Guest guest Posted March 9, 2005 Report Share Posted March 9, 2005 Now There's Even Rocket Fuel in Breast Milk Contrary to touted calcium benefits, drinking milk has been found to hold an adverse health affect. According to a study, a chemical associated with rocket fuel--perchlorate--has appeared in most samples of mother's breast milk and store-bought cow's milk from 23 states. Results indicated: The average level of perchlorate in breast milk was 10.5 micrograms per liter The average in dairy milk was 2.0 micrograms per liter Though exactly where the perchlorate is coming from remains a mystery, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has claimed most of the perchlorate contamination is derived from the use of rocket fuels, fireworks and explosives. However, this chemical also occurs naturally in the atmosphere and is stored in the soil, being found widely in the U.S. water supply (35 states) and in vegetables such as lettuce. (Contamination is particularly widespread in California due to the many current and former defense and space program sites located there.) While it's too early to determine whether the perchlorate levels in the breast and cow's milk samples are dangerous, the chemical has been associated with thyroid ailments and is particularly dangerous to children. This is because perchlorate knocks an iodine ion off of a protein that transports the ion to the thyroid. This can lead to iodine deficiency, which impairs thyroid development and is believed to be the main cause of mental retardation in children. And with the potential problem many Americans have with iodine nutrition, perchlorate only makes matters worse. New Safety Limit for Perchlorate In light of this contamination concern, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken a step toward resolving the problem by setting a new safety limit for perchlorate exposure level: 24.5 parts per billion (ppb), in drinking water. (The average level of perchlorate founding in breast milk is close to half of that, though an NAS study showed a " safe " intake of perchlorate for a baby should be set at about 4 ppb. The new limit is what the NAS recommended in January 2005; the EPA's preliminary ruling two years ago on perchlorate was 1 ppb, a number considered too stringent by the Pentagon. USA Today February 25, 2005. New Scientist February 24, 2005. Medical News Today February 23, 2005 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Dr. Mercola's Comment: Don't you just love it? Now in addition to rocket fuel in your lettuce you can have it in your baby's breast milk too! This issue concerning perchlorate is just another reason why you should stop drinking pasteurized milk altogether and replace it with raw milk--an outstanding source of nutrients including beneficial bacteria such as lactobacillus acidolphilus, vitamins and enzymes. I am convinced raw milk is the absolute finest source of calcium available. It is far better than any calcium supplement you can purchase as it is in nature's original package that is designed for optimal absorption. So where can you find raw milk? It is only commercially available in California. For most in the US, the best place to find raw milk is from a local farmer. Many are able to find a farmer supplier by contacting a number of health food stores and finding a network of people that can push you in the right direction. If the farmer is reluctant to sell the raw milk for legal issues, many are able to work around the issue by purchasing a portion of the farmer's cow for $10. This is called a " cow share " program. Then it becomes legal for the farmer to sell you the milk as it is technically your cow and there are no laws against consuming raw dairy, only commercially selling it. Ideally, you would want to find a farmer that is milking grass-fed cows. However, if you're unable to find a source where you live, for your convenience we offer a number of " real " organic raw dairy products in our Web store--I have made special arrangements with a dairy in the only state that raw milk products are legal (California) so you can easily obtain them. Give up Contaminated Tap Water Drinking pure water is one of the least expensive and most important physical things you can do to stay healthy. However, if your water is contaminated with heavy metals, chlorine or pesticides it will actually contribute to disease rather than promote health. Therefore, one of the most important steps you can take for your own health and the health of your family is to ensure the safety of your tap water supply. This will help you to determine what type of filter you need to make sure your water is free from heavy metals, bacteria and other harmful contaminants like perchlorate. Just the same, it's worth your time and good health to filter your home's water supply. And don't think drinking bottled water will help you sidestep the problem either. Some bottled water is actually no cleaner than tap water. Additionally, it is also a serious strain on the environment. Related Articles: California Milk May be Contaminated With Rocket Fuel Don't Drink Your Milk! New Toxic Chemicals Found in Breast Milk The Real Reasons Why Raw Milk is Becoming More Popular Autism and Malnutrition: The Milk Connection ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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