Archive for the 'Health & Safety' Category

Study finds “Natural” Kashi Cereals Have “High Levels” of GMOs

Published on April 26, 2012 in Food, Health & Safety and Organic. 3 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

My dear friend recently emailed an article to me that made my hair stand up on end. The “health food” cereal brand, Kashi, that many people have grown to love, including myself, has been getting some attention recently. The Cornucopia Institute recently found that Kashi, amongst other “healthy, all natural” breakfast cereals, contains high levels of GMOs (genetically modified organisms). And high levels of GMOs means pesticides.

I find this discovery very troubling for a number of reasons. According to Kashi’s website, they are “passionate about good, all-natural foods.” Um, you can’t be very passionate about your product if you don’t notice that the ingredients used to MAKE your products contain pesticides. And secondly, they tout that they are members of the “Non-GMO project.” How can that be if your products contain GMOs?

Here we are again, with another case of deceptive marketing tactics to dupe us consumers.

Shame on you, Kashi.

Here is the article if you’d like to read the findings.

And just so you know, we’re not the only ones peeved with this situation. If you look here on the company’s website, you can scroll through hundreds of other angry comments from former consumers of Kashi (look at the bottom of the page).

Here’s an excerpt from the article,
“The Cornucopia Institute’s “Cereal Scorecard” (http://www.cornucopia.org/2011/10/natural-vs-organic-cereal/) reveals some truly astonishing facts about what’s in our breakfast cereal:

• Kashi brand cereals (Kellogg’s) contains “high levels” of GMOs. Not just a trace of GMOs, in other words, but a high level meaning the key ingredients are genetically engineered from the get-go. In fact, NaturalNews has learned that test results reveal 100% of the soy used in tested boxes of Kashi cereal was genetically engineered soy.”

-What are your thoughts?

Warning: Keep Out of Reach of Children

Published on March 28, 2012 in Health & Safety. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

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Every year, U.S. poison centers take over 2 million calls related to poison exposures in people, and over 50% of those calls are for children under the age of 5. The most common substances involved are painkillers, cosmetics and personal care products, and household cleaning products; and overwhelmingly, poison exposures occur in the home (over 90%).

Most incidents are resolved over the phone, but there are occasions where a child may need to be taken to the ER. For instance, more than 60,000 children under age 5 are treated in the ER each year due to accidental medication poisoning.

My little sister was one of those children years ago. Nana was visiting and had put her purse away in the bedroom closet where she’d been staying, but when little sis went down for her nap one afternoon she got into what she thought was Nana’s “candy” instead. My poor little sister ended up in the ER getting charcoal treatment and her stomach pumped. Fortunately, she came away from it unscathed, but I’m sure everyone was terrified and scarred.

This type of occurrence happens more often than you might think, and so often pills are indistinguishable from candy. I came across this cute and catchy little video that may help our kids learn that they should always STOP and ASK FIRST before they want to touch something or put something in their mouths that doesn’t belong to them:

Of course, ultimately, we don’t want our children to ever find themselves in these situations, and so poison-proofing our homes is the best prevention tool. Below are helpful tips for poison prevention as well as treatment if you suspect poisoning has occurred.
 
What are the potential dangers in your home?

Any of these common household products could seriously harm a child if ingested:
  • Bath and kitchen disinfectants and sanitizers, including bleach
  • Household cleaning or maintenance products, such as drain cleaner, paints, or glues
  • Automotive products stored around the home, such as anti-freeze or windshield washer fluid
  • Health or beauty care products such as medicines, mouthwash, hair and nail products
  • Roach sprays and baits
  • Insect repellents
  • Rat and other rodent poisons
  • Weed killers
  • Products used to kill mold or mildew
  • Flea and tick shampoos, powders, and dips for pets
  • Batteries
  • Alcohol
  • Indoor or outdoor plants
  • Swimming pool chemicals

 

What can you do to prevent accidental poisoning?
General
  • Regardless of the item of concern, keep it UP, AWAY, and OUT OF SIGHT. Even if you have items in an upper cabinet, it’s a good idea to use a cabinet lock to keep your little climbers or older children out.
  • Be prepared in case of emergency. Program the Poison Control Help number, 1-800-222-1222, into your home and cell phones. If you suspect your child has ingested something dangerous, contact Poison Help right away.
  • Ensure you have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home.
  • If you live in an older home, particularly a home built before 1978, have your home and children tested for lead.
  • Do not keep poisonous plants in your home or yard.
  • Teach your child to STOP and ASK FIRST before they touch something or put anything in their mouths that does not belong to them.
Medications
  • Put medicines and vitamins away every time, even between dosing.
  • Always relock the safety cap. Twist until you hear the click.
  • Explain to children what medicine is and that only you can give it to them.
  • Never tell a child that medicine tastes like candy in an attempt to get them to take it.
  • Never give a child medicine in the dark. Turn the light on and read the instructions to ensure proper dosing.
  • Ask house guests and visitors to keep their coats and bags out of reach when they are in your home. Don’t put it past kids to get past child-resistant packaging (not child-proof, mind you).
  • Clean out the medicine cabinet periodically, and safely dispose of any medicines such as prescriptions when no longer needed. Check with your locality as many hold take-back events as an alternative to flushing pharmaceuticals down the drain.
  • Don’t throw medications away in open trash containers where a child might be able to get to them.
Pesticides and Household Chemical Products
  • Use the safest possible pesticides and cleaning products. There are many natural and nontoxic alternatives that can be found with a simple search online.
  • Always store them in a locked cabinet, preferably out of reach.
  • Place Mr Yuk stickers on potentially poisonous products to help your kids decipher undesirables. Information to request a free sheet or purchase more is available here.
  • Remember the BEFORE, WHILE, AFTER rule: BEFORE using a product, read the instructions. WHILE using a product, never leave it alone. AFTER using a product, lock it up.
  • If a spillage occurs, clean it up immediately.
  • Do not transfer products to other containers, particularly containers that could be mistaken for food or drink. You will want to have the original label and instructions in the case of accidental poisoning.
  • Remove children, pets, toys, bottles, and pacifiers from the area before applying pesticides inside or outside the home.  Follow label directions to determine when it is safe for children and pets to return to the area.
  • Choose nontoxic art supplies.
  • Keep the dishwasher door closed, and only fill with detergent when ready to use.

