HealthBeat News

Author: Wellness Club

  • Drugs Are Ending Up In Our Water!

    Drugs Are Ending Up In Our Water!

     

    Breaking News? Not really…

    By Nurse Mark

     

    This headline, from Associated Press, has appeared in a number of news sources over the last few days: “Even if you’re careful, drugs can end up in water”.  The news article covers a recently released study which shows that – surprise, surprise – prescription drugs are finding their way into rivers and thus into drinking water.

    While this article makes this sound like “New News” it’s really not. We here at the Wellness Club have been telling our readers about this problem for years. ‘Way back in 2004 for example, we wrote:

    And people used to joke that the Post Office should put Valium in it’s stamps…

    Prozac ‘found in drinking water’

    When that headline appeared in my news feed I was certain that it must be some sort of joke. Visions of “Monte Python’s Flying Circus” danced through my head (yes, that is some of my favorite humor…). Then I read the article and realized that no, it was not a belated April Fool’s gag, it was reported in deadly earnest. Please read the article – it speaks for itself.

    As you read, ask yourself about the state of our water supply. With our pharmaceutical industry urging ever-more of it’s concoctions upon us, a pill for every ill, one has to wonder where all that chemistry goes after it passes through our bodies… Not only must we question what this is doing to our water supply, but also what the effects of this are a little further down the chain – after all, that same water irrigates our crops and slakes the thirst of our farm animals. What then, when our food supply begins giving these chemicals back to us in Heaven knows what form?

    There is no research that tells us of the long-term effects of these substances on us, our crops, and our food supply. Instead of constantly striving to find new ways to control the symptoms and complaints of our “modern ills”, perhaps we should be asking our pharmaceutical giants to look into putting nutrition back into our daily fare. Surely there might be some profit in that. Meanwhile, I’ll be humming the theme music from “The Flying Circus” today…

    And so, this has been going on for some time – a quick search finds more headlines:

    These articles are telling us such comforting things as:

    Though U.S. waterways coast to coast are contaminated with residues of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, there’s no national strategy to deal with them — no effective mandates to test, treat, limit or even advise the public.

    If that doesn’t worry you, even a little bit, how about this:

    Water providers rarely disclose results of pharmaceutical screenings, unless pressed, the AP found. For example, the head of a group representing major California suppliers said the public “doesn’t know how to interpret the information” and might be unduly alarmed.

    Well… So the water providers know there is a problem, but don’t want to tell us – fearing that if we know too much we might be “unduly alarmed.” Indeed!

    Alan Goldhammer, a vice president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, said such trace amounts “really do not pose a human health issue.’’

    And Big Pharma seeks to placate us – a little bit of this, and a little bit of that… no problem! There have long been joking references to adding statin drugs to the water supply – who knew it would cease to be a joke and would become a reality so soon?

    It is clear to us that while agencies like the EPA may be beginning to adopt a new attitude toward the problem, Americans are still pretty much on their own – much of our water is contaminated, and it’s likely to stay that way for the foreseeable future. If we want clean, unadulterated water we will have to ensure it for ourselves – we cannot rely on commercial or municipal suppliers to provide it for us.

    We wrote about this in our last issue of HealthBeat News: Guys: Is Your Water Turning You Into a “Girlie-Man”? , and it is worth repeating here:

    Your Best Bet for Safe Drinking Water

    Your best bet for safe, clean drinking water is install an under-sink or countertop water purifier. The reverse-osmosis type is very reliable. If you don’t want to invest the money to do that, a simple pitcher with a charcoal filter is better than most bottled water. You say you are on the road or away from home and you want pure drinking water? Here is a great idea, and really inexpensive – a filtered sports bottle!

    And don’t forget your shower-water! When you’re hot (and your skin’s pores are wide-open), you can absorb toxins from the water. Shower-head filters are inexpensive and reliable.

