Podcasts about Phthalate

Plastic straws may seem harmless, but some can leach toxic chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your drinks—potentially disrupting hormones, reproductive health outcomes including fertility, and overall health and development. In this episode of Practical Nontoxic Living, we uncover the hidden dangers of plastic straws, explore their environmental impact, and reveal the safest nontoxic alternatives, including glass, stainless steel, silicone, and plant-based options. In the United States, it's estimated that we use up to 500 million plastic straws daily, contributing to about 4.8 billion straws being dumped into our oceans. Learn how to make simple swaps for a healthier, more eco-friendly lifestyle.

Choosing the best products for your complexion is about more than relying on lofty claims - you've got to check the label! Two experts discuss how to find a clean, safe product with hyaluronic acid. Learn more at https://www.puritan.com/serums-masks-1981/ppha-serum1-ozliq-055303 AmpiFire City: London Address: London Office 15 Harwood Road, , London, England United Kingdom Website: https://ampifire.com/

Are the products you use every day poisoning you? In this episode of Super Life, Darin Olien dives into phthalates, a class of toxic chemicals found in food packaging, personal care products, medical devices, and even children's toys. Despite mounting evidence linking phthalates to hormone disruption, infertility, obesity, and chronic illness, these chemicals remain largely unregulated in the United States. Darin breaks down why phthalates are everywhere, how they impact your body, and what you can do to protect yourself. He also highlights Minnesota's groundbreaking SF 188 bill, which aims to force food manufacturers to test and disclose phthalate contamination for the first time in U.S. history. If you care about your health, your family, and the toxic load in your daily life, this is a must-listen episode that will make you rethink what you're consuming. Government Responsibility in the Spread of Phthalates Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and durable. Since the mid-20th century, they've been incorporated into countless consumer goods, from food packaging to personal care products. This widespread use is largely due to regulatory inaction and the prioritization of industrial interests over public health. In the United States, agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been slow to regulate phthalates, despite mounting evidence linking them to serious health issues. These include endocrine disruption, reproductive harm, and chronic illnesses such as obesity and diabetes. Unlike Europe, which has banned certain phthalates in food packaging and children's products, the U.S. has often allowed industry self-regulation, leading to widespread contamination in consumer goods. The Industrial Agricultural Revolution and Processed Foods The post-World War II industrialization of food production significantly increased the use of phthalates. As food manufacturing scaled up, plastics became integral in packaging and processing equipment, leading to phthalate leaching into our food supply. Highly processed foods are particularly susceptible due to multiple points of plastic contact during production and storage. Studies have shown that individuals consuming more processed and fast foods have higher levels of phthalates in their bodies. Minnesota's Legislative Action: A Step Forward In January 2025, Minnesota State Senator Heather Gustafson introduced Senate File 188 (SF 188), a bill requiring food manufacturers to test their products for phthalates and publicly disclose the results. If passed, this legislation would be the first of its kind in the U.S., aiming to increase transparency and encourage manufacturers to reduce phthalate levels in their products. According to Senator Gustafson, "Minnesotans have the right to know whether the food they are eating and serving their families is contaminated with toxic phthalates. My bill will help consumers make healthier buying decisions and create a strong incentive for food manufacturers to get plastic chemicals out of our food."  advocacy.consumerreports.org Why This Matters This bill is crucial because it: Increases Transparency: For the first time, food companies would be required to test for and disclose phthalate levels, creating public awareness of the contamination problem. Encourages Stricter Regulations: Public disclosure could lead to consumer pressure for stronger nationwide bans and restrictions. Prioritizes Public Health: It challenges the longstanding prioritization of industry preferences over public health, acknowledging that chemical exposure is a public health crisis. Addresses Chronic Illness: With rising rates of metabolic disorders and hormone-related diseases linked to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates, holding manufacturers accountable is a step toward reversing this trend. Products Commonly Containing Phthalates and Associated Health Risks Phthalates are pervasive in many consumer products. Here's a breakdown of common sources and the potential health implications: Personal Care Products: Items such as nail polishes, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, cleansers, and shampoos often contain phthalates.  fda.gov Food Packaging and Processed Foods: Phthalates can leach into food from packaging materials and during processing. Diets high in dairy and meat have been associated with higher levels of phthalate exposure.  webmd.com Medical Devices: Some medical devices, including intravenous bags and tubing, contain phthalates to increase flexibility.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Household Items: Products like vinyl flooring, shower curtains, and certain furniture may contain phthalates.  toxicfreefuture.org Children's Toys: Some toys, especially those made from flexible plastics, can contain phthalates.  toxicfreefuture.org   Health Risks Associated with Phthalate Exposure Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body's hormonal systems. Potential health effects include: Reproductive Issues: Exposure has been linked to reproductive problems, including reduced fertility.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Developmental Problems: Prenatal exposure may lead to developmental issues in children.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Respiratory Issues: There is evidence suggesting a link between phthalate exposure and respiratory problems, such as asthma.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Metabolic Effects: Some studies have associated phthalate exposure with metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance and obesity.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov   Steps to Reduce Phthalate Exposure To minimize exposure to phthalates: Choose Phthalate-Free Products: Opt for personal care items labeled as phthalate-free. Limit Processed Food Intake: Reducing consumption of processed foods can decrease phthalate exposure. Use Alternatives to Plastic: Whenever possible, choose glass, stainless steel, or other non-plastic materials for food storage and household items. Stay Informed: Regularly check resources like the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database to find products free from harmful chemicals. How You Can Take Action While Minnesota is leading the way, collective action is essential to drive nationwide change. Here are steps you can take: Support the Bill: If you're in Minnesota, contact your state legislators to express support for SF 188. You can find more information and track the bill's progress here. Sign Petitions: Look for petitions advocating for the reduction of phthalates in consumer products and add your voice. Stay Informed: Follow organizations like Consumer Reports and Clean Water Action, which are actively involved in this issue. Reduce Personal Exposure: Limit consumption of highly processed foods, use glass or stainless steel for food storage, and avoid products with "fragrance" listed as an ingredient, as it can be a source of phthalates. Active Petition to Support Minnesota's SF 188 As of now, there isn't a specific petition available for Minnesota's SF 188 bill. However, you can take proactive steps to support this legislation: Contact Legislators: Reach out to Minnesota state legislators to express your support for SF 188. Personalized messages can be impactful. Stay Informed: Monitor the bill's progress through the Minnesota Revisor's Office website. Conclusion Minnesota's initiative is a significant step toward addressing the pervasive issue of phthalate contamination. However, true accountability requires federal-level bans, a shift toward non-toxic alternatives, and a rethinking of industrial food production. By staying informed and taking action, we can collectively push for a healthier future.   Bibliography Consumer Reports. "Minnesota Senator Gustafson introduces bill to protect consumers from toxic plastic chemicals in food." January 21, 2025.  advocacy.consumerreports.org Food Safety Magazine. "Bill Introduced in Minnesota to Require Phthalate Testing for Packaged Foods." January 21, 2025.  food-safety.com Minnesota Revisor of Statutes. "SF 188 as introduced - 94th Legislature (2025)."  revisor.mn.gov Food & Wine. "Minnesota Just Became the First State to Target Plastic Chemicals in Food." January 22, 2025.  foodandwine.com Thank you for joining us on "SuperLife with Darin Olien." Let's continue to strive for a healthier, more informed world.   Research Summaries: "Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health" Authors: Ying Wang, Hongjun Zhu, and Yanan Kannan Summary: This study discusses the widespread use of phthalates as endocrine disruptors and their detrimental effects on human health. It highlights that phthalates are present in numerous products that come into contact with plastics during production, packaging, or delivery.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov "Critical Review on the Presence of Phthalates in Food and Evidence of Their Impact on Human Health" Authors: Giuseppe Latini, Valentina Del Vecchio, and Andrea Massaro Summary: This review examines the presence of phthalates in various foods and their potential health impacts, including their role in increasing the risk of developing allergies and asthma.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov "Why Phthalates Should Be Restricted or Banned from Consumer Products" Authors: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Summary: This article discusses how phthalates can leach into food from vinyl plastic equipment and materials, emphasizing the need for restrictions or bans due to associated health risks.  hsph.harvard.edu "Phthalates and Diet: A Review of the Food Monitoring and Epidemiology Data" Authors: Rolf U. Halden Summary: This review highlights epidemiological studies showing positive associations between the consumption of meats, discretionary fats, and dairy products with increased phthalate exposure.  ehjournal.biomedcentral.com "Personal Care Product Use Patterns in Association with Phthalate and Bisphenol A Exposure" Authors: Jessica T. Barson, John D. Meeker, and Kelly K. Ferguson Summary: This study investigates the relationship between personal care product usage and exposure to phthalates and BPA, finding significant associations that suggest these products are notable sources of exposure.  nature.com "What Are Phthalates and How Do They Affect Your Health?" Authors: National Center for Health Research Summary: This article provides an overview of phthalates as synthetic chemicals used to make plastics flexible and to add fragrance to products, discussing their role as endocrine disruptors and potential health effects, especially in young children.  center4research.org   Bibliography: Wang, Y., Zhu, H., & Kannan, Y. (2021). Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health. Frontiers in Public Health, 9, 1-8.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Latini, G., Del Vecchio, V., & Massaro, A. (2020). Critical Review on the Presence of Phthalates in Food and Evidence of Their Impact on Human Health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(16), 5655.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2019). Why Phthalates Should Be Restricted or Banned from Consumer Products.  hsph.harvard.edu Halden, R. U. (2014). Phthalates and Diet: A Review of the Food Monitoring and Epidemiology Data. Environmental Health, 13(1), 43.  ehjournal.biomedcentral.com Barson, J. T., Meeker, J. D., & Ferguson, K. K. (2023). Personal Care Product Use Patterns in Association with Phthalate and Bisphenol A Exposure. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 33(1), 45-54.  nature.com National Center for Health Research. (2021). What Are Phthalates and How Do They Affect Your Health?.  center4research.org       What You'll Learn in This Episode: (00:00:00) Introduction – The toxic truth hiding in your everyday products. (00:03:19) What Are Phthalates? – The chemicals making plastics flexible (and your health fragile). (00:04:24) How Phthalates Get into Your Body – Food, air, water, and even medical devices. (00:05:50) The Devastating Health Effects of Phthalates – Endocrine disruption, infertility, and metabolic disease. (00:07:45) Why the U.S. Fails to Regulate Phthalates – The FDA, EPA, and corporate influence. (00:10:14) Why Europe Banned Phthalates (and the U.S. Didn't) – A look at the regulatory failures. (00:12:38) The Connection Between Phthalates & Infertility – How they are lowering sperm counts and harming pregnancy. (00:15:10) Processed Foods & Fast Foods—A Phthalate Hotspot – Why eating out could be dosing you with toxins. (00:18:49) The Hidden Dangers in Medical Devices – Why even hospitals aren't safe. (00:21:20) Minnesota's Groundbreaking SF 188 Bill – Why this legislation could change everything. (00:24:30) How Phthalates Are Even in Your Children's Toys – The shocking reality parents need to know. (00:27:15) The Impact of Phthalates on Weight Gain & Diabetes – How they disrupt metabolism. (00:30:07) The Fight for Transparency in the Food Industry – What's being done to expose these chemicals. (00:33:12) How to Reduce Your Phthalate Exposure – Simple swaps to detox your home and body. (00:36:40) What You Can Do Today – Advocacy, petitions, and making informed choices. (00:40:12) The Call to Action – Why raising awareness is the key to change.     Thank You to Our Sponsors: Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Use code DARIN for 10% off at fromourplace.com. Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off     Find More From Darin: Website: darinolien.com Instagram: @darinolien Book: Fatal Conveniences     Key Takeaway: "Phthalates are everywhere—but they don't have to be inside you. Awareness is power, and it's time to fight back against the toxic chemicals hiding in plain sight."

