According to This Walkabout Emu Oil User, Magic is Real!

Kerrie Bross emu oil, Westin A. Price Foundation , ,

Walkabout_Emu_Oil_Sale

We recently received a rave review for Walkabout Emu Oil and wanted to share it with our readers.

Walkabout Emu Oil Testimonial – “Magic is Real!”

This testimonial is courtesy of one of our customers, John Giustra.

“My daughter, Jennifer Kozek, gave me 4 bottles of your Emu oil. I’ve used two bottles so far. I’m 73 with arthritis in my hips and arm, and most debilitating for me in the neck. I have arthritis with cervical stenosis. After 10 days, I noticed a remarkable improvement in all areas. I’d been using traction for my neck, not needed now – well only used it once since the 10 day period. I have enough to get me through 2 months taking 6 pills a day. I believe I can then go to 4 pills a day. We will see. You can use any part of this or all of this in any ad you publish free of charge. My daughter was very impressed by you and I trust her. A US believer, magic is real! lol”

What is Emu Oil?

Emu oil is the nutrient dense fat reserved by emu before they go into torpor (it’s like hibernation) and before they sit on their eggs for three months prior to hatching. It is a life sustaining fat, considered a sacred food, that has been used by Aborigines for over 40,000 years!

Why is Walkabout Emu Oil Better?

Buy_Emu_OilWalkabout Emu Oil comes direct from Australia where the animals are free to roam and live a normal life, eating what emu in the wild eat. The farmers who work with Walkabout care for herds of genetically-unique emu, chosen because their oil is especially high in vitamin K2. There are many commercial uses for emu products including meat and leather, and for many farmers, the oil is a by-product. At Walkabout, the birds are bred for their high vitamin K oil.

Another reason we love Walkabout Emu oil is because of the minimal processing of the oil – it is never heat or chemically treated or pasteurized. Their motto is “Nothing is added to our oils and nothing is taken out. Our emu oil is assembled and balanced by nature.” This makes it extremely bioavailable, nutrient dense, and very good for us.

Health Benefits of Walkabout Emu Oil

Emu oil is recommended by the Weston A. Price Foundation because it’s a sacred food with a dense nutritional profile. Here are some of the many nutrients you’ll find in Emu Oil:

  • Omega-3
  • Omega-6
  • Omega-9
  • Vitamin K2
  • Vitamin D3
  • Vitamin E
  • CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid)

Try Walkabout Emu Oil for yourself and see how it benefits you! It comes in liquid, capsules and topical forms for your convenience.

Cleaning Detergents that Are Kind to the Environment (and Your Pocket)

Peaceful Planet Eco-friendly Products, Environmental Conservation , ,

 

homemade-cleaning_products

Over ten years ago Berkeley, the University of California released an article that detailed the harmful effect cleaning detergents have on the environment. Not only are these toxic to the surroundings, the ingredients consist of petroleum and other non-sustainable items. This places a lot of pressure on the environment, but will also push up prices as these ingredients become more valuable. An alternative for cleaning products will have a positive effect on the household, whether the household is mindful of the environment or not. With the use of just a few simple ingredients, consumers will have a multitude of cleaning detergents. These ingredients are coconut oil, vinegar, borax, bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), and fresh lemon juice.

Homemade Cleaners for Bathrooms and Kitchensavoid_toxic_deodorant

Although these are areas that require a thorough clean, chemicals and bleaches may not always be the solution. In fact, bleach can be far more harmful than good.

The Tub and Toilet

These two areas tend to suffer from brown stains and rings. This recipe should blot those stains out.

Mix the following ingredients for an overall cleaning solution:

  • 1 cup bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
  • 1 tablespoon borax
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Water as needed to form a paste as desired

Follow this up with a wipe-down using a cloth dabbed in a fragrance oil of your choosing. Homemade cleaners work the best and leave surfaces smelling fresh and inviting.

For areas that are a bit grimier and stained, use two tablespoons vinegar to two tablespoons bicarb and two tablespoons borax. This should form a thick paste. Add a bit more vinegar if not pasty enough, or bicarb if too runny. Put it on the grimy area for a few minutes before cleaning. Although favorites for these jobs, ammonia and formaldehyde are linked to allergies so should be avoided at all costs.

 clean_with_coconut_oilTaps and Mirrors

Although a vigorous rub with a microfiber cloth will make a world of difference, stubborn water stains and marks can be tough to deal with. For taps and other chrome or steel fittings, dab the cloth in a bit of coconut oil. Solid oil works better as this ensures there isn’t too much on the cloth. Keep a bit in the fridge for this purpose if it has a liquid state. There should be enough on the cloth to form a thin coat on the items, but not enough to be noticeable.

