Step 4: Avoid Chemicals (Without Avoiding Life)
As I mentioned in Step One, focus on removing environmental sources of chemicals first and foremost. For some people this may be enough to significantly reduce or eliminate their symptoms and they may not have to eliminate many or any foods. Most sources of environmental chemicals can be eliminated without too much change to your life; it is just a matter of identifying alternative products to use. Although in saying that, identifying products that are safe to use, especially when you have more than one chemical sensitivity, can be very challenging. Hopefully this book will help make it easier for you.
When I first became aware of my chemical sensitivities I struggled to find suitable options that would allow me to do the things I once normally did. I couldn’t even find skincare that was suitable let alone make-up. Even the natural cleaners such as white vinegar that I had been using were now a problem, and finding a suitable toothpaste was a costly and time-consuming endeavour. After a lot of searching and trialling I have found options that work but it took me many, many stress-full months. Thus, to save others that time and expense I have made a list here of all the things that should be alright to use if you have any combination of sulphur, salicylate, amine or glutamate sensitivity, or if you suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity. Before I begin the list though, there are a couple of things I would like to note.
To Get Better Avoid All Synthetic Chemicals
Obviously, your first priority will be to avoid the specific chemicals you react to, however, because chemical sensitivities are all connected to low functioning detoxification and immune systems it is helpful to reduce your exposure to all chemicals which would stress your body. In order to give our bodies space to heal and ‘unload’ we need to reduce our exposure to synthetic fragrances, chemical estrogens (xenoestrogens), petrochemicals and chemical based cleaning products as much as possible. Be aware that anything which causes your hormone levels to fluctuate may increase your chemical sensitivities which includes exposure to synthetic hormones as well as natural events such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause and stress. If you do not have a salicylate sensitivity then you can probably use many truly natural skincare and cleaning products, but if you are sensitive to salicylates you will need to avoid anything containing plant or herbal extracts and oils including essential oils.
It took me quite a long period of trial and a lot of error to identify what I could safely use to wash and groom myself. Hopefully this list will make this process much faster and easier for you.
Toothpaste: There are some low salicylate toothpastes available, but they do cost much more than regular toothpaste. I have tried both the Alfree and Cleure brands and found them both pleasant to use, and they do not appear to cause any issues for my children or I. However, we use a very small amount and rinse our mouths out after brushing. Alternatively, you can use plain baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). I used this for many months. It takes a while to adjust to the taste, but I liked how clean and fresh it made my mouth feel. I also found that it whitened my teeth subtly and that my teeth felt very smooth and clean. The other plus of using baking soda to brush your teeth is that it is mildly anti-bacterial and alkalising making it an effective mouthwash as well. Sodium bicarbonate also helps your body to detox chemicals.
I have read concerns about baking soda being too abrasive. Before I identified my food intolerances and significantly reduced my exposure to the chemicals I am intolerant to my teeth were very sensitive and when I tried using baking soda to clean them it made my teeth and gums ache. However, once I had been avoiding my chemical triggers for a while and had begun taking the supplements I refer to in this book then my teeth were no longer sensitive and I could use the baking soda. I used it regularly to brush my teeth twice a day for a year or so and did not experience any problems.
To use baking soda as toothpaste I kept a jar of sodium bicarbonate in the bathroom, wet my toothbrush slightly, dipped it in the jar to coat the brush then brushed my teeth as normal. Instead of rinsing it out straight away I took a couple of sips of water then swished the solution around in my mouth and gargled it a few times as a mouthwash before spitting it out. I recommend using high quality, additive and aluminium free sodium bicarbonate for personal hygiene uses rather than the sort you get at the supermarket. See the appendix for recommended brands, or purchase it from a natural health foods store.
Interesting Tip: Gargling activates the vagus nerve at the back of your throat which stimulates your gastrointestinal tract and improves the functioning of the gut-brain axis. However, to be truly effective you need to gargle long enough and deep enough for it to be a bit challenging. Try gargling three times each morning and evening after you have brushed your teeth.
Dental Floss: Flossing your teeth helps to remove the plaque that can build up between your teeth as well as any food debris stuck there. However, most dental floss contains mint flavouring or synthetic flavourings which are a problem for most of us with chemical intolerance. Even if you can find an unflavoured floss most dental floss is made from nylon, a synthetic fibre derived from petrochemical products, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE is commonly known by the brand name Teflon. It belongs to a class of perfluorochemicals (PFCs) which are thought to be carcinogenic, are suspected hormone and endocrine disruptors, are associated with neurological problems and suppress the immune response. There are natural dental floss products available which are usually made from silk, but most contain essential oil flavourings.
You could try using colour-free, unbleached natural cotton thread to floss your teeth (be aware that most commercial sewing thread is made from nylon). This may be hard to obtain, and it may leave fibres between your teeth so brush carefully afterwards. There is a product available called a water flosser which uses plain water to clean between your teeth. This is a more costly option. The traditional Ayervedic practice of oil pulling is said to help remove debris from between teeth as well as toxins from your body. It takes about fifteen to twenty minutes each morning, but it can be a relaxing, meditative practice. I have done it in the past, but have not had the time opportunity since my son was born.
