Researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. According to the outcome of the data they found that young children and teens who are overexposed to the chemical triclosan, found in anti-bacterial soaps, could have an increased risk for developing hay fever and other allergies. This finding actually suggests that being too clean can make people sick, the researchers say.
The same study found that bisphenol A (BPA) which is widely used in soaps, toothpaste, plastic products, medical devices and other commonly used items can also weaken the immune systems of adults exposed to higher than normal levels of the chemical. It is believed that BPA effects the immune system through its effects on the human hormonal system.
In this study researchers compared levels of triclosan and BPA in the urine with cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibody levels and diagnosis of allergies or hay fever in adults and children over age 6.
“We found that people over age 18 with higher levels of BPA exposure had higher CMV antibody levels, which suggests their cell-mediated immune system may not be functioning properly,” researcher Erin Rees Clayton said in a university news release. The study findings are published in the Nov. 30 2006 online edition of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
For more whole health discussions, listen to Dr. Georgianna Donadio’s radio show Living Above The Drama.
The most important relationship we have is with ourselves. The way we think, eat, behave and use our resources define the quality of life we live. We all want to thrive and enjoy a healthy fulfilling life. Yet, in our over scheduled, frenzied personal environments and ever encroaching culture, the simple, basic, no-cost things we can to do to have an excellent relationship with ourselves and a happy, healthy life are often overlooked.
Here is a list of 3 simple immediate actions any of us can do immediately to improve and restore our well-being and enhance our health.
1. Buy with Cash –
Over the last 5 years, most of us have had a reality check regarding the corrosive nature of debt. It can cause stress, anxiety and sleepless nights, robbing us of our well-being and causing us to lose control over our relationship with money.
One of the fastest and easiest ways of “turning the ship around” when it comes to debt is to commit to using only cash for purchases and cutting up the credit cards. While we can have an emergency card or line of credit squirreled away for a real emergency, by reining in our spending habits and eliminating debt we can do more for our sense of well-being and health than following the latest health trends and starting an exercise program.
Yes, it’s true – reducing and eliminating the crushing stress of debt accumulation is the number one act of self-care we all need to commit to. Studies show that chronic stress and worry will make us sicker and even cause life threatening events such as stroke and heart attack more so than any other lifestyle behavior. Also, by paying in cash you are more aware of what you are actually spending and have the opportunity to ask yourself – “Do I really need to make this purchase?”
2. Clean out Your Closets
In our consumer drive environment we are invited daily to buy, buy, buy and can find ourselves living with closet, attics and basements overflowing with “stuff”. Much of this stuff we do not even use and may not even remember we have.
One of the most satisfying experiences is to clean out closets, drawers, basements, attics, garages, storage areas, etc., and thin out all the excess material possessions we have and do not need or use. Giving things away to the local “swap shop” or donating these unnecessary belongings to Goodwill or the Salvation Army will not only free up room and space in our homes but will also provide a greater sense of control over your living space as well as provide a sense of orderliness and cleanliness – all good things for our health and happiness. 3. Post Your Life Goals and Affirmations
We all have goals and dreams we want to realize. One of the fastest, proven ways to achieve those goals and manifest our dreams is to write them down and post them throughout our whole working and living environments. Take the most urgent and important goal you have at this time and focus on it daily using post-its or other reminders of what you want to manifest.
This no cost, proven method for creating the things we want in our lives can become an excellent life-long habit. When one goal is realized or achieved we can identify the next important goal and work on that specifically, using our desire and unconscious mind to manifest our dreams. After all, thoughts really are “things” and by repeatedly thinking on something, we can create it into reality. Everything was a thought before it became a reality – the chair you are sitting on was a thought in someone’s mind before it was created. We can and do create our lives with our thoughts – so post away and realize your goals.
The most common resolutions made at New Year this year were health-related: according to YouGov data, 50% of resolution-making Americans planned to exercise more and 43% wanted to eat more healthily. Diet and exercise are usually the first things that come to mind when you think about improving your health, but for a holistic approach to good health, there are many more factors to consider. Perhaps one of the most surprising is clothing choice. Choosing your clothing carefully can contribute to a picture of overall good health — and just as importantly, it can benefit the environment too.
Chemicals are often used in clothes production
Chemicals are a concern in the production of all consumer products, but there have been few studies into the effect of chemicals in clothing on our health. However, the fashion industry uses a lot of chemicals, and there are some health problems associated with them. For example, garments advertised as being ‘wrinkle-resistant’ often contain formaldehyde, and this has been linked with skin allergies and eye irritation. Formaldehyde isn’t the only chemical found in our clothes though: other chemicals used in the fashion industry include nanosilver (found in ‘antimicrobial’ clothes), azo dyes (used for coloring), dimethylformamide (found in acrylic fabrics) and phthalates (found in faux leather and waterproofs).
