Month: February 2025

In today’s world, we are exposed to numerous chemicals daily, many of which can interfere with our hormonal balance. Known as endocrine disruptors, these hormone-disrupting chemicals can mimic or interfere with the body’s hormones, leading to a range of health issues. Here’s a guide on the “Dirty Dozen” hormone disruptors you absolutely must avoid to protect your health and well-being. 12 Worst Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals 1. Bisphenol A (BPA) Where It’s Found: Plastic containers and bottles Canned food linings Receipts Why to Avoid: BPA mimics estrogen and can disrupt hormonal balance. It has been linked to reproductive issues, heart disease, and developmental problems in children. Use BPA-free products. Avoid microwaving plastic containers. Opt for glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastic. 2. Phthalates Where They’re Found: Personal care products (shampoos, lotions) Plastic toys Vinyl flooring Why to Avoid: Phthalates interfere with testosterone and have been linked to reproductive abnormalities and reduced fertility. How to Avoid: Choose phthalate-free personal care products. Avoid plastic toys marked with recycling code 3. Opt for natural flooring materials. 3. Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs) Where They’re Found: Ezoic Non-stick cookware Stain-resistant fabrics Fast food packaging Why to Avoid: PFCs are known hormone-disrupting chemicals and can disrupt thyroid function and have been associated with cancer, liver damage, and developmental issues. Ezoic How to Avoid: Use PFC-free cookware like stainless steel or cast iron. Avoid stain-resistant treatments on fabrics. Reduce consumption of fast food. 4. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) Where They’re Found: Flame retardants in furniture Electronics Building materials Why to Avoid: PBDEs can disrupt thyroid hormones and have been linked to neurodevelopmental issues in children. How to Avoid: Look for PBDE-free furniture and electronics. Regularly dust and vacuum your home to reduce exposure. 5. Dioxins Where They’re Found: Animal fats Industrial processes Contaminated soil and water Why to Avoid: Dioxins interfere with immune and reproductive systems and are classified as human carcinogens. How to Avoid: Reduce consumption of animal fats. Choose organic foods to reduce pesticide exposure. Support environmental regulations that limit dioxin emissions. 6. Atrazine Where It’s Found: Herbicides used on crops Drinking water Why to Avoid: Atrazine is an herbicide that can disrupt hormone function and has been linked to reproductive issues and birth defects. How to Avoid: Choose organic produce. Use a water filter that removes atrazine. 7. Organophosphate Pesticides Where They’re Found: Pesticides used on crops Household pest control products Why to Avoid: These pesticides can interfere with brain development and hormone function, leading to cognitive deficits and developmental delays. How to Avoid: Buy organic produce. Use natural pest control methods at home. 8. Glycol Ethers Where They’re Found: Paints and solvents Cleaning products Brake fluid Why to Avoid: Glycol ethers can damage fertility and unborn children and have been linked to blood abnormalities and liver toxicity. How to Avoid: Choose low-VOC or VOC-free paints. Use natural cleaning products. Avoid unnecessary exposure to industrial solvents. 9. Arsenic Where It’s Found: Contaminated water Rice and rice products Pressure-treated wood Why to Avoid: Arsenic exposure can disrupt endocrine function and has been linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. How to Avoid: Test your water for arsenic and use appropriate filters. Limit consumption of rice and diversify your grains. Avoid using pressure-treated wood in gardening and playgrounds. 10. Mercury Where It’s Found: Fish (especially large predatory fish) Dental amalgams Industrial emissions Why to Avoid: Mercury can interfere with brain function and hormone production, posing significant risks to pregnant women and young children. How to Avoid: Limit consumption of high-mercury fish like shark, swordfish, and king mackerel. Choose mercury-free dental fillings. Support policies that reduce mercury emissions. 11. Perchlorate Where It’s Found: Contaminated drinking water Some vegetables and fruits Fireworks and explosives Why to Avoid: Perchlorate disrupts thyroid function, which is crucial for metabolism and brain development. How to Avoid: Use a water filter that removes perchlorate. Choose organic produce when possible. Support environmental regulations to reduce perchlorate contamination. 12. Lead Where It’s Found: Old paint and plumbing Contaminated soil Imported toys and jewelry Why to Avoid: Lead exposure can severely disrupt hormone function and cause neurological damage, particularly in children. How to Avoid: Test your home for lead if it was built before 1978. Use lead-free products and toys. Maintain a clean home to reduce lead dust. Conclusion Hormone disruptors are pervasive in our environment, but being aware of the “Dirty Dozen” and taking proactive steps to avoid them can significantly reduce your risk of hormone-related health issues. By choosing safer products, supporting clean food and water initiatives, and advocating for stricter regulations on harmful chemicals, you can protect yourself and your family from the adverse effects of these endocrine disruptors. Stay informed and make conscious choices to maintain a healthy hormonal balance and overall well-being.

