Fluoride in the Water

          Fluoride is everywhere. Most are not aware that this is a part of everyday life in some places. The claim is that we need Fluoride and must have it to ensure a better quality of life. Fluoride is actually toxic and if consumed over long periods of time can be quite harmful and create adverse reactions in both children and adults. Most municipalities include fluoridation as part of the water treatment process. This is something that was once done on a global scale, but has now become most heavily prevalent in the United States. There are also many products in the market that contain fluoride that we may still not be aware of. Fluoride is more toxic than lead, but slightly less toxic than arsenic.

         Fluoridation is a process  regulated by water management and treatment facilities to be made available to the public population. It is also included in the production of toothpaste as safe for consumption and marketed as a tool used in combating tooth decay. The concern is whether there is acute toxicity (a dose that can cause immediate toxic consequences) or chronic toxicity (a dose consumed over long timeframe with adverse effects). Fluoride has slowly crept into the mainstream market for food and food products. Here are some areas to be aware of when purchasing for our households. 

 

Processed Food and/or Drinks: Many are still exposed to fluoridated drinking water. This is because once fluoride is added in large numbers to water it can end up in almost all processed beverages and foods. In the U.S., studies have shown that sodas, juices, sports drinks, beers, and many other processed foods, including infant foods, now have elevated fluoride levels. (We recommend only spring water, 100% natural not from concentrate juices and food with only minimal if any processing.)

Toothpaste: Many dental products now contain fluoride, including about 95% of toothpaste. Studies show that a significant number of children swallow more fluoride from toothpaste alone than is recommended as a total daily ingestion. (We only brush with Non-Fluoride toothpaste, which is sold at common grocery retailers.) 

Pesticides:  Due its toxicity, fluoride is used in some pesticides to kill insects and other pests. As a result of fluoride pesticide use, some food products like grape products, dried fruit, dried beans, cocoa powder, and walnuts all have high levels of fluoride. (Benefit of organic food is that they cannot use this deadly concoction on their crops and be considered Organically grown.)

Mechanically Deboned Meat: Foods made with mechanically separated meat (i.e. chicken fingers, nuggets, popcorn chicken etc), contain elevated levels of fluoride due to the contamination from bone particles that occurs during the mechanical deboning processing. (Simply not worth the convenience many find in "boneless" meat products.)

Fluorinated Pharmacueticals: Many pharmaceuticals are fluorinated, meaning they contain a carbon-fluorine bond. Although the carbon-fluoride bond in most drugs is strong enough to resist breaking down into fluoride within the body, this is not always the case as research has found that some fluorinated drugs, including cipro, do break down into fluoride.

        The good news is that most fresh foods and fresh water contain very little fluoride. We are exposed to very little fluoride when drinking spring water and eating unprocessed fruit, vegetables, grains, eggs, milk, and meat. While there are some exceptions to this rule (e.g., seafood, some tea, water from deep wells, and fruit/vegetables sprayed with fluoride pesticides), it is a good rule of thumb to go by if you wish to reduce your fluoride exposure. We encourage choosing natural or organic fruits and vegetables since the US National Organic Program does not permit the use of the pesticides that leave high fluoride residues.

Forego Fluoride 

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Fido's Future

       In all the focus on making sure that the family and household are in order, we can't forget that pets are a part of the family also. Although not everyone has pets, wanted to just share some information that we stumbled upon when searching for a decent chow that did not have chemical additives or dangerous by products. Did you know that most commercial chows have yummy ingredients such as newspaper, feathers, high-fructose corn syrup, cancerous or diseased animal tissues, bovine fetal tissue, and glandular waste? Us either.  Yikes. With friends and family that share their pet dramas and dilemmas with me, I couldn't help but wonder to ask "Have you ever considered their diet?". 

      Many of the most common chow can cause illness and sicknesses due to the chemical ethoxyquin. This includes complications such as kidney damage, liver damage,cancerous skin lesions,  loss of hair, blindness,leukemia,spleen and stomach cancer, immune deficiency syndrome, liver cancer, chronic diarrhea. This is frightening.  However, the simple truth is this can be avoided by simply being aware. When purchasing pet food, it's best to follow the same rule for dog food that we follow for our own food; if you can't pronounce it, you probably shouldn't eat it. This is where ethoxyquin becomes the problem. Ethoxyquin is a quinoline-based antioxidant that is used as both a food preservative and a pesticide. It is pretty commonly used as a preservative in pet foods to prevent the rancidification of fats. Should the mush left over after the ethanol process  (distillers grains) be fed to farm animals and our pets? Many carriers have introduced or are considering the use of these in their products as well!  The allergies that most dogs have to present formulations of pet food will be magnified by the use of this waste material.  Ethoxyquin and similar ingredients are harmful and can prove to be fatal if ingested over a long period of time.

