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Key Supplements for Use During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Key Supplements for Use During the Coronavirus Pandemic

There is no clear evidence that anything other than avoiding exposure can reliably prevent contraction of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).

There is, however, evidence that a number of nutrients can either reduce your chance of contracting coronavirus or reduce the severity and length of illness if you do contract the virus.  I don’t make this claim lightly, and the following content supports that statement with summaries and links to articles published in respected journals.  Please take the time to follow some or all of the links.

This article will focus on nutraceutical supplements, not traditional herbal approaches, which I will cover in a later article.  And, although it could go without saying, I’ll say it anyway.  Adequate sleep, reducing stress, eating a healthy diet, and moderate, regular exercise are all important and effective ways to regulate your immune system and keep inflammatory responses in check.  Immune system support can potentially reduce your chance of infection, and maybe even more importantly, inflammatory response regulation can reduce the likelihood that an infection will lead to more severe illness.

I have found evidence that maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D, vitamin C, quercetin and zinc through daily supplementation is warranted, especially in older patients or patients with other health issues that put them at higher risk.  I studied the data (or lack of it) for many other products, including CBD oil, colloidal silver, a number of essential oils, garlic and melatonin, and did not find sufficient evidence for daily supplementation.

For those not wanting to delve into the details, please feel free to go directly to the “EBANM COVID-19 Prophylaxis”  I’m recommending for all of my patients.  If you’re interested in the details, let’s begin with vitamin D.

Vitamin D

A 2017 BMJ systematic review and meta-analysis found that vitamin D supplementation significantly decreased the risk of acute respiratory infections, especially in those receiving daily vitamin D (versus less frequent large doses).  “Our study reports a major new indication for vitamin D supplementation: the prevention of acute respiratory tract infection.”  ”Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis.” BMJ.  Martineau, et al, 2017.

Another review published recently (May, 2020), suggests that people at increased risk for influenza or COVID-19 consider taking vitamin D, with the goal of raising vitamin D concentrations to 40–60 ng/mL.  Furthermore, they state: “Through several mechanisms, vitamin D can reduce risk of infections. Those mechanisms include inducing cathelicidins and defensins that can lower viral replication rates and reducing concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines that produce the inflammation that injures the lining of the lungs, leading to pneumonia.”  “Evidence that Vitamin D supplementation could reduce the risk of influenza and COVID-19 infections and deaths.”  Nutrients.  Grant, et al, 2020.

A more general review states that low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of viral and bacterial respiratory infections, along with other respiratory diseases, including tuberculosis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  “All the reviewed articles state that Vitamin D deficiency is very common among patients with respiratory diseases.”  “A review of Vitamin D effects on common respiratory diseases.”  J Res Pharm Pract.  Hejazi, et al, 2016.

And a less compelling, but still interesting, recent “preprint”  article details how vitamin D, quercetin and estradiol alter the expression of genes encoding the protein targets of SARS-CoV-2. “Vitamin D and Quercetin have been identified as putative COVID mitigation agents.”  Interestingly, the article also posits an explanation for the higher male mortality rates associated with COVID-19.  “Vitamin D, quercetin and estradiol… mitigation of COVID-19.”  Chem Rxiv.  Glinskii, et al, 2020.

Vitamin C & Quercetin

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that contributes to immune defenses in a number of different ways.  It also has anti-inflammatory effects that can limit the progression of disease.  This article gives the details, and states that: “supplementation with vitamin C appears to be able to both prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections. Prophylactic prevention of infection requires dietary daily vitamin C intake…”.  “Vitamin C and Immune Function”.  Nutrients.  Carr, et al, 2017.

The following studies evaluated the antiviral effect of vitamin C in vivo and its related mechanism against the influenza virus. They explain that the antiviral benefits of vitamin C are likely due to its immunomodulatory properties, predominantly by increasing the production of interferon-α/β and downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, rather than a direct antiviral effect.  We know that COVID-19 mortality is associated with the “cytokine storm,” so this may explain why vitamin C can reduce the severity of the illness.  “The antiviral properties of vitamin C.”  Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy.  Biancatelli, et al, 2020.  “Vitamin C is an essential factor on the antiviral immune responses…”.  Immune Network.  Kim et al, 2013.