  Zum HashiMotion Programm - Bewirb Dich jetzt!   Dein Hashimoto Kick Starter Guide für 0 Euro!   In dieser Folge des Theapodcasts sprechen wir über ein Thema, das jede Frau mit Hashimoto kennen sollte: die Wechselwirkung zwischen Hormonen, Zyklus und Schilddrüsengesundheit. Du erfährst, wie Hashimoto Deinen Hormonhaushalt beeinflusst, welche Rolle Progesteron, Östrogen und Testosteron dabei spielen und wie Du Dein hormonelles Gleichgewicht ganzheitlich unterstützen kannst. Inhalt der Folge: Wie Hashimoto den Zyklus beeinflusst: Symptome wie unregelmäßige oder ausbleibende Menstruation, PMS und Zyklusstörungen. Warum Schilddrüsenhormone (T3 und T4) essenziell für einen stabilen Zyklus sind. Östrogen, Progesteron und Schilddrüsenhormone: Wie eine Östrogendominanz die Umwandlung von T4 in T3 hemmt. Die Rolle von Progesteron als Unterstützer der Schilddrüsenfunktion und Entzündungshemmer. Ganzheitliche Ansätze für hormonelle Balance: Entzündungshemmende Ernährung  Stressmanagement zur Senkung von Cortisol und Erhalt des Progesteronspiegels. Sanfte Bewegung und die Bedeutung der Darmgesundheit. Verzicht auf Umweltgifte wie BPA und Phthalate. Bonus: Dein Einstieg ins HashiMotion-Programm Das HashiMotion-Programm hat ab sofort wieder geöffnet! In diesem intensiven 3-Monats-Programm lernst Du, wie Du Deinen Hashimoto und Deinen Hormonhaushalt in Einklang bringen kannst.

Weichmacher in Plastik reduzieren einer neuen Studie zufolge die Gehirnfunktion von Fischen deutlich. Die Ergebnisse könnten auch auf den Menschen übertragbar sein, sagt Studien-Mitautor Peter Machnik. Reuning, Arndt www.deutschlandfunk.de, Forschung aktuell

Zum HashiMotion Club Zur HashiMotion Programm Warteliste Masterclass "Wunschgewicht erreichen bei Hashimoto"   Zur Mentaltechnik Yager Code   Dein Hashimoto Kick Starter Guide für 0 Euro!   ---------------------- Willkommen zur heutigen Episode! Heute geht es darum, warum Du Haushaltsgifte unbedingt meiden solltest, um Deine Schilddrüsenfunktion zu schützen. Wir sprechen darüber,  Welche Gifte besonders gefährlich sind Was sie für Folgen für Dich und Deine Gesundheit haben können Und wie Du ihnen aus dem Weg gehen kannst bzw.  Welche Alternativen es gibt Hör rein! Und wenn Dir der Theapodcast gefällt, dann bewerte ihn gerne mit 5 Sternen auf Spotify und/oder Itunes. Dankeschön!   Hab einen wundervollen Tag! Deine Dorothea -------------------- Alle Links zu Dorothea Leinung Website Instagram Youtube  

In der Eifel zeigen sich die ersten Krokusse, in Köln stolpert man hier und da noch über Schnapsflaschen und in der Gosse hängende Clownsperücken. So schön könnte Karneval, je nach Geschmack, sein. Bei „Verkocht und Abgedreht“ in der 147. Folge gibt es andere Themen: Wieso wird Daniel von Maklern verarscht? Wie viel ist 11x11? Warum gewinnen die Beatles einen Grammy? Haben wir zu viel Phthalate gegessen? Wieso verzichtet Recky darauf, in seinem Singapururlaub nackt in seiner Ferienwohnung umherzulaufen? Warum hatte das Salamitier mal einen Namen? All diese Fragen beantworten der Koch und der Fernsehmann in alteingesessener Tradition unterhaltsam und unaufgeregt. Einfach nur zum Zuhören… „Verkocht und Abgedreht“ wünscht ein friedliches 2024 ohne Schwachsinn, Untaten und Drecksscheiße! Reinhören, Recky & Daniel

On this week's episode, Dr Scarlett Smash chat with Dr. Leslie Hart about her work investigating potential health impacts from exposure chemicals like phthalate and looking at plastic pollution/plastic-contaminated prey as a potential source of exposure.   H.O.P.E. Research lab (Hypothesizing Onehealth Pollution Effects)   "We are a team of undergraduate and graduate students studying the magnitude and impacts of plastic pollution...one dolphin at a time."   On instagram:  @hoperesearchlab  

Parabens and phthalates often get a bad rap, and we're told we should avoid these ingredients because of their potential health risks. But what are they really, and should there be cause for concern? In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben Fuchs talks about some common parabens and other preservatives, whether there are natural alternatives, the effects these ingredients can have on the body, and why phthalates are showing up in cosmetics. Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph. This podcast takes an enlightening approach to supporting licensed estheticians in their pursuit to achieve results-driven skin care treatments for their clients. You can always count on us to share professional skin care education, innovative techniques, and the latest in skin science. Benjamin Knight Fuchs is a registered pharmacist, nutritionist, and skin care chemist with 35 years of experience developing pharmacy-potent skin health products for estheticians, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons. Ben's expert advice gives licensed estheticians the education and skin science to better support the skin care services performed in the treatment room while sharing insights to enhance clients' at-home skin care routines. Connect with Ben Fuchs:    Website: www.brightsideben.com    Phone: 844-236-6010    Facebook: www.facebook.com/The-Bright-Side-with-Pharmacist-Ben-Fuchs-101162801334696/    About Our Sponsor: LAMPROBE The popular and revolutionary LAMPROBE utilizes radio and high-frequency technology to treat a wide variety of Minor Skin Irregularities™ (MSI)—non-invasively—with instantaneous results. Common conditions treated by the LAMPROBE include: vascular MSI, such as cherry angiomas; dilated capillaries; sebaceous MSI, including cholesterol deposits and milia; and hyperkerantinized MSI, such as keratoses and skin tags.   The LAMPROBE uniquely assists modern, capable, and skilled skin care practitioners to do their work more effectively and with greater client and professional satisfaction. Setting standards in quality, education, and training, the LAMPROBE has become an essential tool enabling skin care practitioners around the world to offer new revenue-enhancing and highly in-demand services.   Website: www.lamprobe.com   Email: info@lamskin.com   Phone: 877-760-2722   Instagram: www.instagram.com/lamprobe   Facebook: www.facebook.com/theLAMPROBE   All Truth Treatment Systems products have one thing in common—they work! Our products are made with 100 percent active and functional ingredients that make a difference to your skin. No fillers, preservatives, waxes, emulsifiers, oils, or fragrances. Our ingredients leverage the latest biochemical understandings and use proven strategies gleaned from years of compounding prescription skin health products for the most discerning physicians and patients.    Website: www.TruthTreatmentsPro.com    Facebook: www.facebook.com/truthtreatments    Private Facebook Pro Group: www.facebook.com/groups/truthtreatments    Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/truth.treatments

This week, Joy chats with Shanna H. Swan, Ph.D., one of the world's leading environmental and reproductive epidemiologists. She is a Professor of Environmental Medicine and Public Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City where she is also a member of the Transdisciplinary Center on Early Environmental Exposures. For over twenty years, Dr. Swan and her colleagues have been studying the dramatic decline in sperm count around the world and the impact of environmental chemicals and pharmaceuticals on reproductive tract development and neurodevelopment. In this episode Dr. Swan shares her first hand research results on the impact of phthalate exposure during pregnancy on reproductive health. She is a wealth of knowledge on this topic and shares her top suggestions for avoiding exposure to these chemicals in everything from your food and drink to the air we breathe. You will be blown away by her extensive knowledge and clear communication.  If you want to learn how common everyday chemicals can impact fertility and reproductive health you won't want to miss this episode. So settle in with a cuppa delicious, liver-loving detox tea and get ready to be empowered to take simple steps to improve your health.    Episode Highlights: The varied path Dr. Swan took from child actress to world-renowned epidemiologist.  An explanation of what reproductive & environmental epidemiology is.  A breakdown of her current epidemiological study on phthalates & pregnancy.  The suggestive conclusions found on the impacts of Tylenol and pregnancy.  What phthalates are and how they're used across various industries.  The definition of non-persistent chemicals.  How phthalates consistently enter the body.  How phthalates leach out of plastics and into the environment.  The impact of phthalate ingestion during pregnancy.  What is phthalate syndrome?  The impact of phthalates on male reproductive organs.  The relationship between phthalates and fertility.  How phthalate exposure impacts sperm counts.  The connection between perineum length and reproductive function in males.  How phthalates may impact libido and sexual satisfaction.  Her top tips for avoiding phthalate exposure.  Other chemicals in plastics to avoid for optimal health. How to avoid phthalates in food shopping, storage, and cooking. The way Dr. Swan treats her water to remove chemicals.    Resources: Dr. Swan's Website Dr. Swan's Instagram Dr. Swan's Twitter Count Down Book Helpful Resources Million Marker Test Kits   More about Joyous Health: Check out our award-winning blog Joyous Health Check out  Joy's bestselling cookbooks Sign up for the Joyous Health newsletter Follow Joyous Health on Instagram Find Joyous Health on Facebook Learn more about The Joyous Health Business Program Check out our full line of Natural & Organic Haircare and Body Care. Join Joy's Hair Care Challenge at Natural Hair Care Challenge Explore Joyous Health Kids at Joyous Health Kids

Every day, the average American is exposed to 80,000 chemicals in their food and water. It is impossible to reduce your toxin burden to zero but today on The Woman's Doctor, best selling author of Hormone Intelligence, Dr. Aviva Romm joins us to share simple ways that you can lessen your exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals in your home. Dr. Romm is a midwife, a Yale trained MD and a board certified family physician that is helping patients balance their hormones and establish healthy habits to reduce the risk of developing diseases.   It can be overwhelming as you begin your hormonal healing journey but you don't need to uproot your life to reduce your toxin burden. Simple changes in your home can have a big impact on your hormonal health. Instead of spending money on costly testing, take the time to detox your cosmetics, cleaning supplies and kitchen. Studies show that eliminating the use of plastic in your home reduces the levels of phthalates in your blood in just a few weeks.   Support your body's natural ability to detoxify by regulating your sleep, hydrating and when possible eat organic. Looking at the big picture and understanding your own role in hormonal disruption will help you regain your body's natural rhythm. Give yourself permission to take a break and be kind to your body, because stress is just as harmful as any other outside chemical.       Key Takeaways: [5:20] The rates of hormonal issues and autoimmune diseases are escalating in women [10:50] Uncontrolled blood sugar levels is a huge endocrine disrupter for women [11:35] The average American has 20 rounds of antibiotics by the time they are 18 [19:30] Cleaning out the products in your home will drastically reduce your toxic burden [21:28] Phthalate levels in the blood decrease in weeks if you stop using plastic products  [22:15] Even organic household cleaners with scents have hormone disrupting chemicals [22:30] Regular bowel movements helps the body eliminate excess estrogen in the body [23:50] Alcohol is a known endocrine disrupter and should be limited to 1-3 drinks per week [29:40] You need 8-10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day with 30 varieties per week [32:00] If your circadian rhythm is disrupted the detoxification processes fall out of alignment  [32:35] Hydration is essential for cellular health, detoxification and brain health    Mentioned in This Episode: Hormone Intelligence Avivaromm.com   Twitter: “The way that the world is set up isn't really harmonious for us to get adequate sleep or to take a day off, if we are a little premenstrual and we need to nourish ourselves.” [8:25]   “Reframe our approach to our inner conversation, so that when we are taking down time we're not still checking our phone for 50 messages and say; ok, i deserve an hour break right now and really take that.”  [10:20]       Podcast Disclaimer:  https://resources.thespadr.com/the-womans-doctor/#disclaimer