Mirrors can be a bit tricky to keep clean. Keep the following in a jar for mirrors that are easy to maintain.

After cleaning the mirror with this mixture, use a newspaper to remove any oily residue. If the oil seems a bit thick, use vinegar on its own.

Stainless Steel, Brushed Steel, or Chrome Appliances

After wiping appliances with a damp cloth and waiting for it to dry, use the microfiber and coconut oil combinations for the bathroom taps and fittings. This will prevent water marks and finger marks. Also, it will keep the exterior of the appliances rust-free, especially in coastal areas.

 

5 Facts We Absolutely Know About Good Nutrition

Peaceful Planet Healthy Eating, Whole Food Supplements , ,

whole_food_greens_powder_sale

Though there is much debate in the scientific community regarding the role nutrition plays in development of health and disease, a few facts exist that are relatively certain and based on a body of good research.

Like everyone else, we’ve grown weary of the countless fad diets and claims about miraculous results just by eating one thing or avoiding x food. For that reason, we’ve assembled a list of nutritional facts that can be used to help assemble and/or supplement a healthy diet.

1) Low Carbohydrate Diets Reduce the Likelihood of Type II Diabetes

As Type-II Diabetes (formerly known as adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes) hits prevalence, researchers are constantly exploring different factors that could be contributing to this pandemic. Some focus on genetic factors (for which there is some support) and others focus on lifestyle choices (exercise levels, for instance).

But nearly all walks of science and common sense agree on one thing – eating too much sugar is a major risk factor, particularly processed sugars that have been separated from their respective whole foods. Soda is one of the prime culprits, sometimes containing over 40 grams of sugar in just a single can.

Diets low in processed sugars (or entirely devoid of them) have been linked to reduced incidence of Type-II diabetes and may generally lead to healthier outcomes. Conversely, whole foods high in fiber reduce the incidence of diabetes, most likely by slowing the absorption of sugar and improving gut health.

2) Setting Goals Helps Stay on Track in Life and Nutrition

Goal setting has always been an important part of success. Some cultures naturally orient themselves towards healthier diets, but that isn’t the case for everyone. The United States is one of the more obvious examples, where the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) is plagued with chemically derived ingredients and artificial foods.

For those pursuing better nutritional standards, setting goals can be helpful in the same way it has been proven for other areas. Exact methods vary, but taking advantage of what technology has to offer may reduce the difficulty. Tracker apps such as MyFitnessPal or SparkPeople aid in keeping track of calories consumed, activity and food types eaten. They’re best paired with security apps such as VPNs in order to ensure privacy (among other things).

3) Unprocessed Foods Are Higher in Essential Nutrients

It’s no secret that eating whole foods is beneficial; virtually no sane person would argue the contrary. Yet exactly how beneficial a diet loaded with unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and meats can be is often lost on the public. Take the nutritional content of a sweet potato.

A single sweet potato contains over two times the daily requirement of Vitamin A, half the daily requirement of Vitamin C, and a host of B Vitamins. Eaten with the skin, sweet potatoes also incorporate a large amount of our daily fiber requirement.

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli tend to be high in Vitamin K and Folate (absolutely essential for anyone avoiding enriched grains, particularly women who plan to become pregnant), while fruits such as berries or citrus are usually high in Vitamin C. Grass fed and free range meats are fantastic sources of complete protein (they contain all essential amino acids) and are higher in Omega-3 than their grain fed counterparts (especially the processed kinds).

Unprocessed foods, due to lack of added sugars, contain significantly fewer calories. Eating a mixed diet full of vegetables, fruits, and proteins make it difficult to overeat because the fiber, fat, and protein content help to trigger the “full” response in the hypothalamus and keep the stomach from emptying as quickly.

organic_greens_powdersThose still new to unprocessed foods may want to consider supplementing at least initially. Particularly when it comes to eating leafy greens, it can be really difficult to develop a taste when coming from a previously high sugar, high salt diet. Have time constraints? A greens smoothie makes a quick, easy breakfast, lunch or snack.

