Thursday, July 31, 2008

Bras Cause Breast Pain, Cysts, and Cancer

Author: Sydney Ross Singer


If you suffer from breast pain, cysts, or lumps, and fear developing breast cancer, you can participate in an international Breast Cancer Prevention Project.

This project has shown a 95 percent success rate in improving breast health. After years of suffering from breast pain and cysts, many participants have found phenomenal improvement within days of starting this program. It is cost-free, risk-free, and is the best thing you can do to prevent breast cancer, as well. It all has to do with the cultural practice of wearing tight bras, and the effect this has on the circulation within the breasts.

Why would bras be linked to breast disease and cancer? It has to do with the effect of bras on breast circulation, specifically the effect of bras on the lymphatic system.

It is the bloodstream's job to deliver fresh, oxygenated fluid to the tissues and to remove carbon dioxide. It is the lymphatic system's job to remove fluid, called lymph, from the tissue spaces, along with debris, viruses, cancer cells, bacteria, toxins, and other unwanted material. The lymphatic system consists of microscopic vessels that originate in the tissue space and lead to larger, but still tiny, vessels that ultimately enter a lymph node. These nodes are bean-sized filters lined by white blood cells. Most of the breast's lymph nodes are in the armpit. If the nodes detect a virus, cancer cell, or other foreign or hazardous substance in the tissue fluid, they begin an immune response of producing white blood cells to combat the problem. Once through the lymph node the fluid works its way through larger lymphatic vessels back to the heart and the bloodstream.

One important fact about the lymphatic system is that it is a passive drainage system. While the bloodstream delivers fluid under the pumping pressure of the heart, the lymphatic system has no pressure. Its flow is influenced by gravity, breathing, exercise and movement, and massage. And the slightest constriction or compression of the tissue can close the tiny lymphatic vessels down, inhibiting lymph flow and leading to fluid accumulation, cysts, pain, and tenderness. This fluid congestion within the tissue is called lymphedema.

Women who have fibrocystic breast disease essentially have lymphedema of the breast. Its cause, we discovered, is the impairment of lymphatic flow by pressure from the bra. Bras are elastic garments that exert constant pressure on the breast tissue. Their purpose is to push the breasts into a more fashionable shape. Yet, this pressure can cut down on flow within the lymphatic system, reducing its ability to remove fluid and toxins from the breast tissue.

The toxins that are within the breast tissue include some biochemical products of tissue edema, such as free radicals, which are known to cause cancer. In addition, there are also toxins in our air, food and water, including pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and other products of our petrochemically polluted world. Many of these are known to cause cancer. We deliver these toxins to all our tissues each day through the bloodstream. It is the job of the lymphatics to remove these toxins. And it is this job that the bra inhibits by its compression and constriction of the breasts.

This is how bras cause breast cancer. Cancer causing toxins are delivered to the breast tissue by the bloodstream, and are kept there by the bra. The toxins are the bullets. The bra holds them in place, pointed directly at the breasts.

This explains why women have more cancer in the breast than elsewhere in their bodies. The breasts are the most clothing constricted of any organ. It also explains why women have more breast cancer than men, and why breast cancer is only a problem in cultures in which bras are worn. Where there are no bras, there is virtually no breast cancer.

We had written about this, and the results of our 1991-93 Bra and Breast Cancer Study, in our book Dressed To Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras (ISCD Press). Our study was conducted on approximately 4700 U.S. women, about half of whom had breast cancer. We asked these women about their past bra-wearing attitudes and habits. What we discovered was that the women in the cancer group had a history of wearing bras tighter and longer than did the non-cancer group. In fact, many women in the cancer group slept with their bras on. Almost none were bra-free. This differed greatly from the non-cancer group.

