Toxin Free Home

Cozy slippers, hot coffee in hand, a soft blanket, and a candle burning… isn’t that the epitome of a perfect morning! Let me add, kids still sleeping! This sometimes sounds more like a Christmas wish than standard morning. Once in a while, though, I get them and savor every single second!

I savor the stillness but also the fact that I can actually burn a candle with no headache coming on. 

I wouldn’t consider myself “sensitive” to smells… that is until I totally cut out harmful fragrance from our home. For the longest time, we’ve been using unscented cleaners, detergents and no candles (just diffusers) because we know the harm that can come with fragrance, and specifically candles! Now, when I am somewhere that has candles burning, plug-ins in the wall, or some strong perfume, I instantly get a mild headache and need to get out… can you relate?

Let’s look at this for a minute! Sorry if you don’t like me after this, but I promise, I have some ideas for you!

Recent studies may make you second guess your love for artificially scented decor and candles since these may actually be making us sick! Many toxic chemicals can be found in the fragrance and the wax and also contribute to indoor air pollution. In fact, a 2001 EPA study shows that candles with more fragrance in them produce more soot, and the agency suggests choosing unscented candles to reduce this leftover debris. And a 2009 study out of South Carolina State University also warns about chemicals emitted into the air upon burning candles. 

Researches found that burning paraffin (the most popular type of candle wax) candles produced “undesired chemicals” like Balkans, alkenes, and toluene, which are known to have harmful effects on humans. Paraffin is made from petroleum so you could be polluting your indoor air with the same toxin as diesel fuel (like 1,4-dioxane which is a known human carcinogen). Side note- paraffin is not only used in candles and dips for getting pedicures, but also often found in lip balms, vaseline-like products, body lotion, and moisturizers. Make sure to check these labels too!

Back to candles… fragrance is a topic all in itself, but the word “fragrance” can be over 300+ chemicals that make up this one word. 

Dr. Ruhullah Massoudi, a lead researcher and chemistry professor, said “for a person who lights a candle every day for years, or just uses them frequently, inhalation of these dangerous pollutants drifting in the air could contribute to the development of health risks live cancer, common allergies, and even asthma.”

So knowing this, I totally stopped using candles a while back, and truthfully I missed them! I felt guilty for wanting to light one and was on the hunt for a clean brand. In the mean time, I used my diffusers with essential oils. I still love to do this because diffusers are a fantastic way to not only enjoy a smell in your home, but also disperse the oil benefits to the whole family. Need a little extra immune support, diffuse some Rosemary. Need assistance breathing? Add some Eucalyptus! Truly, the diffuser is amazing… but it’s just not the same as burning a candle!

And fear not, friends! I won’t leave you hanging!

Recently we found a new candles company…

Its literally everything you could want!

• Rotating scents based on seasons.
• Made in the USA
• Made 100% from Coconut and Soy wax (no paraffin)
• Fragrances used are 100% phthalate-free
• Follow strict RIFM and IFRA standards regarding fragrance safety
• Free of additives
• Eco-Friendly
• Contain NO parabéns, phthalates, sulfates, dyes, nut oils, gluten or paraffin

Seriously a dream come true for this toxin-free Mama over here!

I’ve had a LOT of these burning in my home and although I truly haven’t has one I don’t like, there are some I gravitate towards!

• DUSK
• COSTAL BOHO
• SURF
• SALT AIR
• SUNSHINE
• MAINE PINE- a classic but warm Pine- Christmastime favorite but also my hubby’s favorite!

Take a look at Sealovecandles.com for your new favorite candles, but also safe room sprays as well. 

Use Pomo code MAMAFORHEALTH10 at checkout to save 10% on all your orders.

I want to hear your faves, too!

Do I have any other coffee lovers in here?! I love the taste… hot, iced, bulletproof, black, it doesn’t matter! I want it!

I love coffee, not just the caffeine, but the taste and the comfort!

Coffee often gets a bad rap, due to the caffeine intake, but did you know it actually has quite a few health benefits?

Many studies show that coffee drinkers have lower rates of:

• Type two diabetes
• Parkinson’s disease
• Cirrhosis
• Gout
• Uterine and liver cancer
• Cardiovascular disease

And can also:

• Improve energy levels
• Improve exercise performance
• Help you burn more fat
• Improve your attention

Coffee can also majorly add to your body burden! How?

?????? ?? ???????? ??? ???? ??????? ?????????? ??????? ???? ?? ??? ?????! And considering 100 million Americans drink coffee (and think about other cultures too) and are not aware of this, it means body burden can be high!

When choosing a coffee, I always like to make sure of a few things.

• ?? ?? ????????
• ?? ?? ????? ????????? ???? (???? ??????? ??????????)?
• ?? ?? ?????? ???????
• ?? ?? ????????? ?????
• ??? ?? ???? ???????? ????-?????