   Fish meal, chicken meal, beef meal all sound like tasty ingredients at first glance. Here is the sick part, the term "meal" indicates that any part of the animal could be used. For example, including bones, organs, feet, or even skin. Yes, the meal is actually a mixture that may consist of numerous fillers from any or all of the parts mentioned. Meat meals are generally not as digestible as muscle meat and actually have a poor balance of amino acids. Fish meal is especially dangerous, because if it is decided that the fish is not fit for human consumption, then it must be preserved with ethoxyquin. So, unless the dog food's ingredients label specifically lists "human grade" fish or fish meal, it is likely that the food contains ethoxyquin. Which then becomes part of the initial concern of complications due to the chemical poisoning. 

    Like in our food, the most used, abused and over processed filler is Corn. Same goes for the dog food industry.  Corn is cheap for dog food manufacturers, so they use a lot of it, in all forms. Most of the corn products in dog food are so processed that they are devoid of nutritional value. Protein from corn is a poor substitute for animal-based proteins.  If you want a quality dog food, the first ingredients should always be whole, animal-based proteins, not corn! This even holds true to human table food. 

       Needless to say there has to be other more viable and healthy options. Most recently we purchased the chow (pictured) to experiment with the benefits and if there is really a noticeable effect. This particular chow is organic, however there are many that are not and still may contain healthy and beneficial ingredients for consumption which is really the ultimate purpose of nutrition. Per their website, this particular chow does NOT use chemical fertilizers, antibiotics or steroids. There are no chemical additives or artificial preservatives (Chemical antioxidants) such as ethoxyquin, BHT or BHA, that were designed to extend the shelf life and reduce fat spoilage (rancidity) of pet foods that may cause allergic reactions and affect liver and kidney functions. There is also no wheat or corn. 

         As long as the main ingredients is not any type of "meal" and there is no indication of the use of Ethoxyquin, that is definitely a proactive step in ensuring the health and longevity of the lifespan. Taking the time to read the label can be make the difference of health and happiness for our pets. 

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Herbs, Health and Happiness

   

     Herbs are interesting. Primarily because they can be used as a terrific cooking agent, in a medicinal manner to soothe or treat discomforts or ailments and can also be used as aromatherapy in your home. Herbs cover so many different green living areas that it would be terrific if we could use other natural resources as purposefully. Despite all of these uses, we will be discussing the role of herbs as a natural option for health and wellness. How many of us can truthfully say we have given natural herbal remedies a fair try despite access to them? 

      Although some people may dismiss herbal remedies as ineffective, the use of botanicals is well rooted in medical practice. Ancient doctors methodically collected information about herbs and developed well-defined pharmacopoeias to treat a variety of ailments. More than a quarter of all drugs used today contain active ingredients derived from those same ancient plants. What's better,  in a few simple steps we can learn how to use herbs to treat some of the most common epidemic health conditions like allergies, colds and even anxiety. Natural herbal remedies can be used across the spectrum for medicinal uses.  

      An allergy is an immune response triggered by eating certain foods, touching certain substances, or inhaling an irritant such as pollen or animal dander. Allergies to pollen, spores, mold, and dust affect the respiratory system and are usually the most difficult to control. Here are a few herbal remedies to consider when or if the need arises. Make a tea of one herb or a combination of herbs. Take 3 to 4 cups a day. If the herbs are in tincture form, combine several of them and take 1-3 drops 3 to 4 times a day until symptoms subside. 

Dong quai- Used as an antihistamine and anti-inflammatory.
Eyebright- Reduces congestion and secretions. It is good for itchy eyes, sneezing, and excess mucus.
Gingko - Contains bioflavonoids and is used as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Milk thistle - Helps reduce allergic, inflammatory, and histaminic reactions and supports liver function.
Red clover  - Helps build the body’s resistance to allergies.
Stinging nettles - Used as an antihistamine and anti-inflammatory.
Yarrow - Reduces congestion and secretions.

