Estrogen Dominance in Men and Women Part III

Restore healthy by nourishing beneficial cell growth and regeneration

In this article are some keys to avoiding estrogen dominance and other hormone imbalances caused by environmental factors. These keys include what foods to consume and avoid. Also we need to know where to purchase trusted health and personal care products that will not contribute to hormone imbalances.

Organic and Natural Meat

When it comes to what we put in our bodies there is no better place to start than with the meat we consume. One should make an earnest effort to consume meat that is certified organic or meat that is labeled “all natural“ when the source can be verified. Why? The producers of organic and all natural meat would not use rBGH or any other type of growth hormone which could pollute and harm the body. In addition, these meats tend to be less fatty and absent of excess inflammatory material produced in the body of the animal. Less fat and inflammation in the animal leads to less fat and inflammation in ‘we the people’ but I digress. There is no mistaking that residual hormones do find their way into our bodies and affects our lives.

Where to Purchase Products That Do Not Contribute to Hormone Imbalances

It is a rare thing, indeed, to find responsible stewards that care about our health while maintaining corporate profits. In fact, profits are the very reason why we continue to be poisoned without conviction by many major manufacturers. Some of the largest and most well respected manufacturers of personal care products and cosmetics continue to push their merchandise on the market that contain Parabens, TEA, Phthalates, and DEA to name a few despite the health risk. One company in particular has come along, however, to stop the dizzying madness that has gripped the common consumer. Sisel International has stepped in and made their position plain to consumers and industry alike: Poisonous chemicals (including hormone mimickers) in consumer products are not necessary, are irresponsible and will not appear in our products. Sisel International makes over 120 products at its own manufacturing facility where the products assembled are guaranteed to be free of any known adverse chemical and all nutritional supplements are synthetic free all while being affordable to the masses. For too long these types of products have been out of reach of the common man and set aside exclusively for the monied elite. Well no longer. We must take back our health. Whether it is cosmetics, shampoo, lotion, a liquid nutritional or any of the other numerous products expect quality, affordability and above all else expect to not be poisoned! I am proud to have affiliated myself with this wonderful company and look forward to seeing what other products they can formulate that I would confidently support. For more information on Sisel International and our products please visit: mysisel.com/thoughtfulhealth.

A Word about Soy

Soy gained substantial prominence during the 1970’s and 80’s as vegetarianism really began to take off. Soy was seen as a great meat substitute because of its high protein nutrient value and heartiness which helped with satiety. Besides, soy has been consumed by millions of people for thousands of years. There are some things to consider when consuming soy, however. Soy is well known for its strong estrogenic effects. Many cultures, especially those in Asia, often ferment their soy to combat this. Once again we do not want excess estrogen to gain dominance in our bodies even through our food. Another matter to consider is how often and heavily soy crops tend to be sprayed with harmful chemicals that can also serve to mimic hormones and retard our endocrine systems. Many pesticides work directly on slowing the metabolic rates of pest to the point of death and this is what we consume! Who wants to slow down their metabolism anyway? I’m sure you wash all your veggies thoroughly, though. Even still there is another way to get you. Almost all of the soy crops in the U.S. are now genetically modified and are “Round Up” ready which means the pesticides are built in. You couldn’t wash that out if you tried. It all adds up to this: If you are going to consume soy do so in moderation and insure it is organic and not genetically modified in any way.

It is time for us to be mindful of what we put in and on our bodies. It is time for us to wake up from the slickly advertised corporate nightmare that would have us poison ourselves with great loyalty to the poisoners. It is time for us to take back our lives!

Restore healthy by nourishing beneficial cell growth and regeneration

Estrogen Dominance in Men and Women Part II

Reverse aging and rejuvenate the body

Estrogen dominance and hormone imbalances in general, have become an increasing chronic health issue. It is leading to increases in obesity and cancer rates. In order to reverse this trend we must learn how to decrease our exposure to xenoestrogens and xenohormones. Limiting exposure to food sources and personal care products that contain these chemical hormone mimickers is key.

