Irradiation Can Be Hazardous to Your Skin

Last week, we addressed the issue of irradiation of food products here on the blog. Below is a very insightful article that addresses some of the potentially harmful effects of irradiation as they specifically relate to skin care. The skin, the largest organ of the body, is an excellent indicator of overall health, for good or for bad. When essential nutrients in food are destroyed or compromised by exposure of radiation, all systems of the body, including the skin, will suffer. Without the necessary building blocks, the skin cannot stave off disease properly or heal and rejuvenate itself as it is designed to do.

Besides eating an organic diet composed of chemical-free and non-radiated foods, it is critical that you choose your skin care products carefully as well. Buy products that are made of natural ingredients and do not include harsh or hazardous chemicals. Remember, whatever you put on your skin goes directly into your body and is transported very efficiently via the circulatory system. Keeping your skin healthy will help your entire body to stay cleansed and balanced.


Will Irradiating our Vegetables Affect the Health of Our Skin?
Published on: August 27th, 2008 08:21pm

Montrose, CA (The Open Press) August 27, 2008 -- As of August 22, 2008, food suppliers are free to irradiate some of our vegetables, according to an FDA ruling. Right now the rule limits the practice to lettuce and spinach, but the FDA is looking at extending this to include other fruits and vegetables. Although the FDA says irradiation doesn't destroy nutrients, many experts disagree. In fact, some say the specific nutrients destroyed by radiation are vital for the treatment and prevention of many serious health conditions. They are also pivotal in natural skin care.

The new FDA ruling comes on the heels of the spinach scare and is an attempt to ensure harmful bacteria and other microorganisms are eliminated. However, some experts say that eliminating the bacteria through radiation will also eliminate phytonutrients. As phytonutrients are said to convert to vitamin A, destroy free radicals, enable inter-cell communication, enhance the immune system, alter estrogen metabolism, repair DNA damage caused by exposure to toxins, kill cancer cells and detoxify cancer-causing agents (carcinogens), it is anticipated that irradiation could have serious health repercussions.

You may have noticed that several of the functions attributed to phytonutrients are directly related to the condition of the skin. The antioxidant activity, immune system enhancement, hormonal regulation and conversion to vitamin A are basics in natural skin care. Healthy skin starts with healthy food and a properly functioning body.

While skin problems and skin care may be the least of our concerns when we're facing the loss of something that kills cancer cells, the skin is, after all, the body's largest organ and plays a vital role in overall health. The outer layer of the skin, composed of dead skin cells, natural oils and fats, is designed to prevent the absorption of bacteria, viruses and dangerous chemical substances. It is also vital for the elimination of toxins.

If the skin is not in good condition, and we're no longer receiving some of the nutrients we depend on from food, we're fighting an uphill battle with very little ammunition.

What can you do about it? The FDA requires requires a "radura" logo along with the statement "treated with radiation" or "treated by irradiation." Much of the irradiated produce is expected to be in packages -- which should display those warnings. For lettuce and spinach that's not bagged, you may have to do a little more research.

Also, protect your skin -- good skin care is even more important when the nutrients in our food are under attack and even food with the highest nutrient content possible won't protect you from airborne pollutants. Thousands of doctors now recommend a shielding lotion. A good shielding lotion, unlike traditional skin care products like lotions and moisturizers, bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a new protective non-greasy layer that doesn't clog the pores. It locks in natural moisture, keeps out chemicals, and is probably the best solution out there for preserving the integrity of the skin's outer layer.

Mother Nature seems to have provided us with everything we need. While man has figured out how to utilize Her natural resources to our benefit, we have also been instrumental in their destruction. Whether we're talking about treatment and prevention of cancer or natural skin care, our health depends on protecting what we have left and preventing further damage. If we buy organic, nutrient-rich food and use natural skin care treatment products like shielding lotion, we're better able to meet those challenges.

http://www.theopenpress.com/index.php?a=print&code=00&id=37012