Welcome to my "Health, Wellness and Lifestyle" blog. Enjoy the information and if it interests you please 'follow' this page and if the information inspires you, please share the it with your friends and family, so they too may benefit.


If you have any questions, please feel free to email me on info@chelseafamilychiro.com.au

I wish you great health & happiness.
Dr Orly Zuker, Chiropractor

PART 2: SOAP, SUDS & BUBBLES, A CHEMICAL COCKTAIL (BABIES AND CHILDREN)

By Dr Orly Zuker, Chiropractor
(B.Appl.Sci: Comp Med, Clin Chiro: Masters, B.Nursing, Webster Certif)

 

When we find out that we are pregnant, most women are very particular about what they put in their body, what they put on their body and what they breathe in. Needless-to-say, this is an innate act of preservation and survival where a mother-to-be wants nothing other than for her foetus to grow and develop in the healthiest possible environment… Unfortunately some people only reform their health and lifestyle during their pregnancy, whereas others try to adopt this new and healthier lifestyle for years to come. The more you read and learn, the harder it is to return to your previous lifestyle of chemical based home cleaning, hygiene products and even non-organic food (but that is a whole other topic!).

During pregnancy (and assumingly during the early days with a newborn), there are particular drugs, medications and chemicals that may either hinder, retard or cause fatal damage to a growing foetus and a new baby. The Thalidomide tragedy of the 1970s is a constant reminder of this and therefore making every effort to avoid potentially harmful substances (and question everything) during pregnancy and with your new baby is vital.

During gestation, a baby spends it's time swimming around the naturally sterile and safe amniotic fluid of the womb, and then they are quickly born into an environment of chemicals (cleaning products, artificial air fragrances, bathing preparations/ soaps, lotions, cuddling perfumed visitors and laundry detergents on clothing and bedding). Unfortunately baby and infant products are marketed and advertised as being ‘safe and gentle’. However, with products containing SLS, PEG, benzoates, alcohol AND MORE how safe and gentle can they really be?

Thankfully as with other home and hygiene products covered in part 1 of this article, there are terrific alternatives on the market. Ecostore, Gaia and other toxic-free/ eco-friendly companies manufacture truly safe and gentle products for your new baby. Again, as mentioned in part 1 of this article, be aware of personal care and home cleaning products that are marketed and advertised as 'Eco', as they frequently contain chemicals that may cause long-term toxicity and cause short-term irritation.

In addition, you may choose to refrain from wearing perfume and kindly ask your visitors to spray their perfume on their back rather than front if they must wear perfume.

When it comes to babies it seems like common sense wanting to minimise skin aggravation, chemical inhalation and immune sensitivities. It baffles me that companies actually manufacture baby products with such toxic ingredients, and we as consumers know no better, so we purchase what ‘looks the best’ and ‘sounds the best’, because we try to do our best!

As our children grow up, we as their parents (and grandparents) can teach and encourage them to embrace a healthy lifestyle that is ‘toxic–free’ for their health and for the integrity of the environment. When it comes to making less toxic choices for your family's personal care & hygiene products, we must educate ourselves, embrace healthier choices and ‘step outside of the square’. A good place to start is in asking questions such as; "is it safe long term to use products with chemicals such as SLS, PEGs, BPA etc”. Unfortunately there isn’t enough long term studies of these chemical’s safety, so for your future health it is safer to just stay clear.

 CHEMICAL WATCH…

The skin is a highly absorbable organ, and inflammatory skin rashes, asthma and other common ailments of infancy and childhood are on the rise. Making a conscious effort to seek and choose ‘healthier’ cleaning and hygiene products is becoming more and more important to many families. As a response to the growing demand, your local grocery, organic or health food stores now have a range of safer products for you enjoy. But be sure to read the label, even with a brand you trust.

Healthy tip: Be careful of products marketed as 'fragrance-free' or products advertised as containing ‘organic ingredients’ or ‘natural essential oils' or 'gentle on the skin' and so on as these products still falsely contain a concoction of toxic petrochemicals, preservatives and artificial fragrances.