 

What if you suspect your child has been poisoned?
If you suspect your child has been poisoned, you need to act quickly.
Signs of Poisoning
  • An open or spilled bottle of pills or cleaning product, or suspicious stains on your child’s mouth or clothing
  • A burn or rash on the lips, mouth or skin
  • Burns, stains, or smell of chemicals on your child or his or her clothing
  • Unexplained nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Inexplicable amounts of drooling
  • An unusual odor on his or her breath
  • Headache, dizziness, confusion, or blurred vision - your child can’t follow you with their eyes
  • Bluish lips, coughing, throat pain, or difficulty breathing
  • Seizures, convulsions, or unconsciousness (in extreme cases)
What to do
If you suspect that your child has been poisoned, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Even if your child has no symptoms, it can’t hurt to call poison control. Better safe than sorry.
If your child is having serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, or is unconscious, call 911 immediately.
If your child is awake and stable, take certain measures first and then call the poison control hotline: 1-800-222-1222.
  • Swallowed poison - Do not try to make your child vomit. You may do more harm bringing the poison back up. Sweep your child’s mouth and remove any visible poison. Rinse out and wipe your child’s mouth with a cloth. Call poison control.
  • Poison on the skin - Remove contaminated clothing, while avoiding any more contact with the chemical. Flood the skin with lukewarm running water. Wash gently with soap and water and rinse. Call poison control.
  • Poison in the eye - Wrap your child in a towel with arms placed at his or her sides under the towel, and place them on a flat surface so you can control them safely. Hold the eyelid open, and drip room temperature water or normal saline over the bridge of the nose for 15 minutes. Call poison control.
  • Inhaled poison - Get your child to fresh air. Open doors and windows if safe to do so. Begin artificial respiration if they’re not breathing. Call 911.
  • Stings and bites - Remove the sting if present, and wash the affected area with soap and warm water. Pat dry. Call poison control.
When you speak with poison control or 911, be prepared to provide the following information:
  • your child’s age, height, and weight
  • existing health conditions
  • substance and label information
  • how the substance entered the body
  • first aid given
  • has your child vomited
  • your location and distance to the nearest hospital

For more information:
American Association of Poison Control Centers
Poison Prevention.Org

Praying for Poop: When Your Newborn has Jaundice

Published on March 8, 2012 in Health & Safety. 8 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , .

My newborn was born a month ago. As many of you know, the first seven days of her life were full of trips to the hospital to have her bilirubin blood levels checked. By her fifth day of life, her bilirubin levels peaked at dangerously high levels and she was sent to the hospital for phototherapy to lay “under the lights” for 24 hours. Although my husband and I knew that jaundice is very common among newborns, it didn’t help alleviate our anxiety over the fact that our baby’s tiny body was struggling and there was nothing more we could do to help her. We both took turns sitting next to her in the hospital, praying for poop.

That’s right, poop. (Suddenly I’m having flashbacks to Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog).

Why poop, you ask?

Jaundice, or a yellowing of the baby’s skin and eyes, is caused by excess bilirubin in the baby’s blood. Bilirubin is produced by a normal breakdown of red blood cells. Jaundice occurs when bilirubin builds up faster than a newborn’s liver can break down the bilirubin and pass it, via poop, from the baby’s body. Newborns make more bilirubin than adults and many newborn’s livers, not yet fully developed, may not be able to remove enough bilirubin from the blood.

High levels of bilirubin, usually above 25 mg, can cause deafness, cerebral palsy, or other forms of brain damage in some babies. In less common cases, jaundice may indicate another condition, such as an infection or a thyroid problem. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infants should be examined for jaundice within a few days of birth. An estimated 60% of newborns have jaundice, many of which will not require additional treatment.

What to Expect if Your Infant has Jaundice
1. Heel pricks.
This is how they extract blood from newborns to check their bilirubin level. Most labs will put a foot warmer on your baby’s foot before they prick their heel. If your lab does not do this, I would find a lab that does. My second daughter had to have her bilirubin levels checked and it took the lab technician 25 excruciating minutes, while she screamed, to push enough blood out of her heel to fill a small vial for testing – because her heel was cold. If their heel is properly warmed, the blood will drip out (instead of being squeezed out) and should only take a couple of minutes.

2. Different ‘acceptable’ bilirubin levels based on your newborn’s age.
The older your newborn is, the higher the acceptable level of bilirubin. Of course, there is a ceiling. Most newborns’ bilirubin peaks when they are 5-7 days old, and then it begins to decrease. Generally, when a newborn’s bilirubin level gets close to 20, most doctors will require that they get phototherapy treatment immediately – but ultimately your pediatrician will determine what level is safe for your newborn.

3. If you’re a breastfeeding mom, you might be required to introduce a bottle early
I have nursed two babies before my third and have always been blessed with a massive supply. No matter how amazing your supply is, if you have a jaundice baby, the doctors will probably suggest that you supplement baby with breastmilk in bottles. My pediatrician recommended that we offer our daughter a bottle after every feeding with an additional 1 oz of breastmilk. She wanted to make sure that we gave our newborn the opportunity to “fill up” after every meal, since the only way newborns can eradicate jaundice from their bodies is to poop it out. I didn’t hesitate to follow doctors orders, despite my concern that she might reject my breast by introducing the bottle when she was only a few days old. Well, doing this had no effect on breastfeeding. She is over a month old now, and I typically nurse during the day and offer her bottles of breastmilk during the night (makes it easier on me since my husband can give her a bottle and I can get a few hours of uninterrupted sleep).

