Organic vs. Conventional Foods

Why buy organic? Does it really make a difference? Why is it more expensive?

 It’s all about the gut! The more toxins we put into our bodies, the more our GI tract absorbs, which causes inflammation. Inflammation is linked to a weakened immune system, poor mental health, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders, cognitive decline, skin conditions, and cancer. Because of the world we live in, toxins are almost inevitable, but with a few small measures, such as eating organic as much as possible, we can mitigate the level of toxins we allow into our system and prevent many of these chronic disorders. 

In order to be certified “organic” by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), organic farms are strictly prohibited from using genetic engineering or synthetic (or man-made) fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, irradiation, sewage sludge, hormones, and antibiotics. In general, organic farms must demonstrate that they are protecting natural resources and conserving biodiversity as part of their operations. 

Foods that don’t meet the USDA’s strict requirements for the USDA organic label – but still meet the standard requirements for food production—are referred to as conventional foods. The technologies and chemicals prohibited on organic farms are legal on conventional farms, and they make the farming process much less expensive. Because of this, conventional foods often cost much less than organic foods. Conventionally-farmed foods are cheaper in the short-run, but they can contain hormones, antibiotics, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides – all of which have associated health risks. Conventionally-farmed foods may also have lower concentrations of nutrients than organic foods, depending on how and where crops are planted each growing season.

Dr. Ian's All-Natural Mouthwash

Instead of nervously pacing the oral hygiene aisle at the store, wondering how you are going to find a mouthwash without alcohol and chemical additives, try making your own! This formula is strong enough to fight bacteria and gentle enough to keep your body free of typical mouthwash toxins. It is simple, affordable, and effective! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think.

What You Need:

• ½ cup distilled water

• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

• 2 drops peppermint essential oil 

• Pinch of sea salt

• 2 of tea tree oil

• Pinch of baking soda

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a container. 

2. Stir or shake well before each use to mix all the ingredients.

Choosing The Right Dental Products

Trying to find dental products that do not contain toxins, yet get the job done can be tricky. Here is a guide that can help you decide which products are right for you.

• Toothpastes or Tooth Powders: The gentle but mechanical action of toothbrushing plays the biggest role in breaking up the bacterial biofilms that lead to tooth decay. Toothpastes or powders should not be too abrasive, as they can damage the enamel. Tooth powders made from baking soda (even homemade with salt) can be too abrasive if individuals brush too hard or have gum recession, where the soft and vulnerable root is exposed.

  Numerous “natural” toothpastes and powders are available, and some contain antiseptic herbal ingredients as well as essential oils to break up biofilm. Some of these products can actually stain teeth and create surfaces for plaque to stick, so those particular brands should be avoided. Tooth powders and pastes, if made from calcium carbonate (natural chalk) or clay are typically gentle and safe for tooth enamel. Products made with amorphous calcium phosphate are also manufactured to enhance remineralization of teeth and aid in preventing decay.

• Mouthwashes: Avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol and chemical additives such as artificial colorings and flavorings. Available natural products contain no alcohol, essential oils, and may contain additional ingredients such as safe sweeteners (e.g., xylitol, stevia) or minerals for remineralization of enamel surfaces. Numerous DIY mouthwash recipes are also available online.

• Dental Floss: Most waxed dental flosses are made with just wax, which helps safely and effectively clean between the teeth. Avoid floss made with Teflon (e.g., Glide). Manufacturers are not required to disclose ingredients in dental floss, so you may need to contact the manufacturer if there is a question regarding ingredients. Generally speaking, thicker flosses are preferable, especially those labeled as “woven” or “expanding,” which expand when they get wet.

• Bleaching Products: Most over-the-counter bleaching products contain preservatives and other chemical additives. Those designed to minimize sensitivity contain potassium nitrate, and keeping these products in the mouth for long periods (i.e., overnight) often leads to swallowing much of the peroxide, nitrate, preservatives, and other additives. The best choice is to have bleaching performed in the dentist’s office. If you opt for an over-the-counter product, choose one in which the bleaching tray is kept in the mouth for short periods of time (i.e., 30 minutes or less).

9 Toxic Oral Health Products/Ingredients To Watch Out For

Did you know that most common toothpaste, mouthwash, and even dental floss products have toxic ingredients in them? Even small amounts of these ingredients add up over time (yes, these ingredients end up in our digestive tracts) and can be harmful to our health.

Here are 9 toxic products/ingredients to look out for:

• Triclosan

  • It is considered an endocrine-disrupting chemical and can contribute to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics. In September 2016, Triclosan was banned from soap products following the risk assessment by the FDA. However, Triclosan still remains, at high concentrations, in other personal care products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, hand sanitizer, and surgical soaps. Most toothpastes advertised as “tartar control” contain triclosan.

• Sodium lauryl (laureth) sulfate (SLS, SLES)

  • SLS/SLES is used as a surfactant or foaming agent in toothpaste. It can cause chronic oral lesions (canker sores), and cracking at the corners of the mouth. It is often very irritating to oral tissues, triggers inflammation, and also has the potential to trigger hypersensitivity to certain metals.

• Plastic abrasives or microbeads

  • Very small beads made of polyethylene and similar plastics are added to many toothpastes. Besides being suspected endocrine disruptors, microbeads can get stuck in the tiny crevices between the teeth and gums. Microbeads can also trap bacteria in the gums, which can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. In the environment, microbeads can absorb persistent organic pollutants (POPs, which are long-lasting toxic chemicals like pesticides, flame retardants, and other industrial chemicals). They are ultimately passed up the food chain and can be consumed by humans who eat microbead-contaminated seafood. 

• Artificial sweeteners

  • Chemical sugar substitutes are often added to improve flavor in toothpastes. Common sweetening ingredients in oral care products are saccharine and aspartame. These sweeteners have been shown to alter the functioning of the “good” bacteria in our digestive tracts, which can negatively affect health.

• Propylene Glycol

  • Propylene glycol is a synthetic substance used in toothpaste as an emulsifier and wetting agent. This compound is known to irritate the skin, eyes, lungs, and mucous membranes.

• Titanium dioxide

  • Titanium dioxide’s sole function is to make toothpaste look white. This ingredient is particularly worrisome if in nanoparticle form (making it more easily absorbed), and may be carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and genotoxic.

• Alcohol-based mouthwashes

  • Alcohol-based mouthwashes disrupt the oral microbiome and dry out the oral tissues. This drying can increase the risk of oral cancers. Many commercial alcohol-based mouthwashes also contain triclosan and other toxic ingredients, including artificial dyes and parabens (known endocrine disruptors).

• Teflon-coated dental floss

  • Some dental flosses (e.g., Glide) are slippery because they are coated with Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE) during the manufacturing process. Teflon has been linked, among other things, to certain cancers and endocrine disruption.

• Fluoride

  • Fluoride use in dental products is a controversial topic. The chemical may accumulate in tissues, leading to displacement of iodine, an essential nutrient. Too much fluoride can be particularly harmful for children and their developing teeth; they tend to swallow a lot of the toothpaste they use, which can lead to fluorosis (showing up as a mottling of teeth). Fluoride-containing products should be used discriminately. Fluoride should only be used topically and rinsed out afterwards, and should not be ingested. Dental professionals should opt for topically applied silver diamine fluoride to minimize side effects, as this form of fluoride is the best choice to immediately arrest tooth decay.