Cervical Dysplasia and HPV Natural Treatment and Avoiding Surgery

Q. I've had abnormal paps and was diagnosed with HPV. Then after 2 clean paps, my latest test shows as ASCUS pap smear. I want to get a jump start on treatment. I've read supplements and natural suppositories can reverse CD and ASCUS. Which ones do you recommend? I want to avoid surgery.

A. Before going into the protocol, here is a little more information on ASCUS:
An ASCUS (ASC-US or ASC) Pap smear is the most common type of abnormal Pap smear result. ASCUS is an acronym for "atypical cells of undetermined significance" and indicates mild cellular cervical changes with an unknown cause. While an ASCUS Pap smear result may sound alarming, it is considered mildly abnormal. There is no immediate cervical cancer risk in an ASCUS Pap smear result.

The Causes of ASCUS Pap Smear Results

A common cause of ASCUS Pap smears are minor infection and cervical inflammation. Infection and inflammation can cause cervical cells to appear abnormal, but eventually return to a normal appearance. For some women, an ASCUS result is due to changes in the cervical cells caused by HPV infection. In most cases, these cervical changes do not progress to cervical cancer, but require further monitoring and possible treatment to prevent cervical cancer.

Adult women with an ASCUS Pap result will either have the Pap test repeated at 6 and 12 months or have a reflexive HPV DNA test. A reflexive HPV DNA test utilizes the sample used for the Pap smear and eliminates the need for another sampling. ASCCP guidelines favor HPV DNA testing for adult women with ASCUS Pap results. An HPV DNA test is performed just like a Pap smear. The test detects the presence of a high risk HPV infection that could potentially lead to cervical pre-cancer or cancer if left unmonitored or untreated.

Cervical Dysplasia (CD) is also referred to as Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN). CIN is classified as Mild (CIN I) and High-Grade (CIN II). A more recent rating system uses the designations Low-grade SIL [Squamous intraepithelial lesions] instead of CIN I and High-grade SIL to represent Moderate (CIN II) and/or Severe (CIN III). Cervical cancer is always preceded by cervical dysplasia, but the latter is treatable with excellent outcomes.

If you would like help with a natural protocol to help with HPV and Cervical Dysplasia, please sign up for a consultation.

Help for Candida and Rectal Itch

Q. My Candida Quiz score was over 200, and I also have persistent rectal itch. What can you recommend?

A. If your candida quiz score was over 200, then you most definitely do have candidiasis. Candaclear Four is fantastic and would be very beneficial.

For the persistent rectal itching, try Proctosan Cream. Apply upon awakening, before bedtime, and after each bowel movement.

If you have problems with recurring hemorrhoids, then you should also try this as a prevention and treatment of them: Paeonia Plex by Unda. Ten drops three to six times daily, according to severity of symptoms.

Probiotic when there is no bifidobacteria

Q. Which probiotic would you recommend for someone who tested to have no bifidobacteria?

A. I would highly recommend HLC Intensive no FOS.
This is a good one to start with to re-colonize your intestines, use 1 cap with meals twice a day for 15 days then, if you do not have bad bacteria in your intestines, then follow with this on day 16:

1 box of HLC Synbiotic. Use 1 packet mixed with water each day for 7 days. Take this with a snack or small meal. Then you can most likely use the HLC Maintenance probiotic.

If you do have bad bacteria, stay on the HLC Intensive until you get rid of the bad bacteria and wait on the HLC Synbiotic. We also have nutritional consultations available if you would like more in-depth help.

Preparing for the New Year and the NEW YOU!

Today, I'm writing you from Turks and Caicos! It's an incredible start to the New Year as I sit on my laptop in front of the most gorgeous turquoise colored ocean soaking in Vitamin D from the sun. One of my resolutions was to take a much needed vacation, so here I am!

Did you make any New Year's resolutions?

Many of you have written in and called needing help with a healthy weight loss for 2010. So, I've decided to share one of my favorite programs with you - Rockwell's 30 Day Weight Loss Kit.

It's not a magic pill or a quick-fix, but it's a simple and sustainable addition to your routine which will get you the results you're looking for. Healthy weight loss is more than simply eating less food. It is about making sure your body has the nutrients it needs so that you can burn fat!

Take a look at my short video outlining the highlights of the kit.

After 12 years studying in the nutrition industry, I can tell you that healthy weight loss is achievable. Together we can make 2010 a year of improved health for you and your family!

