By the time you visit this site you may already be aware of some of the toxic chemicals contained in most supermarket brand cleaning products, soaps, shampoos and hair products, baby products, skin and face moisturisers, cosmetics, etc. Just in case you are still doing your research, below is some information that you might find of interest.
Have you ever taken the time to stop, read and understand the labels on the product you're using. Ingredients lists can be well disguised and many products that claim something as part of their advertising or within a brand name may not be true. An additive may also be hidden as a number (a number with an E in front means the same thing (ie.1440 is the same as E1440). Another way to mislead the public is to put in the ingredients 'derived from' eg. coconut. This substance, by the time it is used in your product, no way shape or form has anything resembling coconut or any of the health benefits of coconut. It has been put through so many chemical processes it is now a toxic ingredient.
Dr Sarah Lantz, in her book Chemical Free Kids (which can be purchased from our on-line shop), gives loads of examples and summaries of products, which claim to be mild and gentle, suitable for young children, but should be band from the market. In one of her examples, the ingredients list for a Childrens Berry Toothpaste contains: Sorbitol, Water, Hydrated Silica, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Flavour, PEG-12, Cellulose Gum, Cocomidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Saccarin, Aspartame, Sodium Floride, Methyl Cellulose, Menthol, FD&C Yellow no.5, FD&C Blue no.1. Does that sound like something you should be putting in your child's mouth?
If you start to do further research into these ingredients you will find that Saccarin (used as a sweetener) can cause skin inflammation and rash, eczema, nausea, diarrhoea, headache, can be mutagenic, teratogenic (affects fetus) and carcinogenic. This ingredient is also found in aspirin and soft drinks.
FD&C Yellow no.5 (or may be on the label as 102 or Tartrazine) is a yellow colouring and is banned in some counties. It can cause Asthma, skin inflammation and rash, dermatitis, headache, hay fever, concentration difficulties, depression, learning difficulties and behavioural problems, swelling of lips and tongue, hyperactivity, aggression, insomnia, confusion, anaphylaxis and is carcinogenic. Why is this allowed in our products without warnings on the label?
At least 9 of the other ingredients are also linked to adverse reactions, similar to those just mentioned. If the government isn't going to control the use of toxic chemicals, then you need to take control yourself. If you've been thinking about making the switch but don't know how, or think it's too hard, STOP THINKING LIKE THAT. If you're not interested in learning how to read labels, then don't worry. If you purchase a product from our on-line shop it has had the label read for you.
All Natural Health Products Online guarantee that every product we stock is FREE FROM HARMFUL CHEMICALS AND ADDITIVES and most are either PARTIALLY OR TOTALLY ORGANIC. For every product that you are using at the moment, there is a chemical free choice available that is probably not much different in price and will give you the same end result or better, but won't cause harm to you, your family or the environment. Still not convinced? Below are just a couple of very common chemicals found in products that you or your family are probably using every day. Right now, go to the bathroom and get the shampoo and the toothpaste you are currently using. Turn it over to the ingredients list (most supermarket brand toothpastes put the ingredients on the box). If it contains one of the following, throw it in the bin and go to our on-line shop and select an alternative. You will have it in 3 days and you're on your journey to a healthier life.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) - Is used to make products foam up so it's contained in toothpastes, shampoos, soaps and household cleaners. It causes skin and eye irritation and suspected liver toxicity. It can cause or promote acne and penetrates the skin and accumulates in vital organs. It can cause eczema and is toxic to aquatic organisms. SLS can also be retained for up to 5 days and is a carcinogen (causes cancer).
Sodium Fluoride - which is banned in Canada but here is widely used for oral care in mouthwash, toothpaste and breath freshener. Is also used in glues and other adhesives and insecticides. It is suspected to cause respiratory, cardiovascular, developmental, liver, musculo-skeletal and neuro toxicity; Osteomalacia (which is the adults version of Rickets) and bone fractures.
Methyl methacrylate - is banned in the EU and Canada but can still be found here in lipstick, moisturiser, synthetic nails, floor polish and paint! It causes asthma, sensitisation, suspected reproductive, developmental, liver, immuno and neuro toxicity.
I know it's hard to believe, but there are hundreds more where these came from. I can highly recommend a book "The Chemical Maze", by Bill Statham, (which we sell on-line). I never go grocery shopping without it. It's small enough to carry in your handbag and lists chemicals and additives in alphabetical and numerical order for a quick, easy reference. It clearly marks the very toxic ones that absolutely MUST be avoided. I have also listed some of the very nasty ones a little further down on this page.
How do you make the switch?
Every time I walk down the isles in the supermarket and glance into full shopping trolley's, it amazes me how many harmful products are on the market and that people are actually still buying them by the bucketload, considering how much information is available now. If you don't like change, make the switch gradually. Just start with cleaning products and see how much better you feel when you don't have the toxic fumes of the shower cleaner streaming through the house. Keep doing research and purchase a couple of our books on-line. A great one to help you along is "Chemical Free Kids" by Dr Sarah Lantz or Additive Alert by Julie Eady (not yet available in our store).
