Recently, the alternative
health community has become aware of the possible toxicity of isopropyl
alcohol and other solvents used in personal care products. This
information was propagated through several books by Dr. Hulda Clark
including The Cure for All Cancers and The Cure for HIV and
AIDS.
Dr. Clark's premise is
that isopropyl alcohol and other solvents destroy the tough shell
surrounding the eggs of the human intestinal fluke, Fasciolopsis buskii.
This allows the parasite, which normally causes minimal harm in the
intestine, to migrate out to the liver, thymus, prostate, uterus, etc.
In these vital organs, the fluke can multiply and become quite
devastating and, in Dr. Clark's opinion, predispose to cancer and AIDS.
In my clinical research,
I have found Dr. Clark's solvent/parasite theory to be valid. Parasitic
intoxication can often present through energetic testing 2-3 weeks after
the patient has avoided solvents. Treatment with paracidal herbs at this
point is much more effective than usual, when compared with previous
clinical experience.
However, it is important
to point out that parasites, like Candida albicans overgrowth, are
primarily opportunistic and therefore secondary to more injurious and
unnatural toxins, such as heavy metals. It is futile to treat candida or
parasites herbally, homeopathically, or allopathically, in the presence
of mercury amalgam fillings. Over time, the patient's complaints almost
always return, and the doctor begins to feel like s/he is simply chasing
symptoms.
After amalgam filling
removal however, and subsequent drainage and detoxification,
considerable progress can be made in treating parasites and candida
albicans, as well as with other opportunistic organisms such as bacteria
and viruses. With the addition of Dr. Clark's solvent protocol, removal
of these organisms has been greatly enhanced.
Additionally, solvent
withdrawal allows deeper toxic metal stores to emerge and be cleared
from the system. Often after mercury has diminished, other metals such
as tin and copper will begin to display through clinically, with all
their particular accompanying physical and psychological symptoms. Dr.
Clark's focus on solvents has been, therefore, both an important element
in more complete toxic metal removal as well as in the treatment of
opportunistic pathological organisms.
Am. Academy of Neural Kinesiology. aank@mciworld.com Ph. 415-460-1968
Louisa Williams, M.S., D.C., N.D. 86
Valley Rd., San Anselmo, CA 94960
The Damage Solvents Do
The greatest injury from
petroleum solvents is to our cell and nerve membranes. This is
consistent with the research literature in which neurotoxic effects are
most commonly described ---ataxia, paralysis, memory loss, dementia---
from solvent intoxication. Both isopropyl alcohol and benzene and their
related compounds are lipophilic. They are naturally attracted to the
lipid bi-layer surrounding the cells and nerves, and are especially
injurious to the fatty myelin sheaths. The fluid quality of these lipids
is important so that messenger proteins in between them can move their
receptor sites into position to receive neurotransmitter information.
These messenger proteins then shuttle this information into the cell's
interior.
However, in the presence
of these alcohols and aromatic hydrocarbons, lipids become too fluid and
slippery, and the proteins cannot properly line up their receptor sites
(Erdmann, 1987). In essence, these cells are "drunk,"
neurotransmitters miss their protein receptor binding sites, and
communication chaos ensues. After a period of time, these membranes
begin to adapt and adsorb cholesterol and fats in an effort to become
more stable. However, this more rigid and inflexible cell membrane is
now even more dysfunctional.
As time passes, the
cellular enzyme systems become exhausted and the cell becomes starved of
oxygen. These "senile" cells are now completely incapable of
ridding themselves of past or present metal and chemical invaders.
After avoidance of these
toxic solvents, the cell membrane can start to repair and regenerate.
The cellular enzyme systems become more functional, the cell oxygenates
more efficiently, and neurotransmitters can bind to protein receptor
sites. This is when deeper stores of mercury and other heavy metals
begin to emerge, and why we have found the solvent protocol so valuable
in heavy metal detoxification.
It is also probably the
reason why amino acid deficiency begins to emerge clinically after 2-3
weeks of solvent detoxification. Not only do the cell membrane lipids
get damaged, but so do the large proteins sandwiched in between them.
Amino acids in the form of supplementation or eating more organic meats
and fish, are needed for both cell membrane and central nervous system
(brain and spinal cord) repair, as well as for supporting the production
of neurotransmitters (7 out of the 8 major neurotransmitters are derived
from amino acids - Kandel, et al., 1991).
