More and more people are looking to natural healing as a way to enhance health and wellness. We are all interested in preserving our health. We try to eat right, get plenty of rest and exercise and use natural health supplements. With all our efforts on natural health, many times people overlook one area of health that can be a serious hazard to their health.

Products that you and your family use every day may contain ingredients that studies have linked to cancer, blindness and death.

WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW CAN HURT YOU!

The solution is as simple as reading the labels on your personal care products and replacing them with safe ones.

One of the worst and most widespread of these dangerous ingredients is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). SLS is absorbed through the skin and retained in the brain, heart and liver. Studies show that SLS also affects other areas in the body, such as your child's still developing eyes. SLS has been shown to retard the proper development of eye tissues, cause cataracts, slow the healing of other eye problems and even cause blindness. SLS doesn't even have to get in the eyes to cause eye damage. It does as much harm when it is absorbed through the skin.

Many so called "natural" products also have SLS as an ingredient. They may have a label that says, "100% natural ingredients." Just because it says natural, doesn't mean it's good to put on your body. Poison ivy is natural, but I sure don't want that on my skin.

The intended use of SLS is as an ingredient car wash soaps, engine degreaser and garage floor cleaner.

According to the Material Safety Data Sheet for SLS, exposure can lead to a burning sensation, coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea and vomiting. It also specifically warns that SLS may be harmful if absorbed through the skin and that prolonged or repeated exposure should be avoided. (The federal government requires a Material Safety Data Sheet for any hazardous chemical.)

View a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet for sodium lauryl sulfate: http://www.safeingredients.net

The dangers of SLS are no secret to the medical community. In fact SLS is used as a skin irritant in medical labs. Scientists use it to purposely harm the skin in order to test healing agents.

Sodium lauryl sulfate is used in most shampoos and toothpaste. Go to the grocery store and try to find shampoo or toothpaste that does not have sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate in it.

Does your toothpaste have this FDA required poison warning label?

"Keep out of the reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional assistance or contact a poison control center immediately."

You may have to search to find the warning because the companies try to hide it under the ingredients list. The warning may be on the box which you throw away and didn't even notice it.

Did you know that the fastest way into the bloodstream is under the tongue? Nutrients as well as poison can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the dense network of blood vessels lining the mucous membrane of the mouth.

According to the PHYSICIANS DESK REFERENCE MANUAL, oral delivery is 10 times more efficient than anything that is swallowed. This is because ingredients enter the blood stream directly and are not filtered and broken down by the liver and digestive organs. (See chart below.)

Absorption Efficiencies: Pill________________________10% Gel-Cap_____________________16% Sublingual__________________50% Intra-Muscular Injections___80% Oral Mucous Absorption______90%

Do you really want poisons in the products you & your family use? Besides the sodium lauryl sulfate, there is enough fluoride in a 4 oz tube of most brands of toothpaste to kill a small child. What's worse is that scientists are now linking fluoride to dental deformity, arthritis and allergic reactions.

Another ingredient to watch out for is alcohol, which is commonly used in mouthwash. One ounce of mouthwash can cause seizures and brain damage in toddlers and 5 ounces can be fatal.

Mouthwash is artificially sweetened and is not usually in a child proof container. Most brands are sold in quantities that can kill a 2 year old child.

Another ingredient to avoid - propylene glycol, is found in most moisturizers and is commonly used as a humectant (additive to keep products moist) & a preservative. It sounds innocent enough but did you know it's also a main ingredient in antifreeze, brake fluid, deicers, latex paint and laundry detergent?

It is supposed to make the skin feel smooth. While it may appear to moisturize the skin's surface, it actually steals moisture from the under layers of the skin.

Propylene glycol is not only ineffective, it's dangerous. It is derived from petroleum products.

The Material Safety Data Sheets on propylene glycol - warns against contact with eyes, skin and clothing. It also says inhalation can cause irritation of nasal passages. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Over exposure to propylene glycol can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.

Research also shows that it alters cell membranes and causes cardiac arrest.

View Material Safety Data Sheet on propylene glycol: http://www.sefsc.noaa.gov/HTMLdocs/PropyleneGlycol.htm

Aluminum - a skin irritant and is linked to nerve damage, brain disorders like Alzheimer's. Found in most deodorants.

Did You Know?

The National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHEA) has identified 884 toxic or potentially cancer causing ingredients commonly found in commonly used personal care products.

There are safe products out there.