Burden of Proof

Today I was blessed enough to attend the annual CAPPA conference, which was located right here in Nashville. The speaker was renowned Dr. Jack Newman, the famous breastfeeding expert. He made a comment that got me thinking, not only about breastfeeding but about many things we do. He was talking about the formula = breastmilk hogwash and then asked “where’s the proof?” He turned the tables and asked it to be proven that formula is somehow equivalent to breastmilk. Then, asked why it is that we have to prove breastmilk is better.

I agree: Why, when it is natural, it is the way God made food for our babies. Just as the body nourished the baby for the past nine months, it continues to produce all that baby needs, and the baby naturally begins to eat exactly the way mom’s body works. Why should we have the burden of proof?

Then I got to thinking even further. Why do we have to prove that eating artificial foods make us sick or contribute to cancer. Why do we fund expensive studies showing that whole foods are better than the artificial foods we consume from birth on up? Why do we tend to do that?

I don’t really have an answer or any deep theological thoughts on how we tend to feel a need to improve on what God created for us. I do continually wonder why we feel we can improve on what the Creator created for His creation to consume. As if we feel like we know better.

But, I do feel much better with Dr. Newman’s response. Where’s the proof? The burden of proof does not lie on the natural course of creation, it lies on those attempting to alter it. That’s my story anyway

Lavender and Tea Tree Oils

This post has been a long time coming, but I wanted to be sure of my facts. Back in February, a study was published linking lavender oil and tea tree oil to gynecomastia, a rare condition that leads to breast growth in young males. The results were based on 3 young boys that all used some lavender and tea tree oil body products. Of course, I got plenty of emails with questions and the word quickly spread that lavender and tea tree oils were bad and to avoid their use. Those of you that emailed me know I really gave no response. I like to wait these things out, see what the real story is and find all the facts before I form my own opinion.

In June, the New England Journal of Medicine published 4 letters criticizing the study. It has also been attacked by many respected professionals. I still don’t have a full answer, but at this point, it does not look like there is a clear cut answer, at least as far as lavender is concerned.

The study basically followed 3 boys. When they discontinued the use of the products, their condition cleared up. The study then conducted some in vitro research and determined the oils have estrogen like effects and antiandrogen effects, concluding that, “until epidemiologic studies are performed to determine the prevalence of gynecomastia associated with exposure to lavender oil and tea tree oil, we suggest that the medical community should be aware of the possibility of endocrine disruption and should caution patients about repeated exposure to any products containing such oils.”

Scary huh?

However, a few concerns on the validity of the study have been raised:

First, the study did not determine whether or not the alleged products contained adequate amounts of the oils to play such a role. The products used ranged from healing balms to shampoo, a wash off product with a minimal absorption rate. To wonder whether or not any of the oils were strong enough to play a role, especially in the cases of wash off products is certainly valid.

Second, no research was conducted to evaluate any other potential ingredients. We already know certain ingredients such as parabens have potential to be chemical hormone disrupters. Good science would have evaluated all the ingredients before choosing one or two to fault.
The third problem is that only one of the three products contained any tea tree oil. Only one.

Finally, and here is the real kicker: it is not even clear that real essential oils were used in the products in question. Many manufacturers use fragrance oils instead of essential oils because they are much cheaper. Am I the only one that thinks that should have been a main priority?

So, does this mean lavender and tea tree oils are totally safe? Not at all. While the study may be little more than anecdotal evidence, it still makes for an interesting case and one that could use some more research. Should a study that many experts do not even believe should have been published be getting so much attention? umm… probably not

Even more reasons…

Despite the numerous reasons we have to eat organically, I still get numerous questions regarding the importance of organic foods. So, from time to time, I like to point out recent research into the area.

This time, the research is actually about harm from farming with pesticides and pregnant women.

Epidemiologists have long sensed a link between pesticide exposure and autism. A recent study (July 2007) funded by the Center for Disease Control in California shows a high probability that this link does, in fact, exist. Consider this: The moms living near treated fields gave birth to babies 6 (yes, SIX) times more likely to be on the Autism Spectrum than moms living miles away. The common insecticides used were dicofol and endosulfan, both known endocrine disruptors, and there was increased risk the closer the moms were to the treated fields. In March, other studies showed a link between occupational exposure to other pesticides and gestational diabetes.

I can’t help but to notice that the first study was conducted in California. I wonder about the potential implications for those of us in more heavily farmed areas such as TN.

Homemade Vaccines

Those of you that have seen my seminars or taken the Family Herbalist course know I am neither pro nor anti vaccination. So, that’s my disclaimer prior to posting this video. Personal opinions aside.. it’s a funny clip; enjoy