FOOD, INC.!!

PLEASE WATCH THIS DOCUMENTARY!! It is vital you see this film. I thought I knew a lot about the horrors of where the majority of supermarket food comes from- but I was immensely shocked by this film. I'm not going to go into detail, because you really and truly need to see this for yourself to understand the gravity of what is going on in our government regarding food and its regulatory agencies. Unless you don't mind eating animals that have been in the utmost cruel and inhumane environments, pumped with growth hormones and antibiotics, bathed in chlorine and stuffed with ammonia before they get to your table, watch it. Even if you don't eat meat, there are many food products offered with other fillers, chemicals, and genetically modified organisms that are in your pantry products and produce. As I was discussing with my aunt who also saw the film, ignorance is bliss, but I wouldn't take back the knowledge I gained from this film for anything. You can go to the film website to check it out. To make a difference in this food crisis go here.

This video is cutting off some picture, go to the website to view full screen. I can't figure out how to fix it! Sorry!

Stay tuned...

New posts coming soon....promise!! I'm testing lots of products for future review :)

Lotion me up!

I found a great new body lotion that smells oh so delicious! It's Mountian Ocean's "Skin Trip", smells like coconut but not too sweet or overpowering- just enough. It absorbs quickly and doesn't leave skin feeling sticky icky. It is made with natural ingredients, without all the bad ones I've been writing about.

Mountain Ocean has joined the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, supporting and utilizing the latest findings, providing the highest quality and safest ingredients available in their products. Mountain Ocean has also removed parabens from their products. They are also in the process of removing the SLS (sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates) from their products. The lotion I recommend does not contain these.

Mountain Ocean also uses organic products when possible which sustains the organic green movement and supports organic farmers, helping to maintain and replenish soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers.

I found my lotion at my local Longs/CVS, but the website has a locator to find a store near you that carries it. I'm seriously hooked.

What are you putting under your arms?!!

**I know this post is very long, but I really think it is important you read it- just skim some parts if you need to in order to get the gist of what I found...

Some of you may have heard about all the potential dangers of antiperspirants/deodorants. I heard a few things here and there, but not enough to really concern me. Since I've been doing research on this topic, I have found quite alarming facts that have lead me to change what I use.

First off, I want to explain that the law does not require manufacturers to test their products for safety. Many ingredients used in deodorants and other personal care products have not been fully tested, with the majority not tested at all. The industry, in an attempt to make it look like it's acting in the interest of consumer safety, formed the Cosmetic Ingredient Review in 1976 to evaluate the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics and personal care products. However, in the 29 years up to June 2005, they performed safety assessments on only about 10% of the ingredients allowed in cosmetic and personal care products, including deodorants, and never evaluated one third of the 50 most commonly used ingredients.

The main harmful ingredients that often show up in antiperspirants/deodorants are aluminum, butane, propane, propylene glycol, talc, parabens (see previous posting for more info on these) and phthalates* (see end of posting for all forms of phthalates in products). www.productwarning.net

Here are the ingredients itemized with explanation of why they raise concern:

-Propylene Glycol: Industrial Uses are
Anti-Freeze, Brake and Hydraulic Fluid, Paint, Floor Wax. Implicated in contact dermatitis, kidney damage and liver abnormalities; can inhibit cell growth in human tests and can damage membranes causing rashes, dry skin and surface damage. May be harmful by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption. May cause eye irritation. Exposure can cause gastro-intestinal disturbances, nausea, headache and vomiting, central nervous system depression. (Material Safety Data Sheets, MSDS) Also causes significant number of reactions and was a primary irritant to the skin in low levels of concentrations. (American Academy of Dermatologists Inc, Jan 1991)

-Talc: A possible tie between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, long suspected because of talc's chemical similarity to asbestos, was strongly supported when a study found a higher risk of the cancer among women who used feminine deodorant sprays. The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that women who used talcum powder in the genital area had an increased ovarian cancer risk of 60% and women who used feminine deodorant sprays had a 90% increased risk. In 1994, the FDA conducted a scientific workshop on the issue and did not find enough of a casual link to justify even a consumer warning.

-Aluminum: Aluminum is a metal, the third most common element in the environment and a toxin in the body. Found in processed foods, antiperspirants, antacids, paper products, beverage cans, foil and cookware.
World Health Organization conducts studies on chemical pollution and the elderly...

"There is a suspected link between Alzheimer's disease and the toxicity of aluminum... autopsies have found high concentrations of the metal in the brain of people who had suffered from the disease." (Public Health Reports, Nov-Dec 1993 v108n6p798(2)) Dr. Daniel Perl, Director of Neuropathology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, suggests "...avoid aerosol antiperspirants. Aluminum in aerosol may be more readily absorbed into the brain through nasal passages."

