Updated 11/4/2023; originally titled: "Dryer Sheets and General Health Hazards" 

Disclaimer: Articles referenced are from 2016-17. Some ingredients/stats about dryer sheets may have changed very significantly since then so this article was written to give a general idea about their health hazards.

As of 2017, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission didn't require ingredient lists on dryer sheets.
"Seven hazardous air pollutants and 25 volatile organic compounds (VOCs)" were found in the laundry vent emissions of a particular experiment of "scented fabric softening and dryer sheets" used in clean washers and dryers. Included were chemicals present in automotive tail pipe exhaust; benzene and acetaldehyde have no safe level(1). 
Fourty-four percent of tested scented laundry products gave off one or more cancer-causing air pollutants(1).
A 2016 study found that 12.5% of folks believed scented laundry products were causing them health problems. These included "respiratory issues, runny noses, asthma attacks, skin issues, migraines and even gastrointestinal symptoms."(1)
Some more rapidly-noticed effects of laundry-product scents are "migraines, asthma attacks, eye and throat irritation and contact dermatitis." Some dryer sheets are especially polluted and may have quaternary ammonium compounds, infamous for bringing on asthma. Other chemicals endanger wild animals(1). Important to remember: skin is "the most absorbent organ in your body."(2)
"Benzyl alcohol- Causes irritation within the upper respiratory tract... nausea, vomiting... and dramatic drops in blood pressure."(2)
"Acetaldehyde... in fake fragrance blends... adversely impacts the kidneys, nervous and respiratory systems."(1)
In the 1990s, an EPA/industry-generated list made of common ingredients in fabric softeners included multiple ingredients implicated in neurological disorders. Brain damage could come from - choloform(2).
Simply line-drying clothes outside saves energy and avoids toxic laundry scent chemicals(2).
My mom uses wool dryer balls in our clothes dryer - a much healthier option!

References:
1. Zerbe, Leah. "Stop Using Dryer Sheets Immediately!" Dr. Axe: Co-Founder of ANCIENT NUTRITION. Dr. Axe. June 14, 2017. Web. November 4, 2023. https://draxe.com/health/dryer-sheets/.
2. DailyHealthPost Editorial. "Dryer Sheets Cause Hormone Imbalance, Neurotoxicity, Respiratory Problems, and Even Cancer." Daily Health Post. Daily Health Post. April 23, 2016. Web. November 4, 2023. https://dailyhealthpost.com/dryer-sheets-dangers/.

   Our May 22nd installment last year titled, "Not On Nutrition Facts Labels: Types of Sugars" touched on a few basic simple sugar types; white sugar and a few other ways sugar is made toxic; and the need to have protein and fiber along with natural sources of sugar (Click for: LINK). I feel the need to follow up on sugar and elaborate some on healthy sugars.
   First in our "Not the Same" discussion of sugar is, that natural sugars are a lot more present than many think - especially in veggies! A medium-sized apple will have 19 grams of sugar; grapes 23; and a mango 46. However, fruits are healthy sugar sources. Among veggies, a cup of cubed sweet potatoes will have 6 grams; a cup of garbanzo beans/chickpeas 6; a cup of peas, 4; a large tomato, 5; a small head of cabbage, 23; and a zucchini, 8. Meals largely of protein and veggies can easily have more than 20 grams of sugar and yet have plenty of "vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber." It's more the "desserts, beverages, and packaged snacks" that add sugar without the context of good amounts of other nutrients that could use cutting out(1).
​   Plenty of natural added sugar sources in non-excessive amounts can have some value, even so. Raw honey (not the processed, fake kind!), maple syrup, coconut sugar, and blackstrap molasses all have minerals and antioxidants. Some of the above are low-glycemic. Raw honey also helps grow healthy bacteria. Fruit can be used to sweeten, too, in place of . Dates have nutrients that "help to metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates... [and] dates may help reduce LDL cholesterol in the blood and may reduce the risk of stroke."(2)

Personal Product Favorite:
Nutrient-dense meals with a fraction of the sugar

Sources:
1. "How Much Sugar Is in the Food We Eat?" Isagenix Health. Isagenix Worldwide, Inc. 1 Aug. 2018. 9 Nov. 2020. https://www.isagenixhealth.net/how-much-sugar-is-in-the-food-we-eat/.
2. Axe, Josh. "11 Best Sugar Substitutes (the Healthiest Natural Sweeteners)." Dr. Axe. Dr. Axe. 16 Mar. 2020. 9 Nov. 2020. https://draxe.com/nutrition/sugar-substitutes/.
   

