Laundry Detergent: What’s in Yours?

by Mila McManus, MD

...recently banned laundry detergents ... after recognizing ... that 1,4-dioxane is a potential carcinogen found in laundry detergents.

Are you using Arm & Hammer Clean Burst, Tide Original, Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear, or Gain Original + Aroma Boost? You may want to reconsider….

New York state recently banned laundry detergents containing more than 2 PPM of 1,4-dioxane after recognizing the health concerns that 1,4-dioxane is a potential carcinogen found in laundry detergents.

Exposure to 1,4-dioxane occurs by inhaling or ingesting contaminated air, food, or fumes from detergent, or from sheets or clothing that have been washed in the detergent. Exposure can also take place through skin contact (e.g., in lotions). Because it evaporates quickly, breathing the fumes pose the greatest risk, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

1,4-dioxane would not be included on an ingredient list because it enters detergent products through ethoxylation, a chemical processing that takes place in the manufacturing stage, and so is a byproduct of processing. It takes lab equipment to detect it. Animal studies have flagged 1,4-dioxane as a potential carcinogen, although it is not the only harmful contaminant in laundry detergents. Skin irritation and rashes from popular laundry brands are common.

According to Lydia Jahl, PhD, a science and policy associate with Green Science Policy Institute, the best approach is to avoid detergents with ingredients like “polyethylene glycol (PEG), polysorbates, and chemicals ending in “-eth” or “oxynol” such as sodium laureth sulfate, which might suggest, though not confirm, that 1,4-dioxane is a contaminant.

The Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) has rated dozens of laundry detergents and at least twenty of them have received an “A” rating. Here are some of the cleaner, less toxic brand names:

Aspen Clean Martha Stewart Clean Puracy

Attitude Nature’s Promise Sensitive Home

Better Life Dropps Seventh Generation

Common Good O Organics Simple Truth Organic

Blueland Earthley Whole Foods Green Mission

Dirty Labs Bio Go By

365 Everyday Value Greenshield

9 Elements Grab Green

Hello Bello Presto!

Lazy Coconuts PUR Home

Be clean, Be Healthy.

References:

https://mdlinx.com/article/multiple-laundry-detergents-banned-after-being-linked-to-carcinogens/

www.ewg.org

By Admin|2023-04-27T12:00:35-05:00April 27th, 2023|Articles, General|

Male Sperm Count – A Global Crisis

by Mila McManus, MD

A meta-analysis of sperm count in men on six continents shows an alarming decline that continues to accelerate.

Medscape reported in January 2023 that a meta-analysis of sperm count in men on six continents shows an alarming decline that continues to accelerate, according to an international team of researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

In South and Central America, North America, Europe, and Australia, sperm count declines have accelerated in the last 5 years. The crisis has been related to our modern environment and lifestyle with broad implications for current populations. The decline in sperm counts is consistent with other adverse trends in other men’s health, such as testicular cancer, hormonal disruption, and genital birth defects, as well as decreased lifespan. A simultaneous set of adverse outcomes is being seen in female reproductive systems.

While Medscape expresses the concern that “without mitigation, the decline in sperm count and male reproductive health could threaten mankind’s survival”, it is interesting to note how aversive the government, insurance, pharmaceutical, food, and health industries are to supporting less pollution, less manufacturing, cleaner food, and encouraging healthier diets and lifestyles. What a difference this could make if they were less interested in profits and control, and more interested in mankind.

Own your health. Take control. Be Well.

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987642

By Admin|2023-04-19T12:10:04-05:00April 20th, 2023|Articles, General|

Colorectal Cancer: No Longer a Disease of the Aging…

by Mila McManus, MD

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death for both men and women

During the 2000’s, colorectal cancer declined among people aged 50 and older largely due to an increase in cancer screenings. Colorectal cancer (of the colon and/or rectum) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women in the United States.

The concerning and interesting change in the data is that the incidence among younger adults has doubled. In addition, more advanced disease is being diagnosed. This means that the proportion of individuals of all ages presenting with advanced-stage colorectal cancer increased from 52% in the mid-2000’s to 60% in 2019.

We found it interesting that Medscape’s article points out the senior author, Ahmedin Jemal, DVM, PhD from the American Cancer Society reporting the new data “pointed out that more than half of all cases and deaths are associated with modifiable risk factors such as smoking, and unhealthy diet, high alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and excess body weight”; yet the very next sentence from Medscape is that “it remains unclear why rates are rising among younger adults and diagnosed at more advanced stages”!