    A Good Water Filter is a Cheap Investment in Your Health

    A reliable, highly-effective under-sink water filter is an excellent health investment, especially when you consider how important water is to health. The human body is about 60% water. That means we can have 60% of our total body weight contaminated with estrogen-mimicking toxins if we drink lousy water.

    The highest-rated water filters cost about the same as the cheap junk.

    Aquasana Water Purifiers  makes some of the highest-rated filters at the best prices.

    How will you protect yourself and your family?

  • The Economy Is So Bad That…

    We get plenty of email here at The Wellness Club – some serious, some funny, and sometimes, like this one, both.

    I don’t know who wrote this and so I cannot give proper credit to the author – but it left me not knowing whether to laugh or cry…

     

    The economy is so bad that…

    • I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.
    • I ordered a burger at McDonald’s and the kid behind the counter asked, “Can you afford fries with that?”
    • CEO’s are now playing miniature golf.
    • If the bank returns your check marked “Insufficient Funds,” you call them and ask if they meant you or them.
    • Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM.
    • McDonald’s is selling the 1/4 ouncer.
    • Parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children’s names.
    • A truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico.
    • Dick Cheney took his stockbroker hunting.
    • Motel Six won’t leave the light on anymore.
    • The Mafia is laying off judges.
    • Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen.
    • Congress says they are looking into this Bernard Madoff scandal. Oh Great!! The guy who made $50 Billion disappear is being investigated by the people who made $1.5 Trillion disappear!

  • Castor Oil For Rosacea Of The Eyes?

    Castor Oil For Rosacea of the eyes?

    By Nurse Mark

    We often get inquiries that really make us scratch our heads. Such was the case with the following note:

    My mother’s cousin has been diagnosed with Rosacea in his eye(s).  My mother read somewhere that castor oil drops in the eye will “cure any eye problem”.  Mom is enthusiastic about using castor oil packs for joint issues and has converted me as well. But the thought of putting the oil into eyes is a little out of our comfort zone.  She asked that I send this question on to you.  Is this feasible or even suggested?  Thank you for your help!
    Valory

    Well Valory, your Mom is right to be enthusiastic about castor oil – it is useful in treating so very many conditions and millions have found wonderful relief for a variety of conditions through the use of castor oil and castor oil packs. Edgar Cayce was a strong proponent of castor oil, referring to it often in his health readings. Castor oil has also been called “Palma Christi” or the hand of Christ for it’s amazing healing properties.

    There are references to castor oil being used in the eyes – though we would never want to say that it will “cure any eye problem” since Big Pharma and Conventional Medicine have actually trademarked and patented the “Cure” word and we are not allowed to use it. Still, there should be no reason to not use castor oil in the eyes except that as with any oil or ointment it would certainly cause blurry vision for a while – so might be best used at bed-time. Anyone wanting to use it in the eyes would be well-advised to obtain the purest possible castor oil – please be sure that it is certified to be hexane-free as this toxic chemical is often used to extract the oil and traces may remain in inferior brands. It is also a good idea to apply the oil initially to a less sensitive and more inconspicuous area in order to be sure that there is not a sensitivity to it.

    More information about using castor oil including instructions to make castor oil packs can be found here: Castor Oil Pack Instructions

    Now, on to the part of Valory’s letter that made us scratch our heads.

    You see, while we are quite familiar with rosacea, we had never heard of rosacea of the eye. After some thought we realized that since the eyeball itself is not known to be affected by this condition (we medics think quite literally sometimes) we realized that Valory must have meant that her mothers cousin must be suffering with rosacea of the eyelid or tissues surrounding the eye. This condition, ocular rosacea, leaves sufferers with red, dry and irritated eyes and eyelids and symptoms including  itching and burning and feelings of having dust or grit or a foreign body in the eye.

    There are three other main subtypes of rosacea:

    Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea causes a permanent redness of the skin with a tendency to blush or flush easily and frequently small blood vessels are visible near the surface of the skin.

    Papulopustular rosacea can cause some permanent redness with red bumps and / or pus-filled bumps or lesions which usually last for 1 to 4 days – this can be easily mistaken for acne.