   Calories tend to be treated as the same by a lot of folks, and to where every bit less consumed is better to lose weight. First of all, weight loss will be short-term unless one's diet is nutrient-rich [everyone needs nutrient-rich!]. Protein is key as having close to 30% of daily calories from protein will keep you fuller, consuming up to 400-something less calories during the day; reduce snacking urges; and turn up metabolism, possibly burning up to 100 calories in a day more. Simply drinking 8 glasses of water will help burn an average of 90-something calories, especially with drinking a couple glasses of water before meals. Eliminating sugary drinks and juices as well as non-fiber-rich carbs will help reduce risk of obesity and support metabolic health(1).
   A general rule of thumb, though, is that consuming about 500 less calories than what is needed to maintain one's weight is part of healthy weight loss. Otherwise, metabolism will go down too much to compensate. Resistance exercise in particular is part of keeping metabolism up(1). Increasing fiber and decreasing overall calorie consumption both need to be done gradually. Energy levels may go down temporarily for a time with calorie restriction, and then go up afterward. Cutting down on excess sugars may result in headaches, and may the need for a few extra healthy snacks at the commencement of a weight-loss protocol(2). 

Sources:
1. Gunnars, Kris. "How Many Calories Should You Eat per Day to Lose Weight?" Healthline. Healthline Media. 16 Oct. 2020. Web. 26 Oct. 2020. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-many-calories-per-day#calorie-counters.
2. "Switching to a Healthy Lifestyle: What to Expect." Isagenix Health. Isagenix Worldwide, Inc. 3 Nov. 2017. Web. 26 Oct. 2020. https://www.isagenixhealth.net/switching-healthy-lifestyle-expect/.

   Vegetarians and vegans do tend to eat more fiber (good for digestive and heart health) than many meat-eaters. At least, that's an average tendency and not an automatic However, excluding meat can mean eating processed foods, including refined snack foods and baked goods, instead of [what you'd stereotype as] veggies, legumes, and other important whole foods(1). [A lot of demonization or overemphasis of different nutrients or food groups is a part of popular diet culture. Getting the whole picture of a healthy diet means paying attention to whatever is proven to be vital to optimal health and finding a balance of the best-quality source(s) to get all of them possible in you.] Many meal replacements focus mainly on calories and protein and not phytonutrients from fruits and veggies playing so many vital bodily roles(2). There can be nasty hexane/chemical extraction used to eke out protein for different products(3). Further on the fiber side, not enough water may be consumed as the flip side of digestive health, flushing any amount of fiber through(1).
   Moderated calorie consumption provides energy for the body and vegetarians and vegans do tend to consume less(1) [though again, calories aren't an end-all health strategy]. As cheese is used as a protein source in place of meat for many vegetarians, "ounce-for-ounce, cheese contains only about 80% of the protein found in chicken, but [has] nearly 2.5 times the calories" and therefore is not as protein-efficient(1). Many plant-based proteins tend not to have all nine essential amino acids in them, so combining different sources tends to round out the profile more(2). [Having milk is a food-culture mandate and yet] a cup of almond milk tends to have a gram of protein and a bunch of added sugar compared to 8 grams of protein in cow's milk. Plant foods may include iron but also need Vitamin C to absorb; omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin B12 are also deficiencies vegetarians are prone to(1). 
   Vegetarian, vegan, or meat-inclusive diets can be healthy or not. It all depends on the whole context of what's in them. I actually like veggie curry better than a steak by itself so, getting in as good a mix of nutrients as possible can be fun. Culture teaches us that certain foods have to go together in a manner often arbitrary of healthiness, so letting go of cultural food mandates will need to happen at some point as well.

Personal Product Favorite:
Complete, complete plant-based meals

Sources:
1. Link, Rachael. "12 Mistakes to Avoid on a Vegetarian or Vegan Diet." Healthline. Healthline Media. 28 July 2017. Web. 21 Sept. 2020. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vegetarian-and-vegan-mistakes.
2. "What To Look for When Choosing a Plant-Based Shake." Isagenix Health. Isagenix Worldwide, Inc. 25 Aug. 2020. Web. 21 Sept. 2020.
3. "Plant-Based Protein Explained." Isagenix Health. Isagenix Worldwide, Inc. 28 Jul. 2020. Web. 21 Sept. 2020.

   Both vera (meaning "true" or "genuine")(1) and barbadensis are alternate species names for the same plant used on skin and also internally(1,2). Aloe vera is variously thought to have come from southern or eastern Africa(2) or the southwestern portion of the Arabian peninsula and has been naturalized in northern Africa, the Canaries, Cape Verde, and the Madeira islands(1). Many of about 600 aloe genus members have history behind them of economic and medicinal functions(2) (backed up by ancient documents)(1) yet due to how the various species work, the consumer ought to stick with vera(2).
   It is vital to note that aloe vera gel, juice, and latex are all different products. Gel is the key product, the inner portion of the leaf mashed after having the green outer leaf and teeth removed in the filleting process. "The polysaccharides, non-caloric long-chain sugars, associated with Aloe vera gel’s positive effects have been well-studied." Commonly cheaper aloe juice is from pressed leaves. Aloe latex is from "the cuticle of the aloe leaf, the portion with specialized cells called pericyclic tubules, which occur beneath the epidermis. These cells produce a bitter yellow juice" rife with aloin; latex is considered a drug, harmful in all but brief and limited use, and is not recommended for use in dietary supplements(2). Aloin was once a questionable OTC laxative product until banned by the FDA(1).
   Besides use on burns to skin infections to insect bites and more, aloe gel helps "support sugar levels, cardiovascular health, upper respiratory tract conditions, digestive problems, stomach ulcers, and as a detoxifying agent." Specifically, it activates bodily enzymes that eliminate toxic substances and protect organs from poisons from foods and without. It is important to note that many commercial aloe products have fillers slipped in(2); further note: aloe may have adverse reactions with prescription heart, diabetes, blood pressure, and diuretic drugs(1).

