Potassium Bromate is commonly found in our food & personal care products.  But we should avoid it. Why?

Carcinogenicity: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies it as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans), with links to kidney, thyroid, and gastrointestinal cancers in animal studies.
Dermal Absorption: While typically poorly absorbed through healthy skin, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel recommends it not exceed 10.17% in hair formulations to minimize risk.
Acute Toxicity: If ingested, it can cause severe symptoms, including abdominal pain, vomiting, kidney failure, and permanent hearing loss.
Organ Damage: Repeated exposure can lead to nervous system effects, such as headaches and impaired thinking, as well as chronic kidney damage.

Soy (glycine soja) & derivative products are commonly found in our food & personal care products.  But we should avoid them. Why?

1. Processing and Nutritional Profile. Highly Processed Soy: Most health concerns center on heavily refined products like soy protein isolate found in protein bars and mock meats. These often contain added sugar, sodium, and fillers, lacking the fiber and nutrients of whole soy. GMOs and Pesticides: Approximately 94% of soy grown in the U.S. is genetically modified (GMO). Critics note these crops are often heavily treated with the herbicide glyphosate, which may carry long-term health risks and disrupt gut health.
2. Hormonal Concerns (Phytoestrogens). Estrogen Mimicry: Soy contains isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens that can mimic or block the hormone estrogen. While this may help menopausal symptoms, excessive intake (>100 mg/day) has been linked in some studies to reduced ovarian function and reproductive hormone levels in women.
3. Thyroid Function. Goitrogens: Soy contains goitrogens, which can interfere with iodine absorption. Specific Risks: For those with healthy thyroids and adequate iodine, soy is generally safe. However, it may worsen conditions for those with hypothyroidism or iodine deficiency. Medication Interference: Soy is known to interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine (thyroid medication); patients are advised to wait at least four hours between taking the drug and consuming soy.
4. Digestive Issues and Anti-nutrients. Anti-nutrients: Soy contains compounds like phytic acid and protease inhibitors that can block the absorption of vital minerals such as zinc, iron, and calcium. Digestive Distress: Some individuals experience gas, bloating, or nausea due to these anti-nutrients. Fermenting, sprouting, or cooking soy can significantly reduce these levels and improve digestibility.  Because soy is a lectin, the spike protein can cause leaky gut.
5. Allergies and Sensitivities. Common Allergen: Soy is one of the top nine food allergens in the US. Reactions can range from mild itching to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Cross-Reactivity: Some practitioners suggest soy can cross-react with gluten in sensitive individuals, potentially maintaining inflammation even on a gluten-free diet.
6. Related to cancer. Soy has too much linoleic acid.

Phthalates are commonly found in our food & personal care products.  But we should avoid them. Why?

1. Reproductive and Developmental Harm. Male Reproductive Issues: Chronic exposure can interfere with testosterone production, leading to decreased sperm count, poor sperm quality, and infertility in men. Fetal Development: Phthalates cross the placenta and can cause birth defects, specifically in male infants (such as shortened anogenital distance and genital malformations). Pregnancy Complications: Higher levels are linked to increased risks of preterm birth, miscarriage, and low birth weight. Early Puberty: Exposure is associated with the premature onset of puberty, particularly in young girls.
2. Metabolic and Chronic Diseases. Obesity and Diabetes: By affecting hormones that regulate fat tissue and insulin, phthalates are linked to an increased risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Cardiovascular Health: Some studies suggest high levels of certain phthalates (like DEHP) are associated with increased cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, particularly in older adults.
3. Neurological and Behavioral Impacts. Child Development: Prenatal and early childhood exposure is linked to neurodevelopmental issues, including lower IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders such as ADHD and autism. Mental Health: In pregnant women, high exposure has been associated with increased chances of postpartum depression.
4. Respiratory and Immune Issues. Allergies and Asthma: Exposure can worsen allergic symptoms and increase the risk of developing asthma and eczema in children. Inflammation: Some phthalates can trigger chronic inflammation in the lungs and other tissues.
5. Cancer Risks. Probable Carcinogens: The EPA and other agencies identify certain phthalates (like DEHP and DINP) as probable human carcinogens. Specific Links: Research has found associations between phthalate exposure and increased risks of breast, uterine, and liver cancers.

