish. See my article Are Your Manicures Increasing Your Breast Cancer Risk for more information.
For a lengthy time after you finish chemotherapy your immune system is compromised and you will need to avoid infections and viruses until you are fully recovered. You can decrease the length of time you have a compromised immune system by being very proactive and juicing and taking the juice of lycium barbarum (goji or wolfberry), but here’s the thing about acrylic nails. If bacteria gets trapped between your natural nail bed and the acrylic overlay, either during application or from splitting and chipping or other sorts of damage to the acrylic nail, you could get a very serious infection and even need to be hospitalized.
To further complicate matters, many nail salons are using a poisonous substance called MMA in their nail adhesives, which is an industrial grade adhesive and not meant for use on the human body. MMA stands for methyl methacrylate and it is bad news for your health. This chemical is illegal but the nail industry is hard to police so it’s still being purchased on the black market and used in some nail salons. It can cause serious damage to your health.
Ladies, I know that acrylic nails look beautiful and it’s one of the things you CAN control after getting through breast cancer, but I don’t believe the risk is worth it. Just my two cents worth.
I send my love to everyone taking this journey right now. If you would like my help with getting through breast cancer in an inspiring and ultra-healthy way, please sign up for my free e-newsletters on the right, or “like” me on Facebook (MarnieClark.com) and I’ll do my utmost to keep you informed and empowered on your healing journey… and beyond.
Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net and dan
I have come across another source for really great, safe cosmetics and body products, so I would love to share them with you today – because I always believe in giving a shout-out to companies who are doing the right thing. It seems that so many are doing the WRONG thing, you can barely get through your day without putting yourself at some sort of risk.
475 Toxic Chemicals? Really?
How would you feel about discovering that, after your nice shower or bath which is supposed to cleanse you of waste, pollution and dirt, you were actually adding up to 475 toxic chemicals to your body?
I know I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating. Since your skin is the largest organ of absorption in your body, you are absorbing what you put on it. And that’s after just ONE shower or bath. Take into account that you probably apply lotion, foundation, sunscreen, lipstick, eye liner, mascara, etc. throughout the day, and wash it all off at the end of the day, and then reapply various lotions and potions before going to bed.
Yesterday while I was at the grocery store I picked up a bottle of shampoo that had fifteen chemicals in it that I would not allow in the house – the worst being Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Tetrasodium, and Propylene Glycol which are known to cause eye damage, among other things. An eye shadow I inspected had Polythylene Terephthalate, which has been linked to cancer. When you can READ the ingredients in lipstick (the ingredient list is so tiny), they usually include Polymenthyl metacrylate, also linked to cancer.
The problem with all of these chemicals is that they are not flushed out of the body – they build up, day after day, year after year, and compromise your health.
Throw Them In The Trash
I’m absolutely convinced that many of our body products, so beautifully packaged and slickly advertised, really just need to go into the closest trash receptacle. If our government agencies were truly protecting us, this would have happened long ago. So since they’re not doing their job, it’s up to us to get the word out.
By the way, if you’re not sure whether your body products or cosmetics are safe, here’s a good resource for finding out: Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database
Here’s The Good News – A Great Source
So – I promised that I had a new source for you, I just found them last week. They are 100% Pure and what I love about them is that they use all natural, organic, vegan and fruit pigments in their products. Their prices are very reasonable, and the products are truly lovely. I’ve been searching for SAFE eye shadow for years and hadn’t found them at all until this company surfaced. They are based in California.
Use this link to go to their site:
If you would like my help with getting through breast cancer in an inspiring and ultra-healthy way, please sign up for my free e-newsletters on the right, or “like” me on Facebook (MarnieClark.com). It is my honor and my goal to help you through this.
Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net and graur codrin
Are Your Manicures Increasing Your Breast Cancer Risk?
I know this is a touchy subject – we like having beautiful nails and we like this little bit of pampering that we fit into our busy schedules. It’s nice, it’s relaxing, it’s fun to do with your girlfriend. But yes – it may be increasing your risk of breast cancer, I’m sorry to tell you.
