Over Half of U.S. Couches Contain Toxic Chemicals

According to a Duke University-led study published today, Nov. 28, 2012, more than half of U.S. couches contain potentially toxic flame retardants.  The potential risk to humans is when these toxic chemicals leave the furniture foam and enter into house dust.

In this study, of the 102 couches tested, 42 had foam with chlorinated Tris, a probable human carcinogen removed from baby pajamas back in 1977, and 17 contained the globally banned chemical pentaBDE.

Arlene Blum, a chemist at the University of California-Berkeley and founder of the Green Science Policy Institute said, "People have a pound of these toxic chemicals in their couches."

In hundreds of animal studies and several human studies flame retardants are linked to hormone disruption, cancer and neurological toxicity. 

In another study, published in the Environmental Health Perspectives revealed that mothers who had pentaBDE in their blood during pregnancy had children with lower birth weight, lower IQ scores, shorter attention spans and less fine motor coordination.

When looking to purchase new furniture, Blum recommends seeking out items with fillings that contain polyester, down, wool or cotton.  If you do suspect you own furniture with flame retardants, Blum suggests to frequently hand wash and vacuum with a HEPA filter.

Source:  Detroit Free Press

Cancers Use Fructose to Fuel Growth

 A study by researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center has found that pancreatic cancers use the sugar fructose to activate a key cellular pathway that drives cell division, helping the cancer to grow more quickly.

According to Dr. Anthony Heaney, senior author of the study, this is the first time a link has been shown between fructose and cancer proliferation.

For this study, Heaney and his team of researchers took pancreatic tumors from patients and cultured and grew the malignant cells in petri dishes.  Glucose was added to one set of cells, while fructose was added to the other set of cells.

Heaney found that the pancreatic cancer cells could easily distinguish between the glucose and fructose even though they are very similar in structure, the cancer cells metabolizing the sugars in different ways.  In the case of the fructose, the pancreatic cancer cells used the sugar in the transketolase-driven non-oxidative pentose phosphate pathway to generate nucleic acids, the building blocks of RNA and DNA, which the cancer cells need to divide and proliferate.

Heaney said, "As in anti-smoking campaigns, a federal effort should be launched to reduce refined fructose intake."

Sources of fructose in the Western diet include cane sugar (sucrose) and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).  HFCS accounts for more than 40% of the caloric sweenteners added to foods and beverages, such as, ketchup, cereal, yougart, cookies, applesauce, bread, canned vegetables, syrup, jelly, crackers, pasta sauces, pickles, soups, soda, etc.  Approximately 52,000 items on our grocery shelves contain some degree of HFCS.

Source: UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Immune Health and Vitamin D

When our immune system malfunctions, the consequences can range from microbial infections to cancer.

Many nutritional supplement ingredients are readily available and can help improve immune system health. Some of the more popular and scientifically substantiated ingredients include:
1.     Echinacea has been shown to stimulate the immune system by increasing the activity of certain immune cells and by promoting the release of cytokines (cellular communication and regulatory molecules) from these immune cells.#
2.     Elderberry contains flavonoid derivatives called anthocyanidins that appear to have immunomodulatory effects. These compounds in elderberry extract have been found to bind to viruses and block their ability to invade host cells.# In this way, elderberry is thought to reduce the severity of viral flu symptoms.
3.     Scientific studies on ingredients such as zinc, Korean ginseng, Vitamin C, beta-glucans and arabinogalactans all enhance and improve the effectiveness of the immune system by increasing the protective activity of certain immune cells. Macrophages, neutrophils, NK (natural killer) cells and T-cells (T-lymphocytes) are responsible for attacking and neutralizing foreign, disease-causing microbes. Without the proper functioning of these immune cells, infectious diseases such as colds and the flu usually occur more frequently, are more severe, and have a longer duration.
4.     Another promising avenue for natural immune support is vitamin D3. Studies now indicate that vitamin D, once only recognized for supporting bone health, may be a key nutritional component in enhancing immune function.