Food Sources

The use of excess hormones in Livestock has proliferated over the past 50 years. Used to increase the size of cattle for their flesh and milk production, hormone use has led to big business. However, this increased business (and by business I mean profits) has been at our own demise. Contrary to industry assertions residual hormones find their way into the flesh and milk of the animals we consume. rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone) is a known hormone mimicker that not only causes bovines to grow but also causes humans to grow as well. rBGH interferes with the endocrine system and fools the body into thinking there is natural human estrogen in the body. Growth in girls is accelerated and the development of the sex organs in boys is stunted or otherwise compromised. Some European nations have an outright ban on the use of rBGH or any other hormone or growth accelerant. People from around the world are choosing more often to consume meat and dairy products that are either organic are all natural to avoid excess hormones. If consuming products that are labeled “all natural” please ensure no hormones are used or added since there is no legal definition to govern these products.

Personal Care Products

One aspect of estrogen consumption is not well known which could lead to devastating effects. Our personal care products is helping to fuel increases in worldwide obesity and cancer rates in addition to other negative health issues. Xenoestrogens or chemicals that look like estrogen to the body are plentiful and prolific in the products we use most often. What products, exactly? The soaps, lotion, shampoo and cosmetics (lipstick, blush, eye shadow, etc.) that line our cabinets. Chemicals like parabens and phthalates are used often and heavily in addition to many other chemicals like TEA, DEA, and PEG to name a few. These chemicals enter the bloodstream and are confused with natural hormones or otherwise cause our endocrine system to behave improperly or poorly. Almost all of the most popular brands use these endocrine damaging chemicals with no distinction between brands or price of the products. Some of the most expensive brands contain as much as or more endocrine system disrupting chemicals as the less expensive brands.

The next article posted will discuss in more detail how to avoid xenoestrogens and give practical advice on personal care products that do not contain them. If you cannot wait until then copy and paste the following link to have a look at non-toxic, non-xenoestrogen containing products: mysisel.com/thoughtfulhealth.

Reverse aging and rejuvenate the body

Estrogen Dominance in Women and Men Part 1

Super immune system and anti-radiation support

A quiet phenomenon has silently gripped the health of our nation specifically and the world generally. We have been enduring soaring obesity rates, epidemic breast and prostate cancer rates and the increased feminization of men. While no single source for these increases exist several suspects can be easily fingered. Decreased nutrient values of our food, environmental toxins, and seemingly unending stress are all culprits but one cause, in particular, has been a silent plague: estrogen dominance. Seldom mentioned, estrogen dominance has flown under the mainstream radar has a health problem for too long.

What is Estrogen Dominance?

Simply put estrogen dominance is either too much estrogen in the body or the ratio of estrogen to other hormones is out of balance in favor of estrogen. Once this happens all sorts of problems can occur. Excess estrogen (and its mimickers) combines with insulin which can lead to hypoglycemia and increased fat production. In addition to increasing fat production estrogen dominance also negatively impacts thyroid function preventing or decreasing the production of thyroxin and decreases the metabolic rate. It also increases the occurrence of blood clotting, histamine release, aging collagen (makes you look older), development of fibroids, tumors and endometriosis.

How Estrogen Dominance Affects the Body of Girls and Women

It is no longer uncommon for young girls between the ages of 7 and 9 to begin their menstrual cycles. It is no longer uncommon to see young ladies around 14 or 15 years old to have a “developed” look as if they were in their twenties. Women today are suffering from estrogen based breast cancers at younger and younger ages. As if all of this is not enough women tend to retain excess fat and have a more difficult time ridding themselves of it due to the estrogenic interaction with insulin and its impairment of the thyroid gland.

How Estrogen Dominance Affects the Body of Boys and Men

Excess estrogen in boys and men can be equally devastating with long term effects. In boys, the growth, development and function of the testes are stunted (need I say more?). This lowers testosterone production and leads to other chronic conditions later in life. Excess estrogen in men interferes with the production of testosterone and sexual dysfunction rises dramatically. Bone density decreases leading to osteoporosis. Mood among men worsens as testosterone falls and estrogen rises.

Please understand that estrogen is a very important hormone for both men and women. Without it or too little of it can also lead to chronic medical issues but in our current xenoestrogenic environment estrogen dominance is far more likely and must be dealt with.

