How safe is your water bottle?

Source: Pinterest via Cali
I attended a detox class recently and learned many things about food and containers that our foods come in. In our modern day world we are very busy and it is sad to say that convenience over health is often the decision we make. For example, water bottles. I have never been one to buy water in bottles. Why would I? I have a water filter on my refrigerator and I want to limit my carbon footprint. I never really gave a thought to my water bottle that I used until I took the detox class.

Plastic bottles contain many harmful chemicals that can impact ones health. One chemical found is bisphenol-A or BPA for short. BPA mimics estrogen and disrupts normal cell production. Studies show that people that have been exposed to increased levels of BPA have an increased risk of developing breast and prostate cancers, and uterine tumors. Children with high level exposure to BPA have been shown to have early onset puberty. BPH also effects brain development. According to a study in 2011, pregnant women who had increased levels of BPA in there urine had daughters that had increases of hyperactivity, depression and anxiety. Another chemical found is Phthalate (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate) or DEHP for short. Research studies have shown that over exposure to DEHP can lead to hormone disruption, birth defects, breast cancer, asthma, reproductive problems and obesity.

BPA and DEHP leach from the plastic container (whether it be a plastic bottle, can or plastic wrapper) into water (or food). If the container is heated, the leaching process can occur up to 55 times faster than at room temperature.

The FDA has stated that BPA and DEHP are safe at very low levels. However, if you are exposed to these chemicals several times a day, everyday your health could be at risk. Make sure you read the labels and choose non-PBA and non-DEHP containers.

To help decrease your carbon footprint, choose a reusable container as your permanent water bottle. (Mason jars are my daughter's favorite)

(Sources: www.breastcancer.org, www.health.usnews.com, www.mayoclinic.com; Picture: www.wired.com)

Apples

Source: Pinterest via Cali

We have all heard our mothers say, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away".  And guess what? She was right.  Did you know that apples help heal and cure a variety of illness, aliments and diseases.  Researchers have found that apples and apple constitutes (pectin, vinegar, etc.) can lower the risk of many cancers including colorectal, liver, breast, stomach, and esophageal. In addition, apples have been shown to reduce radioisotopes in people exposed to radiation or nuclear weapon fall out.

Apples have been shown to help with shortening the course of diarrhea in children and prevent atherosclerosis in a high cholesterol diet.  Apples help with weight loss and increase brain function.   Bowel inflammation, periodontal disease, hair loss, infections (staphylococcal and influenza) and vaccine-induced toxicity are decreased when one includes apples in his/her diet.

Next time you reach for an organic apple, remember that you are not only having a delicious snack, you are taking your daily dose of nature's medicine.

(to read more go to www.greenmedinfo.com, resource: Dr. Sayer Ji, photo: experiencecrossriver.com)

http://pinterest.com/pin/212935888604537686/

Ingredients to Avoid

Source: wellnesswithacause.blogspot.com via Cali on Pinterest

This chart pretty much sums it up. (source rawforbeauty.com)

Benefits of Yoga

I came across this and thought I would share it courtesy of dailyinfographic.com

Source: Uploaded by user via Cali on Pinterest

Indoor UV Rays

As an esthetician I am asked “what can I do to help my complexion look better?” The first thing I ask my clients is to tell me about their current skin care regimen. I always pause when I do not hear them mention that they use an SPF. I respond to their question by saying if you only change one thing about your skin care would be using SPF everyday. Yes, most of us use SPF when we are going to be outside but not everyone uses it when we are indoors. UV rays damage the skin, age it prematurely and increase the risk of developing skin cancer. While UVB rays do not usually penetrate windows, UVA rays are present indoors. Fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury vapor that emits UV rays. Computers, copiers and halogen lights emit UV rays at lower levels. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using no less than a SPF 15. This will provide 5 hours of indoor UV exposure protection. I recommend to my clients the use of SPF 40 will provide 13 hours of indoor UV protection.
Source: Uploaded by user via Cali on Pinterest

Papayas

Source: wellnesswithacause.blogspot.com via Cali on Pinterest

Winter is the season for papayas. Papayas are more than just a tropical fruit, they are becoming more incorporated in our road to wellness. Papayas are loaded with antioxidants (vitamin C, flavinoids, carotenes), vitamin B, potassium, beta carotene and magnesium and contain an enzyme that can help protect our skin from premature aging. According to an Alternative Medicine article, this enzyme, called Papain, is being added lotions and other skin care products. Papain acts as an exfoliant, removing dead skin cells while leaving healthy skin cells untouched. Researchers believe eating papayas on a regular basis can improve heart health and prevent cancers. Papayas are low in sugar and can be tolerated well by diabetics. Papayas are sometimes eating for the purpose of being a natural "body cleanser" to jump start your wellness goals. (photo by Scott Bauer)

Source: treesandshrubs.about.com via Cali on Pinterest

Coffee

Source: wellnesswithacause.blogspot.com via Cali on Pinterest

Yes I am addicted to coffee. Although coffee has gotten a bad rap in the past, studies have shown that coffee has great health benefits. According to an April 2010 article in Health.com, coffee drinkers may be at lower risk of liver, prostate, and colon cancer, type 2 diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Coffee is the number 1 source of antioxidants in the American diet.

Source: cnn.com via Cali on Pinterest

Pomegranates

Source: wellnesswithacause.blogspot.com via Cali on Pinterest

Pomegranates are a delicious fruit that are low in calories (about 110 calories in a 4 inch diameter pomegranate), high in vitamin C and potassium, and a great source of fiber. Pomegranates contain three different types of polyphenols (tannins, anthocyanins, ellagic acid), powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants have been shown to help in the prevention of cancer and heart disease. FYI: an easy way to peel a pomegranate is to open it in a bowl of water and remove the fruit in the water. Strain and enjoy.

Source: google.com via Cali on Pinterest