4. Several types of treatment options, home phototherapy and/or hospital phototherapy
Hospital Phototherapy while in Recovery & Postpartum
Our newborn’s bilirubin levels were elevated before we were released from the hospital. Because of this, our pediatrician recommended that our daughter be placed on the lights. Since her levels weren’t high enough to warrant triple phototherapy (which we’ll get into later), she was placed on lights. The photo on the left is what this phototherapy option looks like. The lights are below the baby, and they are allowed to have a blanket on top of them, exposing their back, bottom, and back of their legs to the lights.

Home Phototherapy
The last day we were in the hospital, our daughter’s pediatrician prescribed a home phototherapy kit. The hospital nurses called an outside agency, and within a couple of hours a representative from a phototherapy company came to the hospital and trained my husband and me how to use the unit. She was to stay attached to the unit 24×7 for several days – while eating, sleeping, even while having her diaper changed. The light was a small piece of plastic, about 4 inches by 6 inches, that was to be placed on our daughter’s back. A long cord came out from below the plastic, that had to be plugged into an electrical outlet.

Every day, we were required to return to the hospital’s lab to have her heel pricked and her bilirubin level checked. By the time she was 5 days old, her bilirubin level was so high that our pediatrician told us that she needed to go back to the hospital for hospital phototherapy.

Hospital Double or Triple Phototherapy
While the lights at the hospital are much stronger than the home phototherapy unit, insurance usually dictates what bilirubin level are “high enough” to warrant hospital double/triple phototherapy.

For hospital double/triple phototherapy, the newborn is placed in an incubator-looking device, and the lights are underneath and above the newborn. Although it is quite warm under the lights, the newborn is not allowed to wear anything other than a diaper and a pair of glasses designed to protect their eyes. It is very uncomfortable for most newborns, as they usually prefer to be swaddled. In the incubator, their arms and legs flail about and they constantly struggle to get comfortable. Our newborn also swatted at her glasses on her eyes, which required either her dad or I to be sitting next to her 24×7 so that we could adjust her glasses every few minutes to protect her eyes.

While in the hospital, your newborn’s blood will get drawn every 6 hours. When the baby’s biirubin levels drop below levels that the hospital doctors will deem safe, the baby will be sent home.

5. A rebound bilirubin check
Once your newborn is released from the hospital, they will have to have their heel pricked at least once more. The doctors call this the “rebound check.” Basically, if the newborn’s bilirubin returns to dangerous levels 6-12 hours after leaving the hospital, they will likely require additional phototherapy. The hospital staff assured us that high rebounding bilirubin levels were rare. When we had our daughter’s bilirubin levels checked 12 hours after she was released from the hospital, they had decreased slightly from when she was released from the hospital. This indicated that her body had responded well to the phototherapy and would continue to eradicate the bilirubin over time, through her poop.

And today, thankfully, she is jaundice-free.

-Have your children had jaundice?
-What treatment options did your child undergo to eradicate the jaundice?

Arsenic Found in Organic Infant Formula Raises Concerns

Published on February 21, 2012 in Health & Safety. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

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A study published Thursday in the research journal Environmental Health Perspectives has caused quite the stir after researchers from Dartmouth College found surprising levels of arsenic in two samples of organic infant formula and other foods containing organic brown rice syrup. Both formula samples contained organic brown rice syrup as the primary ingredient, and results showed that each contained inorganic arsenic concentrations at or above the current US drinking water standard and more than 20 times greater than the other 15 formulas tested which contained no organic brown rice syrup.

Inorganic arsenic has been classified as a human carcinogen by the EPA, and long-term exposure to drinking water high in inorganic arsenic has been associated with gastrointestinal issues and increased risk of various cancers (skin, liver, kidney, lung, and bladder).  The EPA has set a limit for US drinking water of 10 parts per billion based on lifetime exposure, but the concern in this case is the possible effect on babies’ developing systems, even in a short period of time.

Foods containing organic brown rice syrup were chosen for this study as rice is a major source of dietary exposure to arsenic, and brown rice tends to have more of the inorganic, more toxic, form of arsenic since it accumulates in a layer that is generally removed during the polishing of white rice. The researchers suspected that the use of organic brown rice syrup as an alternative to high fructose corn syrup in organic foods was likely to introduce arsenic into these products.

The study did not name the two formulas containing high levels of arsenic; however, it did indicate that these were the only two infant formulas they were aware of that contained organic brown rice syrup. The Boston Globe has identified these products as Baby’s Only Organic Dairy Toddler Formula and Baby’s Only Organic Soy Toddler Formula, both made by Nature’s One.

According to the study, the lots of dairy formula tested contained levels of inorganic arsenic at and just below the EPA’s drinking water standard, whereas the soy formula tested contained levels of inorganic arsenic exceeding the drinking water standard (see the graph on p18). The lead researcher in the study, Dr. Jackson, has indicated that these levels are not acutely toxic and parents should not be concerned about acute arsenic poisoning.

The company has responded on its website by indicating that their California-based supplier uses an independent lab to test arsenic levels in their organic brown rice syrup and as of yet has reported undetectable amounts of arsenic. For parents who rely on these formulas made by Nature’s One, the location of the supplier is notable. Much of the rice in the U.S. is produced in the south on land formerly used to grow cotton where arsenic-based pesticides were used heavily. That arsenic remains in the soil today (looong half-life), even after some of those fields were switched over to organic farming methods. Research has shown that rice grown in California, however, generally has much less arsenic – one study found organic brown rice from California to have the lowest levels of 134 varieties tested between California and Arkansas, the state where about half of U.S. rice is grown.

Why the formulas containing California-sourced rice syrup tested with high levels of inorganic arsenic in the Dartmouth study then remains to be explained. Nature’s One does highlight some concerns they have with the study, albeit a bit defensively, namely that the Dartmouth study does not use the World Health Organization’s preferred method of testing for arsenic in food nor the EPA-approved method for testing arsenic in drinking water.  The company further highlights the margin for error cited in the Dartmouth study, stating that it is outside the range expected for a reliable scientific study. Nature’s One does not elaborate on its own testing procedures; however, it does plan to release updated testing results on its website soon.

