how to have a toxin-free holiday

Just so we're clear, I'm talking products here. No, I don't have tips on how to smooth things over with your mother-in-law. I'm talking about the problem of toxins in our everyday products, and letting you know, there is no need to compromise! Most of our life is about compromise, on this thing, this health thing, let's not compromise.

You know I am a messenger. I am not an expert, I am not an aromatherapist, I am not a doctor. I am a mom who wants the best for her family. And, for you.

Why does this even matter?
Well, maybe you or someone you know has a gluten sensitivity or  eczema or psoriasis. Maybe it's important you shop organic or you're tired of being greenwashed by brands. Maybe it something more serious, perhaps you have asthma, or a chronic illness or you’re a cancer survivor and you really need to be careful about what you bring into your home and put on your body

Did you know that every day, women in the United States are exposed to more than 168 toxic chemicals? Even unborn children aren’t immune. Umbilical cord blood has been found to contain over 200 toxic chemicals! Some of the most common are triclosan, aluminum, fragrance, and propylene glycol.

Triclosan is an antibacterial agent found in toothpaste. It’s linked to hormone disrupting health concerns.

Aluminum is used as an antiperspirant. It plugs sweat ducts, preventing you from perspiring. It accumulates in your system, causing adverse health effects. Ladies, I know we don't like to pit, but sweat is one of the ways our bodies remove toxins. And, I don't know about you, but I don't want aluminum near "the girls".

Manufacturers aren’t required by the FDA to list fragrance ingredients, allowing them to legally hide hundreds of potentially harmful ingredients they want to keep secret.

Propylene glycol is a petrochemical. It’s a by-product of oil refinement, widely known as a toxic substance. It’s used in antifreeze, paints, skin care, hair care, and fragrances. Imagine getting a facial at the gas pump!

Have you ever considered how these toxins buildup over time? Toxic chemicals are absorbed directly into the blood stream through your skin. This is why the nicotine and sea sickeness patches are effective, because they go right into our bloodstream.

Some of these chemicals can be stored in your body for years, creating your body burden. Your skin, your largest organ, is a carrier—not a barrier. Is it a coincidence that disease rates are on the rise?

Since 2000, Alzheimer’s death rates increased 123%.
Since 1960, breast cancer diagnosis rates increased 150%.
Since 1995, children’s autism diagnosis rates increased 747%.

While there have been advances in diagnosing and documenting diseases, with all the advances of modern medicine, shouldn't those rates be going down, not up?

Why are toxic chemicals allowed in our products? Think about it, manufacturers of toxic products have to wear haz mat suits and follow strict safety guidelines when manufacturing their products. Why do they do it? Many reasons, including: Corporate America profits substantially from using cheaper ingredients. U.S. regulations don’t require toxic chemical testing for personal or home care products. Manufacturers choose what’s safe and those decisions are based on profits.

But, here’s the good news - you can make a difference! Use your dollars to make your voice heard. You are already buying these products, why not buy safe?

When I learned about this issue, I returned my toxic products and used the store credit to feed my family instead. Oh, and I bought towels too. Now my everyday essentials are delivered right to more door. And, good, one less thing I have to worry about!

So let's take a look at three popular gifts you may be planning to give (and how to read the label if your receive them):

Hand cream
It seems there is always a seasonal one or cute holiday labeling.  But many of them contain that pesky "fragrance" or "parfum". Those are catch-all phrases. There are an untold number of chemicals hiding under these umbrella terms and you don't know what any are! Many contain phthalates, which are linked with birth defects, breast cancer, diabetes, obesity, autism and ADHD.

Find a hand cream with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and aloe. And the scent? Look for essential oils on the label. Check out dream cream - super hydrating this time of year and comes in three scents.

Lip Balm
We see the little gift sets you can buy for your bestie or tween and teen but did you know many of them contain ingredients that actually dry out your lips so you have to keep using the product? Did you know woman consume 2-7 pounds of lip product per year?! Make sure you know what is in yours... Ditch the petroleum, alcohol or even lead! Here is a safe lip balm that comes in a four-pack so you can keep one in the cup holder of your car, your office drawer, your bag, and your vanity. But guess what, you probably won't need all of them because this stuff actually works! So keep one and gift the other three.

Scented Candle
And last but not least, the scented candle. Have you ever noticed when you burn a candle that it gives off black soot or maybe the scent is so strong you can taste it or you get a headache? I have experienced all of those things. Including rashes on my arms.

​Most candles are made out of paraffin wax, which is actually bleached petroleum. So choose candles with cotton wicks, natural waxes, like non gmo soy, beeswax, or coconut, and make sure the candle is scented with pure essential oils, not “fragrance”.

The Solution
The holiday shipping deadline is approaching, so shop in your yoga pants with your fav beverage and get check some gifts off your list.  Please, let me know how I can help you enjoy peace of mind this holiday season knowing you're gifting the safest and best. Don't we all want the best for the best in our lives?