    Phymatous rosacea is most commonly associated with rhinophyma, an enlargement of the nose. Symptoms include thickening of the skin, irregular surface nodules or bumps, and enlargement. Phymatous rosacea can also affect the chin, forehead, cheeks, eyelids, and ears. As with Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea small blood vessels visible near the surface of the skin (known as telangiectasias) may be present.

    So, what causes rosacea and what can be done for it?

    Conventional Medicine does not recognize any one specific cause for rosacea – but has several theories which involve things such as Cathelicidins, elevated levels of stratum corneum tryptic enzymes (SCTEs), overgrowth of intestinal bacteria, Demodex mites (which may be increased in steroid-induced rosacea), stress, sunburn, temperature extremes, alcohol, caffiene, histamine intolerance, drugs, and steroids – which are often prescribed to treat other skin conditions. Unfortunately for Conventional Medicine there is no one simple test to diagnose rosacea – leaving Conventional Doctors in the difficult position of having to “do it the old way” – by actually examining and listening to their patient!

    The response to rosacea by Conventional Medicine is equally predictable – for it involves throwing a variety of patented Big Pharma drug offerings at the problem in the hopes that something will work and provide relief. Antibiotics are ever-popular as is clonidine (an antihypertensive drug that is also used to help addicts withdraw from opiates!) and other antihypertensive drugs. Of course, if all else fails (or even before all else fails) some Conventional Doctors may fall back to their old faithful, steroids – despite the fact that steroids can actually cause rosacea symptoms for many people.

    Some more natural approaches to rosacea include:

    Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and Silymarin – which have been clinically examined and found to be of benefit. MSM, a biologically active form of sulfur has a long history of benefit to the skin and silymarin – a flavonoid found in Milk Thistle is a powerful antioxidant with a special affinity for the liver.

    High potency fish oil has a valuable place in the treatment of rosacea, for the powerful antiinflammatory effects of Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.

    Antiinflammatory flavonoids such as are found in Dr. Myatt’s Maxi Flavone could be expected to reduce inflammation since Maxi Flavone contains contains optimal doses of the flavonoid herbs which quench Radical Oxygen Species (ROS), lower TNF alpha and NK cell activity and decrease excess inflammation. Maxi Flavone is a potent formula providing support for immune function, circulatory health, liver detoxification mechanisms, and antioxidant pathways.

    High dose Folic Acid and Vitamin C have been investigated and found helpful in some cases of rosacea.

    Vitamin D is becoming increasingly recognized for it’s relationship to overall health and skin health – and many Americans are deficient in this important vitamin. Fortunately, Vitamin D testing is easy and accurate, and supplementation is safe and effective in restoring Vitamin D to healthy levels. A warning though: vitamin D and retinoic acid may promote expression of cathelicidin, which has been implicated as a causitive factor for some rosacea sufferers. Other researchers take an opposing view, feeling that Vitamin D may play an important role in treatment because of the cathelicidins.

    There are many other herbs that have been tried in the treatment of rosacea, with varying degrees of success. What seems to work for one sufferer often shows little benefit for another – underscoring the importance of an individualized and holistic approach to each individual.

    Finally, digestive factors appear to be very important in almost all cases of rosacea that we have treated here at The Wellness Club. Many sufferers are found to be deficient in hydrochloric acid – a problem which initiates a whole cascade of other digestion-related problems. Fortunately, Gastric Acid Function Self Testing is quick and easy and gives a very clear indication of a person’s gastric acid function. For those deficient in stomach acid, Betaine Hydrochloride can provide what may seem like a “miracle cure” to symptoms of rosacea.

    Food allergies have also been implicated in rosacea – and many sufferers are well aware of certain foods that exacerbate their symptoms. For others, the allergens may not be so obvious, and Food Intolerance Testing may be indicated. In difficult cases further digestive system testing such as Gastro-Intestinal (GI) Health Profile with Parasitology to rule out bacterial and parasitic infections (remember, even Conventional Medicine is now grudgingly accepting that bacterial overgrowth may be a causative factor in rosacea) and Intestinal Permeability testing because of the relationship between intestinal permeability (AKA “Leaky Gut Syndrome”) and generalized inflammation and toxicity may be needed.