There is no concrete evidence that the chemicals used in clothing production cause serious health problems, but allergies and skin irritations can be exacerbated by them. Furthermore, existing clinical research suggests that the chemicals frequently found in clothing may be linked to kidney, lung and liver disorders, cancer and neurotoxicity. While chemicals are frequently used in clothes manufacturing, this isn’t necessary, and the best way to avoid them is to look for natural fabrics like cotton, which doesn’t require any chemicals to process. Cotton has the added advantage of being a renewable resource, which has some environmental benefit, although it should be noted that it also requires a lot of land and water and sustain. Other natural fabrics that require little chemical processing include linen, silk, wool and hemp.
Shapewear and tight fits cause health problems
While we’re sold the idea that a smooth figure makes us look healthier, using shapewear to achieve it isn’t great for our health. It’s designed to be very tight, and this puts pressure on our internal organs. If it’s worn for long periods of time, this can bring health problems, as well as increasing the chances of heartburn and acid reflux. Furthermore, shapewear or tight-fitting pants like skinny jeans can cause nerve damage by constricting your thighs, and this has even been associated with compartment syndrome (caused when body tissue swells and pressure builds up). Yoga pants bring similar concerns, with the addition of the risk of fungal infections due to sweating in them. Aim for clothes with a looser fit that allow your skin to breathe. Anything that constricts your body isn’t great for your health.
Similarly, an ill-fitting bra — one that’s either too loose or too tight — can cause you health problems. A well-fitted bra should support the weight of the breasts, removing the pressure from your spine, back and shoulders. If your bra leaves you with indentation marks, the fit isn’t correct, and your body is taking unnecessary strain. Always get a bra fitted in the store you’re buying from, as sizes can vary dramatically between manufacturers.
Whole health requires us to look at every aspect of our lifestyle – from the food we eat to the clothes we wear. To improve the health of your closet, look for natural fabrics and avoid tight-fitting clothing. You’re bound to feel more comfortable, and you might be surprised by the number of mild irritations that subside.
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According to the CDC, over 70% of Americans classify as overweight to obese – a rather sobering statistic. However, as awareness grows, an increasing number of Americans are choosing to make active decisions to curb their caloric intake and reduce their weight. For those new to dieting or nutrition, it can seem complex and overwhelming, but the reality is quite simple. There are a number of methods for long-term success, from making colorful meals to intermittent fasting, but the important thing is to find a method that works for you.
The importance of nutrition and variety
The composition of your diet is an integral part of long-term weight loss and whole person health. While it is true that you can lose weight eating fast foods, the amount you could consume and stay below your calorie limit is so low that you would be constantly hungry. It stands to reason, then, that before setting out on your diet, you must consider the sources from which you’re taking in calories.
Sustainability is the key to success: a diet you can’t stick to long-term is effectively useless, and constantly feeling hungry is a recipe for disaster. Examine your favorite meals, and look for healthy, low-calorie alternatives. Meat, especially beef and pork, are notorious for being incredibly high in calories. You may be surprised to find that vegetarian meat substitutes often have a third of the calories for the same weight, and while they may not taste the same, they can be just as delicious with a bit of effort. If meat is mandatory, then look at increasing the amount of fish you eat and substituting beef and pork for chicken or – even better – turkey.
Variety is the spice of life. If you fall into a rut of cooking the same meals each week, it becomes increasingly likely that you will grow bored and binge. Research shows that successful, varied meal planning is associated with decreased obesity rates. Look for ways to add interesting twists to your week’s meals. This can be achieved in a number of ways: the internet is full of convenient and delicious recipes. Alternatively, there are now services which deliver meal kits right to your door for a monthly price. These kits allow you to try something new every week without the hassle of shopping for new ingredients, and as a result, are becoming increasingly popular among young people.
Building your plan
The first step to weight loss is building a clear picture of your physical health. This means measuring your weight, body fat percentage (if possible) and basal metabolic rate (BMR). Your BMR represents the daily calories required to maintain your current weight. It is calculated using your gender, age, current weight and height. This number will be the foundation upon which you build your weight loss plan. A good rule of thumb for consistent weight loss is to subtract 500 calories from your BMR, and set this new number as your daily limit.
With this number in mind, it is a good idea to spend a week writing a food journal before setting out on your diet. Record what foods you eat each day and how many calories you consume. Compare this to your BMR, and chances are, you’ll be in for a shock. In today’s world, it is surprisingly easy to go a few hundred calories over your BMR.
Once you’ve built a clear picture of where you are, it’s time to decide where you want to be. Goals provide motivation and direction that will prove invaluable in the long run. You likely have an ideal weight or figure in mind. Plan around this, and use one of the many online calculators to figure out how long it will take to get there using your revised daily calorie limit.
At its heart, dieting is a simple equation of calories in versus calories out. However, dieting successfully and maintaining a healthy lifestyle long-term relies on a range of factors which are all very personal. Everyone is different, and what may be sustainable for others may not work for you. To achieve your goals, you need both a clear picture of where you are now and where you want to be. With realistic goals and expectations in mind, anything is achievable.
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