Wellness
Articles
You
Are What you Wear
by Patty Barnwell
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We in
the developed world now take for granted the numerous products
we are exposed to on a regular basis. This may have some serious
consequences to our health, especially with regards to diseases
such as cancer, auto-immune diseases, viral, infections and others
that have an immune system component.
I will
walk you through a typical day for men then women. I actually
think women are at greater risk and you will soon see why. You
wake up and head for your morning shower. Many of you shower with
chlorinated and even fluorinated water, both of which are poisonous
chemicals. (You may not be able to avoid these). While there,
you will use a soap and shampoo comprised largely of materials
not known to us before this century. Many of the ingredients in
over-the-counter shampoos and soaps are known carcinogens. (Sodium
lauryl sulfate is in 90% of commercially available shampoos. It
actually corrodes the hair follicle and impedes hair growth, not
to mention the effects it can have on your immune system and your
DNA. Also watch for propylene glycol, formaldehyde and FD&C
colours.)
After
your shower is your shave, followed by cologne. Any ideas what
these two may contain? If you guessed more carcinogens, you get
a biscuit. Now we must look after our hair and you may apply gel,
mousse, hair spray or some other hair product. Guess what...?!
You are catching on. Then to top it off, you will use some form
of deodorant. Not only does that block the lymph system from getting
rid of toxins, it introduces more toxins to a very sensitive part
of the body. Perhaps you also like to use a spray deodorant to
make your rooms smell better. More toxins. You will go to the
kitchen, have breakfast and after clean with soap and cleansers.
Uh, ... yes, more toxins. Some of your cleaners are so toxic that
when they are used in a work setting they come with a list of
specific instructions for their safe use. This includes bathroom
cleaners, kitchen cleaners, chrome, tile, floor, glass, detergents,
etc. Almost all modern cleaners that you would purchase at a regular
store are laced with toxins that may irritate allergies, introduce
carcinogens, and compromise your immune system.
Now for
the ladies. Brace yourself. Look at the above and include all
of these. You even shave your legs. Perhaps you use a depilatory.
These are extremely toxic. As you finish your morning routine,
you apply your makeup. Just look at it this way. The more products
you use the more you are exposed to toxins. Much of these are
carcinogenic and almost all are bad for your health. Last but
not least of these are hair colouring products. When I think of
how toxic these are and then consider makeup and everything else
women are exposed to it is no small wonder that breast cancer
is an epidemic. Remember this - at no other time in human history
did we use all the potentially harmful products we now use in
abundance. Look at the cancer statistics and follow the increases.
They correspond with our increased exposure to all of the items
we have mentioned so far, as well as being exposed to toxins in
the air and water. When we tell this to some people they say to
us, "these are just scare tactics." Yes, they are. Looking
at what we know from the research that is available we need to
be frightened, concerned and pro-active.
The first
step is to realize that just because it is on a shelf somewhere
does not mean that it is safe and healthy. It just isn't that
simple. Get used to reading labels. Learn what to avoid by reading
books or looking on the internet. Look for items that are safe
to use. Be wary. Safe products, like those used one hundred years
ago, are rare. When individuals discover what they have been doing
they are anxious to change. Some books to consider: 1) Beauty
To Die For, by Judi Vance. ISBN 1-57901-035-0 2) Me Safe Shoppers
Bible, by David Steinman, Dr. S. Epstein, MD. ISBN 0-02-082085-2.
There are many others but this is a good start.
If you
think this is all too time consuming and somehow unfair, we agree.
It should not be so hard to find non-toxic materials. Nor should
it be so costly. If you want this to change you will need to look
at those who you elect. Until there is a will to change those
in political power and business will continue to carry on as it
has for the last half century. You can make health a priority
for your family by making it important when you purchase products
and when you vote. Without this we will continue to be exposed
to thousands of toxins wherever we turn. We owe it to our children
to leave them a different legacy.
Patti
Barnwell is a Certified Nutritionist and a Consultant of Ferlow
Brothers Products
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