baby bottles

An animal study on the environmental toxins and Oestrogen mimics, BPA (Bisphenol A) and DES (diethylstilbestrol) found babies exposed to these substances may have increased risk of breast cancer.

Hugh Taylor, MD of Yale University School of Medicine says, “BPA is a weak estrogen and DES is a strong estrogen, yet our study shows both have a profound effect on gene expression in the mammary gland (breast) throughout life.  All estrogens, even ‘weak’ ones can alter the development of the breast and ultimately place adult women who were exposed to them prenatally at risk of breast cancer.”

DES is a growth hormone used in the beef and poultry industry, supposedly phased out in the 1970’s, a novel published in 1998 My Year Of Meats, depicts is continued illegal use.

BPA is used in the manufacture of baby bottles, water bottles and food containers.  Studies by Duke University Medical Center as far back as 2007, found BPA disrupted brain development and caused changes in fertility in mice.  The levels used in these experiments were five times lower than what is considered harmful for mice.

Government and Industry response remain controversial with Canada the only country to place  BPA on their list of toxic substances.  You can check your country’s updated position on BPA here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisphenol_A#Government_and_industry_response.

According to the Washington Post in March 2009 six major US baby bottle manufacturers have agreed not to sell polycarbonate bottles which contain BPA in the US, however in a decision I consider to be unethical, they continue to export these bottles to other countries.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100521102633.htm

If you are still wondering whether you should breast feed your baby or go straight onto formula, this latest study should clear things up very quickly.

A substance named HAMLET (Human Alpha – lactalbumin Made LEthal to Tumor Cells) discovered in breast milk several years ago were successfully tested on humans as a treatment for cancer.

“Patients with cancer of the bladder who were treated with the substance excreted dead cancer cells in their urine after each treatment…”

Laboratory results showed HAMLET kills 40 different types of cancer, with skin cancer to be the next tested.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100419132403.htm

One group’s diet included choline while the other did not.  Examining their brain cells researchers found the group that did not receive choline had epigenetic changes on the proteins that wrap genes in cells responsible for the creation of new brain cells.  The  two proteins  (G9a and Calb1) responsible for new neuronal cell creation and maturation in the hippocampus were altered in the group that did not receive choline.

Gerald Weissmann, MD Editor-in Chief of the FASEB Journal said.  “This is yet another example showing that good prenatal nutrition is vitally important throughout a child’s entire lifetime.”

Choline is found in meat, nuts and eggs.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/10010410113.htm

One explanation is that the hormone prolactin may play a role, in that the prolactin stimulates both the onset of maternal behavior as well as new neurons.  The other explanation is that the stimulation from the young themselves plays a crucial role in increasing neurons in the maternal rats.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091217115832.htm

Using normal human lung cells and precancerous human lung cells at the beginning stages of cancer, researchers fed the cells either normal or reduced level s of glucose (sugar).   They found the normal cells lived longer and the precancerous cells died when given less glucose.
The scientists also measure gene activity under these same conditions and found the normal cells that received reduced glucose had higher activity of the gene that dictates the level of telomerase.  Telomerase extends the cells lifespan by lowering the activity of the gene p16 that slows their growth.
Gerald Weissmann, M.D. Editor in Chief of the FASEB Journal said “This study confirms that we are on the path to persuading human cells to let us to live longer, and perhaps cancer free, lives.”
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091222105219.htm 

Cellular aging is a reduction in the size of telomeres or the caps at the end of chromosomes.  Researchers measured DNA in blood samples from adults who reported suffering abuse as children and compared them to adults who were not abused as children.

The findings showed that adults who were emotionally or physically abused as children had accelerated shortening of their telomeres.

Dr Audrey Tyrka said “It tells us something.  It gives us a hint that early developmental experiences may have profound effects on biology that can influence cellular mechanisms at a very basic level”.

Shorter telomeres are also linked to aging related diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091122095411.htm

Lead author Shanna H. Swan Ph.D professor of Obstetricts and Gynecology, director of the URMC Center for Reproductive Epidemiology, and expert in phthalates said, “Because testosterone produces the masculine brain, researchers are concerned that fetal exposure to anti-androgens such as phthalates – which are pervasive in the environment – has the potential to alter masculine brain development”.

Previous findings also showed that phthalates altered male genital development.