The following overviews of some recent studies tout the immune system benefits of vitamin D:

• A recent study showed that vitamin D signals the immune system to fight infections. Scientists discovered that T cells—white blood cells that are like soldiers who search out and destroy the targeted invaders—require vitamin D to function. The study author explains, “When a T cell is exposed to a foreign pathogen, it extends a signaling device or ‘antenna’ known as a vitamin D receptor, with which it searches for vitamin D. This means the T cell must have vitamin D or activation of the cell will cease. If the T cells cannot find enough vitamin D in the blood, they won’t even begin to mobilize.” From this study, researchers realize how crucial vitamin D is for activating the immune system. The finding could have significant implications in the fight against global epidemics. Nearly half of the world’s population has sub-optimal levels of vitamin D, a problem that’s getting worse as people spend more time indoors.
• Researchers theorized that the flu season occurs in winter months because of the lack of direct sunlight, and subsequent lower levels of protective vitamin D produced in the body. Their research indicates that influenza epidemics, and possibly even the common cold, are brought on by seasonal deficiencies in antimicrobial peptides, resulting from winter-time deficiencies in vitamin D.
• In a study of Japanese schoolchildren, vitamin D supplements taken during the winter and early spring helped prevent seasonal flu. The study found that children receiving 1,200 IU of vitamin D daily were 58 percent less likely to catch influenza A.
• People with higher blood levels of vitamin D had a 50 percent reduction in the risk of developing acute respiratory tract infections than those with lower blood levels. Additionally, of those with high vitamin D blood levels who did develop infections, there was a marked reduction in the number of days they were ill. Researchers concluded, “Maintenance of a [sufficient] 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum concentration should significantly reduce the incidence of acute viral respiratory tract infections and the burden of illness caused thereby, at least during the fall and winter in temperate zones.”

Source: Boosting Immune System

New Drug on the Horizon for Stroke Victims

Thrombotech believes they have a fighting chance to help save millions of people from death and severe disability after a stroke with their new drug, THR-18, a peptide derived from Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAl-1).

As of right now, the only drug available for ischemic stroke victims is tPA (tissue plasminogen activator).  If given within three hours of the stroke symptoms' initial appearance, tPA dissolves the blood clots that are blocking the flow of blood to the brain, but, tPA has major limitations, it can cause dangerous hemorrhaging in the brain, swelling of the brain and damage to the nerves.

When co-administered with the drug tPA, THR-18 has been shown in a variety of animal studies and documented in Nature Neuroscience, volume 9 2006 issue, to reduce infarct size, brain swelling and edema, damage to neurons, and incidence of both hemorrhaging and mortality.

When THR-18 binds with tPA, it was found that THR-18 prevents the deleterious opening of the blood brain barrier following tPA administration and has the potential to extend tPA's therapeutic time window from three hours to nine hours.

Ruth Ben-Yakar, Thrombotech's CEO, said, "It's important to understand that neuro-protective drugs, which protect the brain from damage due to lack of oxygen, all have failed.  This is very unfortunate, yet this is part of the reason I believe in this drug."

After successfully completing phase l toxicity tests, Thrombotech is embarking on phase lla clinical trials required to meet FDA's guidelines, if all goes well, THR-18 could be on the market as early as 2017.

"If these results are extended to humans, they could usher in a new era of thrombolytic therapy for stroke, which is the leading cause of disability in the world and the third leading cause of death in the United States after cancer and heart disease."  -John Hopkins neurologists Ted M Dawson and Valina L Dawson

Source:
Thrombotech
Israel 21c  

Shared with: the healthy home economist

Mouse in Mountain Dew?

Sun-Times: Jan. 3, 2012

The maker of Mountain Dew soft drinks is defending itself against claims by an Illinois man that he found a mouse in his soda can.

The man, Ronald Ball, says he gave the mouse to Pepsico Inc., manufacturers of Mountain Dew, in a canning jar in 2009.  Ball said he bought the soda out of a vending machine and after discovering the mouse, he became violently ill.