I sat in on a webinar yesterday held by Breast Cancer Action titled Toxic Cosmetics – Demanding Stronger Regulation. BCA always has great webinars with well researched and presented material.
Some Maddening Statistics
It was a great webinar, full of interesting (and maddening) statistics about our cosmetics and body products and how they are still full of toxic chemicals. Here are some of the stats they introduced:
- Women use an average of 12 body products per day, exposing them to 168 chemicals on a daily basis;
- 20% of personal care products have carcinogenic ingredients;
- 22% of personal care products have chemicals that are known endocrine disruptors;
- 34% of personal care products are known to be toxic to the reproductive system and are especially toxic to our teenaged girls (who tend to use more of these products than adults);
- In a recent study done with 20 teenaged girls, 16 chemicals were found in all 20 girls – these chemicals were all hormone alterers;
- Perfume companies are allowed to keep secret what goes into their fragrances – the term “fragrance” hides blends of unknown chemicals which, when analyzed have shown, on average, to contain 14 chemicals that are known hormone disruptors, not assessed for safety;
- 61% of lipstick brands tested contained lead (Estee Lauder had 5 of the 10 most contaminated ones) – no amount of lead in your system is safe and we’re putting this on our lips, where it can easily be ingested, day after day.
Toxic Manicures
This information was not new to me, I’ve known about the dangers contained within our personal care products for years, but what did surprise me was the information presented about nail polish. I have been told for years by my natural therapists that we shouldn’t be using nail polish, but I didn’t know that there were up to 450 chemicals in nail polish, 80 of which have been proven to have some degree of harm to the human body.
Here’s an interesting article The Inherent Dangers of Getting One’s Nails Did . They name the “toxic trio” of chemicals commonly found in nail polish and name the companies who were the worst offenders when the article was written in April, 2012. They ended the article with a supposedly funny “If you recognize one of these names, stop licking your hands immediately.” Funny. But licking isn’t necessary. Probably the most important thing to understand is that fingernails are absorbent and easily absorb all of those toxic chemicals we’re pouring onto them.
Most men I know don’t get the whole nail polish thing anyway, so we’re clearly not doing this for our men. They believe that women’s nails are sexiest without anything on them. Healthy nails that are well groomed are shiny, pink, and white and look like a French manicure (without the cost and hassle of a French manicure). But hey – just my opinion.
Before you go for that next manicure, please just check out this list of some of the worst chemicals being put in nail polish: benzene, benzoyl peroxide, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, glycol ethers, methylene chloride, tolulene.
Never heard of them? Check out the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep website and plug in a few of those chemicals. For instance, here’s what EWG has to say about benzene. This chemical has NO BUSINESS being in anything related to our bodies.
Until the cosmetic companies clean up their act, we need to boycott their products. Hitting them where it hurts is the ONLY thing they’ll pay attention to. They obviously don’t care about our health. (Uh oh, she’s on a rant again…) Companies who promote breast cancer awareness and put pink ribbons all over everything and then continue to put these chemicals in their products that are known to be cancer causing really make me see red (no, not pink).
If this doesn’t make you mad, I don’t know what will. Breast Cancer Action is actively working towards better regulation of the cosmetic industry (among many other advocacy issues). They say “all of this points to one clear need: systemic change. This means putting people before profits, whether it is drug development for patients or employing the precautionary principle. This means removing the burden of prevention from the individual and placing it squarely where it belongs: on our society and regulatory systems.”
So I recommend doing 3 things:
1. Boycott the companies who continue to pour toxic chemicals into their body products. Here is one that does NOT.
2. Donate to Breast Cancer Action – they are doing GREAT things for us.
3. Try naked nails. They’re sexier! You can massage in some organic shea butter or almond oil and go au natural.
If you would like my help with getting through breast cancer in an inspiring and ultra-healthy way, please sign up for my free e-newsletters on the right, or “like” me on Facebook (MarnieClark.com). It is my honor to help you through this.