A simulation showing what would happen if you were to be swallowed by a whale is unlocking a new fear in people. Not only that, a recent incident in Chile proved that while the chance of being swallowed by a whale is slim, it’s not impossible. Last weekend, Adrián Simancas was kayaking with his father through the Strait of Magellan, off Chile’s Patagonian coast, with his father, Dell, when Adrián was suddenly swallowed up by a whale. The horrifying moment was caught on camera by Dell and, by means of a miracle, Adrián survived the ordeal. Adrián admitted that he thought he was a goner. “At first I thought I had died,” he told Associated Press. “It was like, of course, a lot of terror because I thought no, no, there was nothing I can do.” Going on to recall the moment it happened, Adrián said: “I saw something between blue and white that passed close to my face and it was like on one side and above me. I didn’t understand what was happening and then I felt like I was drowning.” Now, a simulation of what would happen to you if you were swallowed by a whale is doing the rounds. Zack D Films made the viral clip last year and it left people ‘traumatized’. To date, the video has been viewed a staggering 62 million times. The narrator says in the video: “If you were swallowed by a sperm whale you would be squeezed down its massive throat. You’d continue down its esophagus and into a series of stomach chambers that are filled with digestive acids.” This is certainly as terrible as it sounds, and this is emphasized by the dummy used in the simulation having a permanent screaming face. The narrator continued: “These acids would immediately start breaking down your body but even if you managed to avoid the acid, the lack of air inside the whale would quickly cause you to suffocate.” Commenting on video, one person penned: “Bro I swear this channel gives me unlocking phobias.” “This is ACTUALLY traumatizing, not just a slightly weird animation,” penned someone else. “What makes it scarier is that theres no light and the smell, whenever you try to ask for help no one would hear you and you will just rot there,” another added. Fortunately, this wasn’t the case for Adrián though and he was spat out by the whale that swallowed him then towed back to safety by his father.

The concept of ‘life after death’ in many religious scriptures generally considers our souls transcend to a happier, harmonious place when we die, unless you’ve been a bad guy in your mortal life in which case, it might be downstairs to a burning land of purgatory for you. Others believe we reincarnate into another being, while some think the light is simply snuffed out into an eternal void of nothingness. However, science is coming to the rescue for those of us consumed by death anxiety, as new research suggests our brains could be transporting our souls to the afterlife. Back in ancient Greece times, Greeks believed the dearly departed had their souls transported across the River Styx and into the afterlife by ‘the ferryman’, which UK researchers have found might have an element of truth to it. Scientists at the Imperial College London studied a psychedelic neurochemical and found it could be helping the human soul pass over into nirvana when we die. Similar articles to this Powered by DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) is a naturally occurring molecule that is found in plants, animals, and possibly the human brain. The science suggests only those on the verge of death see some sort of portal that transitions them into death (Getty Images) It is possible to take DMT recreationally as a drug, which the Alcohol and Drug Foundation warns can prompt some serious hallucinations, like seeing or hearing things that don’t exist. Yet the British scientists claim DMT could also be responsible for the vivid hallucinations that many have reported when in a near-death experience. Countless survivors who have warded off the clutches of death say they experienced such visions, with even more emerging back to life with a fresh perspective on the afterlife. Many who have had a near-death experience say they had an out-of-body experience (Getty Images) For instance, an atheist said he had an out-of-body experience while medics performed CPR on him and he managed to visit his dad before regaining consciousness, while a Christian woman said the ‘hand of God’ took her to both