Should I Cleanse?

By Richard Anderson, Creator of the Arise and Shine Product Line

“The colon is a sewage system, but by neglect and abuse it becomes a cesspool. When it is clean and normal, we are well and happy; let it stagnate, and it will distill the poisons of decay, fermentation and putrefaction into the blood, poisoning the brain and nervous system so that we become mentally depressed and irritable; it will poison the heart so that we are weak and listless; poisons the lungs so that the breath is foul; poisons the digestive organs so that we are distressed and bloated; and poisons the blood so that the skin is sallow and unhealthy. In short, every organ of the body is poisoned, and we age prematurely, look and feel old, the joints are stiff and painful, neuritis, dull eyes and a sluggish brain overtake us; the pleasure of living is gone.”- Dr. Bernard Jensen, D.C., Ph.D., from his Doctor-Patient Handbook

Harmful diet and lifestyle cultural norms in the Western World have resulted in a health disorder, which affects countless individuals today in varying degrees. Oftentimes, this disorder is an over-acid condition in the digestive system which leads to a host of other ailments related to incomplete and ineffective digestion. Dr. Richard Anderson estimates that 94% of all meat eaters and 70% of all vegetarians in the United States are over-acid. Problems generally associated with over-acidity include the following: immune disorders, arthritis, bowel disease, indigestion, gallstones, obesity, nervousness, yeast infections, bacterial infections, mood swings, poor eyesight, dermatitis, parasites, heart disease, liver disease, lung disease, fatigue, and bronchitis.

See Your Digestive System at Work>>>

Over-acidity may be determined by a simple pH test of the saliva.* According to Dr. Anderson, “If you are vegetarian and your normal diet is mostly vegetables, fruits and only small amounts of grains, then you would be in good shape. Everybody else had better take the tests!” One of the main causes of over-acidity is chronic over-consumption of protein and other acid-forming foods and substances. Americans have been deeply brainwashed to believe that we must have large amounts of protein to be healthy. Proteins are acid forming, and too much protein depletes the body’s organic mineral supply. This results in an inability of the body to fully process the overload due to a lack of nutrients (electrolyte minerals) required to do so. The problem worsens over time with continued over-consumption, because without adequate nutrients, the bowel loses its ability to defend itself from acids, toxicants1, microorganisms and chemicals that damage the bowel wall. Other factors that may also contribute to over-acidity are exercise, stressful emotions, drugs and radiation

Dr. Anderson developed an outstanding formula specifically to combat extreme overacidity, and a whole cleansing program to support the re-establishment of a healthy digestive system, which is self-sustaining. So far the program, with its numerous interrelated nutritional formulas, has proved to be one of the most beneficial ever developed.

*See instructions for the pH test in the book Cleanse & Purify Thyself, Book 1.

In addition to the self-created toxins resulting from over-indulgence of acid-forming foods and substances, there are also a host of environmental factors that contribute to the weakening of our digestive systems and practically every other organ, gland and cell of our bodies. Never before in the history of man has our environment been so full of unnatural chemical poisons. There is not one place on earth that toxic chemicals haven?t reached. 100% of the air on earth is polluted to some degree or another. Even in the purest mountains, the water may be contaminated enough to need purification for human use. 100% of the wells in some states have been contaminated. Most of the food we eat has been sprayed or fertilized with toxic chemicals, and the animals people eat are full of antibiotics and hormones, which have caused unbelievable and unexpected reactions. Then there are the cigarettes, soda pop, chocolates, coffee, drugs, etc.

A breakdown of immune function through exposure to these toxins, both dietary and environmental, is seen in a weakened bowel. When the bowel is healthy, IgAs2 are capable of destroying virtually every known pathogenic microorganism (bacteria, yeast, fungus, parasites, etc.) When we have lost the necessary nutrients or have acquired an over-acid bowel, the IgA activity can no longer function effectively, and the bowel, as well as the entire physical body, becomes vulnerable to attack. Consistent attacks from the pathogenic microorganisms, unnatural chemicals and acids eventually weaken the structure of the bowel. Microorganisms can then enter the bloodstream, as can larger particles of undigested food, chemicals and other toxic particles.