*Avoid Fragrances: Choose personal care and cleaning products labeled “fragrance-free” or “phthalate-free”.
*Limit Processed Foods: Reduce intake of fast food and ultra-processed items, which often absorb phthalates from industrial packaging and gloves.
*Switch Containers: Use glass, stainless steel, or porcelain for food storage instead of plastic, especially when heating food.
*Dust Regularly: Since phthalates accumulate in household dust from vinyl flooring and electronics, regular vacuuming and dusting can lower inhalation risk.

Parabens are commonly found in our food & personal care products.  But we should avoid them. Why?

1. Endocrine Disruption. Parabens are known xenoestrogens, meaning they can mimic the hormone estrogen in the body. Reproductive Issues: Some studies link parabens—specifically propyl- and butylparaben—to decreased sperm count and motility in men, and altered menstrual cycles or decreased fertility in women. Developmental Risks: Exposure during pregnancy has been associated with preterm births and lower birth weights. Early Puberty: Research suggests a link between high paraben levels and earlier onset of puberty in girls.
2. Cancer Concerns. Breast Cancer: A 2004 study famously detected intact parabens in human breast tumors. While this does not prove they cause cancer, experts are concerned that their estrogen-mimicking effects could fuel the growth of certain hormone-sensitive tumors. Skin Cancer: Some research suggests methylparaben may react with UV rays to increase skin cell death and potentially DNA damage, which could increase skin cancer risk.
3. Skin Irritation and Sensitivity. Contact Dermatitis: Parabens can cause allergic reactions, including itching, redness, bumps, and flaking skin. Existing Conditions: They may worsen symptoms for individuals with eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis.

This also includes Isobutylparaben & Isopropylparaben, so watch for those, too.

BPA is commonly found in packaging for food & personal care items. Why is BPA bad?

1. Endocrine and Reproductive Disruption. BPA is an xenoestrogen that mimics the hormone estrogen, interfering with natural hormonal signaling. Female Fertility: Linked to reduced oocyte (egg) quality, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and increased rates of implantation failure in IVF treatments. Male Fertility: Associated with decreased sperm count, concentration, and motility, as well as erectile dysfunction and lower sex drive. Pregnancy Risks: Exposure in utero may lead to fetal abnormalities, low birth weight, and altered development of reproductive organs.
2. Developmental and Behavioral Issues in Children. Infants and children are the most vulnerable because their bodies are rapidly developing. Brain and Behavior: Linked to neurodevelopmental problems including hyperactivity (ADHD), anxiety, depression, and aggression. Early Puberty: Exposure is associated with the earlier onset of puberty, particularly in girls.
3. Chronic Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases. Metabolic Disorders: BPA acts as an “obesogen,” promoting fat cell production and lipid accumulation. It is linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and Type 2 diabetes. Heart Health: Higher urinary BPA levels are associated with increased risks of hypertension, coronary heart disease, and cardiovascular abnormalities.
4. Increased Cancer Risk. BPA’s ability to interfere with hormone receptors may contribute to the development and progression of hormone-dependent cancers, including breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers.
5. Emerging 2025 Health Concerns. Immune System Suppression: Recent evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that BPA can harm the immune system, potentially increasing susceptibility to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Increased Mortality: Long-term studies have linked high BPA levels to a significant (up to 49%) increase in all-cause mortality over a 10-year period.

Check Recycle Codes: Avoid hard, clear plastic containers marked with #7 unless they are specifically labeled as “BPA-free.” Recycle code 5 generally means BPA-free.

Be sure to check out the most recent update from Dr. Dubravec here: https://wp.me/pecX6i-2j7 

An Update Regarding Coronavirus

Dr. Martin Dubravec

April 6, 2023

A Happy and Blessed Easter to All!