Do you ever feel like there is so much information out there about toxins that it's almost too much information? We also understand that the concept of toxins, both food and environmental, can be daunting. That's why we are taking out all of the guess work and giving it to you straight when it comes to what is happening around you, toxicity wise. You might first be wondering “don't we have a great internal detox system to take care of all of that stuff?”. And the answer is yes; but in our modern world we are truly bombarded with toxins to the point that our body's capabilities to effectively rid ourselves of these toxins can become impaired. We have scoured the research and paired it down for you to help make strategic decisions to limit our exposure without overextending ourselves or overspending on our budgets. During our chat, we dive into: The science linkages between gut microbiome and human health and disease. What are the most common toxin sources? The common signs that you might be experiencing environmental toxin overload. How do we reduce toxin exposure? Are there foods I should aim to eliminate as much as possible? What foods are the best in helping reduce my toxin levels? Where else can toxins squeeze into my life unnoticed? Let's get started! Want to dive even deeper? We know, it's a fascinating topic! Our dietetic intern, Nikki Glick, has done all the research in this most recent episode and has provided her sources, an informative handout, and a detailed blog post for this week's content! Prefer to watch instead of listen? We've got you covered. You can see our livesteamed chat on our YouTube channel. Want to learn more about our one-on-one Empowered Nutrition coaching? Book a free chemistry call to discuss your story and see if we're a good fit. Think your metabolism could some healing or a reboot? That's our specialty. We have recently launched our Lean for Life Membership phase one and two called “Heal” and "Optimize" where you will be empowered to reverse previous metabolic damage with the assistance of our team of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. Check out more details on our website! Enjoying the podcast? Please review the Empowered Nutrition Podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen! Then, send me a screenshot of your positive review to podcast@empowerednutrition.health as a DM on Instagram (empowerednutrition.health). Include a brief description of what you're working on with your health and/or nutrition and I'll send you a free custom meal plan! Do you have questions you would like answered on the Empowered Nutrition podcast? You can propose your questions/ideas here or reach out to me at podcast@empowerednutrition.health Nikki's references for this topic: Tu P, Chi L, Bodnar W, et al. Gut Microbiome Toxicity: Connecting the Environment and Gut Microbiome-Associated Diseases. Toxics. 2020;8(1):19. Published 2020 Mar 12. doi:10.3390/toxics8010019  Patterson AD, Gonzalez FJ, Idle JR. Xenobiotic metabolism: a view through the metabolometer. Chem Res Toxicol. 2010;23(5):851-860. doi:10.1021/tx100020p Romilly E. Hodges, Deanna M. Minich, "Modulation of Metabolic Detoxification Pathways Using Foods and Food-Derived Components: A Scientific Review with Clinical Application", Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 2015, Article ID 760689, 23 pages, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/760689 Yang YN, Yang YSH, Lin IH, et al. Phthalate exposure alters gut microbiota composition and IgM vaccine response in human newborns. Food Chem Toxicol. 2019;132:110700. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2019.110700 Chi L, Bian X, Gao B, Tu P, Ru H, Lu K. The Effects of an Environmentally Relevant Level of Arsenic on the Gut Microbiome and Its Functional Metagenome. Toxicol Sci. 2017;160(2):193-204. doi:10.1093/toxsci/kfx174

ADHD is a rising diagnosis in our society. Tune in to learn more about the possible causes hidden at the root of ADHD, including heavy metals.Every day we are exposed to toxins from our environment. We may ingest lead and copper from drinking water, phosphate from processed food and soda, various synthetic chemicals from plastic food containers, and pesticides from fruits and vegetables. Both natural heavy metals and man-made chemicals disrupt hormones and brain development. The brain, especially the developing brain, is very vulnerable to contaminants because of its large size and its high concentration of fats which serve as a reservoir for toxicants to build up. This episode will explain the role that heavy metals and environmental toxins play in ADHD.In January 2016, there was a declared state of emergency in Flint, Michigan where thousands of residents were exposed to high levels of lead in their drinking water. The corrosive water from the Flint River caused lead from old water pipes to leach into the water supply, putting up to 12,000 children at risk of consuming dangerous levels of lead. Lead poisoning can cause irreversible brain damage and even death, and growing children are especially susceptible to its poisonous effects. Even low blood lead levels reduce IQ, the ability to pay attention, motor function, and academic achievement.Since lead poisoning causes cognitive, motor, and behavioral changes, it is not surprising that it also causes ADHD. Lead exposure is estimated to account for 290,000 excess cases of ADHD in US children (Braun et al., 2006). A study on 270 mother-child pairs in Belgium found that doubling prenatal lead exposure (measured in cord blood) was associated with a more than three times higher risk for hyperactivity in boys and girls at age 7-8 (Sioen et al., 2013). A larger study on almost 5,000 US children aged 4-15 found children with the highest blood lead levels were over four times as likely to have ADHD as children with the lowest blood lead levels (Braun et al., 2006).MRI scans from participants of the Cincinnati Lead Study had striking results: childhood lead exposure was associated with brain volume loss in adulthood. Individuals with higher blood lead levels as children had less gray matter in some brain areas. The main brain region affected was the prefrontal cortex which is responsible for executive function, behavioral regulation, and fine motor control (Cecil et al., 2008).Copper is an essential trace mineral we must consume from our food supply. It is found in oysters and other shellfish, whole grains, beans, nuts, and potatoes. Like lead, copper can leach into the water supply when copper pipes corrode. One of copper's roles in the body is to help produce dopamine, the neurotransmitter that provides alertness. However, too much copper creates an excess of dopamine leading to an excess of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. High levels of these neurotransmitters lead to symptoms similar to ADHD symptoms: hyperactivity, impulsivity, agitation, irritability, and aggressiveness. In children with excess copper, stimulant medications don't work as well and tend to cause side effects (agitation, anxiousness, change in sleep and appetite). Most ADHD medications work by increasing levels of dopamine, intensifying the effects of excess copper. In addition, excess copper blocks the production of serotonin, a mood-balancing neurotransmitter. This triggers emotional, mental, and behavioral problems, from depression and anxiety to paranoia and psychosis.The neurotoxic effects of excess copper are well known and a few studies have assessed copper's role in ADHD symptoms. When researchers compared copper levels in 58 ADHD children to levels in 50 control children, they observed that copper levels were higher in ADHD children. ADHD children also had a higher copper-to-zinc ratio that positively correlated with teacher-rated inattention  Now let's move into Phosphate. Phosphate is a charged particle (an electrolyte) that contains phosphorus. Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body (the first is calcium). Phosphorus is a building block for bones and about 85% of total body phosphorus is found in the bones. Deficiencies are rare because phosphorus is naturally abundant in protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, and milk products as well as in nuts, legumes, cereals, and grains. Although phosphorus is an essential nutrient, too much can be problematic. The phosphate content of processed foods is much higher than that of natural foods because phosphates are commonly used as additives and preservatives in food production. Our daily intake of phosphate food additives has more than doubled since the 1990's (Ritz et al., 2012). Phosphorus, especially the form found in processed meats, canned fish, baked goods, and soda is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream so levels can rise rapidly.Phosphorus reduces the absorption of other vital nutrients, many of which ADHD children are deficient in to begin with. For instance, too much phosphorus can lower calcium levels. High phosphorus coupled with low calcium intake leads to poor bone health. The typical American diet contains two to four times more phosphorus than calcium and soda is often a major contributor to this imbalance. In the body, phosphorus and magnesium bind together, making both minerals unavailable for absorption. This is most apparent when magnesium consumption is low and intake of phosphorus is high. Researchers have found that adding Pepsi to men's diet for two consecutive days causes their blood phosphate levels to increase and their magnesium excretion to decrease (Weiss et al., 1992).In the 1990's, German pharmacist Hertha Hafer discovered that excess dietary phosphate triggered her son's ADHD symptoms. In her book, The Hidden Drug, Dietary Phosphate: Cause of Behavior Problems, Learning Difficulties and Juvenile Delinquency, she presents a low phosphate diet as a treatment for ADHD. A low phosphate diet led to dramatic improvements in her son's behavior, well-being, and school performance, rendering medication unnecessary. Her family's ADHD problem was resolved and her son had no further problems as long as he avoided high phosphate foods. Hafer finds that children with mild ADHD can improve simply by removing processed meats and phosphate-containing beverages like soda and sports drinks from their diets (Waterhouse, 2008).Everyday plastic products contain hormone-disrupting chemicals, such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, that can migrate into our body and affect the brain and nervous system. These environmental toxins bind to zinc and deplete zinc levels in the body. Phthalates are synthetic chemicals used to make plastics soft and flexible. Phthalates are used in hundreds of consumer products and humans are exposed to them daily through air, water, and food. Multiple studies have linked phthalates with ADHD. Researchers assessed the urine phthalate concentrations and ADHD symptoms ADHD symptoms (inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity), rated by the children's teachers, were significantly associated with phthalate metabolites (breakdown products) (Kim et al., 2009).Prenatal phthalate exposure is associated with problems in childhood behavior and executive functioning. Third-trimester urines from 188 pregnant women were collected and analyzed for phthalate metabolites. Their children were assessed for cognitive and behavioral development between the ages of 4 and 9. Phthalate metabolites were associated with worse aggression, conduct problems, attention problems, depression, externalizing problems, and emotional control (Engel et al., 2010).In addition to heavy metals and plasticizers, pesticides can cause ADHD symptoms. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes, “Children encounter pesticides daily in air, food, dust, and soil. For many children, diet may be the most influential source. Studies link early-life exposure to organophosphate insecticides with reductions in IQ and abnormal behaviors associated with ADHD and autism” (Roberts & Karr, 2012).Among pesticides, insecticides may be the most harmful to humans. Insecticides were first developed during World War II as nerve gases. They work by targeting and destroying, an enzyme that controls the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which plays a role in attention, learning, and short-term memory. Even organophosphate exposure at low levels common among US children may contribute to ADHD prevalence. Researchers at Harvard University studied more than 1,000 children aged 8-15 from the general population and found that those with detectable urinary levels of an OP metabolite were nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD (Bouchard et al., 2010).Source: JAMES GREENBLATT, MD REFERENCES:Braun et al (2006). Exposures to environmental toxicants and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in U.S. children. Environmental Health Perspectives, 114(12), 1904-1909.Cecil et al. (2008). Decreased Brain Volume in Adults with Childhood Lead Exposure. PLoS Medicine, 5(5), PLoS Medicine, 2008, Vol.5(5).Engel et al. (2010). Prenatal phthalate exposure is associated with childhood behavior and executive functioning. Environmental Health Perspectives, 118(4), 565-71.Evans et al. (2014). Prenatal bisphenol A exposure and maternally reported behavior in boys and girls. Neurotoxicology, 45, 91-99.Kicinski et al. (2015). Neurobehavioral function and low-level metal exposure in adolescents. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 218(1), 139-146.

Most all diseases include some kind of environmental component according to Dr. Sarah Evans, Assistant Professor of Environmental Medicine and Public Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. If environmental factors are responsible for rapid disease rates, then we can work toward solutions that will be helpful in slowing these rates. Dr. Evans suggests actionable items we can do to reduce unnecessary exposure to dangerous chemicals including using our dollars to choose products that are phthalate-free, BPA-free, and fragrance-free, using more whole and fresh foods, and reducing household dust.

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Endocrine Disruptors, what they are, where you may find them, how to reduce exposure, and healthy swaps that you can make to reduce your toxic load and ideally improve your health as a result. You can find the transcript of this episode including resource links on my website at www.coachsandyrobinson.com

Diesmal blicken die sonst so fröhlichen Podcaster in eine düstere Zukunft. Chris hat zum Thema Spermaqualität recherchiert und treibt mit seinen Erkenntnissen Jochen ein paar Sorgenfalten auf die Stirn...

