Identifying safe products for families - EWG

Hello to all and a Happy New Year!

I have written about EWG before, but let me put in a plug for them one more time. These folks are making a difference.

There is ample evidence that environmental factors are at play in many disorders  -- autism is associated with air pollution and landfills. ADHD has known links to lead, pesticides and food additives and coloring. Alzheimer's is similarly affected by toxins in the environment. And of course, there is cancer. Research continues to establish risk factors, but how do we keep track of what is safe?

EWG is a non-profit organization devoted to doing just that. They maintain large data bases of consumer products (cosmetics, soaps, foods, etc.) that provide for each product an overall safety rating, a list of ingredients and associated health and environmental risks due to using that product. 

They make the database available to all, and they are easy to use. You can look up products you are using or research new products you intend to buy and make decisions based on factual data as opposed to advertised claims.

EWG does fund raising throughout the year and are currently conducting their year-end drive. They are worthy folks. Check them out at EWG.org. If you like what you see, consider sending them a gift via Paypal at donations@ewg.org.

Teresa

Autism and gut microbes

Here is a quick bit of info about autism and gut microbes and MAYBE the start of some very important medical interventions. Hang onto your hats, it's going to be a ride.

A new and very important bit of research shows that:

Gut bacteria in kids with autism differs greatly from that of their peers.

Recent work with mice showed that probiotic therapy alleviates autism-like behaviors in mice.

Another story confirms the importance and calls it groundbreaking.

In Canada, one study is using a vaccine (uh-oh, the "V" word) to control Clostridium bolteae bacteria in the gut.

Hope some of this (dare we hope, all of it) pans out!!

Happy holidays, everyone!