Top 10 Chemicals Most Likely to Cause Autism

Not surprised, but - worthy of sharing... especially since April is Autism Awareness Month and the latest stats are that 1 in 88 children are now affected with some type of ASD or Asberger's.  If you are 1 in 88, then your life will change/has changed and it is likely you will do whatever it takes to heal, recover or help your child.  Why wouldn't you?  And why wouldn't you do what you could, to prevent a learning disability (if possible)?

-------------

Top 10 Chemicals Most Likely to Cause Autism and Learning Disabilities

This morning, the The Mount Sinai Children’s Environmental Health Center (CEHC) released a list of the top ten toxic chemicals suspected to cause autism and learning disabilities.

This list was published today in Environmental Health Perspectives in an editorial written by Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, director of the CEHC, Dr. Linda Birnbaum, director of the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and Dr. Luca Lambertini, also of the CEHC.

The top ten chemicals are:

1. Lead
2. Methylmercury
3. PCBs
4. Organophosphate pesticides
5. Organochlorine pesticides
6. Endocrine disruptors
7. Automotive exhaust
8. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
9. Brominated flame retardants
10. Perfluorinated compounds

---------------

Click here for the whole post.

Endocrine disruptors  -- think of hormones, thyroid, adrenals, etc.  I've posted previously about early puberty, obesity, adrenal therapy, cheap make-up, fluoride, etc. and all the toxic chemicals that could affect our bodies, every day, if we allow them.  Again, my stand is that prevention is the key to healthy children and that is done by educating myself and sticking to our plan for our family.  Toxic chemicals are not included in the plan!

Lest I Forget

Goals this year:  to keep my family healthy!  Does anything else really matter?

So, I have movies to watch, books to read... oh, lots and lots of books to read... and of course, the internet to thank for using up a whole lotta my time.

Never did have time for this one:  The Future of Food.  Gotta watch it soon - need to order from the library.

Back to the books... Time to re-read a few books this year... lest I forget just how sick we could get.

On my list of refreshers:

Link to Animal Factory webpage:  http://animalfactorybook.com/

Propylene Glycol - Good or Bad

 

Propylene Glycol. Are you familiar with this ingredient? You might be if you read labels as much as we do.

Over the last 2 years, I've realized that we use many products with chemicals and ingredients that are harmful, carcinogenic and just plain old "bad" to use. Some additives most definitely are harmful and should be avoided ALL the time, whereas others are sometimes harmful - depending on individual sensitivity and then, there are those that are only harmful in certain quantities. It's frustrating to learn that "the government" would allow and permit this to happen. But, happen it does. If you don't believe me,  go grab some of your skin care or make up products and start reading the labels. When you find an additive or ingredient that you are unfamiliar with, just look it up on your favorite search engine, or look it up at Environmental Working Group's Cosmetic Data Base.

Toxic personal care products... it just doesn't sound right, and - it's not.

In fact, not only can this be frustrating, but - it can be downright discouraging. Angering. Is angering a word? It makes me mad and very, very sad. Can't ignore the truth. I can't anyway. Can you?
My big question is, " How much is too much?"  I do not have that answer.

Let's learn about propylene glycol and then decide if we can ignore this ingredient.  

Ok - so what exactly is propylene glycol anyway?
A cosmetic form of mineral oil found in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid and industrial antifreeze. In the skin and hair, propylene glycol works as a humescent, which causes retention of moisture content of skin or cosmetic products by preventing the escape of moisture or water. The Material Safety Data Sheet warns users to avoid skin contact with propylene glycol as this strong skin irritant can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.  Ok, I swear I learned about this in cosmetology school back in the 80's...  duh.

Propylene glycol can commonly be found in:

• makeup
• shampoo
• deodorant
• conditioner or detangler
• styling mousse
• cleansing cream
• mascara
• soap
• skin cream
• bubble bath
• baby powder
• conditioner
• toner
• after shave
• baby wipes

Also in:

• Tire sealant
• Rubber cleaner
• De-icer
• Stain removers
• Fabric softener
• Degreaser
• Paint
• Adhesives & glues
  
• Wallpaper stripper
  

Somehow, these 2 lists do not seem to go together - and they shouldn't.  Right?

Just this week, I found propylene glycol on the label of coconut.  I made the macaroons anyway and served them at a Packer party last Sunday night.  They got rave reviews and I am not buying that coconut brand again.

This week, as I was arguing strongly discussing the ingredient tricolsan and reading labels with a friend, I found more propylene glycol.  I expect it on antibacterial soap, which is banned from our home, but - I do not want it in my coconut, just to keep it moist.  I'll get some new coconut tomorrow at Whole Foods.  Whole Foods rarely let me down!

I realize that most of us can probably handle eating propylene glycol, and most of us could use it on our skin too.  But, why would we?  Why would I want to eat natural gas?  *sigh*

For children with multiple allergies, sensitivities and other challenges, again I ask:  why would we?  During this time of "healing", I choose to limit what we are exposed to --  if I can control this exposure.

We buy and eat mostly organic food and try very hard to consume living food, raw food and pure water.  Why defeat this lifestyle with unhealthy chemical additives?  Really, I don't get it.  does this build up in our bodies?  Are there any (honest) studies showing the long term affects?  If PG is immediately absorbed and keeps things from drying out, what happens on a cellular level in our bodies and in our bloodstream?  I have never-ending questions, of course.  Why is this in wet/moist pet food?  Why are we using products with PG in them?

