How Natural Are Your Natural Products?

Natural products are desired, but not all are created equal.

Marketing Departments are aware of the trend to ‘go natural’ and find safer products. Companies have gone as far as removing some ingredients, while leaving ingredients that are just as harmful. Counting on the fact that consumers are trusting, they preach about added natural ingredients. Read the label, know what is in your product.

The FDA does not regulate the term ‘all natural.’

Who is checking on your products and their safety?

Believe it or not that job is yours. The FDA does not regulate what goes into cosmetics aside colorings. http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ResourcesForYou/Industry/ucm388736.htm#1)

80% of ingredients used in personal care products have never been tested for safety. There are no injury report requirements. There are no safety testing requirements.

What can you do to stay safe?

Reading your labels is the most important thing you can do. If you see things you don’t recognize, can’tHow natural are your natural products pronounce or couldn’t eat-skip it!

Avoid:

-Fragrance or parfum (this SINGLE ingredient may contain hundreds of untested ingredients and phthalates)

-Phthalates

-Sulfates

-Petroleum products

-Parabens

For those of you new to our blog feel free to download our Free Toxin Checklist to help you decode the labels of your current products. Toxin Checklist

 

I know this blog post is slightly repetitive but it has surprised me recently when people have declared to me how natural their latest purchase was when it still includes fragrance, toxic colors and various other toxins.  Before you set out to buy the inevitable personal care products as stocking stuffers and holiday gifts be sure to know the difference!  Don’t be fooled by a “natural” label. Make sure your ingredients were still grown in nature, not in a lab!

Natural products ingredients

 

Hidden Chemicals that Invade Your Life

Hidden chemicals are in more places than you think.

Last week’s blog post focused on the dangers of non-stick pans and their coating. Knowing we all only have so much time to read I wanted to keep it as brief as possible. Unfortunately PFC’s (Perfluorinated Chemicals) invade our lives in many ways.  While many are unavoidable, it’s good to eliminate or cut down when we can.

Where are PFC’s Found?

PFC’s are a man made product that can now be found in water, soil, mother’s breast milk and in the Hidden Chemicalsmajority of our bloodstreams. It has been found in animals all over the world despite where it is manufactured.

Where is it coming from?

Inside our houses we can find it on our “scotch guarded” or “stain resistant” carpets and furniture that children are playing, lying and crawling on that was manufactured previous to 2002.  It is on our non-stick pans (see last weeks blog). It is coating packaging for oily foods such as popcorn bags, sandwich wrappers, outdoor tents, some cosmetics and shampoos, french fry and pizza boxes. Worse? We are also wearing them-all our Polartec, Gore-Tex and water repellant clothing still contains these chemicals. Greenpeace tested and found PFCS in Northface, Patagonia, Adidas, Columbia and Jack Wolfskin jackets. It was also found in Nike and Puma shoes, the apple sport wristband and Oral B glide floss.

Why is it concerning?

PFC’s are likely a carcinogen. They have proven to cause mammary gland tumors in animals and liver and thyroid cancer in rats. They may cause liver or kidney damage in addition to reproductive problems. While some of the older versions of these chemicals are no longer in use in the United States the “replacements” have not proven to be a safer alternative.

What can you do?

They are impossible to avoid entirely since the soil and water are contaminated. Ideally the less we buy in the future; the less production of more is created. Skip the microwave popcorn and get an air-popper again.  Read your shampoo labels and find ones without PTFE or “Fluoro” ingredients. Choose a safe floss. Next time you purchase coats, carpets or furniture, skip the coating. Every toxin adds up.  Unfortunately we all know many (often young) people fighting cancer. Usually there is not one particular cause. Of course your floss alone isn’t going to kill you, but someday it may have saved your life to skip as many toxins as possible when you are able. Why not?