Type of Toothbrush: Plastic contains many chemicals that may cause problems especially to those of us with sensitivities and using it to scrub your teeth makes it likely that some of the plastic will wear off and enter your mouth. If you use a plastic toothbrush then choose one with white/non-coloured bristles and rinse your mouth out very thoroughly after brushing your teeth. If you are going to gargle after brushing your teeth then I would recommend rinsing your mouth carefully first and then gargling with a fresh solution of baking soda and water. Alternatively, you could try using a natural material toothbrush such as one with a bamboo handle and biodegradable polymer bristles. I use bamboo toothbrushes from Go Bamboo. They look very plain compared to the high-tech plastic brushes that you can buy now but I find that they work and last very well.
Breath Freshener: as mints are off the menu for most of us, when I want a quick breath freshener I add a pinch of baking soda to some water, swish it round my mouth for a minute or two then either swallow it (as I’m rushing out the door normally) or spit it out.
See the Recommended Products and Recommended Resources sections in the Appendix for more information on dental floss, water flossers and bamboo toothbrushes.
I tried a number of different options for cleansing my face from natural cleansers to basic soaps to baking soda and oil cleansing. My skin was so sensitive and reactive that everything I tried caused problems until I started using a microfiber face cloth with just water. It took my skin a little to get used to it, but after a couple of weeks it was fine. I use an Enjo face glove.
All natural moisturising lotions contain plants oils and/or plant extracts which contain salicylates. Most non-natural moisturising lotions contain petrochemical derived mineral oil, which I react to, and other chemical ingredients which may not necessarily cause reactions but which have been shown to cause other health issues. The only moisturising agent I found that I didn’t react to, and felt comfortable using, was refined jojoba oil. Even though I don’t noticeably react to it I use it very sparingly, but it does keep my face hydrated and smooth. Jojoba oil starts to solidify like wax in cold temperatures so in winter I keep small amounts in a wide mouth jar, scoop out a little of the ‘wax’ with my fingers and melt it in my hands before applying it. I rarely use moisturiser on my body. I found that when I stopped using soap on my skin and only cleaned it with the microfiber cloths and water then it became less dry and was okay without moisturiser. You can increase your skin’s hydration internally by drinking plenty of clean water, eating unrefined natural fats and taking a quality omega 3 supplement (see Step 4 below).
Rose water is low-moderate in salicylates so may be tolerated by some. I started using rosewater when I began my desensitisation protocol and I never noticed any issues with it. It is beneficial for skin. It also acts as fragrance, and can be used as a deodorant. Rosehip oil is likely moderate-high in salicylates, but may be tolerated by some. You could mix a small amount of rosehip oil and jojoba oil together.
Andrea Rose produces a range of salicylate and fragrance-free skincare products as does Cleure. The Fed-Up website also lists options which others have found suitable. See the Recommended Products list in the Appendix for more information.
Hair Care
There are some hair care products available that are suitable for those of us with chemical sensitivities. Andrea Rose produces a range of salicylate and fragrance-free hair care products as does Cleure. The Fed-Up website also lists options which others have found suitable. I personally use Eco-store fragrance-free shampoo and conditioner. This is derived from natural ingredients, but seems to be processed enough to be safe. See the Recommended Products list in the Appendix for more information.
Here are some other hair care and styling tips for the chemically intolerant:
Get a dry haircut: While it is very nice to get a head massage with your salon shampoo treatment, for those of us with chemical intolerances salon hair products can be a huge trigger. Barber’s and while-you-wait type hairdressers will cut your hair without washing it first. I wash my hair at home before I go. Also, remember to request that they do not put any product in your hair. It is fine to get it blow-dried without styling products. You could take your own shampoo/conditioner/styling product to the hairdressers. Note that salons which use a lot of products in the hair-cutting process will also have high concentrations of chemicals in the air even if they are not being put directly on your scalp and hair. While-you-wait salons in shopping malls often have an open end with no door which is helpful for reducing the amount of salon product chemicals in the air.
Opt for simple style: It is best to have your hair cut in a style that does not require a lot of hair-styling products to get it to look good. It is also best to avoid chemical treatments such as permanent waves and hair dyes. Embrace the real you and look for styles that suit your hair’s natural features.
Wash less: Unless you use a lot of product in your hair, which is now unlikely since I think almost all manufactured hair products contain natural or synthetic chemicals that cause reactions, or your hair gets coated with dust or dirt regularly, then it only needs washing once or twice a week. If you normally wash your hair every one to two days, then it will take a month or so for it to settle into being washed less often, but after that you will find that it gets less oily and more manageable as well as softer and less dry. When I had my hair short I washed my hair with water only in the shower every day, but only shampooed it once or twice a month as it needed it. When I first started doing this my hair started to look like it needed a wash by about day three, but after several months it stayed fine almost indefinitely. If you want to read more about this then search on ‘no poo hair method’ on the internet.
Hair Styling
As far as I have been able to see almost all manufactured hair care products except certain shampoos and conditioners contain natural and/or synthetic chemicals that cause reactions. I have found four ‘safe’ hair styling products that you can make at home.
1. Refined Jojoba oil: you can rub a small amount of jojoba oil in your hands and then smooth it onto your hair to calm fly-aways and frizz. Use a very small amount though or your hair will become oily and weighed down. Apply it like you would a serum.