Until then, the best thing parents can do is follow the advice of Dr. Alan Greene, well-respected pediatrician and board member at Healthy Child Healthy World:

  • Rice should not be the primary source of calories for babies.
  • Whenever practical, ensure that the rice they do get comes primarily from California and/or is adequately tested for arsenic (with technology at least able to detect 10 ppb).
  • Avoid conventional rice imported from countries where arsenic exposure is a concern, (i.e. Bangladesh)

Similarly, for the rest of the family, I would suggest rice in moderation and paying attention to the source. One study suggested that one would have to eat more than 115 grams daily of high-arsenic rice to potentially reach or surpass the drinking water standard, so while the latest news is cause for some concern particularly in young children, it doesn’t seem there is need to panic.

Ultimately, the results of this study in conjunction with news late last year of arsenic in fruit juices, highlight the need for safety levels of arsenic in food and beverages. The FDA is currently looking into the issue after being pressured over arsenic in apple juice. According to Time, regulatory agencies in Britain and Europe are already on their way to setting limits, and legislation was introduced in the US House of Representatives earlier this month to push the FDA along.

 

 

 

 

The Dirty Dozen Processed Food Ingredients to Avoid

Published on January 31, 2012 in Food, Health & Safety and Organic. 4 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

By now you’ve probably heard of the EWG’s “dirty dozen” foods.  This phrase is used to describe the dozen fruits and vegetables that contain the most pesticides and should be replaced with organic counterparts.  Well, Dr. Bill Sears has developed a “Dirty Dozen” list of ingredients to avoid in common foods.  Most of these ingredients influence the taste, structure, and/or shelf life of processed foods.  Below is his list of these ingredients.  I have added an explanation for why you should avoid them.

Researching the ingredients in this article has prompted me to re-read food labels on my organic processed foods (organic chicken stock, hummus, bread, cereal, etc.) and I was shocked to find several of these ingredients in my pantry/refrigerator. I make most of our family’s meals from scratch these days.  But even making meals from ‘scratch’ (using mostly whole foods) oftentimes means adding chicken stock or other processed foods to complete the recipe.  Processed food companies have become really smart, especially organic food companies, at “hiding” ingredients that health foodies try to avoid.  My biggest surprises were learning more about the bacon I buy my family (celery salt added  to cured meats can = 10x more nitrates than regular bacon!), as well as the organic chicken stock (contains “autolyzed yeast,” or a hidden name for MSG) and hummus (contains sodium benzoate as a preservative) that I have been buying and feeding my family.

-Are you surprised by any of these ingredients/findings?

-What do you have in your pantry that contains these ingredient(s)?

1. Hydrogenated/partially hydrogenated oils

Examples of foods that can contain hydrogenated oils:  margarine, vegetable shortening, white bread, non-dairy coffee creamers, tortillas, fast food, donuts, ice cream, peanut butter.

Trans fats are made by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil through a process called hydrogenation.  Trans fats gives oil a longer shelf life, which helps food stay fresh longer.  However, trans fat, also known as trans-fatty acids, raises your “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and lowers your “good” (HDL) cholesterol.

High LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease, which happens to be the leading cause of death in the U.S.

2. Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal)

Examples of foods that can contain aspartame: diet sodas, cereals, chewing gum, flavored water, no sugar added ice creams, fat free/sugar free yogurt, juice drinks, jams and jellies

Aspartame is made of methanol, phenylalanine and aspartic acid, and is used in diet sodas and thousands of other products worldwide. Research has linked aspartame to diabetes, fibromyalgia, vision problems, and certain forms of cancer (i.e. brain tumors).

And did you know that formaldehyde is a product of methanol?  Formaldehyde gathers in specific areas of the brain over time and causes degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Pregnant women especially beware!  Aspartame is an excitotoxin, or a substance that has the potential to damage or kill cells in the nervous system. Before a baby is born, its nervous system is extremely vulnerable to dangerous excitotoxins that the mother consumes. Too much exposure to phenylalanine or aspartic acid can cause irreversible brain damage and other serious birth defects.

3. MSG (monosodium glutamate)

Examples of foods that can contain MSG: lunch meats, canned soups, bouillon cubes, instant noodles, cake mixes, fast foods, chips, snack foods, frozen dinners, salad dressings, chicken/beef stocks

Other “hidden” names for MSG on food packages: Monosodium Glutamate, Monopotassium Glutamate, Glutamate, Glutamic Acid, Hydrolized Vegetable Protein, Hydrolized Plant Protein, Autolyzed Plant Protein, Sodium Caseinate, Autolyzed Yeast, Yeast Food or Nutrient, Yeast Extract, Calcium Caseinate, Gelatin

MSG is used in processed foods as a flavor enhancer.  However, it stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin, which effectively drops your blood sugar because of this flood of insulin.  As a result, you end up hungry again an hour or so later, which is why you’re always hungry an hour after a major chow-down on Chinese food.  Research studies have linked MSG to adverse reactions such as headaches, heart palpitations, chest pain, nausea, and other physical symptoms.

4. Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (one of MSG’s hidden names)

Examples of foods that can contain hydrolyzed vegetable protein: soups, sauces, chilis, stews, hot dogs, gravies, seasoned snack foods, dips, and dressings

According to the Food Poison Journal, hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), is “produced by boiling cereals or legumes, such as soy, corn, or wheat, in hydrochloric acid and then neutralizing the solution with sodium hydroxide. The acid hydrolyzes, or breaks down, the protein in vegetables into their component amino acids. The resulting dark colored liquid contains, among other amino acids, glutamic acid, which consumers are more familiar with in the form of its sodium salt, monosodium glutamate, or MSG. It is used as a flavor enhancer in many processed foods.”

5. BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)

Examples of foods that can contain BHA: butter, enriched rice, meats, cereals, chewing gum, baked goods, snack foods, dehydrated potatoes, beer.  It’s also found in several other types of products including animal feed, food packaging, cosmetics, rubber products, and petroleum products

BHA is used in the food industry as a preservative to maintain food odor, color, and flavor. The same chemical properties which make BHA a good preservative may also cause health effects. The oxidative characteristics and/or metabolites of BHA (and BHT – see #6 below) may cause cancer and/or tumors.  Also, there is evidence that some people may have difficulty metabolizing BHA and BHT, resulting in health and behavior changes.

6. BHT (butylated hyroxytoluene)

Examples of foods that can contain BHT:  Cereals, shortening, foods high in fats and oils

Like BHA, BHT also prevents foods from becoming rancid and is used to preserve food odor, color, and flavoring.  Additionally, packaging materials often incorporate BHT.  The oxidative characteristics and/or metabolites of BHT (and BHA- see #5 above) may cause cancer and/or tumors.  Also, there is evidence that some people may have difficulty metabolizing BHA and BHT, resulting in health and behavior changes.

7. Acesulfame potassium (K)

Examples of foods that can contain acesulfame potassium: tabletop sweeteners, desserts, puddings, baked goods, soft drinks, candies and canned foods

Acesulfame potassium is used as a calorie-free artificial sweetener.  In the 1970s, two rat studies suggested that acesulfame potassium might cause cancer. In 1996 the Center for Science in the Public Interest urged the FDA to require better testing before permitting acesulfame-K in soft drinks.  Large doses of acetoacetamide, a breakdown product of acesulfame potassium, have been shown to cause adverse reactions in the thyroid in rats, rabbits, and dogs.

8. Potassium bromate

Examples of foods that can contain potassium bromate: breads, rolls or flour

Potassium bromate is added to foods to increase its volume.  Potassium bromate has been known to cause cancer in laboratory animals since 1982, yet the FDA still declares it safe to eat.  Potassium bromate has been linked to renal cell tumors and thyroid tumors, and can cause damage to our central nervous system.

9. Sodium nitrate

Examples of foods that can contain sodium nitrate: bacon, ham, sausage, hot dogs, lunch meats, corned beef and smoked fish

Sodium nitrate is a type of salt used in the food industry to preserve meat.  When sodium nitrate is used as a curing agent in the food manufacturing industry, the sodium nitrate is converted to sodium nitrite (which is why you’ll see “without nitrates and nitrites” on some packages of bacon, sausages, etc.).

According to this site, “The reality is that companies that make nitrate-free hot dogs have to use something to substitute for the sodium nitrate. Celery juice is a popular choice. And guess what celery juice contains lots of? Sodium nitrate. And guess what that sodium nitrate turns into when you eat it? Sodium nitrite!

As we said earlier, celery is a natural source of sodium nitrate. (Notice that no one is currently claiming that celery causes cancer or that people should reduce their intake of celery.) But by adding celery juice to their hot dogs, manufacturers can make products loaded with sodium nitrate while legally being able to claim “no added nitrates.” Because all the nitrates are in the celery juice. As a matter of fact, these supposedly “natural” or “organic” products sometimes contain twice as much sodium nitrate, even up to a whopping ten times as much sodium nitrate, as conventional products. “

That being said, a Natural News article suggests that sodium nitrite is a poisonous compound. According to the article, consuming processed meats (hot dogs, bacon, lunch meats) results in:

  • A 67% increase in pancreatic cancer
  • A 74% higher risk of leukemia
  • A 40% higher risk of diabetes

Yikes!  I won’t be buying bacon anytime soon!

10. Propyl gallate

Examples of foods that can contain propyl gallate: microwaveable popcorn, soup mixes, chewing gum, mayonnaise, and frozen meals

Studies on rats have shown that propyl gallate may cause cancer. Other potential side effect of consuming propyl gallate are stomach and skin irritability, as well as allergic reactions that constrict breathing. Propyl gallate may also cause kidney and liver problems.

Although the FDA considers propyl gallate safe, many other countries have banned its use, or limit use of this ingredient. the substance did not require a pre-market review or approval process. Since the FDA lists propyl gallate as “generally recognized as safe,” the substance did not require a pre-market review or approval process.

11. Sodium benzoate

Examples of foods that can contain sodium benzoate: Soft drinks, packaged hummus, packaged beverages, fruit preserves and jellies, concentrated orange juice, margarine, fast-food burgers, fruit pies, relishes and sauerkraut

Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative in processed foods to prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast or other microorganisms. Sodium benzoate is sometimes used as a preservative in soft drinks, along with ascorbic acid (vitamin C). With excessive heat exposure, the two additives combined may interact to form benzene, which is known to cause cancer.

Sodium benzoate can also cause hyperactivity in children. A research study published in the Lancet, a British medical journal, illustrates that drinks containing food colorings and sodium benzoate nearly double children’s hyperactivity levels. The study included 300 children in two age groups: 3 year olds and 8-9 year olds.

12. Artificial colors

Examples of foods that can contain artificial colors: Candy (M&M’s, Skittles, Starburst Chews), pickles, boxed mac-n-cheese, loli-pops, fruit juices, flavored drinks, bottled pedialyte, boxed muffins with added “fruit”.  You want to check any processed foods that are colorful – most contain artificial colors.

Studies have revealed a link between artificial colors and a range of attention and behavior disorders in children, including ADHD, hyperactivity, allergies, asthma, and migraines.

It’s easy to decipher ingredient lists that contain artificial food coloring.  Look for any color followed by a number (e.g. Blue 1 or Yellow No.6). Of particular concern are Yellow No.5, Blue No.2, and Red No.3.

 

Acetaminophen Alert from the FDA

Published on January 24, 2012 in Health & Safety. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , .

With two different concentrations of infant acetaminophen now on the market, the FDA has issued an important safety announcement to parents. We featured an article last month in our weekly highlights but thought it worth calling out specifically.

Infant acetaminophen has traditionally come in a stronger concentration than children’s acetaminophen so that less liquid had to be offered in a single dose. But an April 2011 report from the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research found that some infants were suffering from overdoses, some dying of liver failure, due to confusion over the different concentrations for infants and children.