4) Whole Foods are Devoid of Fillers & Additives

Another major concern we constantly see voiced is one regarding the “extra” ingredients added to so many different kinds of foods. Additives range from colors to artificial flavors and preservatives, all with the aim of making food sell better and stick around longer before it rots. Fillers, on the other hand, are there to cut costs (usually at the cost of vital nutrients). We see this done with sugar more than anything, especially in foods where fat is removed.

But whole foods don’t suffer from any of these pitfalls. Before hitting your table, they had everything needed to survive and this translates into better nutrient content. This has many benefits for us. For instance, watermelon seeds are actually highly nutritious (don’t worry, you won’t grow a watermelon in your stomach).

That’s not to say all whole foods are equal and able to be eaten in excess. Bananas taste great, but are relatively high in sugar and low in fiber compared to some other fruits and should be eaten semi-conservatively. But even at their worst, bananas will never lose out to packaged snacks and other premade foods.

5) Trans Fats Are Never a Good Choice

There are so many reasons that trans fats are terrible for you. Totally devoid of any real nutritional value, they are produced by a chemical process involving hydrogen and high heat to yield what is commonly labeled on foods as “partially hydrogenated [oil type].”

This is the type of fat you might expect to find in packaged sweets and especially in butter replacements like margarine. Consuming trans fats has been linked with heart disease, insulin resistance, and even the development of Alzheimer disease. In the interest of good health, there’s absolutely no reason to ever consume anything with trans fats in it.

organic_virgin_coconut_oil_saleThat it is still allowed in food is nearly a mystery of its own. That said, if you use oil to cook, it’s recommended that you stick with extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil, as both offer relatively healthy mixes of fat (omega 9 and saturated fat respectively) and are readily available without breaking the bank. Just be sure your olive oil comes in an opaque container and isn’t used in high heat recipes, as direct light and high heat ruin its nutritional value.

For a Healthy Tomorrow

While researchers may continue to debate the merits of individual chemicals such as caffeine, there is no shortage of certain information regarding good nutrition. Other factors are certainly at play in determining overall health, but eating nutritious foods is one way to keep things in your favor.

Will you take steps to create a scientifically sound diet? Tell us how below.

About the Author: Cassie is a health enthusiast with a heavy focus on nutrition. While some of her knowledge comes from academia, much of what she knows is independently learned through a great deal of research.

How to Avoid Damaging UV Rays Without Living in the Basement

Peaceful Planet Dr. Mercola, Natural Skincare, Natural Sunscreen , ,

Physical_sunblock

Life on Earth as we know it couldn’t exist without the ultraviolet (UV) rays provided by the sun. In addition to the vital role the sun plays in the food chain by providing energy for plant life, UV light is important for human beings in helping produce vitamin D in the body. However, as anyone who has ever experienced sunburn knows, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. In the case of UV light, overexposure can cause serious damage to skin and even lead to cancer. There’s nothing wrong with getting some sun. However, you need to use some protection if you’re going to be out in the sun for a prolonged period of time to ensure you’re not getting too much of a good thing.

Applying Protection

Sunscreen is important to remember when you’re out and about on a sunny day. It’s recommended to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to provide the best protection. Sunscreens labeled “broad spectrum” provides protection from more types of UV light than products without that label. Water-resistant formulas are better because they won’t be rinsed away as easily during activities in the water or run off when you sweat. Another key factor when choosing a sunscreen is getting a physical sunblock as opposed to a chemical sunscreen with nanoparticles that absorb into the skin and get into the blood stream. For more information on this, check out this blog post.

Safe_sunblock_for_kidsPeaceful Planet sells two sunscreen brands that are physical sunblock and get a # 1 rating from the Environmental Working Group. These are Thinksport Regular and Kids Sunscreens, both have a 50+ SPF. The other brand we sell is Mercola Sunscreen, one has an SPF of 15, and the other has an SPF of  30. One last thing to remember about proper sunscreen use is to re-apply often, sometimes every hour in the worst of the summer months, to ensure you receive maximum protection.

Wearing clothing that covers as much skin as possible is another good way to stay protected in the sun. Be sure to wear long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats to receive the most protection. Dark-colored clothing provides more protection than light-colored clothing; and tightly woven fabrics are better protection than loosely woven clothing.