Quercetin is an antioxidant that also has broad antiviral properties. It has been shown to reduce viral replication in human cell culture lines for a wide variety of viruses – including the coronaviruses that cause the common cold.  This study shows immunomodulatory and antiviral activity against rhinovirus respiratory infections.  More importantly, the paper details how quercetin inhibits cytokine expression, which can reduce the “cytokine storm” that is frequently the cause of death in many COVID-19 patients.  “Quercetin inhibits rhinovirus replication in vitro and in vivo.”  Antiviral Research.  Ganesan, et al, 2012. 

Zinc

Zinc can modulate antiviral and antibacterial activity. “In vitro experiments demonstrate that Zinc possesses antiviral activity through inhibition of SARS‑CoV RNA polymerase.”  Zinc also regulates inflammatory responses that may reduce the severity of illness.  “Zinc possesses anti‑inflammatory activity by inhibiting NF‑κB signaling and modulation of regulatory T‑cell functions that may limit the cytokine storm in COVID‑19”.  “Zinc and respiratory tract infections: Perspectives for COVID-19 (Review).”  Intl Journal of Molecular Med.  Skalny, et al, 2020.

Zinc is an essential mineral that the immune system relies upon for an effective antiviral response.  This paper explores how its antiviral properties generate both innate and acquired immune responses.  “The Role of Zinc in Antiviral Immunity.”  Advances in Nutrition.  Read, et al, 2019.

A number of papers have studied the effects of zinc supplementation on both the prevention of acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) as well as the length of illness due to respiratory infection with zinc supplementation.  “Zinc supplementation has been shown to have a preventive effect against respiratory infection.  The study found that ALRI cessation was faster in children who received zinc supplementation and that their hospital stay was shorter”.  “A Randomized Controlled Trial of Zinc Supplementation.”  Pediatric Rep.  Rerksuppaphol, et al, 2019.  “Zinc: Role in Immunity, Oxidative Stress and Inflammation.”  Clinical Nutrition Metabolic Care.  Prasad, et al, 2009.

Finally, though SARS-Cov-2 acts very differently than the various viruses that cause the common cold, there are also some similarities in regard to how the immune system responds.  This Cochrane review confirms Zinc’s ability to reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms, and “when supplemented for at least 5 months, it reduces cold incidence.”  Cochrane reviews have a reputation for being extremely rigorous.  Though direct evidence that Zinc can prevent infection of SARS-CoV-2 is lacking, this is strong evidence that it can prevent other acute viral infections.  “Zinc for the common cold.”  Cochrane Database Syst Rev.  Singh, et al, 2011.

For details on the specific products we recommend, as well as dose and frequency information, please see our “EBANM COVID-19 Prophylaxis” article.

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East Bay Acupuncture: Sean Michal Hall, East Bay Acupuncturist · Filed Under: Supplements Tagged With: Coronavirus, COVID-19, key supplements, Quercetin, supplements, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc

EBANM COVID-19 Prophylaxis Protocol

There is an abundance of data supporting our recommendation to take vitamin D, vitamin C, quercetin and zinc supplements each day.   The details can be found in a previously published post, “Key Supplements for Use During the Coronavirus Pandemic”.  Please check it out, if you haven’t already.

It is important to note that prophylaxis comes in two forms.

Primary prophylaxis focuses on trying to stop healthy people from getting sick (i.e. – reducing chance of infection).  Secondary prophylaxis focuses on preventing sick people from getting worse (i.e. – modulating the inflammatory response known as the ‘cytokine storm’ that often precedes more severe illness).  All of the supplements below have data showing both types of effects in relation to COVID-19.

The recommended dose for vitamin D, vitamin C, quercetin and zinc, along with all of the necessary co-factors for proper absorption and metabolism can be found in the following three products:

Quercetin Ascorbate Powder - Prophylaxis Protocol
Vitamin D Complex - Prophylaxis Protocol
Zinc Supreme - Prophylaxis Protocol

Quercetin-Ascorbate (Designs for Health)

  • 1 gram (1/4 tsp) provides:
    • 500mg Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
    • 500mg Quercetin
  • Once daily. There is some evidence that higher doses can be helpful, so feel free to take twice daily.