Part II of this article will address the sources of excess estrogen and some of them may surprise you.

Super immune system and anti-radiation support

Sources:

http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-04-12/entertainment/29426555_1_early-puberty-monthly-hormone-shots-laila

Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide. Deepak Chopra, M.D.

Gout: A Painless Solution to a Painful Condition

Powerful anti-inflammatory support for your body

Below is a reprint of an article I wrote several months. Review this article with open eyes and an open mind. Below you will find some of the things we desperately need to be aware of. I will continue to bring new, reviews and suggestions that not only challenges the status quo but will hopefully bring fresh, meaningful insights in this sound bite world...

If you have watched any television of late you probably saw a commercial for Uloric. Uloric is a new drug designed to relieve gout sufferers of their symptoms. With gout's new found prevalence Uloric is right on time to rake in profits for Big Pharma. Perhaps now is a great time to take a fresh look at gout for what it is and how to eliminate the condition as opposed to masking the symptoms.

Gouts Place in History

Gout is a condition that leads to acute inflammatory arthritis. It is often painful resulting in tender swollen joints that are red and hot. Long regarded as "the disease of kings" gout has a lengthy history dating back to ancient Egypt. Imhotep, a noted Egyptian physician, was treating gout 4600 years ago. The 6th century physician Alexander Tralles used Autumn Crocus (Colchium Autumnal) specifically for gout which was a first at the time. Fast forward to medieval times and one would find that bloodletting was the norm. Gout's position in history was usually reserved for the elite of society. During those times only the affluent could afford rich foods and sedentary lifestyles. Contemporary food production has brought us more meat consumption and processed foods that we tend to overindulge in. Add nutritionally unbalanced diets to the equation and one can understand gout's steady increase in society over time.

Relief

Gout is thought to have multiple origins but a general consensus has formed around increased plasma (blood) acidity mainly due to uric acid. The issue of acidosis is more prevalent in our society so a good start would be to address this issue. The average diet today has 30% of our calories coming from protein. Combined with a diet lacking essential nutrients because of consumption of over-processed foods, the chance of developing gout greatly increases. Here are a few tips to reflect upon:

1. Combat gout by insuring protein consumption does not exceed 10 -15% of calories consumed per day. The proteins should be of high quality derived primarily from vegetables, beans, nuts, and legumes. Proteins from these sources are more readily absorbed.

2. In addition to quality proteins the body needs adequate nutrients, primarily Vitamins B3 and B6 along with Zinc, to properly breakdown and utilize the protein that has been ingested.

3. Decrease or eliminate consumption of acid forming foods, some of which are coffee, sugar, alcohol, vinegar, meat and dairy products. Alcohol is known not only to increase uric acid production, but also to decrease the body's ability to excrete uric acid through the kidneys. Some may find that the elimination of alcohol is all they needed to do to rid themselves of gout.

4. Micheal Murray, N.D. recommends gout sufferers consume 1/2 pound of cherries for relief. Dark red and blue berries are excellent sources of phytonutrients that reduce joint inflammation.

5. If a person with gout is obese emphasis on proper weight reduction is advisable. Weight reduction should be accomplished through a low fat, high fiber diet with an eye towards alkaline forming foods, some of which are aloe vera, wheat grass, alfalfa, parsley, dates, string beans, raisins, prunes, and banana.

6. Avoid refined carbohydrates and saturated fats. These increase blood acidity.

There is no cookie cutter approach to treating the condition of gout but some of the common measures mentioned above are a great place to start. Seek balance and prudence in your diet. Be diligent and discover for yourself or with the help of practitioners how to give gout the boot.

Sources

Alternative Medicine: A Definitive Guide, Deepak Chopra, M.D.

http://sharonporter.hubpages.com/hub/History-of-Gout-Remedies

http://www.fertilefoods.com/healthy-pregnancy/fertility/alkaline-foods-for-conception/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16820040


Post Script:

In the coming weeks ahead I will be preparing a series of presentations on weight gain, weight loss and weight maintenance. The information provided will not be your "run of the mill" infomercial styled misguidance but actual information that could change your life, your mind and your body. I will post snippets of these presentations on the blog for your perusal. I will also look into conducting webinars to present this information to a wider audience. Stay tuned!