 

 

Cookware Can Be Harmful

Cookware Toxins from Non-Stick Pans

Growing up we always had stainless steel pans. At some point we replaced all those pans for non-stick sauté pans. The goal was that they were easier and faster to clean. We live in the era of convenience right? After a few too many years of “convenience” I replaced all those non-stick pans with the original stainless steel and a few cast iron pans. Why go backwards? Sometimes “forwards” isn’t really progress (Note: GMOToxins Non-Stick Cookware food, plastic and antibacterial everything)

The Problem:

Back to the pans…. what is wrong with those easy to clean non-stick pans? Generally, non-stick pans are aluminum coated with a synthetic. Previously they were coated with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). EWG studies, conducted by DuPont’s own scientists, revealed that when its non-stick cookware is heated it breaks down into 15 types of toxic gases and particles. In 2004 a  $343 million dollar lawsuit was won for contamination of drinking water and an association of tumors and developmental problems in animals. The EPA was advised to declare PFOA as a carcinogen. Eight companies agreed to phase out PFOA by 2015. (Take note: how old are your pans?)

Carcinogens:

Non-stick pans may also include polytetrafluoroetheylene (PTFE) also known as Teflon. High temperatures have caused toxic fumes (including six toxic gases, which include two carcinogens.  Fumes from these pans to kill pet birds and cause people to develop flu like symptoms.  Unfortunately the coating also breaks down and the toxic particles are carcinogenic.

Health Concerns:

PFC’s contaminate the environment and find their way into your blood stream. Residue from these substances has been found in blood, breast milk, liver and even umbilical cords.  High levels have been associated with peripheral artery disease, high “bad” cholesterol, insulin resistance, and thyroid disease.

Solution:

“Safety suggestions” include using lower temperatures and making sure not to damage the coating. Lower temperatures tested were all exceeded by the average cooking temperature. It would totally eliminate preheating pans, broiling, and searing meat.  In addition, ventilating your kitchen and keeping birds out of the kitchen. The best safety suggestion is likely replacing any non-stick cookware you may have.

 

Logical solutions: replace one pan at a time.  Good pans are not cheap. (Neither is long-term illness.) Start with your most common used pan (likely a stovetop pan that you scrape with a spatula and cook at higher than safe temperatures. Work your way through until you have a safer set of pans. Stainless steel, cast iron or glass for bake ware.

 

As with most things it is impossible to avoid all PFC’s (more next week on where else they are hiding) so cutting down on the ones you can control is a difference maker.

 

Cookware Toxins

 

Toxins in Deodorant and Antiperspirants?

Yes, toxins are in deodorant and antiperspirants, but there are  safer, effective alternatives.

This is one of the most important swaps you can make.  Before getting into the toxic ingredients in most Toxins in Deodorant deodorants and antiperspirants it is important to know the difference and what makes them effective.

Antiperspirants

An antiperspirant contains aluminum of one form or another. The aluminum clogs your pores to prevent your body from sweating. There are two major problems with that. First off, your body needs to perspire to eliminate toxins. Second,  you are applying it to under your arms, directly after a shower or shaving. It is a fact that your pores open more at that time.

Research (link http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0162013413001608) has shown that 50% of breast cancers begin in the upper outer quadrant of the breast by the underarm region. While the American Cancer Society has not established a “direct link” to breast cancer and aluminum there are no safe levels of aluminum for your body. Keep in mind that while a direct link has not been established at this time it is due to lack of studies and there is also no study that can eliminate it entirely yet. Aluminum has also been linked to increased risk of Alzheimer’s  Disease.

You won’t find an aluminum free antiperspirant since aluminum is what makes them work, so that leaves deodorant.

Deodorant

Let me be clear-I believe we should all wear deodorant.  What can we wear without toxic consequences?