When the results were analyzed, they revealed that women who wear bras over 12 hours daily have a dramatically increased risk of developing breast cancer compared to bra-free women. In fact, bra-free women have about the same chances of developing breast cancer as men have, and this is over 100 times less than that for women wearing bras 18-24 hours daily. When you consider that smoking increases the incidence of lung cancer 20-30 times, this makes the link between breast cancer and bras 4-5 times greater than the link between cigarettes and lung cancer!

Of course, the easiest way for a woman to determine if her own bra is damaging her breasts is to go without a bra for a while and feel the difference. That is what the Breast Cancer Prevention Project is about. You simply have to commit to being bra-free for one month. Your body will tell you the results.

For the thousands of women who have tried this, the results are spectacular. Having bound their breasts since puberty, the feeling of breast freedom sometimes may seem strange at first. But within days, the breasts have their chance to drain of congestion and excess fluid. Tenderness ends. Menstrual breast pain may disappear altogether. Cysts vanish. It's like a miracle.

Interestingly, some women have become so conditioned to wearing a bra that they feel uncomfortable without one. That is because their breasts have become reliant on the bra for support, causing the loss of function of the musculature and ligaments that normally support the breasts. In other words, bras cause the breasts to be weak and droop. There are many large breasted women of all ages who have firm, healthy, trouble-free breasts because they have never worn a bra.

The congestion of the breasts by the bra also increases breast weight, since the breasts are essentially swollen by edema. This can cause the breasts to feel painful when the bra is removed. Fortunately, once the bra is no longer worn, the breasts can decongest and can develop their tone again. Many women reported that their breasts lifted up within months of ending the bra habit.

So here's your challenge. Find a cotton or silk camisole or T-shirt that you feel comfortable in, get rid of your bra, and give your breasts a month without being bound. Then let us know your results. If you need more information see our website www.SelfStudyCenter.org. You can also register for this study directly on our website.

The cause of breast cancer must be eliminated if the breast cancer epidemic is to end. It should have been clear decades ago that breast binding could lead to cancer and other breast diseases. However, a culture is never objective about its own foibles. And with a cancer industry making lots of money treating breast cancer, and a fashion industry making lots of money selling bras, there is great financial incentive in keeping women wearing bras, and then in treating their breast disease when it happens.

SEND RESULTS TO: Institute for the Study of Culturogenic Disease P.O. BOX 1880 PAHOA, HAWAII 96778 808-935-5563

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/women's-health-articles/bras-cause-breast-pain-cysts-and-cancer-326465.html

About the Author:

Sydney Ross Singer is a medical anthropologist and director of the Institute for the Study of Culturogenic Disease. A pioneer in the field of applied medical anthropology, Singer examines the cultural/lifestyle causes of disease, uncovering how our culture is making us sick. His assumption is that our bodies are designed to function properly, but the attitudes and behaviors taught to us by our culture often get in the way of our bodies working properly. He uses his eclectic background in biochemistry, anthropology, and medicine to identify harmful lifestyle practices, some of which are promoted by our culture, its industries, and even its medical authorities. As a result, much of Singer's work is challenging to the status quo, and has been suppressed by the affected industries. (This is why most anthropologists study cultures other than their own. No culture likes to honestly look at its foibles.) Along with his wife and co-researcher, Soma Grismaijer, Singer has written numerous groundbreaking books on the cultural causes of disease, including the internationally recognized bestseller, Dressed To Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras. Singer and Grismaijer, who also study the human-animal bond, live with their son along with a community of animals on a rainforest preserve and coqui frog sanctuary in Hawaii.





Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Is Mineral Makeup Really Good For Your Skin?

Author: Erin Kelley


Discovered in the late 70's, mineral makeup has only recently started gaining popularity in the cosmetics world. One of the most famous claims regarding mineral makeup is that it is actually good for your skin. Is there any truth to this claim? Read on and find out.

First of all - what is mineral makeup? Mineral makeup is made from naturally-occuring crushed minerals, usually zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxides and mica. These loose minerals are combined together in different quantities to make a variety of mineral makeup powder formulations such as foundations, finishing powders, concealers, blushers, bronzers and eye shadows. The minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in particular, act as a natural sunblock, effectively filtering UVA and UVB rays to deliver sun protection of up to SPF 20.

