To DYE for: Artificial dyes in the food are just part of the problem.

On Monday while Larry and I were celebrating his 81st birthday with a gone for the day outing, we visited Shendoah River State Park in Bentonville. We stopped at a scenic overlook near the park entrance. What a glorious view of the mountains!

We weren't alone. A young man motorcycling through Virginia on the way to visit his mom in Maryland was also enjoying the view. We had a lovely conversation and I've been praying for him. 

One thing I particularly noticed was that he was covered with tattoos: both arms as far as we could see from his T-shirt sleeve end to his wrists and every visible part of his neck. It was rather incongruous because he looked like my imagination of St. Joseph: with beardand mustache, slightly long-haired, muscular and handsome. I could see him wielding a hammer. But he was actually a bartender from the Charlotte area of North Carolina.

This morning when I was reading about the dangers of food dyes I came across an article about tattoo dyes. The documentary "To Die For" goes into the dangers of food dyes that enter the body through the digestive tract. 

What about tattoo dyes that directly impact the blood and the lymph system? In an article at the news outlet, Rolling Out,  The hidden health risk of tattoos no one talks about, I read this:

Unseen dangers in tattoo ink

The human body treats tattoo ink as a foreign substance. While the ink remains visible on the skin, tiny particles break off and enter the bloodstream, where they can travel to the lymph nodes—organs responsible for filtering harmful substances and supporting immune function.

Tattoo inks contain a variety of chemical compounds, including heavy metals, preservatives, and synthetic dyes. Some of these compounds have never undergone long-term safety testing for human use. Research has shown that certain ink ingredients, particularly those containing carbon black and azo pigments, can degrade over time, releasing potentially harmful substances into the body.

Surprisingly, the study found that the size of the tattoo does not significantly impact the risk level. Whether a person has a small wrist tattoo or extensive full-body artwork, the mere presence of tattoo ink in the body appears to be the key factor. The most concerning discovery was an 81% increase in lymphoma risk within the first two years after getting a tattoo. Though the risk fluctuates over time, the early spike raises questions about how the immune system reacts to ink exposure.

There are plenty of other health risks as well, particularly undermining the immune system.  Goodness! Do we need any more assaults on the protective shield of our bodies? 

I urge readers to pass on this information to their families especially the young. Tattoos are dangerous! If people are concerned with what they eat, isn't it equally important to consider what is injected either deep into the body by injections (vaccinations, drugs, etc.) or into the dermis, the layer of skin just underneath the epidermis? Really! We were never meant to be billboards or stained glass windows.

Here is a final warning about tattoo dyes:

✅ Most common blue‑green tattoo ink pigment: Copper phthalocyanine

✅ Chemical origin: Fully synthetic industrial dye developed in the 20th century from petroleum

✅ Not mineral, botanical, or naturally occurring

✅ Originally designed for paints and plastics—not skin

Let's treat our bodies like the temples of the Holy Spirit they are. Would you spread petroleum jelly on your toast? 

A last thought. I had breast cancer when I was thirty-nine. I never considered reconstruction. I had read too much about the silicone implants that often leaked and gave women further serious problems. As a matter of fact, some early implants caused cancer, just what cancer victims need, eh?

1968 -- Silicone implants made with polyurethane foam, to create sponge-like surfaces were introduced. This creation led to less capsular contraction but ultimately led to the beginning of BIA-ALCL, a cancer caused by breast implants.

1990s -- Key concerns for holistic health include:

• Breast Implant Illness (BII): An array of symptoms, including cognitive impairment and joint pain, has been anecdotally linked to implants.
• Autoimmune Reactions: Some studies indicate a potential immune response in predisposed individuals, adding a layer of risk for those with autoimmune sensitivities.
• Capsular Contracture: Scar tissue forming around the implant can lead to pain and distortion, often requiring further surgery.
• Rupture and Leakage: While advances have reduced the risks, ruptures are still possible, especially as implants age, potentially requiring removal.

These risks underscore the importance of making informed, holistic choices about breast implants. Many women today are also opting for “explant” procedures—implant removals—to minimize potential health impacts. Fat grafting and non-invasive enhancements are becoming popular options, offering alternatives that align with a balanced, whole-body approach. [Source]

If you want to be as healthy as possible, treat your body with respect. It's the little donkey, as Saint Francis called it, that will carry you to the finish line.