Week 11

An interesting topic that I found that we discussed in class was the placebo article.  The fact that "most family doctors had given the placebo drug to at least one of their patients" was a new discovery, at least for me. While I initially thought this was a horrific find, after hearing everyone else's opinion on the subject of placebo's in general, I can see the pros and cons to both sides. For some, it really is a mind thing, and if taking a pill will make them better, then I don't see the harm. On the other hand, if it is a severe illness, then giving a patient a pill to test this theory out is controversial.  However we look at it, there needs to be research done on the study of placebos, and there's no other way to really test the effects without human subjects.

Nail polish

The Chemicals 

 

A common beauty supply that females use on their fingernails and toenails. There's a variety of colors, textures, and shine. To create these formulas, chemicals are used. The main ingredient is nitrocellulose, a long-lasting film forming agent derived from cellulose. Interesting fact: it was used for automobile paint! There's adhesive polymers that make sure the nitrocellulose sticks to the nail.  Camphor is embed between polymer chains to make the polish flexible. Pigments are added. Ulraviolet stabilizers help ensure that the colors don't change in the sunlight, and butyl acetate helps leave behind the pigmented color on the nail when it dries.

The Allegations

•Cancer

•Birth defects

•Asthma

•Reproductive problems

•Due to “toxic trio –

•Toluene

–a clear, colourless liquid commonly used in nail polish as well as in paints, thinners and inks. It gives nail polish that nice smooth finish and helps everything to dry quicker.

–causes symptoms of headache, dizziness, fatigue and irritated eyes, nose and throat. Toluene has also been found to be toxic to the kidneys and liver and possibly a reproductive disruptor. It's of particular concern to pregnant women since it’s transmitted to the fetus via the placenta and then onto the infant through breast milk.

•Formaldehyde

–nail hardener and helps stop polish from chipping.

–an irritant to the eyes, nose and throat. Breathing in the fumes often leads to coughing and wheezing, while exposure through contact to the skin results in rashes and other skin irritations. Other symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, dizziness and immune dysfunction.

•Dibutyl phthalate

–acts as a plasticizer, adding flexibility and sheen

–linked to birth defects and damage to reproductive organs

 

Nail Polish Alternatives (3 free)

 

•Butter London

•Chanel

•China Glaze

•CHI

•Colorpops

•Lippman Collection

•L’Oréal USA

•NailTini

•OPI Products

•Orly International

•Rescue Beauty Lounge

•Revlon

•Sally Hansen

•Seche

•SpaRitual

•Suncoat

•Zoya

 

Week 9

pH Balance: Acid & Alkali & Anti-Oxidants

I think the American diet is anything but healthy. Our diets have become more processed with additives and chemicals, less nutritional, greasier, fattier, and our physical activity has decreased. With a richer diet, less physical activity, and increased stress, it's a no brainer that are bodies are in high oxidation. To combat these acidic foods, alkaline foods can be integrated. The article discusses the types of food that are alkaline and rates them on a number scale.  I was quite surprised at some of the high alkalinity of the foods, such as lemons. I'm also glad to see that red wine may help prevent disease and cancer ;)  This is an interesting site that brings awareness to the every day American diet. While changes don't have to be drastic, but tweaks here and there can make a difference!

Tonight's discussion

I thought the chemical cookbook article was informative and helpful in balancing equations.  It broke it down into steps that were easy to understand. Learning about acidic and alkaline foods was interesting as well! I think a healthy, balanced diet overall will greatly improve a person's physical and mental health.

Week 8

Chemicals under my kitchen sink: 

 

There's draino for the bathroom, furniture polish, unopened kaboom, window cleaner, and lysol all purpose cleaner.  The one that I use the most is the lysol all purpose cleaner. I use it for the stove, counter tops, table,and bathroom. Even then, I try to just wipe crumbs and things with a rag and water, unless its something that is sticky or dealing with raw meat.  The rest aren't really used so they stay under the sink.

Mediterranean diet 'better than low fat diet' for cardiovascular risk

I think this is an excellent article! It's very interesting because it goes against what society sees.  Rather than focusing on just no or low fat foods, the Mediterranean diet is based on increasing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pasta, and fish and just eating less meat and vegetable and plant oils.  Reduced cholesterol levels doesn't mean reduce cardiovascular disease. This whole diet is more beneficial because it provides monosaturated fats that actually lower cholesterol. However, I feel that people would rather eat "easy" foods that are pre-packaged and labeled low fat versus eating whole foods. More because of the convenience and cost factor.