What's a Paraben? Paraben is one of a group of chemicals used as a preservative in various pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. These synthetically produced chemicals can cause dermatitis, rosacea, and other types of skin irritation in those with paraben allergies. Parabens were also found in human breast tumor tissue in a recent study conducted at the University of Reading, leading some to wonder if parabens applied topically around the arm (deodorant, lotion, etc.) could have migrated to breast tissue. Parabens are sometimes used as a food additive, but is most often found in the following common household products:
- Shampoo
- Toothpaste
- Spray tanning solution
- Personal lubricant
- Lotion and other commercial moisturizer
- Shaving gel
Most people do absorb, metabolize, and excrete paraben quickly out of their systems, but when it comes to your health, can you afford take chances?
Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
A person's carbon footprint is the effect their day-to-day activities have upon the environment. The smaller your footprint, the less of a negative impact your lifestyle has upon the environment, and vice-versa. Here are some steps that will have you shrinking your carbon footprint in no time:
Transportation: Drive less, carpool, take public transportation, or- to help yourself and the environment- dust off that bike and start pedaling it around to places you normally would drive.
Waste management: Recycle as many items as you can, and don't use disposable plates, cups, or utensils in your kitchen. When copying and printing, print on both sides of the paper. Avoid printing out emails and other documents unless you absolutely need them. And after you've used both sides of a page, don't forget to put it in the recycle bin!
Energy: Set your thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer and a few degrees lower in the winter... you'll quickly adjust to it. Replace your standard light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, and unplug appliances and other gadgets when you're not using them... even when they're in the "off" position they're still drawing electricity.
Whether you use all of the steps above, just a few of them, or research and act on some of your own ways to reduce your carbon footprint, do something! Every little bit helps...
Calculate your carbon footprint.Dangerous Ingredients in Diet Products Quick fixes like diet pills can be tempting, and sometimes even effective, but many products on the market today haven't yet been evaluated by the FDA. Some diet products containing "completely safe" ingredients are on the market for years before the FDA evaluates the products and finds they're harmful. The product ephedra, for example, was banned by the FDA in 2003 after a series of consumer health complaints and even a few deaths. Here is a list of common ingredients in diet pills and other products you should look out for so you can stay away from them:
Country Mallow or Heartleaf contains ephedrine, the same active ingredient in Ephedra. The fact that it's an Ayurvedic herb has lulled some into a false sense of security, but it has the same potentially dangerous side effects as ephedra, including elevated blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, heart attacks, and, in some cases, even death.
Guarana can have much the same effects as consuming too much caffeine. Side effects can include difficulty sleeping, elevated blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and anxiety.
Bitter Orange contains an ingredient called synephrine that is very similar to ephedra. Bitter Orange can cause elevation in blood pressure and heart rhythm abnormalities, which makes it particularly dangerous for people with high blood pressure or heart disease. It can also harmfully interact with some types of antidepressants.
Welcome to the October edition of The Gazette Newsletter, in this issue I want to discuss different topics of nutrition, we will learn about chemicals in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals that we don’t they exist.