Wait!  I do get it!  Proplyne glycol is:

• Cheap
• Easy to make
• Easy to get
• It works - it does the job
• Someone makes money off it!

Yeah - I get it...

If I weren't so tired from trying to regain our son's health, I would go back to school and further my education so that I can understand all the "why's".  For now, I will simply continue reading labels and making the best possible decisions for my family that I can.  What else can I do?  I do not have the answer as to whether this is a good or bad additive; however, I avoid it, if I can.

It's Veteran's Day...  say a prayer for those who are serving and those who have served.

Our Newest Food I

The last couple of years, I have been on so many bandwagons and tooted so many horns - and tried so many new recipes!  Some we love and others are short-lived phases or temporary addictions.

At first, it wasn't easy to find gluten-free and casein-free foods... but, when we added yeast, vinegar, MSG and CORN to our list of forbidden foods, it did get a little bit trickier.

Now days, not such a big deal...

We deal with it. What other choice do I have? None.

The last couple of months, we have been doing something new!

Ready? Sprouts!

Yes, we sprout. We sprout just about anything than can be sprouted.

Why? Well, for many reasons, but - the biggest is that sprouts are tasty, full of vitamins and antioxidants and Nicolas loves them. And did I mention antioxidants?

We've learned so much about living foods, raw foods and our powerhouse antioxidant sprouts, that I just might have to do another post about how to sprout.

And, since I really need to shed some pounds before summer, I am eating sprouts too. We eat them raw, stir-fried, baked and often, just simply added in with our baked breads, muffins and scones. (Anytime my muffins don't turn out, I call them scones now...)

We sprout grains, seeds, nuts, vegetables, etc. And my goals is to keep 2 - 3 kinds of sprouts going at all times. Why? Well, because they all harvest at different times and are eaten/enjoyed in different ways.

Right now, we are sprouting broccoli sprouts. They look similar to alfalfa sprouts that you often see on salads and sandwiches, but - they are not the same. These little darlings are amazing!

First of all, broccoli sprouts are in the brassica family. Sound familiar? They should. Seems everywhere I look I find new information about broccoli being an excellent cancer inhibitor - at least the natural kind that we eat. 


From what I read, broccoli sprouts are also the highest known dietary source of the potent anti-cancer phytochemical, Sulphoraphone (antioxidant), and they contain 50 times more than the mature broccoli head. Yes - the little guys are better for us than the big heads! (That really sounded odd...)

The whole family is getting used to jars on the counter, growing our little sprouts.



I am just a newbie at this, but - it is going well and I hope to be sprouting for a long, long time.  Nicolas does not react to sprouts, and this is good news - especially considering that the boy is always hungry.  I am very aware that we need a variety of foods for him, and I need to keep them rotating.

After the last year, I will take all the good news I can get.

Food Label Lies

More food label advice - for all of us, not just our affected kiddos. Same stuff I've been squawking about... imagine that.

I've been thinking about adding more fresh and raw foods in our diets again. Thinking and doing -- not the same thing though...

Can You Trust That the Ingredients are What They Say They are?

You need to realize that some foods, particularly those making low-fat, low-carb or no-sugar claims, can contain drastically different nutrients than are listed on the label, and food products that say they contain milk, fruit or vegetables may not contain the real McCoy at all.

For example, some blueberry muffins do not contain actual blueberries, but rather artificial blueberry-flavored bits. Other products that list milk on their label may actually contain non-fat powdered milk, palm oil, sugar and additives, instead – the chemical “equivalent” of milk.

There is also the potentially daunting task of deciphering what certain ingredients really are. For instance, if you were trying to avoid corn (which is genetically modified in most cases these days), you would have to avoid not only anything listed as “corn,” but also:

Malt	Baking powder
Malt extract and syrup	Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Sorbitol	Maltodextrin
Food starch	Starch
Dextrin	Confectioner’s sugar
Fructose and fructose syrup

All of these items could potentially be made from corn, but unless you are specifically aware of what to look for it would be easy to overlook these items when looking for corn on an ingredient label.

Here's the article from Dr. Mercola.

MSG Revisited

I decided to go visit an old friend - an old website that is: Truth In Labeling. When I first accepted the fact that something was not right with Nicolas, I eliminated a lot of ideas in the back of my mind. Then I had to face the harsh reality that perhaps, just maybe - his MMR (which contains MSG) had a little something to do with "it". At that time, I didn't know what "it" was. Anyway - a few months later I realized that Nick has a definite sensitivity to MSG. That's when I stumbled across Truth In Labeling and learned how to read food labels. Hubs realized it too, after Nicolas ate what we were told were "safe" hot dogs. That was last winter and the last time we trusted anyone else with his diet.


I've blabbed about MSG before, here at Created Chaos, but - since MSG is still everywhere, and because I am so tempted during the holidays to eat junk, I thought I might need a little reminder of just exactly what I'm dealing with.

Oh - here is a link to a convenient little flier that you can print out and take with you when you go grocery shopping, so that you can check the labels for MSG. Remember - just because it doesn't say MSG, doesn't mean it's not in the product. Read the label carefully.

IF MSG ISN'T HARMFUL, WHY IS IT HIDDEN?

