What you need to know about sunscreen before you put it on your skin

Make the switch to Envy Organics today!

It is pretty clear that sunscreens prevent sunburns; however, little is known about the safety and efficacy of the majority of SPF creams and sprays that are part of most of our daily routines. The Environmental Working Group’s review of the latest sunscreen research revealed troubling facts that might make you ponder avoiding sunscreens altogether.  Despite this research, public health agencies still recommend using sunscreens, just not as your first line of defense against the sun. At Whole Health Concord, we recommend safer sunscreens such as Envy Organics which we discuss later in this article, but ask you to look for shade, wear protective clothing and avoid the noontime sun as your first lines of defense.

Unfortunately, it appears that there is no clear consensus on whether sunscreens prevent skin cancer.  A 2007 draft of the FDA’s sunscreen safety regulations state “FDA is not aware of data demonstrating that sunscreen use alone helps prevent skin cancer” (FDA 2007). In addition, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recommends shade, clothing and hats as primary barriers to UV radiation and writes that “sunscreens should not be the first choice for skin cancer prevention and should not be used as the sole agent for protection against the sun” (IARC 2001).

Some researchers have found an increased risk of melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer, among sunscreen users. The cause of this increased risk is unclear, but scientists reason that people who use sunscreen often stay out in the sun longer and absorb more radiation.  Another explanation points out the potential danger of free radicals that are released as sunscreen chemicals break down in sunlight.

Another noteworthy point to consider is that in 2007, the FDA published that the higher SPF ratings were “inherently misleading,” (FDA 2007). There is also worry around the idea that high-SPF products may lead people to stay in the sun too long, preventing sunburns but increasing the risks of other types of skin damage.

A recent FDA study indicated that retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A, may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions when applied to the skin and subjected to sunlight. (NTP 2009). This information is quite troubling when considering that the sunscreen industry adds vitamin A to 30 percent of all sunscreens.  The vitamin A is added as an antioxidant for the skin in an effort to slow aging.  The animal study found that tumors developed 21% sooner when retinyl palmitate was applied to the skin.  For this reason, we recommend a sunscreen free of retinyl palmitate until further information is available.

So it is clear that we all should limit time in the sun and use the shade, clothing and hats as our first line of protection from the sun.  But what about which sunscreen to use when we are in direct sun for more than 10-15 minutes?  In the U.S, most sunscreens fall into two categories:  1. “chemical” sunscreens, which have inferior stability, penetrate the skin and may disrupt the body’s hormone systems, 2.  “mineral” sunscreens (zinc and titanium), which often contain micronized- or nano-scale particles of those minerals.

There are several chemical sunscreens that are commonly used.  Coppertone Baby, the one I see the majority of parents at my children’s school, at the beach, on the ball field slather all over their children, is one of the most dangerous choices to put on our precious little ones.  The key sunscreen ingredient is a chemical called oxybenzone.  Manufacturers warn against using it over large surfaces of skin and over many hours.

This warning applies particularly to small, young children who don’t eliminate toxic chemicals from their bodies as readily as.  Oxybenzone quickly penetrates skin and into the bloodstream where is has an estrogenic activity in our little ones.  Aerosol spray sunscreens are another category or products that appear unsafe.  The aerosol sprays allow the chemicals into our respiratory systems if not our eyes too.

Mineral sunscreens may contain nano-particles which are speculated to able to penetrate our pores, allowing them access to our blood stream.  We all have access to enough heavy metals through environmental toxins; we certainly do not need to add this to the mix.  It is important to note however, that some mineral sun screens do not use such small particles.  This often means that the product is thicker or a little trickier to spread.  People will often note that they do not absorb into the skin as well…but this is not a bad thing.  Instead, the minerals are staying on the skin, reflecting the suns rays as we want them to do, rather than permeating our skin and getting into our bodies.  www.EWG.org does a great job with a list of the safest sunscreens to use including Aubrey Organics, California Baby and Kiss my Face.  One line that we are particularly fond of at Whole Health Concord is Envy Organics. This has not yet been assessed by EWG but is likely to gain as spot as one of their favorites.