    So there you have it: Rosacea can be an embarassing condition and difficult to treat – but a good holistic doctor who is willing to take the time and make the effort to work with a sufferer can usually work wonders!

    References:

    Berardesca E, Cameli N, Cavallotti C, Levy JL, Piérard GE, de Paoli Ambrosi G (2008). “Combined effects of silymarin and methylsulfonylmethane in the management of rosacea: clinical and instrumental evaluation”. J Cosmet Dermatol 7 (1): 8–14.

    Yamasaki, Kenshi; Di Nardo, Anna; Bardan, Antonella; Murakami, Masamoto; Ohtake, Takaaki; Coda, Alvin; Dorschner, Robert A.; Bonnart, Chrystelle; Descargues, Pascal; Hovnanian, Alain; Morhenn, Vera B.; Gallo, Richard L. (2007)     Increased serine protease activity and  cathelicidin  promotes skin inflammation in rosacea Nature Medicine 13(8),  975-980.

    Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2008) 128, 773–775. doi:10.1038/jid.2008.35 Vitamin D Regulation of Cathelicidin in the Skin: Toward a Renaissance of Vitamin D in Dermatology? Siegfried Segaert

  • Do You Get Enough Of This Health-Improving "Non-Nutrient"?

    Fiber: Twenty-Five Surprising Benefits of  a Dietary “Non-Nutrient”

     

    By Dr. Myatt

     

    It’s not a “sexy supplement” or a “new breakthrough.” In fact, it’s not even officially classified as a nutrient. But Americans get only 10% of the amount we consumed 100 years ago, and our health may be seriously suffering as a result.

    That is this important “non nutrient” that we’re missing? Dietary fiber.

    “Fiber” refers to a number of indigestible carbohydrates found in the outer layers of plants. Humans lack enzymes to break down most types of fiber, so they pass through the digestive system relatively unchanged and do not provide nutrients or significant calories.

    In spite of this indigestibility, fiber has a surprising number of health benefits. In fact, consuming adequate daily fiber may be one of the most important health measures anyone can take.

    Twenty-Five Health Benefits of Fiber — Who Knew?

    There are numerous “sub-classes” of fiber, but the two main types are I.) soluble and II.) insoluble fiber. Both types are beneficial to health and both typically occur together in nature. They each offer independent health benefits. Here are twenty-five known health benefits that fiber provides.

    Bowel Benefits:

    1.) Relieves constipation. Insoluble fiber absorbs large amounts of water in the colon. This makes stools softer and easier to pass. Most people who increase fiber intake will notice improved bowel function in 31-39 hours.

    2.) Relieves diarrhea. It may seem paradoxical that a substance which helps constipation also helps diarrhea, but that’s just what fiber does. Insoluble fiber binds watery stool in the colon, helping turn “watery” into “formed.” Fiber is known to offer significant improvement to those with diarrhea.

    3.) Helps prevent hemorrhoids. Constipation is a leading cause of hemorrhoids. Because fiber-rich stools are easier to pass, less straining is necessary. Diets high in fiber have been shown to prevent and relieve hemorrhoids.

    4.) Reduces risk of diverticular disease. In cultures that consume high-fiber diets, diverticular disease is relatively unknown. That’s because high fiber intake “exercises” the colon, prevents excess bowel gas and absorbs toxins, all of which lead to the “bowel herniation” disease known as diverticulitis. Increased fiber intake is currently recommended in Western medicine as primary prevention for the disease.

    5.) Helps Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is characterized by constipation, diarrhea, or alternating constipation/diarrhea. Regardless of type, increased fiber intake has been shown to improve IBS symptoms.

