Sault Naturopath

A new study out of West Virginia University School of Medicine suggests a link between early menopause and environmental chemicals commonly found in our households. Although researchers are unclear about how these chemicals actually cause early menopause they did find a significant association between high levels of perfluorocarbons (PFCs) in the body and lower concentrations of estrogen in the over 25 000 women who took part in the study.

PFCs are man-made chemicals found in many household products, including food containers, stain-resistant clothing, furniture, carpets, paints and non-stick pans. In animal studies, PFCs have been linked to cancer and thyroid disease. In some cases, the PFCs in non-stick frying pans on high heat have been shown to cause flu-like symptoms in humans and even kill birds.  Read more...

BPA, bisphenol A, has been in the news lately. A recent study showed that 91% of Canadians have detectable concentrations of this chemical in their system. Sources of BPA include canned foods, plastic containers and toys, computers, CDs, cell phones, video game consoles and sales receipts.  Perhaps what is most concerning is that teenagers, aged 12 to 19, were found to have about 30% greater levels compared to the rest of the population.  Read more...

How safe are the personal care products and cosmetics you and your family use on a daily basis? You may be surprised …

Myth #1: The cosmetics industry effectively polices itself, making sure all ingredients meet a strict standard of safety.

Truth #1: In its more than 30-year history, the industry’s safety panel (the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, or CIR) has assessed fewer than 20 percent of cosmetics ingredients and found only a handful of ingredients or chemical groups to be unsafe. Its recommendations are not binding on companies.

Myth #2: The government prohibits dangerous chemicals in personal care products, and companies wouldn’t risk using them.  Read more...