The last element of ridding toxins from my body, for me, was to stop taking the contraceptive pill. I had been taking the pill for nearly 15 years, day in day out. There was some resistance from my behalf to stop taking the pill, I am married, but I'm not convinced that I am ready for children. My thoughts were along the lines of...if I stop taking the pill I might get pregnant, the pill keeps me regular. However, I knew that if I was to walk my talk and live within the boundaries of what I believed in and what my business stands for then I had to rid the pill from my body.
I discussed this with my partner and he was all for it. "Of course, get the chemicals out of your body", was his response. What happened next I was not prepared for. I skin developed 'bumps'. Bumps were forming everywhere, on my face, on the tops of my arms, on my back. It wasn't a nice thing to see. I started to doubt my decision. However, I knew that I had to push through this.
I stayed 'bumpy' for 3 months, before I went to see my natropath. She told me all about "the pill"...stay tuned for part II.
May 26, 2009
May 17, 2009
Zero Waste - Lets Make it Happen in Your Location
Zero Waste in South Australia
Plastic Bags are now banned in South Australia (SA). We congratulate the SA government for this initiative. Let's get the rest of Australia and the World to follow suit.
Non Toxic Life encourages you to take your recycled cloth bags or green bags with you when you go shopping. Say 'No' to plastic bags when you are out and about.
What's wrong with plastic bags?
Plastic bags are seen as a symbol of a wasteful society as they are a form of packaging that is often not essential. Plastic bags are a problem for various reasons:
- As a single use disposable form of packaging, plastic bags are typically used for a short period of time but take hundreds of years to break down in landfill (National Plastic Bags Working Group, Report, page 5).
- Plastic bags are an extremely visible and unsightly component of litter. If plastic bags continue to be used, the number of bags littering the environment will increase over time. Local and State Governments around Australia spend more than $200 million per year picking up litter.
- The production of plastic bags accounts for some 20,000 tonnes of plastic polymer derived from non-renewable resources. While plastic bags can be recycled, only a tiny proportion of plastic bags are collected and reprocessed.
- Plastic bags are considered to be a 'free' commodity, but the cost to households of $10 to $15 per year is added to the price of goods that they purchase.
Marine life mistake plastic bags for food.
- The Sydney Morning Herald (27/12/2008) has reported that an endangered hawksbill turtle was put down after it swallowed plastic and was found sick on a beach at Tomakin, near Batemans Bay in NSW.
- A crocodile died after its capture off Magnetic Island in November 2008. Wildlife authorities found the crocodile had ingested 25 plastic shopping and garbage bags, a plastic wine cooler bag and a rubber float. These items prevented the crocodile from digesting his food so he died of starvation.
- A penguin was found washed up on Troubridge Island with a plastic bag around is breathing passage.
Source: http://www.byobags.com.au/
Tip of the week
To remove Glue - eucalyptus oil will remove glue from clothes, fingers and appliances.
If you know someone who could be interested in this information, you have my permission to pass it on. This article was prepared by Keeta Gibson, public speaker, author and Carbon Reduction Coach from http://www.nontoxiclife.com.au/, your online eco-store for biodegradable, compostable and earthwise goods.
May 3, 2009
Why is our Acid-Alkaline balance important?
The pH level of our internal body fluids affects every cell in our body. Healthy metabolic processes require an alkaline environment. In contrast, an acidic body is a magnet for illness, disease, cancer and aging. Chronic over-acidity corrodes body tissue, and can ultimately disrupt important cellular activities and functions. Some believe that over-acidity in our bodies is the root of all disease. So long as your body is in an acidic state, it is in a state of degeneration.
What exactly do we mean by Acid and Alkaline?
Acid and alkaline states are measures of pH, or “potential hydrogen”. All organic matter, including the human body has a pH level. The pH scale covers a range from 0-14 (Ph of 7 is neutral, less than 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline).