To Your Health,
Annika Lisa Rockwell, CN
866-757-4500

My favorite weight management products are safe, effective, and time tested strategies. They will help you lose weight without depriving your body of important nutrients.

Annika's Favorite Weight Management Products

Option 1: A Simple Start
Weight Loss Support Packets
Each easy-to-use Weight Loss Support Packet contains nutrients that help the body:

• Use fat for fuel
• Improve Metabolism
• Reduce Sugar Cravings
• Increase Energy
• Improve Insulin Sensitivity and Blood Sugar

Taking Weight Loss Support Packets daily is a great boost for anyone embarking on a weight loss program. We encourage you to also follow the recipes within my free e-Guide "Healthy Weight Loss: Meal Plans, Recipes, and Shopping List" which will be emailed to you.

Option 2: The Full Deal
Rockwell's 30-Day Weight Loss Kit
This complete 30-Day Weight Loss Kit includes everything you need to get started on a serious and healthy weight loss program: products to make a healthy meal replacement smoothie and the Weight Loss Support Packets.

Start each day with a delicious smoothie for breakfast and then take your Weight Loss Support Packets. For lunch and dinner, follow the suggestions in my downloadable e-Guide "Healthy Weight Loss: Meal Plans, Recipes, and Shopping List" which will be emailed to you when you purchase either the Weight Loss Support Packets or the 30-Day Weight Loss Kit.

The Rockwell 30-Day Weight Loss Kit includes 30 Days of:

• Whey Cool Vanilla Organic Whey Protein by DFH
  
• PaleoFiber (unflavored) by DFH
• OmegAvail Marine TG Liquid by DFH
• Weight Loss Support Packets by DFH

Expect to feel a nice change in your energy and your metabolism as you burn fat through the day!

We're Here For YOU!
Check out our Consultation Page for information on scheduling your weight loss consultation with one of our Licensed Nutritionist.

Let's Make 2010 the Best Year It Can Be! To your Health!

Natural Suppository for Strep B Vaginal Bacteria

Q. My gynecologist indicated that I had strep B (vaginal bacteria). She didn't prescribe any antibiotics, as she believes it can leave naturally. Do you have a protocol to suggest or any products which could help me?

A. We do have a suppository that is indicated for strep B. It is called Suppositories #1 by Wise Woman Herbals. It contains herbs that are specific to killing these bacterial infections. Insert one 3-4 inches into the vaginal canal at bedtime with an applicator if you have one or use a clean finger (some women use medical gloves). Unfortunately, these do not come with applicators. You may wish to wear a pantyliner to catch any leakage during sleep.

Optional, yet stated on label: "The morning following application, douche with warm water or WWH herbal Douche."

You might start with the 10 count to see if that does the trick. I would also recommend HMF Intensive Probiotic while taking this. Take one a day with meals. After finishing the 10 days of the suppositories, I would recommend using 1 probiotic as a suppository at bedtime for a few nights to help replenish the good bacteria in the vaginal canal.

As long as you do not have a bad infection, this should do the trick.

HLC Probiotics, Cod Oil, and Colostrum Help IBS

Q. I now take HLC High Potency. What other supplements do you recommend for IBS? Can adults take the HLC Neonate Powder, and if so in what dose?

A. Since you are already taking the HLC High Potency, you could add the HLC Neonate for additional probiotic support because it has the B infantis strain not found in the HLC High Potency. It would be fine to take these both in their recommended dosage.

IBS can also be helped by several other products that support the intestinal walls and decrease symptoms. To add to these probiotics I would also recommend:

• GI Revive - to help soothe and support your GI, 1 teaspoon mixed with 4 oz water, twice a day. This also comes in capsules if your prefer.

• Tegricel Colostrum - 1 capsule before meals, 2 per day, to enhance general immune function and to help reduce the annoying and sometimes debilitating effects of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s, Celiac and Ulcerative Colitis. It has been suggested to heal and repair damaged tissue from the use of NSAID’s.

• Cod Liver Oil by DFH - 1 TBSP a day with any meal to reduce inflammation.

• Digestzymes - these are digestive enzymes along with a little HCL to help with the digestion of your foods. Take 1 with each meal.