This information is being provided on a periodic basis for patients and others interested in updates regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19, Sars-CoV-2).  Facts are provided.  My comments and opinions are listed separately.  The goal of these updates has been to help the community in keeping informed of issues regarding Coronavirus from a local medical perspective.  As a clinical immunologist, I believe it is vital that information be shared with regard to this important issue.  If you would like to receive this information via Email, feel free to Email us at aasc1234@protonmail.com .   The opinions expressed in this Email are that of Dr. Dubravec.  Good doctors can disagree. Readers are encouraged to seek as much information as possible regarding COVID-19.  Information in this Email is not intended as a replacement for diagnosis or treatment by your doctor. Nothing in this Email provides medical advice or any form of diagnosis or treatment. Medical decisions should be made by the patient’s physician.  All information provided here is for general informational purposes and is not medical advice to users.

If you would like to receive this information via Email, feel free to Email us at aasc1234@protonmail.com .

Fact:

It has now been three years since this office first wrote information regarding COVID-19.  Here is a reflection from a medical professional.

Comment/Opinion:

March 29, 2023

COVID-19 – Three Years Later

It has been three years since the COVID-19 (Sars-CoV2, Coronavirus) outbreak occurred in the United States.  It has had an impact on American society equal to or greater than any other momentous event in American history.  Its impact on American medicine has been dramatic.  Although much of it is negative and dangerous, the precedents set and the ripples COVID-19 responses produced have set in motion a train in US medical care that will either be destroyed if it pursues a derailed course or will set itself straight again with strength and vigor if we learn the lessons of these few dramatic years.

The Fantastic Success of Fear

The narrative of COVID-19 was set on a backdrop of coordinated, incremental fearmongering and outright lies.  As the virus was spreading from China, dramatic and apocalyptic forecasts of two to three million lives lost, just in the US, were being predicted based on “modeling” that had no rational foundation.  This draconian information was not tempered by real world data in Italy, one of the earliest countries hit by the virus, which showed that COVID-19 was by almost all objective measures a disease of elderly or those with multiple medical conditions; other age groups were not dying or even becoming seriously ill with the disease.   By August 2020, the CDC had to admit that just 6% of COVID-19 deaths listed on their Provisional Death Count Webpage could be conclusively attributed to COVID-19 (1), and in September 2020 the CDC stated that those over the age of 75 years had a 94.65% of NOT dying from COVID-19 if they became ill with it.  Other data revealed a similar high recovery rate from infection. (2)

The false notion that anyone could spread COVID-19, even though they were asymptomatic, was heavily promoted to spread the fear that all of us were dangers to each other.  This led to office, church, and business closures at a scale unprecedented in US history.  Even after credible research showing that asymptomatic individuals have less than a 3% chance of spreading viral illness (3), the mindset and the fear was embedded in the minds of millions.

Even the testing used to determine COVID-19 infection was manipulated and abused.  Testing relied on PCR swabs from the upper airway which used a number of cycles to determine the presence of possible COVID-19.  At first, in concert with appropriate lab techniques, approximately 23 cycles were used to run the tests.  However, shortly after the testing became widespread, the number of cycles mysteriously increased to more than 30 cycles.  Many labs used 40 cycles which caused a false positive rate of 80% or more, leading to a host of mislabeled individuals as having COVID-19.  This is in addition to the developer of the PCR test noting that the PCR test should not be used for diagnosis of COVID-19 as it picks up particles of the virus and not the full virus itself.  The CDC itself issued caution with the use of PCR testing (4).

But this information did not matter.  With regard to the medical community, irrational fear infected many doctors like a 14^th century plague.  Physicians developed fear on multiple levels.  On the one hand, they feared getting the virus even though early data revealed it to be no more dangerous than influenza.  Patients reported that their doctor refused to see them if they had a fever, a cough, or other symptoms that patients often get with their seasonal sinus infections or bronchitis.  Some doctors refused to go to restaurants or allow anyone to visit their homes. Other doctors would be seen wearing masks everywhere, even alone in their cars.  One patient revealed that she told she would not be seen since she was sick.  Another doctor bought a motor home so he would not have to be on a plane or in a hotel when traveling.  Another doctor called and asked, in 2021 (a year after the onset of COVID-19 in the United States), if it was OK for him to fly in a plane.  A patient reported that after she came for her appointment for bronchitis and coughed once in the exam room, her doctor kicked her out of the office and yelled her the entire way out of the building, scolding her for exposing the doctor and other patients to potential COVID-19.   With regard to this doctor, it appeared to be out of abject fear of COVID-19 infection.