2. Dry shampoo: Basically the idea of dry shampoo is to use an oil absorbing powder to absorb the oil on your hair and scalp. You can use dry shampoo to touch up your hair between washes. As ‘dirty’ hair often holds its style better than just washed hair you can also use dry shampoo to make your ‘dirty’ hair presentable and easy to style. You can use just about any form of absorbent starch that you can tolerate - cornstarch (contains glutamates), tapioca or arrowroot starch (use organic and ensure it is free of sulphites) or cocoa powder if you have dark hair and no sulphur or histamine issues. Simply brush the starch powder onto the oily parts of your hair, rub it in, shake, brush or comb out any excess powder, and then style your hair.
3. Salt Spray: You can use the following sea salt spray to add volume to your hair, style shorter hair or create beachy waves. I find this works well, but the salt in it irritates my sensitive skin.
Mix together one cup of hot water, 2 tablespoons of Epsom Salts, ½ teaspoon of sea salt and ½ teaspoon of chemical free conditioner until all the ingredients are dissolved. Pour the mix into a spray bottle for storage and easy application (glass if you can find one).
Spray this on damp hair and scrunch with a towel for loose beach waves or spray it on dry hair or hair roots for added volume. You can also wash your hair the night before, spray it with the sea salt spray then French braid it or twist it into a bun on top of your head (avoid using a hair tie or you’ll get a hair tie kink). Leave overnight and the next morning when it is dry spritz your hair lightly with a little more salt spray and take out the bun/braid. You can lightly spray your hair again and scrunch it once it is down to add extra volume and hold.
4. Texturising Setting Spray: This spray gives your hair texture and also sets it a little like hairspray. Like the Salt Spray, you can use this to add volume to your hair, style shorter hair or create beachy waves. I prefer this styling spray to the Salt Spray as it does not irritate my skin.
Mix together 1/2 cup of hot water, 1 teaspoon of Epsom Salts, 1 tablespoon of white sugar, 1 teaspoon of vodka or colloidal silver (as a preservative – note that vodka contains histamine) and ¼-1/2 a teaspoon of chemical free conditioner (optional) until all the ingredients are dissolved. Pour the mix into a spray bottle for storage and easy application (glass if you can find one). You can leave out the conditioner if you have oily hair.
Spray onto dry hair and scrunch the hair until the spray dries, or spray onto dry hair and then use a curling iron to create curls/waves. You can also use it as per the Salt Spray above to create easy morning hair by braiding or twisting your hair up overnight.
Deodorant
Finding a deodorant/antiperspirant that is free from reaction causing chemicals can be challenging. It should at least be free of colour and fragrance including essential oils, and it is also advisable to use a deodorant that does not contain aluminium. There is a list of suitable options on the Fed-Up website and both Cleure and Andrea Rose stock chemical and fragrance free deodorants (see Recommended Products – Personal Care). There is also a chemical free range called Crystal Stick which makes a fragrance free option. You can buy this at most natural health stores or online. If you use a store bought deodorant product re-check the ingredients each time you buy it as manufacturers may change ingredients from time to time.
You can make your own deodorant using baking soda. You can either use plain baking soda or blend it with a little corn or tapioca starch. The baking soda helps kill odour causing bacteria and the starch absorbs perspiration. For a while I used plain baking soda. I kept some baking soda in a wide mouthed jar in the bathroom with a small round Enjo make-up remover microfibre pad in the jar which I used to dust on the baking soda. I found that this worked reasonably well to stop odour, but that it sometimes left white marks on my clothes especially if I perspired a lot.
I now dissolve a Chrystal Stick deodorant block in colloidal silver to make a liquid, then pour some into a spray bottle and use that. I find that it is reasonably effective as a deodorant and I prefer it to the baking soda as it is quicker and easier to use, and easy to carry with me and reapply as needed. Sometimes I add a weak solution of cooled chamomile tea to give it a slight fragrance. If you are going to do this add the tea to small batches of the deodorant and use it as quickly as possible to prevent bacteria breeding in the tea solution.
I have also seen Milk of Magnesia, which is magnesium hydroxide solution, recommended as a deodorant, but I have not personally tried this.
If you can tolerate it then rose water could be used as a fragrant deodorant. It is low-moderate in salicylates. I have tried this, but did not find it very effective. It would be better combined with something like the Chrystal Stick deodorant or added to the spray mix I described above.
Keeping your chemical levels low may reduce your need for deodorant anyway. Before I identified my chemical intolerances and reduced my exposure to the chemicals I was reacting to I used to suffer from very strong body odour and excessive perspiration. Now I don’t seem to have these problems. I also have not experienced this issue since increasing my salicylate intake through desensitising.
Hair Removal/Shaving
For Women
As I have a salicylate sensitivity and had problems with finding a soap I didn’t react to and razors free of moisturising strips I tried using an epilator. I found the epilator alright to use. However, epilation, along with waxing and plucking, can cause physical trauma to your skin. Physical trauma stimulates inflammation and the release of histamine. After a while I noticed that my symptoms increased on the days I used the epilator. Although advertising claims that epilation will give you weeks of hair free skin I find that I have to do it at least once a week, plus it is much less painful to epilate when your hair is very short. To reduce the ‘trauma’ I would epilate one leg one day and the other one the next. I do like the fact that epilation results in soft regrowth which is nice on your legs, and also means you can use it on your thighs, bikini and arms with no irritating stubbly regrowth. Theoretically you can use an epilator on your underarms, but I found this too awkward and painful and I still shaved under my arms.
Waxing may be okay as it generally lasts several weeks meaning that the exposure to physical trauma induced histamine release is less frequent. The wax used may be low in salicylates and other chemicals (you will need to ask as they vary from salon to salon), but the soothing cream applied afterwards is likely to be high in them so either take your own cream to put on, or ask for just an ice-pack to soothe the area that has been waxed.
