Scientists using a microbe that occurs naturally in eastern cottonwood trees have boosted the ability of two other plants -- willow and lawn grass -- to withstand the withering effects of the nasty industrial pollutant phenanthrene and take up 25 to 40 percent more of the pollutant than untreated plants, according to a new study in Environmental Science & Technology.
The approach is much like when humans take probiotic pills or eat yogurt with probiotics to supplement the 'good' microbes in our guts. Microbes that take up residence in the inner tissue of plants and don't cause negative symptoms are called endophytes. In nature, endophytes have a welcomed, symbiotic relationship with plants. In polluted soil, for instance, if the right endophytes are present they consume toxins coming up through plant roots. Beneficial bacteria (probiotics) can do the same thing in humans.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Lowering stroke risk in women
Women with a healthy diet and lifestyle may be less likely to have a stroke by more than half, according to a study published in Neurology.
The study looked at five factors that make up a healthy lifestyle: healthy diet; moderate alcohol consumption; never smoking; physically active; and healthy body mass index (BMI). Compared with women with none of the five healthy factors, women with all five factors had a 54-percent lower risk of stroke. 31,696 women were followed for an average of 10 years.
The study looked at five factors that make up a healthy lifestyle: healthy diet; moderate alcohol consumption; never smoking; physically active; and healthy body mass index (BMI). Compared with women with none of the five healthy factors, women with all five factors had a 54-percent lower risk of stroke. 31,696 women were followed for an average of 10 years.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Friday, November 14, 2014
Be choosy with furniture
Courtesy of UPI
The vast majority of mass-produced furniture in America is coated in a variety of flame retardants. A new study recently attempted to ascertain what happens to those chemicals when they come into contact with the humans that sit, sleep and eat on the furniture.
According to a new study by research organization Silent Spring, Americans may be more exposed to flame retardant chemicals than previously thought. In testing urine samples of 16 California residents in 2011, researchers found evidence of six phosphate flame retardants (PFRs) -- likely absorbed into the body via house dust.
"We tested urine samples of California residents for biomarkers of six chemicals that have been rarely studied in the US, and we found all of them," researchers wrote in a press release. "This was the first time the known carcinogen, TCEP, was detected in Americans."
The Massachusetts-based research group, whose recent study was aided by scientists in Belgium, recommends consumers request furniture free of flame retardant chemicals. Other health groups make similar suggestions, warning that some studies suggest chemicals like TCEP, TDCIPP and other PFRs have cancer-causing properties.
"We might have been really naive about the health effects of these chemicals," Dr. Catherine Thomasson, executive director for Physicians for Social Responsibility, told the San Jose Mercury News.
"If you touch something (like a couch), then put food in your month, you've eaten (the chemicals)," Thomasson said. "These flame retardants stay in the fat of people. They don't leave the body very readily."
None of the chemicals detailed in the study are listed as carcinogens by the CDC or NIH, but California law includes a more expansive list of toxins banned from certain uses for their suspected role in enabling tumor growth. The law, called Proposition 65, bans both TCEP and TDCIPP from certain consumer products -- like children's pajamas.
But those chemicals and others aren't banned entirely, which is why they continue to be employed in furniture production and why they're showing up in people's bodies.
The new research was published this week in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.
Steve: The key statement is that these chemicals stay in our white fat cells, not only increasing our toxicity, but creating more white fat cells to house the toxins.
The vast majority of mass-produced furniture in America is coated in a variety of flame retardants. A new study recently attempted to ascertain what happens to those chemicals when they come into contact with the humans that sit, sleep and eat on the furniture.
According to a new study by research organization Silent Spring, Americans may be more exposed to flame retardant chemicals than previously thought. In testing urine samples of 16 California residents in 2011, researchers found evidence of six phosphate flame retardants (PFRs) -- likely absorbed into the body via house dust.
"We tested urine samples of California residents for biomarkers of six chemicals that have been rarely studied in the US, and we found all of them," researchers wrote in a press release. "This was the first time the known carcinogen, TCEP, was detected in Americans."
The Massachusetts-based research group, whose recent study was aided by scientists in Belgium, recommends consumers request furniture free of flame retardant chemicals. Other health groups make similar suggestions, warning that some studies suggest chemicals like TCEP, TDCIPP and other PFRs have cancer-causing properties.
"We might have been really naive about the health effects of these chemicals," Dr. Catherine Thomasson, executive director for Physicians for Social Responsibility, told the San Jose Mercury News.
"If you touch something (like a couch), then put food in your month, you've eaten (the chemicals)," Thomasson said. "These flame retardants stay in the fat of people. They don't leave the body very readily."
None of the chemicals detailed in the study are listed as carcinogens by the CDC or NIH, but California law includes a more expansive list of toxins banned from certain uses for their suspected role in enabling tumor growth. The law, called Proposition 65, bans both TCEP and TDCIPP from certain consumer products -- like children's pajamas.