Vitamin D Complex (Designs for Health)

  • 1 capsule provides:
    • 2,000 IU Vitamin D3
    • Plus, fat-soluble vitamins that should be taken with Vitamin D to ensure absorption and proper balance of those nutrients:
      • Vitamins A, K1, K2
      • Vitamin E (in mixed tocopherol form)
    • Take 1 or 2 daily, depending on your current vitamin D level. If you’ve not had a recent blood test for vitamin D, take 2 daily.  When possible, testing is recommended, and a blood level of 40-60 ng/mL is the target.

Zinc Complex (Designs for Health)

  • 1 capsule provides:
    • 30mg Zinc
    • Other nutrients needed for adequate zinc absorption:
      • Vitamins B2 and B6
      • Molybdenum, Taurine and Malic Acid
    • Take 1 daily. Long-term supplementation with less than 40mg a day is safe, but higher amounts may block copper absorption, so please limit yourself to one a day.

Keep in mind these recommended amounts are based on the data supporting COVID-19 prophylaxis, not the RDAs (recommended daily allowances), which are different.  Also, to aid digestion and absorption, I recommend taking all nutraceuticals and supplements with meals.

Important Note

When evaluating supplements, it is important to look not just at the amount of the ingredient in question, but also for the inclusion of other ingredients, or co-factors, that allow for proper absorption and metabolism of the target ingredient.  For example, vitamin D taken without adequate K1 and K2 can increase the risk of calcium being improperly deposited in the arteries.  And vitamin C without a flavonoid like quercetin will not be properly absorbed.  For years, we’ve partnered with Designs for Health because they are leaders in the field in assessing the research around such concerns.

If you choose to use Designs for Health products, we offer them at prices 20 to 35%  less than can be found on Amazon.  Simply visit our online store, set up an account, and  use the code ‘eastbay20’ to get the discount, as well as free shipping.  And, of course, you  can also find the products discounted at our clinic.  If you choose not to use Designs for Health, there are other great companies out there.  Just do your research  and don’t be fooled by low prices and large amounts of the often-inexpensive target ingredient, without the addition of necessary co-factors.

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East Bay Acupuncture: Sean Michal Hall, East Bay Acupuncturist · Filed Under: Supplements Tagged With: coronvairus, COVID-19, Designs for Health, Prophylaxis Protocol, Quercetin-Ascorbate, secondary prophylaxis, supplements for COVID-19, Vitamin D Complex, Zinc Complex

Flame Retardant’s Effect on Hormone Health and Fertility

By Nadia Moredo, LAc, FABORM

Flame Retardants Effects on Hormone Health and FertilityWe’ve been hearing for years about BPA and phthalates in plastics having a negative impact on hormones and fertility.  At East Bay Acupuncture and Natural Medicine we advise our patients to avoid plastics when possible, because not enough research has been done on each chemical substance in plastics to know how it is affecting our bodies.

Now, new research is showing that currently used flame retardants can have a negative effect on fertility and hormonal health.  Some common items that have flame retardants added to them are sofas, carpet and mattress pads.The current flame retardants in use are PFRs, or organophosphate flame retardants, and the good news is that PFRs clear from our bodies quickly.

The prior chemical flame retardant PBDEs, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers, were longer lasting in the body, and thereby harder for our systems to eliminate when in our household items. There has been research showing a clear link between PBDEs and decreased fertility, so they were discontinued from household products.Now new research is showing that PFRs may be having similar effects.

The 2017 Harvard study cited below focused on women going through IVF, and the incidence of successful fertilization, embryo implantation, and clinical pregnancy.  Researchers looked at PFR metabolites in the women’s urine, and those with higher concentrations had a decreased incidence of the events listed above.

More research needs to be done, but researchers believe that PFRs interfere with fertility by disrupting the endocrine system and affecting hormones, which could have more far reaching implications with regards to other diseases. Researchers also called for studies to be done on PFR’s effect on men’s fertility.

One of the main takeaways from this study is that more than 80% of women in the study had evidence of PFRs in their urine, but only the women with higher concentrations had lower fertility.  Therefore, reducing exposure to these chemicals is key.  Because there are so many types of flame retardants, and because the safety of most is controversial, we recommend playing it safe and avoiding them all when possible.