Help for silent reflux in 2 month old baby

Q. My 2-month old daughter suffers from silent reflux which disrupts her sleeping and eating patterns. She was prescribed Zantac by her pediatric gastroenterologist. Her symptoms are not alleviated, they actually seem to get worse. I also started a dairy-free diet in case she is allergic to milk protein. I am interested to know if it is safe to give such a young baby HLC Neonate Powder probiotics, if this product is dairy-free, and what would be the dosage for a 2-month old baby. Is this product known to help acid reflux in babies?

A. HLC Neonate Powder is very safe for newborns and infants, and it is dairy-free. If you are breastfeeding, she could be having sensitivities to other proteins in your breast milk besides dairy proteins. Though it certainly doesn't hurt to remove dairy from your diet to see if helps her symptoms improve.

An ongoing 5 year trial by Pharmax LLC shows that newborns and infants given these HLC probiotics do significantly better than the control group in allergies, asthma, gastrointestinal ailments, and immune system health. Once a healthy intestinal microflora is established this can help reduce these problems. Reflux is a bit more complex, though many babies go through reflux or colic at some point. You baby may show some improvement once she has been taking the probiotics for a while.

For Breastfeeding: Press clean finger into powder and have baby suckle finger. Or use a tiny plastic spoon (i.e. used at the ice cream/gelato store for flavor tasting). These fit perfectly into the Neonate bottle and then into their tiny mouth, and easily smears onto their tongue. Then follow it with a little breast milk, or let them mash it around their mouth with saliva. They may not even notice they have that tiny bit of powder in their mouth (it tastes slightly sweet).

All you need is one little dab for a dose (1/16th tsp), give one dose, three times a day for best results.

Almost all babies spit up, especially newborns. Spitting up decreases once the muscles of the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach, become more coordinated. This process can take as little as 6 months or as long as 1 year.

The following tips may help your baby to spit up less often:

• Feed your baby smaller amounts at each feeding.
• Feed your baby slowly.
• Hold your baby during feedings.
  • Don't prop your baby's bottle.
  • Don't hold your baby in an extreme upright position or place your baby in an infant seat during feedings.
• Try a new type of bottle or use a nipple with a smaller opening to reduce air intake.
• Limit active and rough play after feedings.
• Try putting your baby in different positions during and after feeding.
• Burp your baby frequently during feedings.
• Do not add cereal to formula without first consulting your health professional.

Women's hair loss, hormones and adrenal health

Q. I have a problem with my hair growth. My hair is getting thinner and has started to be bald in certain areas. I went to my doctor who said that my hormones related to the ability to grow hair is very low and suggested adrenotone. I would like to know if the Adrenotone Plus you offer can meet my needs?

A. Adrenotone Plus is helpful for improving adrenal hormone levels, as hair loss can be a result of low adrenal hormones. If your doctor diagnosed you with adrenal exhaustion and you have severe fatigue, Adrenal Complex can be added to your program for 3-4 months if you are tolerating the Adrenotone Plus well. You can take these products together for a stronger therapeutic dose. And if your DHEA hormone levels are on the low side, you may want to add this hormone in as well. This is a good one to start with: DHEA 5 mg.

Foods for the Anti-Candida Diet

Q. Which foods should I eat to help eliminate my intestinal Candida?

A. The Anti-Candida Diet is extremely important when dealing with Candida. A number of dietary factors appear to promote the growth of Candida. The most important Candida growth factors are a high intake of sugar (table sugar, honey, molasses, maple syrup, corn syrup, candy, soft drinks, fruit (except cranberries and lemons), milk and other dairy products, and foods containing yeast such as flour products.

NO SUGAR:

Sugar is the chief food source for Candida Albicans. It is well accepted that restriction of sugar intake is an absolute necessity in the treatment of chronic candidiasis. Limitation of refined carbohydrates is also a good idea (bread, pasta, cereal, foods made with flour) since they can also feed yeast.

NO MILK AND DAIRY PRODUCTS:

There are several reasons to restrict or eliminate the intake of milk.

• The high lactose content promotes the overgrowth of Candida
• Milk is one the most frequent food allergens
• Milk may contain trace levels of antibiotics which can further disrupt the GI bacterial flora and promote Candida Overgrowth.

NO MOLD AND YEAST- CONTAINING FOOD:

Patients with chronic candidiasis should avoid foods with a high content of yeast or mold, including alcoholic beverages, cheeses, dried fruits, and peanuts.