Alert: H1N1 Vaccines: MedImmune’s H1N1 vaccine contains monosodium glutamate, hydrolyzed protein gelatin, and various forms of phosphates. New government studies indicate that about 1 in 100 children have autism disorders. That's up from 1 in 150. And our FDA refuses to take neurotoxic glutamic acid and neurotoxic aspartic acid out of formula fed to infants, out of the food their nursing mothers eat and pass on to them, and out of vaccines where the neurotoxic glutamic acid is mainlined to children.

Genetically Modified Foods & Autism?

So much to read, consider and learn about. Another worth-while read is over at Nourishing Hope.

Genetically Modified Foods Require Immediate Moratorium According to The American Academy Of Environmental Medicine

"May 19, 2009 the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) released a position paper on genetically modified food. In their most recent press release, the AAEM reiterates "there is more than a casual association between GM foods and adverse health effects" and that "GM foods pose a serious health risk in the areas of toxicology, allergy and immune function, reproductive health, and metabolic, physiologic and genetic health."

This is an important topic for all humans and particularly those most vulnerable to allergy, immune, and digestive assaults, such as children with autism.

The most common genetically modified foods to avoid and/or only eat organically are: corn, soy, canola and cottonseed. This means avoiding anything made from these "foods" including their oils."

Click here for the rest of the article.

I Can't Go Back to What Used to Be

Here's a few memories of what life was like before Nick's change. Common occurrences in a little boy's life: catching a fish, going to the zoo, spending time at grandma and grandpa's house.



I can't go back and change the past. So often, I wish I could though. For whatever reason(s), God has allowed and given us a child with special needs. When I look back at Nicolas, and I see him -- as he was, when I know he wasn't how he is now... well, it's sad. Really sad at times and at other times, it's ok. We are working toward a goal! Nick's recovery!


It's often sad to me, because I took the pictures and I remember what was going on when I took them. Nothing. Nothing unusual or bizarre. Nothing out-of-the ordinary or strange. No growling, crying, loud antics, fighting, yelling, drooling or screaming. Just a happy little boy with a little sister.


A little boy, growing up in a safe, happy world without being tormented in his head or in his body. A little boy who could go to his grandparent's home and be welcomed and played with. All things that I would have simply considered "normal". It's all in the past now. I live in a different world now.

I am so thankful for our church. We have the best pastors in the whole wide world. They each have their own gifts, personalities (of course) ... and catch phrases too. I've heard one pastor say that we can't wish life to go back to usual and that in the kingdom of God, as well as in finance - it's no longer "business as usual". Ooooh, I love that thought! It's so true in my life.

Once I really understood, to the best of my human ability - just what Christ's death and resurrection meant, sin no longer had the same meaning. Sin lost it's pull and yes - its glamor to me. I was still tempted - of course... about a million times a day! But - with the understanding that there is an enemy of my soul and Someone who died to save my soul... life itself had a different perspective. Still does. Oh my - yes, I still sin... but - it's hard to whine and complain about temptation and imperfections (a.k.a. excuses for laziness) when Someone died to allow me the right to spend eternity in glory, ya know?

When I realized how precious and short life is, I changed my attitude about trying to make everyone else happy. The One whom I need to be concerned about pleasing is our good God in heaven; not silly (annoying) humans. I tend to let things bother me and have had to learn to "thicken my skin", although it's oftentimes still not easy.

And since I've covered my spiritual awareness and my perception of life, I might as well touch on money too. Money. There have been times when I thought I was broke and I wasn't; there have been times when I thought I was secure financially, and I wasn't. It was my perception, at those specific times. Yet - I still judged other people, unconsciously; whereas now - I try not to. I am in a totally different season in my life right now. I would like to think that I won't go back to any former attitudes, whether right or wrong. I just want to go forward! It doesn't matter if you drive a new car every 3 years or drive the same old beater for 15 years. Or if you buy a Coach purse or go to Walmart or a garage sale for that matter, to buy personal items. What the heck does it matter? It doesn't matter at all, in the big scheme of things. Nope, not one bit.

Most of our friends home educate their children, because they believe it is what they are supposed to do or they feel led or called to do so. But, not all of our friends. I can't imagine sending my children away when we love home educating. Focussing on and addressing strengths and weaknesses in a positive, safe and encouraging environment can't be beat.

And, most of our friends do not immunize or vaccinate their children. But, some do. Does it bother me? Yes, it does. Can I do anything about it. No, not really - but , I can pray for their children's safety and that they will be wise in their parenting and healthcare decisions for their own families. It's a tricky place to be and yes, my heart does ache at times... very much so. Especially since Nicolas was non-symptomatic until age 4 1/2. Honestly, I think things built up in his poor little compromised system. This is what I think today. A year ago, I only had suspicions and I was a wreck. Oh my goodness, Nick was so... well, he was how he was... let's just end that thought there.

Until Nicolas is recovered, I believe that I will keep investigating areas of concern regarding his sensitivities. What did I just attempt to say?

Nick's system is imbalanced . While in this state, and even after his recovery, I want to give his body the best opportunity and chance to heal. One way (out of many, many) that I am doing this is by removing allergens and environmental toxins.

