Tuesday, 13 September 2016


Are dish detergents safe for our health? What about favorite Fairy liquid?


 
The PH of the skin of adults is on the acidic side as a means to protect against bacterial infections since bacteria find it hard to grow in an acidic environment. It has a PH of 5 - 6, neutral is 7.

Most dish detergents are on the neutral side of PH (7).

Fairy liquid from Procter & Gamble (JAR in Czech republic) is a well known brand of washing up liquid in Europe. The Fairy liquid PH is 9. Prolonged exposure of the skin to it can cause irritation due to the PH difference.

 


 Is Fairy liquid toxic?

Let´s have a look what the dishwasher detergent “Fairy Original” contains (http://www.info-pg.com + MSDS - material safety data sheet):

·        Pentasodium Triphosphate (Synonym - Sodium triphosphate, Sodium tripolyphosphate) 

Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 3100 mg/kg [Mouse]
 
Chronic Effects on Humans: The substance is toxic to lungs
 
Other Toxic Effects on Humans: Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation. Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (sensitizer, permeator)
 
·         Sodium Carbonate
Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 4090 mg/kg [Rat]
Chronic Effects on Humans: May cause damage to the following organs: upper respiratory tract, skin, eyes
Other Toxic Effects on Humans: Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation (lung irritant)
Ingestion: Sodium carbonate ingestion may cause irritation of the digestive tract resulting in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, abdominal pain depending on concentration and amount ingested. May also affect the cardiovascular system
·        Sodium Carbonate Peroxide (Synonym – Sodium percarbonate, Sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate) 
Toxicity to Animals: Acute toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 2400 mg/kg
Ingestion: Swallowing can result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and gastrointestinal irritation
Eye contact: A severe eye irritant. Contamination of eyes can result in permanent injury
Skin contact: Contact with skin may result in irritation
Inhalation: Material is irritant to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract (airways)
·         Acrylic/Sulphonic Copolymer
If swallowed: This product has low oral toxicity, but if swallowed, it can irritate the gastrointestinal tract
·         Sodium Sulfate
Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 5989 mg/kg [Mouse]
Toxic Effects on Humans: Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation
·         Trideceth-n
Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): > 500 - < 2,000 mg/kg  [Rat]
Eye contact: A severe eye irritant. Contamination of eyes can result in permanent injury
·        PEG/PPG-10/2 Propylheptyl Ether
Skin contact: Contact with skin may result in irritation
Eye contact: A severe eye irritant. Contamination of eyes can result in permanent injury
·         Dipropylene Glycol

·        TAED (= Tetraacetylethylenediamine)

Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 2000 mg/kg [Rat]
·         Aqua (= Water)

·         PARFUM

·         Tetrasodium Etidronate
Toxic Effects on Humans: Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation
·         Polyethylene Glycol
Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 26800 mg/kg [Rabbit]. Acute dermal toxicity (LD50): >20000 mg/kg [Rabbit]. Acute toxicity of the vapor (LC50): >13 8 hours [Rat]
Other Toxic Effects on Humans: Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant, permeator), of ingestion, of inhalation
Special Remarks on other Toxic Effects on Humans: Acute Potential Health Effects: Skin: It may cause mild skin irritation. It may be absorbed through the skin, but absorption of harmful amounts is unlikely. Eyes: It may cause mild eye irritation. Inhalation: At room temperature, exposure to vapor is minimal due to low volatility. A single exposure is not likely to be hazardous. Ingestion: Low toxicity. Harmful effects not anticipated from swallowing small amounts. Ingestion of larger amounts may cause nausea, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension. It may also affect the urinary system. Prolonged or repeated ingestion may affect metabolism (weight loss)
·         Silica Dimethicone Silylate
Eye contact: eye irritant
Skin contact: Contact with skin may result in irritation
·         Cellulose Gum

·         Glycerin

·         Hydrozincite

·         Titanium Dioxide
Toxic Effects on Humans: Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation

·         Protease
·         Microcrystalline Cellulose

·         Limonene

·         Polyvinyl Alcohol

·         Benzotriazole
Toxicity to Animals: WARNING: THE LC50 VALUES HEREUNDER ARE ESTIMATED ON THE BASIS OF A 4-HOUR EXPOSURE. Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 500 mg/kg [Guinea pig]. Acute dermal toxicity (LD50): >1000 mg/kg [Rat]
Chronic Effects on Humans: MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Mutagenic for bacteria and/or yeast. May cause damage to the following organs: the nervous system, central nervous system (CNS)
Other Toxic Effects on Humans: Extremely hazardous in case of skin contact (corrosive), of eye contact (corrosive), of inhalation (lung corrosive). Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion
Special Remarks on Chronic Effects on Humans: May affect genetic material. May cause cancer based on animal data. Inadequate evidence for carcinogenicity in humans
Special Remarks on other Toxic Effects on Humans: Acute Potential Health Effects: Skin: May cause skin irritation. Eyes: Causes eye irritation. Inhalation: May cause respiratory tract irritation. It may affect respiration(Dyspnea). Ingestion: May cause digestive tract irritation. May be harmful if swallowed. May affect behavior/central nervous (central nervous system effects), and autonomic nervous system. Chronic Potential Health Effects: Ingestion: Prolonged or repeated ingestion may affect blood (Leukopenia, normocytic anemia), and endocrine system
·         Calcium Carbonate
Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 6450 mg/kg [Rat]

Chronic Effects on Humans: May cause damage to the following organs: kidneys

Other Toxic Effects on Humans: Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation.

Special Remarks on other Toxic Effects on Humans: Acute Potential Health Effects: Skin: Causes skin irritation. Inhalation: Excessive inhalation causes respiratory tract and mucous membrane irritation. Low hazard for usual industrial handling. Ingestion: Ingestion of large amounts may cause gastrointestional tract disturbances with nausea and possibly constipation. Expected to be a low hazard for usual industrial handling. Chronic Potential Health Effects: Chronic ingestion may affect kidneys, and may cause hypercalcemia with alkalosis 

·         Sorbitol
Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 15900 mg/kg [Rat]
 
Other Toxic Effects on Humans: Hazardous in case of ingestion. Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of inhalation
·         Dextrin
 
·         Potassium neodecanoate
Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 2790 mg/kg [Rat]
·         Citronellol
Eye contact: eye irritant
Skin contact: skin irritant
·         Talc

·         C12-13 Pareth-n

·         Linalool

·         Amylase

Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 27mg/kg [Rat]
·         Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

·         Zinc oxide
Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 7950 mg/kg [Mouse]
Chronic Effects on Humans: MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Mutagenic for mammalian somatic cells. Mutagenic for bacteria and/or yeast
Other Toxic Effects on Humans: Hazardous in case of inhalation. Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion
·         (Acetato)Pentaammine salt

·         Colorant

·         Urea

 

Safety Data Sheet of “Fairy Original” according to Regulation (EC) No. 453/2010.
Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed 
 
Symptoms/injuries after:

·         Inhalation - May cause irritation or asthma-like symptoms

·         Skin contact - Contact during a long period may cause light irritation

·         Eye contact - May cause slight irritation

·         Ingestion - Gastrointestinal complaints
 

Toxicological information 

·         Estimated acute oral toxicity: LD50 (rats) > 2g/kg

(The value of LD50 for a substance is the dose required to kill half the members of a tested population after a specified test duration. LD50 figures are frequently used as a general indicator of a substance's acute toxicity. A lower LD50 is indicative of increased toxicity.) 
 