The major treatment for
the toxic effects from these aliphatic (alcohols) and aromatic (benzenes,
etc.) hydrocarbons is simple avoidance with appropriate drainage
remedies and detoxification supplements. Fortunately, many of the same
products for heavy metal detox---chlorella, MSM, antioxidants---have
also been clinically helpful in solvent detoxification. Therefore,
patients can rely on many of these same products to facilitate both
heavy metal and toxic solvent removal.
History
Why are these petroleum
derivatives put in our cosmetics and personal care products? Because,
for one, they have shown mild antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal,
solvent, and skin penetration qualities in laboratory tests. However,
there is actually much more research data available attesting to these
chemical solvents' skin and mucous membrane irritating properties,
cardiovascular and central nervous system depressive effects, and
carcinogenicity.
Therefore, why use
products with such strong "side effects?" The second - and major
reason - is profit. Remember that these solvents are by-products of the
oil and gas industries. In fact, Standard Oil (Rockefeller) sponsored
some of the early research articles which concluded that isopropyl
alcohol is a safe additive in cosmetics and medicines. So it's quite a
financial coup for these major oil companies to make an additional
profit on their waste products after refining their petroleum. How would
you like to be paid for your garbage?
The truth is, these
chemical solvents are not necessary. There is plenty of research on the
antiseptic, anti-bacterial, and natural preservative properties of herbs
- echinacea, goldenseal, chamomile; plants and fruits such as aloe and
grapefruit seed; and antioxidants such as vitamin C and E. There are
safe alternatives to toxic chemicals. However, these natural products
are not patentable, so just as with vitamin and mineral supplements, big
mainstream companies fear competition and less profits.
Furthermore, except for
dyes, the F.D.A. does not regulate cosmetics, defined as any
"product that improves appearance, versus drugs that diagnose,
relieve, or cure disease" (Winter, 1994). So it is - as usual - up
to us as the consumers to read labels carefully and only use products
that are propyl-, methyl-, butyl-, benzene, toluene, xylene, styrene,
etc. - free.
However, it's not easy
knowing which products are completely clear - especially when benzene
and other aromatic hydrocarbons are not listed on the label. Therefore,
the "Best Bets" list on the last 2 pages should help lead you
to the safest products now available.
Finally, it is important
to not get discouraged by the hydrogen cyanide, benzene, formaldehyde,
arsenic, etc., from second hand smoke you may unavoidably inhale on
occasion, or the benzene, butane, pentane, xylene, toluene, etc., from
car exhaust. Although air pollution is a major health issue, eliminating
the immediate toxins from your body does make a significant
difference. The toxic solvents we have been microdosing ourselves with -
from our first baby shampoo to our present drugstore soap - have had
profound effects on our immune system. Eliminating these can make us
more able to withstand environmental toxins we can't always control. (Of
course, if you are in a toxic profession – artist, painter, industry,
dental, hospital worker, etc. – you must protect yourself as much
as possible with the use of masks, air filters, good ventilation, etc.).
Further, after the first
6 to 8 months of solvent avoidance, most people can handle unavoidable
toxic exposures better. For instance, patients who simply must have a
permanent in their hair or have to get dental work, can simply come in
that day or the next for treatment – Auriculotherapy, neural therapy,
additional drainage or detoxification remedies, etc. - to mitigate much
of the recent toxic stress.
General Guidelines for
Eliminating Toxic Solvents
Read the labels on all
your personal grooming products - shampoo, creme rinse, soap, hair spray
and gel, moisture lotion, shaving creme, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.,
your make-up, base eyeliner, mascara, blush on, lipstick, nail polish,
etc., and household cleaning products. Eliminate all the products with
obvious toxic solvents:
"Prop"
• Isopropyl alcohol or
isopropanol - 2 times as toxic as ethanol, and is absorbed through the
skin.
• Produced as a
by-product of the petroleum and natural gas industries.
• Used as rubbing
alcohol as a mild antiseptic and in fever reduction, in paint thinners,
racing fuels, fuel line deicers, antifreeze, paint removers, cleaners,
and disinfectants. It is also extensively used in medications (aspirins,
Alka-Seltzer, etc.) and many cosmetics, from make-up to shampoos and
moisture lotions.
