There are many chemicals and products we should attempt to avoid on our quest to better health. I wrote a blog on GMOs which is one example. Another example, which has been brought to mainstream attention over the past few years: PARABEN (methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.)
What is Paraben: A man-made chemical used in body products: shampoos, conditioners, body lotions, shower gels, sun screen, deodorant, make-up, etc. It preserves these products so they can sit on the shelf for years without growing mold/bacteria. The problem is your body is an organ so it ingests these products just as if you were putting them in your mouth. According to Mercola.com, " The body can absorb as much as five pounds of cosmetic chemicals every year."
Parabens mimic hormones in the body and can disrupt functions of the endocrine system. Doctors warn that parabens fight against normal biological processes which can lead to neurological, behavioral and developmental problems in unborn babies as well as reproductive problems with couples attempting to get pregnant. Even more so, studies have exposed threats that increased paraben levels leads to breast cancer, low sperm count and early puberty.
When I was in Denmark last month, my aunt shared that some friends of hers were having a hard time getting pregnant. The culprit- high levels of paraben found in the body.
Next time you use a cosmetic product, check the label what you are putting on your body. SO often we trust marketing campaigns, a pretty picture, or colorful packaging, when it is the worst choice for our health. Paraben-free products are available everywhere, even in conventional grocery stores. I buy my products at the biological store, but L'Occitane also carries paraben free products (80% are paraben free.) The Body Shop is another option. Beware of products that have fragrance, or are labeled "natural." (Fragrance also contains "phthalates” which are HIGHLY toxic, but protected as "trade secrets" in the business world.)
If you are pregnant or attempting to get pregnant take extra caution with paraben as it will give you that much more assurance that you are protecting your baby from possible birth defects.
Read more at these links below:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Are-parabens-dangerous
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1401232/parabens_cancer_and_other_dangers_of.html
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