be careful what you rub...

on your skin.

"Your skin is your largest organ, and is highly absorbent. Nowadays we have skin patches for birth control, nicotine addiction and other medicines. There is no doubt that we absorb chemicals through our skin. That is why it's very important to watch what we put on our skin just as much as we watch what we put in our bodies."

1. Fragrance
Although it sounds harmless, the ingredient "fragrance" is one of the most dubious. Synthetic fragrances commonly contain chemicals called phlatates which are known hormone disruptors. They bind to your body's estrogen receptors, distrupting the delicate balance of hormone function. In women, they can be a root cause of monthly irregularities, even heightened PMS symptoms. But it doesn't just affect women. Phlalates can disrupt thyroid function, and lead to hyperthyroidism. The worst part about this is that when you read the label of a lotion or a shampoo, it won't say phlalates, it will be listed as "fragrance." Companies don't have to disclose the actual ingredients in "fragrance" so they can add whatever chemicals they want to. Many people also have allergic reactions to these strong synthetic fragrances, from asthma to dermititis.

2. Synthetic colors
FD & C Blue. Yellow Lake. What are these synthetic colors? Most synthetic colors are made out of some nasty stuff, from petroleum to acetone to coal tar. These colors can contain impurities like lead acetate, which is toxic to the nervous system. Some of these dyes are allergens, skin irritants, and even known carcinogens. Contrary to common sense, and popular belief, there is no law out there that keeps companies from putting known carcinogens in personal care products. The state of California enacted their own law requiring companies to disclose any carcinogenic ingredients, but there is no national governing body.

3. Parabens
You'll see them on the label towards the end of the ingredient list: Methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben. These are commonly used preservatives that are also estrogen mimickers. 13 studies since 2000 have shown that these chemicals do act like estrogen in the body, that they are absorbed through the skin, and that they have accumulated in breast cancer tissue. Many more people are becoming aware of parabens, and they are under scrutiny right now. Many groups are studying them to find out if they are directly linked to breast cancer.

4. Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is a penetration enhancer. It's a very common ingredient in clear solids, like deodorants, toothpastes and other thicker gel products. The problem with it is that it actually breaks down your skin's natural barrier and goes directly to your bloodstream, bringing other chemicals with it. It's actually in a lot of the other "natural" deodorants and should be avoided.

5. Aluminum Chlorhydrate and other aluminum salts
Aluminum buildup in the brain has been long studied as a possible cause for Alzheimer's Disease. And many people are concerned about the aluminum salts in anti-perspirants as a cause for this aluminum buildup. It's important to use a deodorant instead of an anti-perspirant not only to avoid aluminum salts, but because sweating is a natural function of the body. It helps us get rid of toxins and regulates our temperature.
by Stephanie Greenwood

and we wonder why there are so many disease today!
today i swam for 45 minutes
ate 3 hard boiled eggs
ate a large salad with lots of veggies and a little cottage cheese
had two bites of a cookie
1/4 cup of tomato chipolte soup
3 ounces of grilled chicken
small salad with carrots & tomatoes
6 ounces of chicken
pasta & lemon sauce with artichokes, mushrooms & pancetta
1/2 cup green beans
chips about 12 & queso
1 piece of lemoncello cake
36 ounces of water
weighed 209 today