Unclear? Hardly. The current parenting generation was raised largely on the Standard American Diet (SAD) and the FDA Food Plate recommendations, both full of sugar, processed carbohydrates, and fast food. Moreover, obesity has reached epidemic proportions. COVID, along with excessive time sitting while using television, cell phones, computers, and gaming equipment, have promoted less activity. Environmental chemicals, harmful food additives, and excessive use of plastics are also contributors. We cannot ignore the impact that stress and trauma have on health either. While we will all die of something eventually, and we cannot promise anyone a disease free life, we do know that lifestyle choices toward good habits matter greatly. Healthy food, quality sleep, regular exercise, good relationships, stress management, and attention to spiritual matters all contribute, in powerful ways, to overall good health. Teaching young people better health habits is long overdue and, in and of itself, would dramatically reduce the volume of death and disease.

Choose wisely for your family and yourself. Encourage a healthy lifestyle for friends and family. Demonstrate it to neighbors in your community. Let’s help each other make wiser choices. Let’s not wait until Medscape figures it out! And, oh yea, please stay up to date on your cancer screenings!

Live Well. Be Well.

References:

Colorectal Cancer Incidence Doubled in Younger Adults – Medscape – March 2, 2023

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html

By Admin|2023-04-05T11:57:41-05:00April 6th, 2023|Articles, General|

Will the Fake Meat Empire Collapse?

By Mila McManus, MD

We shared our concerns about making “food” using cultured animal cells. Fake meat, like the Impossible Burger, is one good example.

In mid-February, we shared our concerns about making “food” using cultured animal cells. And April 2022 we wrote about plant-based “meats”. Thankfully, it appears there are signs we are not the only ones concerned. This may be more of a fad, along with a power grab attempt, than a permanent change in the way Americans eat. Here are some reasons to hold out hope:

Many consider it conspicuous that Bill Gates has become one of the largest owners of American farmland as of May 2022. He is also a proponent of proliferating fake meat products made from GMO Soy and other controversial ingredients. Is fake meat a profit pushing gig at the expense of human and environmental health?
Shares for Impossible Foods have dropped dramatically, and Bloomberg reports the company recently laid off 20% of its workforce.
One compound, soy leghemoglobin (SLH) used to make fake meat look raw and bleeding, is derived from genetically -modified yeast, and has been shown in animal models to be associated with anemia, kidney disease, and weight gain. The European Patent Office has revoked Impossible Foods’ European Union patent due to this concern as well as other flavor precursor molecules. The FDA also has questioned if arguments presented in favor of allowing Impossible Food’s products to be considered GRAS (“Generally Recognized As Safe”) establish such safety.

We continue to hold firmly to the belief that cultured animal cells and GMO soy mixed with other flavor enhancers is not real food but a highly MAN-ufactured food. Be real. Eat real.

References:

https://www.naturalhealth365.com/is-the-fake-meat-empire-collapsing-startling-revelations-point-to-a-bleak-future.html

Bloomberg.com

GMwatch.org

Childrenshealthdefense.org

By Admin|2023-03-20T10:43:55-05:00March 22nd, 2023|Articles, General|

Erythritol In the News – What it means

By Mila McManus MD and Nancy Mehlert MS

Erythritol, the zero-calorie sweetener, being found in a study to be “linked to increased cardiovascular risk”.

You may have seen several news stories recently about Erythritol, the zero-calorie sweetener, being found in a study to be “linked to increased cardiovascular risk”. The study, published by Nature Medicine, on the surface sounds concerning. The researchers measured levels of erythritol in the blood and found that those with higher serum erythritol levels had an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and death. The research has been ongoing for over ten years.

When hearing news stories such as these, it is wise to take a closer look at what really occurred in the study. In fact, more often than not, the media outlet has not shared the whole story. There are at least three flaws to examine more closely in this study before we toss out the erythritol.

First, this study was not based on the intake or consumption of erythritol[1]. In fact, this study began before erythritol was approved as a sweetener, nor was it widely used as the study progressed. Serum samples from participants, therefore, reflected erythritol levels from another source. A 2017 study[2] found that humans produce erythritol endogenously ( i.e., produced inside the body) in response to the consumption of both glucose and fructose via the pentose phosphate pathway, or PPP.