In an effort to standardize the medicine for all children under 12, manufacturers have chosen to change the infant concentration to the same as that offered for children which means more liquid will need to be given to infants. But can you tell which package below is the old version and the new?

Photo source

No? Old and new concentrations may be on the shelf at the same time, so you can’t trust packaging labeled as “new” to identify the new concentration. All manufacturers of single-ingredient liquid acetaminophen are now only making the lower concentration, but the rollout will take some time.

So what is a parent to do? The FDA has some advice:

#1 Read the Drug Facts label very carefully.

Parents and caregivers should always carefully read the Drug Facts label on the package to identify the concentration, dosage, and directions for use. Do not depend on banners identifying the package as a new product.

Look for the “active ingredient” section to identify the concentration. The stronger infant concentration comes in 80 mg/.8 mL or 80 mg/1 mL, while the less concentrated version comes in 160 mg/5 mL. The amounts may seem confusing, but the latter has fewer milligrams of acetaminophen per milliliter of liquid than the stronger concentration – thus less concentrated.

Photo source

#2 Use the correct dosing device.

The less concentrated version should also come with an oral syringe, while the more concentrated version may come with a dropper. Droppers measure a different volume than oral syringes, so using a dropper to measure the new concentration would result in the wrong amount being given to your child. It is important to use the device that comes with the product you are using. Never mix and match.

#3 Consult with your healthcare professional.

Even with the new concentration, there will be no dosage instructions for infants under 2. Do not rely on dosing information from old charts or sources on the Internet. Instead, you should consult with your pediatrician for dosing instructions. And be sure to confirm with your pediatrician the dose amount and the concentration to be used. If the dosing instructions provided by your pediatrician differ from what is on the label, confirm with them before administering.

If a pediatrician were to prescribe a 5 mL dose of the less concentrated version, but you give the more concentrated, your child could suffer a potentially fatal overdose during the course of therapy according to Carol Holquist, director of FDA’s Division of Medical Error Prevention and Analysis.

For more information on acetaminophen and the new concentration, the FDA provides a number of resources in their safety alert here.

 

For Shame, California Baby

Published on January 20, 2012 in Diapering & Potty Training, Health & Safety and Organic. 5 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

And we thought we were disappointed with California Baby before. We stopped using their products long ago when they didn’t respond to our requests for more information – a common practice of the company we learned from other bloggers who also sought information. I wasn’t willing to put a product on my child from a company that was unwilling to participate in full disclosure.

And just today, it seems they’ve shown their true colors. They recently changed some of their product formulations without warning to their customers. I found a comment on Amazon.com noting a formulation change as early as December 3. For weeks, maybe more, they denied that any changes had been made despite complaints from customers of irritation and rashes, including reports of burning and stinging sensations from the calendula cream. This comment, among many other similar claims from customers who contacted the company, was posted on their Facebook page earlier today:

December 31st — California Baby: “Hi! The scent has not changed. But as our products are crop based, there will be some variance from from to crop. The only thing that is new is the label; we have been using our in-house extracted calendula for over a year now…expect slight variances to color, texture and scent with natural and organic products (vs. synthetic). That’s how you can tell they are TRULY natural. =) Cheers!”

Just thought I’d reintroduce a comment from California Baby’s founder, Jessica, from a few weeks back when they were stating that the only thing that was “NEW” is the label. No admission at all of the formula change. I can never trust this company again. Ugh.

And then 23 hours ago, they posted on their website a letter from the founder, Jessica Iclisoy, with this admission:

I recently tweaked some of our ingredients, and the result are products that are even more safe, eco-friendly and fabulous than before.

Needless to say, California Baby’s loyal customers are a little more than upset. There’s just no excuse for intentionally deceiving your customers.

If you’re a customer, you may think twice about supporting a company with such a willful lack of integrity.

Update 1-21-12:

All customer postings have now been removed from California Baby’s Facebook page, and the wall has been turned off for further posts (but for comments on company-sponsored posts) despite the following statement on their wall:

As a company policy we do not edit or remove any of these postings reflecting your opinions including those which are critical of us or depict us in a negative way. Likewise, as a matter of policy, we will remove postings that are factually incorrect, exceptionally mean-spirited, or clearly self-promotional..

Last night, the company also issued a statement on its Facebook page to address customer’s complaints. The company describes some of the changes that were made and why and then goes on to make excuses for their lack of full disclosure, claiming “We are a small company and were still in the process of aggregating all of the new information and putting together a complete list of all the changes that we could share with you.”

I find this to be a poor excuse. If a company has the time and resources to research and change their formulation and packaging and distribute a new product, surely they have the information and resources to notify their customers, especially when so many of their customers had flocked to them because of sensitive skin and allergies. The label could simply have been designed to say “new formulation”. Priorities, priorities. If this was not deliberate, it sure was a gross oversight. Judging from the reports of direct denials from the company in the face of concerned customers, my suspicion is that it was deliberate and now the company is attempting, albeit poorly, to control the damage.

Update 1-23-12:

California Baby has issued an apology and a response to complaints about the calendula cream (my emphasis added):

There is absolutely no reason for our creams to cause breakouts or rashes. This cream hasn’t changed — the tweaks did not alter the core formulation — the changes were minor. Keep in mind that we are in the midst of winter, which is when almost everyone has raw sensitive skin, allergies and eczema can act up, the indoor dryness gets the better of many of us, and our skin reacts. If you/your child’s skin is very sensitive, we suggest using our Super Sensitive/no fragrance Lotion because some people can be sensitive to essential oils. Sorry if you feel you were lied to, we certainly did not lie. It maybe that our definition of ‘change’ is different. We stand by and are very proud of our products. All of CB products are made to the highest standard available and great care goes into choosing every ingredient. Our process is carefully monitored and tested along the way. California Baby products are made with truly high quality natural and organic ingredients. We have not changed. Cheers!

