Hair dyes are involved in the development of autoimmune diseases and cancer

The first gray hairs indicate our aging and many have only one thought: The gray hairs must disappear. There are many hair dyes on the market, but most contain questionable chemicals to produce their coloring effect. Recently scientists at the University of Copenhagen showed that commercial -p-phenylenediamine (PPD)-contained in the hair dye composition is a potent activator on the immune system. When animal models were in contact with PPD, severe hypersensitivity reactions resulted.

With the discovery of these research scientists, the result leaves only two alternatives to consider: either accept the gray hair, or resort to a harmless lichen hair dye with active ingredients from plants.

Why doesn’t everyone react to the chemicals in hair color products?

With their new study, scientists from Copenhagen wanted to find out why only a minority of the population suffers with hypersensitivity to permanent hair dyes. The scientific research team found that the majority of people are indeed sensitized to hair dyes or the rest of the users develop an immunological tolerance.

Consumer tests simulated situation

To investigate whether an immune response takes place, the researchers exposed mice repeatedly to PPD-containing hair dyes in a manner as it is exposed to the consumer in a similar way. For this purpose, a commercial hair dye that contains PPD, was tested on animals. The local immune response was evaluated by ear swelling and by histological examinations. The immune response in the lymph nodes was analyzed by the researchers using flow cytometry, a still relatively new laboratory technique.

Inflammation and swelling worsened by repeated contact

Hair dye caused local inflammation, which was determined by swelling and cell infiltration of the treated ears. In addition, contact with the hair dye caused T-cell activation, as evidenced by the T-cell proliferation and the production of IFN gamma and IL-17 which was detected in the lymph nodes. The inflammatory reaction was at its peak after the fourth contact with the hair dye.

Effects observed on the immune system

From that point on, the team of scientists observed an up-regulation of regulatory T cells and IL-10 producing cells. The study thus shows that PPD-containing hair dyes strongly influence the immune system. In addition, it became clear that they are potent skin sensitizers that activate the inflammatory T-cells and to induce PPD-containing hair dyes and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. This may explain why many consumers using hair dye can be use the dyes repeatedly without significant development of allergies. Scientists from Denmark, however, believe that one cannot feel entirely safe doing this because facts have been raised concerning the question of whether the influence of the immune modulatory effects of hair dyes are involved in the development of autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network

Literature:

Rubin IM, Dabelsteen S, Nielsen MM, White IR, Johansen JD, Geisler C, Bonefeld CM., Repeated exposure to hair dye induces regulatory T cells in mice, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Br J Dermatol., May 13, 2010.

One in every three drug-allergy patients, takes the medicine again

Drugs can not only relieve symptoms but can also cause them. More than seven percent of the population suffers from a drug incompatibility, many of which are allergic problems. Common triggers of drug allergies are penicillin and other antibiotics. Painkillers like aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) are the cause of urticaria, shock, or asthma. The allergist, Professor Thomas Fuchs, and his team at the Dermatology University Medical Clinic at Goettingen stated in a recent study that drug allergies may have long term risks. “Every third patient, a year after diagnosis, will take a drug with the allergic trigger. Patients with allergies to drugs will forget or ignore the recommendations of their allergists over time. It is frightening that even doctors ignore our recommendations and prescribe the allergic triggers,” criticizes Fuchs. The consequences can be severe, and in the worst case, a reaction can threaten and endanger life.

Fuchs interviewed 80 patients with allergies to non-steroidal painkillers such as aspirin, paracetamol, diclofenac, or ibuprofen. He spoke with them regarding their experiences a few years after diagnosis. Forty-one percent had taken the painkillers despite the known allergy-causing effects of the drug. The most common causes for taking the allergy causing drugs again were that the people knew about the allergens or safe alternatives, but after a few years, or as they were no longer taking any medication, they forgot to check the informational leaflet for possible reactive ingredients. In some cases even doctors prescribed a drug with the allergic trigger. Also several patients were deliberately triggering a medicine allergy just out of curiosity to see if a reaction would occur again.

