Vitamin Toxicity. Microneedling Truths. Toxic Skincare Products #SecondOpinion (1)
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Summary
Takeaways
- ❖Chiropractic care, particularly the Webster technique, is safe and effective for pregnant women in their second trimester to alleviate back pain, hip pain, sciatica, and aid in optimal baby positioning.
- ❖Vitamin A toxicity is a serious risk, especially for children given high doses based on misinformation, leading to liver damage and other organ issues; vaccination is the proven method for measles prevention.
- ❖Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that stimulates collagen production for skin repair, acne scarring, and stretch marks, requiring professional application and specific pre/post-care for optimal results.
- ❖Personal care products often contain unregulated harmful chemicals (fragrances, formaldehyde releasers, parabens) linked to hormone disruption, cancer, and reproductive issues, with Black women disproportionately affected.
- ❖Simple dietary additions like chia, flax, and psyllium seeds are powerful, fiber-rich tools essential for gut health, blood sugar control, cholesterol reduction, and weight management.
Insights
1Chiropractic Care for Pregnancy and Postpartum
Chiropractic care is recommended for pregnant women, ideally starting in the second trimester, to alleviate common pains like low back pain, hip pain, sciatica, and even headaches. Specialized techniques, such as the Webster technique, focus on opening the pelvic floor and hips, which can also help with baby positioning. Postpartum care aids in recovery by realigning joints and addressing upper body strain from carrying and nursing a baby.
Dr. Ronnie Bolar, owner of Vital Life Chiropractor, states that 50-80% of pregnant women experience back pain and that chiropractic care can help. She highlights the Webster technique, researched by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), for opening the pelvic floor and hips, decreasing back pain, and assisting with baby positioning. She also notes increased referrals from OBGYNs, midwives, and doulas.
2Dangers of Vitamin A Toxicity and Measles Misinformation
High doses of vitamin A do not prevent or treat measles and can lead to severe toxicity, including liver damage, jaundice, vision issues, headaches, and other organ problems. This misinformation, reportedly spread by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has led to hospitalizations. The MMR vaccine remains 97% effective and is the safest, most effective protection against measles.
Dr. Nicole Swiner, with Black Girl Vitamins, directly refutes the claim that vitamin A prevents measles, stating, 'No and yes' (no to vitamin A, yes to vaccination). She cites the MMR vaccine's 97% effectiveness and explains that vitamin A toxicity primarily manifests as liver damage, as seen in hospitalized children in West Texas.
3Microneedling: Procedure, Benefits, and Safety
Microneedling involves using a device with tiny needles to gently puncture the skin, triggering the body's natural repair system and boosting collagen production. It's used to treat surface issues like sun damage, acne scarring, stretch marks, and even for hair regrowth. Treatments typically involve a series of 5-6 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance. Topical numbing is recommended to manage pain, and pre/post-care is crucial to avoid complications like bruising or irritation.
Ria Baker, owner of Premier Medical Consulting, describes microneedling as a process that 'gently punctures the skin' to 'wound the skin in hopes that the platelet rich portion of your blood rushes to the area and tries to heal and repair.' She specifies its use for 'acne scarring, stretch marks, and also hair regrowth' and recommends 5-6 initial sessions followed by maintenance, with 4-6 weeks between sessions.
4Unregulated Chemicals in Personal Care Products
The personal care product industry lacks stringent chemical regulations, allowing companies to include potentially harmful substances without prior safety testing. Terms like 'natural' or 'organic' are unregulated marketing claims. Chemicals such as 'fragrance' (an umbrella term for thousands of undisclosed chemicals), formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (e.g., DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea), and parabens are common and linked to hormone disruption, cancer, and reproductive issues. Black women are disproportionately affected by these exposures.
Dr. Franklin, a research scientist with the Silent Spring Institute, states that 'chemical regulations around these products are very scarce' and 'there's no regulations to say like companies cannot put chemicals in products before they're the chemicals are tested for safety.' She identifies 'fragrance' as an unregulated 'umbrella term' for 'thousands of chemical options' that can be 'hormone disruptors, carcinogens, reproductive toxicants.' She also names formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea) and parabens as specific harmful categories.
5The Power of Fiber-Rich Seeds
Incorporating chia, flax, and psyllium seeds into the daily diet significantly boosts fiber intake, which is often deficient for most people. These seeds are vital for gut health, blood sugar control, cholesterol reduction, heart health, and weight management. Chia seeds expand in liquid to promote fullness and slow digestion. Ground flax seeds provide fiber and lignans (antioxidant, hormone-supporting compounds). Psyllium husk is a concentrated soluble fiber that lowers LDL cholesterol and improves bowel regularity. Starting slowly and drinking plenty of water are key tips for incorporating them.
Dr. Ebony J. Hilton details how chia seeds are 'loaded with soluble fiber and omega-3 fatty acids,' helping with 'better blood sugar control and fewer spikes.' She explains that flax seeds provide 'lignans' linked to 'heart health and may even play a role in reducing certain cancer risk,' emphasizing they must be ground. Psyllium husk is described as 'one of the most concentrated forms of soluble fiber' that 'helps to lower your LDL cholesterol, improve bowel regularity, support gut bacteria, and stabilize blood sugar.'
Lessons
- If pregnant and experiencing back pain, consult with an OBGYN or midwife about starting chiropractic care in the second trimester, specifically inquiring about the Webster technique.
- Prioritize vaccination (MMR) for measles prevention and avoid giving children high doses of vitamin A or any supplements without consulting a trusted primary care physician.
- When purchasing personal care products, actively seek out 'fragrance-free' options and check labels for formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea) and parabens; use apps like Yuka, Clearya, or EWG's Healthy Living to scan products for harmful ingredients.
- Gradually incorporate fiber-rich seeds like chia, ground flax, and psyllium husk into your daily diet, starting with small amounts and ensuring adequate water intake to support gut health and overall well-being.
- Reduce overall chemical exposure by minimizing plastic use in food and product containers, and consider conducting a 'home audit' using apps like Detox Me to identify and reduce household exposures.
Quotes
"Misinformation is deadly. Misinformation is rampant right now. And it's hard, I'm sure as a layperson it's hard to tell what is what, you know, from truth from fact and what's supported by literature and data and who do you trust with your your health right now."
"The reason why frag- the term fragrance on an ingredients list is uh is so harmful is it really has no meaning. And so, what what fragrance is is an umbrella term that is actually protected under some, you know, it's it's a protected term, which means that companies can make a mixture of, you know, a thousands of chemical options, and they can make these mixtures and put it in the product without actually having to label it because it's trade secret."
"Chemicals do not have to be tested for safety before they are put in our products. It's always innocent until proven guilty."
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