You might want to hop on over to SafeMama’s post here to see if you agree that their products have not changed. Or you can read the numerous comments on some of their posts where customers talk of putting the newly formulated cream on their skin and clearly identifying a burning sensation. California Baby – you’re making a bad situation worse. There’s clearly an ego problem going on here, and it’s terribly unfortunate.

Update 1-24-12:

California Baby has now sanitized their Facebook page. All company postings regarding the change, and all negative comments (over 1K) have been removed. If only it were that easy to wipe the slate clean. The company statement describing the changes and the reasons for them can now be found here.

For those looking for another skin care brand, SafeMama provides some great cheat sheets, like this one for baby skin care recommendations. My favorite baby wash is from the Adorable Baby line by Loving Naturals. Their baby wash rates a “0″ on EWG’s Skin Deep scale with a good amount of research data supporting the individual ingredients included. The ingredient list is simple and straightforward, explaining the purpose for the inclusion of each ingredient in layman’s terms right on the label. This company seems to wear their ethics on their sleeve, and that makes this mama happy.

-Jasmine

“Holy Moly” Chunky Guacamole

Published on January 17, 2012 in Food, Health & Safety, Organic and Recipes. 6 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , .

Although guacamole is traditionally Summer fare, it’s one of those foods that has a lot of nutritional value, yet still can be considered comfort food. We make this recipe in our house and serve it with salad, on chicken tortilla night, spread it on homemade turkey sandwiches, or eat it as a snack with carrots and/or tortilla chips. YUM.

And the best part about this comfort food (other than its taste)? It is super healthy for you! Studies have shown that avocados can help prevent breast cancer (as it is high in oleic acid), prohibit the growth of prostate cancer, and destroy pre-cancerous and cancerous oral cancer cells without harming healthy cells. They are also known to lower cholesterol, reduce the incidence of heart disease and stroke due to the fruit’s high levels of folate. Avocados are also chalk full of Vitamin E, which protects our skin from free radicals.

“Holy Moly” Chunky Guacamole

Ingredients:
3 – 4 small ripe avocados, or 2-3 large ripe avocados
1/2 medium-sized red onion
2-3 large garlic cloves, pressed (if you REALLY love garlic, add 3 cloves)
1 large tomato, diced (make sure to remove the seeds & pulp beforehand)
juice of 2 limes
1/4 c fresh cilantro
ground cayenne pepper, to taste
coarse salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:
Wash the avocados, then separate the flesh (from the seed and peel) with a spoon and place the flesh in a bowl. Gently mash the avocados with a fork, being careful not to mash them up too much (especially if you’re like me and like your guacamole a little on the chunky side).

Add the onion, tomato, garlic, cilantro, cayenne pepper, and a little salt and pepper. Mix the ingredients together. Gradually add the lime juice, tasting the guacamole as you go until desired taste is reached. You can add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed, as well.

2 tips for preventing your guacamole from turning brown while storing it in the refrigerator:
1) Place the seeds of the avocado in the bowl with the guacamole.

2) Cover the guacamole with saran wrap, so that none to very little oxygen bubbles are between the saran wrap and guacamole.

Enjoy!

How to Encourage Healthy Eating at Home

Published on January 11, 2012 in Activity, Food, Health & Safety and Organic. 6 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , .

The other morning when I dropped my oldest daughter off at daycare, she asked me to come closer to whisper in my ear. As I bent down, she cupped her hands over my ear and asked, “Mom, can you please bring in chocolate milk for me to drink at school?” Her request made me laugh. I said “No, honey, that wouldn’t be fair to all of your other friends to sit there and watch you drink chocolate milk for breakfast and lunch while they drink regular milk. And, chocolate milk is a treat, it has far too much sugar in it to drink at every meal – that’s not healthy for you!”

That’s when her friends in the classroom pointed out several half gallons of chocolate milk that had been brought in by parents for a few kids to drink during mealtimes.

And as I was tucking her in that same evening, she asked, “Mom, can you buy Fruit Loops please?” Stunned, I immediately asked her, “honey, what are Fruit Loops?” And she responded with “they are really bright colored cheerios.” She went on to tell me that one of the same kids in class who gets to drink chocolate milk for breakfast and lunch also brings in Fruit Loops to eat in the morning.

I spent most of that day highly annoyed with the idea that kids could be allowed to bring in chocolate milk and Fruit Loops for breakfast and lunch, while all the other kids sit there and watch. But, by the end of the day, I realized that this was only the beginning of what will become a lifelong discussion with my kids about health and nutrition.

I explained to my daughter that eating those foods every day is not healthy because of the high amount of sugar they have in them. It’s not good for their bellies, as too much sugar will make their bellies hurt, and will rot their teeth. Of course, my argument was met with “But so-and-so’s parents buy them for them.” I went on to tell her that I can’t control what other parents buy for their kids, but that in our house, those types of foods are not eaten every day. I also reminded her that she and her sister had just eaten mint chocolate chip ice cream cones for dessert after dinner.

Although my kids are beginning to ask for foods that I wouldn’t give them on a daily (or even weekly) basis, I am thankful that we’re able to have the dialogue about why those foods are or aren’t healthy, and why they’re eaten in moderation. Afterall, my husband, kids and I have been talking about well-balanced eating for a long time, and they understand that healthy food = healthy bodies.

A few months ago, my oldest daughter was asked by her teachers “What foods do you eat that are healthy and why are they healthy?” She responded “I eat eggs because it’s protein and I eat chicken because it’s protein.” She was three years old at the time.

Healthy eating undoubtedly starts with eating at home. Below are a few games and tips for how to have an open dialogue with your child(ren) about healthy eating.

-How do you encourage healthy eating in your home?

1. Start talking about food with your kids – early

Maintain an open dialogue with your kids about food. The best time to start is when your kids are really young (2 or 3 years old) and the family is sitting around the dinner table. Kids naturally are very curious to learn, and love to discuss why something is good or not good for their bodies and why. You could start by asking your children the colors of the foods on their plate, and to name the food item.