Pinktober and Pinkwashing
You know, I used to love the month of October.
I loved the colors of the autumn leaves and how they crunch under your feet (well I still do, but read on), my son’s birthday falls in October, the heat of the summer is gone, Halloween costumes – it’s just generally a fun time of year.
But now October has turned into “Pinktober” and it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month – everything turns pink. Ick.
Breast Cancer Action has coined the term pinkwashing and here’s their explanation of the word: Pinkwasher: (pink’-wah-sher) noun. A company or organization that claims to care about breast cancer by promoting a pink ribbon product, but at the same time produces, manufactures and/or sells products that are linked to the disease.
Pinkwashing seriously pisses me off. It’s ruining the month of October for me and that’s not a nice thing.
Pinkwashing raises a big question we should all be paying attention to. Are we really helping breast cancer research by buying all that pink merchandise? While many of us think we’re doing a noble thing by buying pink things, pinkwashing is often just a marketing ploy to sell more products. Of course, many of the companies that are selling pink merchandise do donate to breast cancer research, but many don’t (or if they do, it’s a tiny percentage of their actual profit).
And all of this is still not why Pinktober pisses me off so much.
The companies that really chap my hide are the ones that plaster pink ribbons on their products and make a big deal about how much they contribute to breast cancer research. HOWEVER their products are filled with toxins like parabens, TEA and DEA which have been shown to be carcinogenic. It’s almost like companies such as Avon and Estee Lauder know that their products contain toxic ingredients and they feel guilty about being contributors to breast cancer, so they make this big deal about having products that help fund breast cancer research.
This is NOT alright with me, nor should it be with you.
Lastly, Pinktober reminds me of having breast cancer and while that was 8 years ago, I don’t need the reminder.
Top 10 Pinkwashers
I found a great website at pinkwashing.org – check out what they had to say about the top 10 pinkwashers in this blog post a year ago. I couldn’t have said it better.
The Worst Offender
I think the biggest sin has been committed by the Susan G Komen Foundation. Their Promise Me™ Eau De Parfum is full of ingredients which have no business being put on our bodies – things like galaxolide (it’s a hormone disrupter) and toluene (a neurotoxin banned by the International Fragrance Association), and to make matters worse, only $7.97 from each $59 bottle will go to research. That stinks. Seriously.
If all this makes you mad enough to take action, click HERE.
Being Proactive With Our Health Is The Key
I think that only by supporting groups such as Breast Cancer Action, being aware of what we are putting onto and in our bodies in our cosmetics, body products, and food, keeping our stress levels down, and exercising regularly will we begin to see dramatic decreases in the numbers of women being diagnosed with breast cancer.
The bottom line is do your research, make sure your purchases align with your values and be comfortable on where your dollars are being spent.
If you would like my help with getting through breast cancer in an inspiring and ultra-healthy way, please sign up for my free e-newsletters on the right, or “like” me on Facebook (MarnieClark.com). When you’re in a desperate situation, you need an ally. You can depend on me to help you through this.
As a breast cancer blogger, I am getting a lot of inquiries from women who have breast cancer about safe cosmetics.
I don’t often mention my product lines, but since people are asking I decided to share it today.
I’ve written quite a lot about why we should be changing our makeup and cosmetics to safer choices. I wrote a scathing article a few months ago about the cosmetics industry (and I’m sorry about that photo, but I really wanted people to pay attention… and they did!).
Here’s another article titled “Your Breast Health May Depend On You Reading The Ingredients On Your Deodorant Label“.
I’ve written other articles about the dangers of xenoestrogens and how most makeup and body products available today are full of them. You can cruise down my categories to see the various articles – look at my category “Breast Cancer and Beauty”, for instance.
I don’t feel the need to re-explain WHY we should be changing to safe cosmetics, I just want to tell you why I use MiEssence products.
They are the purest, best, most wonderful cosmetics and body products I’ve ever used. Ever. They smell wonderful, they are organic (some products may not be 100% organic because the company does use things like water and clay which can’t be certified as organic), and they WORK. People are always telling me I look like I’m about 40 (I’m 56!).