Interestingly, some studies have shown that bathing practices of a newborn, utilising conventional over-the-counter products caused a rash in up half the population being studied… If these hygiene preparations can cause an instant rash, then what can it do to our health in the long term?

When it comes to our precious babies and children, the concept of ‘toxic-free’ and minimising exposure to potentially harmful chemicals is no different to the kitchen, laundry, bathroom and makeup case mentioned in part 1… Let’s all start transforming our home today, for our health tomorrow.

TALCUM POWDER/ BABY POWDER

Talc has not had a good reputation over the years. According to research, the use of talcum powder may have health consequences you would never have assumed. Both older and more recent studies have suggested that the use of talc/ traditional baby powder in the perineal/ genital area may be linked to the development of cervical and ovarian cancer.

Healthy tip: Cornflour-based baby powder is an easy to find alternative to talc. Gaia and other companies make a great product that is easy to find at a range of different stores.

BUBBLE BATH/ BABY SHAMPOO

As mentioned in Part 1, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), petrochemicals and other toxic chemicals are frequently used in your families shampoo, conditioner and bubble bath (no exceptions for newborn babies or infants). Popular brands on the market use a formula that includes chemicals such as; SLS and Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Polysorbate 20, PEG-80, PEG 150 Distearate, Polyquaternium-10, colours, preservatives and perfume. To be honest, as a health practitioner and as a mother, reading that list of chemicals truly scares me. A simple formula of plant based solvents and detergents makes me feel a lot more comfortable, safe and clean.

BABY LOTIONS/ BOTTOM CREAMS/ SOAPS

Various branded sorbolene creams have for some time been recognised by consumers and medical practitioners as a ‘safer’ or ‘more gentle’ option than other lotions on the market. Unfortunately, marketing and advertising catch us again with most formulas of sorbolene lotion containing chemicals such as; Petrolatum, Cetearyl alcohol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben and Disodium EDTA and so on. In the end when you start reading labels and questioning the safety of these products it becomes ever so apparent that they are not so gentle after all!                   The good news again is that companies such as Eco store and Gaia (what I use with my baby) manufacture nappy/ bottom cream, body moisturiser/ lotions and soaps that are all safe, gentle, soothing and effective.  Rather than a chemical cocktail, the ingredients in products such as Gaia’s ‘skin soothing lotion’/ nappy cream includes shea butter, castor oil, zinc oxide, calendula, extract, chamomile extract avocado oil and beeswax. Much nicer for your baby’s bottom!   

Popular branded baby oils contain ingredients such as; PEG-12 Dimethicone, fragrance, Sodium Benzoate, Mineral Oil, Polysorbate -20 and Sodium Lactate. You might prefer to just lather your baby in safe, natural coconut oil!

BABY WIPES

Baby wipes can frequently cause irritation to a baby’s sensitive bottom. Many popular baby wipe brands on the market have ingredients in their formula that include; Caprylyl Glycol, Phenooxyethanol, Amodimethicone (a silicone based polymer), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (a synthetic surfactant), Polyaminopropyl Biguanide (a disinfectant and preservative) and Methylisothiazolinone (a biocide and preservative). Again, looking at other more natural companies, Gaia manufacture bamboo baby wipes with ingredients that include; organic essential oils, aloe extract and glycerin. When you find a brand you trust (like myself with Gaia and Ecostore, you can’t look past them!).

SUNSCREEN

As mentioned in part 1, sunscreens are a cocktail of chemical UV blockers and absorbers. They contain titanium dioxide and an array of other chemicals that make up the cream base of sunscreen. There are far safer options on the market, such as the brands: UV Naturals, Soleo, Wotnot and Natural Instinct. These are all safe and effective alternatives to conventional sunscreen.

