Linda Wulf

Navigating Harmful Additives in the Modern Landscape: Understanding Interactions in Food, Cosmetics, and Beyond

by Linda Wulf | Mar 5, 2025 | Main Blog | 0 comments

Our daily lives are steeped in chemicals—from the preservatives in your cereal to the synthetic colors in your lipstick. Harmful additives shape what we eat, slather on our skin, and absorb into our bodies, often combining in a “cocktail effect” that amplifies their risks. In the U.S., many of these substances are greenlit as safe, yet the EU bans them outright, citing links to cancer, hormonal chaos, or developmental harm. Whether it’s your sandwich or your sunscreen, tools like the YUKA app and AI platforms like Grok are here to help us decode the danger and reclaim control.

Unraveling the Risks of Harmful Additives

Your grocery cart tells only half the story. Sodium benzoate spikes your soda, Yellow 5 dyes your candy, and titanium dioxide whitens your gum—additives the FDA calls “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS). Meanwhile, the EU disagrees, banning or restricting them as harmful additives tied to serious health risks. Potassium bromate in bread? Cancer concerns. BHA in snacks? Endocrine disruption. The U.S. shrugs; Europe acts. But it’s not just food. Your bathroom shelf is loaded, too—parabens in lotions, phthalates in nail polish, formaldehyde releasers in mascara. These sneak through your skin, a direct highway to your bloodstream; no digestion is required.

This chemical flood doesn’t sit still. Harmful additives from food and cosmetics mingle daily—think BHT from your moisturizer meeting Yellow 5 from your lunch. Bioaccumulation kicks in; some linger, stacking up over decades. Your body’s quirks—metabolism, hormones, age—twist the impact further. The FDA tests additives solo, but who lives solo? Add in medications, over-the-counter remedies, or that scented body cream, and the mixture toxicity looms large—a gap science hasn’t bridged. From plate to face, harmful additives are everywhere, and the stakes are personal.

Why We Need a New Approach

We’re guinea pigs in a slow-burn experiment. Research lags, stuck on single-ingredient studies while we marinate in a chemical stew. The EU’s “ban first” ethos—axing parabens or titanium dioxide for potential DNA damage—clashes with the U.S.’s “use until proven guilty” GRAS stance. Formaldehyde in your hair straightener? Still legal here but banned there. This divide screams for real-world testing: food plus cosmetics, long-term, all at once. Until then, policy creeps, leaving us exposed.

Awareness is our edge. If we grasp why Europe rejects what America accepts—harmful additives in our burgers and our blush—we can push back. It’s not just about laws; it’s about knowing enough to dodge the risks today.

Taking Control: Dodging Harmful Additives

You’ve got power here. In the kitchen, whole foods—an orange over a dyed snack—slash harmful additives cold. Cooking at home? You call the shots; no mystery stabilizers are allowed. Labels are gold—spot BHA in food or phthalates in lotion, both flagged abroad for a reason. Organic cuts some synthetics (in produce and skincare), though it’s not a cure-all. Local markets mean fresher food and often cleaner creams—less preservation, fewer chemicals.

Beyond food, rethink your routine. Swap bottled water (plastic leachables) for a filter. Check meds—artificial fillers pile on. Your makeup bag? Ditch parabens and triclosan—harmful additives banned in the EU but lurking in U.S. tubes. Grow herbs or mix a DIY balm to skip store-bought unknowns. Rotate what you eat and apply—this dilutes the load.

Tech seals it. YUKA scans your groceries and some cosmetics, flagging harmful additives like Yellow 5 or formaldehyde in a heartbeat. Grok digs deeper—why’s the EU nixing what the U.S. shrugs at, from bread to body lotion? These tools turn confusion into clarity, making every choice a stand for your health.

A Healthier Future, One Choice at a Time

Harmful additives aren’t just in your fridge—they’re in your foundation, your face cream, and your life. The U.S.-EU split proves “safe” is a guess, not a guarantee, and that cocktail effect—food meeting cosmetics—ups the ante. Step one: Know it. Step two: Act—lean on YUKA for quick hits, Grok for the why, and your gut to filter the rest. This isn’t fear; it’s balance, tilting toward health over convenience.

Looking Ahead

More’s coming. We’ll explore how YUKA, Grok, and other digital allies are rewriting transparency—real-time intel on harmful additives from your plate to your powder. Stay tuned.