Here are some practical ways to minimize your exposure to flame retardants:

  • Always wash hands before eating! We often think about washing our hands if we have been outside or touched something dirty, but washing hands can also wash off chemicals that we have been in contact with around the house. PFRs in household items often migrate into dust in our homes. A simple soap and water wash can reduce the amount of flame retardants that come into our bodies.
  • Vacuum floors with a HEPA filter vacuum; mop and wipe surfaces down with a damp cloth to minimize dust contaminated with PFRs around the house. You can also check out our article on safe and effective household cleaning products here.
  • When purchasing new furniture, and especially baby items, inquire and ensure that there are no flame retardants in them. This is especially true for sofas, foam mattresses, baby changing pads, car seats, baby mattresses, and nursing pillows. Check labels on the items you buy, and:
    1. Steer clear if you see “TB 117” on the tag. This definitely contains flame retardants. If your household items contain this label, consider replacing them.
    2. Be aware if you see “TB 117-2013” on the tag. These items may or may not contain flame retardants, and the best way to investigate is to call the manufacturer directly.
    3. California Senate Bill 1019 now requires a label that will clearly tell us whether or not flame retardants are used in the product. The tag you will find on furniture made and sold in California after 2014 contains the following message:  “The upholstery materials in this product: ___ contain added flame retardant chemicals  OR  ___ contain NO added flame retardant chemicals.  The State of California has updated the flammability standard and determined that the fire safety requirements for this product can be met without adding flame retardant chemicals. The state has identified many flame retardant chemicals as being known to, or strongly suspected of, adversely impacting human health or development.”

Finding furniture and other items made without flame retardants can be a challenge.  Some stores that sell some flame retardant-free furniture are:

  • Ikea
  • Crate and Barrel
  • West Elm
  • Ashley Furniture

But keep in mind that you must still check tags, because many of the products sold at each store will not be free of flame retardants.

While this can feel like alarming news, there is a lot we can do to minimize our exposure to harmful chemicals, and more that we can do to recover once we find that our bodies are affected.  Opting for glass and stainless steel food and drink containers can minimize our exposure to phthalates and BPA, using chemical-free beauty and cleaning products can reduce our absorption of chemicals, and eating fresh and frozen foods can reduce our exposure to BPA in tin can linings.  Please check out our related articles on green living and detoxification here.

The cumulative effect of reducing our chemical exposure in different aspects of our lives can have profound effects on health and fertility. Keeping our bodies healthy can optimize eliminating the chemicals we will inevitably be exposed to.  Moderate exercise, fresh, healthy food and water, managing stress and illness can all aid our body in processing and eliminating what we do not need.

Research:

Urinary Concentrations of Organophosphate Flame Retardant Metabolites and Pregnancy Outcomes among Women Undergoing in Vitro Fertilization,” Courtney C. Carignan, Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón, Craig M. Butt, Paige L. Williams, John D. Meeker, Heather M. Stapleton, Thomas L. Toth, Jennifer B. Ford, and Russ Hauser, Environmental Health Perspectives, August 25, 2017, doi: 10.1289/EHP1021

References:

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/chemicals-flame-retardants-pregnancy/

https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp1021

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1367877/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18667224

Resources:

http://www.sixclasses.org

https://endocrinedisruptorsaction.org

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East Bay Acupuncture: Sean Michal Hall, East Bay Acupuncturist · Filed Under: Author: Nadia Moredo, Fertility Tagged With: East Bay Fertility, fertility, flame retardants, hormone health, minimize exposure to flame retardants, Nadia Moredo, natural medicine

Birth Defects: 5 Natural Ways To Reduce Your Risk.

By Jenny Silverstone

Living in a modern environment, we are surrounded by things which slightly increase our risk of having a baby with birth defects. This means that we need to be much more careful about what we do or don’t do, so that we can reduce our risk.

No matter whether you are at high risk of birth defects because of a genetic condition, or at low risk in general, it is always worth the effort to make sure we are doing everything in our power to help our babies.

In celebration of National Birth Defect Awareness month, here are a few of the most vital ways in which we can help prevent birth defects – as many of them are completely within our control.