The company’s ethics about using only the best and safest ingredients are second to none. You can read their story here.
I particularly love the MiEssence Translucent Foundation, paired with the Mineral Foundation Powder. I know that when I use these two, my skin looks great, I’m protected from UV rays and I’m putting nothing but beautiful, healthy ingredients on my face.
I became so enamored with them, I am also a distributor for them. If you’d like to try something, here’s my website. I’ll answer any and all questions about these lovely products.
Thanks for visiting!
If you’d like to stay connected, sign up for my free e-newsletters on the right, or “like” me on Facebook (MarnieClark.com) and I’ll do my utmost to keep you informed and empowered on your healing journey… and beyond.
I would like to recommend that you support a breast cancer advocacy group called Breast Cancer Action, a national organization founded in 1990 by a group of women who understood that together we can effect much change.
Breast Cancer Action was born (according to their website) “from a need for a grassroots organization with a unique understanding of the political, economic, and social context of breast cancer.”
BCA’s Mission Statement
“Breast Cancer Action carries the voices of people affected by breast cancer to inspire and compel the changes necessary to end the breast cancer epidemic.”
What I Love About Breast Cancer Action
Their strict contributions policy allows them to be an independent voice for women who are either at risk of breast cancer or are living with it. They do not take money from anyone who profits from or contributes to the breast cancer epidemic. I believe that’s important.
They advocate for more effective treatments for breast cancer (and less toxic – which is what I’m all about too).
They are committed to raising the public awareness of environmental exposures to harmful chemicals that put people at risk for breast cancer (one of my favorite topics as well).
They have a Think Before You Pink Campaign which you should find out about. It’s gotten so that I hate the month of October for all the pink ribbons everywhere and the companies who CLAIM to be supporting the fight against breast cancer but continue marketing their toxic chemical-laden body products and cosmetics to unsuspecting women. GRRR!
Most importantly, BCA is actively opposing gene patenting because the patents give one company the exclusive rights to all testing and research on BRCA genes. This monopoly effectively prevents anyone else from so much as examining the genes, and creates barriers to scientific research and medical care relating to breast and ovarian cancer.
Sign Up For Their Webinars
Yesterday I attended one of BCA’s webinars titled “Reducing Inequities in Breast Cancer – Why Experience Matters”. So they are also advocates for communities where inequalities exist in getting the proper treatment for breast cancer – whether due to language or cultural barriers, racial inequities, financial barriers, or geographical location).
This webinar was well presented and made me aware that just because we live in the United States, we are not all treated equally with regard to being able to get the proper information and treatment for breast cancer.
Please support Breast Cancer Action with your contributions.
If you’d like to stay connected, sign up for my free e-newsletters on the right, or “like” me on Facebook (MarnieClark.com) and I’ll do my utmost to keep you informed and empowered on your healing journey… and beyond.
You may have noticed that your latest bottle of shampoo says “phthalate-free” and wondered what the heck phthalates are and why you should care.
What Are Phthalates?
Phthalates are a group of industrial chemicals used to make plastics more flexible or resilient and also as solvents. Leading one to ask “Why would they put that in a bottle of shampoo anyway?” Good question, wondering that myself.
They’re Everywhere…
Phthalates are found in just about everyplace in modern society – food packaging, hoses, toys, shower curtains, rain coats, vinyl flooring, lubricants, wall coverings, detergents, adhesives, nail polish, hair spray and shampoo. The problem with them is that they have been found to be hormone disruptors. Not good!
According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control’s 2005 National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, several phthalate compounds have been shown to cause reduced sperm counts, testicular atrophy and structural abnormalities in the reproductive systems of male test animals, and some studies also link phthalates to liver cancer.