The liver then takes on the overload of toxins. Relentless flow of toxicity from the bowel eventually weakens the liver. When the liver can no longer function effectively, then other organs, glands and tissues become vulnerable to mucus, congestions and relentless attacks from microorganisms. As this condition continues, the person experiences increasing sluggishness and inefficiency. This is how insufficient bowel function results in a variety of chronic and degenerative diseases. This all contributes to an increasingly widespread inability to handle stress of any kind without getting sick. This is why we cleanse our bodies now, in the hope that we can correct some of these difficulties.

When the bowel functions optimally, then - and only then - can the liver and every other organ have the ability to function optimally. It should be noted that a perfectly functioning body is virtually invulnerable to any microorganism.

Taken from the Body Ecology site (Donna Gates)

Please consider these three questions carefully:

1. Do you often feel you lack the energy you should have?

2. Do you experience gas, bloating and/or feeling tired after eating?

3. Do you have trouble digesting some vegetables, dairy or meats?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may very likely be lacking in the enzymes needed for proper digestion. Enzyme deficiency is very common but also more dangerous than most people realize, because improper digestion can lower your immunity ad harm your health.

The Body Ecology system of health and healing focuses on improving digestion; one of our most important recommendations to do so is to take digestive enzymes.

Why You Need Enzymes

Stress, antibiotics and other drugs, or a diet high in processed foods can diminish the enzymes in your stomach necessary for proper digestion. Even improper food combining - for example, eating starches and proteins in the same meal — can dampen your natural “digestive fire.”

Over time, improper digestion harms your inner ecosystem and your immunity. A healthy inner ecosystem is made up of the friendly microflora (good bacteria) that reside in our intestines and keep us healthy and strong.

When you eat, you could be breaking food down, but not digesting it. Improper digestion can lead to food remaining in the digestive tract longer than it should. When this happens, it starts to ferment in your body, producing sugars that feed yeast and other pathogens. This causes further damage to your digestion and lowers your immunity, along with keeping your body from absorbing all the nutrients in your food.

The Reversal Process

Nature cures, but she must have an opportunity. We must stop hindering her. There can be no tissue recovery without “side effects” - good side effects. Drugs suppress discharge; nature brings it out. The REVERSAL process is natures way. Catarrh, phlegm, and mucus are found at the beginning of mostdiseases. Suppression is the usual answer. Nature wants to aid it to exit. Herring’s Law; “All disease is corrected from within out, from the head down and in reverse order as we have built it up in the body.” It works exactly as described. “You don’t have to seek a miracle; you are one.”
(Dr Bernard Jensen)

A HEALING CRISIS takes from 2 to 5 days, usually; often 3 days. The difference between a HEALING CRISIS and a DISEASE CRISIS: a disease crisis comes when we are run down or under unusual stress. A HEALING CRISIS comes right at a time when we have never felt better. It comes after a person has begun a right-living program. It should be greatly welcomed. It is the “good” side effect of tissue recovery. Disease can progress to the point of “no recovery”, and then the only way to cope may be with drugs. But we shouldn’t wait till that point to act. Disease preys on a weak and malnourished body. When the doctor suppresses the symptoms, he creates new diseases now known as “Iatrogenic” diseases, or “doctor-produced” diseases. The “cure” creates new diseases to be “cured” with more drugs that create more diseases to be cured by more drugs, etc. This method has a “built-in” guaranteed income for the doctors and the undertaker.

There are many ways of practicing the healing art, but only one way that heaven approves of.

I believe that way is to:

Cleanse the body internally
and to Nourish the body

Because we are so conditioned to think that the (medical) Doctor has the only way, one must accept that his way is not “working”. Then Faith must be established in nature’s way. The body is servant to the mind. Mechanical manipulations may be helpful. Massage, muscle stimulation, physical therapy and reflexology can help to stimulate circulation and aid in carrying off toxic wastes; but without cleansing the body, these manipulations never last as the tissues, ligaments and very structure of the body are so compromised by the high levels of toxicity that these therapies have little lasting
impact.

