Study Links Cadmium Exposure to Premature Aging of Cells

Cadmium contained with a vial.

As biological dentists, it’s important to stay on top of newsworthy finds. Unfortunately, a recent study has found that cadmium exposure has been linked to premature aging of cells – even at concentrations well below the current safety standard.

The study included over 6,000 participants and analyzed several different factors such as blood, urine, and DNA samples. The participants were separated into four groups based on the amount of cadmium found in their blood.

After meticulous analyses, the highest group had telomeres found in their blood 5.5% shorter than those in the lowest group. The highest group also had 4.5% shorter telomeres from urine concentration as well. This is a significant change solely attributed to cadmium exposure as noted by the researchers.

What does this mean in layman terms?

Well, for one, it means that our government should take more caution by reducing the current standard to levels that are more acceptable – provided there is any acceptable level of cadmium exposure.

But more importantly, it means that we are essentially aging faster than we should. This is because cadmium exposure has been connected to many chronic conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and other inflammatory illness.

Telomeres will naturally shorten with age, but because of cadmium exposure, this process is being sped up. So in a basic sense, you could say we really are aging at a quicker rate – assuming you have been exposed to cadmium.

What can I do? Where is cadmium found?

Well, because cadmium is found in the air mainly from industrial plants producing batteries and other consumer products there’s not much control you have over exposure. It can also be found in fruits, vegetables, and tobacco from the soil. It is also a byproduct of the production of materials such as zinc, lead, and copper.

The bottom-line is you’ll never really know if you are being exposed, but if you’re in an urban environment then there is a good chance you have been exposed.

The one thing you have control over is making sure you are living a holistic lifestyle – practicing detoxifying techniques, eating well-balanced diets, and exercising. Nothing new, all basic stuff. The hard part is making a routine out of it. Better to start now than be sorry later! 

A good starting point: practicing detoxification at home.

Detoxifying Your Body The Holistic Way

Detoxing is something most people often go to extremes for: colon cleansing, liquid juicing diets, starvation, and many other ways of ridding the toxins that have built up in our bodies due to various factors. The foods we consume and the air we breathe to name a couple examples.

Here’s the deal: detoxing can be performed on a daily basis without having to be extreme about it. The best part, you can even make it a routine/habit!

5 Holistic Ways of Detoxifying Your Body on a Daily Basis

Detoxifying = Feeling Good!

1. Tea

Tea is great. It comes in many different types and flavors and if you don’t add excessive amounts of sugar to, can be one of the healthiest drinks to consume. Look for teas that have ingredients known for detoxification: green tea, burdock, ginger, dandelion, and cayenne pepper. Drink tea and your body will flush toxins out.

2.  Exercise

Our bodies are fully capable of sweating toxins out. Sweat is our body’s way of releasing water-soluble toxins. If you’re exercising, then there’s a good chance you’ll be sweating a little. And if you aren’t, well … it’s time to push yourself a tad harder!

Alternative way to sweat out toxins: dancing, using a sauna, steam-filled showers.

3. Brushing your tongue

I would hope that all of us brush and floss our teeth, but I’m willing to bet a very, very small minority of us brushes our tongue as well. Believe it or not, our tongue is host to a ton of bacteria and other toxins. Simply take your toothbrush and gently brush your tongue using downward strokes for a good clean.

4. Apple cider vinegar

Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar offers a host of benefits. A lot of people are beginning to use it more often in their recipes – some even drink small amounts straight. It works very well for detoxing your liver.

5. Antioxidants

Sources of antioxidants are a great way to rid the body of free radicals, which are produced naturally in our body and have been shown to cause damage to cells – including cancer.

Good news! Many fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidant properties. Eat more fruits and vegetables and trust us on this one… you WILL feel better.

There’s plenty of other holistic ways of detoxing our bodies, but if you can turn these 5 (or even one, really – but aim for all 5!) into a daily routine or habit, then you’ll be well off. :)

Remembering Dr. Hal Huggins, the Grand Father of Holistic Dentistry

Known as the “Elder Statesman” of Holistic Dentistry and the “Grand Father” of anything related to toxic dental materials, Dr. Hal Huggins passed away comfortably in his own home in Colorado Springs, Colorado November 29, 2014 at the age of 77. Dr. Huggins was highly respected in the field of biological dentistry.

A Truly Passionate Holistic Dentist

He had a devout passion for researching and studying the effects of modern dentistry techniques used in the mouth including amalgam fillings, dental implants, root canals, and others. He played an instrumental role in the development of holistic dentistry as a field of study within dentistry.

