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Researchers have found that that an enzyme extracted from pineapple stems called bromelain is superior to 5-fluorauracil (5-FU), a chemotherapy agent useful in treating cancer. “This antitumoral effect [bromelain] was superior to that of 5-FU [5-fluorouracil], whose survival index was approximately 263%, relative to the untreated control,” said the researchers.

One of the greatest issues with fighting cancer, particularly with 5-FU, is that it damages healthy cells severely. And that’s really the trick with killing cancer. Killing cancer cells is not particularly difficult – it’s finding a treatment for cancer that doesn’t kill the rest of you that proves challenging. Researchers found bromelain to be as effective if not more so in killing cancer and much less taxing on the person suffering from cancer.

The unfortunate truth is that even if this study were to be cross-examined and confirmed by dozens of other scientists and oncologists, it’s unlikely that it would be taken seriously, granted FDA approval, and used to treat this terrifying disease. There’s money in fighting cancer, and bromelain is pretty inexpensive.

To view additional research on the potential therapeutic properties of bromelain in over 30 health conditions, visit the open source, natural medical resource page on bromelain.

Image credit: Tom Allender, Flickr

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More and more we’re seeing instances of childrens’ toys and clothes being loaded with toxic chemicals that can inadvertently harm them. Fortunately, if you know what to look for, you can avoid many of these toxic gifts that children commonly receive.

Avoid fake leather.

Be it backpacks, jackets, purses or wallets, it’s best to avoid fake leather. Often times, fake leather is made with polyvinyl chloride which is stabilized with lead. You know, the stuff they took out of gasoline because it was poisoning everyone on Earth. Retailers like Forever 21 were found by the Center for Environmental Health to offer many lead-tainted products. Even small amounts of exposure can have a profound effect on nearly every biological system in a child’s body. So avoid fake leather.

Say no to plastic toys.

It seems like pretty much every toy is made of plastic now. The problem? Phthalates commonly tag along with their plastic companions. Phthalates are used to make plastic more flexible and difficult to break. But they’ve also been linked to infertility and abnormal reproductive development. Retailers are beginning to eliminate or reduce phthalate-containing plastics in products meant for kids, but most products have not been liberated from their toxic chemical companion. Even popular brands like Disney, Spider Man and Dora the Explorer school supplies were found to contain phthalates. Supplies like backpacks, binders, raincoats and lunch boxes. Lunch boxes!

Be careful of cheap jewelry.

This one goes for adults too. A study reported by Time Magazine revealed that about 59% of cheap, costume jewelry sold at large national changes like Walmart, Forever 21, H&M, Kohls, and target contained one or more chemicals considered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission to be hazardous to the health of children and adults alike. They analyzed 99 pieces of jewelry, and 27% contained more than 300 parts per million limit for lead set by the CPSC that’s safe for children. 13% contained more than 100 ppm of arsenic, which has been linked to a variety of cancers. Some even contained cadmium, which is a toxic metal used in plating batteries. Cadmium builds up in your kidneys and contributes to reproductive abnormalities and lung cancer.

Watch out for toxic art supplies.

In all likeliness, your finger paints and watercolors are okay, but some types of glues, acrylic paints, solvents, pigments and permanent markers release volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which are known to be carcinogenic. The Art and Creative Materials Institute encourages parents to look for ACMI seals that ensure the product has been evaluated by a toxicologist to make sure that they don’t create chronic health issues for your children.

Beware the poisonous candies.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but many candies come with high-fructose corn syrup, GMO ingredients, synthetic colors, excessive sugar, pesticides, and not to mention the guilt of buying non fair-trade sugar and cocoa, which provides the worst kinds of working conditions for the farmers. Instead, find fair-trade candies with natural, organic ingredients.

Image credit: Pavel P, Flickr

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Pop quiz: which is more polluted, indoor air or outdoor air? 10 times out of 10, indoor air in your house, office or apartment is going to be worse than the air outside. Indoor air pollution has been ranked among the top 5 greatest risks to public health by the EPA, and stagnant indoor air allows pollutants to build up and stick to the things inside of your home.

The things in our homes emit some nasty toxic chemicals like formaldehyde for example. You can also be impacted by pollutants like pollen, bacteria, mold, and various outdoor contaminants that find their way inside.

Fortunately, houseplants can help us solve some of these air quality issues. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, these houseplants are basically impossible to kill. Let’s check them out!

1. Garden Mum

This plant was found by NASA to be a real air-purifying beast. It removes ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene from your home’s air. It’s popular and inexpensive, plus they can be planted outside too.

2. Spider Plant

Spider plants are incredibly easy to grow, so if you’re a beginner, this is a great one to start with. It lights bright, indirect light and sends out shoots with flowers on them that will eventually grow into baby spider plants that you can propagate yourself. Before too long, you’ll have more spider plants than you’ll know what to do with.

3. Dracaena

There are over 40 kinds of dracaena plants, which makes it easy to find the right one for you. They remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene from the air. They are toxic to cats and dogs though, so if you have pets, you might want to think twice about this one.