     The Common Cold. No need to elaborate on the utter inconvenience when the "bug" begins to make its rounds.  Around this time of year we see an increase in these colds and the Flu. In my household we do not take part in the Flu shots administered by the government through public health facilities and have not done so for many years. When we catch colds, we should seek relief through the use of natural herbs. Many immune-boosting herbs are proven to speed recovery, reduce pain and alleviate symptoms completely. 

Echinacea and Andrographis- taken as tea or tincture, used as an immune boosting herb 
Ginseng - taken as tea, used as an immune boosting 
Licorice root- used as a remedy for sore throat relief 
Eucalyptus - used for throat pain, lozenges  
Sage - used for a sore throat, gargle 
Lavender,Rosemary &Bergemot - used for congestion, administer as an herbal steam 
Lemon- used as an antiseptic throat spray with peppermint and lemon essential oil 

     Even with conditions such as Anxiety, herbs can help! Here is another short list of herbs that can and have been used to aide in treatment for this. With any mental or chemical imbalance the prescribed medications can be dangerous, with many of them include frightening side effects such as heart palpitations, irritable bowels as well as increased emotional instability. Here are a few herbal options for treatment. 

Catnip- used to alleviate stomach cramps, spams, headaches caused by insomnia, improve appetite,ease muscle tension and stress 
Chamomile- used to calm nervousness, reduce digestive discomforts and improve appetite
Kava Kava- The Kava root has been extensively researched for its effects on stress, anxiety, and insomnia, effective for anxious thoughts
Passionflower-  best for mild to moderate anxiety,  reduces muscle tension and insomnia, calms the nerves, helps prevent mood swings, headaches, and hot flashes 
St. John's Wort-not for anxiety specifically, but it is very effective for fighting depression, effective mood lifter.
Valerian Root- used as a sleep aid, soothes muscles, reduces mental and physical tensions

     In no way should the sharing of this information be used as a means to diagnose or care for any medical conditions. These botanicals have been used far longer than many present day approaches. Many of these were used by ancient medicine men and old world doctors as the only "medicine" for the population, with high success rates. These are not new discoveries however they are not encouraged as much as the modern day conventional treatment options.  Obviously this is a very broad and general overview since there are literally hundred of herbs and spices suited for ailments, aches, injuries, painsand chronic  illnesses. However, this  can be used as a "start-up" guide for living healthy through natural herbal medicinal approaches. The great thing about this is that many herbs can be grown in the comfort of our own home! A small hanging garden or a quick DIY wall garden can turn a fun project into a natural and sustainable food source for our homes.  We can do this! 

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Let's all go to the Market!

       Outdoor markets, better known as "farmers markets" are more than meets the eyes. They became less about the food, and more about the experience. It's really a lifestyle movemement  within itself with many benefits and perks that come with it. When I first told family that I would be operating and managing a farmers market, I pretty much received no response at all. Mainly because like most of us, they weren't really sure what that meant.  Honestly, neither did I. What I was aware of was the fact that in my search for answers regarding the food industry, this opportunity crossed my path. Pretty exciting news.

         Many of us think of a farmers market as some kind of backwoods, depressing archaic method of obtaining goods and food. This is a common misconception. Actually markets are a lively, enjoyable, refreshing and family-friendly experience. Many markets have not only fresh produce, but there is also a variety of natural dairy products, essential oils, soaps, spices, clothing and things of interest for children as well. In a sense, it's like attending a community garden party where you see your neighborhood friends, listen to local music as well as support local farmers and ranchers. 

       The part that many of us overlook is that each of us can make a difference! When we decide to buy locally, that money is used by the local farmers to continue growing their crops for the community.  When buying from a farmers market we are pretty much getting first pick since most of the time the grower is selling wholesale through the market. This means that instead of hiring a distributor to secure a contract with a food store or grocery chain, they are deciding to sell directly to the community (us). Can you see how one hand feeds the other? This is how we can become less dependent on the monopolized grocery chains. Since the produce is grown locally, we are supporting a network of local farmers and doing our part to help ensure that these farmers can continue their local growing operations. Also, organic  farmers receive no subsidies or government handouts which puts the cost of paying for pricey certifications, inspections and high insurance plans solely on the grower.  In case you were wondering, this is why the things we buy the most such as milk or juice, seem super cheap compared to their organic counterparts. We immediately become environmentalists because we decide to buy for quality as opposed to basing this on a price point. Typically, the wholesale price that farmers get for their produce is quite low; consequently, these farmers then take their produce and sell it directly to you, bypassing a middle man (grocery supplier) altogether. This also results in usually less expensive prices for us in the long run. 