Adverse human health effects and symptoms 

·        Acute toxicity, carcinogenicity , corrosivity, irritation, mutagenicity , repeated dose toxicity, sensitization , toxicity for reproduction -based upon available data of the substances, classification criteria are not met
 
Ecological information
 
No known adverse effects on the functioning of water treatment plants under normal use conditions as recommended. Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
If you will decide for Fairy liquid when washing dishes, you should be wearing rubber gloves. Wearing rubber gloves will protect your hands from germs. Also, it will prevent your skin from drying out due to the constant scrubbing and exposure to water.

As you finish with scrubbing each dish, you should rinse it off under the tap, or in the second sink with clean water.  

If you care about your family health and nature, choose simply something else.
Warning: Health information and the names of the drugs mentioned in the article are only for orientation in the field of self-medication and does not replace communication with your doctor. Before taking any medication, read the leaflet or ask your pharmacist or doctor. The author is not responsible for misinterpretation of the information contained on the website and is not responsible for any damages incurred subsequent procedures or conduct that are made based on the content of these pages. By entering this blog you confirm that you have read the aim and the restrictions of the site.
 
 

Wednesday, 17 August 2016


Formula vs. Cow's Milk

 
Young infants cannot digest cow’s milk as completely or easily as they digest formula. Cow’s milk contains high concentrations of protein and minerals, which can stress a newborn’s immature kidneys and cause severe illness at times of heat stress, fever, or diarrhea. In addition, cow’s milk lacks the proper amounts of iron, vitamin C and other nutrients that infants need. It may even cause iron-deficiency anemia in some babies, since cow’s milk protein can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestine, leading to loss of blood into the stools. Cow’s milk also does not contain the healthiest types of fat for growing babies. For these reasons, your baby should not receive any regular cow’s milk for the first twelve months of life.
Once your baby is past one year old, you may give him whole cow’s milk, provided he has a balanced diet of solid foods (cereals, vegetables, fruits, and meats). But limit his intake of milk to one quart (32 ounces or 946 ml) per day. More than this can provide too many calories and may decrease his appetite for the other foods he needs. If your baby is not yet eating a broad range of solid foods, talk to your pediatrician about the best nutrition for him.
At this age, children still need a higher fat content, which is why whole vitamin D milk is recommended for most infants after one year of age. If your child is overweight or at risk for being overweight, or if there is a family history of obesity, high blood pressure, or heart disease, your pediatrician may recommend 2% milk (reduced fat) instead. Do not give your baby 1% (low-fat) or nonfat (skimmed) milk before his second birthday. In addition to needing a higher fat content to maintain normal weight gain, it is also important to help his body absorb vitamins A and D. Also, nonfat, or skimmed, milk provides too high a concentration of protein and minerals and should not be given to infants or toddlers under age two. After two years of age, you should discuss your child’s nutritional needs, including choice of low-fat or nonfat milk products, with your pediatrician.1
Transition Baby to Whole Cow Milk  
It is easier to make the transition from formula or breast milk to whole milk by slowly adding the milk to the formula/breast milk.
There are many babies who may be put off by whole milk simply because it is too cold for them. When you begin to transition your baby to drinking whole milk, warm it up a bit before you serve it.

Main types of infant formula  
·         Cow milk protein-based formulas - Most infant formula is made with cow's milk that's been altered to resemble breast milk. This gives the formula the right balance of nutrients and makes the formula easier to digest. Most babies do well on cow's milk formula. Some babies, however such as those allergic to the proteins in cow's milk need other types of infant formula.
·         Soy-based formulas - Soy-based formulas can be useful if you want to exclude animal proteins from your child's diet. Soy-based infant formulas might also be an option for babies who are intolerant or allergic to cow's milk formula or to lactose, a carbohydrate naturally found in cow's milk. However, babies who are allergic to cow's milk might also be allergic to soy milk.
·         Protein hydrolysate formulas - These types of formulas contain protein that's been broken down (hydrolyzed), partially or extensively into smaller sizes than are those in cow's milk and soy-based formulas. Protein hydrolysate formulas are meant for babies who don't tolerate cow's milk or soy-based formulas. Extensively hydrolyzed formulas are an option for babies who have a protein allergy.
    In addition, specialized formulas are available for premature infants and babies who have specific medical conditions.
1)    „Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5“ (Copyright © 2009 American Academy of Pediatrics)