Envy Organic Sun care products are made up of a unique formula which eliminates synthetic chemicals found in standard sun care products.  They are naturally water resistant and allow you to stay in the sun 8 times longer than without sunscreen. Derived from the elements Titanium and Zinc, the sunscreens provide both UVA and UVB protection. Also contains Vitamin E, Aloe and Rose Hips Oil. The line includes an SPF 8, 15, and 25 as well as after-sun care products that are equally as impressive. Contact us at Whole Health if you would like more information on this product line.

Here in the US, conventional medicine most often manages troublesome menopause symptoms with synthetic Hormone Replacement Therapy. This can produce unhealthy side effects and unnecessary risk for the patient. The majority of women using this therapy are unaware they have other options for balancing their hormones.  Safe and effective herbal medicines as well as bio-identical hormones are two other choices which have proven to be very successful for many women in our practice here at Whole Health Concord. Dr. Laura Riley Jones treats many women struggling with the discomforts of menopause and specializes in both plant-based and bio-identical hormone treatments.

Synthetic vs. Bio-Identical Hormones

One of the reasons so few people know about bio-identical and herbal treatments is there is more research available on synthetic hormone replacement because synthetic medications are patentable. Natural substances (those existing in nature) are not; therefore, less profit is available for research, development, and sale of bio-identical estrogens, progesterone and other hormones as well as herbs.

Bio-identical hormones, made from wild yam and soy, offer less side effects and risks than synthetic hormones. One reason for this is that they are made in a lab to look exactly like our estrogens and progesterone that we make in our bodies.  Our body easily recognizes these hormones and uses them efficiently, allowing us to use lower doses with better effectiveness in regards to symptom relief. This is in comparison to Prempro®, one of the most-prescribed menopausal synthetic hormone therapies in the US. It is made from equilin, the urine from pregnant mares. This very potent form of estrogen is much harder for a woman’s body to use efficiently and break down effectively than her native estrogens. A friendlier, yet still problematic drug is Estrace®.

The second reason we often see less side effects and associate natural hormones with less cancer risk is that the medications are made according to a physician’s recommendation in regards to dosing amount and frequency. Compounding pharmacists will make the pill, cream or suppository to cater to the patient’s individual needs so they are not getting a one size fits all type of dose.

Testing allows for individualized treatment

Prior to treatment, testing should be done on each patient taking any form of HRT regardless of if it is bio-identical or synthetic.  This gives the doctor information about what role the patient’s hormone levels are playing in their symptoms.  It also provides information about the risk of estrogen-related cancers. Looking at how well estrogen is being metabolized in the body and the ratio of estrogen with other hormones, especially progesterone, is particularly important.

The female hormones play together in a symphony.  This means that when one hormone is out of tune, others often are too. In addition to estrogens and progesterone, it is also critical to assess testosterone, DHEA and adrenal gland and thyroid function in a woman struggling with menopausal symptoms as these glands play key roles in the overall success of the endocrine system.  Stress, either physical or mental/emotional, can make a very negative impact on our endocrine system by overworking the adrenal glands.  These two glands that sit on top of the kidneys put out our stress hormone but is also responsible for precursors to our sex hormones.  Weakened adrenal glands are often the reason why so many women have such difficulty keeping hormones balanced as they enter into menopause.  When a woman’s ovarian reserves decline beginning at peri-menopause, her adrenals and thyroid attempt to pick up some of the slack. If the adrenals have been overworked, they are unable to do so successfully.  Balancing the entire biochemical pathway, including the adrenals and thyroid, makes for better health.

Regardless of the type of hormone replacement she is using, a woman’s hormones should be tested annually. Our preferred method of testing sex hormones at Whole Health Concord is salivary measurement. Numerous studies have proven that salivary assays of sex hormones best correlates with a patient’s symptoms. Thorough thyroid panels are performed using blood testing.