How to Eliminate Excessive Body Acid
Poor diet and stress increase our body’s acid levels. Eating more alkaline foods and reducing stress will help you maintain a healthy pH level, oxygenate your system, promote healing and prevent illness.
There are many ways to reduce stress in your life. Here we will focus on understanding what food choices you can make to promote an alkaline body state.
Foods contain different levels of acid or alkaline content in their own right. But what determines the pH condition in the body is the whether the food is acid or alkaline forming after being digested. With an understanding of acid or alkaline forming foods, we can work toward our optimum health objective. From a biochemistry perspective, it is the levels of inorganic matter in food (sulphur, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium) that determines its impact on the acidity or alkalinity of our body fluids.
Choosing foods according to whether they are acid forming or alkali forming can have a major impact on your ability to heal and maintain health. Aim for 70-80% of your diet to be alkalizing foods, such as green veggies. That means a much lesser portion of our diet is left for acid forming foods (such as meat and grains). Furthermore, high-quality supplements will help you achieve and maintain a healthy pH balance.
If you know someone who could be interested in this information, you have my permission to pass it on. I'm Keeta Gibson, the Carbon Reduction Coach from http://www.nontoxiclife.com.au/, your online eco-store for biodegradable, compostable and earthwise goods.
What exactly do we mean by Acid and Alkaline?
Acid and alkaline states are measures of pH, or “potential hydrogen”. All organic matter, including the human body has a pH level. The pH scale covers a range from 0-14 (Ph of 7 is neutral, less than 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline).
How to Eliminate Excessive Body Acid
Poor diet and stress increase our body’s acid levels. Eating more alkaline foods and reducing stress will help you maintain a healthy pH level, oxygenate your system, promote healing and prevent illness.
There are many ways to reduce stress in your life. Here we will focus on understanding what food choices you can make to promote an alkaline body state.
Foods contain different levels of acid or alkaline content in their own right. But what determines the pH condition in the body is the whether the food is acid or alkaline forming after being digested. With an understanding of acid or alkaline forming foods, we can work toward our optimum health objective. From a biochemistry perspective, it is the levels of inorganic matter in food (sulphur, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium) that determines its impact on the acidity or alkalinity of our body fluids.
Choosing foods according to whether they are acid forming or alkali forming can have a major impact on your ability to heal and maintain health. Aim for 70-80% of your diet to be alkalizing foods, such as green veggies. That means a much lesser portion of our diet is left for acid forming foods (such as meat and grains). Furthermore, high-quality supplements will help you achieve and maintain a healthy pH balance.
If you know someone who could be interested in this information, you have my permission to pass it on. I'm Keeta Gibson, the Carbon Reduction Coach from http://www.nontoxiclife.com.au/, your online eco-store for biodegradable, compostable and earthwise goods.
Apr 13, 2009
Toxic Body Burden - Mapping Pollution in People
Scientists have been studying pollutants in air, water and on land for decades. Now they're studying pollution in people, and the findings are troubling. From the moment of conception to the end of life, our bodies play host to a myriad of industrial chemicals that cross into our bloodstream through our skin, gut, or lungs. They are consumer product ingredients, or pollutants in air, water and food. They are fire retardants, grease-proof coatings, plasticizers, and solvents. They are our personal body burden of pollution.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) website reports results from the most comprehensive studies ever conducted on multiple chemical contaminants in humans. Since 2000 the EWG has spearheaded six studies finding 455 industrial pollutants, pesticides and other chemicals in blood, urine, and breast milk in 72 people altogether, from newborns and grandparents to mothers and teens. The EWG had found that pollution of the human body begins before birth, in complex combinations of chemicals never tested for safety.
For a summary of all EWG body burden studies - 455 chemicals, 72 people, 6 studies.
We make mention that the EWG is an American based organisation therefore their studies are conducted in the USA, however we strongly believe their studies are of value to people worldwide. We welcome your feedback on Australia based studies you may be aware of.