    6.) Improves bowel flora. “Flora” refers to the “good bugs” (healthy bacteria) that colonize the large intestine (colon). Antibiotics, drugs, food allergies, high sugar diets and junk food alter this “bowel garden” in favor of the “bad bugs.” Certain types of fiber are rich in substances the “feed” bowel flora and help keep the balance of good bacteria in the colon at a normal level.

    7.) Helps prevent colon cancer. Although research has been controversial, observational studies in the 1970s showed that African natives consuming high-fiber diets had a much lower incidence of colorectal carcinoma. Since the “risk” of increased fiber consumption is so small, the “US Pharmacist,” states…

    “…with no clearly negative data about fiber, it makes sense to increase fiber intake just in case the positive studies did reveal an actual link. The patient will also experience the ancillary benefits of fiber consumption, such as reduction in cholesterol (with psyllium), prevention of constipation, and reducing risk of hemorrhoids.”

    8.) Appendicitis: studies show a correlation between the development of appendicitis and low fiber intake. A diet high in fiber may help prevent appendicitis.

    Whew… that’s just the bowel benefits! Fiber also helps prevent heart disease in multiple ways.

    9.) Lowers Total cholesterol. According to the FDA, soluble fiber meets the standard for reduction of risk from coronary heart disease. Psyllium husk is also able to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease as it contains a soluble fiber similar to beta-glucan.

    10.) Lowers triglycerides. Higher dietary fiber is associated with lower triglyceride levels.

    11.) Raises HDL. Fiber may even raise HDL — the “good cholesterol” — levels.

    12.) Lowers LDL Cholesterol. In addition to total cholesterol, increased fiber lowers LDL — the “bad cholesterol” — levels.

    13.) Aids Weight loss. Fiber helps prevent weight gain and assists weight loss several ways. The “bulking action” of fiber leads to an earlier feeling of satiety, meaning that one feels satisfied with less high-calorie food when the meal contains a lot of fiber. Fiber helps bind and absorb dietary fat, making it less available for assimilation. This means that some fat may be “lost” through the digestive tract when the meal is high in insoluble fiber.

    14.) Lowers Overall risk of Coronary Artery Disease. Perhaps because of a combination of the above-listed lipid-normalizing factors, some studies have shown an overall protective effect of higher fiber intake against coronary heart disease.

    Fiber also benefits blood sugar levels and diabetes…

    15.) Helps Type I Diabetes. Eaten with meals, high-fiber supplements like guar gum reduced the rise in blood sugar following meals in people with type 1 diabetes. In one trial, a low-glycemic-index diet containing 50 grams of daily fiber improved blood sugar control and helped prevent hypoglycemic episodes in people with type 1 diabetes taking two or more insulin injections per day.

    16.) Improves Type II Diabetes. High-fiber diets have been shown to work better in controlling diabetes than the American Diabetic Association (ADA)-recommended diet, and may control blood sugar levels as well as oral diabetic drugs.

    One study compared participants eating the the ADA diet (supplying 24 grams of daily fiber) or a high-fiber diet (containing 50 grams daily fiber) for six weeks. Those eating the high-fiber diet for six weeks had an average 10% lower glucose level than people eating the ADA diet. Insulin levels were 12% lower in the high-fiber group compared to those in the ADA diet group. The high fiber group also had decreased  glycosylated hemoglobin levels, a measure of long-term blood glucose regulation.

    High-fiber supplements such as psyllium, guar gum and pectin have shown improved glucose tolerance.

    More systemic benefits of fiber:

    17.) Gallstone prevention. Rapid digestion of carbohydrates leads to fast release of glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream. In response, the body releases large amounts of insulin. High insulin levels contribute to gallstone formation. Because dietary fiber slows the release of carbohydrates (and corresponding insulin), fiber helps prevent gallstone formation.

    18.) Kidney stone prevention. Low intakes of dietary fiber have been found to correlate with increased kidney stone formation, and higher intakes of fiber appear to be protective against stone formation.