If you wish to shave then you will need to either use an electric shaver, or find a soap/shaving cream free of reaction causing chemicals and also razors that either have no moisturising strip or one that is free from problem chemicals. If you are going to shave in the shower turn the temperature down as heat can stimulate the release of histamine. Using a microfiber exfoliating glove after shaving, epilating or waxing can help smooth flaky skin and reduce the amount of moisturiser needed. Use minimal amounts of a chemical-free moisturiser or refined jojoba oil to soothe any dry skin.
For facial hair removal, the chemical-free options include waxing, plucking, using a plucking coil such as a Bellabe, or IPL/laser hair removal. All these options cause physical trauma to your skin and the release of histamine. I tried using a Bellabe, but found it quite tricky to use and it left my sensitive skin irritated and inflamed. I have fair facial hair, but I have quite a lot of it and several thicker darker hairs around my upper lip and chin. I have always been self-conscious about it so I decided to try IPL laser hair removal. As my hair is fair it had to be waxed first so the treatment felt like having my face waxed and then tattooed. My skin was inflamed for about a week afterwards, but only about as much as it normally is after I have it waxed. The hope was that after about 4-5 treatments most of the darker, longer hair on my face would be permanently reduced/removed and I will only have to have a maintenance treatment once a year from then on. However, after about 4 treatments I had noticed no change in the amount of hair on my face and was finding the treatments too painful so I decided to stop.
For Men
Men have the option of growing a beard or designer stubble and thus eliminating the need for facial shaving altogether. If you choose to shave you can try dry shaving with an electric razor. From what I understand electric razors never give quite as smooth a shave as wet shaving, but may provide the least irritating option. If you wish to wet shave then you will need to find a soap/shaving cream free of reaction causing chemicals and also razors that either have no moisturising strip or one that is free from problem chemicals. Using a microfiber exfoliating glove after shaving can help smooth flaky skin and reduce ingrown hairs. Apply a small amount of refined jojoba oil or a suitable chemical-free moisturiser (see the section on Skincare above) after shaving to soothe your skin and reduce irritation. For hair removal on other parts of your body you can try waxing or laser hair removal. If you are going to try waxing you will need to check that the wax used is free of chemicals you are intolerant to and also any soothing cream that would normally be applied afterwards. The wax used may be low in salicylates and other chemicals, but the soothing cream applied afterwards is likely to be high in them so either take your own cream to put on, or ask for just an ice-pack to soothe the area that has been waxed.
Sanitary Items
Look for sanitary items that are plastic, perfume and chlorine free. For a number of years, every time I started menstruating I would experience itching in the vaginal area. I thought I was getting thrush every time I got my period which I also thought was strange because it only seemed to occur at that time. I then realised that it wasn’t thrush, but that I was reacting to the chemicals in the sanitary pads I was using. I changed to organic cotton sanitary pads and had no further itching issues. I use the Natracare brand and also washable cloth menstrual pads. The Fed-Up website also lists some options (see Recommended Products – Personal Care).
Make-up
I found it very challenging to find make-up that I could use. Not only do I react to nearly all the common ingredients, but my skin is also extremely sensitive and prone to dryness. Andrea Rose produces a range of salicylate and fragrance-free cosmetics as does Cleure. The Fed-Up website also lists options which others have found suitable (see Recommended Products – Personal Care and Make-up).
I personally use mineral make-up products from Immersion cosmetics. Most of the Immersion products are pure minerals free from essential oils. I like the fact that you can order sample packets from this website as I do not wear make-up much so the sample packets give me enough product for a year or so. Mineral make-up powders are very versatile. You can use the foundation powder with a dry brush, or a damp brush, or mix it with a suitable moisturiser to make a tinted moisturiser. You can also make your own concealer or liquid foundation by mixing mineral foundation powder with a small amount of refined jojoba oil or suitable moisturiser to make a paste. Make a thicker paste for concealer and a thinner paste for foundation. Brush mineral powder over the top to set the foundation/concealer after applying it to your face. Use a slanted brush and small feathery strokes to apply a darker shade of mineral powder to define your brows then smear a little jojoba oil on top to keep brow hairs tidy. Use a wet, fine tipped eye-liner brush with a dark mineral powder to create liquid eye-liner. You can even brush mineral powder blush onto your lips for a lip colour and tap a little moisturiser, shea butter, or jojoba oil over the top for a soft sheen. If you are going to use powder mineral make-up I would advise investing in some good quality make-up brushes to give a flattering finish and keep irritation to your skin to a minimum.
Quick Tip: If you wash your make-up brushes with a mild chemical-free shampoo and then also use conditioner on them the bristles remain soft and are less irritating for sensitive skin.
Nail Care
Buff your nails: Nail polish is very high in toxic chemicals. Even if you use a lower chemical version you still have the problem of how to remove it as nail polish remover is also high in chemicals. An alternative is to buff your nails. This does not colour them but it does give them a nice shine that lasts for a few days. Nail buffing blocks are inexpensive and readily available from chemists and department stores. I make a detox/pamper session out of buffing my nails once a week. I fill a large stainless steel bowl with hot water, add 1-2 tablespoons of both Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) and baking soda, soak my hands then soak my feet while I push back the cuticles on the nails on my hands and buff them. Once I’ve finished my hands I dry off my feet, push back the cuticles on my toenails and then buff them. Buffing also increases the circulation to your nails, strengthening them and improving their health.