Seeking Shade

And finally, the easiest way to help shield yourself from UV rays is to keep to shady spots on very sunny days — especially during the late-morning-to-late-afternoon period when the UV light from the sun is at its peak. This includes when you’re on the sand or snow, because it can reflect UV light and increase the amount in which you’re exposed. Staying inside when UV light is strongest also helps, especially if the windows in your home or car are tinted to block more UV rays. If you’re thinking about having your car windows tinted to protect yourself from the sun, the amount of tint you are allowed to have may vary based on where you live. The following chart illustrates the amount of window tint permitted in each state. Now go enjoy the outdoors safely!

rayno-window-film

This post was courtesy of Rayno Window Film.

Healthy Moms Favorite Mother’s Day Menu

Kerrie Bross Uncategorized

Healthy_Mother's_Day_Menu

So I was thinking about a Mother’s Day post and decided to share my favorite mother’s day menu with you. Keep in mind I’m spoiled. But, I work hard, and I deserve to be spoiled every now and then – and so do you! Hopefully you are lucky enough to have a hubby who will prepare a nice, healthy meal for you. My kids will help me make the chocolate covered strawberries and will cut the asparagus and make the dressing for my husband, but he will do the rest. I’m lucky that way. My menu starts with tomato and fresh mozzarella salad with homemade balsamic dressing, followed by surf and turf (boiled lobster and grass-fed beef tenderloin) with garden fresh asparagus, finished off with chocolate covered strawberries. I can’t wait!

Favorite Healthy Mother’s Day Recipes

Caprese Salad with Paleo Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressinghealthy_tomato_mozarella_salad_recipe

I love tomato and fresh mozzarella with fresh basil and balsamic dressing. YUM!!! The recipe below is for an easy homemade Paleo Balsamic Dressing. I find that using all extra virgin olive oil in homemade dressings doesn’t always refrigerate well. Instead, I use a half and half blend of EVOO and avocado oil and have never had any problems refrigerating dressings. Avoid the unhealthy oils like soy, canola, peanut, etc. because of over-processing, hydrogenation, and GMOs.

Paleo Balsamic Vinaigrette

  • 1/4 c extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 c avocado oil
  • ½ c balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp mustard powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano

Directions:

1. Slice organic tomatoes into 1/4 ” to 1/2 ” slices and arrange on a plate.
2. Slice fresh mozzarella to about the same thickness and put one slice on each slice of tomato.
3. Wash fresh basil and pull several larger leaves off the stem. Lay them one atop the other. Roll them all together and slice several times to make thin lines of basil. Place two or three of these basil strips onto each piece of mozzarella.
4. Drizzle with Paleo Balsamic Dressing right before serving.
5. Enjoy!

Easy Beef Tenderloin to Die For

Easy_grilled_beefg_tenderloin_recipeThis recipe is so easy and so good!

  • 4-5 lb grass-fed beef tenderloin (we’ve done it with smaller pieces as well)
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika (we’ve used hot paprika for a great kick)
  • Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Directions:

1. Use hands to coat tenderloin with EVOO.
2. Rub spice mix all over.
3. Place in sealable container, or ziplock baggie, for at least one hour.
4. Grill to desired temperature.

Boiled LobsterHow_to_boil_lobsters

I don’t think I really need to give directions for this do I? OK, the quick version. Fill a pot 3/4 with water. Salt if desired. Boil the water then add the lobsters and bring back to a boil. Cook for 6-7 for the first pound, then an additional 3 or 4 minutes per pound. The lobster should have an internal temperature of 135° – 140° and be bright red when done. Check temp by inserting meat thermometer into the base of the tail close to the body. Don’t forget to melt butter for dunking pieces of lobster. Enjoy!

Go Green Tip: Lobster shells are compostable and good for your soil!

Grilled Garden Asparagus

Grilled_asparagus_recipeAsparagus is a perennial that is very easy and prolific in a home garden. It takes a couple years to get established, then it takes off and is almost like a weed – a very tasty weed! This recipe works in the oven, too – just lay on cookie sheets.

Directions:

1 Wash and cut white, tough bottoms off.
2 Place asparagus in single layer on a sheet of aluminum foil.
3 Drizzle with EVOO and sprinkle with course sea salt. Fold up the foil and seal the ends. The asparagus will no longer be in a single layer.
4 Grill for 3-4 minutes, then flip and grill another 3-4 minutes. Open the top of the packet and make sure they are a nice bright green and tender. Grill a couple extra minutes if necessary.