heaven and hell-like places. Another woman ‘came back to life’ after 27 minutes and scribbled a two-worded memo: “It’s real.” The study found such accounts corroborate with the types of experiences people who have taken DMT recreationally report, suggesting the brain is triggered into releasing this psychedelic neurochemical in the moments before death. David Luke, associate professor of psychology at the University of Greenwich in London, revealed such evidence has so far only been observed in animals, such as rats, but their data suggests it can also happen to humans. It comes down to the brain releasing DMT (Getty Images) The team tested similarities between the DMT state and near-death experiences by administrating the chemical and a placebo to 13 people. Publishing their results in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, the team found a ‘striking similarity’ between the two states in 2018, and in 2023 conducted more research on the matter. This time, they compared the experiences of one person who had both a near-death experience and a trip on a 5-MeO-DMT, which is a similar molecule to DMT but is less intense. The study revealed the participant enjoyed some ‘shared characteristics’ like ‘entering other worlds, meeting menacing or benevolent entities, experiencing synesthesia, perinatal regression, and lucid dreamlike properties’. However, what is strange is that some elements of his near-death experience did not occur during the 5MeO-DMT experiment, like encountering dead loved ones, seeing your life flash behind your eyes, or coming close to the white light or pearly gates of heaven that represent the point of no return between life and death. Essentially, visions of the afterlife may just be unique to those experiencing death – and not just the psychedelics produced in the brain.

If you needed a final push to kick the habit for good, this simulation may well be it… You may already know what happens to your lungs when you puff away on your cigarette but what about your brain? A ‘devastating’ study has revealed just how many minutes one cigarette can take off your life, but if that wasn’t enough to sway you, perhaps knowing the effect smoking can have on the brain may help you stop inhaling nicotine and tar once and for all. Animated Biomedical created a ‘3D representation of the effect smoking and nicotine have on your body and brain’ and shared the simulation to YouTube. “It takes around 10 seconds for the nicotine to reach your brain. This surge of nicotine is so satisfying that you immediately feel better. “Over time, your body gets used to the good feelings from nicotine and you can’t do without it. This means you’re addicted. “You feel good when your nicotine levels are high and bad when they’re low. This up and down effect goes on all day which is why it can be difficult to give up.” Indeed, Healthline adds nicotine ‘activates dopamine signals, creating a pleasurable sensation’ and you can end up developing a ‘tolerance’. And it’s not taken long for people to weigh in. One YouTube user commented: “Thank God. I stop smoking cigarette two month know.” “I have never smoked and I refuse to try it,” another said, while a third divulged their own personal experience, writing: “Please never touch one, my personal experience I bought a pac of cigarettes out of curiosity and decided to smoke 1 cigarette a day, after smoking just one cigarette for a couple of days I started have this strong craving to smoke another, it turned to two a day, when that pack cigarette was over I wanted to get another and a another soon I was smoking 3 a day and kept craving more, I developed an addiction so finally one day I decided to stop, it was the worst experience ever the withdrawal symptoms was so bad I wasn’t able to sleep although I was so tired and exhausted “[…] It was one of the worst experiences of my life. It was absolute hell for almost two months.” Healthline further explains you can ‘experience a variety of side effects including anxiety, irritability, and a strong craving for nicotine’ due to smoking having changed your brain and made you develop a dependence on nicotine. However, talking to your doctor, trying nicotine replacement therapies, getting counseling support, learning relaxation techniques and focusing on exercise, time with family, hobbies and sleep can all help you on the path to quitting for good.

