Ingredient to Avoid #3: Aluminum Hydroxide

     

    On this weeks swap of the week, we talked deodorant.  It's only natural that now we discuss Aluminum Hydroxide, why you want to avoid it, and how it is linked to deodorant.  Aluminum salts, mainly Aluminum Chlorhydrate is widely used in deodorant and antiperspirants to block sweat.  Once it is applied to the underarms, it then becomes an insoluble Aluminum Hydroxide.  Not only is this ingredient blocking sweat glands and clogging pores, it is defeating the purpose of your sweat glands, which is to cool the body via sweat.

    There are studies that have made a connection between Aluminum in deodorants and breast cancer.  The Aluminum can increase the migration and properties of the cancer cells following long term exposure of just 32 weeks.  How long have you been using your traditional deodorant?  This is considered a hot topic and debatable, but I encourage you to do your own research and look more into this connection.  Some articles say because Aluminum Hydroxide is insoluble that it doesn't penetrate the epidermis.  Deodorants and antiperspirants specifically say to avoid broken skin when applying, yet how many times have you shaved your underarms before applying?  Essentially opening those hair follicles and pores with slight abrasions you may not be able to see or feel from shaving, this arguably could allow the Aluminum Hydroxide to penetrate.

    Aluminum Hydroxide is also classified as an antacid medication and has also been used in personal care products as a colorant. With prolonged use of this antacid medication, "patients should have monitoring calcium and phosphate plasma concentrations. Kidney function also requires monitoring", according to the National Library of Medicine.  The library also states, "Seizures, Osteomalacia, and Encephalopathy are well documented toxic effects of Aluminum Hydroxide.

    On top of all the other previous concerns discussed above, Aluminum Hydroxide is considered to be a pro oxidant.  This means it can produce oxygen and subsequently cause cell damage.  This increase in oxidative skin damage can result in loss of collage and elastin fibers resulting in a much faster aging process.  Wrinkles, sagging, and even texture changes can be a result, according to Science Daily.  We already start losing collagen at the age of 20, we don't need this ingredient speeding up this process for us by damaging the cells and fibers.

    The National Library of Medicine tells us the carcinogenic risks of Aluminum and its compounds haven't been evaluated by the International Agency of Research on Cancer, however the production of Aluminum has an is classified as carcinogenic.

    There are several uses for the ingredient in our daily products.  I encourage you to take the information I have given you and really consider swapping out some or all of your products that contain this ingredient for safer alternatives. Comment below some of the daily products you use that you found this potentially toxic ingredient in.  You and the rest of us maybe surprised about what products it is lurking in!

    

Swap of the Week #3: Deodorant

     One of the hardest swaps for me personally to make as been deodorant.  I have been looking into natural deodorant for years, however I heard nightmarish stories of how they don't work and you end up stinking.  Needless to say I was too scared to try them until recently.  I knew if I was swapping other products, I needed to bite the bullet and swap this one as well.  

    Traditional deodorants work because the aluminum blocks and clogs sweat glands. If you can't sweat then you can't stink essentially. Your body needs to sweat!  Sweating helps cool the body when you are hot as well as rid the body of toxins.  Cleaner, natural deodorants do allow you to sweat, however that doesn't mean you need to stink.  Natural deodorants fight the bacteria that mixes with the sweat which causes the odor.

    One thing that I was not aware of when switching to a natural toxin free deodorant was the suggestion to do a pit detox.  I read conflicting arguments of whether or not this was necessary or even worked.  I decided what would it hurt just to try it and do it.  As long as the pit detox was a natural product and toxin free, I would still be achieving the same purpose.  I am glad, I followed through.  The pit detox is not a one time use as it is suggested to do it weekly for at least a month.  I only shower every 2 or 3 days since I work from home and try to let my body's natural organisms do their thing, so I opt to do the detox before every shower for the last few weeks.  

    I used Earthley's Detoxifying Pit Mask and feel it is doing it's job!  The first time I used it, I swear I could feel it literally pulling junk from my pores. It soothing and has a refreshing feel because of the tea tree oil, which is also a great antibacterial agent.  You simply spread it on, let it dry and do its thing for about 10 mins.  I try and keep my arms up or out for the first five mins or so just to let air get in and circulate.  You then just wipe it off with a warm wash cloth or wash it away in the shower.  I will say after the first couple of detoxes, I felt that I had more body odor, which could be because it pulled all those chemicals from my pores and glands.  After a couple of uses, I feel that I was back to being "normal".