Research suggests quercetin can alleviate pulmonary arterial hypertension by regulating inflammatory cytokines Zhejiang Provincial People’ s Hospital (China), April 9, 2021   According to news reporting originating in Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China, research stated, “This study aimed to investigate the effects of quercetin in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in a murine model. Thirty-six adult male rats were randomly divided into three groups: the control group (saline), monocrotaline (MCT) - induced PAH group (MCT group) and quercetin treatment group (prevention group).” The news reporters obtained a quote from the research from Zhejiang Provincial People’ s Hospital, “After modelling, the animals from prevention group received 100 mg/(kg bw/day quercetin by gavage and the gavage for 20 days, while the animals from the other two groups received the same amount of 0.9% sodium chloride saline solution. The mean pulmonary artery pressure, right ventricular index and relative expression levels of HIF-1 (hypoxia-inducible factor 1), ET-1(vascular endothelin-1), TGF-beta 1 (transforming growth factor-beta 1), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), IL-1 (interleukin-1), IL-6 (interleukin-6) and TNF-alpha (tumour necrosis factor alpha) in lung tissues significantly increased in MCT group compared with the control group, 21 days after modelling. The levels of HGF (hepatocyte growth factor) and NAC (N-acetyl-L-cysteine) significantly increased compared with the control group. The treatment with quercetin significantly decreased the level of mean PAH, right ventricular index and relative expression levels of H1F-1, ET-1, TGF-beta 1, VEGF, IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-alpha in lung tissues compared with MCT group and significantly decreased the levels of HGF and NAC. In vitro experiment with PCEC (pulmonary capillary endothelial cells) from the three groups showed that in the MCT group the cell proliferation was significantly decreased and the apoptosis was significantly increased compared with the control group, while the quercetin treatment inhibited the MCT-induced cell apoptosis and promoted cell proliferation.” According to the news reporters, the research concluded: “Quercetin can alleviate PAH by regulating the inflammatory cytokines, promoting cell proliferation and inhibition of cell apoptosis.” This research has been peer-reviewed.       Intermittent fasting shown to provide broad range of health benefits in new study Texas State University, April 7, 2021 Intermittent fasting may provide significant health benefits, including improved cardiometabolic health, improved blood chemistry and reduced risk for diabetes, new research conducted in part at Texas State University indicates.  Matthew McAllister, assistant professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance, co-authored the study with Liliana Renteria, graduate research assistant in the Department of Health and Human Performance, along with Brandon Pigg and Hunter Waldman of the Department of Kinesiology at Mississippi State University. Their research, "Time-restricted feeding improves markers of Cardiometabolic health in physically active college-age men: A 4-week randomized pre-post pilot study," is published in the journal Nutrition Research (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2019.12.001). "What we are doing is time-restricted feeding. It is a way to use fasting each day to promote various aspects of cardiometabolic health," McAllister said.  Time-restricted feeding (TRF) has been shown to improve body composition and blood lipids, as well as reduce markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. However, those results originated from rodent models and studies with small human samples. In the Texas State study, 22 men were divided into two groups to complete a 28-day study. Subjects ate daily during one eight-hour period, for example, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or between noon and 8 p.m. For 16 hours of the day, they did not eat or drink anything other than water.  While both groups underwent TRF, one group's caloric intake was controlled during meal periods to ensure they ate the same amount as before the study, while members of the other group were allowed to eat as much as they wanted.  "My initial thought was that if you are going to restrict the time, you would eat fewer calories. And the reduction of daily calories would cause weight loss and other health benefits," McAllister said. "But these benefits are found with no change in caloric intake—things like loss in body fat, reduced blood pressure, reduced inflammation.” Fasting blood samples were analyzed for glucose and lipids, as well as adiponectin, human growth hormone, insulin, cortisol, c-reactive protein, superoxide dismutase, total nitrate/nitrite and glutathione. Results showed that both groups experienced significant reductions in body fat, blood pressure and significant increases in adiponectin and HDL-c. No change in caloric intake was detected among members of either group.     The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked with six unhealthy eating behaviors University of Minnesota Medical School, April 12, 2021 A new probe into the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed correlations to six unhealthy eating behaviors, according to a study by the University of Minnesota Medical School and School of Public Health. Researchers say the most concerning finding indicates a slight increase or the re-emergence of eating disorders, which kill roughly 10,200 people every year -- about one person every 52 minutes. U of M Medical School's Melissa Simone, PhD, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, collaborated with School of Public Health professor and head of the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, PhD, MPH, to learn from study participants in Neumark-Sztainer's Project EATbetween April and May 2020. "The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the rapid implementation of public health policies to reduce transmission of the virus. While these protections are necessary, the disruptions to daily life associated with the ongoing pandemic may have significant negative consequences for the risk of eating disorders and symptoms," said Simone, who is the lead author of the study. "Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates across all psychiatric health concerns, and therefore, it is important to try to make links between the consequences of the pandemic and disordered eating behaviors. The study aimed to understand potential associations between stress, psychological distress, financial difficulties and changes in eating behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic through the analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data. Simone's findings, published in theInternational Journal of Eating Disorders, found six key themes of eating behavior changes: Mindless eating and snacking; Increased food consumption; Generalized decrease in appetite or dietary intake; Eating to cope; Pandemic-related reductions in dietary intake; And, a re-emergence or marked increase in eating disorder symptoms. Approximately 8% of those studied reported extreme unhealthy weight control behaviors, 53% had less extreme unhealthy weight control behaviors and 14% reported binge eating. The study revealed that these outcomes were significantly associated with poorer stress management, greater depressive symptoms and moderate or extreme financial difficulties. "There has been a lot of focus on obesity and its connection with COVID-19. It is also important to focus on the large number of people who have been engaging in disordered eating and are at risk for eating disorders during and following the pandemic," said Neumark-Sztainer, who is the principal investigator of Project EAT. "The majority of the young adults in our study are from diverse ethnic/racial and lower income backgrounds, who often do not receive the services they need. To ensure health inequities do not increase, we need to meet the needs of these populations." Simone added, "The economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic will likely persist long beyond the dissemination of a vaccine. Because our findings suggest that moderate or severe financial difficulties may be linked with disordered eating behaviors, it is essential that eating disorder preventive interventions and treatment efforts be affordable, easily accessible and widely disseminated to those at heightened risk. As such, online or mobile-based interventions may prove to be effective and accessible modes for targeted intervention efforts." This study was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (R01HL116892, R35HL139853: Principal Investigator: D. Neumark-Sztainer), the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (TL1R002493, UL1TR002494), and the National Institute of Mental Health (T32MH082761).     Ginseng and anti-obesity: Does Asian variety offer greater weight loss hope? Tennessee State University, April 5, 2021   Studies comparing the differing anti-obesity effects of Asian and American ginseng are urgently needed, it has been claimed, not least because they are thought to have opposite medical effects in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).   Writing in a review in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, scientists from Tennessee State University said a number of investigations had been conducted on ginseng in preventing and treating of obesity.   However, the effect and the relevant mechanisms behind how ginseng works as an anti-obesity treatment are still controversial, they added, and the issue is clouded by the differing uses of American and Asian ginseng in TCM.   The former is used to treat yin manifestations of Qi (life energy), while the latter tackle yang manifestations. Therefore, Asian ginseng has often been used to help treat, fatigue, poor appetite, diarrhoea, breath shortness, feeble pulse, spontaneous perspiration, febrile diseases, amnesia, insomnia and impotence.   On the other hand, American ginseng is used to treat diseases such as cough, blood sputum, dysphoria, fatigue and thirst.   “Although the potential anti-obesity effect of Asian ginseng has been investigated in mice and humans in Asia in the last several decades, the anti-obesity effect and mechanism of ginseng are still not fully understood, especially in humans,” wrote the researchers. “Moreover, high-quality studies of the effects of ginseng in the United States are rare, particularly whether and how American ginseng prevents obesity is almost blank.”   They said this was area ripe for further investigation, and pointed to their own unpublished data which showed that while Asian ginseng significantly inhibited fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells, American ginseng has no such effect at the same concentration (1 mg/ml). They suggest this could be due increased fat accumulation caused by one of the major ginsenosides in American ginseng that is not detectable in Asian ginseng     “The different anti-obesity effect between American ginseng and Asian ginseng may also result from the different profiles of other ginsenosides,” they added.   “There is only one study showing that Asian ginseng extract intake exerted a weight loss effect in obese women,” they wrote. “American ginseng extract or whole plant/berry has not been investigated for anti-obesity in humans. In addition, there is no report using human primary cells investigating the antiobesity effect of ginseng and ginsenosides.”   They argue that standardised ginseng production is sorely needed to overcome the fact that the results of existing studies “are controversial”.   “These controversial results at least partly come from the variety of the quality of ginseng, especially the whole extract and juice. The quantity and composition of ginsenosides in ginseng plants are dramatically influenced by species, age, and part of the plant, cultivation methods, harvesting season, preservation methods and geographical distribution,” they state. “However, almost all ginsenosides or extracts in these studies were prepared in the individual labs or from different companies, it is almost impossible to keep the quality at the same level, particularly the whole extract.”   The authors concluded; “Although Asian and American ginsengs have similar profiles of active ingredients, the different percentage of crude saponins (4.8%–5.2% in Asian ginseng vs. 7.0%–7.3% in American ginseng) and the specific ginsenoside (Rf only in Asian ginseng, F11 only in American ginseng) may contribute to the different functions of these two ginsengs.” “Therefore, it is very important to compare the medical effects using modern scientific approaches.”       Study links prenatal phthalate exposure to altered information processing in infants University of Illinois, April 6, 2021 Exposure to phthalates, a class of chemicals widely used in packaging and consumer products, is known to interfere with normal hormone function and development in human and animal studies. Now researchers have found evidence linking pregnant women's exposure to phthalates to altered cognitive outcomes in their infants. Most of the findings involved slower information processing among infants with higher phthalate exposure levels, with males more likely to be affected depending on the chemical involved and the order of information presented to the infants. Reported in the journal Neurotoxicology, the study is part of the Illinois Kids Development Study, which tracks the effects of hormone-disrupting chemicals on children's physical and behavioral development from birth to middle childhood. Now in its seventh year, IKIDS has enrolled hundreds of participants and is tracking chemical exposures in pregnant women and developmental outcomes in their children. Susan Schantz, a neurotoxicologist and professor emerita of comparative biosciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is the principal investigator of the study. She is a faculty member in the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, which houses the IKIDS program at Illinois. "IKIDS is part of a larger initiative funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes program. It is tracking the impact of prenatal chemical exposures and maternal psychosocial stress on children's growth and development over time," Schantz said. "We measure numerous birth outcomes, including birth weight and gestational age. We also assess infants' cognition by studying their looking behavior. This allows us to get measures of working memory, attention and information-processing speed." The researchers analyzed metabolites of three commonly occurring phthalates in urine samples regularly collected from the pregnant women in the study. The chemical exposure data were used in combination with assessments of the women's infants when the children were 7.5 months old. The researchers used a well-established method that gives insight into the reasoning of children too young to express themselves verbally: Infants typically look longer at unfamiliar or unexpected images or events. The team used an infrared eye-tracker to follow each infant's gaze during several laboratory trials. With the infant sitting on a caregiver's lap, researchers first familiarized the child with two identical images of a face. After the infant learned to recognize the face, the researchers showed that same face paired with an unfamiliar one. "In repeated trials, half of the 244 infants tested saw one set of faces as familiar, and half learned to recognize a different set of faces as familiar," Schantz said. "By analyzing the time spent looking at the faces, we could determine both the speed with which the infants processed new information and assess their ability to pay attention." The assessment linked pregnant women's exposure to most of the phthalates that were assessed with slower information processing in their infants, but the outcome depended on the specific chemical, the sex of the infant and which set of faces the infant viewed as familiar. Male infants, in particular, tended to process information more slowly if their mothers had been exposed to higher concentrations of phthalates known to interfere with androgenic hormones. The specific characteristics of faces presented to the infants in the familiarization trials also appeared to play a role in the outcome, the researchers reported. Phthalate-exposed children who were first familiarized with faces from Set 2 were more likely to experience slower processing speed than those familiarized with faces from Set 1. The finding is perplexing, Schantz said, but is likely related to differences in the infants' preferences for the faces in the two sets. It also may be an indication that familiarization with the Set 2 faces is a more sensitive detector of changes in processing speed related to phthalate exposure. "Most previous studies of the relationship between prenatal exposure to phthalates and cognition have focused on early and middle childhood," Schantz said. "This new work suggests that some of these associations can be detected much earlier in a child's life."   Heart failure and stroke rising in men under 40 University of Gothenburg (Germany), April 8, 2021 Heart failure and stroke are unusual diagnoses among younger people. But they are now clearly on the rise in men below the age of 40, according to a University of Gothenburg study. The scientists have found links to obesity and low fitness in the upper teens. The present study, published in Journal of Internal Medicine, includes data on 1,258,432 men who, at an average age of 18.3 years, enlisted for military service in Sweden between 1971 and 1995. Particulars of the men's weight, height and physical fitness on enlistment were merged with data in the National Board of Health and Welfare's National Patient Register and Cause of Death Register for the period 1991-2016. From when they enlisted, the men were thus monitored over a period exceeding 20 years. The proportion of participants who were overweight at the time of enlistment, i.e. with a body mass index (BMI) of 25-30, increased from 6.6 to 11.2 percent between 1971 and 1995, while the proportion with obesity (BMI over 30) rose from 1.0 to 2.6 percent. During the same period, their fitness level at the time of enlistment also declined slightly. "These factors -- that is, overweight, obesity and low fitness -- partly explain the large increase in heart failure we see in the study, and the rise in stroke as well," states David Åberg. An Associate Professor at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, and specialist doctor at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Åberg is the study's first author. "It's pleasing to see, despite rising obesity, a fairly sharp fall in heart attacks among these younger men, and also their reduced mortality from cardiovascular diseases," he continues. Heart-failure cases within 21 years of enlistment rose, according to the study, by 69 percent -- from 0.49 per 1,000 of the men who had enlisted in the first five years (1971-75) to 0.83/1,000 of those who enlisted in the last five (1991-95). The number of stroke cases -- cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage -- showed a similar trend. The increase for cerebral infarction was 32 percent, from 0.68 for the first five-year cohort to 0.9 per 1,000 for the last. For cerebral hemorrhage the rise was 20 percent, from 0.45 to 0.54 per 1,000. In contrast, heart attacks within 21 years of enlistment fell by 43 percent, from 1.4 to 0.8 per 1,000, of the cohorts enlisting first and last respectively. The proportion of deaths from all cardiovascular disease also decreased, by 50 percent -- from 1.5 to 0.74 per 1,000. The fact that the trends for cardiovascular diseases move in differing directions over time suggests that other, unknown factors are involved as well. According to the researchers, post-enlistment weight trends may be one such factor, but stress and drug use may be others. Especially for heart attacks, researchers believe that a sharp fall in smoking underlies the decline. The fact remains, however, that overweight and obesity are influential. "We see that heart attacks would have decreased even more if it hadn't been for the rise in overweight and obesity. Our results thus provide strong support for thinking that obesity and, to some extent, low fitness by the age of 18 affect early-onset cardiovascular disease. So at societal level, it's important to try to get more physical activity, and to have already established good eating habits by adolescence, while being less sedentary," David Åberg concludes.   Clinical trial shows benefit of yoga for side effects of prostate cancer treatment University of Pennsylvania, April 7, 2021 Men who attended a structured yoga class twice a week during prostate cancer radiation treatment reported less fatigue and better sexual and urinary function than those who didn't, according to a clinical trial led by the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. It is the first randomized trial to look at the effect of twice-weekly yoga on the side-effects and quality of life issues caused by prostate cancer treatment. The results published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics. All of the patients in the trial underwent between six and nine weeks of external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The patients were randomized into two groups: one arm participated in a yoga class that met twice a week and the other arm served as a control group. Patients who already practiced yoga on their own were not eligible for the study, nor were patients with a history of prior radiation therapy or those with metastatic disease. Only two instructors led classes for this study, with the lead instructor teaching 75 percent of the classes. Each session lasted 75 minutes, beginning with five minutes of breathing and centering techniques and ending with five minutes of Savasana, a common yoga position. Typical sessions incorporated sitting, standing, and reclining positions that were modified using props to adapt to each patient's needs and restrictions. Patients were primarily evaluated on their level of fatigue. Each man filled out a nine-item questionnaire assessing fatigue severity and impact on daily life. The first questionnaire was given between two and three weeks before the start of radiotherapy, then twice a week while receiving radiotherapy, with a final survey filled out within a week of their last yoga class or last radiation treatment, depending on the assigned study arm. "At their baseline, before patients started treatment, patients in both groups were on the lower end of the scale, meaning they reported lower amounts of fatigue," said the trial's principal investigator Neha Vapiwala, MD, an associate professor of Radiation Oncology. "But as treatment went on, we observed a difference in the two groups." Patients in the yoga group reported lower fatigue scores over time, as they attended more yoga sessions, relative to where they started. Patients who did not participate in yoga trended in the opposite direction, reporting greater fatigue as treatment progressed. "Levels of patient-reported fatigue are expected to increase by around the fourth or fifth week of a typical treatment course, but that did not happen in the yoga group," Vapiwala said. "Both the severity of the fatigue as well as the patients' ability to go about their normal lives appeared to be positively impacted in the yoga group." Researchers also evaluated both groups in terms of their sexual health. Sexual dysfunction - including but not limited to erectile dysfunction (ED) - is reported by up to 85 percent of radiation therapy patients during treatment, often due to the concurrent use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The study utilized the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, in which scores range from 0-25. Scores greater than 21 are considered normal and scores below 12 indicate moderate to severe ED. Both groups started out with scores of around 11, and were balanced in terms of ADT exposure; but while the yoga group's score ended up largely unchanged from baseline, the non-yoga group saw a decline over the course of treatment. "Yoga is known to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, which is one of several postulated theories that may explain why this group did not demonstrate declining scores, as seen in the control group," Vapiwala said. "That may also explain the yoga patients' improved urinary function scores, another finding of this trial." Vapiwala pointed out that the findings on improved or stable urinary function are consistent with other research on the effects of physical therapy on pelvic floor muscles. The trial also found that while the emotional well-being of both groups increased as patients progressed through treatment, the evaluation scores in the yoga group rose more rapidly than in the control group. An evaluation of physical well-being showed a similar pattern   Spanking may affect the brain development of a child Study shows it could alter a child's neural responses to their environment in similar ways to a child experiencing more severe violence Harvard University, April, 12, 2021 Spanking may affect a child's brain development in similar ways to more severe forms of violence, according to a new study led by Harvard researchers.  The research, published recently in the journal Child Development, builds on existing studies that show heightened activity in certain regions of the brains of children who experience abuse in response to threat cues.  The group found that children who had been spanked had a greater neural response in multiple regions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), including in regions that are part of the salience network. These areas of the brain respond to cues in the environment that tend to be consequential, such as a threat, and may affect decision-making and processing of situations. "We know that children whose families use corporal punishment are more likely to develop anxiety, depression, behavior problems, and other mental health problems, but many people don't think about spanking as a form of violence," said Katie A. McLaughlin, John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Social Sciences, director of the Stress & Development Lab in the Department of Psychology, and the senior researcher on the study. "In this study, we wanted to examine whether there was an impact of spanking at a neurobiological level, in terms of how the brain is developing." According to the study's authors, corporal punishment has been linked to the development of mental health issues, anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, and substance use disorders. And recent studies show that approximately half of parents in U.S. studies reported spanking their children in the past year and one-third in the past week. However, the relationship between spanking and brain activity has not previously been studied.  McLaughlin and her colleagues--including Jorge Cuartas, first author of the study and a doctoral candidate in the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and David Weissman, a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Psychology's Stress & Development Lab--analyzed data from a large study of children between the ages of three and 11. They focused on 147 children around ages 10 and 11 who had been spanked, excluding children who had also experienced more severe forms of violence.  Each child lay in an MRI machine and watched a computer screen on which were displayed different images of actors making "fearful" and "neutral" faces. A scanner captured the child's brain activity in response to each kind of face, and those images were analyzed to determine whether the faces sparked different patterns of brain activity in children who were spanked compared to those who were not.  "On average, across the entire sample, fearful faces elicited greater activation than neutral faces in many regions throughout the brain... and children who were spanked demonstrated greater activation in multiple regions of PFC to fearful relative to neutral faces than children who were never spanked," researchers wrote.  By contrast, "(t)here were no regions of the brain where activation to fearful relative to neutral faces differed between children who were abused and children who were spanked." The findings are in line with similar research conducted on children who had experienced severe violence, suggesting that "while we might not conceptualize corporal punishment to be a form of violence, in terms of how a child's brain responds, it's not all that different than abuse," said McLaughlin. "It's more a difference of degree than of type." Researchers said the study is a first step towards further interdisciplinary analysis of spanking's potential effects on children's brain development and lived experiences.  "These findings aligned with the predictions from other perspectives on the potential consequences of corporal punishment," studied in fields such as developmental psychology and social work, said Cuartas. "By identifying certain neural pathways that explain the consequences of corporal punishment in the brain, we can further suggest that this kind of punishment might be detrimental to children and we have more avenues to explore it." However, they noted that their findings are not applicable to the individual life of each child.  "It's important to consider that corporal punishment does not impact every child the same way, and children can be resilient if exposed to potential adversities," said Cuartas. "But the important message is that corporal punishment is a risk that can increase potential problems for children's development, and following a precautionary principle, parents and policymakers should work toward trying to reduce its prevalence."  Ultimately, added McLaughlin, "we're hopeful that this finding may encourage families not to use this strategy, and that it may open people's eyes to the potential negative consequences of corporal punishment in ways they haven't thought of before."