Lupus is a common autoimmune disease that can cause a wide range of symptoms, affecting various organs such as the joints, skin, internal organs, and blood vessels. Because its symptoms mimic many other conditions, lupus can be difficult to diagnose. Typically, early symptoms appear in young adulthood and vary in severity and impact from person to person. This article will discuss the most common early symptoms of lupus and how to manage them. Common Early Symptoms of Lupus Lupus occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to widespread inflammation and a variety of symptoms. The most prevalent early symptoms include: 1. General Fatigue Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of lupus, especially for women. Many patients experience persistent exhaustion, even after sufficient rest. Engaging in regular light to moderate exercise and taking vitamin D supplements may help manage fatigue. 2. Low-Grade Fever A mild fever without a clear cause is often an early sign of lupus. Patients may experience recurring low-grade fevers, typically below 101°F (38°C). Seeking medical advice can help in managing these symptoms and preventing flare-ups. 3. Joint Pain and Stiffness Lupus can cause inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling, particularly in the morning. The severity of joint pain varies, and in rare cases, it may lead to permanent joint damage. Warm compresses may help relieve pain, but persistent discomfort should be addressed by a healthcare provider. 4. Skin Changes Skin manifestations are among the most recognizable symptoms of lupus. Common skin-related symptoms include: Inflammatory Skin Conditions: Lupus can cause inflammation in the small blood vessels near the skin, leading to ulcer-like lesions and rashes. Livedo Reticularis: A purplish, net-like discoloration of the skin due to blood vessel inflammation. Mouth and Nose Ulcers: Small red ulcers with white borders that appear inside the mouth or nose. Purpura: Small purple or red patches on the skin caused by bleeding beneath the surface. Raynaud’s Disease: A condition where the fingers and toes turn blue or white in cold temperatures due to restricted blood flow. Hives: Red, itchy welts that may persist for over 24 hours. In some cases, lupus causes a distinct “butterfly rash” across the cheeks and nose. 5. Digestive Issues Lupus can affect the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as: Nausea Vomiting Stomach pain Bloating and gas Common digestive issues linked to lupus include acid reflux, esophagitis, and stomach ulcers. Lifestyle changes, such as eating smaller meals, avoiding coffee, and sleeping with the head elevated, can help alleviate these symptoms. 6. Respiratory Problems Lupus-related inflammation can impact the respiratory system, causing conditions such as: Pleurisy: Inflammation of the lining surrounding the lungs, leading to chest pain and difficulty breathing. Pneumonitis: Inflammation of lung tissue that may result in shortness of breath and persistent coughing. If a patient experiences severe respiratory symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, or fever, they should seek medical attention immediately. 7. Hair Loss Hair loss is a common early sign of lupus, often one of the first noticeable symptoms. It may occur due to damage to hair follicles or skin conditions affecting the scalp. In most cases, lupus-related hair loss is temporary. Other Early Symptoms of Lupus Muscle and Tendon Pain: Lupus can cause muscle aches and tendon inflammation, particularly in the elbows, fingers, and shoulders. Dry Mouth and Eyes: Some lupus patients develop Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder affecting tear and saliva production, sometimes causing vaginal dryness. Thyroid Disorders: Lupus patients have a higher risk of thyroid dysfunction. Sun Sensitivity: UV exposure can trigger lupus flare-ups and worsen skin rashes. Using sunscreen is crucial for managing this symptom. Medical Advice Recognizing the early symptoms of lupus and seeking medical attention promptly is essential for effective disease management. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help control symptoms and prevent complications.