If you know someone who could be interested in this information, you have my permission to pass it on. I'm Keeta Gibson from http://www.nontoxiclife.com.au/, your online eco-store for biodegradable, compostable and earthwise, environmentally friendly products.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) website reports results from the most comprehensive studies ever conducted on multiple chemical contaminants in humans. Since 2000 the EWG has spearheaded six studies finding 455 industrial pollutants, pesticides and other chemicals in blood, urine, and breast milk in 72 people altogether, from newborns and grandparents to mothers and teens. The EWG had found that pollution of the human body begins before birth, in complex combinations of chemicals never tested for safety.
For a summary of all EWG body burden studies - 455 chemicals, 72 people, 6 studies.
We make mention that the EWG is an American based organisation therefore their studies are conducted in the USA, however we strongly believe their studies are of value to people worldwide. We welcome your feedback on Australia based studies you may be aware of.
If you know someone who could be interested in this information, you have my permission to pass it on. I'm Keeta Gibson from http://www.nontoxiclife.com.au/, your online eco-store for biodegradable, compostable and earthwise, environmentally friendly products.
Apr 7, 2009
15 Foods You Don't Have to Buy Organic
The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organisation that advocates for policies that protect global and individual health, produces the Shoppers' Guide to Pesticides. It is based on the results of nearly 87,000 pesticide tests.
Organic fruits and vegetables are by definition grown without the use of pesticides. But some find the expense of organic foods prohibitive.
Of the 47 different fruit and vegetable categories in the Guide to Pesticides, the following fifteen foods had the lowest pesticide load when conventionally grown. Consequently, they are the safest conventionally grown crops to consume:
If you know someone who could be interested in this information, you have my permission to pass it on. This article was prepared by Keeta Gibson from http://www.nontoxiclife.com.au/, your online eco-store for biodegradable, compostable and environmentally friendly products.
Organic fruits and vegetables are by definition grown without the use of pesticides. But some find the expense of organic foods prohibitive.
Of the 47 different fruit and vegetable categories in the Guide to Pesticides, the following fifteen foods had the lowest pesticide load when conventionally grown. Consequently, they are the safest conventionally grown crops to consume:
Onion
Avocado
Sweet Corn
Pineapple
Mango
Asparagus
Sweet peas
Kiwi
Cabbage
Egg Plant
Papaya
Watermelon
Broccoli
Tomato
Sweet Potato
The Shopper's Guide to Pesticides also lists the "Dirty Dozen", which are fruit and vegetables best purchased as organic producce. We encourage you to download and print out the full list to place on your fridge.
Sources:Shopper Guide to Pesticides - Methodology
If you know someone who could be interested in this information, you have my permission to pass it on. This article was prepared by Keeta Gibson from http://www.nontoxiclife.com.au/, your online eco-store for biodegradable, compostable and environmentally friendly products.
Mar 30, 2009
Microwave Hazards
We all love convenience, but at what cost? From the conclusions of the Swiss, Russian and German scientific clinical studies, Mercola.com summarises the following about using microwave ovens. Looks like 10 good reasons to get rid of them!
1. Continually eating food processed from a microwave oven causes long term - permanent - brain damage by "shorting out" electrical impulses in the brain.
2. The human body cannot metabolise (break down) the unknown by-products created in microwaved food.
3. Male and female hormone production is shut down and/or altered by continually eating microwaved foods.
4. The effects of microwaved food by-products are residual (long term, permanent) within the human body.
5.Minerals, vitamins and nutrients of all microwaved food is reduced or altered so that the human body gets little or no benefit.
6. The minerals in vegetables are altered into cancerous free radicals when cooked in microwave ovens.
7. Microwaved foods cause stomach and intestinal cancerous growths (tumors).
8. The prolonged eating of microwaved foods causes cancerous cells to increase in human blood. 9. Continual ingestion of microwaved food causes immune system deficiencies through lymph gland and blood serum alterations.
10. Eating microwaved food causes loss of memory, concentration, emotional instability and decrease of intelligence.
These type of claims are hard for us to verify, and I am sure we can find people who will swear that microwaves pose no harm at all. However, I like the principle of "If in doubt, throw it out".