    19.) Varicose veins. “Straining at stool” caused by fiber-deficiency constipation, has been found in some studies to cause varicose veins. Populations with lower fiber intakes have higher rates of varicosities.

    Fiber may even be important in prevention of certain types of cancer…

    20.) Colon Cancer Prevention. Diets higher in fiber have been shown in some studies to reduce the risk of colon cancer.

    21.) Breast cancer prevention. Higher fiber diets are associated with lower breast cancer risk. Some studies have shown up to a 50% decreased risk with higher fiber intakes. After diagnosis, a high fiber diet may decrease the risk of  breast cancer reoccurrence.

    22.) Pancreatic cancer prevention. High fiber diets are associated with lower risk of pancreatic cancer.

    23.) Endometrial cancer prevention. Higher fiber has been shown in some studies to protect against endometrial cancer.

    24.) Prostate cancer prevention. Diets higher in fiber may be associated with lower risk of prostate cancer. After diagnosis, a high fiber diet may decrease the risk of  prostate cancer reoccurrence.

    25.) Cancer prevention in general. Some studies have found that high fiber diets help prevent cancer in general, regardless of type.

    Recommendations vs. Reality

    The average daily American fiber intake is estimated at 14 to 15 g, significantly less than the American Dietetic Association recommendation of 20 to 35 g for adults, 25 g daily for girls ages 9 through 18 years and 31 to 38 g for boys ages 9 through 18. The American Heart Association recommends 25 to 30 g daily.

    Based on dietary intakes of long-lived populations (who typically consume 40-60 grams or more of fiber per day), many holistic physicians recommend aiming for a minimum of 30 grams of daily fiber.

    In my clinical experience, I find that most people over-estimate their fiber intake because they are unaware of the fiber content of many of the foods they eat (see http://www.drmyattswellnessclub.com/rate_your_plate.htm).

    Since fiber has proven itself to be such an important “non nutrient” for good health, increased dietary consumption and/or supplementation can be considered a wise choice for optimal health and disease prevention.

     

    Dr. Myatt has formulated an excellent fiber supplement – check out EZ Fiber!

    A fully referenced version of this article can be found here

  • Guys: Is Your Water Turning You Into a “Girlie-Man”?

    Guys: Is Your Water Turning You Into a “Girlie-Man”?

     

    By Nurse Mark

     

    Fellas, this is a subject near and dear to my, uh, heart (and other important parts too…)

     

    Did you know that some drinking water supplies in the US can change the gender of a fish? A US Geological Survey team reports finding a large number of male fish with female traits. In some Potomac River tributaries, nearly all the male small-mouth bass caught in the survey were abnormal. In the Potomac River itself, 7 out of 13 male largemouth bass had female characteristics. Some of them were even producing eggs!

    Gender-bending fish might not sound like a big deal to you, but this actually affects your health far more than you might imagine. The reason so many of these male fish are “turning female” is that they are exposed to environmental toxins in the water — toxins that resemble human estrogens. We call these toxins “estrogen mimickers,” and these estrogen look-a-likes have profound effects on humans.

    Estrogens in Men

    All men have a small amount of the “female” hormone estrogen. That’s normal and we need that little bit to keep all our parts running right. But when estrogen levels become elevated because of an outside source — like drinking water — serious health changes can result. Estrogen mimickers cause high estrogen and low testosterone levels in men.

    This altered estrogen/testosterone ratio causes the onset of feminine features. Once muscular “pecs” (you know, the chest muscles you used to have!) turn into soft, female-like “breasts buds” – AKA “man boobs.” A “spare tire” forms around the middle and the risk of prostate cancer goes sky-high. The high estrogen-to-testosterone ratio wreaks havoc with libido and sexual function and often results in a lack of energy. If all that isn’t bad enough, these sex hormone changes can cause feelings of hopelessness and depression. They can even elevate cardiac risk factors in men.