TEETHING GELS/OINTMENTS

As a mother, I have never used teething gels as I have never felt comfortable having my baby swallow chemicals and preparations such as: Ethanol/ alcohol, Cetylpyridinium (a preservative), Cetalkonium Chloride (a preservative), Saccharin (a proven dangerous artificial sweetener). These conventional teething gels also contain Choline Salicylate, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication that has side effects including; allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness and breathing difficulty. I prefer a more gentle and natural approach with frozen breastmilk poles, Brauer’s Teething Relief drops and frozen blueberries (for an older baby). The fact is that teething will in most cases disrupt everyone’s sleep, and yes i would rather accidently stick my hand in my son’s poo, but teething passes and I would rather it pass without the use of toxic drugs and chemicals!                           

Healthy tip: I had a pharmacist patient of ours make us some baby ibuprofen without any artificial sweetener, colours or preservatives. There are many compounding pharmacist around these days who can do the same for you.

References:

1. Larson, EL. (2004). Effect of Antibacterial Home Cleaning and Handwashing Products on Infectious Disease Symptoms [A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial]. Ann Int Med. Vol. 140 (5). Pg. 321-329.
2. Nazaroff, WW & Weschler, CJ. (2004). Cleaning products and air fresheners: exposure to primary and secondary air pollutants. Atmosph Environ.
3. Ramón, MM etal. (2005). Asthma, chronic bronchitis, and exposure to irritant agents in occupational domestic cleaning: a nested case-control study. Occup Environ Med. Vol 62. Pg. 598-606. 
4. Bergfeld, WF etal. (2005). Safety of ingredients used in cosmetics. Journ Amer Acad Dermat. Vol 52 (1). Pg. 125-132.
5. William B. Grant etal. (2002). The significance of environmental factors in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease. Journ Alzh Dis. Vol 4 (3). Pg. 179-189.
6. Darbre, PD. (2005). Aluminium, antiperspirants and breast cancer. Journ Inorg Biochem. Vol 99 (9). Pg. 1912-1919.
7. Darbre, PD. (2006).  Environmental oestrogens, cosmetics and breast cancer. Journ Endocrin & Metab. Vol 20 (1). Pg. 121-143.
8. Merritt, MA etal. (2008).Talcum powder, chronic pelvic inflammation and NSAIDs in relation to risk of epithelial ovarian cancer. Internat Journ Canc. Vol 122 (1). Pg. 170–176.
9. Unknown Author. (1983). Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Journ Amer Coll Tox. Vol 2 (7).
10. Hrudey, SE. (2009). Chlorination disinfection by-products, public health risk tradeoffs and me. Water Res. Vol 43(8).  Pg. 2057-2092.

FOOD LABELLING, HEALTH AND CONSUMER CHOICES

By Dr Orly Zuker, Chiropractor

(B.App Sci: Comp Med, Masters:Clin Chiro, B.Nursing, Webster Certif)

In Australia and other first word nations, we are very fortunate to have on offer clean and healthy food options. At our fingertips, supermarkets offer all sorts of pre-prepared meals, frozen goods, fresh produce and an abundance of tasty treats and sweets. This abundance of convenience and packaged foods has led consumers to rely on honest and accurate information provided on labels by food manufacturers. The simple fact is that processed foods are usually manufactured with heavily refined and processed ingredients. Virtually all conventionally processed foods are laden with salt, hidden sugars (high fructose corn syrup), unhealthy/ hydrogenated fats and nasty chemical additives... Far from what nature intended.

Over the past 20 years there has  been an emergence of healthy minded consumers who want to know what is going on their plates and into their bodies. People are demanding  honesty from their food producers, manufacturers, supermarkets and farmers and as result has influenced the introduction of organic products and food items that are free from preservatives, additives, artificial colouring and hidden sugars.

As you begin to read labels and ingredient lists, be conscious that in Australia and many other countries, food labelling laws are vague, allowing a food manufacturer to in many ways ‘do what they like’. In saying so, ‘natural’, ‘sugar-free’ and ‘fat-free’ and so on only mean that a certain percentage of the product contains or includes natural products or a particular level of fat or sugar! Moral of the story, grow your own, bake your own, pick your own and support local butchers, green grocers, farmers markets.