According to a report in the Madison Record, Pepsi cited testimony of a scientist who said that if the mouse had been in the soda since its bottling, its body would have dissolved into a jelly-like substance, because of the acidity in Mountain Dew.

Veterinarian Lawrence McGill said, "If a mouse is submerged in Mountain Dew between four and seven days, the rodent 'will have no calcium in its bones and bony structures.'  After 30 days, 'all of the mouse's structures' will be disintegrated."

McGill concluded, "This mouse had not been born when the can of Mountain Dew was produced."

Conclusion:  Take note of what the scientist and veterinarian are saying, if Mountain Dew can do what they claim it can do to a mouse, imagine what it does to humans, no wonder we have so many cases of osteoporosis, cancer (cancer thrives in an acidic environment), and the list goes on.

Shared with: the healthy home economist

Light At Night Cancer Link Possible Obesity Link

Evidence for Light At Night (LAN) cancer link and possible obesity link.

A new study from the Center for Interdisciplinary Chronobiological Research at Israel's University of Haifa has found an additional link between Light At Night (LAN) and cancer.

The researchers, headed by Prof. Abraham Haim, hypothesized that LAN harms production of melatonin, a hormone that is released from the pineal gland during the dark part of the 24-hour cycle and which is linked to the body's cyclical night-day activity and seasonality.  When this hormone is suppressed, the occurence of cancer rises.

The researchers noted that, "Exposure to LAN disrupts our biological clock and affects the cyclical rhythm."

Earlier studies at the university have shown that people living in areas that have more night-time illumination are more susceptible to prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. 

In one of these earlier studies, according to Haim, artificial Light At Night cancels out the sun's natural setting time, the body's continuous exposure to high levels of light disrupts the biological clock and thereby damages the circadian regulation of body cells, tissue, organs and systems.

"Watching TV at night can cause obesity, not only due to inactivity and overeating, but also because it upsets the body's natural daily cycle.  Chapter three of Ecclesiastes says, 'Everything has an appointed season, and there is a time for every matter under the heaven.' " said Prof. Haim

source:
 http://israel21c.org/201011018492/briefs/more-evidence-for-lan-cancer-link
http://israel21c.org/201012028584/health/artificial-light-at-night-may-cause-obesity

We Can We Should and We Will Conquer Cancer workshop

Viva Sarah Press, associate editor at ISRAEL21c is the only journalist from Israel of 44 journalists and 78 cancer and tobacco control advocates from around the world, to be invited to take part in the "We Can, We Should, and We Will Conquer Cancer" workshop held at the United Nations in New York City, June 18-22, 2011. 

According to figures from the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2007 cancer accounted for 7.9 million deaths worldwide, around 13% of all deaths.  WHO estimates that by the year 2030, cancer will cause an estimated 12 million deaths per year.

Israel is one of the leading players in cancer research worldwide, and is recognized internationally for its major contributions to this field.  ISRAEL21c has reported extensively over the past 10 years on the many significant breakthroughs emerging from the country.

Press concluded by saying, "I am honored to be chosen to take part in this important conference."

source: www.israel21c.org

The Dark Side of Soy

Dr. Kaayla Daniel, author of "The Whole Soy Story", points out in his book studies linking unfermented soy to malnutrition, digestive distress, immune-system breakdown, thryoid dysfunction, cognitive decline, reproductive disorders and infertility, even cancer and heart disease.

In Dr. Daniel's book "The Whole Soy Story" you will read of:

• The real reasons why soy is not a health food.
• Shocking personal accounts of real people whose health and lives were put at risk from eating soy products.

8 Reasons to Question Soy:

1. 91% of soy grown in the US is genetically modified (GM).

2. Soy contains natural toxins known as "anti-nutrients". Soy foods contain anti-nutritional factors such as saponins, soyatoxin, phytates, protease inhibitors, oxalates, goitrogens and estrogens. Some of these factors interfere with the enzymes you need to digest protein.