Optimal health as we age

Many of our patients at Whole Health Concord come to us after months of struggling with hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, poor cognition, low libido and sleepless nights, desperate for some relief.  Assessing their hormone status via testing, designing a nutrition plan to cater to their biochemistry and a supplement plan to nurture the hormonal pathways that need extra attention during their transition are what make the naturopathic approach so successful in giving these patients their quality of life back.

If you believe hormone balancing therapy could be beneficial to you please give our office a call at 603-369-4626.  Dr. Laura Jones offers free 15 minute consults in order to learn about your symptoms and offer you information on how she would approach your health concerns and answer any questions you may have.

Breast thermography is the use of Digital Infrared Imaging to detect metabolic changes associated with breast tumor genesis and growth. Digital Infrared Imaging (DII) is based on the principle that metabolic activity and blood circulation in both pre-cancerous tissue and the area surrounding breast cancer is almost always higher than in normal breast tissue. As they have a large need for nutrients, cancerous tumors increase circulation to their cells by creating new blood vessels, holding open existing blood vessels, and opening dormant vessels. As a result, there is an increase in regional surface temperatures of the breast.

DII uses ultra-sensitive medical infrared cameras and highly developed computers to detect, analyze, and produce high-resolution diagnostic images of the temperature variations in the breast. Because of DII’s extreme sensitivity, these temperature variations may be among the earliest signs of breast cancer and/or a pre-cancerous state of the breast.

The methodology employed by DII is based on detecting the heat produced by increased blood vessel circulation and metabolic changes associated with a tumor’s genesis and growth, while Mammography, ultrasound, MRI, and other structural imaging tools rely primarily on finding the physical tumor. By detecting minute variations in normal blood vessel activity, infrared imaging may find thermal signs suggesting a pre-cancerous state of the breast or the presence of an early tumor that is not yet large enough to be detected by physical examination, mammography, or other types of structural imaging.  Difficulties in reading mammograms can occur in women who are on hormone replacement, nursing, or have fibrocystic, large, dense, or enhanced breasts. DII scans do not have difficulties with these breast types.

Multiple studies show that an abnormal infrared image is the single most important marker of high risk for developing breast cancer, 10 times more significant than a family history of the disease. Consequently, in patients with a persistent abnormal thermogram, the examination results become a marker of higher future cancer risk. Depending upon certain factors, re-examinations are performed at appropriate intervals to monitor the breasts. This gives a woman time to take a proactive approach by working with her doctor to improve her breast health. By maintaining close monitoring of her breast health with infrared imaging, self breast exams, clinical examinations, and mammography, a woman has a much better chance of detecting cancer at its earliest stage and preventing invasive tumor growth.

Similar to a fingerprint, each patient has a particular infrared map of their breasts. Any modifica-tion of this infrared map on serial imaging (images taken over months to years) may constitute an early sign of an abnormality. However, if a pathology is suspected, this information is used to recommend further examinations and tests.

As is the case with mammography and all other imaging modalities, access to sophisticated technology and the expertise to interpret the findings are of prime importance. To help distinguish a normal process from an abnormal one requires proper training, clinical experience, strict protocols, and accurate image acquisition. When digitally produced, and interpreted by qualified doctors, abnormalities or changes in infrared images provide invaluable information.

The DII procedure is completely painless and there is no compression of or contact with the body. The test is non-invasive, uses no radiation, and is F.D.A approved. Establishing a baseline of your own “thermal fingerprint” requires 2 sessions, the second session should be scheduled for 3 months after the first. The thermograms acquired during your visit are sent to Radiologists, specially trained to read these types of tests. A report is returned to you and your doctor. All of your thermograms (breast images) should be kept on record and once your baseline thermal pattern has been estabished changes can be detected during your routine annual studies.  Dr. Jones is recommending any female patient over 35 consider establishing a baseline thermogram.