Mineral makeup is free of irritants like perfumes, preservatives (such as parabens), alcohols and dyes. Many traditional makeup brands use synthetic FD&C dyes in their products - however, these dyes have been identified as the one of the leading causes of allergic reactions in makeup. Most mineral makeup lines do not use synthetic dyes, instead, the colors are derived from naturally-occuring iron oxide pigments. All this makes mineral makeup very suitable for people with sensitive skin. In fact, mineral makeup has even been used after surgical procedures like laser peels, when skin is at its most sensitive.

However, not all mineral makeup lines are completely free of chemical irritants. Some brands use the bismuth oxychloride, which can be very irritating on the skin. Bismuth oxychloride is a mineral that is used in some major mineral makeup lines because it imparts a shimmery look to their makeup, and is a cheap filler. Bismuth oxychloride is also heavy, hence the need to 'buff' or force it into your skin. Mineral makeup lines that do not use bismuth oxychloride tend to be lighter in texture and easier to apply.

Mineral makeup can also be good for acne sufferers. By its very nature, mineral cosmetics are non-comedogenic, oil-free, anti-inflammatory and cannot harbor bacteria, which means that acne blemishes can be covered or concealed without further aggravating them. Mineral makeup will not necessarily cure acne, but skin has a much better chance of healing while wearing it, compared to traditional makeup. Many have also reported that they have fallen asleep wearing their mineral makeup without suffering any breakouts the following day. In fact, some mineral makeup lines even have mineral night-time treatments, which are specially-formulated mineral powders that you can wear every night to improve your skin. A good excuse to wear makeup to bed?

Crucially, mineral makeup avoids the use of talc, a known carcinogen found in a lot of traditional makeup. There are also no petrochemicals or coal-derived ingredients, common in a lot of traditional makeup. As you can see, the ingredient listing in say, a mineral foundation is much shorter compared to a traditional liquid foundation.

The positive claims of mineral makeup cannot be applied to all mineral makeup brands or all people. Some will have different reactions compared to others. It is always good to research first before you buy.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cosmetics-articles/is-mineral-makeup-really-good-for-your-skin-105462.html

About the Author:

Erin Kelley writes for Aeteenshop.com, a beauty and health E-Zine. She recommends Earthnicity Minerals mineral cosmetics, which is free of parabens, preservatives, fragrances, alcohol,mineral oil and bismuth oxychloride.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Top Ten Nontoxic, Earth Friendly Living Suggestions

By Amy Todisco

According to the Union Of Concerned Scientists, in their book, The Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental Choices, just three of the household activity areas-transportation, food, and household operations-account for the majority of consumer caused environmental impact. The following is a brief list of suggestions to help you create a healthier, less toxic, earth-friendly lifestyle:

  1. Transportation
    Choose a fuel-efficient, low-polluting car. Trade in or sell your Sport Utility Vehicles, mini-van, or light truck (unless you need the truck for business).

    • Choose a place to live that reduces need to drive (commute to work/school)
    • Think twice before purchasing a second car
    • Whenever practical, walk, bike, take public transportation
    • Set concrete goals for reducing travel

    Did You Know: Household use of transportation, from recreational boating to cars to passenger air travel, is responsible for 28-51% of greenhouse gases and air pollution and 23% of toxic water pollution. The use of land for roads is a significant threat to wildlife.

  2. Food

    • Avoid conventionally raised meat (beef, lamb, pork, and poultry) and prefer certified organically raised alternatives. Reduce overall meat intake.
    • If you eat fish (which can also be contaminated with toxic chemicals) prefer: haddock, wild pacific salmon, U.S. harvested shrimp, and yellowtail. If you eat tuna, limit to once/week due to high levels of toxic Mercury.
    • Choose certified organically grown foods, ideally locally grown.