     Quality of the food. There is so much I can say about this point alone, however lets discuss the main reason.  First off, you will feel better! Fortunately, farmer's markets often provide produce and food that is grown both naturally and organically which provides a superior taste quality than at other outlets. Farmers who sell their produce at farmer's markets are able to retain the nutritional content of their products by picking their produce at the very peak of its flavor, during the appropriate season.  Here are a few common nasty ingredients organic farmers help keep totally out of our soil, water, air and bodies: toxic fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, sewage sludge, antibiotics and growth hormones. All of which are known to cause grave physical damage in people as well as other lifeforms (fish, bees, frogs, etc). Another great perk is that the food they sell usually does not travel very far to get to your table (farm to table), which helps to ensure that the food does not become damaged as it sometimes does when being transported to grocery stores. It is simply more nutritional, less processed and typically more fresh for consumption. 

         Environmental Reasons. There are a couple things that may be affected by the purchase of produce from markets. How about climate change?  Soil conservation? Soil used in natural and organic agricultural practices holds more water during droughts and floods. Plants that are grown organically also have an elaborate and more resilient root system, so they can for longer time frames in extreme weather. Organic soil holds much more carbon, uses much less fossil fuel resources while sustaining habitats for all the creatures that help keep our planet healthy. Also, the amount of fossil fuel use is decreased in the delivery of the produce from farms to our dinner table. The farming practices of local farmers can be directly attributed to better soil, healthier habitats for wildlife as well as aide in decreased fossil fuel use. Put plainly, since the growers are not using numerous chemicals to accelerate and control the crop growth, we can rest assured that the food we buy at the farmers market is not harmful to our environment. It's simply the way nature intends it to be. 

 Enjoy the market! 

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Suds & Bubbles

      
    Who loves laundry day? Is your favorite task on the "To-Do" list consist of the dirty dishes? Not likely. I enjoy the green living lifestyle as much as the next. However, let's be honest. We find times when we question the validity or effectiveness of many of the natural and eco-friendly products that we may see online or on the shelves when shopping. As a mother, there is an inherent desire to provide the "best" way we can.  When I decided to write about living green in your home, life and through health and wellness, I laughed. Not because anything was particularly funny, but because there was a time when I would have had no idea what any of this means. The entire idea of living "green" was , and by that I mean simply being as conscious, aware and Eco friendly to the planet by living with nature and humankind as one. 

      With newfound knowledge,  I decided that eventually most of the cleaning agents in the house would need to be replaced with more sustainably resourced products with less harsh ingredients. The ingredients in traditional detergents come from the petrochemical industry,  the same non-renewable resources used to make gasoline. These detergents can contain suspected carcinogens, and ingredients that do not fully biodegrade. They may contain things like chlorine bleaches, optical brighteners, powdered enzymes and synthetic fragrances or dyes -even in some of the “fragrance-free” brands. Some detergents may contain even nastier ingredients like ammonia, ethanol, napthalene and phenol.  Detergent residues on clothes and bed linens can be a source of skin irritation and lingering scents from these products can cause respiratory illness and other allergic reactions. So, although compelled by the discoveries, there is also the fact that family members in our household have sensitive skin and ultimately this is about living healthy. 

     Here are some of the deets about the Seventh Generation products that serve as an advocate towards green living. The cleansing agents in these products contain a combination of enzymes and oxygen based bleach. Probably the best advantage of an oxygen bleach is that we can get rid of stubborn dirt and organic stains without having to use toxic and hazardous materials like chlorine bleach.  They can be used on carpet, upholstery and even the most delicate linens (except for some types of wool and silk) without harming the fabric.  Unlike many products that are sold as environmentally friendly cleaners that are not that effective, oxygen bleaches really do work and for some stains even do a better job than traditional bleaches or cleaners. Also, the dish washing detergent gel is chlorine-free, phosphate-free and non toxic, with the use of only plant derived enzymes.

      Another plus, they are free of optical brighteners and synthetic fragrances. Brighteners are commonly added to laundry detergents to replace whitening agents removed during washing and to make the clothes appear cleaner. Optical brighteners have replaced bluing which was formerly used to produce the same effect. Some brighteners can cause allergic reactions when in contact with skin, depending on the individual. Unfortunately, the brighteners may also be found in paper, fabrics and even cosmetics. These chemicals only "trick" our sensory perceptions when pertaining to appearance and smell. We may think we are choosing between spring blossoms and mountain rain, but we might actually be sniffing formaldehyde and inhaling at least one carcinogen (cancer-causing agent). The Environmental Protection Agency reports that formaldehyde causes cancer in animals and may do so in humans as well. In addition to severe allergic reactions, this gas can also irritate your respiratory system and cause nausea. It is alarming to think of how often we are exposed to these fumes while doing laundry and wearing clothes that carry the scent. Note, any scent included in the dish washing detergent is only derived from whole essential oils and botanical extracts. 