Yummy Paleo Chocolate Covered StrawberriesPaleo_chocolate_covered_strawberries_recipe

So chocolate is a very tough thing to make Paleo and spectacular. Real chocolate is a tricky thing to make from scratch. I’ve been working with different recipes for the past year and this one seems to be good for sugar free chocolate covered strawberries. If you don’t have to go sugar free, then use Enjoy Life chocolate chips for easy chocolate covered strawberries. That brand is free of the many allergens and toxins found in most chocolate chips. But, if you’re being really good and want good Paleo chocolate covered strawberries, then try the recipe below.

  • 1 lb organic strawberries
  • 2 Tbs organic cocoa butter
  • 2 Tbs coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup organic cocoa powder
  • 2 – 4 Tbs confectioner’s sugar alternative. I like Swerve brand, which is erythritol.

Directions:

1. Start by washing the strawberries and setting them on a towel to dry. You want them as dry as possible as any water in the chocolate will ruin the texture.
2. It is hard to measure exactly 2 Tbs of cocoa butter when it comes in big hard chunks, so estimate and start it melting on low heat in a double boiler. When it is melted you can measure out the 2 Tbs. Put the left over in a parchment lined glass bowl to harden so you can put it back in your bag for later use. Put the 2 Tbs you are using back in the double boiler.
3. Remove double boiler from heat. Add coconut oil to the cocoa butter. It should melt in a minute or two. Add the cocoa powder and stir until smooth. Add the confectioner’s sugar alternative and stir until smooth. Start with 2 Tbs and add more to taste. Sugar with big granules won’t melt properly and maple syrup or honey will change the texture due to the water in them. This mixture will be very thin and watery.
4. Grab a strawberry by the leafy green part on top and dip in the chocolate until desired coverage is achieved. Place on parchment lined cookie sheet. Repeat with all berries and place in fridge for 15 minutes or until set. Because this chocolate is very thin, you will want to repeat this process 3 or 4 times. The chocolate will stay melted for a very long time because of the cocoa butter. If it starts to get too think, warm the water back up a bit.
5. After the final layer has set, place on a nice dish for presentation or place in a covered container in the refrigerator. They will last a couple days in the fridge. Ours never last that long because they get eaten so fast!

Have a Happy, Healthy Mother’s Day!

Beat Mosquitos Without Killing The Planet

Peaceful Planet Dr. Mercola, Eco-friendly Products , ,

Mercola_Natural_Bug_Spray

More and more people are changing their lifestyles and eliminating as many chemicals and toxins around them as possible. But, since chemicals are all around us from the beauty products and cleaning supplies we use to the food we consume and the air we breathe, it is not that easy to do. Every little bit helps, and some changes are easier than others, like using naturally-made DEET-free mosquito control and repelling products over chemical ones.

Pest control products like bug sprays, mosquito fogger systems and insecticides are very toxic, especially to the environment. So by switching to the more natural versions of these products, you will be able to decrease the amount of chemicals that are polluting our rivers, lakes and even air. Let’s look at the some of the main differences between natural and synthetic mosquito repellents and also how to properly use natural bug spray to get the most out of the products.

Chemical vs. Natural Mosquito Repellents

Fresh Citronella Leaves On Wooden BackgroundAs you might guess, the main difference between natural and artificial insect repellents is the ingredients that are used to produce each type of product. If in chemical sprays the main active ingredients often are either DEET or Picaridin, then in green bug sprays the mosquito repelling abilities of the products come from different essential oils, usually oil of lemon eucalyptus, citronella oil or lemongrass oil.

How do Natural Mosquito Repellents Work?

Now, you might be wondering, how can these natural plant oils deter mosquitoes? Well they do that thanks to their aroma. All of the most common essential oils used in natural mosquito repellents have distinct scents. They usually smell citrus-like and fresh. And, since mosquitoes distaste these types of aromas, and would much rather go for flowery, sweet scents, once you apply the natural insect repellent on your skin or clothing, mosquitoes will keep away from you.

DEET: Not good for People or the Planet

The second difference of the two types of repellents is how healthy they are in regards to human health as well as the environment. As we already established, synthetic insect repellents usually contain laboratory-made chemicals. DEET is a member of the tuolene chemical family which are solvents used in plastic and rubber cements as well as paint removers. They can pass through the skin and into the bloodstream, getting all the way natural_bugspraysto the gut. It is also harmful if inhaled or consumed, or sprayed on other living creatures, like cats and dogs. The most troubling concern is the adverse effects it can have on the nervous system. The combination of DEET and permethrin, another common mosquito spray ingredient, has been shown to lead to motor deficits, and learning and memory disorders. Is this something we want to spray on our children? Of course, sprays made of natural ingredients may have an adverse effect on some people. Those with sensitivities may get a skin rash or experience other reactions if they are allergic to one or more of the ingredients in the natural bug sprays. However, the likeliness of that happening is much smaller than when you use insect repellent based on DEET or any other chemically-made bug deterring ingredient. Which I think is a reason enough to go for natural insecticide.