Second, endogenous erythritol is a marker for a poor diet and metabolic dysfunction. Unlike erythritol, glucose and fructose are widely consumed in enormous amounts in both the U.S. and Europe, explaining why the study participants may have had high serum erythritol. This endogenous production of erythritol is correlated with cardiometabolic disease. For example, the PPP pathway is shown to modulate insulin sensitivity and obesity-induced inflammation and becomes dysregulated in people with obesity and metabolic disease. It seems likely that insulin resistance and high blood sugar are underlying causes of elevated endogenous erythritol levels.

Third, it is still unknown if high serum erythritol caused cardiovascular risk or was just associated with it. (It requires more than a suspect being at the scene of the crime to conclude that s/he was the culprit!) Nature Medicine did conduct a small experiment at the end of their study with eight human participants who were fed 30 grams of erythritol for seven days. Their serum levels of erythritol increased significantly, but the researchers did not gather markers for blood clotting or note any adverse effects. So, we do know that high serum erythritol levels are associated with a higher risk of cardiac events and death, but again, correlation is not causation. Moreover, a study with only 8 participants, a good study, it does not make. Sample size matters.

Studies in the past where animals were fed erythritol, the serum erythritol levels increased but no adverse effects were noted. In one study, rats were given a diet made up of 10% erythritol for two years and researchers observed positive effects on body weight with no adverse changes on numerous biomarkers related to metabolic health[3].

Chris Kresser summarized the results by saying “The study does not tell us that high serum erythritol causes cardiac events or deaths. Nor does it suggest that consuming erythritol in the diet increases the risk of cardiac events or death. In fact, given prior research, there is reason to believe that serum erythritol is simply a marker for sugar intake and or underlying metabolic dysfunction.”

We cannot be sure of either until more research is done. In the meantime, we can offer some recommendations/reminders:

First, if you are consuming primarily packaged food bars, waters, protein powders, gummy candies, baked keto goods, and sweetening drinks with erythritol numerous times every day, err on the safe side and cut back on the excessive erythritol.

Second, no matter what sweetener you use, be it sugar, artificial sweeteners, or more natural sweeteners like erythritol, xylitol, monk fruit, and stevia, constant use overstimulates your sweet taste buds and your pleasure centers of the brain. This keeps you addicted to sweets, and possibly leads to overeating, or craving constantly. Moreover, this may mean that you fail to eat the meat, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and natural fruit for which humans are best suited. So work toward less and less sweet drinks and foods, especially those that are “man”ufactured, and stick with the whole real foods and water our bodies are wired for and thrive on. Fruit is the ideal sweet treat and, even so, should be consumed in moderation. Aim to make 80-90% or more of everything you eat real, whole, nature-made food.

[1] https://chriskresser.com/does-erythritol-increase-the-risk-of-heart-attack-and-early-death/, March 3, 2023

[2] Hootman KC, Trezzi JP, Kraemer L, Burwell LS, Dong X, Guertin KA, Jaeger C, Stover PJ, Hiller K, Cassano PA. Erythritol is a pentose-phosphate pathway metabolite and associated with adiposity gain in young adults. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2017 May 23;114(21):E4233-E4240. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1620079114. Epub 2017 May 8. PMID: 28484010; PMCID: PMC5448202.

[3] Lina BA, Bos-Kuijpers MH, Til HP, Bär A. Chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity study of erythritol in rats. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 1996 Oct;24(2 Pt 2):S264-79. doi: 10.1006/rtph.1996.0108. PMID: 8933643.

By Admin|2023-03-16T09:10:19-05:00March 16th, 2023|Articles, General|

Before you flush……

by Mila McManus, MD

the otherwise invisible spray that is sent into the air by flushing a toilet with the lid up... pathogens from human waste spread up into the air,

A group of engineers from the University of Colorado Boulder used laser lights to expose the otherwise invisible spray that is sent into the air by flushing a toilet with the lid up. It became visibly evident that pathogens from human waste spread up into the air, potentially exposing people to contagious disease.

The research was done using a typical commercial toilet, showing how the flush generates a strong upward jet of air that can rapidly carry particles up to 5 feet above the bowl within a few seconds of the start of the flush.