Here's some of what we've done so far:

• Changed Nick's diet to be gluten free, casein free, yeast free and sugar free. (Huge noticeable results in just 3 days...)
• Started using as much organic and pesticide-free foods and whole foods, as we can.
• Added specific hypoallergenic supplements to his diet, such as essential fatty acids, follinic acid, metal-free multi-vitamins, extra magnesium, etc.
• Switched over to a dairy free probiotic.
• Changed our cookware to include using cast iron and glassware instead of evil Teflon.
• Eliminated all alcohol-based (vanilla), artificial colorings, preservatives and flavorings.
• Began using fresh herbs and spices to cook and bake with; instead of only using dry
  
• Use aluminum-free baking powder.
• Complete avoidance of known exitotoxins such as Aspartame (Nutrasweet & Equal), Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and carrageenan, which many people are allergic to.
• Store food in glassware and use plastic products much, much less.
• Use sea salt instead of iodized salt and use gluten free spices.
• Removed all high fructose corn syrup from diet.
• Monitor all cartoons, video games, etc. - for over-stimulation in his brain...
• Avoid nitrites and nitrates as well as BHA, BHT and yes... even soy.
• Steer clear of triclosan and other carcinogenic chemicals.
• Use shampoos and soaps that are free of metals, toxins and sodium laurel sulfate.
• Never use anything "smoked" as it has hidden forms of MSG.
  
• We have decided to speak positive to and around him, regarding his diet and we focus on what he can have, not what he can't have.
  
• Use Amway sensitive laundry soap.
• Discontinued all fluoride use.
• Stopped using OTC cold medicines and starting using natural and herbal remedies.
• Use high quality essential oils for treatments and preventions - health related.
• Decided to laugh, joke and have fun when things get way out of control. Usually just going outside and playing catch will have a positive effect on the kids' attitudes.
• Add ph balanced, oxygenated, microclustered Perfect Water to his diet, daily
• Lastly, I have started juicing. Juicing fresh fruits and vegetables for him.

Want to know what else has changed? The amount of dishes that I do in a day's time! Wow.

My social life... well - it's rather... non-existent. It's not anyone's fault. I am thankful that we are blessed to be close to my folks; the kids love seeing them. In the country, we can be loud, run, play and pretty much do what we want, when we want to do it. This is a precious, precious freedom and not a day goes by that I am not thankful for what we have and for our home.

It's Memorial Day weekend and we'll be home -

putting in our garden. I may not be able to walk or move next week, but- we'll get that garden in. This year, we need it more than ever! Fresh fruits and veggies fit right in with my plan to help Nick's body continue to heal. After all, that's what we all want. Health.

Triclosan - Steer Clear of It!

Are you a nail biter? My kids are nail biters, which is rather odd, since I haven't had natural nails in over 23 years... One of these days I'll boot the chemicals out the door; but - until then, please - let me cover my gray and paint my nails... it won't be long.

By the time you're done reading this, you'll run to the bathroom to check out your hand soap - I promise! Let's see if I can explain, copy & paste to get the point across: First a bit of science...

Antimicrobials are natural or synthetic substances which kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. This capability makes antimicrobials unique for the control of infectious diseases caused by a large variety of pathogenic bacteria.

Antimicrobials are pesticides and must be regulated within the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in accordance with the Federal Insecticides, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). There are more than 5000 antimicrobial pesticides registered with the EPA. When used in or on the human body, however, antimicrobials are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Antibacterials
Even though antimicrobial and antibacterial are often used interchangeably, there are many antimicrobial substances on the market designed to work specifically against bacteria. These are known as antibacterials.

Triclosan is a broad spectrum pesticide found is a many products, including soaps and toys. Despite its wide-spread use, its health and environmental impacts are only now being studied, although I don’t why.

“Triclosan is the focus of a campaign undertaken by a coalition of health and environmental groups led by Beyond Pesticides, aimed at removing triclosan from the market. Triclosan, one of the most prevalent antibacterial compounds found in products, is the focus of a campaign undertaken by a coalition of health and environmental groups led by Beyond Pesticides, aimed at removing triclosan from the market. Studies have increasingly linked triclosan (and its chemical cousin triclocarban), to a range of adverse health and environmental effects, from skin irritation, allergy susceptibility, bacterial, endocrine disruption and compounded antibiotic resistantance, tainted water, and dioxin contamination to destruction of fragile aquatic ecosystems.”

My Latest Craze

I got a new book from the library a few weeks ago. It's different from any of the other GF-CF cookbooks that I've read... and - I keep picking up this book and re-reading the parts about enzymes and raw/whole foods. I've never really considered this intensive way of thinking about food and environmental factors...

Mother Necessity Gluten Free/Casein Free Recipes
Your “Favorite Foods” Allergen Free.
Whole Food, Organic, Gluten Free/Casein Free Recipes – Free of Common Allergens
Discover how you can create healthy, easy-to-make meals, that utilize whole food cooking and raw food preparation.

The book is called Mother Necessity and here's a link to read about how this woman - the author, recovered her son from autism. It's amazing!

"Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). This is now a part of his Educational Plan at school which protects him from chemicals and toxins which can overburden his system. We have come to understand that Dylan’s overburdened detoxification system and his inability to process and eliminate chemicals and toxins was the underlying cause of his autism, neurological dysfunction, impaired intestinal function and chronic health problems. A study conducted by the Environmental Working Group tested the umbilical cord blood of ten children and found 287 industrial chemicals and pollutants in each cord. Many children being born today do not have the tolerance level or the immune defenses that previous generations once did. Studies have shown that the damaging effects of toxic exposures may surface two or three generations later, leaving children more vulnerable to the harmful effects of chemicals and toxins found in vaccinations, medications, new building materials, personal care products, cleaners, and foods."

I am going to try some of her recipes and look further at some of her experiences. I'll keep you posted.