"Aluminum-containing antiperspirants are designed to be absorbed, and studies show that regular use of these products can raise the risk of Alzheimer's by as much as three-fold. (also)...municipal water supplies treated with alum (aluminum sulfate)" (Natural Health, May-June 1993 v23n3p54(2))

-Butane: Banned in EU (European Union- Similar to our FDA, but way smarter and they actually care about their people) cosmetics for impurity limit. Lung sensitizer that can instigate immune system response that can include itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin. It's on Canada's "Environmental Canada Domestic Substance List" because it is found to be carcinogenic to humans and genotoxic to humans (genotoxic=chemicals that are capable of causing damage to DNA, such damage can lead to formation of a tumor). (Environmental Working Group)

-Propane: Skin irritant, lung sensitizer, neurotoxin, organ system toxicity, immunotoxicity. (EWG)

-Phthalates: Phthalates are known as "endocrine disruptors" because they mimic the body's hormones and have, in laboratory animal tests, been shown to cause reproductive and neurological damage. Can damage the liver, the kidneys, the lungs and the reproductive system, especially the developing testes. Studies have shown irritation of the eyes (lacrimation), skin, nose, throat; headache, dizziness, nausea; possible polyneuropathy, vestibular dysfunction, pain, numbness, weakness, exhaustion, spasms in arms and legs, reproductive effects in animals.(Congress approved a nationwide ban on the use of phthalates in toys and baby products made after Feb 2009.)

I did find a great natural deodorant from "Benedetta". It works better than Tom's Natural Deodorant (not to mention the first listed ingredient is propylene glycol). I actually got a sample of Benedetta's deodorant from a booth at my local farmer's market and ended up loving it! It's a bit pricey, $15 for a 80ml bottle, but it will last a long time because it's a spray and doesn't take much at all. Another plus, it wont leave your dark clothing with a white mark, or your light shirts with yellow marks over time, like some other deodorants can do! Please let me know if you find a good one, too! You can comment by clicking on "comment" below each posting. I hope you found this informative and helpful :)


*Phthalates: Dibutyl phthalate(DBP), di 2 ethylhexyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate(DEP), Benzylbutyl phthalate(BzBP). "fragrance" can also denote a combination of compounds, possibly including phthatates. Some products denote "Phthalate Free" which helps, but still be weary of "fragrance".

Tasty Bite!

Just found a great food product that's super quick, easy, healthy, and sooo tasty! The brand is appropriately named "Tasty Bite" and the product is "Madras Lentils"- if you've never heard of or had this type of food, you MUST try it! It tastes a lot like chili, but it's vegetarian. It's comprised of lentils, red beans, and spices in a creamy tomato sauce, deeelish! You don't have to add anything to it, or refrigerate it before opening. To prepare it all you have to do is pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stove. You can find it in the ethnic section of your grocer, or potentially near the rice and beans section. I actually found it in Costco for a really good price. So handy to have on hand when you're low on time or groceries.

All the ingredients are all natural with no preservatives, gluten free, kosher, no MSG, and it's vegetarian. The ingredients are so simple: water, tomatoes, lentils, red beans, onions, cream, salt, butter, sunflower oil, chilies, and cumin. Nothing you can't pronounce or buy as a whole food in the store. This would also be an ideal food to take camping, as it stores extremely easily (comes in a pouch) and if you are able to heat it, you're good to go. It's around $2.50 per 10oz box. With only 120 calories and 6g protein per serving, it's around 100 calories less, half the sodium, and a third of the carbs per serving than traditional canned chili; also, without the modified food starch, "natural flavoring" (which if you haven't heard is a "clean label" for MSG- I'll have to go into the terrible facts about this in a later posting), and anything else it may have in it. Tasty Bite also carries other Indian and Thai dishes as well as seasoned rices and simmer sauces. I haven't tried any of their other products, but you can bet I will.

I have prepared it a few ways that are all amazing:
- In a tortilla with corn and cheese all warmed up together 2 mins in the microwave. Add anything else you'd like for a bigger burrito; rice, tomatoes, even chicken if you want some meat in there. (I actually took it to work this way today- such an easy to-go lunch, just wrap it up in tin foil and go- as long as you can refrigerate until you can warm it up.
- On top of tortilla chips with cheese, corn, and tomatoes; warmed in microwave
- On fries with cheese for a healthy "chili cheese fries"
- As a dip, add anything you like and dip chips in it. The website has a recipe for a dip with chopped onions, chives, sour cream and cheese, yum!
*Pretty much anything you can think of with chili would be good with this!

Seriously, try it- you may end up nixing the preservative filled canned chili and discover a great new, healthier product to replace it.

Love my soap!!