    You Can Run, But You Can’t Hide

    Estrogen mimickers can show up in drinking water from agricultural runoff (many pesticides and herbicides are estrogen look-alike’s), but here’s the real kicker. Chlorine — the stuff used to purify all municipal water supplies — is highly toxic and forms estrogen-mimicking organochlorides when it binds with organic matter. This means that unless you are drinking tested pure well or spring water, you are likely consuming estrogen-like compounds in your drinking water.

    Additional problems come from a couple of chemicals that have been in the news recently: BPA and Phthalates. BPA mimics estrogen, while phthalates block testosterone – a double-whammy for us guys! (and not so good for the girls either!)

    Bisphenol A, (BPA) is everywhere. Created more than 40 years ago, millions of tons are used each year in a wide variety of products including plastic bottles and food can liners. More than 90% of Americans have detectable BPA in their bodies.

    Phthalates are just as ubiquitous: these chemicals – used to make plastic soft and flexible – are even more widespread than BPA, found in everything from food packaging and plastic pipe and tubing to shower curtains and cosmetics.

    If you think buying bottled water is safer, I have bad news for you. Bottled water is no better than tap water, and may even be worse, on two counts:

    First, the FDA standards for bottled water are much lower than they are for municipally-delivered tap water. Much of what you buy as “purified drinking water” is nothing more than tap water that has been filtered. More than 25 percent of bottled water is actually just tap water from municipal water supplies, and another 30 percent of bottled water has chemical and bacterial  contamination above the levels considered safe by state and industry regulations.

    Second, bottled water “lives” in plastic bottles. The bottles themselves can leach chemicals that are “estrogen mimickers.” Can you say “BPA?”  Now do you see why bottled water isn’t such a good “alternative choice”?

    Your Best Bet for Safe Drinking Water

    Your best bet for safe, clean drinking water is install an under-sink or countertop water purifier. The reverse-osmosis type is very reliable. If you don’t want to invest the money to do that, a simple pitcher with a charcoal filter is better than most bottled water. You say you are on the road or away from home and you want pure drinking water? Here is a great idea, and really inexpensive – a filtered sports bottle!

    And don’t forget your shower-water! When you’re hot (and your skin’s pores are wide-open), you can absorb toxins from the water. Shower-head filters are inexpensive and reliable.

    A Good Water Filter is a Cheap Investment in Your Health

    A reliable, highly-effective under-sink water filter is an excellent health investment, especially when you consider how important water is to health. The human body is about 60% water. That means we can have 60% of our total body weight contaminated with estrogen-mimicking toxins if we drink lousy water. (And NO, beer, coffee and other beverages are not “safer”! Beer in particular can turn you into a “girlie man,” because it is made with hops, an estrogenic herb. Sorry guys – I love beer too!).

    The highest-rated water filters cost about the same as the cheap junk.

    Aquasana Water Purifiers  makes some of the highest-rated filters at the best prices.

    Bottom Line? “Just say no” to becoming a “girlie-man” and start drinking and bathing in estrogen-free water!

    References

    1.) McLean M. More “Intersex Fish” Found in the Potomac. Associated Press. Sep 6, 2006.
    2.) Persistence of pharmaceutical compounds and other organic wastewater contaminants in a conventional drinking-water-treatment plant. Sci Total Environ. 2004 Aug 15;329(1-3):99-113.
    3.) Pre-treatment optimisation studies for secondary effluent reclamation with reverse osmosis. Water Res. 2003 Mar;37(5):1177-84.
    4.) Comparing microfiltration-reverse osmosis and soil-aquifer treatment for indirect potable reuse of water. Water Res. 2003 Sep;37(15):3612-21.
    5.)Bisphenol A Mimics Estrogen, Phthalates Target Testosterone. Kristina Fiore, Staff Writer, MedPage Today. February 05, 2009
    6.) Estrogenicity of xenobiotics in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) using in vivo synthesis of vitellogenin as a biomarker. L. B. Christiansen, K. L. Pedersen, B. Korsgaard and P. Bjerregaard. Institute of Biology, Odense University, Odense, DK, Denmark 28 June 1999