Wednesday, 27 July 2016


The health benefits of coriander

 
 
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is an annual plant that belongs to the parsley family, originates from South Europe, North Africa and West Asia. Cultivation of coriander started 2000 years BC. Coriander was one of the many plants cultivated in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. It was popular and often consumed in the ancient Egypt and Greece. Coriander is still one of the most widely used spices in the world. It grows best in cool areas on a well-drained soil.
The health benefits of coriander:
·       Indigestion and diarrhea - Some of the components of essential oils found in coriander such as borneol and linalool, aid in digestive organs (spleen, pancreas, stomach), proper functioning of the liver and bonding of bowels, while also helping to reduce diarrhea. It is also helpful in curing diarrhea caused by microbial and fungal action, since components like cineole, borneol, limonene, alpha-pinene & beta-phelandrene have antibacterial effects.

·        Mouth ulcers - Coriander's anti-septic properties help to cure mouth ulcer and improve oral health.

·        Anemia – Coriander contains high amounts of iron, which is essential for curing anemia. Low iron content in the blood can result in shortness of breath, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue, and a decrease in cognitive functions. Iron also benefits proper functions of other organ systems, increases energy and strength, and promotes the health of bones.

·       Urinary tract infections - The antibacterial properties of coriander can help to clear out harmful bacteria.

·       Prevents nausea - Two very powerful antioxidants can be found in coriander seeds: linalool and geranyl acetate. These oils work to relieve digestive issues and soothe your stomach, alleviating or prevent nausea and vomiting.

·        Anorexia – Coriander increased appetite.

·       Menstrual disorders - Coriander seeds helps with irregular periods.

·       Skin disorders - The disinfectant, detoxifying, antiseptic, antifungal and antioxidant properties of coriander are ideal for clearing up skin disorders such as eczema, dryness and fungal infections.

·       Smallpox - The essential oils in coriander are rich in antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-infectious and detoxifying components and acids. The presence of vitamin-C and iron strengthens the immune system as well.

·       Bone health – Calcium and other essential minerals found in coriander are integral components of bone regrowth and durability, as well as in the prevention of bone degradation so commonly associated with debilitating diseases like osteoporosis. Coriander contains anti-inflammatory properties. This is why it is good against inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.

·        Analgetic properties - Coriander may also be used in treating muscle pain, headaches and stiffness. Because of its heating and analgesic effect, this plant is used to treat athritis, painful joints and rheumatism. The high content of bioflavonoids from the leaves helps in treating varices and hemorrhoids.

·        Reduce blood pressure -Interaction of calcium ions and cholinergic (acetylcholine) relaxes blood vessel tension, thereby reducing the chances of a number of cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks and strokes.

·        Control of blood sugar, Cholesterol and Free Radical Production –Coriander is very low in calories and contains no cholesterol. Its deep-green leaves possess good amounts of antioxidants, essential oils, vitamins, and dietary fiber, which may help reduce LDL or "bad cholesterol" levels in the blood.

·        Eye care - Dietary carotenoids can decrease the risk of numerous conditions, including several cancers and eye disease, due to their role as antioxidants.2 A study published in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition showed that basil and coriander contained the highest levels of the carotenoids beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, all known for their antioxidant abilities.1 It's a good remedy in the treatment of conjunctivitis.

·       Anticancer effects - A study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that common spices - including coriander - can inhibit heterocyclic amine (HCA) formation in meats during cooking. HCAs, defined by the National Cancer Institute, are chemicals formed when meat is cooked at high temperatures.1 A high consumption of foods containing HCAs is associated with higher risk of cancer. These anticancer effects were demonstrated further in a different study published in the Journal of Food Science, in which five Asian spices, including coriander, were used to cook meats. The meats cooked with those spices had a significant decrease in HCA formation.1

·        Reduce fever - Coriander has a diuretic effect and can reduce fever.

