Natural health expert Dr. Joseph Mercola lists five risky chemicals in many shampoos and conditioners that could be robbing you and your family of better health.

1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
The same ingredient producing all that foam and lather when you shampoo your hair is used in car washes and garages as a degreasing agent.

Sodium lauryl sulfate is a penetration enhancer. It allows other potentially toxic ingredients to slip into your bloodstream.

The Environmental Working Group’s “Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Reviews” studies on SLS have also linked the chemical to:

• Irritation of skin and eyes
• Organ toxicity
• Developmental / reproductive toxicity
• Neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, ecotoxicological, and biochemical or cellular changes
• Possible mutations and cancer

2. Dioxane
In 2007, he medical journal, Cancer, reviewed mammary carcinogens and identified dioxane as one of the 216 chemicals linked to breast cancer in rodents.

“Back in 1985, the FDA recognized these dangers, and requested that manufacturers voluntarily limit dioxane levels in cosmetics and personal-care products to 10 parts per million. But it hasn’t happened,” says Dr. Mercola.

Los Angeles Times staff writer Marla Cone reported in February 2007 that all 18 personal care products (for both adults and children) tested by an independent laboratory were contaminated with high levels of dioxane.

3. Diethanolamine (DEA)
DEA readily reacts with nitrite preservatives and contaminants to create nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA), a known potent carcinogen. In a recent FDA report, around 42% of all cosmetics were contaminated with NDEA.

4. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Yes, this is the same MSG you should avoid in your food! It is often deceptively referred to as amino acids, yeast extract, nayad, glutamic acid, or glutamates in your shampoo.

According to the FDA, its side effects include numbness, burning sensations, tingling, facial pressure, headaches, nausea, drowsiness, and weakness.

5. Propylene Glycol
This active ingredient is found in engine coolants and antifreeze, airplane de-icers, tire sealants, rubber cleaners, polyurethane cushions, paints, adhesives, enamels and varnishes, and in many products as a solvent or surfactant.

“Propylene glycol is likely in your shampoo, despite the material safety data sheet warning users to avoid skin contact with it. It is a strong skin irritant and can also cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage,” reveals Dr. Mercola.

So what’s keeping you from going natural today?

Dr. Mercola recommends natural hair care options like Volumizing Shampoo and Revitalizing Conditioner that are free of these harmful toxins. Not only will they keep your scalp and long locks safe, but they also improve your hair’s texture and strength without stripping away essential oils.

Unlike other soap-based natural shampoos, they have a purifying formula that helps eliminates buildup from your hair and scalp.

The bottom line is you get the same excellent results for your hair without the harmful toxins. “Remember, what you place on your skin may end up going directly into your bloodstream,” Dr. Mercola says.

Devised by natural health expert Dr. Joseph Mercola, Nutritional Typing (NT) teaches you how to eat according to your specific needs and biochemistry.

A foundational health tool in Dr. Mercola’s Total Health Breakthrough, Nutritional Typing classifies people into three nutritional types:

• Protein Types operate best on a low-carbohydrate, high-protein, and a relatively high (healthy) fat diet.
• Carb Types are at their best when most of their foods are made up of carbohydrates, primarily from vegetables.
• Mixed Types require food combinations found among the carb and protein types. This is considered the most challenging nutritional type.

The good news, says Dr. Mercola, is that the online NT Test is now FREE!

How Can Nutritional Typing Help You Optimize Your Weight?

Dr. Mercola reveals that most diets fail miserably because of wrong food choices for one’s Nutritional Type.

“Do you call yourself an individual, but don’t ask for an individualized diet? Weight loss begins with what you eat, and Nutritional Typing is the first crucial step,” he says.

Nutritional Typing “customizes” nutrition based on your body’s reaction to food. It encourages you to adopt the right diet and food preferences.

Nutritional Typing Has Other Health Benefits

Besides weight management, there are other ways Nutritional Typing can help you to have:

• Increased energy
• Fighting disease
• Improved emotional state
• Youthfulness
• Lack of hunger or cravings
• Better mental focus
• Possible cure for existing illnesses
• Longer, better life

Dr. Mercola says that Nutritional Typing can help your metabolism move toward balance. This enables your body to prevent sickness and rebuild itself.