4. Ficus

Ficus trees are a favorite of mine as they are able to grow quite large depending on the type of pot you have them in. They typically stand between 2 and 10 feet tall and have some serious air cleaning abilities. You can also keep it outside in the spring and summer. The ficus removes benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde from indoor air.

5. Peace Lily

Not only does the peace lily send up beautiful flowers, but they’re impossible to kill and have great air cleaning abilities. They flower through most of the summer and prefer shady spots with moist but not soggy soil. It removes ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.

 

6. Boston fern.

This plant likes cool locations with high humidity and indirect light. Bathrooms are a perfect spot for these little friends. They remove pollutants like xylene and formaldehyde from indoor air.

7. Snake Plant/Mother-in-law’s Tongue.

I see this one all over the place in offices and restaurants – and for good reason. They’re pretty much impossible to kill. They need water only occasionally and prefer drier conditions. They don’t need much direct sunlight either. They remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and xylene from indoor air.

8. Bamboo Palm

Bamboo palms are most effective at filtering formaldehyde. They thrive in full sun and bright light. They grow as high as 12 foot too, making them an incredible presence indoors. They remove benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.

9. Aloe Vera

Aloe is a multi-use plant for sure. It has health benefits when consumed in smaller amounts, helps relieve burns, and cleans your indoor air as well. It removes formaldehyde effectively from indoor air.

Image credit: F. D. Richards, Flickr

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You don’t generally think of winter as being a particularly bountiful time when it comes to eating fresh foods. But there are 7 delicious vegetables that are in season all winter long.

Why eat fruits and vegetables that are in season? Because when produce is in season, it’s at its very best. It’s more nutritious, it tastes better, eating seasonally helps bring variety to your plate, and it’s much much easier on the environment too. Eating seasonal also improves the chances that you’re eating a local vegetable as opposed to one harvested halfway across the planet and artificially ripened in transit.

New veggies won’t be in season until May, so get your fill of these guys.

1. Brussels Sprouts.

2. Spring Green Cabbage.

3. Savoy Cabbage.

4. Carrots.

5. Cauliflower.

6. Kale.

7. Leeks.

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We think of our homes often as being clean, pristine places, but unfortunately, many of the things we use to keep our houses feeling like healthy environments are working counter to that goal. Here we list six of the things that you need to kick to the curb right now.

1. Air fresheners

The NRDC conducted a study that showed 13 common brands of air freshener contain chemicals that aggravate asthma and may impact reproductive development in children. Some air fresheners contain carcinogens, which are cancer-causing chemicals, and other toxic substances.

2. Candles

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, 40% of candles sold contain lead wires in their wicks and that lead is added to the fragrance oils in the wax as well.

Additionally, they release lead in amounts that can be hazardous to children. A great alternative to these candles would be beeswax candles with cotton wicks. You can make your own too pretty esaily.

3. Some art supplies

Your fingerpaints are just fine, but some art supplies like rubber cement, acrylic paint, permanent markers and epoxy are loaded with nasty chemicals that can exacerbate allergies, cause organ damage, and are even carcinogenic at times. Kids are especially vulnerable.

4. Shampoos.

There is no definitive study that shows shampoo causes cancer, but scientists have found that shampoos are often loaded with toxic shit that you don’t need to be putting on your skin.

5. Deodorant and antiperspirants

I’ve used coconut oil as a deodorant for well over a year now and haven’t looked back. I don’t smell bad and I avoid things like aluminum and other nasty chemicals, some of which can cause cancer, that exist in our standard store-bought deodorant.

6. Shower curtains

This one was the most surprising to me. It turns out, shower curtains are often treated with various chemicals and can emit something called VOCs, or volatile organic chemicals.

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No one wants to eat pesticides, right? Unfortunately, organic food can be pretty tough to afford, though the good news is that the price is coming down on them. Fruits and vegetables that aren’t grown organically usually come into contact with a variety of different pesticides and chemicals. Even organic produce can be contaminated by neighboring, non-organic fields. There’s really no need to buy an expensive fruit wash and sometimes rinsing with water doesn’t always do the trick. Cold tap water has only been effective in removing about 9 of the 12 most common pesticides. Try this instead:

Mix a half cup of vinegar in a bowl of water and submerge your fruits and veggies for 15 minutes. After that, rinse your produce under running water and wash them thoroughly.

At the very least, you should always take the time to rinse off your produce before you eat it, whether it’s organic or conventionally grown. Your produce may seem like it’s clean, but many of the chemicals used as pesticides are tasteless, odorless, and invisible.

Image credit: Flickr, Sunny Abesamis

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Fluoride is a pretty common chemical added to most tap water and many dental health products. Many have been convinced that it helps maintain strong teeth, but the opposite is actually true. Consuming it comes with risks.