The Environmental Working Group has focused on phthalates since 1998, when EWG reported that dibutyl phthalate (found in 37 nail polishes) was also present in the body of every single American tested. In 2000, an EWG analysis of CDC data found that dibutyl phthalate was present in every single person tested for industrial pollutants. We are fortunate to have the EWG looking out for us. Since the EWG and other health groups have gotten involved, the U.S. Congress has passed legislation banning six phthalates from children’s toys and cosmetics.
The problem is they’re still out there. Not everyone has conformed to the legislation.
How to Avoid Phthalates
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – READ THE INGREDIENTS on everything you buy. Sadly, it’s not easy to know when phthalates are being used as you’ll rarely find the word “phthalates” on a label (except for the occasional “phthalate-free,” which is helpful). Here’s what you’re looking for:
- DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate) and DEP(diethyl phthalate), often found in personal care products, including nail polishes, deodorants, perfumes and cologne, aftershave lotions, shampoos, hair gels and hand lotions. (BzBP, see below, is also in some personal care products.)
- DEHP(di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) is used in PVC plastics, including some medical devices.
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BzBP(benzylbutyl phthalate) is used in some flooring, car products and personal care products.
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DMP(dimethyl phthalate) is used in insect repellent and some plastics (as well as rocket propellant).
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Be wary of anything that says simply “fragrance” – often used to denote a combination of compounds, possibly including phthatates, which are a subject of recent concern because of studies showing they can mimic certain hormones.
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Choose plastics with the recycling code 1, 2 or 5. Recycling codes 3 and 7 are more likely to contain bisphenol A or phthalates.
I have two trusted sources for safe cosmetics and personal care products, One Group (MiEssence) and Young Living Essential Oils. I’ve used them both for years and trust them, they are definitely phthalate free and completely free of other nasties. They work beautifully and smell incredible.
References:
http://www.ewg.org/chemindex/term/480
http://www.ewg.org/news/whats-really-your-shampoo
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/phthalates-47020418
If you’d like to stay connected, sign up for my free e-newsletters on the right, or “like” me on Facebook (MarnieClark.com) and I’ll do my utmost to keep you informed and empowered on your healing journey… and beyond.
Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net and Rawich
21 Ways to Heal Yourself With Essential Oils
Anyone who knows me is aware of the fact that I use essential oils daily. I smell like oils – every single day.
There’s a good reason for that! (By the way, people are always asking me “Have you just had a massage?” or “You smell incredible! What is that?”
Therapeutic grade essential oils are good for so many things – the following list is only scratching the surface (but I had to start somewhere!)
21 Health Benefits of Using Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils
- They support immune function – Some of the constituents in essential oils mimic human immunoglobulin (an antibody the body uses to identify and neutralize foreign objects such as bacteria and viruses), elevate lymphocytes (white blood cells needed for your immune response) and stimulate our natural immune system – grapefruit, German chamomile, clove, mountain savory, lemon, also the blends Immupower and Thieves.
- They affect your emotional well-being – Therapeutic oils can trigger psychological and physiological responses, lifting your mood, aiding in reducing depression, and calming anxiousness – use lavender, orange, rose, jasmine, also the blends Peace & Calming, Believe, and Joy.
- They supply potent anti-microbials – Research has found that therapeutic oils are highly effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and even the “superbug” (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus or MRSA). Bacteria cannot mutate in the presence of therapeutic oils – cinnamon, melaleuca, geranium, clove, melissa, eucalyptus, rosemary, and the blends Melrose and Thieves.
- They ease stress and anxiety – Too much stress, anxiety and tension are the physiological responses to our thoughts and beliefs and trigger unresolved emotions. Most chronic illness and disease begins with stress and tension. Therapeutic oils are known to soothe, bring peaceful thoughts, quiet the nervous system and calm the body/mind – lavender, ylang ylang, frankincense, sandalwood, and the blends Highest Potential, Hope, Release, and Valor.
- They help you sleep – Research shows that lavender reduces insomnia, helps you to relax and decreases anxiety. Let me just say, though, that the lavender you use must be therapeutic-grade Lavandula angustifolia (I only have one trusted source). The other oils known to promote sleep are valerian, Roman chamomile, frankincense, marjoram, clary sage, cistus, and the blends Peace & Calming, Citrus Fresh and Progessence Plus (my particular favorite).