• Twice as toxic as
ethanol. Also, has a longer cumulative effect in the body due to
toxicity of its oxidation product, acetone. Isopropyl intoxication can
cause skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, mental
depression, narcosis, coma and death.
• Propyl alcohol or
propanol - similar to the effects of isopropyl alcohol but has an
additional drying effect on the skin.
• Propylparaben -
propyl alcohol plus ester form of p-Hydroxybenzoate. Used extensively;
can cause contact dermatitis and is toxic.
• Propylene glycol -
permeates through skin better than glycerin and is less expensive.
Widely used in cosmetics and hydraulic and brake fluid; can cause liver
abnormalities and kidney damage.
• Or any other
chemical listed with "prop" in the name.
"Methyl"
• Methyl alcohol or
methanol - common solvent especially irritating to the eyes.
• Made from the
distillation of wood.
• Used widely in
household cleaning products, in industry, antifreeze, cosmetics, some
herbal blends, infant formula, and carbonated drinks.
• Although methanol is
only 1/3 as intoxicating as ethanol, in the liver it is converted to
toxic formaldehyde and formic acid. (McMartin, K. et al, American
Journal of Medicine, 1980) It is especially toxic to the eyes, and
many cases of blindness after overdose are reported in the literature. (Sullivan,
Krieger, 1992)
• Methylparaben -
widely used as a preservative in cosmetics; can cause allergic
reactions.
• Methylcellulose - a
binder and thickener that has caused cancer in rats.
• Or any other
chemical with "methyl" in the name.
"Butyl"
• Butyl alcohol or
butanol - solvent and clarifying agent that is a strong irritant and
toxin.
• Manufactured from the
fermentation of maize or synthesized from acetaldehyde.
• Used in the lacquer
and dye industries, in the manufacture of safety glass, hat and textile
industries, shoes, and cosmetics.
• Butylparaben - used
as an antifungal and is toxic.
• Butylene glycol -
common in hair sprays; toxic to central nervous system and kidneys.
• Or any other
chemical with "butyl" in the name.
"Ethyl"
• Ethyl alcohol,
ethanol, cetyl alcohol, S.D. alcohol.
• Made by the
fermentation of sugars and starches
• Used as an
antibacterial agent in mouthwashes, nail enamel, astringents, as the
base for many perfumes and colognes, and many cosmetics. Medically used
as a topical disinfectant, sedative and blood vessel dilator. (Winter,
1994)
• In its pristine form
and in moderate amounts ethanol or regular drinking alcohol is not
toxic, due to its chemical similarity to alcohol produced in the body
from the fermentation of sugars. However, in order to be used in
cosmetics it must be denatured (made undrinkable) by such toxic solvents
as acetone, turpentine, and benzene. (Oettingen, 1943) This renders it
poisonous in moderate to large amounts. Ingestion may cause nausea,
vomiting, impaired perception, stupor, coma and death.
• Grain alcohol -
The only non-toxic alcohol additive; it is not denatured. (Some
companies therefore break the guidelines and do not denature their
ethanol.)
• Ethylene glycol -
used as an antifreeze and solvent; very toxic to central nervous system,
lungs, and kidneys.
• Ethylene dichloride -
solvent and wetting agent; highly toxic even through skin absorption.
• EDTA or ethylene
diamine tetraacetic acid - preservative that is highly allergenic, and
can cause kidney damage and cancer. Also used in carbonated beverages.
Benzene, toluene,
styrene, xylene, etc.
• Toxic aromatic
hydrocarbons from petroleum, but these will rarely appear on the label.
• Therefore, avoid
obvious sources - Vaseline, Jell-O, candy, throat lozenges, all
medications if possible, most cold cereals, chewing gum, many tea-tree
products, ice cream, many pet foods, fruit juices, most water in plastic
bottles, perfumes, almost all cosmetics and personal care products, and
all household cleaners not bought at the health food store.
Miscellaneous:
• Ascorbic acid - Vitamin C, natural preservative; non-toxic
if extracted cleanly.
• Benzoin - a gum preservative not related to
benzene; non-toxic if extracted cleanly.
• Citric acid - from grapefruit seed; natural
preservative; non-toxic if extracted cleanly.
• Mineral Oil -
petroleum derivative, suffocates the skin, indigestible when absorbed, toxic.