However, the best results also depend on the quality of foods you eat. Your best bet is fresh, locally grown, and organic food.

Eat as much of your food as you can raw. This will preserve the nutrients and minimize heat damage from cooking.

• High blood lipid levels
• Arteriosclerosis
• Heart attack and stroke

EGCG also provides protection against Alzheimer’s disease and cerebral thrombus.

How to Select a High Quality Green Tea

Not all green teas are healthy, according to Dr. Mercola. Many green tea products on the market have been oxidized, and are not as potent as you would expect.

To get the highest quality of green tea, check its purity. Make sure that your green tea is not contaminated with high levels of fluoride, lead, and aluminum that can be present in low-grade green teas.

Second, check the color of the tea. An obvious indication that your tea has been oxidized is if it appears brown.

Dr. Mercola recommends that you drink tea that has a vibrant, bright green appearance, like that of Matcha Green Tea.

Matcha is said to be the least processed green tea variety because the leaves are ground into powder form. It is loaded with powerful antioxidants that shield your body against free radicals, among other benefits.

 
Related Links:

Green Tea Protects Against Heart Disease
Three Cups of Tea a Day Slashes Your Breast Cancer Risk

 

• Trans Fat – Can clog your arteries.
• Artificial Sweeteners – Have been associated with migraine headaches and weight gain.
• High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) – Can elevate your blood sugar to dangerous levels and lead to weight gain and insulin resistance.
• Milk or milk byproducts – Can decrease absorption of antioxidants found in chocolate.
• Soy Proteins – Weaken your immune system and may cause digestive stress.
• Preservatives and stabilizers – Artificial ingredients increase your risk of diseases.
• Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) – Over-excites cells to the point of destruction.

With the many chocolate brands in the market, it is important to carefully choose a product that does not contain any of these harmful ingredients.

Dark Chocolate for Your Natural Health

Fortunately, finding healthy chocolate is no longer impossible. Dark chocolate contains trans-resveratrol, a potent antioxidant that helps your body neutralize free radicals and protects your nervous system.

Dark chocolate contains cacao, which supports your health by:

• Helping improve blood flow in your arteries
• Helping your cholesterol levels stay in the normal range
• Promoting your brain health
• Decreasing your C-reactive protein levels for enhanced heart protection
• Sustaining your glucose metabolism

In order to take full advantage of these health benefits, Dr. Mercola suggests you only consume organic dark chocolate. USDA-certified organic dark chocolate, in particular, is carefully manufactured from all-natural, wholesome ingredients.

Fair Trade certification also helps ensure your chocolate uses only pure ingredients and is manufactured using environmentally sustainable practices.

Isn’t it great that you can actually give in to those chocolate cravings and still keep your body in optimal health?

Related Links:
Artificial Sweeteners — More Dangerous than You Ever Imagined
Why You MUST Stay Away From Processed Chocolate
 

• Organic dark chocolate
• Organic cassava flour
• Organic raw chia seeds
• Organic cacao powder
• Organic unsweetened coconut

 
This natural energy bar contains lower sugar content than other bars in the market. It is truly a healthy way of eating chocolate without the guilt. Grab a bite of this super food, New and Improved Organic Cocoa, when it becomes available on Mercola.com this March 2010.


Related Links:
Nutrition Bar Labels Often Misleading
Energy Bars Not Your Best Option for Weight Loss

But compared to most multivitamins that are sold in the market, Dr. Mercola’s Whole Food Multivitamin is unique in the sense that it is 100% natural, which allows for better body absorption.

This whole food supplement helps you:

• Get that energy and stamina boost*

• Improve your overall immune system health*

• Protect against signs of aging*

• Supply your body with coenzyme vitamins that allow for easy absorption*

• Promote your body’s natural absorption and digestion with the help of chelated minerals*

Whole Food Supplement for People on the Go

This natural health supplement is perfect for those who have hectic lifestyles. It comes in vegetarian capsule form that is easy to carry anywhere. Instead of relying on processed or fast foods that are widely available around you, you can now switch to this healthful alternative more conveniently.