7 Ways Deep Breathing Might Enhance Mitochondrial Health

by Linda Wulf | Jan 14, 2025 | Main Blog | 0 comments

Mitochondria are our cellular powerhouses, converting oxygen and nutrients into Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of our cells. My exploration into the world of deep breathing started almost by accident as I thought about getting past the blood-brain barrier to remove the lesion in my head. I thought about generating energy and began some intensive breathing that has since become a pivotal part of my health regimen. Over the past year, this practice, combined with a lifestyle free of additives, chemicals, vitamins, and pharmaceuticals in my diet, beauty products, and environment, and the incorporation of high-intensity exercise—focusing only on consuming or using whole foods and clean nutrients—along with fasting, regular exercise, and perhaps an abundance of joy and gratefulness, has led to profound results.

Not only have I noticed a significant increase in energy levels, the elimination of my Brain Cancer (CNS Lymphoma), and the eradication of a dental infection I had been fighting for years, but I’ve also witnessed remarkable physical changes. My lipid levels have improved, my body has returned to a size and shape from 45 years ago, dropping 6 sizes. I can now easily run several miles each week, I’m building body mass, my posture has improved, and physical signs of aging like the beginnings of a hump back have vanished (though my face still shows its age). These transformations have led me to ponder how deep breathing might be nurturing my mitochondria, suggesting that these practices could be synergistically enhancing my overall cellular health.

can deep breathing revitalize your mitochondria

Oxygenation

Increased Oxygen Supply: Deep breathing has allowed me to feed my cells with more oxygen, potentially enhancing the efficiency with which my mitochondria convert this oxygen into ATP, the energy currency of our cells. This could explain the noticeable surge in my energy levels and physical capabilities.

Stress Relief

Lowering Oxidative Stress: Through deep breathing, I’ve managed to lower my stress levels, reducing cortisol which in turn might decrease oxidative stress on mitochondria. Cortisol is a stress hormone, and high levels can lead to cellular damage. By managing stress, deep breathing might promote mitochondrial repair and prevent further damage.

Circulation

Enhanced Nutrient Delivery: The sensation of energy pulsing through my skin during breathing exercises suggests improved circulation. Better blood flow means more effective delivery of nutrients and removal of waste around mitochondria, supporting their health.

Autophagy Enhancement

Supporting Cellular Cleanup: While fasting is known to kick-start autophagy, a process where cells break down and recycle their components, I speculate that deep breathing could enhance this process, particularly mitophagy, where damaged mitochondria are cleared out. This might be playing a role in my health improvements.

pH Balance

Optimal Cellular Environment: By controlling CO2 levels through my breath, I might be maintaining the ideal pH for mitochondrial enzymes to work efficiently, ensuring they function at their best. pH balance is crucial for enzyme activity within cells.

Avoiding Modern Toxins

Reducing Chemical Load: I’ve eliminated many chemicals, additives, toxins and other substances from my life, which, based on individual studies, can act as endocrine disruptors. These are substances that interfere with hormone systems, potentially leading to health issues. By doing so, I aim to lessen the burden on my mitochondria. Ignoring the cumulative effect of these chemicals can overshadow their impact on mitochondrial function, leading to less energy production and more cellular stress.

Holistic Health Synergy

Holistic Health Approach: Combining deep breathing with fasting and clean living might synergistically enhance mitochondrial health, nurturing cellular health at its core.

Conclusion

While the scientific community has yet to fully investigate these connections in humans, my personal experience supports the hypothesis that a holistic approach—combining deep breathing, fasting, and clean living—can enhance mitochondrial health. Deep breathing goes beyond mere relaxation; it’s a fundamental method to nurture cellular health. Every breath has the potential to recharge cells at their core. Although further research is essential to validate these observations, the practice appears to have significantly contributed to my healing journey, enriching both my life and my cells in ways that suggest deep breathing might indeed revitalize mitochondria.

Fasting for Neural Autophagy: How Long is Optimal?

by Linda Wulf | Dec 15, 2024 | Main Blog | 0 comments

What is Autophagy?

Autophagy, derived from the Greek words “auto” (self) and “phagy” (eating), is a physiological process where cells dismantle and recycle their own damaged or unnecessary components. This self-cleaning mechanism is essential for:

Removing damaged organelles or proteins: By clearing out potentially harmful cellular debris.
Recycling nutrients: Providing cells with essential building blocks during nutrient scarcity, such as during fasting.