Jeep BeachPodcast A PaloozaCasual Toys Dangerous LillyDangerous Lilly's Toxic Toy GuideDangerous Lilly's Jar of Melted Sex ToysMadeSafe.org - Sexual Health ProductsWhat is a Phthalate?PVC & Your Sexual Health - Medium.com Mallory's Music Box LinksCountry Cover: Sara Evans, “If I can’t have you” (Highly recommend the remix)Remix:https://youtu.be/paaDCpd7GUEAlbum: Post Malone CoversHeart-Shaped Box: https://youtu.be/-cGxzWYWLyQBaby What You Want Me to Do: https://youtu.be/b2m4GvmNENMBlue Suede Shoes: https://youtu.be/tjF_iSVMwJo“Eyes off You” - Eminem, Post Malone, The Weeknd: https://youtu.be/XBDfadWo1uQ“River” - Eminem feat Ed Sheeran: https://youtu.be/wfWIs2gFTAMEd Sheeran Covers“We Found Love”: https://youtu.be/Lyv_u4pspTY“Trap Queen”: https://youtu.be/CEM5SXxpmlEWalk Off the Earth‘Old Town Road”: https://youtu.be/hRXv_VU35Lw“Can’t Feel My Face”: https://youtu.be/eJ3H0Njb1As“Closer”: https://youtu.be/H6wj2weYizI“Thunderstruck”: https://youtu.be/AB7MwqjnsSw 

The toxins that we encounter every day can have extremely harmful effects on our health and body. However, toxins are not something that we can avoid completely, as we are born with toxicity in our bodies and they are too common to buffer ourselves from in normal life. Thus we need to find the best ways to eliminate these harmful presences as much as possible. Toxins can disrupt the endocrine system, creating hormone imbalances and a multitude of persistent issues for us in the long term. In this episode, Dr. Minni runs through a number of the common groups of toxins that we are exposed to and talks about where they are often found. Following that, some simple practices for better elimination are considered, from diet and water intake to avoiding dairy and getting better sleep. These measures are guaranteed to give your system a boost, so make sure to listen in with us today!Key Points From This Episode:The toxins that surround us from the time we are born and accumulate during our lives. Digestion's role in the elimination of toxins — a few different ways this occurs.The ubiquity of obesogenic Bisphenol A (BPA) in bottles, cans, and papers.Phthalate compounds used in the production of plastics, care and cleaning products, and more!The industrial production and usage of dioxin and its harmful effects on multiple areas of health. The embedded nature of pesticides in the modern world — inside the human body and beyond! Poisoning that can occur as a result of contact with toxic metals and preventative measures. Increasing the level of antioxidants in the body, better diet, water intake, sleep, and exercise!Preparation for detoxification and allowing the body to safely get rid of toxins. Tweetables:“When a baby is born, it has more than 250 toxins that can be detected in the umbilical cord.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:00:48]“It is important for us to understand the principles upon which a number of popular detoxification protocols are founded.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra. [0:02:10]Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Anchor Wellness CenterDr. Minni Malhotra EmailAnchor Wellness Center on YouTubeWorld Health OrganizationEnvironmental Working Group