But those chemicals and others aren't banned entirely, which is why they continue to be employed in furniture production and why they're showing up in people's bodies.
The new research was published this week in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.
Steve: The key statement is that these chemicals stay in our white fat cells, not only increasing our toxicity, but creating more white fat cells to house the toxins.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Group Says Fruit Juices, Smoothies Should Not Count as Veggies
Fruit juices and smoothies touted as healthy for children contain high amounts of sugar and should not count towards fruit and vegetable intakes, says UK-based campaign group Action on Sugar.
According to the findings of their survey, more than a quarter of products that are marketed as healthy for children (57 of the 203) contain the same amount or more sugars than Coca-Cola, while even more (59 of 203) contain ‘unnecessary’ added sugars. Indeed, over half (117) of the drinks surveyed would receive a ‘red’ (high) label for levels of sugars per standard 200ml equivalent serving, said Action on Sugar, noting that portion sizes vary greatly.
The campaign group warned that the use of five-a-day messages on fruit juices that are packed with sugars are unhealthy and backing for such statements should be withdrawn. A small (150ml) glass of unsweetened 100% fruit juice can count as one serving. Only six products are actually sold in 150ml portion size packaging.
According to the findings of their survey, more than a quarter of products that are marketed as healthy for children (57 of the 203) contain the same amount or more sugars than Coca-Cola, while even more (59 of 203) contain ‘unnecessary’ added sugars. Indeed, over half (117) of the drinks surveyed would receive a ‘red’ (high) label for levels of sugars per standard 200ml equivalent serving, said Action on Sugar, noting that portion sizes vary greatly.
The campaign group warned that the use of five-a-day messages on fruit juices that are packed with sugars are unhealthy and backing for such statements should be withdrawn. A small (150ml) glass of unsweetened 100% fruit juice can count as one serving. Only six products are actually sold in 150ml portion size packaging.
Americans need more omega-3's
While we are eating fewer of the bad fats, however, we have not been eating enough omega-3 fatty acids—known as EPA and DHA—from fatty fish like mackerel or salmon. The numbers following that data have remained constant—which means very low.
Researchers at university nutrition at Washington University in St. Louis reports that “The recommendation is 0.25 grams or 250 milligrams of DHA and EPA, two common Omega-3s, per day.” She divulges that between 2007 and 2009 both men and women involved with the study only took in 0.08 grams of DHA and only 0.04 of EPA.
Low omega-3 intake creates a whole host of issues, inflammation being number one on the list.
Researchers at university nutrition at Washington University in St. Louis reports that “The recommendation is 0.25 grams or 250 milligrams of DHA and EPA, two common Omega-3s, per day.” She divulges that between 2007 and 2009 both men and women involved with the study only took in 0.08 grams of DHA and only 0.04 of EPA.
Low omega-3 intake creates a whole host of issues, inflammation being number one on the list.
Thursday, November 06, 2014
Iodine Facts From Breast Health Summit
This note is from our Chiropractor, Dr. Lisleotte Schuster after attending a recent Breast Health Summit.
"Hi Bonnie,
I enjoyed the Iodine speaker Lynne Farrow. Here is my synopsis of her talk: She wrote a book, "The Iodine Crisis", along with other articles, is a journalist and researcher. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer Lynne researched it for 2 years, which led to writing her book. Before diagnosed with breast cancer, she had fibrocystic breasts and found that inflammation of the breast is often caused by an iodine deficiency. A high percentage of woman who have unhealthy inflamed breast tissue, those with fibrocystic breasts, get cancer. Unfortunately doctors say having sore and lumpy breasts is common and have them use anti-inflammatory meds or supplements, yet the Iodine deficiency is often the cause of the inflammation.
For the past 40 years the incidence of cancer has increased as the level of Iodine decreased. In the 70's it was taken out of foods, and was replaced with Bromine, which is anti iodine. She goes into more detail in an article she wrote called "The Perfect Storm". Bromine is also in pesticides, fertilizers and all flame retardant materials found in furniture, clothes, computers, etc... Fluoride is in the same family as bromine yet the level of Bromine exposure is even greater than Fluoride, which has similar reactions like Bromine. The exposure to Bromine is so intense that the sea animals, seaweed and kelp are contaminated with Bromine.
Iodine normalizes the estrogen and progesterone receptors in the breast. The breast, thyroid and ovaries need lots more iodine in their cells then other tissues of the body and Iodine helps the architecture of the breast tissue. There is an Iodine Load Urine test or if one has fibrocystic breasts or other symptoms.
Because everyone is exposed to so much Bromine everyday she recommends taking it. The only contraindication is for the rare Autonomous Nodule in the Thyroid, which one would know they have. This nodule produces thyroid hormone so one can't take Iodine if they have this.
Hope this has been helpful.