Food packaged, stored or cooked in plastic is a major source of exposure for humans.  Phthalates are used to soften plastic, soaps, shampoos, lotions, vinyl and many other household products.   You can find more information on phthalates at Wikipedia

Another study published in February 2008 also found “Babies Recently Treated With Lotion, Shampoo, And Powder More Likely To Have Phthalates Chemicals In Urine“.

And the recent study can be found here http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116085040.htm

The hormone has also previously been linked to higher aggression levels and researchers wanted to find out whether oxytocin also reinforce negative social sentiments.

56 Participants were asked to inhale oxytocin but half were given a placebo.  They were then asked to play a game with another competitor, who was without the knowledge of the participant a computer.  In the game participants were asked to choose one of three doors and was awarded a sum of money that was hidden behind the door.  Money awarded were sometimes more and other times less, creating conditions for gloating and envy.

The study was then performed again but the placebo was given to the other group that received oxytocin in the first trial.

Researchers found that when oxytocin was inhaled, levels of envy and gloating displayed were higher when more or less money was won than the other player.  Dr Simone Shamay Tsoory who conducted the experiment said, “Subsequent to these findings, we assume that the hormone is an overall trigger for social sentiments:  when the person’s association is positive, oxytocin bolsters pro-social behaviours; when the association is negative, the hormone increases negative sentiments.”

Oxytocin is considered as treatment for Autism, “The results of the present study show that the hormone’s undesirable effects on behavior must be examined before moving ahead.” said Dr Shamay-Tsoory.

http://wwwsciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091112095038.htm

Indole-3-carinol (I3C)

Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and genistein in soy.  Cruciferous vegetables contain a compound named indole-3-carinol (I3C) that increases the
levels of BRCA1 and BRCA2 proteins in our bodies.  These proteins play an important role in repairing damaged DNA.  Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are strongly linked to breast cancer and also ovarium cancer.

Vitamin B9, Folate (or Folic acid in the synthetic form)

Romaine lettuce, spinach, asparagus, turnip greens, mustard greens parsley, collard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, beets, and lentils.
Essential for cell reproduction and therefore critical during pregnancy when a baby’s cells are multiplying at an incredible rate.  There are numerous articles regarding this online, even your health insurance site Aviva (www.aviva.co.uk) or whoever it may be, has information on the vitamin. Studies involving folic acid in epigenetics also showed how this compound flood the body with tiny four-atom configurations named methyl groups switching a flawed gene off during fetal development.

Antioxidants      (Glutathione, Amino acids (vitamin c), Lipoic acid, Uric acid, Carotenes, a-Tocopherol (vitamin E), Ubiquinol (coenzyme Q)).

Fruits & vegetables, antioxidants can cancel out the cell-damaging effects of free radicals.  Associated with a lower risk of heart disease and some neurological diseases and protection against a number of cancers.

Pectin

Studies showed that a fragment released from pectin, binds to and is believed to inhibit galectin 3 (Gal3), a protein that plays a role in all stages of cancer progression.  Pectin is found in all fruits and vegetables   Professor Morris who conducted the study says “For a whole combination of different effects it is best to consistently eat a range of fruits, vegetables and high-fibre foods,”  “You don’t necessarily have to eat a superfood.”(1)

Wholegrains

Whole grains are rich in compounds that function as antioxidants.  Whole grains are also good for hormones, they stabilize blood sugar and thereby regulate insulin levels and also contain
phytoestrogens that helps lower oestrogen levels in the body.

Hormones transport signals from one cell to another.
These messages can cause many effects, including stimulation or inhibition of growth,

• In puberty hormones can affect mood and mind
• induction or suppression of apoptosis (programmed cell death)
• activation or inhibition of the immune system
• regulating metabolism
• preparation for a new activity (e.g., fighting, fleeing, mating)
• preparation for a new phase of life (e.g., puberty, caring for offspring, menopause)
• controlling the reproductive cycle(2)

Omega3

Fish (Salmon, Tuna, Sardines or Mackerel ) & nuts (Walnuts, Hazelnut and Pecans).  Lack of omega 3 has been linked to a huge range of illnesses and is now even considered as
treatment for mental illness such as depression, Adhd, alzheimers to heart disease, asthma and many more.   Stored in the cell membrane it is thought to play a role in allowing substances to pass through
the cell and is also converted to prostaglandin.  Prostaglandins reduce inflammation and inhibit blood clotting and also maintain other regulating roles in the body.  Vital for a healthy mind and good brain structure, critical for a baby’s developing brain.

