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Author: Sima

Published on Leave a comment on Reduce the Risk of Food Allergies By Having Pet Dogs or Cats

A number of studies in the past decade found that exposure to furry pets (e.g., cats, dogs) in  the first year of a child's life is important for preventing later allergies (animal, food, pollen). A recent large study from Japan found that exposure to pet cats and dogs during pregnancy (developing fetus) and the first year of life confirms that furry pet exposure is important in reducing the risk of food allergies until at least 3 years of age.

While pet dogs kept inside had a protective effect, pet dogs kept outside did not. Also, the type of pet was important. Indoor pet dog exposure reduced the number of children with egg, milk, and nut allergies, while cat exposure was associated with fewer egg, wheat, and soybean allergies. However, these beneficial results did not apply to pet hamsters, birds, and turtles.

Why is this happening? It's thought that early in life exposure to furry pets (dander, microbes) helps train the developing immune system. Their gut microbes also have differences. By the way, other studies found that exposing a child in the first year of life to potential problem foods (e.g., peanut butter, eggs) reduces the incidence of that specific food allergy.

From Science Daily: Living with pet cats or dogs is associated with fewer food allergies in young children, study finds

In an analysis of over 65,000 infants from Japan, children exposed to pet cats or indoor dogs during fetal development or early infancy tended to have fewer food allergies compared to other children, according to a study published March 29, 2023 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Hisao Okabe from the Fukushima Regional Center for the Japan Environment and Children's Study, Japan, and colleagues. ...continue reading "Reduce the Risk of Food Allergies By Having Pet Dogs or Cats"

Published on Leave a comment on European Governments Protect Residents By Allowing Fewer Pesticides On Golf Courses Than in the US

Once again Europe is better at protecting people than the US (Surprise, surprise! Not...) This time a study compared pesticide use on golf courses in different regions of the US and 3 European countries (UK, Denmark, Norway).  It found that the number of pesticide products and pesticide use is significantly higher in the US than in Europe - the risk to people from pesticides is 15 times higher in the US than the European countries.

This is because Europe is actively trying to reduce the amount of pesticides used, while the US is not. The European Union has banned a number of the most dangerous pesticides, while the US has not. Fewer pesticides (20 or fewer) are allowed to be used on golf courses in the 3 European countries, while many more (200 to 250) are allowed in the US.

Important: Pesticides drift onto neighboring properties when applied, they contaminate water and soil, people breathe them in, get them on their skin (and so absorb them). They have harmful effects to our health and environment, even at low doses.

Excerpts from Beyond Pesticides: Pesticide Dangers at Golf Courses Much Higher in the U.S. than Europe, Study Finds  

Pesticide use on golf courses in the United States poses significantly more risk to human health than those in Europe, according to a study published this month in Science of the Total Environment. The findings highlight yet another area of land management where the U.S. is dangerously behind the European Union, as these countries are set to ban pesticides in parks, playgrounds, and playing fields, and have established a 50% reduction goal for agriculture by 2030.

Meanwhile U.S. agencies continue to perpetuate widespread toxic pesticide use, with U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack even working to counter the EU’s reduction goals through a separate, “market-oriented” initiative alongside pesticide industry-friendly countries like UAE and Brazil. ...continue reading "European Governments Protect Residents By Allowing Fewer Pesticides On Golf Courses Than in the US"

Published on Leave a comment on Personal Care Products and Breast Cancer Risk

For years there has been much concern over chemicals that act as endocrine disruptors (hormone disruptors) in the personal products that we use on a daily basis.  One big concern is whether these chemicals, such as parabens and phthalates, are causing breast cancer (as well as other harmful health effects). Because whatever you use on your skin, will get into you.

A recent study looking at these harmful chemicals found that women switching to paraben and phthalate free cosmetic products had a quick effect (within 28 days) on lowering their levels in the body (blood, urine, breast tissue cells). Which then resulted in lowering breast cancer markers to a "normal" expression. Wowza!

What you can do: Check the ingredients in the lotions you use. Are there parabens and phthalates in it? Spend your money on safe lotions and other personal products. Go to EWG (ewg.org) or mamavation.com for lists of safe products. Also: Ways to lower your exposure to harmful chemicals

For example, the commonly used lotion Lubriderm to this day has several types of parabens (e.g., methylparaben) in it. No, no, no... Why are they still in the lotion? Note that our government is not protecting us from these harmful chemicals. (Instead Big Business and big money is more important.)

From Environmental Health News: Get phthalates, parabens out of the bathroom drawer to reduce breast cancer risk: Study

Switching to phthalate and paraben-free personal care products could reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, according to new research. ...continue reading "Personal Care Products and Breast Cancer Risk"

Published on Leave a comment on Magnesium Is Important For Brain Health

Another important nutrient for brain health is magnesium. A recent study found that ingesting higher levels of magnesium from foods (dietary magnesium) is associated with better brain health and brain volume. Brains normally shrink a little with age, but ingesting higher levels of dietary magnesium resulted in less age-related shrinkage.