If you know someone who could be interested in this information, you have my permission to pass it on. I'm Keeta Gibson from http://www.nontoxiclife.com.au/, your online eco-store for biodegradable, compostable and earthwise products.
1. Continually eating food processed from a microwave oven causes long term - permanent - brain damage by "shorting out" electrical impulses in the brain.
2. The human body cannot metabolise (break down) the unknown by-products created in microwaved food.
3. Male and female hormone production is shut down and/or altered by continually eating microwaved foods.
4. The effects of microwaved food by-products are residual (long term, permanent) within the human body.
5.Minerals, vitamins and nutrients of all microwaved food is reduced or altered so that the human body gets little or no benefit.
6. The minerals in vegetables are altered into cancerous free radicals when cooked in microwave ovens.
7. Microwaved foods cause stomach and intestinal cancerous growths (tumors).
8. The prolonged eating of microwaved foods causes cancerous cells to increase in human blood. 9. Continual ingestion of microwaved food causes immune system deficiencies through lymph gland and blood serum alterations.
10. Eating microwaved food causes loss of memory, concentration, emotional instability and decrease of intelligence.
These type of claims are hard for us to verify, and I am sure we can find people who will swear that microwaves pose no harm at all. However, I like the principle of "If in doubt, throw it out".
If you know someone who could be interested in this information, you have my permission to pass it on. I'm Keeta Gibson from http://www.nontoxiclife.com.au/, your online eco-store for biodegradable, compostable and earthwise products.
Mar 16, 2009
What’s in your Chocolate Biscuits ?
Anyone ever wonder what the following Colours, as listed on chocolate biscuit packets, actually are?
Check out your packet next time and then compare it to a no frills brand. Then you must get yourself a copy of the Chemical Maze, an invaluable guide to take shopping with you. The Chemical Maze is broken down into food additives and cosmetic ingredients. It lists these and their codes, their functions, potential effects, and rates them from safe to hazardous.
Tim Tam ingredients: COLOURS (e102, e110, e129, e133, e150), milk solids, cocoa, salt, raising agent (e500), emulsifier (e322: soy) and flavouring. May contain traces of peanut, other nut, egg or seed.
(1) COLOUR e102 - Tartrazine.
Known effects are asthma, altered states of perception and behaviour, uncontrolled hyper agitation and confusion. Known reactions are rhinitis (hay fever), bronchospasms (breathing problems), blurred vision and purple patches on the skin. It may also cause wakefulness in young children at night. Tartrazine is known to inhibit zinc metabolism (zinc is required in over 200 enzyme systems in the body). It is an active ingredient in herbicides used to kill aquatic weeds. In 1986 the British Institute of Mental Handicap linked it with aggressive behaviour in children. Prevents the action of an enzyme that breaks down many potentially harmful toxins formed during digestion. Tartrazine is one of four Azo dyes known to interfere with the digestive enzymes 1-Amylase, Pepsin and Trypsin. The British Medical Journal, the “Lancet”, lists these problems associated with tartrazine:- Allergies; Thyroid Tumours; Lymphocytic Lymphomas, Chromosomal Damage; Trigger for Asthma; Urti! caria; Hyperactivity.
As an Azo Dye, it is implicated in bladder cancer, liver cancer and sarcomas. (In hair dyes,tartrazine is absorbed through the skin.)
The FDA states that over 100,000 people are allergic to tartrazine. U.K. studies have shown that 79% of hyperactive children are allergic to tartrazine. It is believed to cause allergic reactions in 15% of the total population.
Tartrazine is completely banned from foods in Norway and Finland and is heavily restrictedin Austria, Sweden and Germany. **WHY not in other countries????
(2) COLOUR e110 - Also called FD & C Yellow No.6; Cl Food Yellow 3.