Today's hot tips include being wary of ingredients found in water and your common skin care products. You might not be aware of how harmful these things can be. By themselves, once in a while, it shouldn't pose a problem. However, the effects are cumulative and your water, shampoos/conditioners, moisturizers, lipsticks, sunblock, and even your soap bars contain ingredients you'll hear about today. https://scientifichealer.com/appointment On the first day You heard about the complexity of your immune system. It's not just one gland organ or system but incorporates the whole body. One way to improve its function quickly is to start a detox process on the body. On the first day, we talked about drinking plenty of water. On the second day, we talked about clearing out three of the worst toxins people ingest. Those included smoking, drinking alcohol, and cutting down on sugar consumption. This helps unburden your immune reactions by helping the liver, brain, lungs, including oxygen consumption. Today I'm going to talk about your toxic environment. There are several ways toxins show up in your home and outdoor environment. Today, you'll hear about some of the most important ones. The first environmental toxin affects your thyroid. Your thyroid drives your metabolism. The faster your metabolism, the faster it can react to an outside threat. It is well known that those with a compromised metabolism through thyroid dysfunction get sick more often. Thyroid disease is rampant in this country. Thyroid hormone is one of the most prescribed medication in the usa, reaching nearly 120 million prescriptions. If you consider that our population is about 330 million, this means that a great proportion of Americans are thyroid deficient. If you include those that are subclinical (an even larger number of people), too many people suffer hypertension, high cholesterol, dry skin, muscle weakness, and are more prone to infection. My year of severe thyroid suppression, I was in bed with infections and illness more than I was upright whereas in the prior 20 years, I barely had a sniffle. A deficient thyroid compromises your immune system in a big way. Here's one of the major and less known ways the thyroid is affected: the chlorination of your water. It's not as much of an issue if you drink it; it is much more damaging when you shower with it. The shower water is atomized and the chlorine goes right into your lungs into your bloodstream. It has the same electronic configuration as iodine, one of the main chemicals in your thyroid hormone. Chlorine can substitute for iodine,disrupting your metabolism. What to do about this? You could get a whole house filter system to take out the impurities in water. That's very expensive. The simple solution is to put a $20 to $25 in-line chlorine filter on your shower head. It totally changes the odor in your shower. It suppresses the chlorine and protects your thyroid. Check out these solutions available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NJn7hE or https://amzn.to/3ijRVn1 These are very similar to the one we have. The second set of toxins are additives, perfumes and preservatives in skin products. They disrupt your hormones, in other words, how your body reacts to outside pathogens. Links to healthy products at the end of this section: 1. The first is parabens. They are found in shampoos, moisturizers, liquid hand soaps, make up, for example. It is essentially a cheap preservative in nearly 60% of all cosmetic products. It is absorbed through your skin and accumulates in your body. They are estrogenic and disrupts hormonal balances. Tenuous links have been made between parabens and breast cancer have been made, thus one of the many ways parabens compromise your health. There are other alternatives include antioxidant oils, vitamin E, rosemary extract, even sodium benzoate. Look for organic shampoos, make up, and moisturizers without parabens. See list at end of this article. 2. The next is fragrances: they are in 50% of the cosmetic processes. Fragrances are trademarked secrets so are not subject to the same disclosure laws as others. Research into these fragrances have found that a great percentage of them have harmful ingredients in them. The FDA found fragrances were responsible for up to 30% of all allergic reactions to cosmetic products. Allergens are one of the ways your immune system is inflamed or rather sends your body into inflammation. As soon as your body is inflamed, your immune system is compromised. Healthier alternatives are fragrance free or high quality essential oils, which are natural. Essential oils such as thyme, rosemary, lavender, citrus. 3. Triclosan is commonly used as a preservative in skin care products. It's also in a lot of hand sanitizers as it has antibacterial properties. It has shown to be a hormone disruptor and leads to allergic reactions of the skin and eyes. Another problem with this as an antibacterial is that it kills bacteria indiscriminately, good and bad. It doesn't improve any benefit over washing with soap and water. There's some evidence that use of triclosan can lead to growth of superbugs. It can also build up in your fat cells and can be detected in breast milk, blood, and urine. 4. Sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS is found in foaming products like shampoo and soaps. Its purpose is to make bubbles and a smooth feel to the product. It is one of the most sensitizing ingredients in skin care products. Its impurities also affect you, especially your kidneys and liver. Alternatives: The alternatives to sodium lauryl sulphate would be Ingredients that contain vitamin E Ingredients with antiseptic properties Anti-inflammatory ingredients Those high in allantoin Hydrolyzed wheat benzoic acid Benzyl benzoate 5. Other dangerous compounds are –Pthalates, This ingredient makes cosmetics flexible and less prone to breaking. Also called a plasticiser, many skincare products and cosmetics contain phthalates to keep them soft and pliable. Phthalates may disrupt hormones, especially in men and children. It could also possibly cause adverse effects on the reproductive system. It has an association with many health issues, such as diabetes, ADHD and even cancer. If you want to avoid these chemicals, it's not easy. Manufacturers aren't required to list the specific chemicals that make up fragrances, and those fragrances can often contain phthalates, which help make smells last longer. Look out for: Phthalate, DEP, DBP, DEHP, fragrance. Alternatives to phthalates: Diethyl Phthalate (CAS 84-66-2) which is useful as a solvent and a fixative in fragrances as the alternative to diethyl phthalate in personal care products. Di Propylene Glycol is an excellent, inexpensive and odourless alternative. It is a better solvent than propylene glycol. Isopropyl Myristate also represents a well-known option. Benzyl Benzoate Resins –Petrolatum (mineral oil, paraffin wax, benzene and names that end in “eth”) as emollients like lip balms and moisturizers. –Coal tar – Makes your lipstick and other colors more vibrant. It is carcinogenic and can cause acne and allergic breakouts. Look out for: FD&C or D&C, chemical colours ( BLUE 1, GREEN 3, etc.). –Formaldehyde used as an antibacterial preservative. Look out: Like formaldehyde, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are also known allergens and sensitizers. The commonly used formaldehyde-releasers to avoid are: Imidazolidinyl urea Diazolidinyl urea Bronopol DMDM hydration Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate 5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane Quaternium-15 Look out for ingredient names that end with Formaldehyde, formalin, bromopol, or glyoxal. There are other products to worry about like bleach, cleaners, paints, plastics, and so forth. You will be hearing more about these in the coming weeks. I hope this has opened your eyes to dangers in the most innocuous places where interference of your immune system can happen without you being aware there was a danger in the first place. All those brand name products you've been using could be affecting you. It's just chipping away at your health a little at a time. Healthy alternatives to make up and shampoos. Loma shampoo: https://amzn.to/2CNTDwL Giovanni shampoo https://amzn.to/3dP8lQS Pacifica clean make up: https://amzn.to/38dwZK0 Avalon Organics is a popular brand found in local pharmacies and natural food markets: Here are two products that work well for me: moisturizer: https://amzn.to/31CvFz0 Rosemary Shampoo: https://amzn.to/2BtEznQ Essential oils: Package of six aromatherapy Pursonic Oils: https://amzn.to/31DJxJg Package of 6 floral oils for fragrances by ESSLUX: https://amzn.to/38lmLr1 Look for the following on Amazon for your needs like Pacifica safe make up or organic make up in general. Pacifica makeup or organic makeup To discover more on how you can heal yourself, speak to me https://scientifichealer.com/appointment. Timeline on video: 4:00 1, Fast tip to boost metabolism/thyroid. 9:16 2. What you put on your skin 15:54 Answering Question on vaccinations.

Diese Folge von „SOFA SO GOOD“ erkennt man schon am Geruch: die Moderatorinnen des Podcasts beschäftigen sich mit Raumdüften. Der Markt ist riesig und reicht von Kissen- und Raumsprays zu Lavendelsäckchen und Duftkerzen von Hollywoodstars, die versprechen, nach speziellen Körperteilen (!!) zu riechen. Bettina Billerbeck ist Team Diffusor, Anne Zuber Team "Kommtmirnichtinshaus" – aber bei der Frage, dass Maßhalten beim Einsatz jeglicher Produkte entscheidend ist, sind sich die beiden einig (sonst drohen Kopfschmerzen und Ohnmacht). Ein Selbstgänger ist der Hinweis, auf Inhaltsstoffe zu achten. Speziell ein Wort mit sehr vielen Konsonanten auf einem Haufen, „Phthalate“, sollte hellhörig machen, dahinter verbergen sich gesundheitsschädliche Weichmacher. Schließlich sprechen die beiden darüber, wie eng Gerüche mit Erinnerungen verknüpft sind, warum Anne Zuber es auch olfaktorisch nicht empfehlen kann, Butter in einer Plastikschüssel im Backofen zu schmelzen und dort zu vergessen, und warum Bettina Billerbeck, wenn sie Bohnerwachs riecht, an die Sommer ihrer Kindheit denkt. Apropos Sommer: das ist übrigens die letzte Folge "SOFA SO GOOD", bevor die beiden Hosts in die Ferien gehen, fest entschlossen, in naher Zukunft vor allem nach Sonnencreme zu riechen. Viel Spaß beim Hören!

Researchers have discovered a link between certain chemicals found in plastics and the premature births. The chemicals are from a class called phthalates, and they're used in a wide variety of household products as well as in food processing lines. However, when they get into people's bodies, there's evidence that they can disrupt human hormone systems. And now American scientists have found that women whose bodies had high levels of a particular phthalate just before they conceived ended up significantly more likely to give birth too soon. Carmen Messerlian, an epidemiologist at the T.H. Chan... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Researchers have discovered a link between certain chemicals found in plastics and the premature births. The chemicals are from a class called phthalates, and they're used in a wide variety of household products as well as in food processing lines. However, when they get into people's bodies, there's evidence that they can disrupt human hormone systems. And now American scientists have found that women whose bodies had high levels of a particular phthalate just before they conceived ended up significantly more likely to give birth too soon. Carmen Messerlian, an epidemiologist at the T.H. Chan... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Jeder Mensch in Deutschland hat Hunderte Chemikalien im Körper, die dort nicht hingehören. Unter anderem Phthalate. Das sind Stoffe, die vor allem als Weichmacher für Kunststoffe eingesetzt werden.