3. Soy contains hemagglutinin which is a clot-promoting substance that causes your red blood cells to clump together. These clumped cells are unable to properly absorb and distribute oxygen to your tissues.

4. Soy contains goitrogens which are substances that block the synthesis of thyroid hormones and interfere with iodine metabolism, which in turns interferes with your thyroid function.

5. Soy contains phytates which will bind to metal ions, preventing the absorption of certain minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.

6. Soy is loaded with the isoflavones genistein and daidzein. Isoflavones are a type of phytoestrogen, which is a plant compund resembling human estrogen. These compounds mimic and sometimes block the hormone estrogen, and have been found to have adverse effects on various human tissues. Soy phytoestrogens are known to disrupt endocrine function, may cause infertility, and may promote breast cancer in women.

7. Soy has toxic levels of aluminum and manganese. The soybeans are processed by acid washing in aluminum tanks, which can leach high levels of aluminum into the final soy product. Soy formula has up to 80 times higher manganese than is found in human breast milk.

8. Soy infant formula puts your baby's health at risk. Nearly 20% of U.S. infants are now fed soy formula, but the estrogens in soy can irreversiby harm your baby's sexual development and reproductive health. Infants fed soy formula take in an estimated five birth control pills worth of estrogen every day.

Soy foods to avoid:

• Tofu
• Soybean oil
• Soymilk
• Soy cheese
• soy ice cream
• soy yogurt
• Soy meat
• Soy protein
• Soy infant formula

If you choose to eat Soy, choose fermented Soy, some examples are:

• Tempeh - a fermented soybean cake with a firm texture and nutty, mushroom-like flavor.
• Miso - a fermented soybean paste with a salty, buttery texture.
• Natto - fermented soybeans with a sticky texture and strong cheese-like flavor.
• Soy Sauce - made by fermenting soybeans, salt and enzymes. Watch out for artificially made soy sauce using a chemical process.

If you wish to know more about soy, Dr. Mercola has provided a list of links to the many articles he has posted over the years on this subject. source

The Story of Cosmetics Video

The Story of Cosmetics, hosted by Annie Leonard is an excellent 7-minute video that examines the use of toxic chemicals in our everyday personal care products, from lipstick to baby shampoo.
The Story of Cosmetics encourages us to question what we are rubbing & spraying into our skin and hair.
The Story of Cosmetics outlines ways we can move the cosmetics and personal care product industry away from hazardous chemicals towards safer alternatives.
For instance, did you know that a number of common sunscreen chemicals are linked to health effects such as cancer, and may also disrupt estrogen and thyroid hormones. Sixty percent of sunscreens contain the potential hormone disruptor oxybenzone that readily penetrates the skin and contaminates the bodies of 97% of Americans.

The Story of Cosmetics:
The Story of Cosmetics Video
The Story of Cosmetics Script and Footnotes
Personal Care Product Myths and Facts
The Story of Cosmetics FAQ's
The Cosmetic Industry Responds to The Story of Cosmetics

Are Newborns Born Toxic?

Toxic chemicals find way into the womb. Tests of cord blood show newborns have already been exposed to more than 200 potentially hazardous chemicals in the womb.

Bisphenol A is an ingredient in plastic bottles and epoxy resins and can be found in thousands of products, including water bottles, baby bottles, food can linings and dental sealants. The chemical is linked to problems in reproductive development, behavioral problems, obesity, diabetes and even cancer.

Perfluorochemicals are used to create the non-stick surfaces of cooking pans, and are also used for grease and stain protection for carpets and furniture. The class of chemicals is listed by the EPA as a "chemical of concern." Exposure to perfluorochemicals is linked to low birth weight, and possibly even to cancer.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers are flame retardants found in some televisions and electronics, as well as older furniture and mattresses. The chemical contaminates house dust and is also listed by the EPA as a "chemical of concern." It may affect cognitive abilities and behavior.