On June 11, 2012, New England Clinical Thermography will be coming to Whole Health Concord to provide Breast Thermography to Dr. Jones’ female patients. As stated above, a baseline screening requires two sessions, 3 months apart. The fee is $175 for the first 30 minute appointment and $105 for the second (date yet to be determined for September 2012).   This test may or may not be reimbursable by your health insurance company.

Appointments are very limited as this is a 1 day only event. Call us today at 603-369-4626 if you are interested in booking an appointment.

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Viraclear EPS has been the subject of over 20 clinical studies involving more than 9,000 patients – including 3,900 children. Taken at the first sign of symptoms, ViraClear EPs 7630 has been clinically shown to speed recovery in a variety of conditions, including the common cold, sinusitis, and bronchitis.

You may look and act relatively normal with Adrenal Fatigue and may not have any obvious signs of physical illness, yet, you live with a general sense of unwellness, tiredness or “gray” feelings. People suffering from Adrenal Fatigue often have to use coffee, colas and other stimulants to get going in the morning and to prop themselves up during the day.

With each increment of reduction in Adrenal function, every organ and system in your body is more profoundly affected. Changes occur in your carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance, heart and cardiovascular system, and even sex drive. Many other alterations take place at the biochemical and cellular levels in response to and to compensate for the decrease in Adrenal hormones that occurs with Adrenal Fatigue. Your body does its best to make up for under-functioning Adrenal glands, but it does so at a price.

The Adrenal Stress Index is a test of Adrenal function.

It can determine the functioning of the body’s stress gland. Each Adrenal gland is composed of two separate functional entities. The outer zone, or cortex, accounts for 80% to 90% of the gland, and secretes Adrenal steroids (Cortisol, DHEA(S) and Aldosterone). The inner zone, or medulla, comprises 10% to 20% of the gland and secretes the catecholamines adrenaline and nor-adrenaline. Cortisol, DHEA and adrenaline are the three main Adrenal stress hormones.

The Adrenal Rhythm & Its Importance

The human Adrenal gland does not secrete its steroid hormones at a constant level throughout the day. The hormones are actually released in a cycle with the highest value in the morning and the lowest value at night. This is easily understood by looking at Figure 1. This 24-hour cycle is called the circadian rhythm. An abnormal Adrenal rhythm can influence many functions of the body, some of which are listed below.

1. Energy production

Abnormal Adrenal function can alter the ability of cells to produce energy for activities of daily living. People who have a hard time rising in the morning or who suffer with a low energy level during the day often have abnormal Adrenal rhythms and poor blood sugar regulation.
The maintenance of a stable blood sugar level depends on food choice, lifestyle, Adrenal function and insulin activity. This panel measures stress hormones and insulin to help ferret out causes of fatigue, cravings and obesity.

2. Muscle & joint function

Abnormal Adrenal rhythms are known to compromise tissue healing. Reduced tissue repair and increased tissue breakdown can lead to muscle and joint breakdown with chronic pain.

3. Bone health

The Adrenal rhythm determines how well we build bone. If the night cortisol level is elevated and the morning level is too high, our bones do not rebuild well and we are more prone to the osteoporotic process. Stress is the enemy of the bones. In postmenopausal women, the effect of stress worsens due to the female hormone imbalances.

4. Immune health

Various immune cells (white blood cells) cycle in and out of the spleen and bone marrow for special conditioning and possible nourishment and instructions. This immune system trafficking follows the cortisol cycle. So, if the cycle is disrupted, especially at night, the immune system is adversely affected. Short and long-term stress is known to suppress the immune response on the surfaces of our body as in lungs, throat, urinary and intestinal tract. With the reduction in the surface antibody (called secretory IgA), the resistance to infection is reduced and allergic reactions are believed to increase.

5. Sleep quality

The ability to enter REM sleep cycles, i.e. regenerative sleep, is interrupted by high cortisol values at night and in the morning. Chronic lack of REM sleep can reduce the mental vitality and vigor of a person and induce depression.