If you are losing too much weight, you may need to add some fat to your food to build up the calories. Try things like adding olive oil to veggies, include avocados, more nuts like walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, almonds and cashews. You may need in increase the amount of protein you are eating as well. If you need more in-depth help than what I have provided so far as a complimentary service, I would recommend purchasing an Initial Nutritional Consultation from our website. Also, please see our website for information on the most helpful nutritional supplements for Candida.

How much DHA should I take during my pregnancy?

Q. My doctor started me on 300mg of DHA Omega-3 during my pregnancy. I'm unsure of the quality of this product and of the dosing. What do you recommend?

A. I recommend you take more than what your Doctor has you taking. Research on the wide range of benefits Omega-3s during pregnancy is incredible and it might be worth your time to have a look at the summaries of the clinical trials: Pregnancy research on Omega-3s

Based on these dosing studies and benefits, I recommend you take 1,000mg of DHA per day (2 teaspoons) in combination with EPA. These two Omega-3 ingredients should be taken together and are found naturally in Fish Oil such as Cod Liver Oil. If you take the liquid, it can be mixed into a smoothie, or into yogurt, applesauce, or right off the spoon.

I would also recommend taking 1 Tablespoon (= 3 tsp) of Finest Pure Cod Liver Oil by Pharmax. Quality of the fish oils you take is of utmost importance. Never choose an inexpensive brand that does not do quality control testing since they might skip the purification process and the oils may be full of mercury and dioxins which are harmful to your fetus.

As for multi-vitamins, I recommend the DFH Twice Daily Prenatal packets and alternate these with the Before Baby Boost Prenatal System by Sound Formulas to see which one you feel better on. They are both very complete formulas and far superior and more complete than doctor prescribed prenatals. You can read from our pregnancy nutrition section.

How much L. crispatus in HLC Mindlinx and what does "No FOS" mean?

Q. Can you please tell me the count of l.crispatus In HLC Mindlinx capsules? In your other products, the count is shown, but this one is just listed as: Lactobacillis crispatus (CUL 221). It also lists HLC LAB4 Consortium as an ingredient, and I would like to know what that is for? Additionally what does "No FOS" mean?

A. According to Pharmax each HLC Mindlinx capsule contains: 4-6 billion cells of LAB4 strains; 2-3 billion cells of L crispatus; 2-3 billion cells of L rhamnosus.

The 'CUL 221' is Pharmax's culture number for this strain. It does not mean 221 million. The HLC LAB4 Consortium refers to the 4 main strains they use in most of their probiotic products. These 4 strains have the most research that prove they are beneficial and remain active in the intestines much longer than other types of probiotic strains. These are the 4 strains in the LAB4:

Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL 60)

Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL 21)

Bifidobacterium bifidum (CUL 20)

Bifidobacterium lactis (CUL 34)

"No FOS" means there is no fructoligiosaccharides (FOS) in this product. FOS is an ingredient provided as a food source for the beneficial organisms. It helps keep them alive longer in the intestines, however, this ingredient can also feed bad bacteria and it not beneficial for people who have intestinal problems, at least until their intestines are well colonized with good bacteria and the bad ones removed. At that point we start to recommend a probiotic with FOS.

How do I use GLA 90 BlackCurrant Oil if I am menstruating?

Q. Can you recommend how I should take GLA BlackCurrant Oil along with my fish oil, probiotics, alfalfa, and flax seed oil? Should there be any difference taking it while menstruating?

A. You can take it along with the other supplements you've listed, except you may want to cut back a tiny bit on the amount of flax oil you are taking because it has some of the same fatty acids (ALA, LA & OA). Linoleic and Oleic Acids are best to be consumed in moderation and not in excess.

If your menstruating, GLA should only taken during the pre-ovulation period of each cycle (from the first day of menstruation until ovulation). This is usually Day 1 - 14 for women with normal cycles. This is because it is converted to prostaglandins that are types of enzymes that have been shown to balance female reproductive hormones and support a wide range of bodily functions, including moisture regulation of mucous membranes. If you are no longer ovulating then this does not matter.

There is Help for Diverticulitis and Leaky Gut!

Q. What can you recommend to help my acute Diverticulitis and Leaky Gut. I've also just got over a bout with C. Difficile infection.