So when most people are concerned about the caffeine levels, I’m sitting over here worried about the mold and pesticide levels. Yes, caffeine can definitely be over-consumed and it is dehydrating, so we need to be mindful of our water intake! Also, it’s no doubt that coffee can do a number on your adrenal glands! Since coffee is a stimulant, too much can deplete your natural energy reserves.

So, If you are a coffee drinker as I am, don’t beat yourself up about it! Enjoy your cup, but hydrate after! And try not to over-do it! But also make SURE you are choosing a clean brand to drink!

The questions above are all necessary to know the answer to to make sure what you are consuming every single day isn’t loaded with the nasty stuff! Clean coffee not only tastes better, but it also minimized the side effects like extra brain fog, heart burn, more fatigue, and acidity problems.

Here is my review on the clean brands I do recommend!

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BY A LANDSLIDE, my favorite cup of coffee! Checks off every question above which makes me confident in my cup of Joe. Clean energy from it and nice and dark tasting. There are multiple options for roasts available too!

** For $15 off use this link… LIMITED TIME

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Has added mushrooms for adaptogenic properties- love the clean burn but it’s not as dark tasting as others.

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This was next on my list to try because it’s definitely clean. But once I tasted LifeBoost, I didn’t want to sip anything else.

I know I sound like a coffee addict, but just talking about this makes me want to go brew a pot to sip on! Plus, it’s snowing outside so it would just add to the coziness! I won’t, because its 4pm, but I am excited to get it ready for tomorrow morning! You know it’s a GREAT coffee when you are excited to go to bed just to be able to wake up and have another mug full!

But I promise, I’m not an addict…

That being said, it is important to know how your body metabolizes coffee. Everyone is different and there are different test you can do to find out, but you can also probably tell just by listening to your body.

• ???? ??????????? ?????- Coffee makes you anxious and jittery, a morning cup alone can make it hard to fall asleep at night
• ???? ??????????? ?????- Coffee makes you happy and productive, you can drink a cup and go to bed shortly after
• ????? ??????????? ????? – You can handle a cup or two, but may have trouble sleeping or not feel well when you drink too much or too late in the day

If you do want to take the test, the 23andMe genetic analysis can help by looking at the CYP1A2 gene. I choose to just listen to my body, though!

I am a fast metabolizer which is why I can sleep easily whenever I’ve had my last cup!! That being said, I’m extremely mindful about choosing clean coffee to drink. I want to minimize the negative effects of coffee and the negative components that are often in coffee.

Welcome to the laundry room! HA! Do you really need a greeting? I think it’s fair to say that we Mama’s spend way too much time in here as it is!

PRO TIP: Light a nice candle on laundry days to make it a more enjoyable area!

And since we spend so much time washing and folding laundry, its important we make sure it’s actually clean! Side note… can I hire someone to just put it away? I don’t mind to washing and even the folding, but putting it away is the step I dread.

Okay, I’ll stop my tangent, but really… if we are “cleaning” out clothing with toxic products, we aren’t doing any good for out family!

Plus, when it comes to laundry, there are so many different products…

• Detergent
• Fabric softener 
• Wrinkle releaser
• Dryer sheets
• Laundry boosters
• Stain removers

These products are often heavily laden with toxic chemicals. Just a walk down the laundry aisle and that is quite obvious. We wear clothes everyday so it’s important that we aren’t putting such harmful ingredients right against our skin! Many of these products (see link below on dryer sheets https://draxe.com/dryer-sheets/) are not required to list their ingredients and are filled with a chemical cocktail that is very toxic to our bodies!

In fact, here are some of the most used chemicals in your everyday stain removers:

• Dipropylene glycol methyl ether — severe irritant of the eyes, and throat and is a neurotoxic. Can affect reproductive and developmental effects as well as damaging the central nervous system and hazardous to the environment.
• Ethoxylated alcohol — Irritant to the eyes, skin, and lungs. Repeated contact may cause defatting of the skin. It may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen.
• Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate — Severe irritant of the skin, eyes, and lungs. Prolonged contact many damage tissues, is corrosive and can burn the lungs. Had long-term adverse ecological effects.
• Glycol ether — This highly toxic compound is an irritant of the skin and lungs and severe irritant to the eyes. Can be very harmful if inhaled and a health hazard. Is a reproductive hazard and an environmental hazard.
• Nonoxyno-4 and -9 — Severe irritant to the eyes and lungs and highly absorbed through the skin and can be cause of genetic changes, birth defects and genetic changes. It is toxic to aquatic life.
• Petroleum solvents — These toxic chemicals are irritants to the eyes, skin and lungs. They may damage the central, peripheral nervous systems, and the respiratory system. Can be very harmful if inhaled, can cause dizziness and loss of coördination and act as a narcotic. Repeating skin exposure may cause defatting of the skin, or removal of the skin’s natural oils. Are not only a health hazard but an environmental hazard that biodegrades very slowly or not at all.
• Sodium hydroxide — This toxic chemical is severely caustic and corrosive, will burn the eyes, skin, and lungs. Can be very dangerous if inhaled and can cause chronic damage to tissues. High levels of exposure can cause damage to digestive system and lungs, leading to blindness or death.

https://organic4greenlivings.com/removing-stains-the…/

Pretty nasty, huh? I mean even if you are not an ingredient guru, just the sound of these, you know they are bad!