Causes cancer. Azo Dye - As an Azo Dye, it is implicated in bladder cancer, liver cancer and sarcomas. (In hair dyes, tartrazine is absorbed through the skin.) Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon - (listed as human carcinogens by the EPA). Aspirin sensitive people will incur allergies to Sunset Yellow. It produces urticaria, angi-oedema (swelling of the blood vessels), gastric upset, and vomiting. Dangerous to asthmatics and causes hyperactivity and ADD. Should be avoided by those suffering from rhinitis.
One in 1000 are allergic to Sunset Yellow. It is one of four Azo dyes known to interfere with thedigestive enzymes 1-Amylase, Pepsin and Trypsin. The “Lancet” list these problems associated with Sunset Yellow: hives; rhinitis; nasal congestion; bronchoconstriction; when combined with Amaranth [123] or Ponceau [124], it may cause an anaphylactoid reaction; eosinophilotacticpurpura; allergies; kidney tumours; chromosomal damage; abdominal pain; indigestionfor food.
(Dogs fed 2% suffered eye defects, sometimes causing blindness. Caused an increasedof tumours in animals. Growth retardation and weight loss was experienced.
Completely banned in U.K., Norway, Finland and Sweden **WHY not in other countries????
(3) COLOUR e129 - Artificial colouring. Coal Tar Dye. Also called FD&C No.40.
An allergen in allergic skin conditions. Increases heart rate and is implicated in behavioural problems. Should be avoided by thosesuffering from asthma, rhinitis and urticaria. Tumours and lymphomas can result from consumingAllura Red.
Banned in Austria, Norway and Finland. Prohibited throughout the EEC. **WHY not in other countries????
(4) COLOUR e133 - Artificial colouring. Also called Cl Acid Blue 2; Cl Pigment Blue 24; FD&C No.1.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon - (listed as human carcinogens by the EPA). Triphenylmethane Dye.14% are allergic to this dye. Hyperactivity and skin allergies. Should not be consumed by young children or infants. Highly CARCINOGENIC.
Banned in the British Commonwealth 1972-1980, Austria, Belgium, France, Norway, Sweden,Switzerland and Germany. **WHY not in other countries????
(5) COLOUR 150 & E150 Caramel (E150a - Plain Caramel; E150b - Caustic Sulphite Caramel; E150c - Ammonia Caramel; E150d - Sulphite Ammonia Caramel).
Flavouring made from sucrose. Causes damage to some genes, slows down growth, causes enlargement of kidneys and intestines and may destroy Vitamin D. Can cause convulsions. Causes Vitamin B6 deficiencies. TERATOGENIC and CARCINOGENIC. Causes hyperactivity. Is a neurotoxic hazard.
Its up to you to know what you are putting in and on your body, be informed and make a choice for yourself and your health.
If you know someone who could be interested in this information, you have my permission to pass it on. I'm Keeta Gibson from http://www.nontoxiclife.com.au/, your online eco-store for biodegradable, compostable and earthwise products.
Check out your packet next time and then compare it to a no frills brand. Then you must get yourself a copy of the Chemical Maze, an invaluable guide to take shopping with you. The Chemical Maze is broken down into food additives and cosmetic ingredients. It lists these and their codes, their functions, potential effects, and rates them from safe to hazardous.
Tim Tam ingredients: COLOURS (e102, e110, e129, e133, e150), milk solids, cocoa, salt, raising agent (e500), emulsifier (e322: soy) and flavouring. May contain traces of peanut, other nut, egg or seed.
(1) COLOUR e102 - Tartrazine.
Known effects are asthma, altered states of perception and behaviour, uncontrolled hyper agitation and confusion. Known reactions are rhinitis (hay fever), bronchospasms (breathing problems), blurred vision and purple patches on the skin. It may also cause wakefulness in young children at night. Tartrazine is known to inhibit zinc metabolism (zinc is required in over 200 enzyme systems in the body). It is an active ingredient in herbicides used to kill aquatic weeds. In 1986 the British Institute of Mental Handicap linked it with aggressive behaviour in children. Prevents the action of an enzyme that breaks down many potentially harmful toxins formed during digestion. Tartrazine is one of four Azo dyes known to interfere with the digestive enzymes 1-Amylase, Pepsin and Trypsin. The British Medical Journal, the “Lancet”, lists these problems associated with tartrazine:- Allergies; Thyroid Tumours; Lymphocytic Lymphomas, Chromosomal Damage; Trigger for Asthma; Urti! caria; Hyperactivity.