The researchers found that the effects were especially beneficial for postmenopausal women. It is important to note that all study participants had recommended or higher levels of magnesium intake from foods. No one had a magnesium deficiency. Recommended dietary allowances are 400–420 mg for men and 310–320 mg for women - but the results from this study suggest that ingesting even more from foods is better.

In other words, consider magnesium important for a healthy brain. Try to increase intake of magnesium rich foods. The researchers point out that recent studies suggest that dietary magnesium is associated with better cognitive function and may reduce the risk of dementia.

Foods rich on magnesium: pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach, cashews, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, peanuts, shredded wheat cereal, quinoa, soymilk, black beans, edamame, dark chocolate, bread, whole wheat, avocado, potato, nuts, bananas.

From Medical Xpress: A higher dose of magnesium each day keeps dementia at bay

More magnesium in our daily diet leads to better brain health as we age, according to scientists from the Neuroimaging and Brain Lab at The Australian National University (ANU). ...continue reading "Magnesium Is Important For Brain Health"

Published on Leave a comment on Eating Healthy Foods Lowers Risk of Chronic Diseases

Want to improve your odds of not getting a chronic disease, such as heart disease or diabetes? A recent study found that following any healthy dietary pattern, whether Mediterranean or DASH or Diabetes Risk Reduction Diet or other similar healthy dietary styles, are all linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases.

These healthy dietary patterns all stress fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts legumes, but they vary in minor ways, e.g., whether salt, coffee, tea, or wine is allowed. People weren't following specific diets over the 3 decades of the study, but it's how they generally ate - their dietary pattern.

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found that persons who were in the top 10% of a healthy dietary pattern, no matter which one, were compared to persons in the bottom 10% of that dietary pattern. Overall they found that being near the top of any of the healthy dietary patterns was associated with a lower disease risk.

Interestingly, larger amounts of coffee, whole grains, wine and desserts had lower risk of associated major chronic diseases.

Eating some foods frequently were associated with developing major chronic diseases, such as processed meats, energy drinks, french fries, red meat, and eggs.

From Medical Xpress: Adhering to recommended diets lowers risk of chronic diseases, 32-year study finds

Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts, have good news for anyone sticking to a healthy diet: Good food choices are associated with a lower risk of developing a chronic disease. ...continue reading "Eating Healthy Foods Lowers Risk of Chronic Diseases"

Published on Leave a comment on A Mediterranean Style Diet Is Associated With A Lower Dementia Risk

Another large study found that eating a Mediterranean diet is beneficial to health - specifically, that it is associated with a decreased risk for dementia. As much as 23% lower (compared to those who didn't eat a Mediterranean style diet)! It didn't matter if a person had a genetic risk for dementia or not - diet was more important.

By the way, other studies also find that eating a Mediterranean style diet has benefits for the brain and body.

A Mediterranean style diet is one rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes (beans, lentils), nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, and olive oil. Some lean meat, especially chicken, and fish. This way of eating is high in fiber (good for health!). Try to avoid processed meats, highly processed foods, fast food, and hydrogenated oils. Eat less meat in general.

From Science Daily: Mediterranean diet associated with decreased risk of dementia

Experts at Newcastle University found that individuals who ate a Mediterranean-like diet had up to 23% lower risk for dementia than those who did not. ...continue reading "A Mediterranean Style Diet Is Associated With A Lower Dementia Risk"

Published on Leave a comment on Common Cleaning Chemical Linked to Parkinson’s Disease
Dry cleaning Credit: Wikipedia

A widely used cleaning chemical (even in dry cleaning!) has been linked to Parkinson's disease by an international team of researchers. In a piece published in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease, they built a strong case that the chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) is one of the causes of Parkinson's disease. This is based on the existing evidence (both human and animal).

Trichloroethylene was widely used in the past (600 million lbs. per year at its peak in the 1970s), and is still widely used. It is environmentally persistent, and contaminates soil, air, and water. Vapors from underground water and soil contamination seep out into homes, schools, and workplaces. It is known to be carcinogenic (cancer causing) and associated with numerous cancers and other health harms, including birth defects.

TCE has had numerous industrial, consumer, military, and medical applications. For example, it is used in dry cleaning clothes, removing paint, as a degreaser, carpet cleaner, and engine cleaner. It even was used to produce  decaffeinated coffee in the past! Many US sites are now contaminated with TCE, including military bases.

The scientists point out that Parkinson's disease has increased so much (by 500%) that there must be exposure to something else (or more than 1 thing), and they find a strong link to TCE. They refer to Parkinson's as "the world's fastest growing brain disease".

By the way, a number of other toxic chemicals are associated with Parkinson's disease, (e.g., some pesticides, some drugs), long-term welding exposure, and even head trauma.

The researchers urge banning both the production of TCE and its use, urge the clean up sites that are contaminated with TCE, and more research.