Respiratory diseases such as influenza are smaller particles that remain longer in the air and can be easily contracted through inhalation. Larger particles that settle faster on surfaces can spread intestinal diseases by contact with hands and mouth.

While toilet bowls generally have concentrations of pathogens even after dozens of flushes, the risk of disease transmission from toilet aerosol plumes is still unclear.

In any case, it never hurts to put the lid down before flushing :-/

References:

*Closing the Toilet Lid Before Flushing Is Important – Medscape- Feb 14, 2023.

*Toilets spew in invisible aerosol plumes with every flush – here’s the proof, captured by high powered lasers,” published in The Conversation on December 16, 2022, theconversation.com.

By Admin|2023-03-07T13:06:22-05:00March 8th, 2023|Articles, General|

Methylene Blue: A Magic Bullet for Your Cells?

Provided by: Physicians Preference Pharmacy

Methylene blue is currently used in Emergency departments to reverse the blood condition known as methemoglobinemia, it has also been used for its anti-malarial benefits.

While many dyes are known to have negative effects (i.e. Red #3 & 40, Yellow #5 & 6), many are also known to be beneficial. One of those is methylene blue. Currently used in Emergency departments to reverse the blood condition known as methemoglobinemia, it has also been used for its anti-malarial benefits. Originally, it was used in the textile industry. Methylene blue was originally coined with the term “magic bullet”.

What makes methylene blue a “magic bullet”? It supports the functions of the electron transport chain to maximize mitochondrial respiration as well as ATP cellular energy production. You may recall the mitochondria are the workhorse energy producers for every cell in your body. When your mitochondria are fully energized and functioning well, then you have energy and are functioning much better too. Methylene blue selectively reduces the effects of nitric oxide toxicity and deficits in mitochondrial function, providing antioxidant benefits for the brain and body. It may be used to correct conditions characterized by excess nitric oxide levels and inadequate mitochondrial function, such as:

Alzheimer’s disease
Dementia
Cancer
Viruses, bacteria, fungi infectivity
Autism
Depression
Pain

Compounded as methylene blue, it is dosed as an oral capsule in 15mg, 25mg, 35mg, and 50mg dosages depending on the patient needs. It is now available for our providers to prescribe to patients who may benefit. Ask your provider if Methylene Blue is right for you.

This article has been provided by Physicians Preference Pharmacy.

By Admin|2023-03-01T09:45:01-05:00March 2nd, 2023|Articles, General|

Coffee Talk

by Mila McManus, MD

Coffee is the NUMBER ONE pesticided crop in the world. Purchase certified organic coffee and use pure filtered water.

Coffee lovers and connoisseurs abound thanks to Starbucks and other similar West coast chains making coffee a work of art. In America, at least 6 out of 10 people start their day with a cup or two. There is research which suggests health benefits such as protection from type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, liver, and Parkinson’s disease – that is, if your coffee is not toxic.

Here’s what you need to know to make good choices:

There are no maximum pesticide residue limits set by governments despite the fact that coffee is the NUMBER ONE pesticide-sprayed crop in the world. It is estimated that there are at least 40 different pesticides and chemicals used on coffee crops around the world with little or no regulation to limit their use.
Mycotoxins are another common problem. These toxic compounds are produced by mold or fungus, and are formed on the beans before or after harvest, during storage, and during transport where there are damp, warm, humid conditions. Mycotoxins are a cause of many health issues. Some are known carcinogens (Aflatoxin B1 for example) while others cause kidney, liver, and brain damage. In one sample of 66 different coffees, 33% of them had at least one mycotoxin on them.
Acrylamide is a potentially harmful chemical that is formed when the beans are roasted. There is no way to avoid them all together, however avoiding lighter roasts and instant coffee eliminate the highest levels.
Decaf is not necessarily any better and can be worse. Chemicals are used to remove caffeine. If you do choose decaf, make sure a cold or Swiss water process is used to remove the caffeine.

Here’s how to reduce exposure to the harmful toxins and chemicals in your coffee:

To reduce Acrylamide, choose dark roasted coffee.
Purchase certified organic coffee where pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers, and other potentially harmful chemicals cannot be used.
Seek out coffees that are stored in temperature-controlled areas and packaging to avoid humidity where mold and fungus can grow on the beans. Natural Force and Bulletproof coffees pride themselves in preventing mold growth on their beans. Avoid purchasing coffee beans from bulk containers.
You might want to consider reducing your coffee intake to lower you exposure to harmful molds and chemicals.
Other ways to improve the quality and healthfulness is to use filtered water and a pour over or unbleached paper filter rather than plastic pods which add plastics and vinyl to your coffee. These are known hormone disrupters that can lead to hormone imbalances, weight gain, and fertility issues, to name a few.
Support organizations like the Environmental Working Group who work for you, the consumer, to ban the use of harmful chemicals in our food, soil, air, and water.