Ok, so I found a body wash that smells and works amazing. Dr. Bronner's "Magic Soaps" come in 8 different scents like almond (my fave), peppermint, and lavender, and all are free of harmful ingredients for you and the environment.

These are castile soaps, meaning a vegetable oil-based soap, versus an animal (tallow) fat-based soap. "Pure castile" soap, which this is, guarantees that it is a real ecological, simple soap- not a complex blend of detergents with a higher ecological impact due to the waste stream during manufacture and slower biodegradability. The only ingredients in this soap (almond scent, but all are very similar) are: Water, Saponfied Organic Coconut Oil, Saponified Organic Olive Oil, Organic Glycerin, Organic Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Natural Almond Fragrance, Citric Acid, Tocopherol (Vit. E)...compare this ingredient list to your body wash, then check the bad ingredient list on my last posting...you may want to switch.

Not convinced yet? These soaps are also completely biodegradable, made with certified fair trade and organic oils, there are no synthetic foaming agents, thickeners or preservatives, 100% post-consumer recycled bottles and labels, and are the #1 selling natural brand of soaps in North America. Even more surprising, Dr. Bronner's boasts that these soaps can be used 18 ways! The website only lists 10 including shampoo, household cleaning, laundry, and even tooth brushing! Good to know- but I think I'll stick to it for just body wash :)

I use the liquid soap (it also comes in bar form) on a loofah and I do use a little more than my previous body wash for lathering purposes; because it doesn't have all the artificial ingredients, as most washes do, it takes a little more to lather. My skin has been much less dry than it used to be and I feel squeaky clean! I also found that certain stores (try health food stores) have large pumps of this stuff, so you can go in and pay a little less to fill your old bottle, instead of buying a new one. Give this stuff a try and let me know what you think!

Dangerous ingredients in personal care products

About two months ago I made a decision to make it a point to use natural personal/beauty products. I knew that it might cost a little more and I didn't want to be wasteful, so I figured if I just replaced the products as they ran out it would be easier on my wallet and more environmentally friendly.

In case you're wondering what the big deal is about using natural personal care products, here's a few reasons...The use of organic/natural products is arguably MORE important than consuming organic food- the digestive system is designed to filter out impurities we consume, while our skin- our bodies largest organ- absorbs 60% of what's on it, directly into the bloodstream (source: Good Housekeeping Institute). In the United States the FDA has banned only 9 personal care ingredients in the past 67 years, compared to the EU, which has outlawed 450 (source: Environmental Working Group). Pretty ridiculous. For example, aluminum is in most deodorants and is KNOWN to be linked to cancer, especially breast cancer because of how close application is to the breasts. The information on all the ingredients in our personal care products we use every day is honestly overwhelming. I researched it for this post and I don't even know where to begin. Without writing 5 pages on this subject, I'll go over just four that have been banned in other countries and a brief description of why:

-Sodium laureth sulphate (banned in Europe and Central America) It’s used because it makes things foam • It’s found in toothpaste, shampoo, body and shower gels etc • It’s a suspected carcinogen linked to kidney and liver damage, nervous system disruption, eczema and dermatitis

-Parabens- methyl, propyl, butyl & ethyl (banned in Japan and Sweden- under review in the UK) It’s found in toothpaste, shampoo, body and shower gels etc • It’s a suspected carcinogen linked to kidney and liver damage, nervous system disruption, eczema and dermatitis

-Formaldehyde family- Diazolidinyl urea, 3-diol Imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15, Nitorpropane-1, Formalin, Methanal, Methyl aldehyde, Methylene oxide etc. (banned in Europe)• It’s used because it’s a disinfectant, fungicide, germicide, defoamer and preservative • It’s found in shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, liquid hand wash, skin lotions, bubble bath, hair care products, antiperspirants, nail polishes, talcs, mouthwash etc • It can cause allergic reactions, dermatitis, headaches; it irritates mucous membranes, is linked to joint and chest pain, fatigue, dizziness and immune dysfunction

-Phthalates (banned in Europe)• It’s used because it makes plastic soft • It’s found in nail polish, hair-straighteners and sprays, body lotions and deodorants • It’s a carcinogen linked to birth defects, lowered sperm counts, damage to reproductive organs, lung, liver and kidney cancer

I first started writing this post to rave about the moisture shave cream from Kiss my Face that I fell in love with- which was supposed to be natural. Turns out it has parabens in it, last few ingredients, which majorly busted my bubble on this one. Looks like you do really have to read ALL ingredients before purchasing a product that claims to be natural (but don't rule this line out all together- they do have a lot of great products with good ingredients- just check 'em!).