1. Watch Your Meds!

Many medications that are perfectly safe before pregnancy are very, very dangerous to your baby as soon as you become pregnant. If you are trying to conceive or have discovered that you are pregnant, you need to talk to your doctor ASAP about revising your medicines. If you have to stop taking a medication, consider using natural remedies that are safe when pregnant, such as herbal supplements, acupuncture, or moxibustion.

2. Quit Alcohol, Smoking, And Drugs

It has been proven that all drugs, including alcohol and cigarettes, increase your risk of having a child with birth defects. However, we understand that breaking an addiction can be very difficult. If you are trying to conceive, you want to break your addiction before getting pregnant. If you are already pregnant, you want to break your addiction quickly. Meditation, acupuncture, or herbal remedies could help you focus and stay calm when breaking the addiction.

3. Eat A Natural Diet

A natural diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole energy sources like grains and legumes, and Vitamin-B containing foods is one of the best ways of making sure you are getting all the nourishment you need to feed your growing baby. If you have a hard time eating the whole range of fruits and vegetables you need, consider using pregnancy-safe supplements or prenatal vitamins, which can boost your nutrients and give you enough folic acid to help prevent specific birth defects.

4. Exercise And Relax

Stress can elevate your blood pressure which can increase the risk of birth defects. Stress also makes you more likely to stress eat, take drugs, or go to hot places like saunas, all of which increase the risk of birth defects. Exercising, sleeping well, and meditation for relaxation can all reduce stress. If you find that exercise leaves you tense, or that pain stops you from relaxing, consider acupuncture for some relief.

5. Control Diabetes And Weight

If you are already diabetic or develop gestational diabetes, your baby’s risk of birth defects go up. Likewise, whether you are already overweight or you gain too much weight during pregnancy. Just like with quitting drugs, if you find it difficult to control your diet and weight, consider using supplements, meditation, and acupuncture to help you regain calm and focus.

To read more, please check out the extensive article I wrote on the subject here.

Birth Defect Prevention During Pregnancy

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East Bay Acupuncture: Sean Michal Hall, East Bay Acupuncturist · Filed Under: Author: Jenny Silverstone, Detoxification, Pregnancy Tagged With: birth defects, detoxification, Jenny Silverstone, Pregnancy, prevent birth defects, reduce birth defects

A Quick Guide to Green Cleaning Products

By Sean Michael Hall, L.Ac.

We all understand the importance of diet, sleep and exercise.

In the last few decades however, it’s become apparent that limiting exposure to various chemicals, toxins and pollutants is also important. We’ve learned more about the detrimental health effects various chemicals have on our health. Many cleaning products marketed as “green”, “natural” or “eco-friendly” actually contain chemicals that are known carcinogens, endocrine-disruptors or lung and skin irritants.

With hundreds of new chemicals flooding the market every year, and with an EPA understaffed, underfunded and populated by industry insiders, it is unfortunately the case that we can’t trust the regulatory process to protect our health or the health of the environment. Though public awareness around the negative reproductive and development effects of BPA (bisphenol A) and other unregulated chemicals like phthalates is growing, there is still a lot of work to be done to make sure that our health is protected.

For years I’ve recommended that my patients avoid as many of these chemicals as possible by using only ecologically friendly cleaning and personal care products. Unfortunately, I trusted that many of the “green” brands I’ve personally used were good enough. Instead I’ve found that many of those green-marketed brands are as bad as some of the worst conventional brands.

So I set out to find household cleaning products for each of the 8 main cleaning categories (surface cleaner, laundry detergent, dish soap, etc.) that meet three criteria:

  1. All products have received an A-rating by the Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org). EWG is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to testing products, researching environmental toxins, and educating the public on their findings. Its sister organization, the EWG Action Fund, is its lobbying arm, and they’ve been an important voice in keeping our bodies and our planet healthy.
  2. All products must be available at grocery stores in the Berkeley or Oakland area, so one can avoid the time, cost and carbon-footprint of ordering online. (For those not living in the San Francisco East Bay area, all products are sold nationally.)
  3. For convenience, all products should be available at one location so that multiple stops are not necessary.

