You know them, the over 2,000 anti-bacterial products from wipes to sprays to soaps and more. Well, more news out of the Food and Drug Administration — the latest: is it is formally charging the ingredients in “antibacterial” soaps and other personal-care products are no better than regular soap and water, while carrying extra risks.

The FDA is calling for manufacturers of consumer antibacterial products to show the ingredients are both safe for daily use, and also more effective than plain soap and water. Deep in the 137-page rule, it also raises the issue as to whether the routine use of these products causes bacteria to develop resistance against the active ingredients, and against antibiotics as an unintended side effect.

The FDA first judged antibacterial soaps and washes safe and effective in 1994, but research conducted since then has led to a reconsideration. That re-examination was driven, in part, by alleged effects of the main antibacterial ingredient, triclosan (and its solid-product form triclocarban). In the 137-page rule, it also raises the issue that is most interesting to me: that triclosan is an “endocrine disruptor, ”and that it interferes with production and activity of hormones in the body.

These are absorbed through the skin and have been found in both human breast milk and urine samples collected since 2003.

The study also shows systemic exposure can cause alterations in thyroid, reproductive, growth, and developmental systems of neonatal and adolescent animals. Hormonally active compounds have been shown to affect not only the exposed organism, but also subsequent generations.

For the sake of limited space in our newsletter, this is only a brief overview of the information in the FDA report. Sometimes not adopting the newest and latest innovation works out in our favor. I guess that means I can keep using the regular soap and water I have been using for years as a safe and effective way to fight bacteria. You can find pure, organic soap without parabens and other chemicals at your local health food stores and online.

Did you pick up an extra 5 or 10 pounds over the holidays? That adds up to 17,500-35,000 calories. Most gained that weight by allowing a number of bad eating habits to creep in…and become firmly established.

Why is it hard to get rid of? Because we are now talking about fully ingrained eating habits. Are you at the point where ‘enough is enough?”

Start with making some small changes–lower your calorie count. Cut out dairy (milk, cheese, mayonnaise), soy, gluten, corn, peanuts, sugar, artificial sweeteners and bottled salad dressing. And be sure to cut way back on high glycemic carbs such as potatoes, completely doing away with white rice. Try quinoa instead.

Portion control is another area to make adjustments. Eat out less, and when you must eat out, split your meal in half as soon as it arrives. At home, use smaller plates. Plate and portion sizes have grown substantially over the years.

Eat every 3 hours throughout the day instead of 3 large meals. This will stabilize your blood sugar and keep you from getting too hungry. Increase your intake of vegetables, and try plant based protein as an option to animal-based. Protein smoothies are a great way to keep you steadily satisfied throughout the day. Be sure to avoid from the milk or whey protein powders.

Re-establish a sensible exercise routine.

Dinner at a friend’s house? Bring along a “healthy” appetizer to share with your host and fill up on the hummus dip with the carrot, pepper, and celery sticks you prepared.

If this were so easy, we would not have so many broken New Year’s resolutions; nor would obesity be a national epidemic.

Why not start the new year with a clean foundation by detoxifying. Not only will it help you lose any weight that you have gained, but it will quickly break the momentum of the cravings and the bad habits you have acquired in the past few months, getting you back on that healthy track and set you up for some permanent lifestyle changes. Feel the difference with our all natural detox that cleanses without requiring fasting. And, it’s gentle. Our best to you in 2014!

Getting enough vitamin D is absolutely essential for our health and wellbeing. Without question, the best source of vitamin D comes from sunshine, the source of all life. Climate changes that come this time of year leave us short on sunlight, and studies show winter months can leave us low in Vitamin D.

Vitamin D has been shown to combat SAD (seasonal effective disorder) and research shows study participants experienced improvement in mood and general well-being when taking between 600 and 4000 IU per day.

It makes sense to ensure that our bodies get enough Vitamin D throughout the winter months.  You will appreciate the superiority of our liquid Vitamin D with its bio-availability being near 100%.  Stop by today and get your dose of winter sunshine.