Neural Autophagy

Neural autophagy specifically refers to this process within neurons, focusing on the brain’s unique needs for cellular cleanup:
Neurons rely on autophagy to manage protein aggregates, damaged mitochondria, and other cellular waste that can accumulate due to high brain activity.

Neural Autophagy is thought to protects against neurodegenerative diseases: By clearing out toxic protein aggregates, neural autophagy might help prevent or mitigate conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease.

How Fasting Induces Autophagy

Fasting triggers autophagy as the body responds to nutrient deprivation.
Energy Conservation: The body conserves energy by recycling cellular components.
Cellular Repair: Autophagy increases to repair and maintain cellular integrity, especially beneficial for neurons which have a limited regeneration capacity.

Considerations for Fasting for Neural Autophagy

When considering fasting for the benefits of neural autophagy, here are some key points:

Start with Shorter Fasts: Begin with 16-24 hours to assess your body’s response. This can be part of intermittent fasting protocols where autophagy begins to increase significantly around 12 to 16 hours into fasting, with neuronal benefits possibly starting around 24 hours.
Progress to Longer Fasts: For more pronounced effects, some advocate fasting for 3 days (72 hours), where autophagy might be significantly enhanced, potentially aiding in cellular repair and cognitive function. However, extended fasting should be approached with caution.
Extended Fasting: There’s mention of fasts from 36 hours to 3 days for maximal activation of chaperone-mediated autophagy, a specific type beneficial for neural health.**
Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial, particularly during longer fasts, to support bodily functions.
Consultation: Before engaging in longer fasting periods, especially with pre-existing health conditions, consulting with a healthcare provider is wise to tailor fasting to your health needs.

Remember, the optimal fasting duration for neural autophagy can vary greatly among individuals based on health goals, current health status, and lifestyle. Personal experimentation under safe conditions, or better yet, under medical supervision, is advised to determine what works best for you.

Duration and Continuation of Autophagy

Once initiated, the duration of elevated autophagy depends on:

Fasting Duration: Autophagy can start within hours and might continue as long as the fasting lasts or until nutrients are replenished. Peak activity might occur around 24 to 72 hours.
Nutrient Intake: Eating, particularly a meal high in nutrients or protein, signals the body to downregulate autophagy, shifting from breakdown to building processes.
Cellular Needs: Autophagy continues as long as there’s a need for cellular cleanup or repair.
Physiological or Pathological Conditions: Chronic conditions or aging might alter baseline autophagy levels, influencing how long and how effectively autophagy functions.
Genetic and Environmental Factors: These can affect the efficiency and duration of autophagy.

In summary, while fasting can promote neural autophagy, the exact timing and duration of this process are highly individual and depend on a variety of factors including the fasting protocol, the individual’s metabolic state, and the reintroduction of nutrients. Always approach fasting with a balanced perspective on health, ensuring it complements other health practices rather than standing alone.

By: Linda Wulf and Grok 2

Click here for more information on Autophagy and Fasting. If you want to learn more about autophagy and fasting, feel free to reach out to us! We are here to provide you with the latest research, tips, and guidance on how fasting can activate autophagy and improve your overall health.

Navigating the Shadows of Gadolinium: A Patient’s Odyssey Through Medical Trust and Self- Advocacy

by Linda Wulf | Dec 13, 2024 | Main Blog | 0 comments

Gadolinium, a rare earth metal, serves as a contrast agent in MRI scans, enhancing the visibility of internal structures. This enhancement is crucial for diagnosing various conditions, including cancers, by providing clearer images of organs, tissues, and blood vessels.

The process of an MRI with gadolinium contrast, as applied in my case for diagnosing CNS Lymphoma, involves multiple non-contrast scans initially. These scans provide a baseline view of the brain’s structure. Following this, gadolinium is administered through an IV.

Gadolinium’s purpose is to enhance areas where the blood-brain barrier might be disrupted, such as in tumors, by making them appear brighter on MRI images. This contrast injection happens after initial scans are complete, allowing for comparison between the pre-and post-contrast images, which is crucial for identifying active disease areas. The repetition of this process over a week in my case was presumably to monitor rapid changes or responses to initial treatments, though the necessity of such frequency remains a point of personal contention and medical curiosity.

