Say goodbye to the boys

Could hairspray use amongst expecting mothers be causing reproductive system birth defects in male babies. A recent study suggests a relationship. How could it be? Could all of those harmless industrial chemicals flooding our environment be causing a problem? Those producing and selling them would like us to think not, but the truth is most have not been studied for long term effects on our health or the environment.

Many of our environmental pollutants seem to be having estrogenic effects. These chemical substances are suspected to be acting as endocrine disrupters. A wide array of scientific studies support this theory. Certain food preservatives, pesticides and other industrial chemicals have been demonstrated to mimic estrogen (click here). Some studies show gender-bending effects in wildlife related to levels of these contaminates in the environment and the animals blood streams (click here).

Now a new study has related hairspray use amongst pregnant females with an increased risk of hypospadia in their male babies (check out this article from the BBC). The main theory is the exposure to phthalates disrupts the child's normal development.

Hypospadia is a birth defect resulting in a malformed penis. The penis in males develops from a closing and sealing shut of the genital folds in an embryo. These same genital folds develop into the labia of the vagina in a female embryo. In a male child with hypospadia the genital folds do not fully close. The degree to which this can occur varies from the urethra being displaced lower on the penile shaft to the whole urethra being opened on the underside of the penis. Surgical techniques can usually resolve most cosmetic issues related to hypospadia though there may be a small risk of erectile issues as the child matures.

It is not just male children at risk from these pollutants, females are also susceptible. Some studies have looked at the rates of breast cancer in relations to industrial contaminates. Here is an interesting study in epidemiology from Brazil. The study found possible relationships between pesticide sales in various regions of Brazil and incidents of hormone related cancers and reproductive system dysfunctions (here is a link). Here is a link to a great site through Cornell university summing up the risks of some of this estrogenic substances found in plastics, their link to breast cancer risks, and ways you can reduce your and your families exposure (check this out).

Herbal medicine and the fight against HIV

Astragalus root is a wonderful herb, and new research suggests it may be a candidate for replacing conventional anti-viral drugs. I have used it with many patients to increase white blood cell production and enhance the immune system in a long term way. It is an effective herb for those with suppressed immune systems whether due to HIV, cancer and chemotherapy treatments or chronic stress and fatigue. Here is a monograph on astragalus.

New research points to medicinal effects previously unknown. It has been found to not only increase immune cell counts and extend the lifespan of cancer patients, but a recent study has found is protects the immune systems cells from exhaustion in the struggle against the HIV virus. As cells replicate, their telomeres shorten. This acts like a clock winding down and eventually the cell can no longer replicate. In people infected with HIV, the white blood cells turn over and replicate much faster, shortening the telomeres at an increased pace. Astragalus has been shown in this new study to protect white blood cells by reducing shortening of the telomeres. Check out this link.

These new finding suggest potential uses of astragalus not just in the treatment of HIV, but in other areas associated with immunodeficiency such as chronic disease and aging.

Got Greed? Drink up.

Corporate greed is at it again, right here in Kansas. The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) is proposing to ban dairies from labeling their milk as "rBGH-free," "rBST-free" or "no artificial hormones."

Consumers are beginning to educate themselves about the dangers of synthetic hormones used to increase milk production, and dairies that choose not to inject their cattle with such hormones are producing milk products that are becoming increasing popular. This emerging market is threatening the profits of big time dairies who are using the Monsanto developed (though recently sold to a division of Eli Lilly) synthetic growth hormones (rBGH, rBST). And they want the money -- so now there is an attempt to limit labeling and in effect hide from the consumer whether milk is produced using "bovine growth hormones" or not.

Free market economics works by giving people the choice to purchase what they want. This requires freedom to produce competing goods and truth in labeling. Doesn't it seem that if milk producers are using a recently developed synthetic hormone to increase milk production, they should be required to put it on the label. And if those who don't use these hormones are selling more of their milk, maybe the market is speaking. Large powerful corporations should not be able to manipulate the laws and in effect hide from consumers information used to make choices between competing products.

These hormones have been banned in many countries ( including Canada, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Japan) due to fear of increased risks of disease, including hormone related cancers. Check out my previous post about the possible dangers of these hormone produced dairy products --here is the link.

Get involved. Please tell the governor of Kansas and the Kansas Department of Agriculture that we need truth in labeling and continued freedom of choice in the marketplace. Businesses should not be able to hide their inferior products through manipulation of labeling laws. The proposed rule would ban a true statement, and interfere with our rights as consumers to know what's in our food. Here is a link to the Kansas chapter of the Sierra Club to send a letter to the appropriate decision makers.

Where are all our honeybees going?

In the past few years honeybee populations have been decreasing at an alarming rate. This is not only disconcerting for those of us who love honey, or for those of us who use other bee derived products in the natural treatment of patients. Honeybees produce many medicinal substances such as the highly nutritious bee pollen, anti-microbial propolis, and hormone balancing royal jelly. Even the honeybees' sting is used as an alternative treatment of multiple sclerosis and as a homeopathic remedy for itching burning inflamed skin conditions.

The greatest concern over the the demise of the honeybee relates to their role in the environment. Biologists describe honeybees as a keystone species. When building a stone arch, masons would place all the stones in line and slip the keystone into the top slot. Due to the structural design of an arch, the keystone holds it all in place. Without it the arch will collapse. Likewise, the honeybee is a vastly important species in our ecosystem - the vast majority of flowering plants are pollinated by these insects. Without these little creatures the world would most likely fall deep into wide spread famine. The total ramifications are terrifying and not totally understood. But all experts agree it would be bad, very bad.

Recently there has been some evidence for at least one possible reason for the widespread death of honeybees. Might certain pesticides, toxic chemicals designed to kill insects, be related. check out this article about the possible link - click here.