In this episode, I take a look at the safety of nail polish and the safer alternatives available. This episode is sponsored by WYSK Spark Radio, https://live365.com/station/Spark-Radio-a82219 If you would like to read our blog on this topic or any of the  others we have researched, you can do so by checking out our blog at www.yopistudio.com Check out our blog, podcast, and radio station at www.yopistudio.com Feel free to see what we are up to by following us at:  https://twitter.com/Dauricee https://www.facebook.com/yopistudio/ https://www.facebook.com/LouisianaEntertainmentAssociation/ For comments or questions, you can reach us at yopi@post.com To read more about our topics check out the references below. References:   Inci, M. et al. (2013). Toxic effects of formaldehyde on the urinary system. Turkish Journal of Urology, 39(1), 48-52. Qiao, Y. et al. (2009). Irritant and adjuvant effects of gaseous formaldehyde on the ovalbumin-induced hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in a rat model. Inhalant Toxicology, 21(14), 1200-1207. Liu, X. et al. (2017). Acute formaldehyde exposure induced early Alzheimer-like changes in mouse brain. Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods, 1-30. Rodrigo Camara-Lemarroy, C. Et al. (2015). Acute toluene intoxication–clinical presentation, management and prognosis: a prospective observational study. BMC Emergency Medicine, 15(19). doi: 10.1186/s12873-015-0039-0 Hannigan, J.H., & Bowen, S.E. (2010). Reproductive toxicology and teratology of abused toluene. Systems Biology & Reproductive Medicine, 56(2), 184-200. doi: 10.3109/19396360903377195. Filley, C.M. et al. (2004). The Effects of Toluene on the Central Nervous System. Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology, 63(1), 1-12. Aly, H.A. et al. (2016). Dibutyl phthalate induces oxidative stress and impairs spermatogenesis in adult rats. Toxicology & Industrial Health, 2(8), 1467-1477. Young, A.S. et al. (2018). Phthalate and Organophosphate Plasticizers in Nail Polish: Evaluation of Labels and Ingredients. Environmental Science Technology, 52(21): 12841–12850. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.8b04495 Mendelsohn, E. et al. (2016). Nail Polish as a Source of Exposure to Triphenyl Phosphate. Environment International, 86, 45-51. Green, A.J. et al. (2017). Perinatal triphenyl phosphate exposure accelerates type 2 diabetes onset and increases adipose accumulation in UCD-type 2 diabetes mellitus rats. Reproductive Toxicology, 68, 119-129. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.07.009. Hoffman, K. et al. (2015). Monitoring Indoor Exposure to Organophosphate Flame Retardants: Hand Wipes and House Dust. Environmental Health Perspectives, 123(2),160–165. Cooper, G.S. et al. (2010). Occupational and environmental exposures and risk of systemic lupus erythematosus: silica, sunlight, solvents. Rheumatology(Oxford), 49(11), 2172–2180. Vojdani, A. (2014). A potential link between environmental triggers and autoimmunity. Autoimmune Diseases, 1-18. doi:10.1155/2014/437231 Valle-Sistac, J. et al. (2016). Determination of parabens and benzophenone-type UV filters in human placenta. First description of the existence of benzyl paraben and benzophenone-4. Environmental International, 88, 243-249. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.12.034. Panico, A. et al. (2019). Skin safety and health prevention: an overview of chemicals in cosmetic products. Journal of Preventive Medicine & Hygiene, 60(1), E50–E57. doi: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2019.60.1.1080 www.ewg.org www.skinsafeproducts.com www.fda.gov 19. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/fda-authority-over-cosmetics-how-cosmetics-are-not-fda-approved-are-fda-regulated  

This episode: Microbes in household dust help degrade potentially harmful plasticizer chemicals! Thanks to Ashleigh Bope for her contribution! Download Episode (6.7 MB, 7.3 minutes) Show notes: Microbe of the episode: Rosa rugosa leaf distortion virus News item Takeaways Modern life and technology comes with modern challenges, including exposure to chemicals in building materials and such that humans didn't encounter much before the last few generations. Phthalate esters, found in PVC and other materials, can accumulate in homes and cause some problems, especially in children. Modern life is also new to microbes, but they are very adaptable and versatile. In this study, microbes in household dust show some ability to break down the phthalates over time. Whether this activity is significant and beneficial to residents remains to be discovered. Journal Paper: Bope A, Haines SR, Hegarty B, Weschler CJ, Peccia J, Dannemiller KC. Degradation of phthalate esters in floor dust at elevated relative humidity. Environ Sci: Processes Impacts. Other interesting stories: Native fungi tag team to kill invasive insect pest (paper)   Email questions or comments to bacteriofiles at gmail dot com. Thanks for listening! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, RSS, Google Play. Support the show at Patreon, or check out the show at Twitter or Facebook

Scientists discovered a chemical used in making plastic inside the eggs of Arctic seabirds. Phthalate [ˈtha-ˌlāt], a chemical that makes plastic flexible, was found in the eggs of northern fulmars. This species of seabird lives on Prince Leopold Island in the Canadian Arctic. The island is so remote that the nearest town is 100 miles away and only has less than 100 residents. According to the scientists, this is the first time that an Arctic bird species has tested positive for the chemical. The scientists speculate that phthalates were passed on by female fulmars to their unborn offspring. During food hunting, adult fulmars usually mistake plastic items for food and ingest them. Plastic does not pass through the birds' digestive system, so it stays in the birds' stomach for a long time. Chemicals from the plastic items then contaminate the eggs. Animal exposure to phthalate can cause various birth defects. In fact, a separate report claims that phthalate has caused male fish species to produce eggs. Scientists also believe that the chemical can change animal behavior. Jennifer Provencher, one of the scientists, finds it concerning that birds living in a remote location are contaminated. She is worried that the problem is even worse among species more exposed to plastic. Several conservationists were also alarmed by the findings. One conservation biologist said that the findings are proof that plastics have an invisible effect on wildlife. Lyndsey Dodds of the World Wildlife Fund is also calling for worldwide action and hopes that nature will be plastic-free by 2030.

#Phthalate exposure and kids, #HairDye #lead banned, #VitaminD and #BedWetting, #Exercise and #Alzheimers, what to do for a #Fever, #JointPain and #Diabetes.

Hanna is the Co-Founder and President  of Lollaland, an infant and toddler goods manufacturing company designed to be functional and fun. In this episode, hear about how Hanna, a chemistry teacher at home with her daughter, decided to design a straw cup that was easy to use, easy to clean, safe (BPA/BPS-, PVC-. Phthalate-free, etc.), Made in the USA, and just plain attractive. Hanna recalls the day she realized she did not want to be a stay-at-home mom and shares how she transitioned into an entrepreneur through a desire to solve drinking issue for her daughter. Both Hanna and her husband Mark go into detail on what it is like to own a business together. How they manage to maintain a healthy marriage, parenting together, and a growing venture.  Hanna is passionate and dedicated to Lollaland. It’s clear in her stories of what it is like to embark on creating a manufacturing company. She honestly shares the struggles of deciding how to raise capital, coming up with the right product designs, and how to choose a manufacturer to create one’s product. Oh and did we mention she was on Shark Tank and has received funding from Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec? From solving a problem to growing a fun, functional, and innovative infant and toddler goods company, Hanna is filled with wisdom we’re sure you will appreciate.  Please follow Hanna (and Mark) and the Lollaland team at @lollalandusa on Instagram and Twitter. Also, at @lollacup on Facebook. Be sure to go to www.lollaland.com to check out their products. Don't forget to follow us at @libertyforher on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Please let us know your thoughts about this episode by using the hashtag #libertysessions.

Doing research for this interview, I quickly realized that this is no ordinary baby food. It utilizes start of the art technology. And adults love it too! Cassandra Curtis is a nutrition fanatic foodie with an extensive background in the health and wellness spheres. Her deep understanding of business operations, nutrition and food, combined with the experience of being a mother to two little ones, led her to pursue her ultimate passion: to create a one-of-a-kind HPP baby food line that would become the gold standard in childhood nutrition. In this episode, we talk all things nutrition, health, caffeine and more: Experiences at the Optimum Health Institute Moving from a kitchen startup to a co-packer How Matt would react if he was diagnosed with cancer Did drinking copious amounts of soda as a child ruin my adult health? How nutrition affects mood and psychology Two things you can subtract from your diet for a healthier, better life. What is epigenetics? Packaging tips -- Phthalate and BPA free The Magic HPP - High Pressure Processing (photos below) The dangers of "shelf stable" food Matt's 3-day coffee rule Sourcing produce from the West Coast Michael Pollan's Rules of Food Packaging tips As promised: HPP Machine - High Pressure Processing:       E

This week on "A Way with Words":  What's so special about the phrase Sit on a pan, Otis!? It's an example of a palindrome -- a word or phrase that's spelled the same backwards as it is forwards. This year's contest known as the Oscars of the palindrome world inspires some clever, even poetic, surprises. Plus, tips for raising a child to be bilingual.  And what was the search engine Google called BEFORE it was called Google? Also, spelunking slang, hissy fits, language vs. dialect, persons vs. people, French folds, phthalates, and I don't care if it harelips the governor! FULL DETAILSA palindrome is a word or phrase that reads the same both backwards and forwards, like the title of the book Go Hang a Salami! I'm a Lasagna Hog! The SymmyS Awards, bestowed by The Palindromist Magazine are the Oscars of the palindrome world. Recent winners included one called "Espresso Rescue": Had a tonic? Cuppa cappuccino, ta-dah!Bilingual schools can be great for helping children become bilingual, but the best way to fully get there is through complete immersion over a long period of time.Hissy fits, or frivolous tantrums often associated with girls, particularly in the Southern United States, probably derive from the word hysterical. An Alabama caller started thinking about the origin of this word after learning of the opening of a nearby store called Hissy Fit Boutique.Word-unit palindromes are palindromes where all the words read the same back and forth, like this SymmyS winner, titled "Cold Feet at the Altar": Say I do? What do I do? What do I say?!Our Quiz Guy John Chaneski serenades us with a game of rewritten lyrics for Disney's Frozen.Before the search engine Google, there was the word googol. As mathematician Edward Kasner recounts in his book Mathematics and the Imagination, he asked his 9-year-old nephew Milton to coin a word for a huge number, specifically 10 to the 100th power, and that's what the youngster came up with. A googly, on the other hand, is a type of bowl in cricket.What's the difference between your boss and your therapist? Aili Jokela's word-unit palindrome has the answer.Which is correct: several persons or several people? The word persons tends to be used in corporate, legalese contexts, and people is the more natural term.A Hollywood entrance, in spelunker slang, is when a cave has a large, epic opening. Burkard Bilger's epic article in The New Yorker on the world of squeeze freaks and other extreme cavers contains lots of great caving slang.In an earlier episode, we talked about whether it's condescending to say you're proud of someone, and the majority of you who responded agreed that it's best to say something that doesn't make it about you.The difference between Mandarin and Cantonese points to a general difference between languages and dialects: languages tend to have a whole different nationalism or geopolitical power associated with them. For more about Mandarin and Cantonese in particular, check out the work of linguist Victor Mair on Language Log.Take a sheet of paper. Fold it in half. Then fold it in half again. That's called a French fold. Phthalate, a compound in chemistry, got us thinking about other words with ph and th right next to each other. Another winning palindrome from the SymmyS: You swallow pills for anxious days and nights. And days, anxious for pills, swallow you.I don't care if it harelips the queen means "come hell or high water," or "regardless of the consequences." The phrase is particularly popular in Texas, as are such variants as harelips the governor, harelips the president, harelips every cow in Texas, harelips the Pope, harelips the nation, and harelips all the cats in Grimes County, among many others. Harelip refers to the congenital deformity known as a cleft palate, which resembles the mouth of a rabbit, and is sometimes considered offensive. This episode was hosted by Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett.--A Way with Words is funded by its listeners: http://waywordradio.org/donateGet your language question answered on the air! Call or write with your questions at any time:Email: words@waywordradio.orgPhone: United States and Canada toll-free (877) WAY-WORD/(877) 929-9673London +44 20 7193 2113Mexico City +52 55 8421 9771Donate: http://waywordradio.org/donateSite: http://waywordradio.org/Podcast: http://waywordradio.org/podcast/Forums: http://waywordradio.org/discussion/Newsletter: http://waywordradio.org/newsletter/Twitter: http://twitter.com/wayword/Skype: skype://waywordradio Copyright 2015, Wayword LLC.