Natural Bug Sprays Can Be Just As Effective, If Used Properly

And the third big difference when it comes to chemical and natural pest control is how efficient each type of product is and for how long it will be able to repel mosquitoes. Although, chemical bug sprays may last longer than natural ones, their efficiency is a different story. Many natural bug sprays are just as efficient as chemical sprays, but they don’t last as long and have to be reapplied more often than their synthetic counterparts. To me, the fact that I’ll have to reapply the repellent a bit more frequently doesn’t bother me compared to the damaging effects of chemical bug sprays on my family and the environment. But how do you make sure that you are using your natural repellent to its full potential?

First and foremost, read the label of the product. There should be information about how you should apply the product, how often it needs to be reapplied, if it is waterproof or not and other important bits of knowledge that will help you get the most out of your spray. Secondly, don’t forget to reapply the mosquito repellent, because, you will probably only get a few hours of efficiency after which the mosquitoes will start bugging you again. And thirdly, don’t overdo it with the application of the repellent – it won’t make it magically work better. All it will do is create an unnecessary layer of repellent on your skin which can start to irritate it.

Which Brand Of Natural Bug Spray Do We Recommend?

We love the Mercola Bug Spray for the whole family, including our pets! I use it daily on my dogs to keep ticks off them. I still find a tick on them here and there, but certainly not daily anymore. My sister uses it on her cat for the same reasons with equally good results. There are only four ingredients, oil of citronella, lemongrass oil, peppermint oil and vanillin. It has a pleasant lemony scent.  The best news is it beat DEET in a lab test Mercola_Bugsprayperformed by BassFan Lab. The results are below:

  • Unprotected group: 16 bites per hour
  • DEET group: 2.78 bites per hour
  • Mercola Bug Spray group: < 1 bite per hour (1/5 bite per hour)

Mercola Bug Spray was the clear winner and is an excellent choice for you and your family and pets. But, as stated, it does need to be applied every 2-3 hours for best results.

Overall, choosing to use natural bug sprays over chemical ones does have more pros than cons to you as well as to the environment and everyone around you. But, of course, ultimately it is your decision.  And no matter if you do decide on organic bug spray or stick to a synthetic one, wearing any type of pest control in the spring and summer is much better and safer than not using any at all.

Guest blog by Insect Cop

Save Your Pits! Avoid the Dangers of Toxic Deodorants & Antiperspirants.

Kerrie Bross Natural Skincare , , ,

Schmidt's_Natural_Deodorantby Kerrie Bross

If you’re looking to eliminate toxins in your everyday life, then toss your villainnous deodorants and antiperspirants. Most deodorants and antiperspirants are loaded with toxic ingredients linked to many diseases. Check out the list below to see what toxins may be lurking in your stick. Or skip right to the end to see our new all natural deodorant line.

Common Toxins in Deodorants & Antiperspirants

Aluminum-Based Compounds – Aluminum compounds are the ingredients responsible for clogging the pores in the underarm area, thereby reducing sweating. Studies suggest there is a relationship between underarm antiperspirants/deodorant use and the development of breast and prostate cancer due to the aluminum compounds messing with estrogen levels. Other studies suggest that increased aluminum compounds in the avoid_toxic_deodorantbody may disrupt proper neurological function and can lead to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Need another reason to avoid deodorants with aluminum? Aluminum kills the less odor-causing bacteria in our armpits, making it so the more odor-causing bacteria can thrive. That’s right, the use of deodorants and antiperspirants with aluminum actually make us more smelly. Natural deodorants with no aluminum will automatically help with odor because they don’t kill the beneficial bacteria in our armpits.

Parabens – Parabens are the preservatives most often used in the skincare industry. They get into our system quickly, even when applied topically, and mimic estrogen. Although they are only found in minuscule amounts in deodorant or antiperspirant, they are found in so many products that it can add up quickly. The big concern is the cumulative damage done from years of repeated daily exposure. Interfering with estrogen has been linked with breast cancer, in both women and men, and prostate cancer. Look for natural deodorants, sunscreen and other skincare without nasty parabens.