I'm now going to keep a list in my wallet for when I am shopping for toiletries and cosmetics. I found a list of 16 ingredients to avoid, but at least concentrating on the so-called "Top 4 worst ingredients" I listed above should be enough to limit what I consume. I was going to say, despite it's letdown, the kiss my face shave cream made me realize that it wasn't my skin that I always thought was dry (on my legs only...weird)- it was the product I was using before, with all its chemicals, that was causing my skin to dry out. This natural product stuff is quite a bit of work, but I really do think it's worth it. Stay posted for my investigation on all the talk about the ingredients in sunscreens...

Happy 4th of July!!!

Organic chicken, worth the price?

My non-hesitant answer to this is, YES!! But why exactly is it better? If you haven't already discovered, it tastes a whole lot better for starters.

For one thing, they don't contain antibiotics. Eating non-organic chicken can pretty much guarantee that you are getting a small dose of those antibiotics. This is bad because it's contributing to the problem of bacteria becoming resistant to the antibiotics we may need to take if we get sick- not to mention antibiotics shouldn't be ingested unless absolutely necessary. This is causing us to have to take stronger and stronger antibiotics over time. It presents a problem because the stronger antibiotics we have to take, the more "good germs" they can potentially kill in our bodies. This lowers our immune system and leads us to be more susceptible to getting sick, which creates the need for more antibiotics.

Even more scary is the fact that many farmers use arsenic in their chicken feed. Arsenic is confirmed in many studies to be linked to many health problems such as heart disease, liver disease, and cancer. According to a recent study, pregnant women who are overexposed to arsenic while pregnant increase the chances of their child developing cancer later in life. Exposure to arsenic in large quantities causes immediate death, arsenic is called a deadly poison for a reason.

Certified organic chickens are fed 100% vegetarian, healthy diets, and no medications, vaccines, or growth hormones are given to them. They are also kept on chemical-free soils. Organic free-range chickens are also healthier because they are exposed to fresh air and sunshine. This exercises their muscles, instead of wasting them. Additionally, they have high amounts of beneficial fats, which help lower cholesterol levels and are also rich in Vitamin A and Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

I'm sure there is a lot more information than this on conventional vs. organic chickens- but this is enough for me to spend the extra money on organic!

I also have chickens in my back yard for eggs (yes the picture is of a few of them, including Johnny Cash, the rooster), and truuust me, their coop can get very dirty and smelly even being able to roam around a huge yard as they please- I can only imagine the nasty smell and sight of confined chickens, as well as the necessity to pump them with everything they do in order to keep them from diseases, etc. Gross!

Eat organic chicken, your body will be so happy you did!

Natural nail polish remover!!

I am so excited about this natural nail polish remover...no, haven't tried it yet- it's currently sold out- buuut I found out about it in Natural Health magazine where their senior beauty editor raved about it not only smelling great but also taking off polish very well. Best part about it- all after-tax, distributable profits go to women’s health advocacy and urgent human rights issues. This goes for all products Peace-Keeper Cause-Metics carries, which are all natural and safe. Can't wait 'till it's in stock again and I can try it!!

Endocrine disrupting chemicals...

Just saw an interview with New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof on Colbert Report about endocrine disrupting chemicals that are known to have effects on male and female reproduction, breast development and cancer, prostate cancer, neuroendocrinology, thyroid, metabolism and obesity, and cardiovascular endocrinology. These substances can be in our environment, food, and various consumer products. Kristof became interested in this issue after seeing Frontline's special "Poisoned Waters" in April 2009. It covers what is occurring in amphibians- there is a growing number of hermaphroditism in them, such as males having eggs. Kristof quotes, "Since human urine is a major source of estrogens in some areas, we may have to treat tap water to destroy hormones (this can be done but gets expensive). And we should be very careful of phthalates and other endocrine disrupting chemicals in the consumer products we use."

Pretty scary...I haven't delved in it very much at all yet, but if I find any helpful info/products to avoid I'll definitely pass it on. My boyfriend actually took classes (he has an environmental science degree from UCSB) that discussed this topic and he told me that these chemicals can appear in pesticides/herbicides, agricultural runoffs, a lot of plastics such as water bottles, and as Kristof noted, these chemicals appear also in our water systems.


Kristof on Colbert

Kristof's column on the issue

Endocrine Society Scientific Statement


Yeah, Ive already nixed plastic water bottles as much as I can. Klean Kanteen makes a really great reusable water canteen that I LOVE. They come in a bunch of different colors and sizes, they are made of food-grade stainless steel, one of the healthiest and most durable materials available :)

what's it all about?

This blog was created to follow my path to live a more natural and healthy lifestyle. The benefits of natural/organic products and foods are becoming more and more prevalent. The increasing research on the threats of chemicals, preservatives, additives, and many other un-natural toxins is also growing. My mission is to rid my life of all the nasty stuff and bring in the natural...I'll cover any amazing products I discover, how they stack up to their un-natural competitors and any info I find relating to this topic. Please follow me for your own health!