A. The supplements I recommend for you for Diverticulitis and Leaky Gut, and prevention of C. difficile infection are as follows:

• HMF Intensive Probiotics - Start with 1 capsule a day with a meal for about 1 week, then start the Lactobacillus GG (below). You can increase to 1 capsule with 2 meals a day at week three, then 1 cap with 3 meals a day on week four (would recommend getting 2 bottles - 30 caps each). This will help colonize your intestinal wall with 4 strains of good bacteria (minimum 24 billion cells per capsule), while pushing out yeast and other bad bacteria. After 4 weeks, you could drop down to 1-2 caps a day until the second bottle is finished. Then I can then recommend a maintenance probiotic, depending on how you are doing. Additionally, at some point you may want to also consider adding this fiber product below.

• Lactobacillus GG - Take 1 capsule a day after you have been on the HMF Intensive for about one week. I encourage you to start this sooner if you are tolerating the HMF Intensive okay without any loose stools. This strain of Lactobacillus (30 billion per cap) will help in management of gastrointestinal disorders including clostridium difficile associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
  

• Tegricel Colostrum - 2 capsules with each meal, 6 per day, in your acute phase, once better, you can reduce to 1 capsule twice daily. Bovine colostrum performs the following roles in the protection of the gastrointestinal tract: maintains integrity of mucosa, protects against intestinal permeability, aids local immunity, systemic immunity and antigen handling. It has been suggested to heal and repair damaged tissue from the use of NSAID’s.
  

• Amino Detox - build up to 3 capsules twice daily for one month between meals, to help the liver with the upregulation of phase II enzymes detoxification pathways to help with toxin removal from the body. You may need to take this for several months before beginning further detoxification efforts.

• L-Glutamine Powder 250g - take 3-10 tsp a day to help with gut healing and immune system weakness. Start low and build up the dose. Glutamine can be taken in water, juice, or mixed into healthy shakes. Cofactor nutrient: vitamin B6, 50mg per day, helps the body use glutamine more effectively. Taking 5 tsp. or more per day of glutamine decreases protein needs slightly, as glutamine helps the body use protein more effectively.

• B6 (Sublingual) Liquid by DFH - 1 tsp a day, provides 50mg per dose, along with cofactors magnesium and zinc, helpful in gut healing.

These are supportive supplements which assist in the process of intestinal healing, you can add the following one at a time along with the above recommendations:

• GI Revive - 1 teaspoon mixed with 4 oz water, twice a day. To help soothe and support your GI for intestinal healing. You may want to add this after you finish your L-Glutamine. This also comes in capsules if your prefer.
  

• Aloe 200X - 1 with each meal. Aloe Vera juice can be effective for treating inflammatory bowel disease, according to a study in the Journal of Alternative Medicine. Ten patients were given two ounces of Aloe juice, three times daily, for seven days. After one week, all patients were cured of diarrhea, four had improved bowel regularity, and three reported increased energy. Researchers concluded that Aloe was able to re-balance the intestines by "regulating gastrointestinal pH while improving gastrointestinal motility, increasing stool specific gravity, and reducing populations of certain fecal microorganisms, including yeast." Other studies have shown that Aloe Vera juice helps to detoxify the bowel, neutralize stomach acidity, and relieve constipation and gastric ulcers.
  

• Cod Liver Oil by DFH - 1 TBSP a day with any meal to reduce inflammation in the gut.
  

• Digestzymes - these are digestive enzymes along with a little HCL to help with the digestion of your foods. Take 1 with each meal.
  

• Paleofiber - This is an excellent food-based, natural gentle fiber I would also recommend adding when you are feeling better. Gradually build up to 1 TBSP mixed with water on an empty stomach 1 time per day (can use on an ongoing basis). This will help with stool regularity, removing toxins in the gut, while bringing in some additional probiotics. This product also comes in capsules if you prefer, but you have to take 14 capsules to equal 1 TBSP.

Are you eating enough protein at each meal? If you need additional protein, try adding this sprouted brown rice protein powder daily:

PaleoMeal Dariy Free Protein Powder - this hypoallergenic powder is ideal for mixing with water or other beverage for a quick snack or light meal. It provides 17g of protein per serving and other health promoting nutrients and enzymes. It also has some carb content to help keep blood sugars more balanced than just protein alone. You may want to check out Annika's video on making smoothies for some ideas, she is using whey protein, but this DF PaleoMeal will be a good substitute if you want to stay away from dairy based whey: Smoothies.