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Glove Up
It took me a while to get used to doing this (and to do it without feeling silly and ‘over-reactive’), but it is a wise idea to wear safe kitchen gloves when preparing food. Skin does absorb at least some of what it is exposed to, and most of us experience reactions when our skin comes into contact with chemicals we are sensitive to. You can reduce your exposure by wearing gloves when preparing food, even your own ‘safe’ food, but definitely any food you prepare for others. When your wear gloves you wash your hands less often and since it is difficult to find a soap/cleansing product that is safely free of problematic ingredients then the less our skin comes into contact with soap the better. Wearing gloves also reduces the drying effects of water and washing for those of us with eczema on our hands, or sensitive dry skin.
Use Glass or Stainless Steel Storage
Plastic is largely made from petrochemicals and can contain unsafe ingredients like dyes, pthalates and chemical estrogens. To avoid your food being contaminated with extra problematic chemicals it is best to use glass or stainless steel drink bottles and food storage containers. This is particularly important if the food you are storing is hot, or acidic, or contains fats as these types of foods and liquids are even more likely to leach chemicals from a plastic container. Be aware that aluminium drink bottles, as well as being made of potentially toxic aluminium, are also often lined with plastic.
Use Chemical-Free Cookware
The least toxic materials for cookware are heavy metal-free ceramic, enamel and glass. Cast iron cookware is also a good option, but iron does leach into food cooked in it. A little iron can be a healthy, but excess iron is toxic and pro-oxidant. More iron leaches from new cast iron cookware and into acidic foods or foods cooked for long periods. I use cast iron fry-pans. I have found if you season them when you first get them, wash them as soon as you are finished cooking with hot water only (no detergent) and dry them as soon as possible they do not rust and maintain a sealed cooking surface. Be aware that factory/pre-seasoned cast iron pans are usually made by coating the pan in a soy-based oil and then heating it to a high heat so there may be soy, sulphur, glutamate or toxic fat issues. I prefer to season my own to be safe. Copper cookware releases copper into food cooked in it and usually contains nickel which is a toxic heavy metal and can be allergenic. Stainless steel cookware is made from a metal alloy consisting of mainly iron and chromium, but may also contain nickel along with copper and molybdenum. Stainless steel is a passable option, but not the best. I have read that if a magnet sticks to your stainless steel cookware it is likely to be made from mainly non-toxic metals such as iron.
Definitely avoid using any kind of non-stick or aluminium cookware. Most non-stick cookware contains perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), especially the brands Teflon, Silverstone, T-Fal, Duracote, Excalibur and Xylon. PFOA gets into your bloodstream, is a xenoestrogen, and may cause flu-like symptoms, cancer, high cholesterol, thyroid disease and reduced fertility. Most manufacturers are phasing out the use of PFOA in cookware, but it will still be found in older items, and may still be in use for new ones, so it is best to avoid non-stick cookware altogether. The other issue with non-stick cookware is that most people use plastic utensils with it which is another source of toxic chemicals, however you can use wooden or silicone utensils instead which are less toxic options. Aluminium is a toxic heavy metal and has been linked to cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Genuine stoneware such as slabs and pots made of soapstone or lead-free clay are non-toxic. However, these are generally heavy, require seasoning and are higher in price. Most cookware labelled granite or stoneware is actually aluminium with a stone-look non-stick coating. Some brands are potentially non-toxic. Ballarini states that the coating on its granite cookware is PFOA, heavy-metal and nickel free. Theoretically that seems okay, but personally I would stay with safer options instead such as clay-based stoneware, cast iron, ceramic and glass.
Silicone bakeware is another option. The silicone used in bakeware is a synthetic polymer and is generally considered safe and inert, but has not been thoroughly tested at high temperatures. There is potential for chemical leaching and off-gassing when silicone is heated to higher temperatures, especially if it is lower quality silicone which contains fillers. I do use silicone bakeware occasionally because my children and I do not tolerate many fats/oils and you do not have to grease silicone bakeware. I would recommend only using silicone cookware regularly for cooler temperature uses such as chocolate moulds and utensils. You can also get silicone bags for the freezer which would be a less toxic option than plastic.
Ceramic, enamel and glass cookware are the safest options to cook with that are also easy to use and maintain. They are generally very low or toxin free and you can use metal utensils with them. However, be aware that sometimes ceramic glazes and glass can be contaminated with heavy metals such as lead, especially older items and items produced by small scale artisans. Never cook with any ceramic or glass item that is labelled ‘for decorative use only’. It is best to avoid cookware with coloured glazes if possible. Older Pyrex cookware was made using a different process to modern Pyrex and is more resilient, so items sourced from second-hand stores or your grandmother’s kitchen might actually last the longest.
Brands which provide non-toxic cookware include: Xtrema ceramic, Le Creuset, Lodge, Mercola Healthy Cookware, The Pampered Chef Stoneware, Chantal, Miriam’s Earthen Cookware, Granite Ware, Pyrex and Corningware, Cook on Clay Flameware and Vita Clay. If you like non-stick cookware you could try some from Greenpan, Ecolution, Manpan or Earthpan which are made without PFOA and other toxic chemicals. However, these are all made from coated aluminium and you have to use plastic, silicone or wooden utensils with them.