The most common toxic ingredients found in most deodorants:

  1. Parabens: You will find these in any mass produced personal care products so they will have an extended shelf life. Unfortunately, although there is no conclusive proof here either-evidence DOES suggest that long term toxin exposure could cause cancer.
  2. Triclosan: A hormone disruptor. Banned in hand soaps beginning next year, the same rule has not applied to other products as of yet.
  3. Phthalates: Phthalates generally show up in any products that contain fragrances (note: an essential oil will be labeled as such on your ingredient list. Fragrances may contain many ingredients including toxins of their own that have never been tested for safety.)
  4. Propylene Glycol: a known neurotoxin that ironically warns workers against contact with skin.
  5. TEA and DEA: (triethanolamine and diethanolamine) these are both banned in Europe. They can be toxic when accumulating over time. DEA can result in liver or kidney damage.
  6. Talc (magnesium Silicate) -as you know from previous blog posts this is a carcinogen.

Solutions:

You have all this information. You checked your label and you want to make a change. What are some of the best solutions? First off, expect it to take a little time for your body to adjust. When eliminating aluminum you will feel like you are sweating more. (You are not eliminating deodorant too so that doesn’t mean you will smell bad!). Cooler temperatures this season is the perfect time to let your body make this change.

I have not used an antiperspirant in 3 years. It definitely took some adjusting since my body was used to aluminum clogged pores.  I also learned that many of the natural deodorants contain baking soda.  While I love baking soda for many things it did not agree with my underarms. There was a lot of trial and error on my part.  Like any other product not all of them work great.  I tried a Crystal brand once as well until I learned it actually contained aluminum as well. Although it is deemed a “safer form” and the label states it is specific types of aluminum free-be sure to take note before  you purchase if your goal is to be aluminum free. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/02/16/aluminum-lurks-in-crystal-deodorants.aspx)

Do-It-Yourself

I did find a DIY recipe that I liked but I found it too “soft” to travel with (Coconut oil as you know liquifies over 76 degrees) I have heard people swear by “Pit Paste” but I have no personal experience or opinion on how well it works. This spring I discovered Schmidt’s. (https://schmidtsdeodorant.com/our-shop.html) The anti bacterial and anti fungal properties come from the essential oils.  They are vegan, gluten free, and free of parabens and Phthalates, and aluminum.

BONUS: they are also on Amazon so if you are like me that makes life easy and shipping free. This is the first deodorant I have been able to use that contains baking soda, however there is now a baking soda free option for those who are not able to use it. I used it all summer,  and it was still working by days end.

 

Can Candles Make You Sick?

Toxins From Candles

The holidays and scented candles seem to go hand and hand.  It may be the ability to reminisce and bring back childhood memories with certain holiday scents. It may be the default hostess gift for your local Toxins From Candlesgatherings, or that you just like the cozy feeling candles can bring during winter months. Whatever the reason be sure to think twice about what candles you are buying or lighting them this year.

Why does it matter? 

Candles made from Paraffin, create benzene and toluene  along with acetone when they are burned. These  are known carcinogens. In addition, most are created with toxic fragrances that emit additional toxins in to the air when burned.  Breathing in these toxins can affect the central nervous system, as well as cause headaches, drowsiness and aggravate allergies and asthma. Studies show that candles do not need to be lit to emit toxins in your home.  Wicks that contain heavy metals can contribute further to the pollution.

What are your Options?

Moving away from paraffin wax candles leaves you with beeswax or soy candles. Not all soy or beeswax candles are created equal.  Many companies carry “pure” beeswax or soy and in the United States that can mean 51%. That leaves you with 49% of toxic paraffin in your candles. Be sure to read your label to find the phrase “100% pure beeswax or soy”.

GMO’s

Toxins From CandlesLooking further at soy candles, you should know they may also contain many artificial fragrances and dyes. Unfortunately GMO’s come into play here as well. More than 90% of soy is genetically modified, Purchasing a soy candle, is supporting the production of GMO’s.

What about beeswax candles?