Breast Cancer and Beauty Products: The Paraben Concern

Breast cancer is considered to be a multi-factorial process. Genetic, lifestyle, immune and environmental factors play a role. Part of the process leading to cancer is acquiring damage to genes that regulate normal cell growth. This damage or mutation can be caused in part by exposure to chemicals in the environment and in part by other factors. There are known risk factors for breast cancer that are generally agreed upon throughout the medical and scientific community. They include early menarche, late menopause, having a first child later in life or not having children at all, a history of a first degree relative with breast cancer, a carrier of the breast cancer gene, past exposure to ionizing radiation, obesity, excess alcohol and use of a combination of estrogen and progestin for four years or more in postmenopausal women. But these factors only account for 10%-40% of breast cancers.

What accounts for the rest?

We may never know the full range of factors that lead to breast cancer but environmental factors must be considered. Chemicals in the environment can act like estrogen in the body. Breast tissue is extremely sensitive to estrogen stimulation which causes breast cell division. Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, prolactin and growth hormone affect growth and functioning of breast cells. More than half of breast tumors depend on estrogen. Environmental chemicals can act like hormones and other growth factors. Environmental chemicals can affect the balance that controls breast cell division and growth. One such chemical is parabens.

Parabens are a group of synthetic chemicals that we are exposed to everyday. They are in many cosmetics, shampoos, lotions, soaps and many other grooming products. They are what keep bacteria from growing in the product. Common parabens used in cosmetic and grooming products are methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, and propylparaben. Typically more than one paraben is used in a product and they are often used in combination with other chemical preservatives. Parabens were first approved for use in cosmetic products in 1984 when the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) determined they were safe. The CIR again looked at the safety of parbens in cosmetics in 2003 and 2005 and again determined that parabens are safe as used in cosmetics.

So what's all the fuss about parabens?

A 2004 study looked at 20 women with breast cancer and measured the tumor tissue for 6 different parabens. 100% of samples had at least one paraben with methylparaben being the highest. The study discussed the information in the context of the weak estrogen-like properties of parabens and the influence of estrogen on breast cancer. The study clearly had some flaws. First, it was a small sample of women all of which had breast cancer, and it did not compare this group to women without breast cancer. Also, it is important to note that the study did not show that parbens caused breast cancer but merely showed a correlation.

The question of parabens' estrogenicity has also been raised. One study in 2002 showed that parabens can act like estrogen in the body at the strength to cause breast cancer cells to grow and proliferate. While a 1998 study found that the most potent paraben, butylparaben, had an estrogenic activity 10,000 to 100,000 fold less activity than endogenous estradiol. Typically parabens used in cosmetics are at levels ranging from 0.01% to 0.03%. A 2005 review of the estrogenic activity of parabens found, based on maximum daily exposure estimates on the levels in cosmetics that parabens could not increase the risk associated with exposure to estrogenic chemicals.

The Darbre study did bring up an interesting point of concern. The study showed that 5 of the 6 parabens widely used in cosmetics can be detected intact in human tissue. Often studies look at urine or blood levels of chemicals which show changed or metabolized effects of the chemical. This study showed unchanged, intact parabens stored in human tissue. A report published in the Journal of the American College of Toxicology in 1984 estimated that parabens are used in more than 13,000 consumer products. Parabens are easily absorbed through the skin where most cosmetics are applied. We know from body burden studies that the average American has at least one form of parabens stored in their body. In 2008 Dateline NBC ran a story about the body burden of chemicals. They measured 76 chemicals in 2 families. Each family consisted of a mother, father and two kids. All members of both families had low to moderate levels of parabens. This covers men, women, adults and children. This finding is not surprising considering parabens are in 13,000 grooming and hygiene products.

What should women do?

Is there a concern for women applying a weak estrogen to the skin every day through cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, sunscreens lotions, and soaps? Caution may be warranted based on the studies showing the weak estrogenic activity of parabens and their ability to penetrate the skin and be found intact in human breast cancer tissue. However, further research needs to be done comparing a large group of women with breast cancer to a large group of healthy women without breast cancer as well as more estrogenicity studies in the lab. In the meantime, look for products that are using phenoxyethanol, capryly glycol, potassium sorbate, ascorbic acid and grapefruit seed extract as alternative preservatives. However, each of these too come with controversy in regards to issues including whether or not they have sufficient anti-microbial effects, labeling as natural, and the nature of the chemical make-up.

Happi and GCI trade publications publish annual preservative issues that serve as a resource to manufacturers.

This article was authored by Dr. Marianne Marchese, Naturopathic Physician. Her website is www.drmarchese.com

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