As, I delved into the detailed reports on hundreds of products and brands, a few very interesting things became clear, all which I’ll detail later in this article. For those of you who want to stop reading and start shopping, the chart below sums up my findings.

Please though, come back and read on about the many surprises I discovered about the “eco” and “green” home care market

As you can see, if you happen to live in the Oakland or Berkeley area, you can purchase all products with one stop at Berkeley Bowl or Farmer Joe’s. Whole Foods has most of the products, but not all of them. I was hoping that more recommended products would be available at Target but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. In fact, although Target has a “Green Cleaning Product” section, it’s stocked with some of the worst offenders, like Method and Mrs. Meyer’s Cleaning Day brands. The Seventh Generation products they carry tend to be Seventh Generation’s C, D and F rated products.

Regarding price, as one would expect, the larger the company the greater their purchasing power and scale. Whole Foods is able to consistently offer the lowest price. Personally, I prefer to spend a few extra dollars each time I shop to support the local economy, and to delay Amazon’s takeover of the world (!). Besides, as of January 2018, Jeff Bezos’ net worth is already 121 billion dollars, making him the richest person in the world. Spread the wealth, please!

For Those More Visually Inclined

 

1) Surface Cleaner
Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner – Lemongrass Citrus Scent
Surface Cleaner Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner – Lemongrass Citrus Scent
2) Glass & Window Cleaner
Citra Solv Citra Clear Window & Glass Cleaner
Citra Solv Citra Clear Window and Glass Cleaner
3) Floor Cleaner
Biokleen All-Purpose Cleaner, Concentrated, Grapefruit Seed & Orange
Biokleen All-Purpose Cleaner, Concentrated, Grapefruit Seed & Orange
4) Tub & Tile Cleaner
Seventh Generation Tub & Tile Natural Cleaner, Emerald Cypress & Fir
Seventh Generation Tub and Tile Natural Cleaner, Emerald Cypress and Fir
5) Toilet Cleaner
Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Natural Cleaner, Emerald Cypress & Fir
Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Natural Cleaner, Emerald Cypress and Fir
6) Laundry Detergent
Biokleen Laundry Liquid, Citrus Essence
Biokleen Laundry Liquid, Citrus Essence
7) Dish Soap
Biokleen Natural Dish Liquid, Citrus
Biokleen Natural Dish Liquid, Citrus
8) Dishwasher Detergent (two options)
1. Earth Friendly Products Wave Dishwasher Gel
2. 7th-Gen Dishwasher Detergent Powder
Earth Friendly Products Wave Dishwasher Gel and Seventh Generation Detergent Powder

 

Take Home Points

1. Just because a particular brand has some products that are safe and environmentally friendly doesn’t mean all of that brand’s products are safe and environmentally friendly.

My original intention was to make the recommendations as easy as possible by finding one trusted brand that had products locally available in all categories. It quickly became apparent that that was not possible.

For example, Seventh Generation products are available at most local stores including Berkeley Bowl, Farmer Joe’s, Whole Foods and Target. Previously, I used most of this company’s products and was hopeful that they would be the silver bullet providing ease, convenience and quality. Unfortunately, I found that though they have quite a few A-rated products, they have even more C-rated products and almost as many D-rated products. Perusing the brand charts below shows the specifics.

2. A brand’s labeling and marketing is unrelated to the quality of the product. In fact, most products marketed as ecologically friendly or non-toxic are not.

If you visit the website for Method Brand, for instance, you’ll find words like “greener” and “planet-friendly” sprinkled throughout. Their company description includes the words “naturally-derived, biodegradable, non-toxic”, yet the chart below shows that 60% of their products receive a D or F rating by EWG. Babyganics should be ashamed of their name, as 28% of their products received a D or F rating, and another 50% of their products receive a C-rating. 43% of Whole Foods 365 Brand received a D or F rating, and 67% of naturally, it’s clean products, also available at Whole Foods, received a D or F rating.

3. Just because a product is sold at a natural food store doesn’t mean it’s non-toxic or environmentally friendly.

See the Whole Foods 365 brand chart below, and also note the fact that even the C, D and F rated Seventh Generation products are sold at most natural food stores.

4. There are two brands that seem devoted to providing a full array of non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaning products: Biokleen and Ecover.