Powerful anti-inflammatory support for your body

Two Weeks Down, One to Go!

Two weeks into this 21 day "empty calorie" fast and I am amazed at what has taken place. The power of empty calories over our lives is even more evident now that I have (along with a few super troopers) undergone this unique challenge. It is extraordinary the grip that foods devoid of nutrients and filled with simple carbohydrates has on our lives. So much so that some people wouldn't even consider taking the challenge because they feel as if they cannot do without their sugary coffee, morning danish or nightly Oreo run. Now that we are down to one week left on this very important fast I have to ask at what cost do we do these things to ourselves? Do you enjoy sinus issues? Is the extra inch around your waistline worth it? Does high blood pressure and diabetes sound delicious? I don't want to preach but I see so much hurt and pain around from chronic illness and it makes me sad and sometimes angry. We must do better.

Personally my sweet tooth has to be tamed. And like many others I allow it to run free from time to time. However, for the past two weeks it has been in check and I can tell you how good it feels to wake up in the morning without sniffing and snorting because my nose and throat itches or the post nasal mucous is trying to gag me. Also, I have to take my belt in another notch to compensate for the extra room I now have because of a receding waistline. My goal for this fast was not to lose weight or clear up sinus issues (but I'll take it). The goal was simply to give my body a chance to do what it does best and it is the same chance I want you to give your bodies.

When we lay down at night it is usually because we are sleepy. That sleepiness is the body asking us for a chance. A chance to rejuvenate and repair itself. A chance to desperately restore balance. Chronic inflammation from our food and environment does nothing in helping our bodies repair themselves. The absence of great nutrition combined with empty calories only expands our waistlines and lead to chronic illness.

Take a moment and inventory your ills. If they have anything to do with pain and/or inflammation I would suggest a great place to start in turning it around would be the empty calories that has invaded your life and taken your health. It may not be the only thing you need to do but it would be a great place to start!

The 21 Day "Empty Calorie" Fast

Superb nutritional support with powerful all natural anti-oxidants
http://thoughtfulhealth.mysiselpro.com/v1/Products/nutritionals/spectramaxx.aspx

If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter (@thoughthealth) you are likely aware of the 21 day "empty calorie" fast challenge. For those of you who are not aware here is my Facebook note that gives a brief overview:

"For 21 days we will abstain from consuming any and all empty calories. Sweetened beverages (i.e. soda, sweet tea, lemonade, etc.) and desserts (potato chips, cakes, cookies, ice cream, etc.). Also included would be anything artificially sweetened. Give your body a break from inflammation and rejuvenate your immune system. If you must have something sweet fresh fruit is acceptable." A few advantages of participating may be:

- allergy abatement
- inflammation relief
- deactivate continuous immune system response
- insulin burden relief
- support weight loss or maintenance through calorie reduction
- relieve mineral loss

This 21 day fast is not a gimmick. The purpose of the fast is many fold as suggested by the Facebook note. In addition to the reasons given in the noted highlights I would like to demonstrate through this fast how easy it is to consume foods and other things on the daily basis that only contribute to acidosis and weight gain without providing any nourishment to the body.

In the midst of this fast some people will figure out quickly how out of control we are as it relates to food. This brings me to why the fast is 21 days for there are several reasons. First, psychologically it is said it takes 21 days to break a habit. It is not the intention of the fast to keep you completely away from empty calories forever. Indeed, I only wish to bring into your awareness more often what it is you are consuming. Second, 21 days is enough time to show either weight loss or inches lost as the body basks in the glow of a break from the metabolic nightmare that is our current diet. Third, the liver gets a chance to take a breather which increases metabolism and the ability to cleanse the blood of toxins leading to better health.

In regard to artificial sweeteners it is a goal of this fast to give the liver a break. Artificial sweeteners taxes the liver giving no rest to the weary (liver). There are other issues to contend with to numerous to cover in this post but please refer to my artificial sweetener blog posts. They will tell you how artificial sweeteners actually lead to weight gain.