If you practice a vegan lifestyle this is a no. If you are not-beeswax candles are the safest and most natural candle choice and actually include some benefits.  Beeswax candles are a natural air cleaner. Beeswax candles won’t go rancid like soy candles can. People with allergies and asthma have reported improvement with the burning of beeswax candles. Burning beeswax supports the beekeepers. Keep in mind, we need honey bees to pollinate food crops.

What are your options?

Knowing paraffin candles were toxic, I assumed soy candles and beeswax candles were created equally. Since I am very against GMO’s I would skip the soy candles at this point. If you are also vegan that would rule out beeswax. My personal option is an essential oil diffuser. There are no risks of having flames anywhere. You get the emotional and aromatic benefits of the scents without including any of the toxins.

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The Difference Between Fragrance Free and Unscented

Toxins in fragrance can still be found in products labeled unscented!

We have come to love scents. Scented candles, a new car smell, perfumes, body washes, dryer sheets…almost any item you find in your house likely contains the simple word “fragrance” on the end of the Fragrance and Unscented Toxinsingredients.  About 95% of the chemicals in commercial fragrances contain petrochemicals.

What is in Fragrance?

Fragrance is one word, however it is not “one” ingredient. The word fragrance is trade protected (due to a loophole in the Federal Fair Packaging Act of 1973: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/11/27/toxic-perfume-chemicals.aspx) and can contain any number of over 3,100 chemicals. Many of these have never been tested for safety.

Is Fragrance Toxic?

Some are known to be toxic to the immune system, respiratory system, reproductive system and organ toxicity.  They can cause asthma, eczema, migraines, and other sensitivities. Many of the fragrance ingredients are phthalates (a known carcinogen). Phthalates can result in kidney and liver damage, early breast development, and birth defects. Parabens is another common possibility. Parabens are known to Does your products smell amazinginterfere with hormone production.

Knowing your body absorbs everything put on your skin within seconds you want to be careful about what you are applying. Toxins accumulate in our bodies over time so the key is to cut out and eliminate those we can control. Go through your daily routine in your head and consider how many items you have applied with toxic ingredients (shampoo, soap, hand soap, perfume, body lotion, detergent residue on clothing, cleaning products…the list is endless.

What can you do?

Read your labels. Next time you think about buying that can of air freshener, perfume, scented body lotion or wash-check the label.  If the bottle is scented by using essential oils that is what will appear on the label. If the bottle is scented with a combination (see previous blog post about lavender essential oil) you will find it written on the label.

What if your bottle says it’s Unscented?

This is tricky. Unscented means that fragrances have been added to cover up other scents. If you are looking for no toxic fragrances added you want your label to say “Fragrance Free”

There are simple solutions.

I make my own perfume with an essential oil combination I like. No toxins and I get the benefits of the aromatherapy my choice of oils brings. While some people still want a scent to their items some are safer than others.  Natural Fragrance Oils are produced using only pure essential oils and aromatic isolates derived solely from natural, raw botanical sources. They are free of phthalates, parabens, sulfates, glycols, petrochemicals and/or other solvents.  They can be plant based so they are vegan friendly as well.

It can be overwhelming to try and change too much at once.  Instead, think about the next time you need to purchase new soap, etc and replace it with a safer brand.

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Cancer Links to Personal Care Products

Links between cancer and personal care products are known, but nothing has changed.

You have a busy life.  You want it to be easy-hit Target and grab all your products. I love Target-but I have found there are very few personal care products (only one: my shampoo) that I can buy there-and trust me-I have a talent for shopping at Target!  What’s the problem? The ingredients to many products on the market.

If it goes on your body, it goes in your body.

60% of what goes on your skin is absorbed into your blood stream. That statistic goes up if you are applying to genital or under arm areas. What exactly are you absorbing?  Over 80,000 chemicals are permitted for use in the United States that have never been tested for safety. Many of the chemicals included in your personal care products (INCLUDING baby care products) have been direLinks between cancer and personal care productsctly linked to cancer, hormone and thyroid disruption and more.