After changing your cleaning products, one by one start changing all your soaps, deodorants, moisturisers and shampoos as they run out. To complete the switch, finish with changing over your sunscreen and all your makeup (ladies). If you have children, I would do their products first, as they are more sensitive to chemicals.
Once you have settled into this routine, you can take it to the next level and move on to food. Again be careful of advertising and labeling. Dr Sarah Lantz gives a great example in her book, 'Chemical Free Kids', that Salt and Vinegar Chips are advertised as 'No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives added'. The ingredients list is: Vegetable oil, food acids (262, 330, 260) salt , wheat starch, lactose, maltodextrin, flavour enhancer 621, sugar. Have no idea what those numbers mean but is doesn't sound too bad?? With a little further research, you will find that 621 is Monosodium L-Glutamate (MSG). It can cause bronchiospasm; heart palpitations; abdominal discomfort; fibromyalgia; nausea; depression; headaches and migraine; asthma; blurred vision; vertigo; sight impairment and can be found in hundreds of regularly used grocery items and household products. OMG! Now that you know this, would you still let your children have a packet in their school lunch box? Why is something like this still allowed to be sold?
For every product with additives, there is a natural/healthy/organic alternative available so as you run out of a product, check the label and if it contains any additives, try a different brand. Start adding a couple of organic products in there, such as meat, chicken, eggs and fresh fruit and veges. By having about 70-80% of these products as organic, along with the other changes you have already made, you have eliminated many toxic chemicals from your life. That, combined with a healthy diet and exercise 3-5 times per week, and you will be on fire! You and your family will be feeling great and should be getting through winter with very few signs of a cold!
I believe we should give children the best chance at growing up healthily. If your children are old enough to read, get them involved and help them understand why they might have to stop eating supermarket bought ice-cream after dinner (I have a great recipe for homemade ice-cream on this page, which takes about 5 minutes to make, plus freezing time). Show them the ingredients list and look it up together. Get them to help make the decision about adding it to the banned list. Make the switch fun and positive. I switched my household products about 14 years ago and food and makeup, etc. about 7 years ago and in the last couple of years, have phased out 'teflon' coated pots and pans. My oldest daughter is 6 so she knows nothing else. She has an excellent understanding about why we don't eat certain foods and why she isn't allowed the lip gloss sold at the supermarket, but she doesn't miss out on anything. We choose alternatives that contain no harmful chemicals. When she does have her occasional food it's still all good, organic and additive free!
If you start a new exercise regime along with your new lifestyle, we also have some all natural protein powders to help you with weight loss and recovery. Most protein powders are full of colourings, flavours and artificial sweeteners, which can be very harmful. Some artificial sweeteners, that contain no calories can actually make you put on weight.
When you make the switch to eating and consuming less chemicals, you are not only helping yourself and your family but you are helping the environment. Many chemicals build up over time, so a small amount may not cause great harm but as it is used continuously, it can build up to toxic levels and can wipe out small organisms or alter reproductive systems of animals.
The aim of All Natural Health Products Online is to educate and provide quality household products to allow us to live a normal lifestyle as chemical free as possible in our modern day world.
Additives you MUST avoid
These are just some additives contained in food, cleaning products and chemicals, that you need to avoid. Many are banned in other countries and can cause a host of problems including organ damage, gastrointestinal problems, asthma, allergic reactions, hyperactivity, hypertension, insomnia AND CANCER! If consumers stand up for themselves, companies will have no choice but to stop using them.
Check every household item and throw it away if it contains (Don't forget the manufacturer may try to disguise the name as something else): Aluminium chlorohydrate, Aluminium compounds, Aluminium hydroxide, Aluminium starch, Ammonia, Ammonium chloride, BHA, 2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, Chromium compounds, Coal tar (may be called FD or FC&C), Diethanolamine, Dioxane, Ethylene oxide, fluoride, Formaldehyde, Formalin, Fragrance, Glutaral, Glutaraldehyde, Hydroquinone, Lead acetate, p-Methylamino phenol sulphate, methyl ethyl ketone, Methyl methacrylate, Musk ambrette, Nitrosamines, PABA, PAHs, Parabens, Phenol, p-Phenylene-diamine, Salicylic acid, Selenium sulfide, Sodium fluoride, Sodium lauryl sulphate, Sodium methyl-paraben, Sodium mono-fluorophosphate, Thimerosal and Toluene. (Just to make things a little trickier, most additives can have many different names eg. Coal Tar may be also known as FD, FD&C, FD&C colour or FD&C #3, etc)
Check every food and drink label and throw it away if it contains: 102, 110, 122-124, 127, 129, 132, 133, 142, 143, 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d, 173, 210-213, 216, 218, 220, 221-225, 228, 249-252, 280-283, 310-312, 319-321, 407, 586, 621, 622, 627, 631, 635, 950, 951, 961, 962, 1420, 1440 and 1442.