As an Azo Dye, it is implicated in bladder cancer, liver cancer and sarcomas. (In hair dyes,tartrazine is absorbed through the skin.)
The FDA states that over 100,000 people are allergic to tartrazine. U.K. studies have shown that 79% of hyperactive children are allergic to tartrazine. It is believed to cause allergic reactions in 15% of the total population.
Tartrazine is completely banned from foods in Norway and Finland and is heavily restrictedin Austria, Sweden and Germany. **WHY not in other countries????
(2) COLOUR e110 - Also called FD & C Yellow No.6; Cl Food Yellow 3.
Causes cancer. Azo Dye - As an Azo Dye, it is implicated in bladder cancer, liver cancer and sarcomas. (In hair dyes, tartrazine is absorbed through the skin.) Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon - (listed as human carcinogens by the EPA). Aspirin sensitive people will incur allergies to Sunset Yellow. It produces urticaria, angi-oedema (swelling of the blood vessels), gastric upset, and vomiting. Dangerous to asthmatics and causes hyperactivity and ADD. Should be avoided by those suffering from rhinitis.
One in 1000 are allergic to Sunset Yellow. It is one of four Azo dyes known to interfere with thedigestive enzymes 1-Amylase, Pepsin and Trypsin. The “Lancet” list these problems associated with Sunset Yellow: hives; rhinitis; nasal congestion; bronchoconstriction; when combined with Amaranth [123] or Ponceau [124], it may cause an anaphylactoid reaction; eosinophilotacticpurpura; allergies; kidney tumours; chromosomal damage; abdominal pain; indigestionfor food.
(Dogs fed 2% suffered eye defects, sometimes causing blindness. Caused an increasedof tumours in animals. Growth retardation and weight loss was experienced.
Completely banned in U.K., Norway, Finland and Sweden **WHY not in other countries????
(3) COLOUR e129 - Artificial colouring. Coal Tar Dye. Also called FD&C No.40.
An allergen in allergic skin conditions. Increases heart rate and is implicated in behavioural problems. Should be avoided by thosesuffering from asthma, rhinitis and urticaria. Tumours and lymphomas can result from consumingAllura Red.
Banned in Austria, Norway and Finland. Prohibited throughout the EEC. **WHY not in other countries????
(4) COLOUR e133 - Artificial colouring. Also called Cl Acid Blue 2; Cl Pigment Blue 24; FD&C No.1.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon - (listed as human carcinogens by the EPA). Triphenylmethane Dye.14% are allergic to this dye. Hyperactivity and skin allergies. Should not be consumed by young children or infants. Highly CARCINOGENIC.
Banned in the British Commonwealth 1972-1980, Austria, Belgium, France, Norway, Sweden,Switzerland and Germany. **WHY not in other countries????
(5) COLOUR 150 & E150 Caramel (E150a - Plain Caramel; E150b - Caustic Sulphite Caramel; E150c - Ammonia Caramel; E150d - Sulphite Ammonia Caramel).
Flavouring made from sucrose. Causes damage to some genes, slows down growth, causes enlargement of kidneys and intestines and may destroy Vitamin D. Can cause convulsions. Causes Vitamin B6 deficiencies. TERATOGENIC and CARCINOGENIC. Causes hyperactivity. Is a neurotoxic hazard.
Its up to you to know what you are putting in and on your body, be informed and make a choice for yourself and your health.
If you know someone who could be interested in this information, you have my permission to pass it on. I'm Keeta Gibson from http://www.nontoxiclife.com.au/, your online eco-store for biodegradable, compostable and earthwise products.
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