So let’s clean it up and see what actually works!

These are a few of out favorite tried-and-true products that not only make me happy in the ingredient department, but also in the performance! Seriously… between infant blowouts and toddler stains, I have my work cut out for me. And let me tell you, what SOLD me on this line was the Stain Stick. Pure magic.

Their entire line of products is free of harmful ingredients commonly found in laundry detergents such as:

•  ethoxylated compounds
•  1,4 dioxane
• formaldehyde
• Synthetic fragrance & dyes
• SLS
• phosphates
• optical brighteners
• harmful preservatives (methylisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone)

And to make it even better, MyGreenFills is completely Family owned and made in the USA! 

You can totally transform your laundry room and most of your laundry needs here and you’ll also get 100 free loads of detergent and a nice laundry bag! Click Here >>

We have been using unscented laundry detergent and only wool dryer balls for years, so to actually have a scent on our clothing is so new to us! The scent at first seemed overwhelming so I kept the box in the garage for a day! But, once I mixed it together and gave it a whirl, I was so pleased! My hubby was so excited that his clothing finally “smelled clean” again! The smell isn’t super strong once its washed and dried, but if you do prefect unscented, after you order you can just email and ask for the unscented wash!

PRO TIP #2: Keep these products always on hand in your laundry room to help combat stains and clean a little extra!

• vinegar
• baking soda
• hydrogen peroxide 
• rubbing alcohol 

One of my favorite conversations to have in regards to “natural” or “toxin-free” living is in regards to nutrition. Not necessarily what to eat for each individual, but things we can incorporate into our daily diets to reap massive benefits for our health. Especially in todays world, we are fed such mixed data on what may have good anti-viral benefits and it’s become so politicized that many of the natural remedies are not what you will see on the headlines or social media.

There are so many cool things out there, with tons of research, that many of us aren’t even aware of. Things that have been used for hundreds and thousands of years (think Ancient Greek, Egyptians, Romans, etc) that were used as their most prized medicines. And what’s crazy is we have them readily available to us today, yet we don’t take advantage of it!

This specific product has been used for centuries because its effectiveness for killing viruses and reducing viral load (including today’s said virus). It’s fantastic support for your immune system!

Meta-Analysis Published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine shows it has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-tumor properties and is noted to be an immune-modulator.

And this very thing is a simple food that you can incorporate day-to-day to help you and your family stay healthy and strong!

Did you guess right? … PROPOLIS! Yes, that stuff that comes from the beehive!

So there are over 300 active compounds in propolis and the majority of these are antioxidants and specifically polyphenols (think inflammation fighters aka disease fighters). In fact, according to recent data published in a peer review journal Archive of Virology, polyphenols have been found to inhibit the activity of coronavirus. In the journal Antiviral Chemistry and Chemotherapy, it revealed that propolis has significant antiviral effects, specifically in reducing viral lung infections. The current virus going around is a hyper-inflammatory kind that is targeting the lungs and the body (not the virus) is causing excess inflammation. It’s the body’s response to the exposure that’s causing the symptoms, but it’s beneficial to give our bodies nutrition to help it with it’s response (remember propolis is an immuno-modulator).

Even aside from the current virus, Propolis is a wonderful food to keep in our superhero utility belt to help our bodies be as resilient as possible!

When it comes to bee products, it is important that they are tested for contamination like arsenic, cadmium, lead, DDT, E.coli, salmonella, etc. You want the highest quality of the good stuff without all the junk! Personally, we have used both of these below and LOVE how they taste! We are currently using the Bjorn Royal Hong mix because its contains the Propolis, Royal Jelly and Pollen in the honey, tastes amazing, but is from Colorado so we also get the benefits of local pollen to help with any potential allergies! Bee Keepers Naturals is great as well, also filled with all the goods, but had a little bit stronger of a taste. The whole family has been taking just 1 tsp per day to help our bodies stay strong and efficient!

Bee Keepers Naturals does have a wonderful Propolis spray (and one specifically for kids) that we love having on hand because its so easy to use and kids love it!

Resources:

• https://bjornscoloradohoney.com/
• https://beekeepersnaturals.com/

And thank you to The Model Health Show for some great research!