- They reduce inflammation – Inflammation can be caused by bacteria, a poor diet, injuries, an overload of toxins, and hormonal imbalances and is at the root of most degenerative diseases! Try Idaho balsam fir, ocotea, peppermint, wintergreen, spruce, and the blend PanAway.
- They help you concentrate and study, support brain health – Certain oils increase alertness and your ability to memorize – peppermint (try this when you have driving fatigue!), basil, and the blends Brain Power and Clarity. They also support the health of your brain by stimulating the cerebral cortex, thereby reducing your chances of getting Alzheimer’s or dementia – use frankincense, vetiver, sandalwood, patchouli, myrrh, cedarwood, helichrysum, nutmeg, peppermint, rosemary, and the blends Clarity, Valor and Brain Power.
- They provide natural pain relief – Massage therapeutic oils into sore, tired muscles, use with a warm compress (oils first and then warm compress) – use Idaho balsam fir, black pepper, peppermint, ginger, wintergreen, and the blends PanAway, Aroma Siez.
- They soothe burns, sunburns, scrapes & cuts – Lavender is so incredible at healing burns! Therapeutic oils are antiseptic and cleansing and can be very effective in healing, much better than antibiotic creams or gels. Use lavender, geranium, melaleuca, eucalyptus radiata, and the blend Melrose.
- They are marvelous for your skin – Essential oils have been used for centuries to restore, rejuvenate, and improve damaged, wrinkled skin. You can also use them to clear acne, clogged pores, eczema, dark spots, and stretch marks! Try lavender, Roman chamomile, German chamomile, geranium, sandalwood, Idaho tansy, melaleuca, patchouli, frankincense, myrrh, myrtle, helichrysum.
- They protect against colds and flu – Therapeutic oils have potent antimicrobial actions and protect against colds, flu, and aid respiratory tissues. Inhale oils, diffuse them, put in empty capsules and take internally – lemon, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, frankincense, Dorado azul, ravensara and the blends RC, Raven, Purification and Melrose.
- They assist hormonal function – Your endocrine system includes 9 glands that interconnect with organs using hormones (chemical messengers) to maintain balance and metabolism. Stress and imbalance in the endocrine system is at the root of many degenerative diseases. Best oils – clary sage, fennel, spikenard, nutmeg, myrrh, pine, Idaho balsam fir, the blend EndoFlex and Progessence Plus.
- They soothe digestive disturbances – Therapeutic oils are very effective relief for nausea, indigestion, heartburn, gas, diarrhea, irritable bowel. Rub on abdominal area; take internally in water or empty capsules – best ones are peppermint, ginger, fennel, patchouli, Roman chamomile, and the blend DiGize.
- They support muscles and bones – Muscles and joints become stiff and painful when overworked, stressed or burdened with toxins. Apply oils to these areas to relieve pain and inflammation – peppermint, wintergreen, basil, and the blends Relieve It, Aroma Siez, and Pan Away.
- They improve circulation – Therapeutic essential oils oxygenate and cleanse your cells and this assists you to have healthier blood which carries more oxygen and a healthier vascular system – use cypress, German chamomile, helichrysum, grapefruit, ylang ylang, spikenard, and the blend Aroma Life.
- They support the urinary system – Essential oils have been used for nearly a century for aiding kidney, bladder and urinary infections. Rub oils over the kidney area; take internally in water or empty capsules – grapefruit, lemon, geranium, juniper, mountain savory, clove, oregano, melaleuca alternifolia, and the blend Thieves.
- They support your liver – Since your liver is one of your major detoxifying organs, it’s important to help it detox on a regular basis. A good liver support recipe: use 2 drops German chamomile, 3 drops celery seed oil, 10 drops orange and 5 drops rosemary. You can apply 1-3 drops of the oil over the liver twice a day, you can massage 2-4 drops of oil neat on the soles of your feet just before bedtime, you can place a warm compress with 1-2 drops of oil over the liver 1-2 times per day. Quite often, I put a drop of lemon oil or orange oil in a glass of juice or water and drink it down to help my liver.