My experience with gadolinium was not through standard diagnostic procedures but was thrust upon me due to an urgent diagnosis of Central Nervous System Lymphoma (CNS Lymphoma), a rare form of brain cancer. This critical situation, treated at a premier medical research center, necessitated three MRIs with gadolinium contrast within my first week.

The FDA’s directive suggests that in such scenarios, the medical urgency might supersede the standard protocols for obtaining informed consent for gadolinium administration, highlighting how exceptional circumstances can dictate medical decision-making. At the time, I was unaware of the possible adverse side effects of gadolinium.

Gadolinium Poisoning

The pivotal moment in my understanding came several months ago during a casual conversation with a medical technician as I was being prepared for another MRI. He casually mentioned that gadolinium, the contrast agent used in my scans, is a rare earth element.

This sparked a deep dive into research, unveiling the potential long-term effects of gadolinium retention. Gadolinium poisoning, or gadolinium deposition disease, presents risks often under-discussed, with symptoms ranging from skin thickening to neurological issues like brain fog, muscle pain, and cognitive impairments. These symptoms might not manifest immediately but can emerge over time, particularly with repeated exposure, underscoring the necessity for cautious use and monitoring. Gadolinium deposits have been found in the brain.

Having just removed lymphoma from the center of my brain, the idea of introducing more elements into that now vulnerable area seemed counterintuitive to me. Despite reassurances from my doctor, the absence of routine testing for gadolinium levels in patients like myself, especially in a facility conducting trials on gadolinium exposure with non-patient participants, felt like a betrayal of trust.”

Betrayal of Trust

This was compounded by the FDA’s 2018 Drug Safety Communication regarding gadolinium, which was intended to inform healthcare professionals and patients about the risks associated with gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs). A review of the of document below reveals this communication was poorly structured, inconsistent, and unclear. It includes the following paragraph¹:

“All MRI centers should provide a Medication Guide the first time an outpatient receives a GBCA injection or when the information is substantially changed. In general, hospital inpatients are not required to receive a Medication Guide unless the patient or caregiver requests it. A health care professional who determines that it is not in a patient’s best interest to receive a Medication Guide because of significant concerns about its effects may direct that it not be provided to that patient; however, the Medication Guide should be provided to any patient who requests the information. (emphasis in bold is mine).

This lack of clarity not only undermines informed consent but also erodes the trust patients place in medical institutions and especially in regulatory bodies.

Things I could do…armed with knowledge, I took charge of my health. The decision to forgo further chemotherapy, focusing instead on resolving dental issues as a suspected root cause for my cancer was met with resistance. My insistence on understanding my gadolinium levels through a urine test marked my final and transition from patient to advocate. The results were alarming, prompting a reevaluation of my treatment plan and a decision to not undergo further exposure to gadolinium.

My experience underscores a critical need for transparency in medical practices and the competency of government agencies. Patients deserve not just treatment but also understanding—not just diagnosis but dialogue. The medical practice must evolve to include routine monitoring for gadolinium retention, especially in patients undergoing multiple scans. Moreover, the discussions around medical procedures should include not only benefits but also potential risks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this essay isn’t just a recount of personal medical trials but a call to action for healthcare reform. As we advance in medical technology, let us not forget the human element, ensuring that the tools meant to heal do not inadvertently harm. My story with gadolinium is one of many, advocating for a future where medical care is as transparent as the images it seeks to produce.

FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are retained in the body. May 16, 2018. Accessed: -09/24/2024 https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-warns-gadolinium-based-contrast-agents-gbcas-are-retained-body

Additional References Consulted:

Qu H, Li W, Wu Z, et al. Differences in hypersensitivity reactions and gadolinium deposition disease/symptoms associated with gadolinium exposure to gadolinium-based contrast agents: new insights based on global databases VigiBase, FAERS, and IQVIA-MIDAS. BMC Med. 2024;22:329. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-024-03537-2

Yao X, Hu J, et al. Deposition of gadolinium in the central and peripheral nervous systems and its effects on sensory, cognitive, and athletic implications after multiple injections of gadolinium-based contrast agents in rats. Am J Neuroradiol. 2024;45(8):1153-1161. DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.A8295.