Personal Product Favorite (Aloin-free!):
Cleanse drink

Sources:
1. Wikipedia contributors. "Aloe vera." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 20 Jul. 2020. Web. 27 Jul. 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloe_vera.
2. "Ingredient Spotlight: Aloe." Isagenix Health. Isagenix Worldwide, Inc. 27 Nov. 2017. Web. 27 Jul. 2020. https://www.isagenixhealth.net/ingredient-spotlight-aloe/.

   Sodium is one of the electrolytes, the minerals with an electric charge which leap around through blood and extracellular fluid between them all hydrating (rather than drying out) the body, regulating blood pressure, keeping blood pH (acidity level) right, allowing tissues to heal, and tons, tons more(1). Human blood is about .9% salt - muscles cramp and weaken without it plus exhaustion sets in(2) - especially important to address in athletic activities where electrolytes sweat out all the more(1). Astronauts who ate more salt actually reported drinking less water yet urinating more(2). 
   There is salt, and salt, though. Table salt processes and bakes at close to 1,200*F to where it loses at least about 80 beneficial natural minerals and nutrients, strips down essentially to sodium chloride, and otherwise plain chemically alters in the process. Yet, some addictive substances like neurotoxic aluminum get added in in turn. This also includes generic refined sea salt if not labeled as unrefined(2). [In other words, all considered, low-sodium diets tend to censure all salt versus just nasty table salt]
   A half a teaspoon of raw, unrefined salt, or 3 grams, is considered a rule of thumb for bodily hydration per 10 glasses of water(2). My parents and I prefer the taste of Himalayan pink salt (white Himalayan is refined). We take a pinch at a time during the day if our lips are dry.

Sources:
1.  "Why Electrolytes Are So Important." Isagenix Health, Isagenix Worldwide, Inc., 16 February 2015, https://www.isagenixhealth.net/why-electrolytes-are-so-important/.
2.  "The Right Salt Is Essential | Salt Gets A Bad Rap." Colorful Canary, 25 February 2010, https://www.colorfulcanary.com/2010/02/salts-gets-bad-rap.html.

Soy that the body also identifies partly as Brazil nuts(1)? Here are just a few little reasons why the body responds differently to genetically modified (GMO) foods differ than foods around for thousands of years or at least hybridized through conventional crosses:
Digestive inflammation and irritation attends these GMOs (1) which the body doesn't even recognize as normal. They tend to be designed to accommodate more pesticides and other agricultural chemicals rather than replace them(1) - so we get exposed to more residual stuff that doesn't just keep away the unwanted organisms from the fields.
While I personally try to avoid rice by when by itself and soy protein, GMOs especially impact populations whose dominant staples are the very foods that have been genetically modified, and so they get the biggest doses of GMOs if those varieties are prevalent. Taiwan, which does consume a lot of soy, has banned GMOs in school lunches - they recognized by about a year ago that an extra 15 US cents up-front per kid per lunch saves some dough on health issues(2).

Sources:
1. Passero, Dr. Kevin. "Is Paying Extra for Organic Really Worth It?" Live in the Now, Nutranext Direct, LLC, http://www.liveinthenow.com/article/is-paying-extra-for-organic-really-worth-it
2. Z., Isabelle. "Taiwan has banned GMOs in school lunches; when will America protect its children and do the same?" prevention.news, Prevention News, 17 January 2017, ​http://www.prevention.news/2017-01-17-taiwan-banned-gmos-in-school-lunches-when-will-america.html

Lesson that single foods can't replace veggies, fruits, or other elements in a truly balanced diet and yet they also aren't the same as in the past: dairy. There is a certain fishy and quite ambiguous label that implies rBGH-laced milk is the same as that without the use of those bovine growth hormones. 
The mid-1800s already echoed modern-day conventional milk production with the development of whiskey-swill feed. This toxic milk turned blue and had taste, color, and more additives to "fix" it a bit. The World War I era had a backlash which mandated pasteurization in reaction to this nasty kind of milk, without much mention that milk used not to be quite so fake. There was even and early "certified clean" raw milk certification which acknowledged there were better ways to produce dairy yet got swept away(1).
Today, modern dairy cattle receive hormones and lots of other chemicals in feed and the general process... even yield prescription drugs in the milk. Yes, there are plenty of other ways to get calcium than milk(2). Yet, drugs are meant to produce some effect on someone, as well as side effects. Those weren't in the food of the past.

Sources:
1. http://www.mylittlehomestead.com/historyofrawmilk.html
2. ​http://www.seattleorganicrestaurants.com/vegan-whole-food/chemicals-antibiotics-in-milk-glyphosate-toxic-to-dairy-cows.php