    Did You Know: The Union of Concerned Scientists reported "our results show that meat production causes more environmental harm than other food production, so it is desirable to try to reduce the amount of meat you eat." Additionally, Epidemiologist T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D, one of the world's leading authorities in nutrition science, said, "In my view, no chemical carcinogen is nearly so important in causing human cancer as animal protein."

    Conventional food can be: genetically engineered, irradiated, fertilized with municipal sludge, artificially flavored, colored and preserved, injected with growth hormones and antibiotics, and contaminated with other industrial chemicals and radiation. Sound appetizing?

  3. Water

    • Have your drinking water tested for pollutants (Watercheck National Testing Laboratories, 6151 Willson Mills Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44133).
    • Depending upon results, choose an effective, affordable tap and shower water filtration systems, like my favorite: Lakota Scientific (You can purchase them on my webstore.)
    • Install low-flow aerators on sinks and showers. Consider a composting toilet.

    Did You Know: Approximately 43% of the nation's community water systems are in violation of federal safe drinking water laws. Lead is one of the most dangerous drinking water contaminants. Bottled water is not required by law to be pure, and it may become contaminated from the plastic container it's bottled in.

  4. Clothing
    Choose organically grown cotton, hemp, and untreated wool as much as possible. Environmentally friendly clothing is now offered by: Levi Strauss & Co. (Levi's Natural jeans), VF Corp (owner of Lee and Wrangler), Esprit, and Patagonia. O wear is also offered in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and NYC. Tomorrow's World catalog also offers a good selection of organic cotton and hemp clothing (1-800-229-7571).

    Did You Know: One of the most heavily sprayed crops in agriculture is cotton, and yet toxic water and air pollution are created from the production of synthetic fibers from petroleum products. The production of shoes and leather goods are very damaging with regard to water pollution and land use.

  5. Dry Cleaning

    • It's better to launder clothes than to dry clean. Many items that are labeled "dry clean only" can be washed without harm, if you know how to do it. (Check out Debra Lynn Dadd's book, The Non-toxic Home and Office, for washing instructions).
    • If you must dry clean, remove clothes from plastic bag, tie bag into a knot and safely throw away. Air clothes outside to reduce solvent fumes (ideally) or in a closed room with ventilation. This could take up to 1 week, less if the weather is dry and warm.

    Did You Know: Dry cleaning, on a per-dollar basis, is responsible for very high levels of toxic air pollution? Trichloroethylene may be outgassing from dry-cleaned clothes. Trichloroethylene is suspected of causing cancer in humans.

  6. Cleaning Products

    • Avoid common synthetic cleaning products; many of them are toxic regardless of what the packaging indicates. Be aware that some "natural" looking product labels and packaging may be hiding nothing more than a synthetic chemical product with added herbs and essential oils.
    • Seek out truly nontoxic, earth-friendly household cleaning products, like Ecover, or make your own. (You can purchase them on my webstore) Consult Annie Berthold Bond's book, Clean and Green, and Debra Lynn Dadd's, The Non-Toxic Home and Office, for recipes.

    Did You Know: Cleaning products rank high on a per-dollar basis in terms of air and water pollution impacts. Their use also creates unhealthy indoor air in homes, offices, schools, etc. which can cause illness. Thanks to "trade secret laws", manufacturers of cleaning products are not required by law to disclose all of their ingredients. Many of the undisclosed "inerts" are toxic, and they can make up to 99% of the product.