Many people take the tone “everything is bad for you” or “It’s only a little bit” or “I turned out fine” While those statements can be true let’s break it down a little more:

“Everything is bad for you”

Yes. The air we breathe, the cell phones we use, a lot of the food we eat etc. What is most important to remember is that toxins are cumulative. They build up in your body over time. Since there are a lot that we are unable to avoid, it’s important to cut out the ones we can.

“It’s only a little bit”

Also true…until you add up every product you are applying to your body each day (some multiple times). Then include your exposure to antibacterial soaps and cleaning products that are also being absorbed through your skin. Add those days, weeks, months, and years together and you have contributed to your toxic load significantly.

“I turned out fine”

We all want that to be true. Unfortunately, it is my guess everyone reading his knows multiple people that suffer from thyroid conditions, cancer, or reproductive issues. Many more so than previous generations. Perhaps we are not turning out “fine” as a result of all these products-convenient or not.

Take a minute-print out our free list of toxins in skin care products. Put it in your bathroom and each time you pick up a product glance at the ingredients and see what is on the list. The results may shock you.

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How Safe Is Vapor Rub, Does It Contain Toxins?

Vapor Rub Alternatives

It’s that time of year again.  Despite your best efforts at some point everyone gets hit with a winter cold.  When I was a kid that meant my mom pulled out the Vicks Vapor Rub and the humidifier. At my house Vapor Rub Toxinsthings are a little different-and safer.

We take out the essential oil diffuser  (more on the benefits of those soon) and diffuse a blend of essential oils to help with congestion. Why the change? Most vapor rubs contain some pretty toxic ingredients that I do not want on my children.

Toxins found in Vapor Rub

Topping the list is Camphor. Camphor is known to cause seizures and be poisonous in larger quantities.  (You should be aware that white camphor essential oil is not considered the same). There is an FDA maximum amount allowed in products-but should it be there at all?

Next up: Turpentine oil. Although it is considered a “natural ingredient” it is no less harmful than other artificial solvents. The vapor of turpentine oil can damage the lungs, and respiratory system as well as burn the skin and eyes. If ingested it may cause renal failure.

Menthol: The issue with menthol is that it does not actually break up mucus or clear airways. However, the smell does trick your brain into thinking you are less congested.

Vapor Rub AlternativesAnother problematic ingredient: Petrolatum. Petrolatum is a mineral oil. It is not a sustainable product, but environment aside it has no place in being used on the skin.  Mineral oil creates a barrier on the skin that can lock in bacteria and toxins causing them to build up and leading to skin irritation.

Fragrance is also a concern

Fragrance is almost always included as well. Those who read our blog have learned that one word may contain any number of over 3,000 ingredients. Most of those have never been tested for safety and many are toxic. According to the EWG safety data high concerns included with these two ingredients include Organ toxicity, cancer, skin irritation, eye and lung irritation and endocrine disruption.  This seems like a poor trade off in treating a cold.

Alternative methods:

My youngest was prone to croup as a toddler and we were sent off with a nebulizer and spent a few nights in the ER. I needed a better plan. Since creating our congestion rub, and the addition of our diffusers, I am happy to report the nebulizer has been in the closet collecting dust for almost 3 years and we have not had an ER visit in the same amount of time.  This speaks volumes since children with Down Syndrome are especially known for respiratory difficulties.

 

 

Baby Powder Toxins

Yes, Baby Powder contains Toxins!

It was shocking news several months ago when a judge had found a well-known company guilty of Baby Powdercausing a 49-year-old woman’s fatal ovarian cancer. The cancer was linked to her daily use of baby powder. There was a brief panic and shock, and then most people seemed to forget and the same baby powder still sits on shelves today, and used by many.

What’s the situation?  Why is that same powder sitting on popular store shelves with an unchanged formulation?