Liver damage is one of those afflictions that happens to almost every adult above the age of 40. It is a sign that you are not taking care of your body. But, do we always understand the signs? No. Sometimes, we think it is because of the things we eat, but it goes way deeper than that. Liver damage can be potentially fatal, depending upon the severity of it. Interestingly, your body keeps warning you about it. So, why not listen to it? Here are signs that you should look out for liver damage: Swelling of the Stomach One of those signs that hint at liver damage. Although, you need to properly realize the place it swells. What you are looking for is the upper left part, just behind the ribcage. If that part swells, you can be sure of liver damage. Stomach Pain The swelling is accompanied by stomach pain. It occurs just below the swelling and happens in intervals. If it gets beyond your suffering limit and you feel that your stomach is about to burst, go see a specialist immediately. Exhaustion Another definite indicator of liver damage. This happens because your liver isn’t being allowed to process all the toxins and yet the body needs to work more. This leads to exhaustion. The amount of protein starts decreasing in the body for the liver starts fizzling. This results in the blood not being able to thicken, thus leading to more wounds, which refuse to heal. Also, there is a direct correlation between people with liver problems and blood issues. People with liver problems have a lesser platelet count, which doesn’t allow their wounds to clot. Queasiness This is another indicator. People feel queasy when their liver refuses to work and this sickness lasts for a long time. Sometimes, it gets too much to bear and can also be fatal. What is needed at this point is a quick visit to the doctor, who would help you deal with it. Heaving Now, this might come in two different ways. One is dry, that is your stomach wrenching and gurgling because your liver is unable to maintain the disposal of toxins. The other being regurgitating the previous meal because your liver cannot digest food now. Loose Bowels Bowel related activities go completely haywire when the liver stops functioning. Hunger Issues This isn’t just a physical but a psychological problem too. When one has liver problems, their brain tends to signal the rest of the digestive system to not assimilate more food, for it would result in puking. Even if you might be ravenously hungry! Jaundice While it may seem something predominantly found in kids, jaundice can occur in adults too. When the liver stops functioning, the toxins deposited refuse to be destroyed and turn into bile. This bile then results in the yellowing of the eyes and urine, while the stool becomes light. The afflicted human should immediately start treatment.loading… Psychological Issues Psychologically, the repercussions to liver problems can go till the loss of concentration and focus. In some cases, it can also lead to Alzheimer’s. Don’t neglect these symptoms and take care of your health.

There are psychologists who studied body language and human behaviour, and they claim that how we sit could reveal a lot about our intentions and personality. When we sit down, we sit down unconsciously, but through our sub consciousness our instincts and intentions could be revealed. The following are the most common sitting positions and ways how the people place their legs while they are siting, which could reveal their secret intentions. Position 1 Persons who sit on this way are usually very easy to communicate, they are led by the idea that a problem could be solved by itself. Sometimes they could appear childish, but they are anything but dull. The main characteristic for this sitting position is that these individuals are dependably the first to state something, and after that they consider what they have said and the outcomes of the things they have said. Position 2 Persons who sit this way are very often referred as dreamers. They could be very creative and being in their company will never make you feel bored. These people are fun and they always come up with some new interesting ideas. Position 3 The people who sit this way know what comfort means. They are not going to spend a lot of time to look perfect, but they will still look as they actually do spend a lot of time doing that. Choosing the perfect perfume or face cream could be very difficult for them. Clothing their attitude is complex since they can get very picky about that thing. The other persons look at them as they are chaotic but that’s not true, since they know where everything is and where they have put it. Position 4 Persons who sit like this are irritated by those people who are not punctual. They are sensitive, intelligent, and prefer peace over conflicts and quarrels. When the person sits on this way, having the legs connected, and relying on the entire foot, you are dealing with a direct, open, and possibly a bit insolent Persons who sit this way are very often referred as dreamers. They could be very creative and being in their company will never make you feel bored.  These people are fun and they always come up with some new interesting ideas. Position 3 The people who sit this way know what comfort means. They are not going to spend a lot of time to look perfect, but they will still look as they actually do spend a lot of time doing that. Choosing the perfect perfume or face cream could be very difficult for them. Clothing their attitude is complex since they can get very picky about that thing. The other persons look at them as they are chaotic but that’s not true, since they know where everything is and where they have put it. Position 4 Persons who sit like this are irritated by those people who are not punctual. They are sensitive, intelligent, and prefer peace over conflicts and quarrels. When the person sits on this way, having the legs connected, and relying on the entire foot, you are dealing with a direct, open, and possibly a bit insolent