I Can't and Won't Give Up Coffee... Yet

I love coffee. The smell, the temperature and the taste = yum.

There's nothing like a great cup of coffee to put me in a good mood and help this mother get in gear. The opposite is true about a nasty tasting cup of coffee. Yuck... then watch out!




When Hubs and I married, I was delighted to inherit his coffee bean grinder. It still works today. Good 'ol Krups... just keeps right on grinding for me each and every morning.




So... it never occurred to me to read my coffee creamer labels until just recently. I'd like to just hang and shake my head... it's true. My creamer has a forbidden additive! Darn... (I don't swear...)




The evil ingredient?

CARRAGEENAN

Odd looking word, isn't it. Does make it easy to see on the labels, when it's not disguised or hidden.

Here's an easy-to-read page about this nasty additive. Oh - and I can't forget this one either -- this is a posting (at WiseGeek) of people who are allergic or sensitive to it and how they found out, including their symptoms. Wow! VERY informative. Please go read about this nasty excitotoxin. Yeah - it's friends with MSG and Aspartame.

Back to my coffee!

It's ok. I mean that I am ok... I used some of Olivia's $6/gallon, organic white 1% milk from Sassy Cow. It's almost like cream. But, no flavor...

Wait! My day only got better!

Chrissy over at Spectrum Hope's blog, posted none other than a recipe for non-dairy creamer today. No kidding. Hey - God is good and He cares about my taste buds, my love (and need) for coffee and for my creamer.

Go check out her yummy recipe for home made coffee creamer. Or come on over this week, and have some with me! Any day but Thursday, as we have an appt. with Nick's DAN! doctor, far away. Long drive - but you know I'll take my own coffee and new creamer with me! Neat - hugh? Gotta rejoice in all the little things... with a thankful heart.

Why should I care about infant formula?

If you have the time, you should read this. You should. Really. Even if you are "beyond" the need for baby food, you must know someone who has a baby or your children will someday make you a grandparent...

Here's what the headlines are:

Safety Risks in Infant Formula Produced in the United States

Honest - I am not trying to depress you, but - wake up and realize that the only person who is going to take care of you is you. Not the FDA. Not the CDC... not anyone who can and does make money or can be bought with money.

Years from now, I wonder what we will think when we look back at our present situation. We are in our infancy, so to speak, in regards to additives, ingredients, safety and of course - immunizations and vaccines.

So, what do you do? Get an ulcer? Lose faith in mankind? Fall in to deep depression? No.

For myself, I do not deny what is happening. Denial doesn't help.

Hope for the best and prepare for the worst? Well, that's not really all that healthy either.

I think that when we have knowledge of some "evil" that we believe to be true, we need to act on it. Meaning that if I know that aspartame and MSG are excitotoxins and bad for human consumption, well - then, I need to avoid eating them and giving them to my children. I don't tell everyone I meet about Aspartame and MSG - but, I do educate people at least a few times a a week. At the very least, I encourage them to do a little research themselves. And, that doesn't mean that you ask your friends and relatives. Look in different places.

I usually go to the FDA, CDC, and then to google and check out a few of the vegan and vegetarian websites as well as a few over on the other side too. If I only look in the same place, I will only find the same information, right? The library doesn't hurt either, although information isn't as current. Thank God for the internet!

Lastly, I pray that God would protect us, and guide me - as a parent, to make well-informed decisons about our health, diet and the foods we eat. I do believe that He hears me and that alone is comforting.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18

What MSG Did to Me

I did a little experiment last week. I willingly and knowingly ate what I thought were foods high in MSG. No big deal; but - I did feel like I had a hangover for the first 2 days after I ate those foods.


Hubs brought home some "home-made" soups he got from a deli. Cheesy broccoli soup and baked potato soup. I was excited to eat food that I didn't prepare and I was equally disappointed when I tasted those soups. Yuck... In fact, I didn't eat all mine and saved it for the next day. So, I ate a little more that following day and threw the rest out. Each morning following when I ate the soup, I woke up to stiff swollen fingers, a nasty headache -- so nasty it required medicine just to function and I was so tired. Not just a little tired, but - even after a ton of coffee, I was exhausted. I do not enjoy waking up with a headache and tight skin on my hands. I can't stand trying to function while in a foggy daze either. It really was icky and I can't imagine feeling that way on a regular basis. At one point, I stood at the bottom of the steps in our home and wondered if I had the energy and strength to climb the stairs! That's pathetic. I felt pathetic too.

Read the ingredient label on good 'ol Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup.
Monosodium Glutamate and Mechanically Separated Meat...
MMM... MMM... Gross!

It's a familiar thing - being disappointed over cheap food. Over the last couple of years, I rarely eat food that I like better than my own, unless it is home-made or unless it is at a restaurant I am familiar with. It's not that I am some super fabulous chef or anything at all. I just do not enjoy a lot of salt or cheap food. Most restaurants serve food that - to me -- tastes like cafeteria food. When I drive by full parking lots of chain restaurants, I wonder if any of the people inside know that they could cook meals that are not only healthier, more affordable, but - likely better tasting?!

The other food I ate was an Arby's Roast Sandwich. (I had a free coupon...) After further looking at their website, it claims to be MSG free. Well, something burned my lips, while I was eating the darn sandwich and it gave me little blisters all around the skin on the outside of my lips. How annoying is that? If you wear lipstick, it's annoying. And, it just looks like I am 2 years old and licked my lips while playing outside in the wind... nice - hey? My free sandwich gave me red ringed lips that hurt for 3 days... then they peeled. I've worked in a lot of salons and had a lot of "goop" on my skin and face through the years... never did I experience this before! I need to look at what is in the bun at Arby's... and the sauces. I didn't check the sauces! Label reading never ends...

