Tag Archives: skin care

Guest blogger: Take control of the chemicals around you

Posted on by Posted in General Announcement .

I have known Bree for about four years. We started off as networking pals and grew to really enjoy each other’s businesses because we are all about informing people to make healthier choices. Bree is an RN (and that’s just one of her many credentials)  so she knows her stuff! I received her newsletter and couldn’t wait to pass her featured blog on to you all. 

It’s not very often that we hear about a connection between our personal care products and our mood, but there is definitely a very important connection!  Believe it or not, what you put on and around your body is JUST AS IMPORTANT as what you put in your body.  And these days we are easily bombarded with an excess of unhealthy chemicals that can affect our health and happiness.

Since WWII, over 80000 chemicals have been introduced into our world.  Did you get that? 80,000 chemicals!! These chemicals are used in industrial products, personal care products, cleaning supplies, furniture, cars, and even your food.

These chemicals are NOT required to be tested for safety.  In fact, for every 1500 chemicals that are introduced, about 10 are tested.  None of them have been tested for synergistic effects, meaning what happens when two different chemicals react when mixed together in a product.

Many of of these chemicals are known or suspected carcinogens (meaning they increase your risk of cancer)
Bree blog picture

Many of these chemicals are known or suspected hormone disruptors, which can result in insulin/glucose imbalance (diabetes), leptin imbalance (resulting in weight gain and difficulty losing excess weight), depression, and higher risk of cancer

Most people believe that some agency somewhere is looking out for our safety and all of these products have been deemed safe.  That’s not the truth!

There is no agency that’s sole responsibility is to test for safety of our personal care and cleaning products.  It is left up to the companies that make the products (and make money selling the product)  to report safety of their products.  So while the companies may know something is potentially not safe, they will say something along the lines of “the amount is too small to affect you” without taking into consideration how much you use, how often you use it, and everything else you use.

On average, a woman puts 215 chemicals in or around her body EVERY MORNING…125 of those are suspected hormone-disregulators or carcinogens!  That’s why it is so important to educate yourself and make better choices for you and your family!

It is impossible to live in our world and avoid all of these chemicals altogether.  But you can make a BIG IMPACT by controlling what you can control.

You may have unknowingly been exposing yourself and your kids to many different cancer- causing, hormone-disrupting chemicals every day.  Now’s the time to clear this junk out of your home and away from your family.  Detoxing your home can save you ALOT of money too.

Begin by paying attention to the labels and not buying products that list the ingredients mentioned in the picture above.  Choose natural products over chemical products.  (Note: this process can easily feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.  Begin by changing out just a few items at a time.)

 

To sign up to receive Bree’s newsletter, visit her at http://www.vitalityhealthcoach.com/ and don’t forget to try her Clean Eating Challenge!

Easy tips to help you in the garden

Posted on by Posted in Cleaning Tips .

Last week, we discussed the chemistry of vinegar. We discussed how it can be used as a cleaning product because it naturally deodorizes, disinfects and cuts grease. Click here to check it out!

 

Vinegar is such a versatile ingredient. Not only can it be used in food and cleaning recipes, it can also be used around your garden. Since the weather is getting warmer, try using these vinegar tips outside.

 

1.)    Remove berry stains from your hands by washing your hands with 1 cup vinegar.

  • Berry stains are organic. Organic stains, like blood and food, respond better to natural, acidic products like vinegar and lemon juice. It’s all about the chemical reaction between a base and an acid.

2.)    Keep rabbits from eating your plants. Put cotton balls soaked in white distilled vinegar in a 35mm film container. Poke a hole in the top and place in the garden.
*  Rabbits also dislike pepper, garlic, chili powder and mint. You could also plant some flowers and herbs that are natural deterrents like foxgloves, digitalis, aconitum, catnip plants, or lavender.

3.)    Get rid of rust on spigots, tools, screws or bolts by soaking the items overnight or for several days in undiluted white distilled vinegar.
*Rust forms when moisture on metal begins to oxidize. Even a small amount of moisture, such as sweat, can cause rust to form. Over time, rust will eat away at the metal deteriorating it beyond repair. Vinegar is naturally acidic and will dissolve the rust from the metal without harsh chemicals.

4.)    Clean a hummingbird feeder/bird bath with white distilled vinegar—soap or detergent can leave behind harmful residue.

  • Hummingbirds will starve themselves before eating spoiled food, so be sure to clean your feeders often. At least once a month, clean the feeder thoroughly with ¼ cup of vinegar to one gallon water. Soak for one hour, then clean with a bottle brush.

5.)    Make your own mosquito and moth repellant by combining 2 cups vinegar and 1 cup molasses in a tin can and hang from a tree branch or place on a picnic table.

  • Mosquitoes are a food source for bats, frogs, and birds; but they are also pests when you are trying to enjoy the outdoors. If you’ve got clogged gutters, uncovered rain barrels, bird baths, etc., you’ve got a nesting ground for these blood-suckers. But there is a solution! Mosquitoes hate strong smells like lemon, vinegar, lavender, citronella or geranium. That’s why the recipe mentioned above works so well. Another way to naturally keep mosquitoes at bay is to plant marigolds, basil, tansy and rosemary in your garden. The herbs and flowers give off a smell that helps ward off bugs without using insecticides.

6.)    Avoid skin problems after working in the garden by rinsing your hands with 1 cup vinegar.

* Harsh lotions can strip away your skin’s natural acidity. Vinegar can help restore the natural acidity, which can clear up skin problems like dryness, itching, flaking and acne. Vinegar is a natural antiseptic and antifungal, so it helps reduce and destroy harmful irritants and germs.

 

There you have it. A few ideas about how vinegar can help you outside. If you haven’t checked out our cleaning recipes posted last week, click here. Vinegar is such an amazing, versatile ingredient. Thank goodness they sell it cheap and by the gallon!

 

Do you have vinegar tips? Tell us at www.facebook.com/Miraclean