    I started using Schmidt's Natural Deodorant Lavender and Sage because I like being able to smell deodorants when buying. Looking at all the ingredients just hits different when you can hold the product.  I found this deodorant at Walmart, so I also like the convenience of finding it local instead of having to purchase online.  Schmidt's has a range of different scents, however I found the Lavender and Sage to be the "cleanest" and most non toxic scent.  Some of the others have parfum listed, even though it's suppose to be a natural fragrance according to their website, this didn't score as well on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) database for toxic chemicals. 

    I also had purchased a trial size of the Spring Blossom scent of Earthley's mineral deodorant since it is online only and again I like to smell things before I try them out.  I enjoy the scent of this deodorant, however I don't think it lasts as long as the Schmidt's and some scents just don't mix well with your sweat and body odor.  The Spring Blossoms performed well, but I feel like I would have to reapply it a throughout the day if I were doing something very physical or out in the heat a lot.  Since this is a trial size, I have decided this will be my travel deodorant and I will use the Schmidt's on a daily basis.

    The only major difference between the two deodorants is that the Schmidt's brand does contain baking soda.  Baking soda can be a skin irritant, so it is really up to you and your body if you want to choose a deodorant that contains baking soda.  When you are shopping around for a natural deodorant, you want a mineral deodorant that contains Magnesium and not Aluminum.  Arrowroot powder is also a great ingredient to have to keep you dry.  Essential oils are important for bacterial fighting power and a natural scent instead of an added parfum type fragrance.  And I would always run whatever you are looking at swapping to through the EWG database just to get the breakdown of possible toxic ingredients that you may not know how to recognize.

    

    Hopefully this information can help you in your toxin free journey.  If you have already switched to a natural deodorant, I would love for you to comment below the brand and even scent.  I am always up for trying out new safe products!!

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Recipe of the Week: Bacon Ranch Asparagus Chicken

Recipe of the Week: Bacon Ranch Asparagus Chicken

    I love finding new recipes to use and experiment with via Pinterest.  I also like to make it my own and hardly ever measure anything especially spices.  I will always include the original recipe that I got inspiration from.  This week its a one pan casserole type meal.  

    It's simple to prep and as simple as throwing it in the oven to bake.  I love using this recipe because we can use up garden and farm raised ingredients that bring out even more flavor.  The original recipe could be considered a one pan meal, but we like more than one vegetable or adding a starch such as rice to complete the meal.  The original recipe can be viewed here.

    Here is how I make it:         

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Add 1 & 1/2 cups chicken broth to 13 x9 inch baking dish
3. Add 1 cup rice (I always use Jasmine)
4. Lay 1 lb chicken on top of rice (I use thighs, but breast or tenders can be used too)
5. Sprinkle seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion power, and dry ranch seasoning over chicken
6. Drizzle Ranch dressing (liquid) over chicken
7. Add asparagus pieces around chicken and on top (I usually use one bunch or half a bag)
8. Crumble bacon top
9. Sprinkle colby jack or any of your favorite cheese mixture on top 
10. Cover and bake for 30 mins

    Sometimes I take the cover off with five minutes left so the cheese can brown a little.  This meal feeds our family of five and the majority of the time there is no leftovers!!!  Everyone loves it from the baby to the teenager and of course us adults.  This is a great dish to get those picky eaters to give asparagus a try!

    Hopefully you give my version a try or the original recipe.  Let me know in the comments below which one you tried and what your thoughts are on it!!  

    Enjoy and stay tuned for more of our family favorite meals!

Ingredient To Avoid #2: PEGs

 

    Next up on the banished ingredient list is Polyethylene Glycol, usually referred to as PEGs.  This group of ingredients can usually be recognized by the prefix PEG followed by a number. PEGs are made through a process called ethoxylation.  Ethylene oxide, a known carcinogenic reacts with other ingredients to make them less harsh on the skin.  During this process a byproduct of 1,4-dioxane is created and can be left behind within the product.  This byproduct has been classified as "likely to be carcinogenic in humans" by the EPA.  The 1,4-dioxane can be removed from the product via vacuum stripping process, however independent tests show that many manufacturers fail to complete this process.

    Polyethylene Glycol can be found in many products, such as skincare, lotions, soaps, hair care, shower gels, processed foods, medications, and e-cigarettes.  They are often petroleum based compounds that are used as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture carriers.

    This known skin irritant is frequently associated with contact dermatitis. Negative side effects from the use of this ingredient can occur in concentrations as low as 2%! And if all of the above didn't make you want to throw out products containing this ingredient, the next sentence will.  PEGs are the main component in Anti-Freeze.

    Remember that what you put on top of your skin is just as important as what you ingest into your body.  It can take as little as 30 seconds for ingredients to enter your blood stream just from a topical product. As previously mentioned this ingredient can be lurking in not only personal care products, but food and medications you may have in your house as well. I encourage everyone to take a look at your labels and make sure you are making safer choices for you and your family!