Don't get me wrong, I dream of being able to go out to dinner or lunch... I so miss eating out. But - I don't miss being disappointed and I do not miss MSG. In fact, I encourage you to go to your pantry and read some soup labels. I would be pleasantly surprised if you do not find any.

You know I just hafta yap about how much I loathe MSG. You do know that it is in the MMR - right? It is.

You do know that is is an excitotoxin, right? It is.

I will post this 'til the day I die. Ok - that sounds really extreme. This blog is just for my own therapy and sanity, if there is such a thing. But - I gotta repeat myself... I can't help it.

Some of us can use MSG with no adverse effects at all; and yet - many others have severe reactions to it, some of them life-threatening. MSG has been linked to asthma, headaches, and heart irregularities. Behavioral and physical problems of children, such as incontinence and seizures, as well as attention deficit disorders (ADD & ADHD), have been diagnosed and successfully treated as MSG disorders.

Here's some news: Labels can be misleading. ((Hugh?))

A label that says "No MSG added" doesn't necessarily mean that the food is free of MSG; it simply means that the manufacturer didn't put in additional MSG. Get it? MSG goes under many evil aliases, one that I often see actually looks healthy: "hydrolyzed vegetable protein," -- an additive used to increase the protein content. ARGH!

Manufacturers also hide MSG as part of "natural flavorings," because it is a natural product. But being natural is not the same as being harmless.

Below is a partial list of the most common evil names for disguised MSG. Remember also that the powerful excitotoxins, aspartame and L-cysteine, are frequently added to foods and, according to FDA rules, often require no labeling at all. I almost never curse, but - this is crap. ((OOPS - sorry!))

I'm getting a little worked-up... and I'll stop. Just as soon as I post this list again! Eat all the MSG you want... but please, don't give it to your children. Please?

Additives that always contain MSG

• Monosodium Glutamate

• Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein

• Hydrolyzed Protein

• Hydrolyzed Plant Protein

• Plant Protein Extract

• Sodium Caseinate

• Calcium Caseinate

• Yeast Extract

• Textured Protein

• Autolyzed Yeast -- I have been noticing more and more of this one too!
  

• Hydrolyzed Oat Flour

I have every right to be opinionated. If you don't think so, come live at our house for a day. You will understand in about 30 minutes... maybe sooner.

Sugar By Any Other Name is Still Sugar

Dangers of Too Much Sugar - Besides the calories (no thank you) and glycemic index, sugar makes your blood highly acidic, and feeds candida, which can wreak havoc on our health. The problem is that most processed foods contain sugar in some form or another, but don't list them as "sugar." Below are many names synonymous for sugar.
1. Brown sugar
2. Carbitol
3. Concentrated fruit juice
4. Corn syrup
5. Demerara Sugar
6. Dextrose
7. Evaporated cane juice
8. Free Flowing Brown Sugars
9. Fructose
10. Galactose
11. Glucose
12. High Fructose Corn Syrup
13. Honey
14. Invert Sugar
15. Lactose
16. Malt
17. Maltodextrin
18. Maltose
19. mannitol
20. Maple syrup
21. Molasses
22. Muscovado or Barbados Sugar
23. Panocha
24. Powdered or confectioner's sugar
25. Rice Syrup
26. Sucrose
27. Sugar (granulated)
28. Treacle
29. Turbinado sugar


So, whadda we do? We can try to use natural sugar substitutes, such as:

1. Barley Malt
2. Brown Rice Syrup
3. Date Sugar
4. Honey (raw, unpasteurized honey is best)
5. Maple Syrup and Sugar
6. Molasses
7. Sorghum
8. Agave nectar – which is our favorite

But - we are still taming the yeast. No sugar for Nicolas. We did use a product that we liked.

It's called "Just Like Sugar". Look at the claims it makes:

Healthiest Sugar Substitute Ever!

Just Like Sugar appears that it is the healthiest sugar substitute and all-natural alternative sweeteners on the Earth. It is the only FDA Gras-approved sweetener of its kind and does not cause the laxative effect that other artificial sweeteners can cause. There is no aftertaste, 0 Carbs, 0 calories.

Here's why I like it:
1. Healthy (supposedly)
2. ZERO Carbs
3. ZERO Calories
4. FDA Gras-approved
5. Certificate of Appreciation from the ADA (Uh - I don't really trust dentists...)
6. Source of natural fiber - like that though
7. Natural sweetness - looking good
8. NO harmful chemicals - Could it be true? No aspartame, no saccharine, and no sucralose?
9. Kosher-certified in the United States and worldwide. "BDZ" is the highest form of kosher certification that a product can receive from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. This should make me feel good about this product, yet... I am skeptical.
10. Just Like Sugar® contains no Soy, Yeast, Animal derivatives, “MSG”, L-Glutamic Acid, D-Glutamine Acid, Aspartic Acid, Gluten Free, Wheat, Free, Dairy Free or Preservatives; it is not fermentable and will not promote tooth decay.

Ok - time to order some more. We only had one container and it's almost empty. The good news is that Vitacost.com has it and I need a few other things, so I will take advantage of the $4.99 shipping!