But fear of illness was not the only type of fear doctors had.  Fear of being outside of the “herd” also infected many doctors as they witnessed the censoring of medical professionals who discussed any ideas contrary to a certain narrative.  Led by the CDC and other organizations, a “do not treat until we have a vaccine” attitude seemed to arise and take hold.  Physicians who presented an abundance of data regarding early treatment of COVID-19 with repurposed drugs (e.g., hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin) were censored and/or harassed.  Complaints were filed to state licensing boards by pharmacists, patients, and fellow physicians in a type of mass formation psychosis never before seen in the United States.  Although no doctor lost his/her license prescribing hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin for COVID-19 (as it is legal to do so), the threat of scrutiny from a state authority scared many physicians and they simply slammed the door on their ill patients requesting this care.  The damage to the doctor/patient relationship was catastrophic.

Hospitals were incentivized to the tune of thousands of dollars to offer remdesivir instead of hydroxychloroquine or ivermectin, even though the World Health Organization refused to recommend remdesivir, which has a 22% chance of causing kidney failure, as a drug to treat COVID-19.  Hospitals were also financially rewarded for every COVID-19 diagnosis they documented, leading to outrageous incidents such as one where a young individual who died in a motorcycle accident was given the diagnosis of COVID-19 on his death certificate.   Hospitals and health care systems now employ over 70% of physicians in the United States.  Many of them prohibited physicians from prescribing potentially life-saving therapies, and physicians who did had their prescriptions denied and/or the physicians were fired.  This led to many physicians simply complying out of fear for their paychecks.  The move from independent physician practice over the past 30 years, where the patient is the physician’s bread and butter, to an employed situation where the doctor’s income is from a medical care system, allowed for doctors to be bullied into compliance with treatment strategies (or lack of them) that they had no freedom from which to move away.

This irrational fear lives on.  Many patients still have difficulty seeing a doctor face to face, either because their doctor demands a “telemedicine” visit or because the doctor wears a mask.  One patient described how he has no clue what his doctor looks like as his doctor of three years still wears a mask when seeing each patient and demands his patients do the same.  This is after numerous research which fails to show any significant benefit in preventing transmission or reception of COVID-19 with wearing a mask. (5)

Ignorance:  The Force Multiplier of Fear

As the virus was spreading in the Spring of 2020, many physicians blindly followed guidelines set forth by the CDC with regard to the treatment (or non-treatment) of COVID-19.  The CDC is first and foremost a data gathering organization.  It provides advisory guidelines and suggestions with regard to the care of patients. (6)  This all changed with COVID-19.  Doctors, for the most part, did whatever the CDC recommended.  Included in this recommendation was that patients would not be treated for COVID-19 until they were significantly ill.  Outpatient management of COVID-19 with hydroxychloroquine or ivermectin was discouraged (but never illegal).  This led many outpatient doctors to simply close the door on understanding this viral illness.

The FDA also recommended against (but did not prohibit) the use of repurposed drugs for early treatment of COVID-19.  However, unbeknownst to many a health care professional, the FDA has regulatory oversight on the approval of drugs for human consumption and their advertising.  A doctor has discretion for what reason a drug is used.  It is legal for physicians to use drugs “off label”, i.e., for purposes other than what they were FDA approved to be used for, if that doctor has appropriate reasons for doing so, including clinical research and/or experience.  This has been a hallmark of American medicine for years.

At times over the past 3 years, it seemed as if patients knew more than their doctors with regard to the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and acute treatment of COVID-19.  This led to a significant erosion of patient confidence with regard to the knowledge of their doctors.  Doctors who did treat COVID-19 with repurposed drugs were overwhelmed.