- They improve oral and dental health - Bacteria in the mouth can cause disease in other parts of the body, including the heart. Therapeutic essential oils in oral care products kill microbes associated with tooth decay, gum disease, systemic infections and unpleasant mouth odor – cinnamon, clove, melaleuca alternifolia, peppermint, and the blend Thieves (also available in toothpaste and mouthwash).
- They strengthen and nourish hair - Essential oils make wonderful hair care ingredients that rejuvenate hair, encourage hair growth, and cleanse hair follicles. The personal care products I recommend do not contain harmful toxic ingredients (like dimethicone, sodium lauryl sulphate, propylene glycol) because these are petrochemicals that are stored in fatty tissue of the heart, liver, lungs, breast and brain. Use lavender, sandalwood, rosemary, ylang ylang, lemon, sage, cedarwood (also available in shampoo and conditioner).
- They protect against cancer! There, I’ve said it. Been saying it for years. Numerous studies have shown therapeutic essential oils to combat specific types of cancer and that in the presence of the constituents of certain oils cancer cells cannot multiply. See my article for the 15 oils I use for breast health.
- They provide safe, natural alternatives to household cleaners – Research points to common household cleaners as a suspected link to the 55% increase in cancer (specifically for women who work only in the home). Essential oils are powerful yet safe antibacterial and antimicrobial agents, making them a fantastic, safe choice as cleaners and disinfectants – use clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, rosemary, melaleuca alternifolia, grapefruit (and there is a Thieves Household Cleaner that works wonders).
I’m pretty particular about the essential oils I use – there’s only one maker that creates the therapeutic oils I love and trust and use every single day. Here’s where you can get them.
If you’d like to stay connected, sign up for my free e-newsletters on the right, or “like” me on Facebook (MarnieClark.com) and I’ll do my utmost to keep you informed and empowered on your healing journey.
Every single day I seem to come across another article or bit of research that reinforces the fact that YOUR BREAST HEALTH MAY DEPEND ON YOU READING THE INGREDIENTS ON YOUR DEODORANT LABEL!
I don’t know what the heck is wrong with our cosmetics industry but they insist on creating products that are NOT safe for us to use!
More Research on Parabens
A new article by the Journal of Applied Toxicology discusses research reporting “residues of five paraben esters in the human breast, at concentrations up to the microgram per gram tissue range and with highest concentrations in the axilla area (closest to the underarm).”
Apparently the researchers were trying to discover the method of entry for these preservative chemicals and thought that since they were at highest concentration in the axilla (arm pit) that deodorant was to blame. The article mentions, though, that “seven subjects reportedly never used underarm cosmetics, and other exposure sources, including other cosmetic product types” were discussed.
It’s not just deodorant, sadly. Parabens are in just about every body product – just go to the grocery store and read the ingredient labels – look for propylparaben, methylparaben, butylparaben, etc.
We have to be proactive and stop assuming that just because a product is on a grocery store shelf, it’s safe for us to use. That is just NOT the case.
They are creating health problems for us, people! We have to stand up to the cosmetics industry and vote with our pocketbooks. Declining sales is the ONLY thing they understand!
Update Feb 11, 2013 – I’ve found a really great company that surpasses anything I’ve seen on the American market thus far. I do have one Australian company that creates beautiful organic cosmetics and body products (MiEssence) but for those looking for American made products, click on this link:
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What are Xenoestrogens? And What’s All This About Estrogen Dominance?
Xenoestrogens are environmental estrogens and they are more abundant than you think. Most natural therapists believe that xenoestrogens play a huge part in the breast cancer epidemic we are currently experiencing.
Xenoestrogens disrupt our endocrine (hormonal) systems. Estrogen, like every hormone naturally produced by the body, is a much needed chemical messenger that transports a signal from one cell to another. The problem with xenoestrogens is that they mimic the effects of estrogen and compromise normal hormone function.