Nothing can substitute for 1) Cleansing the body and 2) Good Nutrition.

- GOOD BLOOD, the result of good nutrition after cleansing

- GOOD CIRCULATION, the result of “passive” or “active” exercise.

A sluggish, toxic body cannot keep up with its demands. When the tissues are cleansed and we are well nourished, we can expect a “healing crisis” to take place. You will not be raising your children as doctor bills. The husband won’t be taking pills at the end of the day and the wife won’t be depending on suppressant drugs for catarrhal discharge. No doctor should be depending on suppressant drugs for catarrhal discharge. No doctor should object to this sort of program, (cleansing and rebuilding) and all of society should be interested in it. FOOD IS YOUR BEST MEDICINE.

THE REVERSAL-RETRACING PROCESS

There is much more to health than eating, even though some appear to think that is all, judging by the waistline. Good health principles apply to us all alike, but we are not all alike; and the application of these principles may differ greatly from person to person.

We can’t have hate part of the time and love part of the time, or the mind will become mixed up. By the same token, we can’t eat good food part of the time and junk food the other part, or the body will be mixed up. The way we live today will determine your future. What you eat today will walk and
talk tomorrow.

When people decide to change their way of life for the better and seek a cleansing program for getting a new start, they are often confused at what happens to them. A few days after beginning a detoxifying program they experience symptoms of a disease or condition which they had earlier, but
which they had thought were over. Symptoms had disappeared and they considered themselves well of it. Now the symptoms that had been repressed return and they are confused.

The reversal process means that we go back over illnesses we have had in the past. Most people, when they are sick, take drugs, which do not remove the cause, but they suppress the symptoms. The person thinks he is well, but the toxicity which the body had tried to eliminate at the time of the
illness, was driven back into the body where it lies dormant in the cells. The drugs leave the body weaker than before. During detoxification these wastes are drawn out of the cells and thrown into the bloodstream for carrying off through the organs of elimination. As this blood circulates through the body, toxic-laden as it is, one may have a headache, feel depressed, angry, discouraged, be nauseated, or have various aches and pains; or he may show a skin rash. Some may have stiff joints or back aches or stiff necks. But many will begin to feel euphoric, which shows the good physical condition of the body. Suppression by drugs leads to chronic disease.

If we can remember that all “disease is an effort of the body to rid itself of waste which has built up due to the transgression of the laws of health, we can better understand what is happening when we develop some of the same problems we have had previously. If we have hindered the body from doing
its eliminative work by drug suppression, and then we begin cooperating with the body to cleanse itself, we may have the same symptoms again. Praise God if we do! It shows the body is regaining its lost integrity and ability to cleanse itself. The Body will usually start with the most recent illnesses
and move backward until it has removed the earliest problems we had, sometimes all the way back to childhood. This is the reversal process and nature’s way. It is TRUE healing and restoration. God has placed within the body the ability to build new tissue in place of the old diseased tissue, and to restore the function of organs which have been functioning poorly.

There may be no other factor that so contributes to a buildup of toxicity in the body as an underactive bowel. Some of us feel that the bowels should move every time solid food is eaten. Babies do this until they are taught the “nicety” of not allowing it to happen. We “potty train” them as early
as possible and feel good about our achievement. They, too, soon feel good about it, because now they don’t have to stop their play until they choose to. By that time, the urge to defecate has passed and constipation is on its way. They continue to practice this wonderful “control” through grade
school, high school and college and right into the adult work world. by this time they are chronically constipated and on their way to degenerative diseases And the doctor is on his way to a full-time lucrative practice of treating the results!

I have have found that the first and most important task in restoring normal healthy body functions to cleanse the bowels and begin to establish good bowel action. With this the other various organs and systems of elimination can finally begin to do their job. This is simply due to “getting out of
their way”.