The New Pandemic:  Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccination was hailed as the “fix”, and the only fix, for the spread of infection.  A new technology, gene therapy vaccines (mRNA), never tried on humans for prevention of viral illness, was rapidly amassed and set into motion.  This is despite the failure (and death) of animals when this technology was attempted for an earlier form of Coronavirus (Sars-CoV-1).  The resulting data after the vaccines were rolled out is troubling.  As an example, by February of 2021, both Pfizer (one of the manufacturers of the mRNA vaccines) and the FDA were aware of 275 strokes that occurred in association with these vaccines; 60 of these 275 patients died, with 30 of the 60 deaths occurring within 48 hours of receiving the vaccine.  This information was not made public until a court order one year later. (7)  Numerous other statistics have been made public, including over 34,000 deaths, 1800 heart attacks, 64,000 permanently disabled, and 4000 miscarriages reported in association with receiving COVID-19 vaccination. (8)  Despite these statistics from the CDC and FDA, COVID-19 vaccination continues to be recommended.  Other vaccines have been pulled due to vastly less deaths and injuries associated with them.  Although not all deaths associated with vaccinations can with certainty be blamed on the vaccine, in drug and vaccination reactions, the rule applies:  correlation is cause until abundant evidence points otherwise.

Safety concerns with regard to COVID-19 vaccines are not the only problem with them.  Their effectiveness is seriously questioned.  (9)

The silent response from the American public is deafening:  less than 20% of Americans are “fully vaccinated” to COVID-19 as of this writing.

Hope For  the Future

There are plenty of signs that point to a better future, even if not a total resolution, of the misinformation and fear that has been so much a part of our culture over the past three years.  The truth is coming out in greater amounts.  Doctors previously banned from social media are once again accessible on these platforms.  The lack of further vaccination by a significant amount of the American public reflects a hesitancy, or a wearing out, of the fearmongering that gripped so many people.

We have learned a lot about treating viral illness with repurposed drugs.  Even the virus itself, which did kill and injure thousands of Americans, is much milder than the original form and can be expected to take its place as a cold bug alongside other Coronaviruses that have been a part of the viral landscape in the US for over 50 years.

Many Americans have learned the value of advocating for their health and developing networks of medical care that they can trust and access.  Many people who feared have learned to overcome and manage their fear.   Although for many, the doctor/patient relationship has suffered irreparably, for others, it has been strengthened.

A good number of Americans have returned to a spiritual life and have rediscovered God.  They are submitting themselves to the will of God.  They are also committing themselves to making their community a better place to live, and like the founding fathers of this country, are dedicating themselves to helping future generations have a better life and hopefully learn from these past three years.

It is wrong not to hope.  Hope is integral to good health.  Let us all hope in a better future, God-based, and free of anxiety and unnecessary fear.

Martin Dubravec, MD

Allergy, Asthma, and Integrative Care

Cadillac, MI  49601

Bibliography

(1) https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/covid_weekly/index.htm

(2) https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/new-york-coronavirus-cases.html

https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/programs/2016-11/Michigan%20Epi%20Profile%20Final.pdf

www.michigan.gov/coronavirus

(3) https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMc2003100

(4) https://www.fda.gov/media/134922/download

(5) https://www.cochrane.org/CD006207/ARI_do-physical-measures-such-hand-washing-or-wearing-masks-stop-or-slow-down-spread-respiratory-viruses

(6)

(7) https://www.phmpt.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/reissue_5.3.6-postmarketing-experience.pdf

(8) https://www.openvaers.com/covid-dat

(9) https://www.theepochtimes.com/protection-from-new-covid-19-vaccines-drops-sharply-within-months-cdc_5080704.html?ea_src=ai&ea_med=search

An Update Regarding Coronavirus

Dr. Martin Dubravec

March 10, 2023

This information is being provided on a periodic basis for patients and others interested in updates regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19, Sars-CoV-2).  Facts are provided.  My comments and opinions are listed separately.  The goal of these updates has been to help the community in keeping informed of issues regarding Coronavirus from a local medical perspective.  As a clinical immunologist, I believe it is vital that information be shared with regard to this important issue.  If you would like to receive this information via Email, feel free to Email us at aasc1234@protonmail.com.   The opinions expressed in this Email are that of Dr. Dubravec.  Good doctors can disagree. Readers are encouraged to seek as much information as possible regarding COVID-19.  Information in this Email is not intended as a replacement for diagnosis or treatment by your doctor. Nothing in this Email provides medical advice or any form of diagnosis or treatment. Medical decisions should be made by the patient’s physician.  All information provided here is for general informational purposes and is not medical advice to users.