6. Skin regeneration

Human skin regenerates mostly during the night. With higher night cortisol values, less skin regeneration takes place. So, a normal cortisol rhythm is essential for optimal skin health

7. Thyroid function

The level of Cortisol at the cell level controls thyroid hormone production. Quite often, hypothyroid symptoms such as fatigue and low body temperature are due to an Adrenal maladaptation.

Please call the office for more information on assessing your Adrenal function.

What does organic really mean? In order to label a food as organic, the grower or producer must follow certain standards. Organic farms and food manufacturers regularly undergo inspection to ensure that they are complaint with the USDA’s regulations on organic food. Organic food must be grown without the use of sewage sludge or synthetic chemicals and fertilizers. Irradiation is not permitted, nor is genetic modification. For organic dairy products and meat, the use of antibiotics and hormones is not permitted.

What are the benefits of buying organic foods?

One of the biggest reasons people choose organic foods is because of health considerations. Using organic foods can decrease the amounts of chemicals, pesticides, extra hormones, and antibiotics that you and your family are exposed to. Organic farming is also better for the environment. It reduces the number of chemicals that enter the water supply, does not result in the development of resistant pests, and is better for the topsoil.

What about the term “natural”?

If a label says the food is natural, does that mean it is organic? Natural does not mean organic, and it may not even mean healthy! There are no real requirements that manufacturers or farmers must meet in order to label their food as “natural”. This term is not regulated by the government, and so any manufacturer can use the word on its products. One example is the soda pop 7-UP. Although the 7-UP label says that 7-UP is “natural”, it still contains citric acid and high levels of sugar. Just because something says “natural” doesn’t mean it’s a healthy choice!

So, do you really have to buy everything organic? Not necessarily. Here’s why:

Some fruits and vegetables are especially high in pesticide and chemical content, while others are fairly low. Try to focus on buying the items that are higher in pesticide content organic, while buying less contaminated foods non-organic. Research shows that the highest content of PCBs or pesticides was found in dairy products, meat and fish, but the PCBs that were most toxic were found in vegetables. Some examples of fruits and vegetables that are high in pesticides are strawberries, apples, and spinach, while some that are lower are corn, bananas, and avocados. If you do eat highly contaminated produce, consider peeling it. Although some valuable nutrients and fiber will be lost through peeling, many surface chemicals will also be discarded. At the website of the Environmental Working Group, click on the Shopper’s Guide to find a wallet-sized shopping card and see a complete list of fruits and veggies and where they stand according to pesticide content.

As usual, our mothers were right!! I know, it sounds too slimy and smelly to be good for you. However, fish oil has more to offer than most people realize. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are essential fatty acids (EFAs) that our bodies are unable to create on their own. Therefore, we must obtain EFAs from food. Most people do not get enough of these polyunsaturated fats from their diet. This is why supplementation with fish oils can be so important to our health. EPA and DHA play a key role in brain development, nervous system function, and eyesight.

They also play a protective role in the body, reducing the risk of developing high blood pressure, arthritis, cancers, and heart disease. In fact, a large amount of research on omega-3s has focused on their effects on heart disease. EPA and DHA are linked to lower triglyceride levels, decreasing one’s risk for atherosclerosis. These two fatty acids can also decrease inflammation in the body, improve immune function and promote skin, hair and nail health.

Recent clinical research has shown that not only the quantity of fat in the diet, but also the type of fat affects body weight and metabolism. Diets rich in omega-3 oils result in healthier body weight and metabolism as well as the best body composition in terms of fat/muscle ratio. In addition, fish oils act as strong antioxidants throughout the body and improve the oxygen delivery to cells thus improving aerobic performance. If purchasing fish oil, make sure it is from a reliable source, free of environmental contaminants (pesticides and heavy metals), and contains vitamin E to protect and preserve the oil. It is important to store your oil in a cool location, away from direct light.

Feel free to contact Dr. Riley Jones with any questions regarding information in this article.

- Patricia