The Royal Society of Medicine in Great Britain, once compiled a report indicating that over 36 toxins may be found in the bowel, some of which are able to get into the bloodstream in cases of constipation, “leaky gut syndrome” and bowel under-activity. Examples include indol, skatol, phenol,
inican and methylmercaptan. Food offenders include wheat products and milk, as well as sugar and over consumption of all animal products. Allergies develop frequently to these foods due to the heavy use of them. The body then forms “gobs” of mucous throughout the entire alimentary canal (the
tongue down to the anus) and food both digested and undigested as well as fecal matter begin sticking to this substance. This is know as the dreaded MUCOID FECAL PLAQUE!

Colon Hydrotherapy (colonic irrigation) in conjunction with an herbal detoxification program is the single most important beginning to any HEALTH BUILDING regime. And working with a qualified therapist who can assist you individually will make the cleansing process a most amazing experience.

Remember HERRINGS LAW: “All disease is corrected from within out, from the head down, and in reverse order as we have built it up in the body.” This is called the “reversal process” and it works exactly as described. You don’t have to seek a miracle; you ARE one,” says Dr. Bernard Jensen.

Arise & Shine’s YEAST END Product
by Rich Anderson

Yeast End is one of Arise & Shine’s most long-standing favorites. Yeast End is a very strong probiotic formula designed to deflect encroaching pathogens. Studies have show that the friendly bacteria in Yeast End are effective against common pathogenic bacteria that invade most people. The Yeast End formula is much more acid producing than our daily use probiotic, Flora Grow; and while Yeast End can work wonders, it is highly recommended that you follow the use of Yeast End with Flora Grow to promote the growth of natural human bacteria, which will produce intestinal balance and proper intestinal pH*. Yeast End is a strong probiotic designed for the sole purpose of helping the body eliminate pathogenic microorganisms. Few people realize just how important friendly bacteria are. Proper bacteria in the gut is essential for health. In a healthy body, the total number of bacteria outnumbers the cells! Friendly bacteria supply essential nutrients, buffer various toxins, serve as antibiotics, and keep our intestines clean.

Having less than 2 bowel movements daily is a sign that normal bowel environment is in trouble. Approximately 40% of the stool should be friendly bacteria. They provide abundant fiber and reproduce every 30 minutes or less. Thus we should always have quick, easy, and full bowel movements. First one upon arising in the morning and within 30 minutes after each meal, and ideally, just before retiring at night. Having less than 2 bowel movements daily indicates a bacteria problem. If the problem is an invasion of bad bacteria, then Yeast End is our first supplemental choice.

Yeast End contains acid producing bacteria, mostly lactobacillus bacteria and they go on and on producing potent acids that, yes, kill all sorts of pathogens, but long term use means that our gut lining must constantly defends itself from these acids. Seldom will we need to take it for more than three or four (3-4) days. The only exception to this is when we are using it in support of a long-term program of fighting yeast or bacteria infections. There are many places for pathogens to hide in the bowel, so under extreme conditions we may need to continue with this formula for 30 days and possibly longer, and ideally also be using Flora Grow which is a probiotic formula that creates a pH of about 6.5 which is more alkaline.Our small intestines are designed to be alkaline, not acid. Many people have used various acidophilus products with temporary success only to later find that they had merely exchanged one set of problems for another.

Most Probiotics contain a predominance of acid-producing bacteria (lactobacillus acidophilus etc.), which are only beneficial under certain pathogenic conditions. However, to saturate our bowels with extreme acid-forming bacteria and force an unnatural bowel pH is looking for trouble. Lactobacillus produces a pH of 3.9 to 4.5. Our small intestines work hard to produce a 7 to 7.5 pH, which is the ideal pH needed for optimal digestion and assimilation. Thus, after using Yeast End it is important to take Flora Grow. You can read a lot more from Rich on his website: http://www.cleanse.net

Transformational Health offers the complete line of Arise & Shine products. Yeast End is available in our Santa Monica, California office.  

Lymphatic Drainage Massage Sessions

What is it?
Gentle, soothing massage meant to stimulate the flow of Lymph fluid in the body. Used for cellular detoxification and to revitalize internal organ function.