Fluoride was first introduced to us in the 1940’s and 50’s when public health officials began adding fluoride to our drinking water. It was also added to toothpaste and mouth rinse. Unless you use a purification device, you’re almost certainly being exposed to it. If you’ve been drinking tap water, it might be time for a chemical and toxin cleanse.

Fluoride overexposure can cause a number of health problems, some more severe than others. Excess salivation is one indication. Fluorosis, which is a condition that impedes the function of ameloblasts in the mouth, hinders the development of enamel. Kind of ironic, huh?

Avoiding fluoride is not easy, but it can be done. Avoid tap water and products that use it. Invest in a water purification system. You may want to order some dietary iodine so your thyroid can detox itself and start working better too.

Have you had problems with fluoride before? Let us know in the comments below!

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At some point or another, all women have trouble with vaginal health. But it turns out, there are foods that can be the answer to poor vaginal health issues. I know, it probably sounds silly, but you can eat your way to a healthier vagina.

Here is a list of foods that have a positive impact on your vaginal health:

1. Cranberry juice.

Craberry juice is full of acidic compounds that fight off bad bacteria and help prevent UTIs. Go for natural, no-added-sugar brands. Always choose oraganic!

2. Yogurt.

Yogurt has good bacteria cultures needed for a healthy vagina. Yogurt also helps balance the pH of the vagina. Plain yogurt is fine, but you can consume any kind.

3. Garlic.

Like we need a good reason to eat garlic. Garlic has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. You can eat it raw, cooked, or take it in pill form. It’s good for getting rid of yeast infections too.

4. Dark chocolate.

Dark chocolates are high in flavonoids, which is an antioxidant. Studies have shown that women who eat a bit of dark chocolate a day report better overall sexual health.

5. Drink water.

This is a no-brainer. Being properly hydrated is good for your whole body, vagina included.

6. Fresh fruits and vegetables.

Eating plant-based food reduces menstrual cramps, improves your skin, and gives you an easier orgasm. Eat a diet high in vitamins and minerals. Leafy greens should be a go to. Get plenty of vitamin B6 and potassium.

7. Nuts and seeds.

Seeds and nuts are high in vitamin E, which prevents dryness of the vagina, as well as oils. Almonds and pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which helps combat itching and regulates the menstrual cycle.

Photo: Getty Images

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The liver is your body’s largest organ, and it’s definitely a hard worker. It plays an important role in healthy bodily function.

  • It detoxes your blood, filtering out any unwanted and harmful substances like pills and alcohol
  • It produces bile to aid digestion
  • It stores some of your body’s iron and vitamins
  • It stores glucose
  • It turns glucose into sugar that the body will use when the body’s levels of sugar become depleted
  • It processes insulin, haemoglobin and a other hormones
  • It converts ammonia into urea; an essential compound for healthy metabolism
  • It eliminates old red blood cells, which produces faecal matter which is usually in brown color. This is why when your stools are discolored (i.e. when they are not brown) it can be an sign that there is something wrong with the liver function.

The most frequent and common symptoms of liver disease include:

  • Pain – which is felt in the uppermost right hand quadrant of the abdomen
  • Coated tongue
  • Discolored stools
  • Flushed facial appearance
  • Brown blemishes on the skin
  • Inflamed palms and soles of feet
  • Black circles beneath the eyes
  • Swollen eyeballs
  • Bad breath
  • Jaundice-the yellowing of the skin which can often also be evidenced in the whites of the eyes
  • Nausea
  • Bad body odor
  • Increased tendency to perspire excessively

If you’re having any of these symptoms, it’s time to go see your physician. Of course, taking proper care of your body and your liver will help prevent you from experiencing any of these symptoms at all! Check out our guide to detoxing the liver.

You may also want to check out this awesome liver detox supplement.

Photo credit: WindRanch, Flickr

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Some people have a lot of trouble kicking the smoking habit, and we get that! It’s a tough habit to fully kick. If you have recently quit, congratulations! If you’re working on it, we know you can do it. Your body will take time, even decades, to fully heal, but you can start today by helping cleanse your lungs of the tar and junk.

This is somewhat of an intense regimen, but fortunately it only lasts 72 hours. Let’s get into it.

  1. First, get rid of all dairy in the house. You won’t be able to have any for the next 72 hours.
  2. The night before your regimen begins, drink a cup of herbal tea of your choice. It’ll help stimulate digestion.
  3. In the morning, squeeze two fresh organic lemons into 300 ml of water and drink.
  4. After breakfast, drink 300ml of grapefruit juice. If you can’t tolerate grapefruit, you can use pineapple juice.
  5. Between breakfast and lunch, drink 300 ml of carrot juice.
  6. During lunch, drink 400 ml of juice that is rich in potassium. Cranberry juice is a good choice.
  7. Repeat this for the following two days.

Additionally, repeat these two activities daily:

  1. Each day, bathe yourself in hot water, allowing your body to sweat some.
  2. Put 5-10 drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of hot water. Place your head over the bowl and cover with a towel. Inhale the steam until the water produces no more.

Image credit: Julie, Flickr

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