The American Cancer Society defines breast cancer as a "malignant tumor that starts from the cells of the breast." The breast is made up of milk glands and fatty tissues, and cancer can occur in any of these tissues. Cells in our bodies are constantly reproducing, and when they start to reproduce at an abnormal rate, they cause a tumor to form. If cells from a malignant tumor enter the lymphatic system they can infect other tissues, this is termed as metastasizing. (more…)
In recent years, our lexicon been bombarded with antibacterial products. Hand sanitizer dispensers are found all over the place, including my local YMCA. The shopping cart corral at the market usually has a canister of antibacterial wipes handy for the handle. Who knows what germs and other "ickies" infested the hands of the person who used it prior, right? Or at least that's the idea. (more…)
Hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized each year due to food contamination, and up to 3,000 food-related fatalities occur annually in the United States. Now, changes are being considered to the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act, or FSMA, in an effort to reduce food borne illness. (more…)
Carrageenan is a food additive commonly used in yogurt, dairy-free milk, and other processed foods. It works great as an emulsifier and thickening agent, and it does have natural origins. Nonetheless, carrageenan isn't free from health concerns. Isolated from seaweed, carrageenan is a polysaccharide compound that may also trigger an immune response in some people, but this is debated. Because it comes from a natural source, it is typically added to natural food products. This food additive is just one of the many additives you may wish to be aware […]
One of the world's most popular herbicide – Roundup – is making its way back into the headlines in regards to its health and environmental effects. Monsanto, the producer of Roundup (glyphosate), claims this herbicide is safe; however, study after study from independent researchers is showing the exact opposite. A new research study is showing that small amounts of exposure – up to thousands of times lower than permitted in drinking water in the U.S. – can produce unfavorable and concerning effects in the liver and kidneys. Could this study […]
