Disease in a Can

Out of over 100 soft drinks and other beverages analyzed by the government, five contained levels of benzene -- a cancer-causing chemical linked to leukemia -- that exceed federal standards set for benzene in drinking water, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While the federal benzene limit for drinking water is 5 parts per billion (ppb), researchers found benzene levels as high as 79 ppb in the drinks, and most had at least some detectable level of benzene present.

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is a petroleum product which has a highly stable quality to help bind together cosmetic ingredients, and therefore it is commonly used as a base or stabilizing ingredient in lotions, makeup and many of the other products which we use on our skin. It is a cheap and readily available additive, which we believe is not so harmless as its name implies!

Fennel for Digestion

The seeds of this little plant, not only taste wonderful, but have numerous healing properties as well. It may be worth planting a few seeds this spring in your garden for use as an after dinner tea.

Antioxidant Power of Breast Milk

In a study involving 54 healthy term infants 3 to 6 months of age, breast milk was found to provide better antioxidant power than cow’s milk modified formula. The infants were fed breast milk or a cow’s milk-modified formula. Plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC), vitamin C, albumin, bilirubin, and uric acid levels were measured as indicators of antioxidant markers, and plasma total peroxide (TP) levels were measured as an oxidative stress marker.

Teflon in Trouble

More than 20 attorneys, representing a total of 73 people, recently met to discuss the first steps in a $5-billion federal lawsuit, spanning at least 15 U.S. states, over injuries caused by the chemicals released from Teflon-coated pans.

The attorneys hope to combine all of the individual complaints into one class-action lawsuit against Teflon maker DuPont. If they receive class-action certification, hearings could come as early as January.

This could eventually lead to refunds for millions of Teflon cookware purchasers throughout the United States.

New Information on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants who are 1 month to 1 year old. Most deaths occur between 2 to 4 months of age. One factor that may be associated with SIDS, are the flame retardant chemicals found in crib mattresses. According to researcher James Sprott, when naturally occurring fungi grow in a mattress, they react with flame retardant chemicals producing a toxic gas cloud that hovers just above the bed. Turning babies onto their back has decreased SIDS because their noses are not placed right in the toxic gases.

Some Actions to Take for Recurring Ear Infections

Recurring ear infections can be painful and frustrating for children and their parents. Ear infections are the most common reason for acute pediatric visits in the United States. While ear infections are not generally life threatening, they are often chronic, and can require extensive antibiotic or surgical treatment.

Smart Foods to Eat During Pregnancy

RESEARCH CONTRIBUTED BY DR. JENNIFER MOSS

Tainted Baby Formula

Nestle, the world's biggest food company, has recently recalled hundreds of thousands of gallons of baby milk from France, Portugal, Spain and Italy. Traces of the chemical isopropylthioxanthone (ITX) had leached into the product from the packaging ink.

Up to 8 million gallons of contaminated milk were confiscated, and as much as 530 thousand gallons were recalled, in Italy alone. Spokespeople for Nestle claimed the substance posed no health risk, and that the recall was "an extreme precautionary measure to reassure consumers.

The Latest Research on Acne

Acne may result from the very diet that feeds it, suggests a new study that flies in the face of three decades worth of conventional thinking on the cause of facial blemishes. And this time, it's not just isolated items such as chocolate or pizza being implicated. It's the entire typical western diet, a gamut of highly refined starchy and sugary foods that not only includes those "junk" foods but also the very breads, cereals, and carbohydrates that are the cornerstone of the USDA Food Pyramid.