This list is not complete and there are many other questionable additives, which I have not included. To find out more information, there are lots of websites available. Don't forget to take your copy of 'The Chemical Maze - Shopping Companion' with you next time you go shopping. It also gives more detail and lists more harmful additives.
Quick, easy recipes and lunch box ideas with no additives
Always use organic ingredients where possible!
Homemade Ice-cream (5 minutes plus freezing time)
600ml Cream
Tin Condensed Milk
(Ingredients to make it any flavour you like)
Beat cream until soft peaks form, add condensed milk and beat until mixed together. Stir in other ingredients to add your desired flavour. Freeze for about 6 hours or overnight before ready. To make it softer and creamier, stir about every hour or two until frozen.
For different flavours, try organic strawberries or other berries, fruit, nuts or organic cocoa. Experiment and make different flavours. It's so YUMMY! Don't forget this is an occasional food.
For an extra special treat or birthday party get some waffle cones from the supermarket. (There are some brand without any bad stuff.) Yummy treat without the hyperactivity!
Chocolate Ice-blocks (taste just like a paddle pop) but without the bad stuff! (10 minutes plus min 4 hours freezing time)
2 cups milk
1/3 cup honey
3 tblsp cocoa powder
2 tblsp cornflour
1 tsp vanilla essence
1 tsp butter
Put ingredients in a pan. Stir over low heat until mixture thickens. Cool slightly, the poor into icy-pole moulds. Freeze for 4 hours or until firm.
Healthy Dessert for Four (Costs about $1pp, takes about 30 seconds to prepare)
Buy a Dragon Fruit (organic if possible), cut into quarters, squeeze a little lime juice on each one. Serve! My kids absolutely love it, they think it's a special treat and it's so good for them.
Banana Muffins (10 minutes plus cooking time)2 large ripe bananas, mashed 3 tblespns honey 3 tblespns olive oil 1 tblespns LSA 1 tblespns Chia Seeds 2 teaspns vanilla essence 1 1/4 cups wholemeal self-raising flour
Mix first 6 ingredients together then fold in flour. Spoon into muffin greased muffin pan and bake in moderate oven for 15-20 minutes.
Mueslie Squares (10 minutes plus cooking time)
1 cup wholemeal self-raising flour 2 cups mueslie (untoasted) 1/2 cup saltanas 1/2 cup coconut palm or brown sugar 2 tblespns chia seeds 125g butter, melted 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 tblespn honey
Line a rectangle baking tray (approx 10x20cm). Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Combine butter, egg and honey and add to a well in dry ingredients. Mix together. Pour into tray and press down. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden. Cool and cut into squares to serve.
Banana and Coconut Bread (10 minutes plus cooking time)
1 3/4 cups wholemeal self-raising flour
2/3 cup coconut palm or brown sugar
1/2 cup coconut cream
50g butter, melted
1/4 cup wholemeal plain flour
2 tblspoons chia seeds
2 large bananas, mashed
2 free range eggs, lightly beaten
Grease and line loaf pan with baking paper. Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Mix flours, sugar and chia seeds in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. Pour wet mixture into flour mixture and stir until combined. Pour into a loaf tin and cover with greased foil to stop overbrowning. Cook for 45-50 minutes or until firm. Cool slightly then turn onto cooling rack.
Natural Home Ideas and Remedies
Natural Headlice Removal
Spread hair with a thick, white conditioner such as the Richmond Nature Hemp Seed Oil (available in on-line shop). Separate hair into small sections and brush out using a headlice comb. Rinse out conditioner then apply this anti-lice rinse.
500ml warm water
500ml apple cider vinegar
6 drops rosemary essential oil
6 drops lavender essential oil
Mix the ingredients together and rinse through the hair and scalp thoroughly. Cover hair with a shower cap for 15 minutes then comb through again. Rinse with warm water.
Be sure to wash all combs, brushes, clothing, bedding and towels in hot water. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture and car seats.
Recommended reading/References
The Chemical Maze Shopping Companion, Your guide to Food Additives and Cosmetic Ingredients, 2008, Bill Statham.
From Cancer to Wellness - the forgotton Secrets, Kristine Matheson.
Chemical Free Kids, Raising Kids in a Toxic World, Dr Sarah Lantz.
Food Matters DVD The Liver Cleansing Diet, Dr Sandra Cabot.
1001 Natural Remedies, Laurel Vukovic.
Skin Deep, A guide to safe, chemical-free skincare and cleaning products, Kevin Farrow.
Additive Alert, Julie Eady.
"Food That Helps Win The Battle Against Fibromyalgia". Rawlings, Deirdre. 2008
10001000111111111000000011000000100000001100000011000000111111111111000010000000110011001111111111111111101010101111111111000000
|