Don't be fooled by clever marketing and advertising either. For example, recently a supermarket  campaign was introduced with a 'no added hormones’ slogan which at first glance is exciting. However if you read between the lines  you will realise the truth in food labelling. If we think about it, of course supermarkets don’t add hormones to their meat produce (for goodness sake, it’s a carcass that doesn’t need growth hormones!), but sadly growers and suppliers frequently use growth hormones and antibiotics that are hidden in  the animal feed that their livestock eat. Meats can also be preserved with chemicals before reaching supermarkets, and thus is the ambiguous industry of food labelling and marketing.

Education about food and food labeling starts with our kids. Our young future leaders are impressionable and it is imperative that they are aware of farming practices (including food export/ import, organic and biotechnology such as the genetic modification of food), cage rearing of animals, food manufacturing, food labeling, sustainability and recycling. Parents can use a simple supermarket trip as education, explaining what they see and explaining labels and numbers to them.

Food Labelling Issue #1: Processed Foods & Additives

For centuries food additives such as salt and oil have been used in food manufacturing to; preserve food (these are numbered in the 200s), augment or improve the taste of food (these are numbered in the 600s) or to make foods more appealing to the eye by restoring or enhancing colour (these are numbered in the 100s) .u

According to public government based information the FSANZ closely monitor the use of food additives, and comprehensively tests and assesses regularly for safety. In saying this however, use your better judgement as artificial additives such food colouring (however banned in certain European countries) are easily accessible in Australia & New Zealand. Long-term safety of such chemicals remain unknown or vague.

Flavour enhancers might make a packaged food item tastier, however chemical flavour enhancers such as Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) can have awful side effects that include;  headaches, migraines, stomach upset, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma attacks, shortness of breath, anxiety or panic attacks, heart palpitations, partial paralysis, heart attack-like symptoms, balance difficulties, mental confusion, mood swings, neurological disorders (Parkinson's, MS, ALS, Alzheimer's), behavioural disorders (especially in children and teens), skin rashes, mouth dryness, premature labour, runny nose, facial flushing, mouth lesions, depression and more…

Becoming familiar with the numbers found on food labels will assist you in making more informed and perhaps healthier choices for yourself and your family. Comprehensive lists are available on the FSANZ website for a label number/ code reference.

Common additives found in packaged food include:

      ·         Acidity regulator (260)

·         Anticaking agent (551, 553, 554)

·         Petrolatum or petroleum jelly (905b)

·         Aspartame (951)/ Saccharin (954)

·         Flavour enhancer: MSG (620, 621, 622, 623, 633, 635)

·         Sorbitol (420) – a humectant which is used to stabilize the moisture levels of dry fruit.

·         Sulphur dioxide/ sodium nitrate/ bisulphite/ metabisulphite/ potassium bisulphite (220, 222, 223, 250, 251, 228) are preservatives found in dry fruit and processed meat products.

·         Colours: Many colours are added to foods such as dried fruit, jarred foods, confectionary and so on. The following colours have been banned in Norway, Sweden, Finland, France and Austria; yellow tartrazine (102), yellow #6 (E110), allura red (129), ponceau 4R/ red dye # 3 & #40 (E124), blue #1 & blue #2 (E133). Studies into the effects of these artificial colours/ additives have discovered links to hyperactivity disorders, chromosomal/ DNA damage and specific cancers. Unfortunately Australia and New Zealand haven’t followed suit in banned these, so avoid them all together is a good idea for your health.

It is important to know that not all numbers are ‘bad’. There are many naturally occurring additives now being used in food manufacturing. These are also required by law to be listed on a food label. In examining a food label the following natural additives can be found:

·         Anthocyanins/ grape skin or blackcurrant extract (163). This is a natural food colouring.

