Staying healthy by checking labels

When shopping for your beauty products, it’s always wise to check the labels first. Make sure that they don’t contain any of the following ingredients:

1) SLS/SLES and ALS/ALES – these are foaming agents that bring dirt to the surface. Unfortunately, they cause eye and skin irritation.

2) preservatives such as parabens, BHA/BHT, DMDM Hydantoin, Phenoxyethanol and TEA. Parabens are allergenics and they promote premature aging. BHA/BHT has been linked to cancer. DMDM Hydantoin is believed to weaken the immune system. Phenoxyethanol is an irritant and it causes allergy, while TEA or triethanolamine is carcinogenic.

3) DEA or diethanolamine – it’s an emulsifer that helps to combine water-based liquid and oil. But DEA is said to affect hormonal activity.

4) moisturizers and emollients such as mineral oil, dimethicone, isopropyl palmitate,petrolatum or paraffin, and urea. These ingredients soften, relax and sooth the skin, but in the process of doing so, clog the pores, speed up aging, worsen acne, and in the case of urea, cause cancer.

5) fragrances in the form of parfum and phtalates. Parfum causes allergy and is an irritant as well.Phtalates damages the liver and reproductive organs

6) solvent such as propylene glycol. This one damages the kidneys and the liver.

7) antibacterial agents such as triclosan. Triclosan causes endocrine and reproductive malfunctions. It’s alarming, really, but chemically formulated skin care products, including hair shampoos, have at least one of these ingredients.

Loss of Smell

Losing someone’s smell is not a desirable experience for there’s a lot of things to do in life everyday which smell is a crucial part.

Causes of Losing of Smell

The usual cause of losing of smell is the result of nasal congestion or blockage of the nasal area. This condition usually wears off after addressing the main cause that brings nasal congestion. For some reasons, if the nasal congestion and loss of smell stayed more than the usual, it is more likely because of a neurological disorder.

Other causes of Loss of Smell

• Alzheimer
• Nasal polyp
• Sinus surgery
• Head tumors
• Natural aging
• Lead poisoning
• Radiation therapy
• Nasal deformities
• Nervous Disorder
• Nasal decongestants drugs
• Endocrine System irregularities
• Head trauma because of an injury

Home Remedies/ Natural Treatment for Loss of Smell

There is no known specific cure to get rid of loss of Smell however, addressing the main cause of the problem can usually correct the loss of smell.

If the cause of losing the smell is due to Common colds these can help:

The Lemon Cure

Lemon is believed to be a miracle cure for common colds. Loaded with Vitamin C, lemon can significantly increase your resistance and can help you recover from colds a lot faster. The ultimate lemon cure is to dilute the juice of one whole lemon with a whole glass of warm water. Add honey to it, and drink it twice a day.

Warm Garlic Soup

Another remedy for common colds is garlic soup. Garlic soup is made by chopping three or four cloves of garlic and then boiling it in a cup of water. Garlic is a known natural antibiotic, an antispasmodic, and an antiseptic, among many other health benefits. Eating garlic soup helps to open up the airways, thus relieving you of congestion.

Other Suggestions for Loss of Smell

Minimize usage of nasal decongestants.

Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning also known as painter’s colic is a condition caused by increased presence of lead in the blood. This condition can cause neurological damage and renal diseases which is irreversible.
The metal lead is toxic to tissues and enzymes whereas, children are more susceptible to this kind of poisoning by simply accumulating lead into their nervous system. Death by lead poisoning is uncommon, but dangerous levels of lead in children may cause serious health problems.

Symptoms of Lead Poisoning

• anemia
• coma
• nausea
• seizures
• diarrhea
• headache
• irritability
• vomiting
• insomnia
• chest pain
• weight loss
• constipation
• hyperactivity
• loss of appetite
• abdominal pain
• kidney problems
• Neurological problems
• reproductive problems
• metallic taste in the mouth

Causes of Lead Poisoning
Causes of lead poisoning is attributed from numerous sources in the environment

This include:

• Soil
• Water
• Lead paint
• Household dust
• Canned food
• Cosmetics
• Some Ayurvedic Remedies

People who are more likely to be poisoned with lead are those who are exposed to substances which are known to have lead content.  Children are most at risk due to the tendency that they can put anything in their mouth, without adult supervision children can be easily obtain lead poisoning.
Some complications in children include:

• Loss of Hearing
• Learning disabilities
• Poor muscle coordination
• Decreased muscle and bone growth
• Nervous system and kidney damage
• Speech, language and behavior problems

Some complications in adults include:

• Cataracts
• Nerve disorders
• High blood pressure
• Digestive problems
• Muscle and joint pain
• Miscarriage (for Women)
• Memory and concentration problems
• Damage to sperm-producing organs (for Men)

Treatment / Remedies for Lead Poisoning
Since Lead poisoning is a serious condition it is advised to undergo lead test, to assure that the level of lead in the blood is on acceptable level.
Doctors may recommend chelation therapy in addition to removal from lead exposure. In this process, the medicine or chelating agent binds with the lead so that it’s excreted in urine.

Prevention to avoid Lead Poisoning
Wash hands thoroughly
Eat foods that are high in iron and calcium
Always supervise the children especially while playing
If using cold water run the faucet for at least a minute before using
Wear protective equipment and clothing when working with known substance with lead content