There is still a debate, that has been taking place since 1971, over whether or not there is a link between talc and cancer. Despite various studies, a concrete link has been hard to find.  A variety of studies that do in fact show an increased risk, but never a double blind study to eliminate other possible factors.  Cancer links aside-it has been proven that if the powders are used on sanitary pads or in the genital area, that the particles have been found inside the body within 30 minutes.

What is in baby powder?

Most baby powders contain two ingredients: Talc powder and fragrance. Both of those ingredients are considered toxic.  (link: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/athome/talcum-powder-and-cancer ) Many Talcum powder suppliers added warnings to their products a decade ago. Surgical gloves have stopped being “dusted” with it. Baby Powders have not yet followed suit. Unfortunately sometimes it takes too much time for studies and safety regulations to catch up. Remember when everyone wanted antibacterial soap? Now we know better, but are still awaiting it’s complete removal from the store shelves and company formulations.

Do we need baby powder?

You won’t find any in my house these days, but if you want an alternative there are plenty! An easy, cheaper and safer alternative:

Arrowroot Powder.

Add a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil 

Store in a jar with a shaker top out of reach of children.

(Inhaling powder is dangerous no matter the type!)

 

Not All Essential Oils are Created Equally

Lavender Essential Oil Is Often Adulterated

 

When I first started using essential oils I didn’t know anyone else who used them. Within a year it seemed many people I knew had joined the essential oil game with either one of two popular multilevel market Is all Lavender Essential Oils Created Equally?companies. For those not interested in that commitment or structure some people turned elsewhere. It seems even Target and Wal-Mart are carrying oils now-however not all bottles labeled  “Lavender” are Lavender essential oil. You could be getting a lot of synthetics along with your lavender!

Beware of Labeling

Some “Lavender oil” may carry the word “infused.” This means it is not an essential oil but inexpensive oil that had the lavender plant soaked in to carry some of the lavender properties. This can be useful for many things-however it is not an essential oil.

Fragrance and Essential Oils are Very Different

Fragrance is another word that tends to pop up in place of the real deal. Fragrance may be one word but that word may contain any number of over 3,460 possible ingredients, including phalthates. Many of the ingredients in fragrance have never been tested for safety. If it says “Fragrance” it is not a lavender essential oil and is packed with synthetic ingredients.

What About Lavandin?

Often times you may see Lavandin on the label. Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) is a hybrid from true Lavender (lavendula augustifolia) and spike lavender (Lavendula latifolia).   They tended to grow near each other at different altitudes and where they tended to meet they would cross-pollinate and Lavandin came  Lavender Flowers for Essential Oilsinto being.  Lavandin has some similar aromatherapy benefits, but it does not carry all of the same therapeutic benefits of Lavender.  One example of this is it would make a burn worse instead of better.

How Can You Be Sure of What You are Getting?

Lavender is the most adulterated essential oil on the market. What are some ways to find out if you are buying real lavender? Honestly, I would skip buying any oils at your local drug store or Amazon. It has been proven in the past that the Young Living and Doterra oils sold off Amazon are not always the real deal.  The sealed caps can be replaced after diluting the oils. If you want those brands please look to the companies themselves and not Amazon. You will find many reps on Amazon from both companies who follow our Instagram page (link to Instagram at bottom) if you are looking for a multilevel market oil company.

Another helpful route is to always look for a botanical name on the bottle. If it just says, “essential oil of lavender”, or “oil of lavender” do not buy it. Look for something like “Lavandula angustifolia” on the bottle. This tells you that the company marketing the oil at least knows that there are different qualities of oil from different species of lavender. Many brands and bottles are sold as lavender that has proven with third party testing to contain synthetic chemicals. (Unfortunately some do carry the proper labels too but that is another issue we will save for another day.) If the deal looks too good to be true price wise –it also likely is in fact too good to be true.

There are still some great companies out there selling pure lavender essential oil:  Get Lavender  and even providing the proof along with it:  Lavender Report

Lavender Essential Oil and Flowers