  7. Pesticides And Fertilizers- Indoor

    • Eliminate use of toxic home pesticides, including pet flea and tick products, fly strips, and synthetic fertilizers.
    • For ants, try a 50-50 mix of borax powder and sugar. Line cabinets, cracks, and crevices where ants have been noticed. (Keep out of reach of children and pets).
    • Try flea prevention. Comb pets regularly with good metal flea comb, comb daily if they have fleas. Bathe pets with Vermont Soap Company or Dr. Bronner's organic castile soaps. Vacuum at least once per week. Call Flea Buster's (non-toxic service) at 1-800-765-FLEA for local referral.
    • Fertilize indoor plants (and lawns and gardens) with liquid seaweed or fish emulsion (Neptune's Harvest) & compost (for lawns and gardens).
  8. Pesticides & Fertilizers -Outdoor

    • First, change mindset about "perfect" lawn. Learn to tolerate some "weeds", different color grasses, and uneven spots.
    • Limit amount of grass and instead use other ground cover like ivy. Plant more native shrubs and trees.
    • Cut grass high (3"), lime, aerate the lawn, and rake vigorously in spring.

    Did You Know: One study found a rate of childhood leukemia 4-7 times greater in children whose parents used store-bought home and garden pesticides. Pesticides, whether used properly or improperly, are designed to kill living organisms. Of the 34 most commonly used lawn chemicals, 11 are known carcinogens, 20 poison the nervous system, 9 cause birth defects, and 30 create skin irritation.

  9. Energy Use

    • Insulate. Replace old windows and doors with newer energy efficient (triple glazed) options.
    • Try to increase the amount and use of sunlight in your home through building on a passive solar sunroom & installing solartubes (energy efficient skylight).
    • Consider purchasing photovoltaic panels to generate clean electricity and a solar electric hot water heater (save $150-350/year depending on local climate).
    • Lower thermostat to 68 degrees (or lower) during the day and 64 degrees (or lower) at night
    • .
    • Use wood or wood pellets to generate electricity in modern energy efficient pellet or wood stove.
    • When appropriate, replace old appliances with newer energy efficient ones, like solar hot water heaters, and incandescent lights with compact fluorescent full spectrum lights.
    • Choose an energy supplier who supports renewable energy generation. For renewable energy products, call: Real Goods at 1-800-762-7325.

    Did You Know: Burning fossil fuels for heating, hot water and air conditioning creates 31% of consumer-caused greenhouse gases, and 24% of common air pollution.

  10. Home Furnishings

    • Choose unfinished solid wood cabinets, furniture, and hard wood floors. Antique wood furniture is also a good choice.
    • Use non-toxic wood primers, stains, etc. (The Natural Choice at 1-800-621-2591, and A.F.M. at 1-800-239-0321, and ICI's Performance 2000)
    • Look for organic or untreated cotton, silk, linen or hemp fabrics for upholstery, curtains, sheets, towels, etc. (Winter Silks, 1-800-648-7455).
    • Organic cotton and solid wood beds, and organic cotton and hemp clothing are currently available (Tomorrow's World, 1-800-229-7571).
    • Untreated, nontoxic, all natural carpeting is available from: Earth Weave Carpet Mills, Inc. 706-695-8800, www.earthweave.com)

    Did You Know: Formaldehyde is used extensively in commercial furniture; medium density fiberboard emits the highest level of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde causes cancer and nervous system damage. Many brands of carpets are treated with poisonous moth repellents, mold retardants, and pesticides. Toluene, xylene, and styrene are nerve toxins found in carpeting. They all outgas into our indoor air environment. Commercial paint contains nerve toxins and cancer-causing chemicals including formaldehyde, methylene chloride, xylene, and toluene, and others.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amy Todisco is the President and Owner of greenlivingnow.com organic and natural product webstore. She was the founder and executive director of the nonprofit, the Consumer's Healthy Home Center (CHHC). CHHC was created to hire independent toxicologists to test a variety of household products for their potential inhalation health effects, and then recommend the safest products to consumers. Amy closed down CHHC to create the greenlivingnow.com webstore. She felt that she could inspire and positively impact more people through the webstore.

Amy is also a professional life coach (Catalyst 4 Change Life Coaching) and is creating a group teleclass on several topics of green living, beginning with organic food on a budget. She's also created three green living ebooks that are going on sale by 8/1.



Contact Amy here: amy@greenlivingnow.com

www.greenlivingnow.com