Combined with the estrogen naturally produced by the body, these foreign chemicals create an excess of estrogen (which has come to be known as “estrogen dominance”).
Since we know that breast cancer develops in the presence of estrogen maintained over a prolonged period of time, this puts both women and men at risk for developing the disease.
Research shows that xenoestrogens are linked to high rates of breast cancer, and also to endometriosis, an unusually early onset of puberty, infertility, and miscarriages.
In men, xenoestrogens are believed to contribute to decreased sperm counts, and prostate and testicular cancers.
Other health problems such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, and behavioral abnormalities in children, may also be linked to xenoestrogens interfering with the estrogens naturally produced by the body.
Because there are so many xenoestrogens in our cleaning products and gardening chemicals (which eventually get into the water supply), we are now finding that the reproductive systems of fish and amphibians have been affected.
Estrogen Dominance
Estrogen dominance occurs when the ratio of estrogen to progesterone sways too much one way or another. One of the most common patterns with estrogen dominance is to see an excess of estrogen in relation to progesterone, which is often too low. Estrogen and progesterone work together like a system of checks and balances to achieve hormonal balance in both men and women.
Estrogen is an active hormone that is actually able to increase the production of its own receptors. It stimulates tissue to grow. When left unchecked (due to inadequate progesterone levels), it can stimulate tissue to grow inappropriately, especially in the breast.
How to Protect Yourself
Take a close look at the products you use on a daily basis – begin by checking the ingredients in your cleaning products (if they don’t have a list of ingredients, try to find them on-line), your personal care products like shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, facial care products, deodorants, etc. because this is where many xenoestrogens are commonly found. Doesn’t that make you mad?
Reduce your exposure to chlorine by using a shower head filter that filters out chlorine. Choose unbleached products.
Limit your use of plastics, especially drinking from plastic water bottles and microwaving in plastic containers.
Learn to identify and minimize as many xenoestrogens as possible.
Chemicals That Have Estrogenic Effects
- Alkylphenol
- Atrazine (weed killer)
- 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) (sunscreen lotions)
- Benzyl Benzoate (fragrance ingredient, artificial flavor, preservative, and solvent)
- Butylated hydroxyanisole / BHA (food preservative)
- Bisphenol A (monomer for polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin; antioxidant in plasticizers)
- Chlorine and chlorine by-products
- Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (one of the breakdown products of DDT)
- Dieldrin (insecticide)
- Dimethicone (a plasticizer used in many products)
- DDT (insecticide)
- Endosulfan (insecticide)
- Erythrosine / FD&C Red No. 3
- Ethinylestradiol (combined oral contraceptive pill)
- Heptachlor (insecticide)
- Lindane / hexachlorocyclohexane (insecticide)
- Metalloestrogens (a class of inorganic xenoestrogens)
- Methoxychlor (insecticide)
- Nonylphenol and derivatives (industrial surfactants; emulsifiers for emulsion polymerization; laboratory detergents; pesticides)
- Pentachlorophenol (general biocide and wood preservative)
- Polychlorinated biphenyls / PCBs (in electrical oils, lubricants, adhesives, paints)
- Parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben commonly used as preservatives in personal care products)
- Phenosulfothiazine (a red dye)
- Phthalates (plasticizers)
- DEHP (plasticizer for PVC)
- Propyl gallate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (a foaming agent used in shampoos and toothpastes)
- Sodium Laureth Sulphate ( “ )
That’s a big long list of baddies and it’s not even a complete list! For a truly comprehensive database of product ingredients, go to: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ . There you can look up the products you are using and see how they rate for safety.
Tomorrow I’ll provide you with a list of things you can do to limit your personal exposure (and also our environment) to xenoestrogens.
Sources:
http://www.energeticnutrition.com/vitalzym/estrogen_dominance.html#reading
http://www.johnleemd.com/store/breast_cancer.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenoestrogen
http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2012sunscreen/
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