He has lectured in almost every state of the U.S. and 16 foreign countries. He authored and co-authored several books, published 50 scholarly articles, and was featured on many radio and television stations.

He even established his own protocol known as Huggins Protocol, which is a safety protocol specifically designed for holistic dentists to follow in the safe removal of amalgam fillings and other holistic practices.

His latest addition was the creation of the Dental DNA laboratory to further aid in studying bacterial, viral, and fungal microbes that can be found in the dental work contained within our mouths – root canals, cavity fillings, and implants.

Dr. David Villarreal’s Mentor

Dr. David Villarreal worked closely with Dr. Huggins – changing the way he looked at and practiced dentistry. It was Dr. Huggins who ignited Dr. Villarreal’s fire on the path to holistic dentistry, which incorporates a vastly different approach to dentistry.

  

Holistic dentistry looks beyond the mouth factoring in the mind, body, and spirit to achieve a level of oral health greater than what can be offered through traditional dentistry means. Holistic dentists avoid the use of amalgam to fill cavities, as well as the use of any other toxic materials that are questionable such as fluoride.

His Legacy Remains

His work, findings, and research will not be forgotten as it has paved the way for holistic dentistry as a legitimate field of study – setting high standards that must be followed in order to achieve the highest form of oral health,  incorporating the mind, body, and spirit.

Simple Holistic Cold Sore Remedy that Works at Home!

If you browse the Internet, you’ll come up with a list of 3, 5, or 7 ways to treat and/or cure a cold sore. The fact of the matter is that most of us have probably experienced a cold sore at least once in our lifetime. Cold sores are also referred to as fever blisters, mouth herpes, or herpes labialis.

Cold sores are triggered by several different outside influences such as the common cold or flu and fever, stress, a weakened immune system, lack of sleep and trauma to the skin. Because most of these triggers are more prevalent in the winter, this is when cold sores are more common. 

Some people have the virus, but do not experience symptoms. Why is this? It depends on your immune system. Some people’s immune systems are able to completely suppress the virus’ symptoms. 

The Holistic Remedy – A Simple Solution to Cold Sores

Dr. David Villarreal shares his personal holistic cold sore remedy that can be made completely at home that has brought much needed relief to his patients – so much that he wants to share it with everyone searching for an answer. So without further ado, here it is.

A specific type of herpes virus known as Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV1) causes cold sores. Unfortunately, this virus can transfer easily through saliva, infected fluids, or contact with the infected blister so try to limit exposure to your friends and family if you do not want them to suffer.

We hope you find extraordinary relief at home using our very own holistic cold sore remedy!

Holistic Dental Advice to Live By this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is almost here – trust us, we already have our eating shoes on. The pies, the slow-cooked turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauces… we’re ready to indulge. Of course, let’s not forget the football and time off from work. However, as a holistic dentist I wanted to have you enter your Thanksgiving vacation with a few bits of helpful advice regarding all of the food as our office will be closed in case an emergency arises.

Meal Consumption

A very large majority of us can really pack down the food on Thanksgiving. Some of us even skip lunch to prepare for the barrage of food. We know it’s extremely tough to do, but you should seriously consider eating an appropriate portion of food instead of overloading. If you have to loosen your belt at all, then there’s a good chance you ate too much.

Quick tip: Spread it all out. It helps to grab a little of everything offered and only grab what you know you can eat. It’s very easy to fall into the “my eyes are larger than my stomach trap”. It also helps to eat breakfast + lunch so you are not starving for dinner.

Watch for Bones

It’s obvious information, but reminders never hurt. That turkey you’re consuming was probably slow roasting for several hours to give it the flavor you expect. After the turkey is prepared and cooked, it has to be cut. The person cutting the meat may accidentally slice into the bone during the cut, or loose bones may be lingering around. Just be sure chew your food carefully and make sure you are aware of any bones.  

Get a Workout In

Most of us probably are not going in to work the day after Thanksgiving. Utilize this time off productively. Whether you overate or not, you should try your best to sneak in a workout. Start your New Year’s Resolution early, plus you’ll feel great about yourself. Take a family member or friend with you – this gives you more time to spend with them.

Above all, enjoy the time you have with your friends and family. Happy Thanksgiving from the team here at Centers for Healing!

Images provided by the Thanksgiving Gallery.