The skin clinic at Goettingen demonstrated the importance of intensive education for people with drug allergies. According to Fuchs, the person should meet with their allergist again a year after the original diagnosis. He also advises patients to always carry an allergy “passport”. In this “passport” the drug trigger(s) is/are recorded so that any attending doctors can immediately recognize which medicines can cause dangerous reactions. “People with a drug allergy should inform their doctors as well, to ensure is that no medication is prescribed with those reactive allergens,” the allergy specialist Thomas Fuchs recommended at the Skin Clinic of Goettingen.

Author: Association of German Allergists Association (AEDA) www.aeda.de

Literature:

Buhl T, Meynberg HC, Kaune KM, Hünecke P, Schoenberg MP, Fuchs D, Long-term follow-up of patients with hypersensitivity to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reveals shortcomings in compliance and care, J Allergy Clin Immunol 2011: 127 (1): 284-285

Drawing conclusions from the nuclear accident in Fukushima

The news of the nuclear accident in Japan is incredible. The situation escalates and the Tokyo metropolitan city is at risk of serious radioactive contamination. In Germany, protests increase against nuclear power, and politicians have agreed to a moratorium, in which the life extension of some German nuclear power plants will be suspended for three months. This however is just a political move to keep the campaign positive as experts and public voices are raised. On the night of March 17th, the nuclear power plant in Phillipsburg left the network. It is uncertain what exactly will happen after the three-month moratorium when the nuclear power plants are on the grid again.

There is a legitimate growing concern in the population about the safety of nuclear power. Currently clients have the opportunity to change to a nuclear-free electrical provider at any time. They may change to a renewable energy which may help to phase out nuclear energy and even to encourage further community projects.

Nuclear power, an incalculable risk

The out of control Fukushima nuclear power plant proves unequivocally to the people that nuclear power is anything but under control. From the very beginning Japan needed international support to assist with the earthquake and tsunami damaged nuclear power plant to bring it back under control.

The news from Japan, on the other hand, brought news of rising pressure in several reactors, explosions, the drying out of the cooling tank for fuel, increasing the release of radioactivity, and the desperate battle of 50 brave people to avert a nuclear meltdown. Assistance from the U.S. and Europe were interrupted because of rising radioactivity, and thus the assistants were removed. In the meantime, the capital of Tokyo, with its 35 million residents, was told not to evacuate.

The scenario that is broadcast worldwide on news channels can cause people around the globe to faint. The question is legitimately being asked, why can’t the leading nuclear experts and brilliant scientists of Japan come up with adequate solutions to avert an absolute nuclear disaster? One must not be at the Fukushima nuclear power plant to find solutions. High technology operations can assist and offer ideas from anywhere in the world.

Total security is unrealistic

Accidents at nuclear power plants can happen in any country that uses this technology. To believe that Germany’s nuclear power plants and safeguards for emergencies are better equipped than those of the high technological country of Japan, is measured by environmental organizations, and was long ago disproved by the facts as nothing more than a wishful belief.

Green power, power without nuclear power

Germany can get along without their nuclear power plants, as specified by experts and environmental organizations. Namely Germany produces excess electricity which is sold abroad. Nuclear power plants shut down and a targeted shift to renewable energies is not a utopia, but easily doable for Germany, the leader in the world in environmental technology.

The switch to a nuclear-free option is easy and straightforward

Demand determines the market. When more and more electrical customers choose nuclear-free electricity, the power company will follow.

The current customer has much more influence than he suspects, and it is easy to change to electrical suppliers who provide green electricity produced entirely without nuclear energy. A decision can be made at any time with little formalities by the providers. Being afraid that suddenly there would be no power during the change is unfounded. The non-nuclear power company can guarantee this would not occur.

Some suppliers for nuclear-free electricity and informational websites on green

Nuclear-free green power does not have to be more expensive than nuclear power, and thus the consumer would not experience any unpleasant surprises. There are internet platforms on which to calculate the costs.