    Check out my safe swap blog posts to start replacing some of those items containing PEGs!  To date we have swapped sunscreen, insect repellent, and cleaning products, but I promise this is just the beginning to many more suggestions.

Swap of the Week #2: Cleaning Products

 During week two we will be discussing a safer cleaning option.

    Since I am new to the toxin free journey, I was a bit skeptical of this one.  A friend of mine had tried a  new to her product and had great things to say about it, so I had to check it out. Boy am I glad I did!!  Force of Nature Multipurpose Cleaner has completely eliminated a ton of cleaning products from our home.  

    First lets get in to the different type of products it's replaced for us.  No more bleach, window cleaner, floor cleaner, degreasers, odor removers, or bathroom cleaners.  This means no more Windex, Febreeze, Resolve carpet cleaner, Scrubbing Bubbles, 409, and so on!!  It's safe for all surfaces even stone and won't degrade grout or rubber seals like just plain vinegar can over time.  

    I use it to clean counters, mirrors, mop floors, sippy cups, high chair, and tv trays.  I have also used it to kill odors in trash cans, diaper pails, and smelly stinky shoes.  I literally use this miracle cleaner for everything, even the kids some days.  Yep, I said it!!!  I have sprayed the cleaner on a towel and wiped down dirty sticky hands. I didn't even freak out like I would have with other products, when big brother decided to hose down little brother with the bottle when I had my back turned! (Kids are fun!!!)

    Force of Nature is completely safe for kids and pets because there is absolutely no toxins or harmful chemicals in it what so ever.  Each activator has salt, water, and vinegar in it.  Here's how it works: fill up the electrolyzer with water, add the activator, and push the start button.  Electricity is responsible for breaking up the molecules and creating two new products.  These two products are Sodium hydroxide, which is responsible for cleaning up those sticky messes, soap scrub, and grime, and Hypochlorus acid, which is responsible for deodorizing and disinfecting. The vinegar is responsible for lowering the PH and balancing the solutions out just right.  The correct amounts need to be measured, hence the activator capsules, or bleach could be created, it may not be as effective, or it could have shorter shelf life.

   

At 99.9% effective, its even more powerful than bleach!  The EPA has certified Force of Nature to be used in hospitals, medical, dental, veterinary, daycares, schools, offices, and other facilities because it is effective and safe.  It's been 3rd party tested and protects against several viruses and bacteria such as Staph, MRSA, Norovirus, Samonella, and Listeria to just name a few.

    The starter kit comes with the electrolyzer, a reusable spray bottle, and activator capsules.  Each bottle made is only effective for a two week span, so any unused portions need to be thrown out.  I have no had to throw any out, nor have I even made it close to two weeks without having to make more because there are so many uses for it!  The company does have a 30 day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied.  I haven't met anyone that uses it and doesn't love it though.  

    I will admit I was surprised my first time using it because it does have a slight bleach like smell. It was then that I looked into the science behind how and why it works.  The Hypochlorus acid is in the same family as bleach, but without the harmful chemical compound. I like that I am reducing plastic waste and waste in general, all while saving money too.  It only cost about nine cents per ounce to use this cleaner versus up to fifty three cents an ounce for some of the other brand cleaners. `    

    You can save even more money on their discounted bundles, promo codes, and referral link.  They have a range of starter kits and bundles to choose from for just about any budget.  The website usually has a code to save 30% off and get free shipping. The current code is FORCE, but if that doesn't work you can usually find one online or their actual site.  When you create an account with them you can sign up for subscriptions or just purchase as needed, but you get a referral link.  This link can be sent to friends and you earn free product if purchased through your link!!

    So let's recap!  You are switching to a safer cleaning product that is toxin free. You are eliminating a bunch of different products for one. You are eliminating plastic waste by using the reusable spray bottle.  You are saving money.  Money back guarantee.  What are you waiting for?  Go check Force of Nature out now!!!

    To see my full review on this product, watch here.  Stay tuned next week for more safe swaps!

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Ingredient to Avoid #1: Phenoxyethanol

 

    European Standards are hundreds times better at banishing ingredients than the United States.  In Europe over 1,300 ingredients are banned, but in the United States only about 30.  Crunchi Corporate has actually even more strict requirements in order to offer a toxin free skincare and cosmetics brand.  They even have their own banished list on top of the European Standards.  

    There is no regulation on the term toxin free, but Crunchi defines it as follows: "a product is considered toxin free if it does not contain any ingredients known to cause harm or health hazard based on the available ingredient data and research.  Each ingredient has been carefully selected and our products are free of all harmful ingredients documented in our banished ingredient list."