What is Lymph?
A clear viscous fluid which flows throughout the body’s tissues, bringing in nutrients and taking out waste. Lymph carried the immune response, i.e. white blood cells, T cells, lymphocytes, etc. Whenever the body is “attacked” the defense mechanism sends extra fluid with extra fortifications to the attack site.

What are the benefits?
The extra fluid that has remained after the attack is fended off robs the area of proper oxygen and nutrition. Fluid retention is called edema and creates a bloated feeling and one of congestion. Lymphatic drainage enhances the body’s ability to process the fluids, clean up and fortify and blood supply, and drain off waste products such as lactic acid.

What conditions are helped?
All respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, influenza, as well as digestive disorders, constipation, general toxemia, PMS allergic reaction, bruising and inflamed tissue respond very well.

Post surgery patients can greatly benefit because of the added stress on the immune system during surgery. Normal peristalsis has been interrupted and needs to be re-established, as well as normal respiration. Drugs and anti-biotics strain the liver, gall bladder, kidney and spleen functions, and lymphatic drainage can stimulate these to bring them back into balance.

What results can I expect?
Breathing is eased, swelling and fluid retention are reduced - esp around breast and neck, peristalsis and digestion are balanced, nutrition is more easily absorbed. Headaches and sluggishness are reduced, bringing proper blood flow to all organs for clearer thinking and quicker immune response.

How long does it take?
Each session lasts 55 minutes and covers several techniques, including client education. You are encouraged to participate in your recovery and are given guidelines for best long term results. The recommended program is to have 3 sessions within the first month. For Maintenance Detoxification Programs it is best to continue on a twice monthly program.

How will it effect my colonic?
It has been found to greatly enhance the effects of colonics, due to the stimulation of waste product removal. Abdominal massage softens and prepares the bowels to receive the colonic and eases possible discomfort. As the colon is cleansed, the other internal organs have a clearer path for ridding the body of accumulated toxins. Many people prefer to have their colonic first and then finish with their Lymphatic Clearing Massage.

Lymphatic Massage and Clearing sessions are available from Jessica Zaccaro in our Santa Monica Office.  The benefits of  lymphatic massage are greatly increased when combined with a colon hydrotherapy before or after the massage.

by Eileen Silva Metabolic,Weight Control Specialist

This might surprise you . . .The average person who is neither over weight nor noticeably allergic to things, can be carrying around 7 to 25 pounds of dried fecal matter in their system!

And overweight or allergic people may be harboring a lot more than that!

The toxins from this accumulated waste matter are responsible for many body imbalances which may create common weight and health problems.

As a matter of fact, one of the most frequent complaints that women have about their figures is a Potbelly… a classic sign of Colon Toxicity! And very simple to correct with an improved health regimen.

A distended abdomen indicates the presence of a more serious colon problem… a Fecal Ball which can gather more and more layers of waste, the longer it remains.

“Virtually all weight challenges can be traced to imbalances in the colon/digestive tract, as either a primary contributor or a secondary problem which accentuates slowdowns in other critical body systems like the endocrine (glandular) system and the circulatory system.”

A round robin, domino effect is then set into motion. A toxic colon contributes to a toxic circulatory system. Soon the body is simply not able to metabolize food and fat properly… which is critical to provide energy for vitality in living.

A toxic colon… with its walls lined with mucus derived from undigested and uneliminated food substances, together with toxic residuals from medicines, preservatives, water and even the air you breathe… could be the reason you feel tired and weak most of the time!

Recently a 54-year-old woman in Atlanta, Georgia discovered during a professional colon irrigation, that her body still had a residue of barium which she was only given once when she was 7 years old… 47 years earlier!

Layers of old fecal and toxic waste can block proper digestion, nutrient absorption and waste elimination. This unhealthy state of the colon inevitably provides an excellent breeding ground for toxic poisons and parasites.