If you would like to receive this information via Email, feel free to Email us at aasc1234@protonmail.com.

Fact:

On February 15, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a Health Alert regarding MRNA  Covid-19 vaccine safety. According to data from the state of Florida, “The reporting of life threating conditions increased over 4,400 percent” after the release of Covid-19 vaccines.

Also from this Health Alert, the following is notable: “The findings in Florida are consistent with various studies that continue to uncover such risks. To further evaluate this, the Surgeon General of Florida wrote a letter to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC)  illustrating the risk factors associated with the MRNA Covid-19 vaccines and emphasizing the need for additional transparency. This Health Alert then proceeded to cite three additional studies showing an increased risk of serious adverse events including blood clots, cardiac injury and neurologic disease in Covid-19 vaccines.

Source:

Comment/Opinion:

Data continues to mount regarding the dangers of Covid-19 vaccination. Coupled with the significant data showing, and the CDC itself admitting, that Covid vaccination does not prevent transmission or infection of Covid-19, the recommendation for vaccination is, at best, questionable.

Fact:

CDC has reported that only 16% of Americans have received all of the “recommended” Covid-19 vaccinations.

Source:

Comment/Opinion:

As of this writing, only 16.2% of Americans have received all of the recommended Covid-19 vaccinations according to the CDC. The reasons for this are multiple. As discussed in other information updates, many Americans have been injured by these vaccines or know of individuals who were injured, who were possibly injured, or died from complications of receiving Covid-19 vaccinations. Furthermore, as Covid-19 has become less significant as an infectious agent, the risks of Covid infection, although always very low, are even lower now.

Fact:  Michigan State University has dropped its Covid-19 vaccination requirements for students and employees.

Source: 

https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/2023/02/28/msu-drops-covid-19-vaccinations-and-booster-mandate/69955515007/

Comment/Opinion:

In what can be considered as an admission of many things, including the potential danger and lack of benefit of Covid-19 vaccination, this university has finally dropped its requirements for vaccination.  Vaccination for Covid-19, even if it were safe and effective, is questionable for college students as their risk of significant illness or death with Covid-19 is virtually zero.

Fact:

The Surgeon General of Florida has written an important letter to the CDC and the FDA regarding the dangers of Covid-19, regarding concerns of safety related to Covid-19 vaccination

Source:

Comments/Opinion:

Dr. Joseph A Ladapo, MD, PhD, Surgeon General of the state of Florida, has written a significant letter outlining concerns that many physicians have had for over 18 months regarding Covid-19 vaccinations. In his letter, it is obvious that Dr. Ladapo speaks for many concerned physicians when he states the following, “To claim these vaccines are” “safe and effective” while minimizing and disregarding the adverse events is unconscionable.”

At this point, it is obvious that Covid-19 vaccination can no longer be considered safe and effective without first acknowledging and adequately showing that the millions of adverse events associated with these vaccines have been appropriately addressed.

What is the path forward for Covid-19?  At this point, based on over 24  months of treating Covid-19 as well as reviewing the literature regarding Covid-19 and research and data related to this virus, I believe it is safe to conclude at this point that Covid-19 has taken it’s place as the latest in mild, harmless viral infections that affect the nose, sinuses, and throats of Americans for a few days. I believe in almost all cases it should be considered harmless. It can be expected Covid will not be what it was in 2020 as far as its virulence and danger to those who are elderly or have multiple medical problems.   After a thoughtful review of medical literature and the numerous injuries that have occurred in patients who have received these vaccines, vaccination with potentially dangerous and unproven vaccines that have not be shown to decrease transmission or infection with Covid-19 cannot be recommended.