    

    Each week I will inform you of one of those ingredients and why Crunchi has banned its use.

    Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative in most personal care products such as skincare and cosmetics.  It is the product of highly corrosive phenol and a known carcinogenic ethylene oxide.  A member of the glycol ether family, Phenoxyethanol, may contain residuals of these chemicals resulting in possible allergic reactions.  The American Society of Contact Dermatitis lists this ingredient as a core allergen even with as little as less than one percent present.

    The goal is cleaner, healthier skincare and cosmetics free of harsh chemicals and known allergens.  Phenoxyethanol doesn't make the cut with it being considered a core allergen at such low levels.  I was using several skincare and pampering products that utilized this ingredient as the preservative.  I have since discontinued use of said products because my personal goal is to transition to a toxin free lifestyle.

    

    The ingredient does meet European Standards, so if low tox is your goal then this ingredient may not be a huge deal for you to avoid. Just make sure you are looking at your labels and you are aware if you start having any breakouts or allergic reactions, this ingredient could be the culprit.

    Let me know in the comments below if you found this ingredient on any of your trusted labels. And don't forget next week we will be covering another ingredient to avoid!

Swaps of the Week #1: Summer Products

During week one we will be talking safer alternatives to sunscreen and insect repellents. 

    First you should know there are two types of sunscreens as far as how they function.  I won't be going too in depth with this, but they are chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens absorb into multiple layers within the epidermis, while physical sunscreens sit on top of, or absorb only into the first layer of the skin.  If you are wanting a toxin free or safer alternative to traditional popular brand sunscreens, you will want to look for a physical sunscreen. 

    You may be surprised to learn that most of your common and popular sunscreens contain some pretty harmful and questionable ingredients. The most common and controversial ingredient is oxybenzone.  According to an article from The Environmental  Working Group (Access Article Here), oxybenzone has been linked to allergies, cell damage, and even hormone disruptions! Another ingredient in some sunscreens is avobenzone that can actually become toxic when it is mixed with chlorine from pools. The chemical the mixture creates has been linked to issues with kidneys, liver, infertility, and the nervous system just to name a few (Access Article Here).  These are only two out of numerous ingredients allowed in sunscreens that can be harmful or toxic to you and your family.

    In order to find safe alternatives you want to be looking for physical sunscreens that have zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. My safe swap is a toxin free option from Crunchi.  Sunlight Daily Facial SPF 30 can be used on everyone in the family, even children, because it contains no harmful ingredients.  It is not only safe for your skin, but the reef as well. A non-nano zinc technology creates a lightweight, non-greasy, and fast absorbing product.  Since this is a facial sunscreen, it is best used on the face, ears, neck, and shoulders.  For an overall body safe swap sunscreen, I would suggest Badger sun care collections. They have adult, kids, and baby sunscreens that all have a clear zinc as their protectant. 

    

    Next summer swap is insect repellent. There are tons of options out there with some containing Deet and others not.  I prefer a more natural approach and use homemade insect repellents to avoid putting harsh chemicals on my body.  Remember whatever you put on your skin can absorb and possibly have repercussions as discussed previously with the sunscreens. 

    I have found two different homemade products that I think work well and are made with minimal harmless ingredients. They do both contain essential oils and should not be used on children under 3 months old. I recommend not using on children under 6 months of age just in case there is a skin irritation. 

    The first one is Bug Off by Bathhouse Soapery. We discovered this insect repellent lotion stick while vacationing in Hot Springs, Arkansas. I love how compact and convenient it is to throw it in my purse, backpack or diaper bag for when we are on the go. My second recommendation, we also found while vacationing in Arkansas at the Village Apothecary Shop inside the Ozark Folk Center.  Linda Oldham makes an amazing insect repellent spray out of a combination of essential oils, diluted water, and witch hazel. She also offers bug bite balm and lots of other salves, sprays, and roll ons at LindasSoapandMore Etsy Shop.  Tip: If she doesn't have it listed on her shop page, just email her with your order and shipping address and she will get it out to you!

    I like to keep the spray at home for when we are going to be outside in the garden or playing in the yard, and the stick just goes with us.  I, for some reason am like a buffet for mosquitoes, so its just a rule we don't leave home without repellent on hand.

     I hope you found some value in the information I have given you this week. Hopefully you give these products a try or at least become more aware of the ingredients in your current products to make an informed decision about transitioning to a cleaner lifestyle and products.

    Let me know in the comments what low to no tox summer favorites you use or if you have tried any of my recommendations.  See you next week for a new swap!

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