A Different Benny...B-B-B-Benny and the Jets...

I am old enough to know songs off of almost every Elton John album, including Benny & the Jets from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, from the early 70's. Sir Elton was a part of my childhood, which makes me wonder just how old he is now?? Speaking of 'Benny", I think of that song every single time I see an ingredient with the word "benzoates" in it. Good grief, shouldn't I know what a "benzoate" is? After all, I went to cosmetology college just a mere 25 years ago... and, and - I homeschooled my kids through high school, including biology and chemistry... and... do you know what benzoates are? Well then - let me share with you, a little about sodium benzoate. Really, sit a spell and let me tell ya what I have discovered over the last few weeks about "Benny".

Sodium benzoate (and potassium benzoate) are preservatives that are added to many foods, beverages, medicines, cosmetics, mouthwashes and nutritional supplements/vitamins. They prevent the growth of yeasts, bacteria and fungi. Sounds like an ok thing – right? Read on…

From what I understand, products with benzoates that are exposed to high temperatures or light can react with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to form the powerful carcinogen benzene. Benzene exposure has been linked with leukemia. Fact – true.

The U.S. government did tests in 1990 showing that benzoate preservatives do break down to form benzene. Apparently, the beverage industry was informed to monitor themselves and then work to reduce using this additive. As usual, nothing changed and the problem didn't come forth until a private citizen had beverage samples analyzed; he found they contained four times the permitted levels of benzene. Surprise ya? what about in soda??

Additional studies have also shown that sodium benzoate can cause hives, asthma and anaphylactic shock in sensitive people. I think it just gives some of us “the itchies”.

Here's what got me: benzene has the ability to affect mitochondria in cells and cause cell death. Scientists have called for the US Food and Drug Administration to retest the potential dangers of sodium benzoate and citric acid in soft drinks, because the tests proving its safety are old. I’ll hold my tongue.

Here’s a list I found online, that you may find very interesting - see if you recognise many of these: I sure did!

Benzoates: Benzoate's includes any of the following permitted preservatives (E numbers 210-219):

E210 or Benzoic acid

E211 or Sodium benzoate

E212 or Potassium benzoate

E213 or Calcium benzoate

E214 or Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate or Ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate

E215 or Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, sodium salt or sodium ethyl para-hydroxy-benzoate

E216 or Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate or Propyl para-hydroxybenzoate

E217 or Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, sodium salt or sodium propyl parahydroxybenzoate

E218 or Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate or Methyl para-hydroxybenzoateE219 or Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, sodium salt or Sodium methyl parahydroxybenzoate.

Again, benzoates have been linked to allergies, asthma, skin reactions, ADHD, hyperactivity, gastric irritation and migraines. See that book over on the right -- by Dr. Bock? Healing the 4-A Disorders: Allergy, Asthma, ADHD and Autism? I've read that book. Twice, in fact. Doesn'tmean I understand it all, but - I wonder what Dr. Bock would have to say about benzoates... am I over-reacting?

Benzoates can affect the natural balance of bacteria in the intestines.

Tylenol contains sodium benzoate.

Tylenol also reduces glutathione levels, and glutathione is an important part of our detoxification process.

----------------

Once again, my head is spinning... and I am sad. I am sad that there are so many factors that have contributed to Nick's condition. I've never run out of information to blog about. I wonder if I will. Will it end?

Time will tell...

Pesticides in Produce Guide - What A Find!

Ohhhh, I found something good last night! Well, this morning, actually. I found something that I have been looking for! No, not a spare $20 in an old purse (I wish), not quite that exciting... but - pretty darn exciting.

I found a list called The Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce. Wait! Don't click on it yet.

Nicolas called this pepper a Christmas pepper. Red and green...get it?

Before you check it out, which fruits and vegetables do you think are the worst? Which do you think are the safest? Think about it for a minute, then click here for the comparison chart. Any surprises?

I am so thankful he likes fresh fruits and veggies!

All the more reason to have our own garden again this year. Last year was the worst year ever! So, I am claiming that this year will be our best ever! I am sure my dad would just shake his head at me... he is such a faithful laborer in the garden. And it shows. He always has a wonderful huge garden.

Maybe this year will be my year for a wonderful huge garden, minus the weeds! Ha!

Time will tell...

High Fructose Corn Syrup Update

Old news... this is old news. Although this is several weeks old, somehow I missed posting this.

I think I was probably learning about gluten, casein and rice milk. I should be in bed. I'm not, obviously. Can I just tell you my old news? (Please?)

There's mercury in high fructose corn syrup.

I keep thinking back to all the caramel corn that Nicolas and I used to eat...


High fructose corn syrup is contaminated with mercury.


Check out this list of mercury detected in 55 brand name foods and beverages high in HFCS. Look at the BBQ sauces... I made home made BBQ sauce tonight with organic agave nectar to sweeten some tomatoes. I am 99% sure we didn't ingest any mercury.

For ASD kids, this is bad news... most of them are already battling an overload of toxins.

Mercury is a toxic heavy metal. The American Academy of Pediatrics says mercury also is an “ubiquitous environmental toxin that causes a wide range of adverse health effects in humans. Three forms of mercury (elemental, inorganic, and organic) exist, and each has its own profile of toxicity.”1 In other words, any form of mercury is toxic and the safest exposure to mercury is none at all.

Read more in the Washington Post.