·         Curcumin/ turmeric (100). This is used as a natural colouring alongside with Spirulina, paprika, beetroot, carrot and blueberries.

·         Ascorbic acid/ VIT C (300). This naturally occurs in fruits & vegetables and is used as an antioxidant.

·         Lecithin (322). This is naturally found in egg yolks, soy beans, peanuts and maize/ corn. It is used as an emulsifier or lubricant.

·         Glazing agent (901). This is derived from beeswax and used as a natural waxing agent for fruit such as apples.

·         Carrageenan (407). This is an additive extracted from red and purple seaweeds that is used as a thickener or emulsifier in foods

·         Xylitol (967). This is a natural low GI sugar alcohol. It is extracted from birch trees, raspberries and corn husk.

Food Labelling Issue #2: Artificial sweeteners

With the rising levels of diabetes and obesity, the public has jumped on the ‘sugar-free’ craze. Food and drink manufacturing companies have invested millions collectively on marketing and advertising and as a result hundreds and thousands of people are ingesting toxic and potentially very dangerous artificial sweeteners.

European studies have shown that ingestion of artificial sweeteners such Aspartame (951) can result in an accumulation of formaldehyde in the brain which can damage the central nervous system and immune system causing trauma to DNA. Aspartame breaks down into methanol (wood alcohol) which quickly converts to formaldehyde in the body... Formaldehyde is heavily toxic to the body. Aspartame is in fact considered worse than refined sugar and has been found responsible for symptoms of MS, lupus, fibromyalgia and other disorders of the central nervous. additionally, other artificial sweeteners such as saccharin have been linked to cancer in laboratory rats.

 The following artificial sweeteners are found in products such as; diet fizzy drinks, chewing gum, mints, sugar-free items, yoghurts, snack bars, lollies and ‘health’ products such as Yakult:

·         Sucralose (955): Found in the product ‘Splenda’

·         Saccharin (954): Found in the product ‘Sweet n Low’

·         Aspartame (951): Found in the products ‘Equal’ & ‘Nutrasweet’

In addition, be careful of heavily processed ‘natural’ products such as Erythritol (968). This is a sugar alcohol that is classified as safe by the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ), however consumption has been linked to digestive upset/ disturbance.

Food Labelling Issue #3: Genetic modification or genetic engineering

Genetic modification (GM) or genetic engineering (GE) is another world. The true food network continues to rally the government to introduce stricter laws on GE and GM labelling. Genetic modification or genetic engineering involves altering the genetic material of an organism by using techniques which may manipulate food, animals and perhaps even humans. With food for instance, scientists have the ability to reduce fruit softening, to make plants insect repellent, to enrich foods with minerals or vitamins, to brighten the colour of fruit and to alter the shape of produce for easier storage (for example Japanese scientists have created square watermelons!).

The problem is that large companies such as Monsato, Bayer or Novartis are behind such processes and are in a position of power and financial gain. GE and GM is the furthest step we can take from nature and with no testing in place to determine or predict safety. Therefore, food altering technology may have potentially hazardous effects on health and the environment in the future. Recent studies have suggested a link between GE soybeans and corn with a rise in food allergies in humans, as well as immune dysfunction in mice consuming GE peas. Many companies now label their foods as GE/ GM-free, however most don’t, so avoiding packaged food and questioning your food suppliers is the only way forward. The true food network has a comprehensive list on their website of GM/GE manufacturers to avoid. Visit www.truefood.org.au/ for your information.

 Educate yourself about food and nutrition, and read food labels!!