Multihance (gadobenate dimeglumine). Princeton, NJ: Bracco Diagnostics Inc; 2024. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/021357s027,021358s025lbl.pdf

NOTE: When I sought urine tests to measure gadolinium levels, my doctors were unwilling to order them, relying instead on a mathematical calculation they believed sufficient. Determined to understand my body’s gadolinium burden, I purchased the tests myself online — item 3527, Comprehensive Urine Element Profile. This test also offers valuable insight into 33 elements, including lead, mercury, aluminum, arsenic, iron, zinc, calcium, and more. I’ve had success with True Health Labs (https://truehealthlabs.com) for ordering and processing these tests at home. Read the instructions carefully — it takes some planning. These tests are not covered by insurance or Medicare.

An “acceptable” gadolinium level is generally considered to be ≤ 0.019 mcg/g creatinine, though ranges may vary slightly by lab. My last MRI with contrast was on July 16, 2024. Since then, I’ve undergone three separate urine analyses to track my gadolinium levels over time:

Gadolinium Test Results
– August 14, 2024: 11.664 mcg/g creatinine – Severely elevated
– November 5, 2024: 0.500 mcg/g creatinine – Improved, but still high
– June 16, 2025: 0.25 mcg/g creatinine (24-hour collection) – Within normal range per lab standards

This trajectory has been encouraging. The downward trend suggests that my body is slowly clearing the gadolinium burden, possibly aided by lifestyle changes, detox protocols, or simply time. However, contrary to common assumptions, these foreign substances can remain in the body far longer than expected, and the full extent of their potential impact on human health remains uncertain. This journey of self-advocacy has been eye-opening, and I share these details to empower others navigating similar challenges.

Soy Lecithin, Seed Oils and Hexane – Oh My!

by Linda Wulf | Dec 13, 2024 | Main Blog | 0 comments

As a consumer increasingly conscious about what I put into my body, I’ve taken to scrutinizing food labels, and one ingredient that I recently reacted to and caught my eye is soy lecithin—a seemingly innocuous emulsifier present in an array of foods. My investigation into its production process has led me to a conclusion that might not be widely discussed: the possibility that this common additive could harbor small amounts of hexane residue, a solvent used in its extraction from soybeans.

The Hidden Hexane

Soy lecithin is extracted from soybean oil, which involves the use of hexane to separate the oil from the soybean flakes. Industry standards dictate that hexane should be removed after extraction, but my deeper dive suggests that traces might remain. The implications of this are significant. Hexane, while an effective solvent, is not without its dangers. As a neurotoxin, it has the potential to adversely affect the nervous system, causing symptoms ranging from mild dizziness to peripheral neuropathy in cases of significant exposure.

Why It Matters

While regulatory agencies set limits on hexane residues in food, these limits are based on assumptions of safety at low levels. However, my concern is that the cumulative effect of consuming these minuscule amounts over time, particularly for those with a diet rich in processed foods containing soy lecithin, might not be as benign as commonly thought. This personal scrutiny has led me to question whether we should be more vigilant about such residues, especially in an era where “clean eating” and minimizing chemical exposure are becoming more prevalent.

Hexane in Seed Oils

A Broader Concern: It turns out that hexane’s use isn’t limited to soy lecithin. It’s also employed in the production of other seed oils like canola, corn, and sunflower. This realization extends my personal concern to a broader spectrum of dietary staples, prompting a reevaluation of what we consider “safe” in our daily consumption.

Choosing Safer Oils – For those sharing my concern, here’s guidance on selecting oils less likely to contain hexane:

Cold-Pressed Oils:** These oils are produced by mechanically pressing seeds or nuts at low temperatures, avoiding chemical solvents entirely. Olive oil, avocado oil, and flaxseed oil are prime examples.
Expeller-Pressed Oils:** Similar to cold-pressed but can involve heat, yet still solvent-free, offering oils like peanut or sesame oil.
Organic Oils:** While not automatically hexane-free, organic labeling often implies the use of natural extraction methods. Always check for specifics on production.

Each of us needs to understand what we are putting into our bodies. We should question, research, and perhaps choose foods produced with methods that align more closely with our health and wellness goals, even if these concerns are not yet widely recognized. We must also strive to come up with better ways to produce these products. I believe that even minuscule amounts of toxins can have significant implications for our health.