Buy Meat from a Butcher
The meat packaging used in supermarkets/grocery stores is usually made from petrochemicals and can contain synthetic estrogens. The absorbent pads that are put under the meat can contain sulphites. It is best to buy fresh meat from a reputable butcher with a high turnover of stock which makes it more likely that the meat is fresh. You can take your own glass or stainless steel containers for the butcher to put the meat into. Alternatively, take the meat out of the bags that the butcher put it in and put it into suitable containers as soon as you get home. Buying meat from a butcher also means that you can ask questions about the source, freshness and additives (if any) in the meat.
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Modern chemical cleaning products are one of the greatest sources of pollution in our homes, air, clothing and water. Fortunately, there are alternatives that are not only chemical-free, but can also save you time and money. I have listed some options for chemical-free cleaning below. However, my cleaning agent of choice is good quality microfibre cloths. I use Enjo microfibre cloths and I love them. Using microfibre cloths allows me to clean faster, with less effort and more effectively than any other cleaning product I am aware of. Surfaces are left with a long-lasting shine and no residue. You can also clean with cold water which is faster and cheaper - no more lugging round buckets of hot water. Good quality microfibre cloths cost quite a lot up front, but over time save you money as you don’t need to buy any other cleaning products for 2-3 years. It is worth paying for quality too as I have tried several cheaper brands and have found that they do not perform as well, or last as long.
Chemical-Free Cleaning Options
Clothes washing powder: you can use a fragrance/essential oil free washing detergent. For a totally safe and inexpensive option you can use plain baking soda/sodium bicarbonate as a washing powder. Add about one cup to a full load. I have used this and found that it cleaned the clothes just as effectively as anything else.
Quick Tip: here in New Zealand the cheapest way to buy baking soda is to get it in bulk from a farming supplies store such as PGG Wrightson, or a bulk grocery retailer such as Binn Inn or Bulk Barn (sorry, I’m not sure if this is the case for other countries).
Smelly shoes: sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes, leave overnight then shake out the excess.
Carpets: to refresh carpet sprinkle it with sodium bicarbonate, leave it for at least 30 minutes then vacuum as normal. For general stains and marks dab with a cloth dampened with soapy water or use a specifically designed microfiber cloth such as the Enjo Plusline range which I use and recommend.
Silver and stainless steel: put a piece of aluminium foil in the bottom of a clean sink. Put your silver or stainless steel items on top, sprinkle baking soda generously all over them and then pour warm/hot water over the items to cover them. Let the items soak for 10-30 minutes, rub gently with a soft cloth then rinse and dry thoroughly. For heavily tarnished items you may need to repeat this process one or two times.
Dusting: household dust contains multiple chemical contaminants from the air, treated carpets, degrading foam in furniture and plastics in electrical appliances. It is important to dust regularly, especially if you have children as they tend to play near dusty surfaces and put their hands near their mouth, nose and eyes more often. To dust effectively, use a damp cloth and then dry off surfaces with a dry cloth afterwards. Dry dusting just moves the dust around unless you use a quality microfibre cloth. I used to avoid dusting because I found wet dusting to be quite a big job with wetting cloths, rinsing cloths and drying off. When I purchased an Enjo dusting cloth I began to dust much more often because it is as effective dry as wet cloth dusting, but much faster. It is also one of the most effective ways to dust things like books and painting canvases which cannot be wet dusted. Remember to wet mop non-carpeted floors regularly too as they also accumulate dust quickly. A microfibre mop is the quickest, easiest way to do this.
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Chemicals from furniture, fragrances, cleaning agents, plastics and electric appliances can build up inside closed indoor spaces. If the outdoor air quality is alright then open windows and doors to air out your indoor spaces as often as possible. Use pot plants inside and plant trees and shrubs outside to help clear toxins and chemicals out of the air. If you own your own home put an exterior venting fan in the bathroom and kitchen to expel damp air, fragrances used by other members of the household, and chemicals from cooking food and oils, especially if you have people in your house who cook foods that you are intolerant to. It would also be wise to think about investing in an air filtration system. We have an HRV system in our home here in New Zealand and find it very effective. It filters the air of dust particles, spores, pollen and bacteria, and dries out the house which not only makes condensation on windows almost non-existent, but also prevents the growth of toxic moulds.
Remember to clean vent filters frequently, including those in heat pumps and kitchen range hoods. Dust contains many chemical contaminants and clogs up the filter preventing it from working as effectively. If you find cleaning greasy range hood filter pads a hassle, then invest in an Enjo kitchen microfibre glove and drying cloth because they effectively clean the filter pads with COLD water in minutes.
Another way to clear the air is to use odour and chemical absorbing products. I haven’t personally used these, but I have seen independent recommendations for the No Odor/Smelleze brand (see Appendix Recommended Products for more information). Using odour and chemical remover pouches would be a cheaper option than installing a whole house filter system and they would also be very handy to take with you when you are travelling.
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When you get ill and experience chemical sensitivities your medication options are severely limited. Natural remedies are often high in salicylates, and most pain relief medications cause issues for people with salicylate and histamine intolerance. However, there are still a range of things you can use to treat day to day illnesses and accidents. Fed Up by Sue Dengate has an informative chapter on acceptable medications, and I have also listed a few suitable remedies here.