Facing the Facts: Mercury Fillings Are Dangerous

You may or may not know, but our practice believes in dentistry that reveals the facts upfront. This is why we always inform our patients of the potential dangers of mercury in the mouth. Mercury is contained in amalgam fillings that many patients are currently sporting most likely due because they were not properly informed of beforehand. They were probably notified that amalgam fillings (also called silver fillings) were the cheapest option, triggering a purchase. We don’t offer these types of dental fillings to our patients, but we do remove amalgam fillings. Here’s why.

Amalgam Fillings Pose Dangers

For starters, amalgam fillings are typically made up of around 50% mercury. This is a considerable amount.

The harm comes from the fact that mercury vapors are being released at a very slow, but constant rate inside of your mouth. Mercury vapor is what patients should be aware of. All the way back in 1991, the World Health Organization released a statement which said that any level of mercury vapor is considered harmful. There is no safe level of mercury vapor.

Mercury Vapor…  So What?

Our body can absorb vapors. When the mercury vapors are released, our lungs subsequently inhale them. Our nose also inhales a small portion of the mercury vapors. Over time, these vapors begin to take a toll on our body in a number of different ways. The list is too long to post here, but a brief summary of the harm can be found from various sources.

Scientifically Proven Facts

Stay Educated

Some may claim we’re using “scare tactics” to get our point across, but as a holistic dentist in Newbury Park, it is my duty to inform patients that mercury is indeed dangerous. It’s not something made up, but rather is a topic that has been extensively studied on – with peer reviewed scientific facts that all point to the same conclusion: mercury is dangerous.

The FDA may tell you otherwise, stating that mercury vapor levels are too low to be considered dangerous – ignorant of the facts that have been found both domestically and abroad.

Educate Yourself. Stay Informed. Be Smart.

FDA's Position on Amalgam

Dr. Oz Chimes In

The Dental Dangers of Candy and Sugar - Halloween 2014

Halloween is almost here! There are plenty of fun times to be had in the future – dressing up, consuming candies and chocolates, laughing with friends, and trick-or-treating. Children love it… and parents do too!

A simple question for you: What do consumers spend the most on during Halloween?

A. Candy

B. Costumes

C. Decorations

Everything in Moderation!

Believe it or not, costumes are what consumers spend the most on during Halloween (and it’s probably because they cost more than candy does). Don’t be mistaken, however, because candy is a close second. Analysts have predicted that $2.8 billion dollars will be spent on costumes this year, and $2.2 billion dollars will be spent on candy.*

I’m not sure what you’re thinking but $2.2 billion dollars worth of candy is A LOT of candy. There’s really only one thing to do with candy and that’s consume it. As a holistic dentist it is my personal duty to remind you of the dental dangers of candy consumption this Halloween.

Sugar is the Scariest Costume

It comes dressed in a shiny, white costume – you can’t miss it. As tempting as candy is, we often fall into the sugar trap during Halloween in which our consumption of sugary foods begins to spike. Can you relate? Sugar can cause damage on our teeth if it's not properly addressed.

When we consume sugar, our body is responsible for breaking it down, which it does at a slow pace, but results in a byproduct that is basically acid. This acid sits in our teeth, slowly damaging our enamel – which is what protects our teeth. It also works with the bacteria in our mouth to slowly rot our teeth, responsible for many cavities and tooth decay.

Addressing the Sticky Situation

Chocolates are better. It’s hard to tell children to put their candy down, especially if they worked hard in earning it walking up and down many streets. If you’re going to allow your child to eat any sweets then we prefer chocolates because they are not as damaging as other candies. Remember: in Moderation!

Giving is better than receiving. Children are too excited about receiving candy and hardly ever want to give it up. However, there are great lessons to be learned here. Use an incentive to have your child give their candy away (to a friend, family member, or through a buy-back program, etc.). It will teach them what it’s all about to give, rather than receive – a feeling they might actually enjoy! We know we do.

Visit your dentist. Sugar is sticky and has a tendency to linger around in your mouth until action is taken – action being daily brushing, daily flossing, and visiting your dentist for a natural dental cleaning. Anything that you miss at home can be taken care of and cleaned up by your dentist for a new, fresh cavity-free mouth.

Be sure to have a great Halloween this year – stay safe, have fun, and try not to overdo it on the candy!  

Happy Halloween from the team at Centers for Healing!

*Source: https://nrf.com/media/press-releases/record-number-of-americans-buy-halloween-costumes