Naturally I cannot promise anyone that they will lose weight/inches or that your metabolism will increase. What I can tell you is that your weight and metabolism will not get better if you do not start somewhere. Underlying medical issues may prevent seeing physical benefits but internally things will either improve or stop declining. Ultimately the goal is to prove to yourself that you are in control of you and to stop the unnecessary downward health trend.

Contact me at Thoughtfulhealth@gmail.com, on twitter @thoughthealth, on Facebook (search my name Derrell Jones) or Skype derrelljones1

Much Love to everyone and let’s Take Back Our Life!!!!

Superb nutritional support with powerful all natural anti-oxidants
http://thoughtfulhealth.mysiselpro.com/v1/Products/nutritionals/spectramaxx.aspx

Keratin Treatments May Blow Out More Than Your Hair

Damaged hair requires natural healing

Keratin hair treatments have been around for more than a few years now. Many people have raved over its miraculous ability to straighten all types of hair. Apparently kinky, damaged, colored or otherwise distressed hair is no match for the Keratin treatments. And since Keratin is a naturally occurring protein these treatments have been regarded on some occasions as being a natural product. Women from around the country and the world have lined up to get this “natural” straightening marvel as the answer to their "hair hell" prayers. This marvel, however, is often little more than a cleverly marketed deception.

The Brazilian Keratin Treatment, as it is formally known, will cost you anywhere between $150 to $800 USD in a salon and is reported to last approximately 3-4 months. The claim of the Keratin treatment system is that the Keratin protein is responsible for the straightening action but there is another ingredient of great concern at work. That ingredient is Formaldehyde. Recently the U.S. government added Formaldehyde to the list of substances known to cause cancer (refer to my posts from 6/12/11 and 6/16/11 for more regarding Formaldehyde). Many experts believe that it is the Formaldehyde doing most of the heavy lifting as it relates to straightening.

The use of Formaldehyde and its parent chemicals Aldehyde and Aldehyde Salts (more on these in a bit) pose immediate and long term risk to the client, beautician/stylist, and by-standing customers and visitors. When the Keratin treatment is applied it is heated vaporizing some of the formaldehyde allowing it to be taken directly into the lungs. The potential for respiratory distress from the vapors is increased with each inhalation and could be felt immediately or develop over time. In addition, the formaldehyde applied to hair that is not vaporized breaks down over time and can be absorbed through the scalp and skin . The Cosmetic Ingredient Expert review panel has set the “safe” limit (as safe as a poison can be) at .2%. Test were initiated by Allure Magazine on some Keratin treatment products and found 10 times the recommended “safe” amount of Formaldehyde in them. In 2010 the Oregon OSHA and Oregon Health and Sciences University found that one popular treatment called Brazilian Blowout Solution contained 8% Formaldehyde while the company’s website insisted their product was Formaldehyde free.

Splitting Hairs (pun intended)

Many Keratin treatment producers have caught on that their customers do not want Formaldehyde in the products they buy. These companies also know that their products will not work nearly as well without Formaldehyde. What is a company to do? Some have chosen deception for the sake of profit. The deception goes like this: Step 1 - Remove the Formaldehyde to make the product more desirable. Step 2 - Add an Aldehyde or Aldehyde salt to achieve straightening ability. Step 3 - Advertise to the public your product is Formaldehyde free...brilliant! Unfortunately the same potential adverse health effects exist. Aldehyde is the parent chemical of Formaldehyde and possesses the same inherent dangers. Dubious and devious, indeed.

Consumer beware. Straightening your hair should not be detrimental to your health. Seek trustworthy companies that make safe products or seek to go natural. Choose wisely and be sure to tip your stylist (by tip I mean share this post with them).

Damaged hair requires natural healing

Sources:

http://www.orosha.org/pdf/Final_Hair_Smoothing_Report.pdf

http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_tampa/brazilian-keratin-hair-treatment-product-linked-to-formaldehyde

http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/retexturizing/post-keratin-treatment-methods

http://www.carolina.com/category/teacher%20resources/material%20data%20safety%20sheets%20(msds)/msds-%20a-c/acetic%20aldehyde.do