Lilo"
"Hi Bonnie,
I enjoyed the Iodine speaker Lynne Farrow. Here is my synopsis of her talk: She wrote a book, "The Iodine Crisis", along with other articles, is a journalist and researcher. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer Lynne researched it for 2 years, which led to writing her book. Before diagnosed with breast cancer, she had fibrocystic breasts and found that inflammation of the breast is often caused by an iodine deficiency. A high percentage of woman who have unhealthy inflamed breast tissue, those with fibrocystic breasts, get cancer. Unfortunately doctors say having sore and lumpy breasts is common and have them use anti-inflammatory meds or supplements, yet the Iodine deficiency is often the cause of the inflammation.
For the past 40 years the incidence of cancer has increased as the level of Iodine decreased. In the 70's it was taken out of foods, and was replaced with Bromine, which is anti iodine. She goes into more detail in an article she wrote called "The Perfect Storm". Bromine is also in pesticides, fertilizers and all flame retardant materials found in furniture, clothes, computers, etc... Fluoride is in the same family as bromine yet the level of Bromine exposure is even greater than Fluoride, which has similar reactions like Bromine. The exposure to Bromine is so intense that the sea animals, seaweed and kelp are contaminated with Bromine.
Iodine normalizes the estrogen and progesterone receptors in the breast. The breast, thyroid and ovaries need lots more iodine in their cells then other tissues of the body and Iodine helps the architecture of the breast tissue. There is an Iodine Load Urine test or if one has fibrocystic breasts or other symptoms.
Because everyone is exposed to so much Bromine everyday she recommends taking it. The only contraindication is for the rare Autonomous Nodule in the Thyroid, which one would know they have. This nodule produces thyroid hormone so one can't take Iodine if they have this.
Hope this has been helpful.
Lilo"
Lucky to be lactose intolerant
People with lactose intolerance are at lower risk of suffering from lung, breast and ovarian cancers, according to a new study in British Journal of Cancer.
There are large differences in the incidence of breast and ovarian cancers between different countries. Their incidence is highest in North America, Western Europe and the Nordic countries, and lowest in East Asia and Central African countries. Lifestyle factors such as high consumption of milk and other dairy products have been suspected to contribute to the high incidence of breast and ovarian cancers in North America and Western Europe.
In 22,788 individuals with lactose intolerance, the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer were significantly lower in people with lactose intolerance compared to people without lactose intolerance, irrespective of country of birth and gender. By contrast, the risks in their siblings and parents were the same as in the general population. This suggests that the lower cancer risk in people with lactose intolerance may be due to their diet.
Bonnie: While the researchers do not have a hypothesis for why this result was found, I do.
1) Dairy products activate insulin like growth factor in humans, which put cell creation on overdrive. Healthy cells, as well as rogue cells, can be accelerated.
2) Dairy products, especially conventional, are chock full of hormones and antibiotics, which can be carcinogenic.
3) Dairy products are inflammatory. Cancer is an inflammatory condition.
There are large differences in the incidence of breast and ovarian cancers between different countries. Their incidence is highest in North America, Western Europe and the Nordic countries, and lowest in East Asia and Central African countries. Lifestyle factors such as high consumption of milk and other dairy products have been suspected to contribute to the high incidence of breast and ovarian cancers in North America and Western Europe.
In 22,788 individuals with lactose intolerance, the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer were significantly lower in people with lactose intolerance compared to people without lactose intolerance, irrespective of country of birth and gender. By contrast, the risks in their siblings and parents were the same as in the general population. This suggests that the lower cancer risk in people with lactose intolerance may be due to their diet.
Bonnie: While the researchers do not have a hypothesis for why this result was found, I do.
1) Dairy products activate insulin like growth factor in humans, which put cell creation on overdrive. Healthy cells, as well as rogue cells, can be accelerated.
2) Dairy products, especially conventional, are chock full of hormones and antibiotics, which can be carcinogenic.
3) Dairy products are inflammatory. Cancer is an inflammatory condition.
One way to help your child heal from cyberbullying
Cyberbullying victimization relates to internalizing, externalizing, and substance use problems in adolescents and that the frequency of family dinners attenuate these associations.
A new study from JAMA Pediatrics found the frequency of cyberbullying positively related to all 11 internalizing, externalizing, and substance use problems. However, victimization related more closely to rates of problems in adolescents that had fewer family dinners.
These results suggest that family dinners (ie, family contact and communication) are beneficial to adolescent mental health and may help protect adolescents from the harmful consequences of cyberbullying.
A new study from JAMA Pediatrics found the frequency of cyberbullying positively related to all 11 internalizing, externalizing, and substance use problems. However, victimization related more closely to rates of problems in adolescents that had fewer family dinners.
These results suggest that family dinners (ie, family contact and communication) are beneficial to adolescent mental health and may help protect adolescents from the harmful consequences of cyberbullying.
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