A record-breaking 96% of Biokleen’s products are rated A or B by the EWG, and Ecover follows closely behind with 89%. None of either of their products were rated D or F, and only 3 of the two company’s combined 52 products receive a C rating. Well done Biokleen and Ecover! Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find products for all eight cleaning categories at one location, otherwise my recommendations would have been simpler.

 

Products by EWG Rating for all locally available brands marketed as eco-friendly or non-toxic:

 

BabyGanics EWG Rating
ECOS EWG Rating
Biokleen EWG Rating
Ecover EWG Rating
Citrasolv EWG Rating
Honest EWG Rating
Method EWG Rating
Planet EWG Rating
Mrs Myers EWG Rating
Seventh Generation EWG Rating
Naturally EWG Rating
Whole Foods EWG Rating

 

A few more interesting tidbits…

1. Small changes from product to product can change a rating dramatically. For instance, Seventh Generation’s All-Purpose Surface Cleaner, Free & Clear, which we previously used at the clinic has a C rating. Its earlier iteration Lemon & Thyme had a D-rating, while the version recommended above and that we now use at the clinic, Multi-Surface Disinfecting Cleaner, Lemongrass Citrus, has an A-rating.

Surface Cleaner A Rating Green Cleaning
A rating
C Rating Green Cleaning
C rating
D Rating Green Cleaning
D rating

2. I originally intended to have a category for wood floor cleaners. Unfortunately, almost all wood floor cleaners have a D or F rating. Furthermore, wood “oils” are usually not oils and heavily toxic. I did find one company with a wood floor cleaner that has a B rating (Truce Wood Cleaner, Citrus), but I was unable to find it locally.

Thankfully, it turns out that dish soap makes an excellent wood floor cleaner. Multiple green cleaning blogs give dish soap two thumbs up for wood floors that are sealed, and after a few weeks of use I agree. Thankfully, almost all wood floors are sealed these days. An easy test to see if your wood floors are sealed is to pour a few drops of water on the floor and let it sit for a few minutes. If a stain remains after drying, your floor is unsealed.

3. The most economical, environmentally friendly and non-toxic home cleaning products are the ones you make yourself. By mixing a few ingredients you can create products for all eight cleaning product categories. It does take a little research, a little time and a little creativity, but it’s quite doable. And if this is your cup of tea, maybe even fun! I personally have lots of other more fun projects I’m looking forward to, but, if you’re so inclined, the following 5 products are A-rated by EWG and provide the base ingredients for all eight cleaning product categories, from glass cleaner to laundry detergent.

  • White Vinegar
  • Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
  • Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap (all scents)
  • Seventh Generation Chlorine-Free Bleach, Free & Clear
  • Essential Oils (lemongrass, eucalyptus, thyme are my favorites)

There are lots of interesting blogs covering the topic. Google away and have fun!

References:

  1. The Environmental Working Group Guide to Healthy Cleaning
  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_Working_Group
  3. http://www.businessinsider.com/epa-only-restricts-9-chemicals-2016-2/#1-polychlorinated-biphenyls-pcbs-1
  4. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/03/the-toxins-that-threaten-our-brains/284466/
  5. https://experiencelife.com/article/8-hidden-toxins-whats-lurking-in-your-cleaning-products/

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East Bay Acupuncture: Sean Michal Hall, East Bay Acupuncturist · Filed Under: Author: Sean Michael Hall, Detoxification Tagged With: chemicals, cleaning products, detoxification, green cleaning, green cleaning products, green laundry detergent, green products, green surface cleaner, household cleaners, pollutants, toxins

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East Bay Acupuncture
& Natural Medicine

2346 Stuart Street
Berkeley, CA 94705

p: (510) 457-8886
f: (510) 705-8520
info@ebacupuncture.com

Clinic Hours:

Monday – 10am to 7pm
Tuesday – 9am to 4pm
Wednesday – noon to 7pm
Thursday – 9am to 7pm
Friday – noon to 5pm

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Contact

© 2007–2023 East Bay Acupuncture • Privacy • Terms of Use
2346 Stuart Street Berkeley, CA 94705 • p: (510) 457-8886
Sean Michael Hall, L.Ac.