3 Little Words That Will Change Your Health
What’s in it?. That’s it. Pretty basic but surprisingly overlooked. These simple words can help you take charge of your health - helping weight issues, immune issues, skin issues, mood issues (and many other issues). It is all about conscious living, being present and taking charge of what you put into, and onto, your body.
Blindly putting products onto and into your body may seem a bit odd to some but for others it is just not something to really think about. Even when reading the labels - there may be a chemical component that can’t even be pronounced but for some reason it’s OK, it is in there for a reason and if they were toxic they wouldn’t be in there, right? This blind faith in companies is crazy. There is a trust that because it is made and sold, then it is safe and good for us. How may times in history has this been proven wrong with toxic ingredients being taken out of these so called safe products, sometimes years after starting out on the market. It happens all the time, the recent one that springs to mind is the chemical preservative Methylisothiazolinon and the carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane found in popular brands of baby wipes and baby washes - chemicals onto those who have the most sensitive skin of all.
We are surrounded by toxins in our foods, in our makeup, in our homes, shampoo, cleaning products and more. Although these individual chemicals may have at one point been ‘tested’ for safety, there have been no tests on the safety of the chemical cocktail we live in today. If our bodies become overloaded with toxins, a number of health issues can and do arise, including hormone disfunction, skin conditions, cancers, reproductive problems, behavioural disorders. By looking at your food, foundation, shampoo, cleanser, deodorant and asking those 3 little words - “what’s in it?” - things can shift. You can limit the amount of chemicals bombarding your body, cut out the toxic trans fats in your food that increase your risk of heart disease and weight gain. You become aware and in charge of your body and what goes in. Don’t trust the brand simply because it has the word ‘natural’ in its title or the ad says it contains natural ingredients. Yes it probably has a few natural ingredients alongside its chemicals but until you ask the question “what’s in it?” you wont know. It is fact that chemical build up in the body interferes with our health. Limit these now and feel good that you know exactly what you are putting in, and on, your body and of those in your family.
- If you can, eat organic. Organic fresh fruit and vege boxes are everywhere, and delivered right to your door. This option can often be far cheaper than buying sprayed produce from your local village or supermarket.
-Trans fat. This is something that has caused more harm than good in foods and was only originally put into food to extend their shelf life. They may show on labels as hydrogenated oils such as margarine or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. The effects of trans fat in foods are well known to increase bad cholesterol and are linked to heart disease, weight gain, diabetes. Found in margarine, crackers, processed foods, chips and baked goods.
-Artificial colouring & flavourings. Known to cause behavioural problems in children and funnily enough found in products marketed towards children such as soda’s, candy, cheese, fruit juice and more. Some of the worst to look out for are blue E133, E124 red, yellow, tartrazine E102.
-Potassium bromate is an additive used in bread & rolls (white flour) and is known to cause cancers in animals in small amounts.
-Sulphites are toxic additives used as preservatives in wine making and can cause reactions including asthma, rashes, hypotension and tingling sensations. Found in: wine, beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, vinegar, and potato products.
-Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydrozyttoluene (BHT) are preservatives found in vegetable oils, cereals, gum, enriched rice, rise cereals, shortening, jelly, chips. It extends the shelf life of food and keeps it from discolouration. It is a neurotoxin and has the potential to cause cancers.
-Sodium nitrate is found in cured meats, bacon, hotdogs, luncheon, smoked fish, corned beef. It is used as a preservative and basically just makes your meat look redder and fresher. Sodium Nitrate is highly carcinogenic and should have been banned back in the 70′s when the concern was raised.
-MSG E621 monosodium glutamate. MSG is an amino acid used as a flavour enhancer. It is found hiding in many foods but mainly found in packet soups, gravy, chips and in many asian food restaurants. MSG can effect moods and cause weight gain.
-High fructose corn syrup. Found in so many foods in the US and a few here in NZ. It is linked to behavioural changes and weight gain. It is found mostly in processed foods, candy, cereals, baking, breads, beverages.
-Artificial sweeteners. Found in drinks, sugar substitutes, jelly, deserts, toothpaste, vitamins, tea and contain neurotoxins like aspartame.
What to avoid in skincare, bodycare, haircare & cosmetics
These are just some of the nasties to stay away from in all products.
-Aluminium. Found in deodorants, cosmetics.
-DEA-diethanolamine (Cocamide-DEA). Known carcinogen that is used as a foaming agent in body wash, shampoo, soap.
-TEA-Triethanolamine (TEA-sodium lauryl sulfate).Foaming agent carcinogen in body wash, shampoo, soap.
-MEA-monoethanoalmine. Foaming agent carcinogen in body wash, shampoo, soap.
-Coal Tar also listed as FD&C Red No. 6. A known carcinogen that is banned in the EU but used elsewhere.
-Bronopol. Found in cosmetics, baby wipes, hair products, nail polish, makeup remover. Organ toxicity, can release formaldehyde. Restricted for use in cosmetics in Canada only.
-Oxybenzone. Ingredient in chemical sunscreen. Carcinogen and hormone disruption.
-DMDM Hydantoin. Immunotoxicity. Restricted for use in Japan. Found in cosmetics, shampoo, conditioner, soaps.
-Formaldehyde. Banned in the EU but used elsewhere in shampoo, clothing, nail polish, hair dye.
-Hydroquinone. Carcinogen used for skin lightening. Banned in the UK.
-Lead. Found in contaminated lipstick, hair dye, cosmetics.
-Mineral Oil. Suspected of causing cancers. Found in cosmetics, lip balms, body balms.
-Talc. Suspected of causing cancers and respiratory conditions. Found in baby products and cosmetics.
-Triclosan. Restricted for use in Japan and Canada. Harmful to the environment, organ toxicity, immunotoxicity. Found in face wash, mens deodorants, dishwashing liquids, body wash.
-Toluene. Known carcinogen, can cause birth defects, blood toxicity, neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity.
-Ethoxylated surfactants and 1,4-dioxane. Known carcinogens found in baby products, make up remover, body wash.
-Paraphenylenediamine (PPD). Used in hair colour products. Known carcinogen.
-Parabens (Propyl, ethyl, methyl and butyl). Skin irritation. Found in skincare products, haircare products and more.
-Phthalates. Usually found in cosmetics, deodorants and perfumes, nail polish. Prohibited in EU. Can cause birth defects and reproductive toxicity.
-PEG-Polyethylene glycol. Skin irritation, organ toxicity. Found in pain relief, shampoo, shaving creams, body wash.
-Propylene Glycol. Immunotoxicity, skin irritation, respiratory toxicity. Found in moisturisers, foundation, shampoo, lotions, cosmetics, sunscreen.
There are plenty of amazing natural alternatives to these chemical ridden products. Products that really are natural and don’t mislead you with green washing or false advertising. Scout around and see which suit you. Read the ingredients and the story behind the company. If you wan’t to take the “What’s in it?” a bit further then consider adding the question “how was this produced?”, ethically, fairly, cruelty free, sustainably.
Oasis Beauty, Living Nature, The Herb Farm, Ceres Organics, Chantal Organic Vege Boxes, Natural Colouring, WotNot Baby Wipes & Sunscreen, Scotch Naturals Nail Polish, INIKA Cosmetics