          One of the main these detergents are packaged in 100% recycled paperboard and made with 35% post consumer content. This is an obvious benefit as recycled goods serve one of the ultimate goals of green living, which is to reduce our carbon footprints across the planet. This is very encouraging and gives a certain satisfaction, knowing actions on our behalf can directly effect the state of our environment and the future of our resources. 

           As a bonus to the environment and our wallet, they are also biodegradable and super concentrated. Both the laundry and dish washing detergents are ecofriendly in the sense that they are biodegradable. This means that they are capable of being slowly destroyed and broken down into very small parts by natural processes, bacteria, etc. This also plays a role in the biodegradation  of waste and aids in the Biodegradable waste can often be used for composting or may well be a resource for heat, electricity and even fuel in the future. Super concentrated translates to "less is more"! 

       I always try to get the most sustainably resourced products I can find. Here are a few reasons that I have found Seventh Generation to be more on the "green" side. Again, these are just a few! As I find more brands that fall into sustainable guidelines, I will share. In most homes, it is common to use the dishwasher as part of cleaning, I understand that which is why I listed a great dish washing liquid that is Eco friendly as well.  When possible, use settings that contribute to water conservation for dish washing and for laundry as well. Check for cold water settings and normal wash cycles to avoid misuse of resources.

Happy Washing! 


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Welcome to Organic plus Green, the Blog!

Photo Credit Marina Zlochin 

 

   Everything started as an outlet to share some interests and insights freely without certain tangible limits. After being unexpectedly laid off from the company I had worked at since college, I was left feeling used, abused with a very unhappy outlook on life. I found myself overweight, moody, unemployed and extremely angry. Not angry about my sudden misfortune, but angry that I had allowed my fate to be left in the hands of someone besides myself. That's when I realized that I am the author of my own story. 

    I became immersed in the deep connection that each of us as individuals have existing with nature. This blanketed interest spans the likes of many areas, particularly regarding organic nutrition and the benefits of economic sustainability through proper nutrition. I did not always think this way. I wasn't even certain what it meant when the label stated "organic" or when it indicated being from "sustainable resources". I was completely oblivious to the processes behind some of the food and food products that are in most of our local grocery suppliers. I began educating myself about the industry after I learned that the fruits and veggies we had been consuming were genetically modified to taste, feel and look a specific way for mass appeal.  Like, I mean brilliant chemists were in a lab somewhere manipulating and computing formulas that would produce a seed that grows a plant to be harvested to suit specific timelines and satisfy the masses in terms of visual appeal, texture and flavor. We should not have to be exposed to that. 

    Naturally, curiousity further developed into other areas of what has become "green living". Such as, the benefits of holistic approaches for both medicinal and hygeine purposes as well as cosmetic uses.  This includes essential oils, spices, foods and other natural "vitamins" that are proven to be useful in the control and even the eradication of some illnesses and diseases. Actually, most of the conditions many of us may suffer from could easily be alleviated by the immediate discontinuation of both chemically processed food products as well as an incremental decrease in the use of prescriptions. Most prescriptions simply numb the issue as opposed to treating the core deficiency. 

    As an advocate of carbon footprint reduction, there is also a need to keep our homes as eco-friendly as possible with many eco-concious replacements of standard household products. Using recycled paper goods as well as limited plastic use combined with  resource conservation are just a few of the practices in green homes.  This is an ongoing effort in our household,  and although it can be daunting to find some products that utilize sustainable practices as well as limit the use of artificial additives and chemicals- it can be done. 

     Over time, these interests have led to becoming active in the community to do my part in encouraging awareness. As an advocate, I have hands on experience as the manager of farmers markets, which support local growers. As a volunteer, I have helped by participating in community initiatives to educate, innovate and facilitate the resources needed to support the lack of awareness regarding sustainability. As an activist, I have participated in peaceful demonstrations, most recently against offshore and seismic drilling as well as hydraulic fracturing and oil pipelines which was a compelling experience. I try to be the change, walk the talk and live the walk. Chasing my dream to live Organic plus Green.

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