1. Reference: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081013084334.htm

2. Reference:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hormone

Dr Ana Soto also showed through tests with 10 oestrogen mimics well below the government safe levels, that oestrogen mimics have a snowball effect.  They act together and have the same effect as a single dose of similar amount.

Formaldehyde

In deodorants, liquid soaps, nail varnish and shampoos.  It’s also used in embalming to disinfect and temporarily preserve human remains.  Motor vehicle exhaust, manufacturing plants that produce or use formaldehyde or substances that contain formaldehyde (eg. glues), petroleum refineries, coking operations, incineration, wood-burning, tobacco smoke.  Formaldehyde is also released from pressed wood products (chipboard, wood veneers) and carpets.

Phthalates

Softeners of plastics, oily substances in perfumes, additives to hairsprays, nail varnishes, lubricants and wood finishers.  As a softener of plastic they are everywhere, leaching into water and other soft drinks from the plastic bottles.  They can also be absorbed through the skin and inhaled and are known to cross breast milk. Banned in the European for use in baby toys in 1999.  Phthalates have been voluntarily removed in the U.S. and Canada from infant bottle nipples, teethers and toys intended to go into an infant’s mouth.”

Parabens

Found in some toothpastes, moisturizers, deodorants antiperspirants and sunscreens,  shaving gels, personal lubricants and spray tanning solution. They are also used as food additives.  A recent study linked parabens in deodorants and antiperspirants to the actual cause of breast cancer.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)

Soaps, Shampoos, Bubble-baths, Tooth paste, Washing-up liquid / dish soap, Laundry detergent, Childrens soaps / shampoos, Stain Remover, Carpet Cleaner, Fabric glue, Body wash, Shave cream, Mascara, Mouthwash, Skin cleanser, Moisture lotion / Moisturiser, Sun Cream.  A cheap raw material when mixed with salt causes lots of bubbles.

Toluene

In adhesives, auto polish and cleaners, floor polish, hard surface cleaners, paints, inks, paint cleaners, paint and varnish removers and thinners, coatings, particleboard, leather dressings,
lubricating oils, fingernail enamels and removers, shoe polish and cleaners, solvent-thinned products (exterior stains, primers, interior stains, clear finish), colouring pens and markers,
wood office furniture and vinyl flooring.

Al apha Hydroxy Acid

In products claiming to reduce wrinkles or the signs of aging, and improve the overall look and feel of the skin.   Also used as chemical peels in a dermatologist’s office, beauty and health spas
and home kits. The FDA issued a warning after an industry-sponsored study found that they can increase photosensitivity to the sun.

Alcohol

In Mouthwash linked to mouth, tongue and throat cancers.

Propylene Glycol

The main ingredient in deodorant sticks.  A moisturizer in medicines, cosmetics, food, toothpaste, mouth wash, and tobacco products, a solvent for food colors and flavorings  a humectant food additive, labeled as E number E1520, a carrier in fragrance oils.

Talc

With a similar structure to asbestos it has been linked to ovarian cancer.

Xylene

Solvent used in printing, rubber and leather industries

Nail varnish

Perfume
Swedish researchers have linked perfume to high levels of DHEP in the body, a highly toxic oestrogen mimic.

Diethanolamine

Common ingredients in cosmetics and shampoos, used as to create a creamy texture and
foaming action.

Aluminium

In most deodorants and linked to Alzheimer’s and cancer.

Triclosan

In deodorants, acne creams, lotions, hand soaps, toothpastes, vaginal washes and
mouthwashes.

Paraphenylenediamine PPD

Used in dark hair dyes and linked to cancer.

References:

Oestrogen: Killer in our Midst, Woollams, C., 2006, Health Issues Ltd,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formaldehyde

Our Stolen Future, http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/Commentary/News/2003/2003-0604-RH-pedphthalates.htm

http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache:RGcuZ1LFg5MJ:www.ephc.gov.au/pdf/Air_Toxics/Form

_Health_Review.pdf+Formaldehyde&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=9&gl=au&client=firefox-a
Wikepedia: Parabens, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parabens

http://www.canceractive.com/page.php?n=212

http://www.natural-health-information-centre.com/sodium-lauryl-sulfate.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/airquality/publications/sok/toluene.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroxy_acid

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propylene_glycol

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diethanolamine

http://www.oztoxics.org/ntn/triclosan%20briefing.pdf