Excerpts from Medical Xpress: Common dry cleaning chemical linked to Parkinson's

A common and widely used chemical may be fueling the rise of the world's fastest growing brain condition—Parkinson's disease. For the past 100 years, trichloroethylene (TCE) has been used to decaffeinate coffee, degrease metal, and dry clean clothes. It contaminates the Marine Corps base Camp Lejeune, 15 toxic Superfund sites in Silicon Valley, and up to one-third of groundwater in the U.S. TCE causes cancer, is linked to miscarriages and congenital heart disease, and is associated with a 500% increased risk of Parkinson's disease. ...continue reading "Common Cleaning Chemical Linked to Parkinson’s Disease"

Published on Leave a comment on Certain Nutrients Associated With a Lower Risk of Prostate Cancer

Eating your fruits and vegetables, especially a rainbow assortment of them, is associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer as well speeding up recovery in men who received radiation treatment for prostate cancer.

Two recent studies by the same group of Australian researchers found that certain micronutrients found in foods are lower in men with prostate cancer (compared to healthy men). These are lycopene, selenium, lutein, lycopene, α-carotene, β-carotene. Lycopene and selenium appear to be especially important.

Tomatoes and tomato products (e.g., tomato sauce) are an especially good source of lycopene. Other lycopene rich foods are: watermelons, grapefruits, guava, melons, papayas.  Selenium rich foods include Brazil nuts, seafood, organ meats, beef, pork, chicken, turkey, and eggs.

From Medical Xpress: Rainbow of fruit and veg the best prevention against prostate cancer

Men who consume colorful fruits and vegetables on a regular basis are less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer (PC), according to new research by University of South Australia scientists.

A rainbow of foods rich in certain micronutrients helps to prevent prostate cancer (PC) as well as speed up recovery among men who undergo radiation treatment for the disease. ...continue reading "Certain Nutrients Associated With a Lower Risk of Prostate Cancer"

Published on Leave a comment on An Organic Diet Rapidly Lowers Glyphosate Levels In the Body

Most people don't realize how quickly many pesticide levels decrease in our bodies after switching to eating organic foods. Studies find significantly lower levels in a few weeks for many pesticides, but in the case of glyphosate - it's within days!

This is significant because each year more health harms are being linked with glyphosate exposure, such as cancer, shorter pregnancies, disruption of the gut microbiome, cancer, kidney toxicity, and liver inflammation.

Glyphosate (found in Roundup) is the most widely used herbicide (weed killer) in the world. Millions of pounds are used each year in the US, typically for weed control in outdoor areas, as well as on genetically modified crops (e.g., corn, soybeans, canola), and frequently right before harvest on conventional crops (e.g., wheat, oats, barley).

Food is the primary source of glyphosate exposure. Many non-organic foods (especially wheat, oats, barley, soybeans, legumes) contain glyphosate residues. Glyphosate is even found in breakfast cereals Organic food does not contain glyphosate  - it's use is not allowed in organic food production.

Researchers first tested the urine of people eating a totally non-organic diet, and then when eating an all organic diet. There was a 70% reduction in glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA within 3 days. Children had significantly higher levels of glyphosate and AMPA than adults in their urine in both the non-organic and organic phases of the study.

Bottom line: Eat as many organic foods as possible. And don't use glyphosate (Roundup) on your property.

From Environmental Health News: Organic diets quickly reduce the amount of glyphosate in people’s bodies

Eating an organic diet rapidly and significantly reduces exposure to glyphosate—the world's most widely-used weed killer, which has been linked to cancer, hormone disruption and other harmful impacts, according to a new study. ...continue reading "An Organic Diet Rapidly Lowers Glyphosate Levels In the Body"

Published on Leave a comment on A Commonly Used Pesticide, Children, and Liver Inflammation

Millions of pounds of pesticides are used each year in the US for all sorts of reasons - crops, lawns, inside homes, aerial spraying, etc. But what many people don't realize is that the pesticides get into us and they have harmful effects on us. Pesticides can be absorbed through the skin, ingested (from food and water), or inhaled.

One pesticide that we're being exposed to in increasingly larger amounts each year is glyphosate, commonly known as Roundup. Food is the main way glyphosate gets into us, and so we are exposed to it almost daily. And yes, it is in almost all of us. It's used for weed control in outdoor areas, as well as on genetically modified crops (e.g., corn, soybeans), and frequently right before harvest on conventional crops (e.g., wheat, oats, barley).

Recently researchers at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health found that glyphosate exposure in childhood is linked to liver inflammation, fatty liver disease, and metabolic syndrome in early adulthood. These conditions can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and strokes.

There is increasing evidence of harms from glyphosate (e.g., shorter pregnancies, disruption of the gut microbiome, cancer, kidney toxicity).

What to do to lower exposure to glyphosate? Eat organic foods whenever possible. Levels in the body will go down within a week. Organic farmers and food producers are not allowed to use glyphosate.

From Environmental Health News: Kids’ glyphosate exposure linked to liver disease and metabolic syndrome

Over the last decade, Dr. Charles Limbach noticed something strange in his family medicine practice in East Salinas, California.

Kids between 5 and 15 years old showed elevated levels of liver enzymes, a sign of liver inflammation. Limbach ordered a panel of medical tests on each patient and repeatedly saw the same result: fatty liver disease. ...continue reading "A Commonly Used Pesticide, Children, and Liver Inflammation"