How to have a non-toxic Christmas and stay in the spirit of gift giving by giving presents that are NOT slowly killing the people that you love. This may sound harsh, but let’s face it, there are chemicals in everything we use, and if they are chemicals have a cumulative effect, we NEED TO WORRY about this. Please read your labels and be mindful about what you are really giving loved ones for Christmas. What’s parabens and where are they found? Parabens have been widely used in products to prevent bacteria growth since the 1950s. “About 85 percent of cosmetics have them,” says Arthur Rich, Ph.D., a cosmetic chemist in Chestnut Ridge, New York. “They’re inexpensive and effective.” New York City dermatologist Fran E. Cook-Bolden explains, “Parabens have a long history of safe use, and that’s why they’re commonplace. New preservatives have less of a proven track record.” In fact, typically, more than one form of the ingredient is used in a product. The most common are butylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben. Over the last few years, however, in response to customer concerns, many brands have started to manufacture (and label) paraben-free products, including lotions, lipsticks, shampoos, scrubs, and more. So what’s the Problem? In the 1990s, parabens were deemed xenoestrogens―agents that mimic estrogen in the body. “Estrogen disruption” has been linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues. And in 2004 British cancer researcher Philippa Darbre, Ph.D., found parabens present in malignant breast tumors. As a result, experts in many countries are recommending limits on paraben levels in cosmetic products. What’s more, watchdog organizations worry that if parabens can be stored in the body, over time they could have a cumulative effect and pose a health risk. Paraben-Free Brands • Aveda (aveda.com) • Burt’s Bees (burtsbees.com) • Dr. Hauschka (drhauschka.com) • John Masters Organics (johnmasters.com) • Josie Maran Cosmetics (josiemarancosmetics.com) • Korres (korresusa.com) • Origins (origins.com) • Pangea Organics (pangeaorganics.com) Reference: http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/worry-about-parabens What is Phthalate and why should I care? There is an association between phthalate exposure and endocrine disruption leading to development of breast cancer. Furthermore, it has been well-documented that endocrine disruptors such as phthalates can be additive, so even very small amounts can interact with other chemicals to have cumulative, adverse "cocktail effects" [19] Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phthalate www.EWG.org Ginger and the Brain Podcast: @gingerandbrain Frantic Ginger: @franticginger Nicki Tedesco: @nickitedesco Buy Frantic Gingers "Inside Your Wasteland" album: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/inside-your-wasteland/id888757463 Buy Nicki Tedesco's "Sweet As Freak" album: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sweet-as-freak/id597148541# "Frantic Gingers" Website: www.franticginger.com Reverb Nation: https://www.reverbnation.com/franticginger "Frantic Gingers" youTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/franticginger "Nicki Tedesco" Website: http://www.nickitedesco.com

This week on "A Way with Words":  What's so special about the phrase Sit on a pan, Otis!? It's an example of a palindrome -- a word or phrase that's spelled the same backwards as it is forwards. This year's contest known as the Oscars of the palindrome world inspires some clever, even poetic, surprises. Plus, tips for raising a child to be bilingual.  And what was the search engine Google called BEFORE it was called Google? Also, spelunking slang, hissy fits, language vs. dialect, persons vs. people, French folds, phthalates, and I don't care if it harelips the governor! FULL DETAILSA palindrome is a word or phrase that reads the same both backwards and forwards, like the title of the book Go Hang a Salami! I'm a Lasagna Hog! The SymmyS Awards, bestowed by The Palindromist Magazine are the Oscars of the palindrome world. Recent winners included one called "Espresso Rescue": Had a tonic? Cuppa cappuccino, ta-dah!Bilingual schools can be great for helping children become bilingual, but the best way to fully get there is through complete immersion over a long period of time.Hissy fits, or frivolous tantrums often associated with girls, particularly in the Southern United States, probably derive from the word hysterical. An Alabama caller started thinking about the origin of this word after learning of the opening of a nearby store called Hissy Fit Boutique.Word-unit palindromes are palindromes where all the words read the same back and forth, like this SymmyS winner, titled "Cold Feet at the Altar": Say I do? What do I do? What do I say?!Our Quiz Guy John Chaneski serenades us with a game of rewritten lyrics for Disney's Frozen.Before the search engine Google, there was the word googol. As mathematician Edward Kasner recounts in his book Mathematics and the Imagination, he asked his 9-year-old nephew Milton to coin a word for a huge number, specifically 10 to the 100th power, and that's what the youngster came up with. A googly, on the other hand, is a type of bowl in cricket.What's the difference between your boss and your therapist? Aili Jokela's word-unit palindrome has the answer.Which is correct: several persons or several people? The word persons tends to be used in corporate, legalese contexts, and people is the more natural term.A Hollywood entrance, in spelunker slang, is when a cave has a large, epic opening. Burkard Bilger's epic article in The New Yorker on the world of squeeze freaks and other extreme cavers contains lots of great caving slang.In an earlier episode, we talked about whether it's condescending to say you're proud of someone, and the majority of you who responded agreed that it's best to say something that doesn't make it about you.The difference between Mandarin and Cantonese points to a general difference between languages and dialects: languages tend to have a whole different nationalism or geopolitical power associated with them. For more about Mandarin and Cantonese in particular, check out the work of linguist Victor Mair on Language Log.Take a sheet of paper. Fold it in half. Then fold it in half again. That's called a French fold. Phthalate, a compound in chemistry, got us thinking about other words with ph and th right next to each other. Another winning palindrome from the SymmyS: You swallow pills for anxious days and nights. And days, anxious for pills, swallow you.I don't care if it harelips the queen means "come hell or high water," or "regardless of the consequences." The phrase is particularly popular in Texas, as are such variants as harelips the governor, harelips the president, harelips every cow in Texas, harelips the Pope, harelips the nation, and harelips all the cats in Grimes County, among many others. Harelip refers to the congenital deformity known as a cleft palate, which resembles the mouth of a rabbit, and is sometimes considered offensive. This episode was hosted by Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett.....Support for A Way with Words comes from The Ken Blanchard Companies, celebrating 35 years of making a leadership difference with Situational Leadership II, the leadership model designed to boost effectiveness, impact, and employee engagement. More about how Blanchard can help your executives and organizational leaders at kenblanchard.com/leadership.--A Way with Words is funded by its listeners: http://waywordradio.org/donateGet your language question answered on the air! Call or write with your questions at any time:Email: words@waywordradio.orgPhone: United States and Canada toll-free (877) WAY-WORD/(877) 929-9673London +44 20 7193 2113Mexico City +52 55 8421 9771Donate: http://waywordradio.org/donateSite: http://waywordradio.org/Podcast: http://waywordradio.org/podcast/Forums: http://waywordradio.org/discussion/Newsletter: http://waywordradio.org/newsletter/Twitter: http://twitter.com/wayword/Skype: skype://waywordradio Copyright 2014, Wayword LLC.

It's Fletcher's 28th birthday and Jeff the Asshole joins along with Kevin to celebrate with this wonderful podcast! Albeit the audio quality is not our best, the content arguably is the best we've done in months! This will probably go down as one of the best episodes we've ever had. We promised a shout out to the 150th person to 'like' our Facebook page, and that individual was Kamille Kennedy! Kamille is an active model and you can find her work at the following URLs. She will also be joining us for episode 35, so be sure to tune back in next week to hear her get in on whatever nonsense this show is! https://www.facebook.com/kamillemariemodeling http://www.modelmayhem.com/2992508 https://www.facebook.com/BLACKENEDESSENCEZINE

We take a look at the health impacts of chemical exposure in nail salons, the shoddy regulation of cosmetics, and the movement towards greener nail salons.

We take a look at the health impacts of chemical exposure in nail salons, the shoddy regulation of cosmetics, and the movement towards greener nail salons.

In 2005 Shanna Swan and colleagues published groundbreaking research linking mothers' phthalate levels with altered genital development in their baby sons. In the four years since the publication of this paper, which was EHP's 2009 Paper of the Year, how much more have we learned about the health effects of phthalates? In this podcast, Swan discusses the state of the science. Swan is a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and of environmental medicine at New York's University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, where she is also director of the Center for Reproductive Epidemiology. Visit the podcast webpage to download a full transcript of this podcast.  

Umwelt- und Arbeitsstoffe stellen wichtige Faktoren bei der Kanzerogenese im menschlichen Körper dar. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden einige Vertreter von Umweltstoffen ausgewählt und auf ihre kanzerogene Wirkung hin untersucht: N-Nitrosodiethylamin (NDEA) für die Nitrosamine, Natriumdichromat (Na2Cr2O7) für die Chromverbindungen, Mono(2-Ethylhexyl)-Phthalat (MEHP) für die Phthalate und Benzo[a]pyren-Diolepoxid (BPDE) für die polyzyklischen Kohlenwasserstoffe. Als Negativkontrolle diente Dimethylsulfoxid (DMSO) und als Positivkontrolle N-Methyl-N‘-Nitro-N-Nitrosoguanidin (MNNG). Da viele dieser Stoffe über die Atemwege aufgenommen werden, ist die Schleimhaut des oberen Aerodigestivtraktes besonders exponiert. Als Untersuchungsmaterial diente deshalb humane nasale Schleimhaut. Um möglichst lebensnahe Bedingungen zu schaffen, wurden aus dieser ca. 1mm3 große Miniorgane gewonnen, die über eine Woche kultiviert wurden, was zu einer vollständigen Epithelialisierung führte. Die im natürlichen Zellverband verbliebenen Zellen konnten daraufhin mehrmals mit Fremdstoffen inkubiert werden. Die dazwischenliegenden Zeitintervalle ließen Reparaturvorgänge zu. Die Schädigungsmuster von Miniorganzellen wurden auch mit denen von Einzelzellen verglichen, die vor der Inkubation separiert worden waren. Dabei wurden sowohl Einzelzellen aus Frischbiopsaten und als auch Einzelzellen aus Miniorganen nach 7-tägiger Kultivierung getestet. Zur quantitativen Schädigungsanalyse wurde die alkalische Einzelzell-Mikrogelelektrophorese (Comet Assay) angewandt, bei der es zu einer Wanderung von gelösten DNA-Bruchstücken im elektrischen Feld kommt. Diese Wanderung konnte durch anschließende Anfärbung unter dem Fluroszenzmikroskop sichtbar gemacht werden. Die Ergebnisse zeigten unterschiedliche Fragmentierungen der DNA nach einmaliger und dreimaliger Fremdstoffinkubation: Die DNA-Schädigungen der Miniorgane blieben nach ein- und dreimaliger Inkubation mit NDEA und MEHP auf gleichem Niveau. Dagegen traten bei jeder Inkubation mit Na2Cr2O7, BPDE und MNNG zunehmende DNA-Fragmentierungen auf. Die aus Frischbiopsaten gewonnenen Einzelzellen zeigten bei jeder der getesteten Substanzen eine erhöhte Empfindlichkeit. Der direkte Vergleich zwischen Einzelzellen und Miniorganen nach 7 Tagen ergab eine gleich hohe Schädigung für NDEA. Bei den anderen getesteten Stoffen wiesen die Einzelzellen höhere DNA-Fragmentierungen auf. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass alle getesteten Stoffe Schädigungen an der Erbsubstanz in Form von Einzelstrangbrüchen hervorrufen. Im Vergleich zwischen Miniorganen und Einzelzellen wiesen Einzelzellen überwiegend eine höhere Empfindlichkeit gegenüber Fremdstoffen auf als die im epithelialen Strukturverband belassenen Zellen der Miniorgane. Das Miniorganmodell bot mehrfache Inkubationsmöglichkeiten und ließ so Reparaturphasen zu. Durch die Verwendung von Miniorgankulturen können lebensnahe Bedingungen geschaffen werden, die die Vorgänge im menschlichen Körper besser widerspiegeln als ein Einzelzellmodell. Die Verwendung von Miniorgankulturen eignet sich somit zur Untersuchung der metabolischen Kompetenz von Zellen und der DNA-Reparaturmechanismen. Dadurch kann die hier vorgestellte Methode zur Prävention von malignen Tumoren des oberen Aerodigestivtraktes einen wichtigen Beitrag leisten. Auch die hier erstmals in Verbindung mit Miniorganen eingesetzte alkalische Einzelzell-Mikrogelelektrophorese (Comet Assay) erwies sich als geeigneter Kurzzeittest zur Schädigungsanalyse. Das gezeigte Modell ermöglicht die Weiterentwicklung einer Screeningmethode für die Genotoxizität von Umweltstoffen unter Berücksichtigung individueller Empfindlichkeiten.