2. Play the “food game – Part 1″

To begin teaching my kids the fundamentals of healthy eating, I often play the food game with my kids. We take our plastic and wooden foods, and one-by-one, name the food and then place them into categories. Our categories are usually proteins, carbohydrates, fruits, dairy, desserts (which could be categorized as a carb, but I prefer to keep them separate for the next game).

3. Play the “food game – Part 2″

Next, I’ll ask each of my kids to make me a plate with a well-balanced meal. I’ll give them a plastic plate, and they will put a meal on it for me. Then, we’ll talk about why that meal is healthy/not healthy. A healthy plate usually consists of a protein, a vegetable (or two), a fruit, dairy, and a healthy carbohydrate (potato, rice, or pasta).

4. Learn about food through the senses

You could take a few of your plastic or wooden food items and place them in a brown paper bag. Either blindfold or ask your kids to close their eyes. Hold the bag open and let them pick out one food item with their hands and name the food item by feeling it with their fingers. Or, you could place real food in a container and allow them to taste the food one at a time (while their eyes are closed) and tell you what they’re tasting.

5. Color your favorite plate

Ask the kids to draw their favorite meal on paper. You can help them choose the right colored crayons. Alternatively, you could draw their favorite foods on paper and have them color them in. Either way, it’s another opportunity to open the dialogue about food with your kids.

6. Cook with your kids!

We’ve written several posts about the importance and pleasure of cooking with kids (yes, it can be messy, too), but kids love to help in the kitchen.

Read Cooking with Your Young Child

I often find myself in the ‘get it done’ mode and just want to get dinner on the table as soon as possible. My four year old begs for me to let her help me. When she asks, I usually oblige. She’s happy even if I just let her pour in a few pre-measured ingredients into a bowl. Or stir/whisk something that I’ve thrown together. The point is, you don’t have to get them fully involved to let them feel like they’re helping (and still get dinner on the table quickly). They are usually happy to help with what adults would consider menial tasks, or to help set the table with napkins and silverware.

Reboot Your Health in 2012 with Immune and Energy-Boosting Tips

Published on January 3, 2012 in Food, Health & Safety and Organic. 4 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , .

Happy 2012! We hope that you enjoyed the holidays and that the new year has started off well.

We will be focusing on health and nutrition throughout the month of January. To start out, we have created a list of ways in which you can reboot your family’s health in 2012, including how to boost your immune system and increase energy levels. We wish you and your family a healthy year ahead!

Boost Your Immune System

1. Eat as many organic foods as possible
Plain and simple, organic foods do not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Genetically modified organisms were invented so that crops could be sprayed the heck out of with pesticides. If you don’t eat organic foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, you’re consuming lots of pesticides. Yes, it is true that organic foods are generally more expensive than non-organic foods. However, if you know where to shop, the difference is minimal. See our comparison shopping results of organic food prices versus non-organic food prices.

If you are beginning your organic food journey, then it’s important not to feel overwhelmed from the get-go. Please read our article on Simple Steps to Begin the Organic Food Journey.

2. Eliminate (or reduce) your intake of processed foods
For the same reasons as above, processed foods are loaded with GMOs and other toxins that are not healthy for your body. If you’re used to eating hot dogs, mac-n-cheese, chicken nuggets and other easy go-to foods, try substituting one or two of those meals with an easy homemade quinoa recipe, a nutrient rich kale Greek salad, black beans and rice, or our potato leek soup.

3. Take a probiotic supplement
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that inhabit our digestive tract and leave behind useful by-products while bad bacteria leave behind disease promoting waste. Probiotics can be used to help with diarrhea, constipation, reflux (if your child has reflux, please talk to your pediatrician about incorporating a probiotic into their daily food intake), yeast infections, lactose intolerance, restoring the immune system after taking antibiotics, ear infections, acne, diaper rash, colic and a host of other common issues. You can buy a probiotic from your local health food store. Since they are living organisms, refrigeration is necessary.

My children and I are all taking Natural Creations Enterobiotic S-IGC 60Caps.

4. Take a daily multivitamin
A daily multivitamin will provide the essential vitamins and nutrients that your body needs and is not getting from a daily diet. You want a food-based vitamin, instead of a chemical vitamin, as we outline in our article “Is Your Child’s Vitamin Healthy?”

My kids take the Nordic Naturals Multivitamin Gummies.

5. Drink a nutrient-rich smoothie 3-4 times per week
Chalk full of phytochemicals and antioxidants, a smoothie will help your immune system pack a powerful punch against invading bacteria. I have been alternating giving my kids their daily multivitamins with smoothies. So on days they get a smoothie, I don’t give them their multivitamin. If you’d like to try our liquid vitamins, here’s our recipe for our immune-boosting smoothie.

6. Stop using chemical-laden body care products
Right now is a good time to take inventory on how many chemical-based products you use on a daily basis. If you’re ready to “get real” and take stock of how many products are junking up your immune system, this article is a great place to start.

Boost Your Energy Level

7. Make sure you’re getting plenty of Vitamin D
Are you tired all the time? Feeling sluggish? You should go get your blood checked for vitamin D at your next Dr. appointment. I am in my 33rd week of pregnancy and have noticed a HUGE difference in days that I take an additional vitamin D supplement and days that I forget to take my extra capsule. Vitamin D is needed by your body to absorb calcium, and helps prevent osteoporosis in adults and rickets in children. And according to the NIH, laboratory and animal studies suggest that vitamin D could help prevent colon, prostate and breast cancers.

If you’d like to read more about the importance of vitamin D, see our article called “What is Your Vitamin D ‘Number’?”

8. Exercise
Among other healthy benefits, exercise helps control weight, combats disease, releases endorphins that improves ones’ mood, boosts energy, and promotes healthy sleep.

9. Make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep!
Sleep is very important for our minds and bodies to function normally. ‘Nuff said. Now go get some shut-eye!

-What do you do to keep yourself and your family healthy?

-Heather

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