Despite its compactness, this multivitamin pill comes loaded with nutrients you get from eating whole foods. How? It is made free from binders, heat or pressure to guarantee that the wholesome nutrients are retained in the capsule.

Don’t let your busy schedules prevent you from getting the best, all-natural, nutritious foods in life. Enrich your regular diet with Whole Food Multivitamin for optimal health support.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.

Related Links:

Real or Synthetic: The Truth behind Whole-Food Supplements
Who Needs Vitamins?

• Normal blood sugar levels

• Cholesterol and blood lipid health

• Focus or concentration and memory

• Nervous system function

• Quality and health of your skin

These are just some of the many benefits of this krill oil supplement. Other features that make it good for health are its natural, pollution-free ingredients, better absorption ability than fish oil, and its long-lasting stability, which prevents it from easily oxidizing inside your body.

So what are you waiting for? Simply take two capliques of New and Improved Krill Oil with your first meal per day and start taking care of your heart. You will also begin feeling other health-enhancing benefits when you include this omega-3 supplement in your regular diet.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.

• Helps normalize your bowel movement

• Relieves occasional elimination issues

• Tones and supports your intestinal walls

• Alleviates gas and cramping

• Eases your abdominal discomfort and acidity

• Soothes your intestinal tissues

• Enhances your overall bowel system function

 
Gain from Organic Ingredients that Promote a Healthy Colon

Bowelcare Plus is 100% natural. It combines 7 organic ingredients in one herbal formula:

• Amalaki fruit – rejuvenates and energizes your body.

• Bel leaves – provide soothing relief to your abdomen

• Haritaki fruit – eliminates potential toxins and nourishes your body tissues

• Vibhitaki fruit – balances gastro-intestinal (GI) elimination and takes care of your hair

• Chandrashoor seeds – lubricate the bowel

• Isabgol husk – supports normal elimination and regular GI transit

• Vegetable cellulose – a gluten-free capsule that is safe for vegans and vegetarians.

 
For a total intestinal cleansing program, Dr. Mercola suggests that you use Bowelcare Plus with New Start, a period cleansing regimen for your colon. Made of natural ingredients, New Start is a 3-step system that effectively refines, reduces and releases toxins from your body. In addition, Dr. Mercola recommends that you add Complete Probiotics, a natural supplement for digestive health support. Using all these three products will help you improve the functions of your entire system.

Why don’t you give yourself a cleansing boost right now? Take Bowelcare Plus and free your body from impurities that may be bringing your health down.

If you want to find out more information about natural health supplements, check the articles posted here.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.

• Boosting your immune and digestive systems

• Supporting a healthy overall skeletal system

• Keeping your cholesterol levels within the normal range

• Promoting your heart health

• Protecting your cells from stress

• Helping prevent skin aging

• Sustaining a healthy female reproductive system

• Maintaining normal blood sugar levels

 
The Best Turmeric Source: 100% Organic Turmeric Supplement

To get these valuable benefits, you need to have a top quality source of turmeric. But Dr. Mercola points out that you shouldn’t simply rely on any stuff you get from the local grocery stores. “Also, the turmeric powder you buy in your store is a spice. It doesn’t necessarily come from high-quality organic herbs — and is not produced using certified organic processes, causing you to risk missing its healthful benefits,” explains the natural health expert.

Dr. Mercola’s recommendation, therefore, is to find a “high quality, 100% organic-based” turmeric supplement. So far, the only product that has earned his recommendation is Organic India’s Turmeric Formula. This natural health supplement not only promotes all the health benefits of turmeric but also comes with these great features:

• Made of 100% certified organic ingredients

• Contains no fillers, additives and excipients

• Comes in a vegetable capsule

• Produced by a certified organic manufacturer with superior organic and safe production practices

 
In addition, this Organic Turmeric supplement is USDA-Certified and is organically processed to preserve all the healthful benefits of the Indian spice.

If you would like to experience all the benefits that the spice has to offer, it may be a good idea to include Turmeric Formula in your daily diet. Why don’t you consider turmeric supplementation and start seeing a positive difference in your health?

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.