Friday January 7, 2011

What the EWG’s Dirty Dozen Doesn’t Tell You

Every year the Environmental Working Group releases a list of the 12 most toxic produce items, AKA “The Dirty Dozen”. It is a great resource and one I recommend to organic-conscious moms on a budget.

But The Dirty Dozen misses out on one of the worst offenders that most people eat to be healthy: Salmon.

Altantic Salmon (a brilliant pseudonym for farmed salmon) has been found to have PCB levels so high that they raise the risk for cancer. They also pose a risk to the brain development of unborn babies.

PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) are oily man-made chemicals used in electrical equipment, lubricants and many everyday items. They get into the food chain and accumulate in foods – especially farmed salmon.

Wild Alaskan salmon is an excellent source of protein and omega-3s – and because they consume a diet of plankton, krill and small animals from clean water, they are naturally low in toxic PCBs.

So when you are at the store, or at the restaurant, make sure your salmon is wild Alaskan – otherwise, choose something else. And have a big plate of gorgeously prepared vegetables to go with it.

In Health,
Dr. Teray

Sources: Summary – PCBs in Farmed Salmon ewg.org/reports/farmedpcbs
“Wild Alaskan Salmon is Still the Best Choice” http://www.edf.org/article.cfm?contentID=5323

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Castor Oil Packs

    Castor Oil Packs are often considered a foundational part of a natural healing treatment plan. The process involves topical application of the castor oil, a flannel pack that has been saturated with the oil and a heat source. Naturopathic Doctors may prescribe castor oil packs for enhancing detoxification, immune system health, circulatory support and pain management. Oil from the castor bean (Ricinus communis) can also be used internally as an irritant laxative, as many of my patients remember and grimace when I mention it as a part of their treatment plan. Popularized in the 1930’s and 40’s by Edgar Cayce, nowadays it is more safely and comfortably used topically to nourish superficial and deep tissues and facilitate healing.
    Castor oil has a historical use across the globe, ranging from ancient India, China, Persia, Egypt, Africa, Greece, Rome and Europe. Dr.William A. McGarey in his book The Oil That Heals cites a reference to the Ebers Papyrus, dating to 1550 BC for the medicinal use of castor oil.
    Its actions and benefits have been recorded through observation and empirical evidence more than pharmacological research, and its mechanisms of action are theorized but not well proven. In one small study “Immunomodulation Through Castor Oil Packs” Harvey Grady Journal of Naturopathic Medicine Volume 7, Number 1, 1999, found topical use of the packs significantly increased immune cell function, specifically T cells and non-specific lymphocyte counts over the following 24 hour period. This would imply a greater immune vigilance and protection against virus, bacteria and cancerous cells. While the results are compelling, the study had a small number of participants (n=36) and hasn’t been repeated.
    Application of castor oil packs is thought to increase blood flow and lymphatic flow through the body tissues where it is applied. The packs are commonly prescribed by alternative doctors to be applied over the abdomen, liver or pelvic region. It can also be applied topically to areas of sprain/strain or chronic pain to promote circulation and elimination of waste from the tissues. It is commonly recommended that patients apply it over the liver region to promote detoxification and enhance elimination of waste products during a detoxification program. It can be applied over the abdomen to improve blood flow to the intestines, which increases digestion and assimilation of nutrients. Because such a significant part of our lymphatic and immune tissues resides in the abdomen around the large and small intestines, regular application of castor oil packs is also thought to help to modulate and improve immune function.
    Because of its ability to promote movement and its actions as a slight irritant, it is recommended you check with your Naturopathic Doctor before starting to use the packs on your own. There are some conditions such as pregnancy, poor circulation, reduced sensitivity to heat etc. where it would not be recommended to use the castor oil packs or the treatment may be modified, for instance used without heat. Generally it is a safe and important part of a health care regimen and can be continued through the seasons.

Dr. Jen

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