Calming a chemical reaction: The following things should help to calm an especially strong reaction, for example if you have been out to dinner or exposed to a lot of fragrance:
Drink plenty of clean water to help flush out your detoxification organs (liver and kidneys) and your digestive system and bowel
Take Iodine: take 1-2 drops of an ionic iodine solution
Have an epsom salts soak: put 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salts in a footbath or 1-2 cups in a bath and soak for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can apply epsom salts solution or lotion to your skin.
Go for a walk in the park: moderate, enjoyable exercise helps relieve physical and emotional stress, stimulate your detoxification systems, and increase oxygen intake decreasing inflammation. Exercise outside around trees or open water is most effective and beneficial.
Take a magnesium supplement: if you have a magnesium supplement that you tolerate then you can try taking an extra dose
Take some anti-histamine medication: it is advisable to use anti-histamines as an emergency medication only
Take some sodium bicarbonate/potassium bicarbonate: add sodium or potassium bicarbonate to a footbath or bath (I sometimes use both Epsom salts and sodium bicarbonate in my footbath for extra detoxing), or mix a ½ teaspoonful into a glass of water and sip. Taking the sodium bicarbonate in a glass of water does not taste very nice, but I find it works well. Sodium/potassium bicarbonate can assist in re-establishing the acid/base balance when your body’s own bicarbonate reserves are depleted as a result of metabolic acidosis caused by adverse reactions to food or other environmental exposures. However, please read the following information before taking baking soda internally, and take it only when necessary. It is best to take sodium/potassium bicarbonate at least one hour before or after eating a meal as it lowers the acidity of your stomach reducing digestion, especially of proteins.
PLEASE READ BEFORE TAKING BAKING SODA
Baking soda is SODIUM bicarbonate.
Avoid taking it if you are on a low-sodium diet, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Avoid taking significant amounts especially for weeks at a time unless under the supervision of a trained health professional.
Sodium bicarbonate inhibits folic acid absorption so you may wish to take a folic acid supplement if you are taking significant amounts of baking soda.
High sodium intake can cause low calcium levels as your kidneys excrete calcium with sodium
If you are taking any prescription medications consult your doctor before taking sodium bicarbonate in case it interferes with your medication.
If you have heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease or high blood pressure consult your doctor before taking baking soda.
Avoid giving baking soda to children under 5
If you eat a high calcium/dairy-rich diet or take calcium supplements or calcium-based antacids such as calcium carbonate (e.g. Tums) then be aware that taking significant amounts of sodium bicarbonate can cause milk-alkali syndrome resulting in metastatic calcification, kidney stones and kidney failure.
Taking large amounts of baking soda may cause metabolic alkalosis, or edema, or hypertension due to sodium overload. Stop taking it if you experience nausea, muscle weakness, confusion, swelling of the feet or ankles, black tar-like stools, muscle twitches or tremors, or numbness or tingling in the face or extremities.
Colds: Rest as much as possible and drink plenty of warm fluids (soup, warm/hot water). Take probiotics, zinc, iodine, selenium and vitamin C (see Step 5 – Core Supplementation for information on suitable supplements). Iodine is anti-bacterial and anti-viral and a liquid solution can be put in a spray bottle and used to disinfect the skin of humans and animals as well as the air, furniture and household surfaces. Iodine has been shown to kill most bacteria within 15-30 seconds of contact.
To loosen blocked sinuses put some steaming hot water into a glass or stainless steel bowl, make a tent over your head with a towel and breathe in the vapours (having a bath or shower also helps clear blocked sinuses). Alternatively, you can sniff up warm salt water. If your child gets earache use the steam measures just mentioned to clear sinus blockages, give them frequent small doses of colloidal silver and put a warm pad on their ear to help relieve pain. Elevating the end of the bed also helps relieve the symptoms of a cold and earache when sleeping. You can do this by putting thick books or bricks under the two legs at the head of the bed.
There is a traditional remedy for colds and flu that uses baking soda (see note above before taking baking soda internally). I haven’t tried it myself, but here are the recommended doses if you want to try it:
Day 1: take 6 doses of a ½ teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm or room temperature water at about 2 hourly intervals
Day 2: take 4 doses of a ½ teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm or room temperature water at about 2 hourly intervals
Day 3: take 2 doses of a ½ teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm or room temperature water – one in the morning and one in the evening. From day 4 onwards take a ½ teaspoon of baking soda in water each morning until the cold/flu symptoms are completely gone.
Sore throat: gargle warm salt water and/or one drop of iodine in warm water. Take probiotics and/or colloidal silver. Take probiotics and colloidal silver several hours apart or the colloidal silver may kill off some of the probiotics. I am wary of taking colloidal silver because it is a metal. It does seem to help so I use it, but only for bacterial illnesses and only until symptoms clear.
Coughs: the best thing I have found to calm a cough is to sip whiskey or vodka mixed with a little warm water, but of course this can’t be given to children. I give my children probiotics and colloidal silver to help treat the infection causing the cough. It also helps to keep the bedroom slightly warm at night. Saffron is a traditional remedy for coughs. Make a tea by infusing a few saffron threads in hot water. Once the water has cooled to warm, remove the threads and gargle the saffron tea.
Cuts and sores: wash or soak gently with warm water and an appropriate soap. Keep them clean and dry. You can apply colloidal silver or iodine (see colds above) to help prevent or treat infection and refined jojoba oil to help skin heal.
