Hope definitely ‘springs eternal’ otherwise you would not be reading this, my 76th continuous weekly fibroid-related blog posting, as I am beyond sad…despondent, in fact!  
In light of the extreme disaster that began on April 20th (the geyser/eruption of oil/poison,) and that has continued with no ‘clear’ end in sight, I feel as though I have  lost my axis [sigh]!  AND some of that happy-helium that  exhilarates me with each new 24 hour-cycle-of-time/life, was summarily peirced and is escaping…I am heartsick, HEARTSICK I tell you!
But because my nature is one of optimism through-’n-through, and because I can never ever ever ever remain silent when I know that ‘something’ needs to be said (to help others), this blog will go on as usual! So, here we go…’I got a little story (something) I think you should know’!

BPA has an even eviler twin ~~ BPAF! It is a chemical that is used in the same manner that BPA is, but BPAF has an extra floride molecule added. BPAF is BPA…on steroids and is far far far more hormonally disruptive. BPAF is an integral ingrediant in many plastics, electronic devices, optical fibers etc. “The unusual way that BPAF blocks some estrogen actions and fosters others, could make this vicious compound, a very toxic compound,” says Jan-Ake Gustafsson, a molecular endocinologist at the University of Huston. YIKES, that’s enough for me to stear-clear of BPAF, for sure!!  Without getting too detailed (I read the research papers twice ~~ complicated,) BPAF acts on  estrogen receptors (molecular ‘locks’ found in cells.) Estrogen hormones act as their ‘keys’ turning on genes that control ovulation and a host of reproductive/sexual activities. BPAF acts as a super-potent activator; turning off the ‘good estrogen’ and turning on the ‘bad estrogen’ by 50 times its necessary amount! Little is known about the quantity of BPAF produced each year,  but  the good news is that the National Toxicology Program has targeted BPAF for federal toxicity testing. BPAF is a severe hormone and endocrine disruptor…avoid it like the plague! (ps…There is a new plastic that is being manufactured comprised of ~~ 40% by weight ~~ of incorporated CO2!! This is so so awesome. I will be sure to bring you the details in the months to come!!)

BPA and genistein, when combined has a more harmful effect than if one was exposed to these substances seperately…by many many MANY more times. The ever-growing problem in our country that manufactures  millions of pounds a day (of the 80,000 chemicals produced,) is the combinational-effect that this has on our ’life-systems’. Two or more chemicals together has a greater effect harmful or otherwise) than either one alone!! This study (involving BPA and genistein, a plant-’estrogen’) and it’s findings has great implications for regulatory action…currently only one compond at a time is tested for it’s health effects and safety. This will be the beginning of combo-testing…YES!!

Speaking of genistein (a soy derivitive)…let’s talk soy! New studies in soy formula that were fed and tested on newborn mice, resulted in the developement of  life-long abnormalties of the ovaries, uterus and other estrogen related anomolies. This substance, found in non-fermented soy (milk, tofu and other soy derivitives,) has been shown to decrease all the progesterone receptors thus allowing for an estrogen (hormonal) un-balance…and that does not bode well for fibroid-prone women!!
And if soy doesn’t scare you away (the only soy that should be eaten is FERMENTED soy; natto, miso and tempeh ONLY)…hexane will!! Hexane is used to extract the oils from soybeans and other nuts and seeds. Hexane is a cleaning agent and solvent and is a hazardous air pollutant…but is allowed to be mixed with the food-soy in the process of extraction!! Are you kidding me!? For all of you that eat veggie burgers, the following is a list of HEXANE-containing products: Amy’s Kitchen, Boca Burger (conventional), Franklin Farms, Garden Burger, It’s All Good Lightlife, Morningstar Farms, President’s Choice, Taste Above, Trader Joe’s, and Yves Veggie Cuisine. If you must eat veggie burgers (96% are made with the ‘bad’ soy) please choose “organic” and only “organic” displayed on the label.
And finally…
You can reduce (by 80%) your exposure to pesticides (which if unchecked can amount to 47-67 varieties PER SERVING!!)
The study, on a variety of fruits and vegetables, was conducted after washing a select set of produce (with a USDA high-power pressure system) and then testing them for pesticides (poison!!)
The following is the BAD list…you should always by these as “organic”…too many residual/systemic pesticides found ~~~~BAD: Celery, Peach, Strawberry, Apple, Domestic Blueberry, Necterine, Bell Pepper, Spinach, Kale, Collards, Cherry, Potato, Imported Grapes, Lettuce  ~~~~only by “organic!”
The following is the GOOD list…you can be (somewhat) assured that they are safe, and you may purchase them in their “conventional” state ~~~~~GOOD: Onion, Avocado, Sweet Corn, Pineapple, Mango, Pea, Asparagus, Kiwi, Cabbage, Eggplant, Cantelope, Watermelon, Grapefruit, and Sweet potato!

 ♥ Getting back to the garden…living a simpler less packaged-food life (that includes those ridiculous single-serve waters)… living an even simpler and  uncomplicated-life life…buying organic…AND,  simply respecting the beauty that is natures most glorious gifted-bounty ~~ just perhaps by adding these (minor) ‘habits’ to your daily comings-and-goings will result in (major) positive changes…for YOU and for ALL!!♥