Hidden Sources of MSG

Before I post this list -- of hidden places to find our newest enemy (MSG), I hafta share this:

Hidden Sources Of MSG In Foods

From the book 'Excitotoxins - The Taste That Kills'

By Dr. Russell Blaylock, MD

What if someone were to tell you that a chemical (MSG) added to food could cause brain damage in your children, and that this chemical could effect how your children's nervous systems formed during development so that in later years they may have learning or emotional difficulties?

What if there was scientific evidence that these chemicals could permanently damage a critical part of the brain known to control hormones so that later in life your child might have endocrine problems? How would you feel?

Suppose evidence was presented to you strongly suggesting that the artificial sweetener in your diet soft drink may cause brain tumors to develop, and that the number of brain tumors reported since the introduction of this widespread introduction of this artificial sweetener has risen dramatically? Would that affect your decision to drink these products and especially to allow your children to drink them? What if you could be shown overwhelming evidence that one of the main ingredients in this sweetener (aspartate) could cause the same brain lesions as MSG? Would that affect your buying decisions?

And finally, what if it could be demonstrated that all of these types of chemicals, called excitotoxins, could possibly aggravate or even precipitate many of today's epidemic neurodegenerative brain diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, ALS, and Alzheimer's disease? Would you be concerned if you knew that these excitotoxin food additives are a particular risk if you have diabetes, or have ever had a stroke, brain injury, brain tumor, seizure, or have suffered from hypertension, meningitis, or viral encephalitis?

Would you also be upset to learn that many of the brain lesions caused by these products in your children are irreversible and can result from a SINGLE exposure of these products in sufficient concentration?

How would you feel when you learn the food industry hides and disguises these excitotoxin additives (MSG and Aspartate) so they can't be recognized? Incredulous? Enraged? The fact is many foods are labeled as having "No MSG" but in fact not only contain MSG but also are laced with other excitotoxins of equal potency and danger.

All of the above are true. And all of these well known brain toxins are poured into our food and drink by the thousands of tons to boost sales. These additives have NO OTHER purpose other than to enhance to TASTE of food and the SWEETNESS of various diet products.

If MSG wasn’t harmful, it wouldn’t be hidden.

I can’t believe it, but – I couldn’t believe mercury and thimerosal in vaccines were considered to be “safe” either. Below is a partial list of the most common names for disguised MSG. Powerful excitotoxins, aspartate and L-cystine, are often also added to food, and according to FDA rules, they require NO LABELING AT ALL. I really want someone to prove me wrong on this! (Please?)

Hidden Sources of MSG

* Food Additives that ALWAYS contain MSG *

Monosodium Glutamate

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein

Hydrolyzed Protein

Hydrolyzed Plant Protein

Plant Protein Extract

Sodium Caseinate

Calcium Caseinate

Yeast Extract

Textured Protein (Including TVP)

Autolyzed Yeast

Hydrolyzed Oat Flour

Corn Oil

* Food Additives That FREQUENTLY Contain MSG *

Malt Extract

Malt Flavoring

Bouillon

Broth

Stock

Flavoring

Natural Flavors/Flavoring

Natural Beef or Chicken Flavoring

Seasoning (It just sounds vague, doesn’t it?)

Spices (I see this one a lot. When in doubt – I throw it out, or don't buy/use it)

* Food Additives That MAY Contain MSG Or Excitotoxins *

Carrageenan

Enzymes

Soy Protein Concentrate

Soy Protein Isolate

Whey Protein Concentrate

We are gluten-free, casein-free, yeast-free and now MSG-free. Our menu is changing, drastically changing!

I - myself, am not feeling too good right now, after reading all of the above... and I've read it at least 10 or 15 times, from several different medical doctors and on many, many websites, blogs and in books. Yeah - I am feeling rather discouraged, as a matter of fact. Where's my hope? Where's my comfort? Where's the protection that I want? Where's the protection that my children deserve? Where is God in all of this?

Once again, I am in a place where I often find myself ... without answers. I think money has something to do with it, to be honest. Those with the power do usually have the money... I do not have the answers nor do I know why I am on this journey. I know that I may not ever have all the answers and I am not going to waste my time trying to figure this out. I need to focus on getting Nicolas healthy and at least I have a place to start! I am so much closer to helping him than what I was 3 months ago. Still, we're just in the beginning... and we have a long way to go.

I really want to say, "Why is all of this suddenly happening to me?" It's not happening to me; it happened to Nicolas. As his mother, it is affecting me. I only have my human, mortal, maternal perspective. I never dreamed that this is what I would be doing, every day - reading, researching, looking for answers, treatments and clues that will lead to helping my son. Our son. Hey - I do have a husband! Sometimes I feel like I am all alone in this battle for Nick, but - I'm not. Hubs may not be the one discovering all these different things that have happened... and he may not be the one running around to doctors, appointments, etc. But - he is willing to do what we have to, in hopes of regaining OUR son. He's learning to read labels! He cleans our cast iron skillets and he sees little tiny signs of improvement in Nicolas. I am sooo thankful he listens to me rant on about vaccinations, fluoride and mercury... and I think he even hears me! (ha!) I am ok with Hubs... he's a great guy and I need his support. I have it too.


I am not ok with finding out that MSG is toxic for my child though. I am not ok with knowing that fluoride is harmful to my child. Gluten, casein, Teflon... Aspartame... yeast, thimerosal, mercury, bla-bla, bla... the list goes on and on... It's created chaos, is what it is. When will it end?