Some symptoms of parasites can include restless sleeping, fatigue, poor assimilation and absorption of nutrients, food cravings (especially for sugars and breads), as well as an inability to feel satisfied after a large meal.

“Regularity” in bowel habits really means a bowel movement after every meal… something which is almost non-existent to the McDonald’s™ fast-food generation. And to those who suffer frequent diarrhea…

Diarrhea is just as strong an indicator of colon toxicity as is constipation!

If you or anyone in your family have any of the symptoms described in this alert, you should seriously consider starting an intestinal cleansing regimen. An all natural intestinal cleanse not only helps remove accumulated mucous and hardened waste matter from your body, but also helps reverse the toxic cycle in the colon.

Using an intestinal cleansing regimen so simple… And with cleansing herbs and fibers, it is the most cost effective, comprehensive, colon intestinal cleanse available in today’s market. It’s all natural, safe, and easy to use too!

Please don’t ignore the warning signs of a serious body imbalance. Give yourself a fresh new life of fitness and vitality today. And remember . . . Your life depends on maintaining proper colon health!

Coffee Enemas - Directions

Based upon Dr. Gerson’s work. More information is available in his book, “A Cancer Therapy - Results of Fifty Cases”

Coffee Enemas help remove toxins from the liver. They often provide quick relief when fatigued, sleepy, having headaches, and when just feeling bad. They also help against spasms, pericardial (heart, throat, chest) pain and difficulties resulting from the sudden withdrawal of all intoxicating sedation.

A coffee enema, when done properly, causes the liver to produce more bile, opens the bile ducts, and causes the bile to flow. In this process, a toxic liver can dump many of its toxicants into the bile and get rid of them in just a few minutes. This can give great relief to all parts of the body, and often makes the difference between lying down and being active.

At the start of the treatment and during “flare-ups”, the bile contains poisons, produces spasms in the duodenum and small intestines, and causes some overflow into the stomach, with a resultant feeling of nausea or even vomiting of bile. In these cases, great amounts of peppermint tea are necessary to wash out bile from the stomach. Afterwards, patients feel much better. So, if this happens, drink peppermint tea.

Drinking a cup of coffee has an entirely different effect and should not be used. Drinking coffee causes the following problems: increases reflex response, lowers blood pressure, increases heart rate, causes insomnia and heart palpitation, over stimulates adrenals, irritates the stomach, and leaves a toxic residue in the body. A coffee enema when done properly will not produce these effects.

WARNING: Great care should be used when water fasting. Coffee enemas cause bile to be excreted from the liver. and the bile contains many valuable mineral salts. To lose these salts without replenishing them could be very harmful. People using many coffee enemas a day must be on a good diet of broths and fresh juices that assures the replenishing of mineral salts. When doing intestinal cleansing, one or two coffee enemas should be fine if, before the cleanse, the person passed the PH tests. Otherwise, that person should drink fresh juices, especially carrot, beet, and celery juice. Taking Best Whey will also help in replenishing the bile salts lost through coffee enemas.

With serious cases of cancer, it may be necessary to have coffee enemas every four hours, night and day, and in more serious cases, every hour.

Preparing the Coffee Enema: Take 3 Tablespoons ORGANIC Ground coffee to 1 quart water. Let it boil for 3 minutes and then simmer for 20 minutes. Strain and use at body temperature. The daily amount can be prepared at one time.

The body should be lying down on right side, with both legs drawn close to the abdomen. Breathe deeply in order to suck the greatest amount of fluid into the necessary parts of the colon. It also helps to let all the air out of the lungs and suck the gut in and out while in this position. THIS IS A RETENTION ENEMA. Please retain for 10-15 minutes. Dr. Gerson found that all the caffeine is absorbed from the fluid within 10 to 12 minutes. It goes through the hemorroidal veins directly into the portal veins and into the liver.

Peppermint Tea Preparation: Add one tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves to 2 cups (one pint) of boiling water. Let it lightly simmer for 5 minutes and strain.

Your trained Transformational Health colon hydrotherapist can also add a coffee implant to your colonic sessions if requested in advance.