What many do not know is that the green power providers are available for the current customers. Also, electricity from different renewable resources are available to choose from, and one has the additional option to opt for providers that support social projects.

Some examples:

Verivox green calculator

On the website of „Verivox” (german) one can take a close look at prices for green power and at the same time determine charge differences between the current provider and changing to a green electrical provider.

Green Electricity Price Comparison

“Nuclear-free electricity“ (german) is another platform for individuals and business customers to compare prices. One can calculate costs for one’s own electricity use.

Greenpeace Energy

The environmental organization Greenpeace has specially created a cooperative to offer green power called “Greenpeace Energy” (german) and at the same time is developing more innovative projects. One project is the hamburger “car-sharing pilot project,” using green energy-powered electric cars.

Ray of Hope

The provider “bright spot” (german) provides electricity from renewable energy sources, ensuring that electricity does not come from nuclear power or coal power plants.

There are many other providers and it is worthwhile to research the different options of renewable energy sources that power actually comes from, and one can read the interesting facts of how the different green electrical providers contribute to the local and international community and the environment.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network, March 17th, 2011

Pure Nature has completed the power switch to nuclear-free three years ago . There were no problems while switching to “bright spot”. The employees of Pure Nature are very enthusiastic in helping find ways to save energy, be more energy efficient, and whenever possible, to conserve resources.

Celiac disease is a congenital intestinal disorder that is characterized by a lifelong intolerance to the ingestion of gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Celiac illness can occur at any age, but most of the intolerance occurs during early childhood (between the 9th and 24th month of life). Frequently, people who suffer from celiac problems have a decrease in bone density. A current article published in the medical journal, Nutrition Reviews, has reviewed the existing literature on the subject and revealed that a gluten-free diet can strongly influence recovery in children.

Celiac disease can reduce bone density

Metabolic bone disease is among the most significant and frequent complication of celiac disease. Decreased bone mineral density in children can lead to the fact that they are not in a position to develop optimal bone mass and bone loss in adulthood. Both increase the risk of developing, osteoporosis. People with celiac disease, also run an additional risk of bone fractures.

Gluten-free diet can lead to recovery

However, there is evidence that a gluten-free diet can promote an increase of bone density quickly. This can lead to complete recovery of bone mineralization in children. A gluten-free diet improves bone mineral density in adults, but normalization is rare. Children can get normal bone mass if the diagnosis and treatment were carried out before puberty. This also prevents the development of osteoporosis in later life.

Moreover, nutrients which contain calcium and vitamin D seem to improve bone mineral density in children and adults who suffer from celiac disease.

Conclusion

“Our findings reinforce the importance of a strict gluten-free diet, which currently appears to be the only scientifically proven treatment for celiac disease,” said the study authors. “Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to complications from celiac disease, such as preventing reduced bone density.”

Literature: Wiley-Blackwell, gluten-free diet Reduces bone problems in children with celiac disease, October 8, 2009

Many dining room tables and kitchen and terrace tables are made of untreated wood. Its unique appeal reflects the “country style” or “bohemian” trends again.

But what is the best care for the surface of a wooden table without a painted surface?

Is wax or oil a better treatment?

Carnauba wax dissolved in water with no additives and is certainly a good alternative that leaves a clean surface. However, oils, on the other hand, often contain solvents, resins, and essential oils as additives. Thus, many friends with allergies do not like oil because of the pollutants and allergy-triggering ingredients. Particularly, those with sensitivity to chemicals would rather choose a completely untreated surface.

Pure Nature House Fairy Tips: Care of untreated solid wood tables

Wash the table after every meal with a cloth and soapy water.

What should be done to grease stains from food or water stains from a glass on the table?

No problem: Just give a little Vienna lime or other fragrant free scouring powder on a cloth or cleaning gloves and scrub the surface lightly. In no time the stains are gone and the surface is sparkling clean.

An added bonus effect: The surface of the wooden table from the fine-grained sand or lime leaves the surface quite smooth and velvety.