  

Healthy Weight Week 2015

Australian Healthy Weight Week is soon to be upon us (Feb 16th-22nd), and the following 'weight-loss' story is a perfect fit:

Dr Orly was speaking to a friend who mentioned that his daughter (shall we call her, Bee) lost a whopping 20kg. Of course her first response was “how?”…… Well very simply, Bee changed her lifestyle with the most unobvious change possible… She stopped shopping at big chain supermarkets and chose to only visit her local grocer and butcher instead. What a simple and brilliant idea. Without trying this means that you can avoid the temptation of the confectionary isle, the sweet and savoury biscuit isle, mass produced and heavily processed breads, chips, soft drinks, crackers and meats. No doubt this meant that she was naturally reducing her sugar intake and was eating smaller and less stodgy meals. When it comes to improving your health and or losing weight, keeping it simple and maintaining a diet that is close to nature will give you lasting results and a healthier you.

When choosing to lose weight, at all costs, avoid fad diets and gimmicks such as ‘replacement meals/ shakes’, lemon diets, cabbage soup diets, fat free diets, paleo fads and so on. Rather use common sense and make your own smoothies, eat plenty of salads, nuts, meats and minimal grains or heavily processed starches/ carbohydrates such as pasta.

Don’t skip meals, being sure to eat at least 3 meals a day as starving your body of vital nutrients will in fact confuse your metabolism and in the end cause you to put on weight.

For AHWW, here is an article that Dr Orly has written for the Chiropractor's Association Victoria:

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Australia and obesity has become an epidemic of the 21^st century. Unfortunately, talking about managing weight, losing weight and or making lifestyle changes has become somewhat of a taboo topic. People are happy to comment on being slim; “wow you are looking good, you’ve lost weight”, conversely it is unacceptable to comment on weight gain. Never-the-less, when encouraging patients to implement changes to their lifestyle, it is essential to communicate honestly and openly, with love, care and sensitivity.

As a primary health care provider it is frustrating to find people are in general quite reluctant and resistant to change. As a Chiropractic doctor who only wants the best for their patients, family and loved ones, how can we communicate effectively to impact change in our community?

We live in a world that is motivated by a ’fix it when it’s broken’ paradigm and due to lack of education, “lay-people” are not fully aware just how devastating the side effects of diabetes and obesity are. Shows such as The Biggest Loser don’t interest me, though I do frequently refer to them when discussing weight-loss and lifestyle with my patients. The positive of these shows is that they show us that it is possible to lose weight when you are 100kg overweight. Each individual just has to make the decision that their weight is actually a problem and that they are ready for the challenge to achieve their goal. It isn’t a walk in the park… It takes great commitment, psychological support, regular and intense exercise and a diet overhaul.

In attempting to effectively communicate so that we inspire our patients to make change, we have to lead by example (but gently). Patients often ask me about my diet and lifestyle… And my response is always that balance is the key, and that if I want to have a custard tart, I will. This custard tart however is often coupled with exercise and having awareness of this food choice. We have to avoid preaching a diet that is difficult to comply with or any new fad. Any changes that seem difficult to implement or maintain will lead to failure to commit long-term and poor compliance short-term. Whatever we recommend, it has to be as well as appear attainable to anyone...

In saying this, weight issues are more often than not implicated with deep psychological stress, anxiety and pain, so encouraging ‘baby-steps’ is the best way to start (however some people do respond well to a ‘cold-turkey’ approach). A basic start might look like this:

Step 1. Complete a food/ dietary enquiry (for a 1 week). Encourage them to be honest so that we can pinpoint trouble areas.

Step 2. Complete a lifestyle enquiry, so that we have a picture of how much they move, what their job life is like, how healthy their posture is and what their areas of interest are.

Step 3. Make one dietary change. This might be: reducing  meal size, eliminating treats, eliminating sugar, cutting out bread, switching from margarine to butter/ avocado, cutting out hydrogenated fats, choosing unrefined flours, eating fruits and vegetables and drinking water.

Step 4. Start moving. Begin with simple stretches, swimming or cycling, walk after dinner, join a pilates/ yoga class, join a bush walking or sporting club. Anything that interests each individual!  

Step 5. Seek support. With the assistance of a counsellor or psychologist , work through any unhealthy patterns that may impede success.

Step 6. Commit and enjoy the new you, a healthy you, a vibrant you and a slim you.