TOXIC CHEMICALS COMMON IN BODY
TESTS REVEAL SCORES OF SUBSTANCES IN STUDY VOLUNTEERS

By Robert Hager
TBC NEWS

Jan. 30 - When scientists sampled Andrea Martin’s blood and urine to see what toxins she’d picked up from the world around her, she got a surprise. “I had 95 chemical contaminants in my little body. And it was very mind blowing,” said Martin. The test results indicate that we all pick up tiny amounts of an astounding number of chemicals that are known to be dangerous in larger doses.

MARTIN and eight others were tested by Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York and an advocacy organization called the Environmental Working Group. On average, the nine participants had traces of 53 chemicals known to cause cancer in human or animal tests. In addition, they had an average of 62 chemicals toxic to the brain or nervous system, plus 55 associated with birth defects. The scientists did not find any single substance in amounts the government describes as unhealthy, but said the sheer number of chemicals was unnerving, especially given the uncertainty about the health effects of trace amounts.

Biomonitoring our bodies
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have embraced “biomonitoring.” The technology allows researchers to measure chemicals directly in blood and urine rather than having to rely on exposure estimates based on air, water or soil samples. Click on a category for recent biomonitoring breakthroughs.

Breast cancer
CDC and Danish researchers found that the risk of breast cancer significantly increased with increasing levels of dieldrin, a pesticide, in women’s blood. This result suggests that exposure to dieldrin and other “organochlorine” compounds may increase the risk of breast cancer.

Children & pesticide
Methyl parathion, a pesticide that should never be used indoors, has been found inside thousands of homes in at least seven states and led to the deaths of two children in Mississippi. In response, the CDC’s Environmental Health Lab developed a method to measure methyl parathion in urine and did so in more than 15,000 people. The results helped identify who needed treatment and who needed to be moved out of their homes until the homes could be cleaned.

Drinking water
Trihalomethanes, chemicals that evaporate easily into the air, are thought to be linked to birth defects, bladder cancer, and colorectal cancer. Formed during the water sanitation process, they are often found in drinking water. The CDC’s lab developed a way to measure trihalomethanes in blood, and it’s being used in studies to find out how much enters people’s bodies and whether the chemicals are causing illness.

Cigarette smoke
The CDC’s lab developed ways to measure cotinine — a chemical formed by the breakdown of cigarette nicotine in the body — in saliva, blood, and urine. These methods are being used to find out: how much secondhand smoke is getting into children, adolescents and adults; what levels of chemicals in tobacco smoke cause health problems; how well actions to protect people from secondhand smoke are working; and how well actions to help smokers stop smoking are working.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
“(This is) irrefutable proof that humans carry in their bodies scores of industrial contaminants, most of which didn’t exist 75 years ago,” said Jane Houlihan, co-author of the study. Scientists have found chemicals called pthalates, which are known to cause birth defects in animals, in many personal care items like makeup, hair spray, soap and also plastic food wrap. Other chemicals found in the participants’ bodies target the nervous system, including:

• Acetone in nail polish
• Synthetic fragrances in perfume and soap
• Poisons in weed killers and bug sprays
• Perchloral ethyline in dry cleaners
• Zylene in paint, which can also cause organ damage

Some chemical manufacturers called the study nothing but hype. “I think it was an attempt to be more alarmist than necessary, and sort of over-inflate the message and the facts,” said Jay Vroom of Croplife America. But for those intent on avoiding even traces of toxic chemicals, the study’s authors suggest eating organic produce, minimizing fatty foods since chemicals concentrate in body fat, minimizing the use of beauty products, avoiding stain removers and avoiding seafood known to be high in mercury. These precautions may be more hassle than many care to deal with, but the scientists in charge of the study say it is amazing how many potentially toxic chemicals get in our bodies.

How do you know which substances to avoid? Toxic chemicals with particularly powerful effects include heavy metals, organic solvents and pesticides. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as dioxin, PCBs and phthalates — substances that leach out of plastic packaging and wraps — may also be harmful to your health.