Fungal Infections: for fungal infections on your toenails try applying a mix of lemon and potato juice 2-3 times a day. This may require several weeks of daily application. Potatoes have anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. The juice is best applied as fresh as possible. Lemons have a low to moderate level of salicylates. They have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. If you paint the lemon juice onto the nail, then only a very small amount will be absorbed via the surrounding skin. Note that fungal infections are infectious so wash your hands thoroughly after touching any infected area.
If you can tolerate coconut oil, then it also has anti-fungal properties. Again regular application is key to effectiveness. Apply it 2-3 times a day until the symptoms clear. Coconut oil has also been shown to help clear yeast infections.
Insect bites: apply a paste of baking soda and water to the bite to relieve itching
Pain: use warm pads or ice packs – whichever gives the best relief. Only ice an inflamed area for a few minutes at a time.
Pimples: dab colloidal silver on the pimple as it is anti-bacterial. Iodine is also anti-bacterial, but many people find iodine actually makes their acne worse. This may however be due to a detox reaction that settles with prolonged use. Saffron is apparently helpful – you could try infusing a couple of threads in water or refined jojoba oil and dabbing it on the spot. I find that my acne is caused by stress, salicylates and also fragrances, especially cheap ones like supermarket body sprays. Reducing inflammation will reduce the severity and pain of pimples.
Stomach bug/food poisoning/diarrhoea: I find that colloidal silver and probiotics help clear stomach issues relatively quickly. Take them several hours apart as per the instructions for a sore throat above.
Sunburn: add ½ cup of baking soda to a lukewarm bath and soak for 10-15minutes. When you get out try and let the baking soda dry on your skin rather than towelling it off. You can also make a compress by soaking a towel in a solution of baking soda and cool water, wringing out the excess water then placing the towel on the sunburnt area.
Warts: Warts are caused by a virus. Please note that because of this they are infectious so wash your hands thoroughly after touching warts. You can have them burnt off with dry ice (carbon dioxide) by a doctor. Potatoes have anti-viral properties. A possible treatment for warts is to apply potato juice to the wart 3 times a day. Use juice that is as fresh as possible. You may need to continue this treatment for several weeks to see results. Banana peel is another possible treatment. Scrape the white flesh off the inside of a piece of banana peel and then apply the small piece of exposed inner peel to the wart and cover it with a plaster. Apply fresh peel twice a day. Coconut oil also has anti-viral properties, and may be used to treat warts if you can tolerate it. Apply it to the wart as per potato juice.
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Relax in Nature
The best leisure activities are those that involve activity outside amongst nature. Trees and plants help to clear some chemicals from the air and produce oxygen which also helps our detoxification systems work more effectively. Swimming pools, shopping malls and roadsides contain concentrations of chemicals and are best avoided. Going for a walk or cycle ride through gardens, forests or beaches, or going skiing, are leisure activities that do not involve exposure to a lot of chemicals.
Avoid public toilets
Public toilets that are cleaned regularly such as those in busy shopping malls have high concentrations of cleaning chemicals on the basins and toilets, and in the air. Think like a child and try and go to the toilet at home before you go out. If you do have to use a public bathroom either carry your own hand-wash or just rub your hands vigorously under hot water to wash them (bacteria is removed by friction) and then dry them thoroughly in an air-dryer (bacteria needs moisture to survive and grow).
Buy groceries online
I find that supermarkets are high in chemical levels especially the cleaning, personal care and spice/baking aisles. Added into that is the fragrances worn by the people shopping and working there. For super-responders like me it is a bit of a minefield. You can avoid this by ordering your groceries online. The down side with buying groceries online is that you cannot read ingredient labels, so it is only suitable for buying products you have already identified to be safe.
Let someone else refuel the car
Petrochemicals can cause a reaction or worsen other chemical sensitivities. If possible, get someone else to put petrol/diesel in your vehicle and lawnmower. Liquid petroleum gas (LPG) may also cause problems and is best avoided.
Use electric cookers rather than gas if possible
We stayed at a house once that had a gas cooker. I hadn’t been exposed to one since my chemical sensitivities had become inflamed, but when I started cooking on it my eczema started to flare up significantly and I experienced headaches and nausea.
Grow safe greenery
Living plants clear the air of chemicals and give off cleansing oxygen so grow them inside and out, but avoid plants with strong scents such as fragrant flowers and pungent herbs. Avoid using chemical sprays in your garden. Remove weeds manually, and use non-chemical options for bug control such as companion planting and putting coffee grounds or egg shells around plants to deter slugs and snails. If you live somewhere with limited outdoor space, then consider growing a green ‘wall’ i.e. grow plants vertically.
Buy natural rubber or leather footwear
Jandals/thongs/flip-flops are often made of foam and resin containing phenols and aldehydes, both of which can be a problem for those of us with chemical sensitivities. Buy natural leather or rubber footwear instead. See Recommended Products in the Appendix for some options.
Leave your shoes at the door
Wearing shoes inside that you have been walking around in outside brings many pollutants into your home for example herbicide/pesticide sprays used in public gardens and parks and petrochemical residues. Put a shoe rack by the front door and teach your children to take off their shoes and put them on the rack as soon as they come inside. Invest in some comfortable, attractive slippers to wear around the house.
Support companies that have publicly committed to going PBDE-free
Acer, Apple, Eizo Nanao, LG Electronics, Lenovo, Matsushita, Microsoft, Nokia, Phillips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony-Ericsson, and Toshiba have publically committed to removing PBDE chemicals from their electrical appliances.