Tag: health

Nails, are yours absorbing toxic chemicals?

Today I’m going to write about nails. I was talking with a work colleague this week about Acrylic manicures and whether they were ‘toxic’.

For 20 years I used to get acrylic coatings on my nails. I didn’t mind that over time this process made my nails thin and weak, because that is how they are naturally.

It is only in recent years that I stopped this practice. I became more aware of the damage that some chemicals can do to our body.

Not many people are aware that our nails are in fact porous and that water can pass through more easily than normal skin. Any moisture that collects underneath the surface of the nail would ordinarily evaporate, passing through the porous structure of the nail. The presence of an artificial nail or a polish impedes that.

With these facts in mind I was concerned that any of the chemicals used in the acrylic manicure could be absorbed through the nail.

The research…..

I have done a lot of research online to clarify this, but have found so much conflicting information.

One study I found did reveal that some chemicals used in some nail polishes are absorbed into the body.

“Duke University researchers and a non-profit organisation called the Environmental Working Group, conducted the study.

The study found evidence of a nail polish chemical in the bodies of women who used popular nail polish brands. The researchers discovered traces of triphenyl phosphate, or TPHP in all of the study’s participants just 10 to 14 hours after they painted their nails.

TPHP has been linked to changes in hormone levels including endocrine disruption. In addition, previous studies in animals have found connections between the chemical and adverse developmental and reproductive problems.

The group’s research found that not only did TPHP exist in many popular nail polish brands, also that several polishes did not list the chemical in their ingredients.” (Source http://www.dukechronicle.com/)

What to do…

So, after all this I still am unsure about acrylic & gel. I am however convinced that we absorb some chemicals through our nails as the Duke University study revealed. With this in mind I probably won’t go back to using acrylic. However, I do use a nail polish that is free of triphenyl phosphate and other chemicals such as – toluene, formaldehyde and DBP (dibutyl phthalate).

We all make choices that contribute to our health and this is just another way for me to minimise my exposure to unnecessary chemicals.

Till the next post,

Live Clean n Prosper

My Iridology Update

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Back in May, Scott wrote a post about an Iridology workshop he attended.

Finally, he has found the time to ‘read’ my eyes. So I thought I would share what his Iridology charts and reference books tell him about by eyes.

First, the structure of my Iris

Using the book ‘Iridology Basic Skills by Narelle S Duncan” to assist with the details.

It seems I have what is called a Linen Iris.

The book states that a person with a Linen Iris has the following physical characteristics;

– good general health with normal energy, strength and endurance levels.

– a medium resistance to disease, a standard pain tolerance, and average recuperative powers.

However, is susceptible to disease, particularly stress related conditions and digestive imbalances.

In regards personal characteristics, a Linen Iris indicates a broad-minded person.

Someone easy to be around and has a tendency to be a good listener.

Has strength of character with the ability to understand other people’s vulnerabilities and emotional problems.

Next are the markings in the Iris

I have a couple of marks that are identified as a Jewel and a Flower. These are associated with other personality traits.

A Jewell is associated with traits such as intellectual influence, analytical and attention to detail.

Other traits are a tendency to over think and to be goal driven.

A Flower is associated with traits such as emotional decisions and instant gratification. This mark is also associated with an attraction to colours and photography.

The presence of both types of markings in the Iris indicates a combination of both of these personality traits.

I found this information really interesting. Many of these statements are correct in describing me. Maybe not 100% of all of the points, however every day is different. Those of you who know me may have a different opinion.

There are other indications in my eyes that may be records of past illnesses and injuries. At this stage Scott does not have the skills to correctly decipher them.

I can see how this practice would enable a practitioner to have a better understanding of their patient. This then gives them the ability to tailor their approach and treatment to suit the individual.

Our eyes really can be a window into our soul.

 

On that note, till the next post,

 

Live Clean n Prosper

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The body’s defense system and allergies

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Today I thought I would write about the body’s defense system and how it reacts to toxins and allergies.

Scott and I try to eat unprocessed, real foods as much as possible. However, there are times when we are out and have a meal that is not ideal and this is normal in every day life. Moderation is the key.

The issue that I have, is that occasionally after eating some things, I end up with a runny nose for the next hour. Sometimes I wake up with sinus congestion.

Quite some years ago, I always had a runny nose. I would always be carrying tissues with me. I thought it was a hereditary thing, as my grandmother was the same. It was only after going on a low carb diet for a while, that I noticed the runny nose seemed to go away.

I did a bit of research into this and found out that this issue has a name ‘gustatory rhinorrhea’. It was also a relief to find out that this condition is not unusual.

 

So, what is ‘gustatory rhinorrhea’?

 

Quite simply it is a ‘runny nose while eating’. The most common explanations for this is a food allergy, the temperature of the foods or hay fever.  A common symptom of a food allergy is sinus complications. According to MedlinePlus.gov, if you have a food allergy, you can develop nasal congestion, a runny nose and excessive sneezing. The most common food allergies are to fish, nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat, eggs and milk. The runny nose is the result of irritation and inflammation in the sinus cavity from increased levels of histamine.

When you eat something you’re allergic to, your immune system malfunctions and fails to recognize the proteins in the food as safe. The body goes into defense mode, producing antibodies and histamine. These two agents are intended to protect the body from viruses, bacteria and infection. Too much histamine in the sinus cavity leads to a runny nose.

 

This leads to another part in the body’s’ defense mechanism, mucous.

 

The fluid around all your cells is called lymph fluid. It moves waste products through various lymph channels and nodes. Your lymph is more active at night while it orchestrates housecleaning.

When your lymph is clogged your body looks for alternative ways to get rid of trash. Plan B is making mucous out of it. Lots of mucous in the morning is a sure sign of a problem. Regular drainage during the day or after eating a meal, are other signs of trouble.

This is why when we contract a virus, like a cold or flu, we suffer primarily from a runny nose. The body is doing its utmost to get rid of the trash, by creating mucous.

Personally, through the process of elimination, I have found that usually most processed wheat products trigger this immune response. This was 1 of the contributing factors to change our way of eating.

I continue to find it fascinating, how our bodies heal themselves.

 

Till next time,

 

Live clean n prosper

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