Phthalates – Phthalates are often hidden on skincare labels as “fragrance” but are plasticizing chemicals often used for their texture and their ability to help dissolve other ingredients. Phthalates is actually a huge class of chemicals, and not nearly all of them have been studied, but those studied have shown scary results. In the past few years, researchers have linked phthalates to multiple neurological issues like low IQ, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders and other neuro-developmental issues & behavioral issues. They have been connected with breathing problems like asthma. Some other biggies researchers found links to are breast cancer, obesity and type II diabetes, as well as altered reproductive development and male fertility issues. Clearly, the less we get of these in our bodies, the better! A good natural deodorant will not contain any phthalates or artificial fragrance.

Propylene Glycol – Propylene Glycol is another ingredient that has multiple questionable health risks. It is a common food additive and is often used as a base for many skin care products. Although it is FDA approved, toxic levels have been associated with cancer, heart  disease, reproductive issues, developmental abnormalities, and endocrine complications. Many people get skin irritations or have allergic reactions to this common ingredient. Infants cannot properly process Propylene Glycol, meaning they can get toxic levels in a much shorter amount of time than adults. Pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid it. Lastly, Propylene Glycol helps the body better absorb anything it comes in contact with, making it easier for other toxins to enter our bodies. Again, check your labels. Natural deodorants will not contain this toxic chemical.

Triethanolamine (TEA) & Diethanolamine (DEA) – TEA and DEA are known carcinogenic chemicals that can permeate the skin and negatively affect the liver and kidneys. Europe has already banned the use of these chemicals because of their known cancer-causing risks. And so have all the manufacturers of quality natural deodorants.

What Should You Use Instead of Toxic Deodorants & Antiperspirants?

Don’t worry, you don’t have to walk around a sweaty, smelly mess to have healthy armpits. Just switch to a non-toxic product like Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant. Schmidt’s Naturals was started in 2010 when the founder was pregnant and on a mission to develop a natural Schmidt's_sensitive_skin_natural_deodorantdeodorant that was actually effective. And we think she did a fantastic job of it!

Schmidt’s invests in research and testing to ensure their deodorants are all natural, non-toxic and free of any controversial or filler ingredients. Schmidt’s developed their award-winning formula to naturally and effectively neutralizes odor without the use of aluminum or any other toxic ingredients. And it is 100% made in the USA!

Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant is enriched with natural minerals and essential oils, contains no artificial fragrance, and is easily absorbed so you only need to use a small amount. What’s more, they use natural powders to help absorb wetness. Schmidt’s Deodorant is also cruelty- and gluten-free and certified Vegan.

We Put Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant to the Test!

The last natural deodorant I tried gave me quite an irritation and even a weird bump under my armpit after using it for a while. These went away when I stopped using it, so I blame the deodorant. I’ve tried other brands that seem more like I’m spraying on a nice fragrance to mask my own smell. They didn’t really work on odor or wetness. I decided to try Schmidt’s Geranium Sensitive Skin Formula for myself because of my reaction to the last natural deodorant. I am extremely impressed!  Firstly, it goes on very easily, very smoothly. I tried a couple different brands that the texture was so bad – too thick and sticky even – that I had to toss them. Schmidt’s Natural Deodorants have a great smooth texture that goes on easily.

I know what you’re thinking. Nice texture is all well and good, but does it work on odor and wetness? Well, we got our initial order of Schmidt’s Naturals at the end of last week, right before a weekend of skiing at Attitash Mountain and dancing our butts off. It is late in the season, soNatural_antiperspirant it was a little warm for skiing in the Northeast, in the 40’s. But, it withstood the potential stink of a teenager skiing on a warm day! And, Saturday night was a huge party and dance night with a super fun 70’s band, Motor Booty Affair. I was out on the dance floor shaking my booty, literally shoulder to shoulder, with a crowd of people. At the end of the night I was not stinky and I had no sweat stains under the armpits of my silky long-sleeve shirt. So impressed!

Test Schmidt’s For Yourself!

We put it to our tests, and think you will be equally impressed when you put it to your tests. Give any Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant a try, and if you don’t like it, send it back. We have a 60 day money-back guarantee on all Schmidt’s products. Let us know what tests your Schmidt’s Natural Deodorants pass!