Polychlorinated biphenyls, banned since 1976, this pervasive chemical can leach out of landfills and eventually get into the food supply. It is linked to cancer, behavioral problems and damage to the body's nervous system, immune system and chemical signaling system.

Chlorinated dioxins and ethylmercury originate from emissions from power plants and other industries. Dioxins can cause cancer, and mercury can damage nervous system development and stunt intellect.

Methylmercury is found in contaminated fish and seafood. It is linked to cancer and lower motor function, attention and verbal skills among children. source

Toxic Chemicals in the Womb - video

FIR Dome, etc. Aids Lymphoma Patient

Below is a testimonial from a lymphoma patient who noticed greatly improved results after he began using the FIR Dome, Original Sun Ancon Chi Machine, Beta-1,3D Glucan, and Curcumin:

Due to my diagnosis of Lymphoma in April 2008, I decided to change my eating habits by eliminating chicken and red meats, reducing sugar and white flour along with foods made with those ingredients and eating more fruits and vegetables.

I thought I was making progress but was informed in Dec. 2008 after undergoing 3 PET Scans over the course of 8 months that my largest retroperitoneal lymph nodes were holding at 19mm and others at 14mm, I needed to do something more, but what!

In Feb. 2009, Nancy, from HealthIsInReach.com, suggested I include Beta-1,3D Glucan, Curcumin, the FIR Dome and the Original Sun Ancon Chi Machine to my regimen which at that time consisted of Vit. D3, Ester C, B Complex, Fish Oil, Resveratrol, Vit. E, Selenium, Sublingual B-12, CoQ10, and Zinc.

One thing to mention at this time, concerns my cholesterol, in June 2008 I had a cholesterol reading of 284, then in Jan. 2009 my cholesterol was 260, but things started happening after taking the Beta Glucan, Curcumin and using the FIR Dome and Chi Machine, in May 2009 my cholesterol was down to 161, then in Aug. 2009, my cholesterol came down even further to a reading of 138.

In Oct. 2009 I went through my 4th PET Scan, which revealed shrinkage to my Retroperitoneal lymph nodes. The 19mm lymph nodes diagnosed on Dec. 2008 came in at 10mm and my Dec. 2008 14mm lymph nodes were down to 7mm. I couldn't believe it, I honestly believe the products Nancy suggested has allowed me better PET Scan and cholesterol results.

I can't stop now though, I know I just have to keep plugging away with my daily regimen and who knows, my cancer may be gone in no time, a prayer or two on my behalf wouldn't hurt and would be much appreciated as well. -J.M. source

Inspirational Message for Today:
But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

Autism and Immunizations-Is There a Connection?

In the late 1970s my parents began to research childhood vaccines and made the informed choice to not vaccinate. Even then, they predicted our society would witness first-hand the consequences of a theory implemented without the science to validate its safety and efficacy. But never did they imagine the illness of autism spectrum disorders, which now shadow the lives of millions of American families.

Today autism, a once rare disorder, affects an alarming number of children. In the past two decades the prevalence of autism has reached epidemic proportions in our country. A study released in December 2009 by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that autism prevalence has increased from the 1994 rate of 1 in 150 to 1 in 110 for children born in 1998. This is a staggering 57% increase in just four years. More children are diagnosed with autism than cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. It is indeed the greatest pediatric healthcare concern of the times.

After extensive training and the honor of working with incredible mentors, I founded the American Chiropractic Autism Board. We have an ever-growing panel of advisers who oversee Hope For Autism, a BioNutritional Care Training Conference. It has become my passionate mission to educate my profession about prevention and responsible care for autism.

I hope that someday soon our current traditional view of autism will be a distant memory - like lobotomies and thalidomide. I know that right now I am living my purpose. But more than anything, I hope for a day when there is no longer a need for doctors to provide autism care. Hope For Autism was created with its end in mind. - source - Dr. Renee Tocco

The next Hope For Autism Conference, designed for doctors and families, is April 23 – 25, 2010 in Atlanta, GA. Please visit http://www.hopeforautism.us/ for more information and to register.