Enjoy a good cup of coffee by starting with the cleanest resources, organic coffee and pure filtered water.

Ref:

https://www.hollyroser.com/post/how-to-avoid-toxins-and-harmful-pesticides-in-coffee

https://shop.bulletproof.com/pages/coffee

www.ewg.org

By Admin|2023-02-21T12:36:28-05:00February 22nd, 2023|Articles, General|

Uric Acid –A Common Denominator for Dementia, High Blood Pressure, High Blood Sugar, and Weight Gain

by Mila McManus, MD

Did you know that high uric acid levels play a central role in increasing our blood sugar, blood pressure, and body fat?

It is fairly common knowledge that high levels of uric acid in the human body can cause Gout, a sudden arthritis which attacks joints causing significant pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in joints. It usually affects one joint at a time, typically a big toe or knee. Did you know that high uric acid levels play a central role in increasing blood sugar, blood pressure, and body fat? In fact, elevated uric acid levels are now being considered as a diagnostic criterion for metabolic syndrome. It’s possible to have high uric acid levels without any obvious symptoms…until the wheels fall off the cart!

Elevated uric acid levels lead to endothelial dysfunction (think of tight/stiff arteries rather than relaxed and dilated blood vessels), increased oxidative stress, microvascular damage, reduction in nitric oxide bioavailability in the endothelial lining, and contributes to cognitive decline as it directly and indirectly damages blood vessels of the brain. Endothelial cells are the main type of cell in the lining of blood vessels, lymph vessels, and the heart. Consequently, elevated uric acid levels negatively impact health in the cardiovascular, blood circulatory, metabolic, and lymphatic systems, as well as joints.

From a dietary standpoint, the best way to prevent elevated uric acid is to eat and drink a clean, whole food diet while maintaining stable blood sugar. Most importantly is to avoid excessive fructose from fruits, all high fructose corn sugar/syrup, as well as other high fructose sweeteners such as honey and agave nectar. High fructose corn sugar is found in fast food, breakfast cereal, bread, and baked goods, sweetened dairy products, candy, canned fruit and soups, and soft drinks as well as salad dressings, ketchup, and energy drinks. Grapes, watermelon, and dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, apricots, and apples are also intensified forms of fructose.

To have your uric acid levels checked, discuss dietary adjustments, or explore ways to manage gout and other health issues related to high uric acid levels, schedule an appointment with one of our healthcare practitioners or nutritionist on staff.

If you want to take a deeper dive into learning about uric acid, I recommend reading Dr. Perlmutter’s book called Drop Acid (also available on Audible).

Reference: OrthoMolecular – Uric Acid, practitioner informational sheet/UAX-Pro. Permission granted 1/16/2023, NH.

By Admin|2023-02-01T09:04:40-05:00February 1st, 2023|Articles, General|

Sitting is the New Smoking!

by Mila McManus, MD

You may be old enough to remember when it was common to have smoking sections on planes and in restaurants, and when smoking was allowed just about everywhere. Once the physical dangers were recognized, our nation finally launched a huge campaign against smoking and this was successful with greatly reducing the number of smokers today. Now there is a new health problem that has taken it’s place.

“The combination of both sitting more than six hours a day and being less physically active was associated with a 94 percent increase in all causes of premature death rates in women and a 48 percent increase in men, compared with those who reported sitting less than three hours a day and being most active.” Tony Robbins

Exercise and movement continue to be a key pillar for good health and disease prevention. Walk more than you stand, stand more than you sit, sit more than you recline. Every step counts. Consider a standing work station. Set a timer when sitting to remind yourself to get up and move every 45 minutes to an hour. Monitor your steps with an app on your cell phone. Keep moving!

Reference:

Robbins, T. (2022) Life Force. New York: Simon & Schuster,326.

By Admin|2023-01-16T11:27:15-05:00January 18th, 2023|Articles, General|