·        Promote nervous system - Vitamin K is good for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It can stimulate the memory.

·        Stimulant - The essential oil in coriander is believed to stimulate creativity, optimism and imagination. Recent studies have shown that coriander can cause a mild euphoria.

·        Increase breast milk flow - Coriander is reported to be a galactogogue (a substance used to stimulate milk production in breastfeeding moms) and is used in many teas and supplements that are marketed to nursing mothers.

·        Fighting salmonella - Coriander contains an antibacterial compound.

·        Prevents hair loss – Coriander has antioxidants that free radicals. Free radicals damage cells, including hair cells. By stopping the damage to these cells, coriander encourages fuller, thicker hair to grow.

·        The fat soluble vitamin A and antioxidant protects from lung and cavity cancers.
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database1, two tablespoons of ground coriander seed contain 30 calories, 1.2 grams of protein, 1.8 grams of fat, and 5.6 grams of carbohydrates (including 4 grams of fiber and 0 grams of sugar). That same 2 tablespoon serving provides 68% of your daily vitamin K needs, 10% of iron, 8% of calcium, and 4% of vitamin C.

 

Coriander herb contains:
·        Essential volatile oils - carvone, geraniol (geranyl acetate), limonene, borneol, camphor, elemol , linalool (can help detoxify the liver and increase the appetite), cineole, cymene, terpineol, dipentene, phellandrene, pinene, and terpinolene.

·        Anti-oxidant polyphenolic flavonoids - quercitin, kaempferol, rhamnetin and epigenin.

·        Active phenolic acid compounds -including caffeic and chlorogenic acid (neurotransmitter in the peripheral and central nervous system, more commonly known as acetylcholine)

·        Vitamin C – with iron strengthens the immune system and relieves pain. 100 g of coriander leaves provide 30% of daily recommended levels of vitamin-C.

·        Thiamin (Vitamin B1)

·        Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

·        Niacin (Vitamin B3)

·        Folic-acid (Vitamin B9)

·        Iron - essential for red blood cell production.

·        Linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid)

·        Vitamin K - a potential role in bone mass building through promotion of osteotrophic activity in the bones. It also has established role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in their brain.

·        Carotenoids (beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin) - Fresh coriander leaves are a rich source of carotenoids which have antioxidant activity.

·        Calcium

·        Phosphorous

·        Potassium - an important component of cell and body fluids that help regulate heart rate and blood pressure.

·        Manganese - used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.

·        Coumarin compounds in coriander such as umbelliferone (7-hydroxycoumarin) may have blood-thinning properties. Therefore Warfarin and coriander should not be taken together.
There are three forms of coriander:
·         the seed (coriander)
·         the leafy herb (cilantro)
·         the oil (pressed from the seed) 
Coriander herb provides (% of RDA/100g):
  •  15% of folates,
  •  11% of vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine),
  •  45% of vitamin C,
  •  225% of vitamin A,
  •  258% of vitamin K,
  •  22% of iron and
  •  18% of manganese.
(Note: RDA-Recommended daily allowance).

1/ Today's Dietitian, Adding spice for a healthier life - evidence shows antioxidant-rich herbs and spices may cut chronic disease risk, accessed 12 September 2015.
2/ The role of carotenoids in human health, EJ Johnson, Nutrition In Clinical Care, published online March 2002, abstract.


Warning: Health information and the names of the drugs mentioned in the article are only for orientation in the field of self-medication and does not replace communication with your doctor. Before taking any medication, read the leaflet or ask your pharmacist or doctor. The author is not responsible for misinterpretation of the information contained on the website and is not responsible for any damages incurred subsequent procedures or conduct that are made based on the content of these pages. By entering this blog you confirm that you have read the aim and the restrictions of the site.