The Original Sun Ancon Chi Machine and the FIR Dome are both beneficial for Autism and other Learning Disabilities, for instance, the Original Sun Ancon Chi Machine works in a figure-8 motion which facilitates the whole body movement and gets the cranial-sacral fluid up into the brain and gets both sides of the brain working. The Chi Machine strengthens the neuronal connections between the right and left brain.

Hyperthermia Achieved with FIR Dome

What is Hyperthermia:
1) A type of treatment in which body tissue is exposed to high temperatures to damage and kill cancer cells or to make cancer cells more sensitive to the effects of radiation and certain anticancer drugs. http://www.upmccancercenters.com/dictionary/h.html

2) Higher than normal temperature. In the case of prostate cancer, a way of destroying tissue by heating. http://www.prostatehealth.org.au/v3/html/glossary.htm

3) The use of heat to kill tumor cells. Heat therapy. www.abta.org/index.cfm

4) A heating process used to enhance a drug's potency.www.melanomacenter.org/glossary/h.html

5) Hyperthermia is a treatment that uses several different methods for increasing the temperature of the area of the body containing cancer. The combination of radiation therapy and hyperthermia is more effective than radiation therapy alone in treating some types of cancers. www.mobile.cancer.org/cancer_glossary.html

6) Treatment that involves heating a tumor. www.jwci.org/medical-glossary.aspx

7) Hyperthermia therapy is a type of medical treatment in which body tissue is exposed to high temperatures to damage and kill cancer cells or to ...www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperthermia_therapy


The Far Infrared Ray (FIR) Dome raises body temperature (hyperthermia) - which has many benefits... www.healthisinreach.com/FIRDomeBenefits.htm

Inspirational Message for Today: Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6

Navarro Urine Test to Detect Cancer

When you are on an alternative cancer treatment, how do you know whether or not it is working?

To determine whether your treatment is effective, the Navarro Urine Test was designed to help you in your treatment protocol.

Even people without cancer can take the Navarro test to get an early warning that they may have cancer creeping up on them.

Cancer patients in remission should take the Navarro Urine Test every six months for 2 or 3 years after they think they are in remission.

Developed in the late 1930's by the renowned oncologist, the late Dr. Manuel D. Navarro, the test detects the presence of HCG in urine. It indicates the presence of cancer cells even before signs or symptoms develop. Dr. Navarro found HCG to be elevated in all types of cancer.

The Navarro Urine Test detects the presence of brain cancer as early as 29 months before symptoms appear; 27 months for fibrosarcoma of the abdomen; 24 months for skin cancer; 12 months for cancer of the bones (metastasis from breast cancer extirpated 2 years earlier).

Patients follow a simple direction for preparing a dry extract from the urine sample. The powdery extract is mailed to the Navarro Medical Clinic where the HCG testing is performed.

For directions for preparing the urine sample

Far Infrared Rays Benefits and Science

Sub-Normal Body Temperatures Damage the Immune System

The Benefits and Science Behind Far Infrared Rays

Did you know that blood circulation to the brain decreases 6-7% for every 1.8 degree F drop below normal body temperature?

If the body constantly suffers from low body temperatures it can easily lead to chronic illness, digestive problems, obesity, a lowered immune system and even cancers due to poor blood circulation. Far Infrared Rays (FIR) provides the benefits the body needs to prevent such bodily damage from occurring.

The Far Infrared Ray (FIR) Dome has benefitted others with some of the following health challenges:

• Arthritis
• Earaches
• Knee injuries
• Acne
• Asthma
• Chronic pain
• Headaches
• Bed sores
• Blood Pressure problems
• Chest colds
• Bronchitis
• Gout
• Eczema
• Muscle pain
• Fungal infections
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Rheumatism

The superior unique design of the FIR Dome with the multi-faceted, acute angle silicon surface maximizes the penetration of the Far Infrared Rays, making the FIR Dome much more effective than other brands. source